Festival trip guides

Cologne Carnival turns the city into a six-day street party where over a million costumed Jecken shout "Kölle Alaaf!" If you're a first-timer, you need to know what to expect: Weiberfastnacht tie-cutting, aisle upon aisle of Kölsch, and a parade that throws hundreds of tonnes of candy. This guide walks you through the dates, the traditions, and the unspoken rules so you can dive into the fun, not just watch it.

Dresden's festival scene is a cultural highlight in Germany, offering classical music in historic venues, cutting-edge short films, and one of the country's most beloved Christmas markets. This guide covers the top events in 2026 with practical tips for planning your visit.

Discover what to eat and drink at the Dresden Striezelmarkt, from traditional Stollen and Striezel to savory Bratwurst and warm Glühwein. Learn practical tips for ordering, find vegetarian options, and make the most of your visit to this historic Christmas market.

The Dresden Striezelmarkt is one of Germany's oldest Christmas markets, and it can be a magical family outing if you plan around short legs and early bedtimes. From the Kids' Adventure World to puppet shows and gingerbread decorating, here's how to pace your visit, dodge the worst crowds, and keep everyone warm.

Dresden's Striezelmarkt is Germany's oldest Christmas market, held on Altmarkt since 1434. This guide covers its history, highlights, food, and practical tips for visiting.

First-timer at the Frankfurt Book Fair? Learn how the event works, what to expect on trade vs. public days, and how to plan a successful visit.

Getting to the Berlin International Film Festival involves more than just booking a flight. This guide covers how to reach Berlin, navigate from the airports, use public transit to multiple venues, and get home safely after late-night screenings.

Getting to Stuttgart's Cannstatter Volksfest is easy, but choosing the right route can save you time and stress. From rail and local transit to driving, parking, cycling, and late-night returns, here's your complete transport guide.

Getting to Cologne Carnival is all about timing and knowing your transport options. From flying into Cologne-Bonn or Düsseldorf to navigating the city's trams and trains during the crazy days, here's how to arrive, get around, and return safely during one of Germany's biggest street festivals.

The Dresden Striezelmarkt transforms the Altmarkt into a winter wonderland each Advent. This guide covers the best ways to reach the market—by long-distance train to Hauptbahnhof, regional rail to Dresden Mitte, or tram and car—so you can spend less time navigating and more time enjoying the stalls.

Getting to the Frankfurt Book Fair is straightforward thanks to its central location in Frankfurt am Main. This guide covers arrival by plane, train, and car, plus local S-Bahn, U-Bahn, and tram routes. Learn which entrance to use and get practical tips for a smooth journey.

Kiel Week (Kieler Woche) is the world's largest sailing event, drawing visitors to Kiel, Germany, every June. This guide covers the best ways to reach Kiel—by train, car, plane, and cruise—and how to get around once you're there, including tips for late-night returns and accessibility.