Germany has a rich tradition in music from Wagner, Beethoven and Bach to being one of the first international venues for the Beatles. Musicians worldwide love to come to Germany for its world-renowned festivals and great club scenes.
From the first week in July to the first week in September, Schleswig Holstein is alive with music. With concerts in over 140 venues, you can take your pick. While you are visiting, you can also take in the
Sand Sculptures in Travemunde - well worth the visit.
Techno music fans from around the world congregate in Berlin in July to hear the latest music and revel in the crush of a million people teching out. If you are a techno fan, this is an absolute must, you can enjoy some of the latest music while mixing with thousands of people of like mind. I don't recommend this if you are a crowdophobic, but the air is definitely charged and it is one giant, very loud party.
Baroque and classical music lovers can head to Franconia between July and September and enjoy classical music in a wide variety of venues from castles to concert halls and parks. If you are taking the
Romantic Road or
Castle Road be sure to check out the schedule of events for this music festival which is held in historic towns including Rothenburg, Nurnberg, and Ansbach.
Wagnerians can delight in hours upon hours of Wagner operas at the Bayreuth festival held every year from July to August. Originally started by Richard Wagner himself as a showcase for his operas, the theatre is still run by the Wagner family. Tickets are at a premium as Wagner enthusiasts from around the world congregate in Bareuth for this festival, so plan well in advance.
Rock am Ring has played host to major rock stars and groups for over 20 years. Held every June, this three day party is a great value and a must for rock fans. The festival is held at Nurnburgring in the Eifel region of Germany. You can enjoy a few days of rock then tour the region which is home to lovely historic cities and towns, castles, wineries and vineyards and beautiful natural habitats. It makes a great start to a summer vacation!
The Frankfurt Jazz Festival, billed as one of th oldest Jazz festivals around is three evenings of world class jazz with some of Jazz's best loved names as well as up and coming performers. The festival has a definite circus air about it and is well worth the 65 euros for a full event ticket. The programs are fantastic and you can tell the performers are enjoying themselves. Held in October every year, finish off your Octoberfest Trip in Frankfurt and enjoy a few days of great music.
The Dresden Music Festival which runs for two weeks at the end of every May is a favorite destination for classical music fans from around the world as the city hosts some of the world's finest musicians. Held in various venues around the city, including the Semperor Opera House, this event is great for romantics and music lovers. A little night music, a few concerts, a cruise on the Elbe, a drink in the town square. Definitely a classic start to a summer - great for honeymooners and lovers!
The European Music Festival in Stuttgart is a wonderful venue for classical music lovers held annually the first two weeks of September. Each year, young musicians from around the world have a chance to participate in this event and offer up two weeks of music dedicated to a certain type of music or composer. A great time of the year to visit Stuttgart, you can enjoy the Stuttgart Wine Festival at the same time.
Each year for the month of June, the Bavarian town of Wurzburg pays tribute to Mozart with a host of concerts and events. During the same time period, you can enjoy two wine festivals as well as the Open Air Music Festival which features new bands and rock music. An UNESCO World Heritage location, you can take in all the historic sites including the famous Residence Palace as well as wander through vineyards and lovely countryside.
