One of the joys of being an expat is experiencing the rich culture and customs of different countries and communities. I wanted to highlight an upcoming opportunity for you to visit various historical locations both within your community and beyond.

This upcoming Sunday, 2. June is UNESCO World Heritage Day, known in German as UNESCO Welterbetag. There are more than 1,150 UNESCO World Heritage sites across 167 countries. The 2024 moto is ‘Discover and experience diversity’. This day celebrates the cultural and natural heritage sites that are of immense importance and significance to humanity. These sites hold universal value and are a testament to the creativity, resilience, and determination of past and present civilizations.

UNESCO World Heritage Day serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting these sites for future generations. It also emphasizes the need for sustainable tourism practices and environmental conservation efforts in order to safeguard these precious landmarks.

In Germany, there are over 50 cultural and natural sites. While driving on the German Autobahn, you can identify these sites by the brown and white road signs featuring an image of the historical site. The top of the sign reads “UNESCO-Welterbe” and the bottom lists the name of the site.

These sites will be open to the public this weekend. In many cases, the sites are open free of charge with tours and other special offerings. If you are looking for local sites in your area, visit the UNESCO site.

Enjoy this unique chance to connect with the world’s heritage and enrich your cultural understanding.