As the largest country in Central Europe, Germany is a land of huge diversity – so talking about ‘what’s on in Germany’ is far too mammoth a task without focusing on what’s going on in some of Germany’s most bustling cosmopolitan cities.

What’s on in Munich

One of the major events luring international visitors to Germany this year is the Oberammergau Passion Play, in a small Bavarian town close to Munich.

The picturesque Bavarian town of Oberammergau

This landmark event takes place once a decade, the result of a pact made back in the 17th century when the plague-stricken towns folk pledged to re-enact the story of Christ’s passion every 10 years if God would spare them from the Black Death. Whether through coincidence or divine intervention, the plague soon left Oberammergau, and the town has honoured its promise every decade since.

The stage of The Oberammergau Passion Play surrounded by the Bavarian Hills.

The Oberammergau Passion Play will be staged more than 100 times between the 15th of May and the 3rd of October for those hoping to catch the legendary production. Directed by Christian Stückl of the Munich Volkstheater, the five-hour play involves more than 2,000 villagers playing to audiences from across the world, and is proving to be a hot pick for Germany events in 2010.

Of course, Munich itself is no stranger to major international events, playing host to the biggest one of them all – the renowned Oktoberfest that draws six million people to Germany in the autumn months.

Join this lot for a beer...if you can find a seat!

What’s on in Berlin

Germany’s capital Berlin has emerged from its Cold War divisions to become one of Germany’s leading multicultural centres, with plenty of vibrant events throughout the year demonstrating its international credentials.

One of the biggest events for 2010 will be the city’s annual Carnival of Cultures (Karneval der Kulturen) taking place in early June, which regularly attracts around one million revellers to street fairs and parades in the Kreuzberg district.

The vibrant colours of the Carnival of Cultures

Germany’s capital will also be staging a number of events celebrating sexual diversity, notably the Berlin Gay and Lesbian Festival taking place later in June, which brings a huge street party to Nollendorfplatz, and the lively Love Parade in July.

What’s on in Frankfurt

Germany’s business capital Frankfurt is a city of contradictions, where history and modernity combine to make for an unforgettable visitor experience, something that’s also reflected in what’s on in Frankfurt throughout the year.

The Forest Folk Festival (Wäldchestag) is a fascinating event for anyone looking to step back into Germany’s cultural past, as traditional markets, fairgrounds and shows come to the city’s neighbouring Niederrad forest in June.

Take a ride on the flying chairs at the Frankfurt Forest Festival.

Frankfurt’s culture is also proudly on display in a number of popular events throughout the summer, including the Museum Quay Festival that showcases the city’s unique culture and artistic traditions in July and the Frankfurt Museums Night (Nacht der Museen) in June, when all of the city’s prestigious museums open their doors late into the night.

What’s on in Düsseldorf

Famous for its nightlife and carnival events, Düsseldorf is home to one of Germany’s biggest events – the Largest Fair on the Rhine (Gröβte Kirmes am Rhein) that draws more than four million visitors to Germany in the third week of July for nine days of events, including rides, competitions and carnivals.

Whether you’re heading to one of Germany’s big cities or discovering rural areas, you’re bound to find sights and experiences to enthral you when visiting Germany in 2010.

Clown outfits optional, carnival attire obligatory!