First day of spring 2018: Spring has sprung in Germany

Ski enthusiasts and hikers can enjoy plenty of sunshine at high Alpine altitudes, like here on the Zugspitze mountain, before the start of spring. But in March the sun's rays become more powerful. Despite the risk of sunburn, getting a tan in spring is seen as a healthy way to head into summer.

The island of Mainau is the third largest in Lake Constance. The lake has shores in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. The island, famous for its floral displays, attracts large numbers of visitors in spring. Mainau is owned by the Lennart Bernadotte Foundation which was set up by a former Prince of Sweden.

Beer gardens are welcoming the spring here in Germany. People love to sit outdoors and sip beer, like here in Munich's English Garden. But as well as in Bavaria, you can enjoy a freshly-tapped beer in pub gardens all over Germany.

Spring in the northern hemisphere officially begins on March 20. That’s when the days start to grow longer, and spring in western Europe spans March, April and May. But we’ll need some more sunny days before the cherry blossom flourishes in places like Bonn.

The plane trees beside the Rhine in Düsseldorf are still waiting to grow new leaves. They are cut back in autumn and boast new foliage in the spring. The locals take advantage of the first warm days of the year to stroll beside the Rhine on the city's promenade. The excursion boats are also ready to start the season.

The many young people who have made Dresden their home have given the city a lively and creative flair. On one bank of the River Elbe you'll find the historic city center with its famous baroque ensemble. On the opposite bank you can explore new bars and restaurants and small boutiques. Outdoor life begins here in spring.

There are still warm blankets in the outdoor cafés in the German capital. But as the days get warmer, visitors from all over flock to Berlin to enjoy the sunshine and take a stroll along the Unter den Linden boulevard.

When the sun comes out, the city beach near Hamburg harbor attracts large numbers of people to the banks of the Elbe river. The sand is brought in by trucks and gives Hamburg an added attraction.

The wind doesn’t blow as fiercely on the Baltic as it does on the North Sea. That means the beach chairs are put in place here much earlier than in the North Sea resorts. Many people enjoy the solitude of the Baltic Sea resorts before they get crowded later in the year.