Germany's Top Five

All fans of jazz will love the music and the setting at this year's jazz festival in Augsburg, in Bavaria. For the 13th time, the jewel-like Rose Pavilion in the Botanic Garden, as well as local clubs, will host the Augsburger Jazz Summer. Musicians from throughout Europe and the US will be featured. Look for saxophone star and big band arranger Bob Minzter from New York, the Christian Stock Trio, and more. Don't miss it. The festival runs from July 13 through August 12.

Germany meets Spain when Berlin's Alte Nationalgalerie, together with Madrid's Prado, opens its blockbuster "Goya: Prophet of the Modern Age" exhibition on July 12. The show features some 80 of the most important paintings -- as well as etchings, drawings and lithographs -- of one of Spain's most famous visual artists. It runs through Oct. 3.

Rev up your engines for Hamburg's Harley Days, when 50,000 bikers meet between the harbour and Hamburg's famous Reeperbahn district. The maritime setting is ideal for the motorcycle parade and all kinds of bike-oriented fun. The festival is on from July 15-17.

Never heard of korfball? Well, if you'd like to see it played, then check out the World Games, set to take place in the city of Duisburg from July 14 through July 24. Some thirty sports of the unusual sort -- from tug-of-war to sumo wrestling to competitive Latin dance -- will be on show here. Think of it as the Olympics with a twist.

History buffs take note: One of Germany's most beautiful festivals celebrating ancient history is coming to a close this weekend. At the Ancient Festival of Trier, theatre and musical performances take place to the backdrop of Trier's old Amphitheatre, Porta Nigra and other Roman ruins. This year's program included Verdi's Atilla, a live concert of German songwriter Konstantin Wecker, musical performances of works by Beethoven, Liszt and Wagner and Quo Vadis, a Roman musical with orchestra and live band. Don't miss the last days of this festival.