https://feeds.thelocal.com/ Read the latest news and views from Germany in English en-us news@thelocal.com (TheLocal) webmaster@thelocal.com (TheLocal) TheLocal RSS Feed From friendly locals to a creative atmosphere to great train connections, there's more to Germany's fourth-largest city than Carnival - although the annual celebration is not to be missed - writes former Cologne resident Amy Brooke. https://www.thelocal.de/20260612/six-things-i-miss-about-living-in-cologne Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:30:11 +0200 six-things-i-miss-about-living-in-cologne Sunset, deckchairs and a blockbuster under the stars – Germany’s 'Freiluftkinos' are a summer essential. But from language traps to chilly evenings, a little insider knowledge can make all the difference. https://www.thelocal.de/20260611/how-tomake-the-most-of-germanys-open-air-cinemas-this-summer Thu, 11 Jun 2026 15:34:51 +0200 how-tomake-the-most-of-germanys-open-air-cinemas-this-summer With the rising cost of petrol and flight tickets, many people in Germany are opting to travel by train for a summer 'staycation'. Here are five destinations you should visit. https://www.thelocal.de/20260527/five-summer-holiday-destinations-in-germany-you-can-reach-by-train Wed, 27 May 2026 16:34:23 +0200 five-summer-holiday-destinations-in-germany-you-can-reach-by-train Around six million people visit Germany's Kölner Dom or Cologne Cathedral every year. Admission has so far been free – but from July this will change. https://www.thelocal.de/20260603/cologne-cathedral-to-charge-tourists-e12-for-entry Wed, 03 Jun 2026 12:02:28 +0200 cologne-cathedral-to-charge-tourists-e12-for-entry There's little better than cooling off in a river on a warm summer day, but in German cities it can be tricky to know which ones are safe to swim. We've found the cities where you're ok to take the plunge – and a few you're better off avoiding. https://www.thelocal.de/20250716/in-which-german-cities-can-you-swim-in-the-river Wed, 16 Jul 2025 16:58:20 +0200 in-which-german-cities-can-you-swim-in-the-river New initiative BerlinPay offers free drinks, boat trips and other watery experiences to anyone who acts responsibly around the German capital’s waterways. We look at the perks on offer to residents and visitors. https://www.thelocal.de/20260515/free-drinks-for-good-deeds-berlin-residents-to-be-rewarded-for-cleaning-up-city Fri, 15 May 2026 12:40:28 +0200 free-drinks-for-good-deeds-berlin-residents-to-be-rewarded-for-cleaning-up-city Munich is a city that's known for its outdoor lifestyle, from sprawling parks to al fresco dining. But on rainy days - which tend to come often in Germany - you can still find plenty to do. https://www.thelocal.de/20250115/six-things-to-do-on-a-rainy-day-in-munich Wed, 15 Jan 2025 15:30:47 +0100 six-things-to-do-on-a-rainy-day-in-munich From street parades and fireworks to art weekends, food festivals and more bank holidays than you can shake a stick at – May in Germany is all about shorts, t-shirts and long lunches in the sun. https://www.thelocal.de/20260428/whats-on-in-germany-ten-unmissable-events-in-may-2026 Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:53:32 +0200 whats-on-in-germany-ten-unmissable-events-in-may-2026 As spring moves toward summer, parks and open spaces around Germany become the site of loud and wild 'open-airs'. Here's your guide to the outdoor day parties to catch this year, and a few tips for making the most of them. https://www.thelocal.de/20260424/the-ultimate-guide-to-germanys-open-air-parties-in-2026 Fri, 24 Apr 2026 11:17:33 +0200 the-ultimate-guide-to-germanys-open-air-parties-in-2026 To mark Walpurgis Night, we look at some of Germany's most famous witches, from saintly abbesses to child‑eating monsters and modern teenage heroines – and everything in between. https://www.thelocal.de/20260430/walpurgisnacht-meet-seven-of-germanys-most-famous-witches Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:18:06 +0200 walpurgisnacht-meet-seven-of-germanys-most-famous-witches Camping can be a great way to explore Germany, spend some time with the country’s natural wonders and save a bit on accommodation. Here are some tips for organising a camping trip that won't break the bank. https://www.thelocal.de/20250506/tips-for-camping-on-a-budget-in-germany Tue, 06 May 2025 17:34:26 +0200 tips-for-camping-on-a-budget-in-germany From alpine lakes to fairy‑tale castles and Black Forest panoramas, these eight destinations capture Baden‑Württemberg at its most beautiful, surprising and quietly unforgettable. https://www.thelocal.de/20260312/eight-places-everyone-should-visit-in-baden-wurttemberg Thu, 12 Mar 2026 16:52:59 +0100 eight-places-everyone-should-visit-in-baden-wurttemberg Ever wondered what it’s like to wake up behind the thick stone walls where royalty and aristocrats once rested their heads? A surprising number of Germany’s castles now welcome overnight guests – and not all of them charge a king’s ransom. https://www.thelocal.de/20260423/eight-german-castles-where-you-can-spend-the-night Thu, 23 Apr 2026 16:38:39 +0200 eight-german-castles-where-you-can-spend-the-night Cherry blossom season is in full swing. We've got some suggestions of the best spots in Germany to visit to enjoy the fleeting flush of pink flowers. https://www.thelocal.de/20230425/where-to-enjoy-cherry-blossom-trees-in-germany-this-spring Tue, 25 Apr 2023 17:21:27 +0200 where-to-enjoy-cherry-blossom-trees-in-germany-this-spring Germany has a strong wellness culture that dates back more than 2,000 years. If you're looking to take a dip in mineral waters or sweat it out in the sauna, spa towns – known as 'Kurorte' – offer the perfect weekend break. https://www.thelocal.de/20260409/wellness-germanys-best-kur-towns-and-why-you-should-visit Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:21:44 +0200 wellness-germanys-best-kur-towns-and-why-you-should-visit A Berlin-built satellite named after a legendary art squat launched into space last week as part of NASA’s Artemis II mission – connecting the city’s countercultural past with its high-tech future. https://www.thelocal.de/20260407/how-a-piece-of-berlins-cultural-history-just-went-into-space Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:15:45 +0200 how-a-piece-of-berlins-cultural-history-just-went-into-space From handmade crafts to sweet treats and entertainment, Germany's Easter and spring markets are a great way to gather with people and make the most of spring. https://www.thelocal.de/20260325/where-to-find-germanys-easter-and-spring-markets Wed, 25 Mar 2026 16:41:46 +0100 where-to-find-germanys-easter-and-spring-markets As the weather improves, you'll find Cologne locals sipping a Kölsch by the river, hanging out at parks by the cherry blossoms or attending festivals. Here are some ways to join in the fun as the weather warms. https://www.thelocal.de/20260319/six-things-you-have-to-do-in-cologne-in-the-spring Thu, 19 Mar 2026 15:09:13 +0100 six-things-you-have-to-do-in-cologne-in-the-spring From cherry blossoms and white asparagus to rock festivals, folk fairs and folklore, April in Germany is packed with reasons to get out and explore – whatever the weather decides to do. https://www.thelocal.de/20260329/ten-unmissable-events-happening-in-germany-in-april-2026 Sun, 29 Mar 2026 09:00:56 +0200 ten-unmissable-events-happening-in-germany-in-april-2026 As Iranians welcome the Persian New Year, Nowruz, communities across Germany are holding on to ancient traditions under the shadow of war at home. https://www.thelocal.de/20260320/nowruz-how-iranian-new-year-is-celebrated-in-germany Fri, 20 Mar 2026 13:37:52 +0100 nowruz-how-iranian-new-year-is-celebrated-in-germany