Overview
- Organized by the Deutsche Stiftung Denkmalschutz under the Federal President’s patronage, the event is described as Germany’s largest cultural initiative.
- More than 5,000 monuments are listed nationwide, including over 1,000 in North Rhine-Westphalia and 335 in Rhineland-Palatinate.
- Entry is typically free with special tours and activities, though some venues require advance booking or have limited capacity, such as Braunschweig’s former higher regional court with registration open through September 11.
- Highlights range from Aachen’s historic canal system and Bad Honnef’s last Middle Rhine Aalschokker to an atomic shelter in Meinerzhagen and a rare ride on the Düsseldorf district authority’s paternoster.
- Local programs tailor the focus, including an archaeology-themed excursion in Landkreis Dachau, openings from Starnberg to the Munich district and Miesbach, and guided access to sites in Dillingen.