UNESCO World Heritage Day
From the Wadden Sea and the ancient beech forests of the Carpathians to Cologne Cathedral, the Augsburg water management system and the monastery island of Reichenau - Germany houses a treasure trove of World Heritage Sites.
On UNESCO World Heritage Day, many of these sites put on a special, varied programme, inviting you to discover the diverse cultural heritage of Germany and get acquainted with its history.
What to expect at World Heritage Day
An initiative of both the German UNESCO Commission and the UNESCO World Heritage Sites Association, since 2005, World Heritage Day has been connecting people across national borders and commemorating precious sites that showcase both the fascinating history of mankind and the spectacular wonders of the natural world.
It is celebrated throughout Germany every year on the first Sunday of June, and sees over 50 World Heritage Sites across the country participate in a varied programme that invites you to discover the country's cultural and natural heritage via guided tours, lectures, music and other activities.
UNESCO World Heritage Day theme
The theme for this year will be “Our World. Our Heritage. Our Responsibility.”, with the sites using the day to focus on the importance and effect of the world-renowned protection instrument for cultural and natural heritage.
Digital programme
If you can't get to a World Heritage Site near you, there is also an online component that allows visitors to participate across the country via a website portal packed with video clips.
Find out background information about World Heritage Sites in video interviews with experts. Some online content is even suitable for children, who can learn all about their heritage through handicraft instructions, audio guides and colouring pages.
Photo campaign
World Heritage Day also includes of a photo campaign, for which all are invited to take a photo of themselves at their favourite heritage site and share it via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter under the hashtag #WelterbeVerbindet.
Attending World Heritage Day 2023
To attend UNESCO World Heritage Day 2023 on June 4, simply visit the UNESCO World Heritage Day website, where you will find an interactive map giving you an overview of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.