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Issue 5 | July 2013
PLUS
Philip Kรถster Double Windsurfing World Champion
INTERIOR DESIGN GUIDE GERMAN ISLANDS FRANKFURT CITY SPECIAL
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Discover real Private Banking At SEB Private Banking, we acknowledge that everyone has a unique set of challenges. It’s why we do not offer ready-made solutions, concentrating instead on developing meaningful, long-lasting financial relationships and making the effort to really understand you and your requirements. We look after all aspects of your personal and your family’s business finances – from daily transactions to long-term investments. And we offer everything from in-depth financial management to specialist advice on legal and tax matters. As one of the world’s strongest banks and with more than 150 years of experience in private banking, we have just what it takes to ensure your future prosperity. To find out what SEB can do for your personal wealth, contact us in London: Christian A. Hvamstad +44 (0) 20 7246 4307 privatebanking@seb.co.uk FUCHS
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Discover Germany | Contents
Contents JULY 2013
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©Angela Stein Interior Design
COVER FEATURE 6
Red Bull Hangar 7 - Interior. © Helge Kirchberger
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Philip Köster The smart windsurfing wonderboy and double world champion talks to our editor about what it takes to defy the elements.
WINE FEATURE 18
Bubbles Galore
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Interior Design Guide 22
Meet the manufacturers of goods "made in Germany" and discover their outstanding product portfolios hallmarked with these special three words.
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Business This month’s key note presents the Deutsche Bahn, your transport link to Germany. As our conference venue of the month we introduce the Adina apartment hotels with state of the art hospitality facilities in various prime business locations.
Attractions of the Month The beautiful Kleve gardens of Germany are a paradise not only for horticultural enthusiasts. Thrill seekers and water rats will love the Swiss Alpamare waterpark, Europe’s biggest covered water and fun park. Our Austrian attraction of the month is the state of the art Salzburg Museum, including the toy museum where great childhood memorabilia are exhibited in a whole new light.
The restaurant Kunststuben, located in the prestigious Swiss Küsnacht, is run by famous chef Rico Zandonella. Our Austrian culinary highlight is the sophisticated Ikarus restaurant in Salzburg, where international top chefs change monthly.
Frankfurt City Special
Made in Germany
Fashion Finds
Restaurants of the Month
Hotels of the Month Discover Germany presents the Four Seasons at Germany’s Lake Schluchsee, a family holiday dream destination. Our Swiss hotel of the month is the Hotel Glärnischhof in Zurich, a stylish business hotel right in the heart of the city. And for those who wish to balance body, mind and soul the five star Burg Vital resort Austria’s Oberlech is highly recommended.
Stylish and sporty in trendy colours from pastels to whites. Plus fabulous designs made by German designer Annette Görtz.
Frankfurt is Germany’s gateway to the world. Discover Germany takes a closer look at the vibrant metropolis which has a lot to offer.
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Dedicated to Design Little helpers, functional objects and a designer car with wings.
SPECIAL THEMES Great style created by renowned interior architects and designers leave no room for desire amongst the style savvy. Meet the masters of inner space.
54 Bulthaup B3
REGULARS & COLUMNS
Read why Germans are obsessed with bubbly and what makes it so special.
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Island vacations From the North Sea to the Baltic Sea, we introduce you to the German Hamptons, idyllic islets and magnificent seaside resorts scattered along the coast lines.
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Culture Our witty columnist Barbara Geier looks at Germans from a sporty angle.
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Dear Reader, Discover Germany
Sales & Key Account Managers
Issue 5, July 2013
Lena Meyer
Published 15.07.2013 ISSN 2051-7718
Gudrun Klein Teresa Verwanger Ariam Bereket
Published by
Emma Fabritius Nørregaard
Scan Magazine Ltd.
Mette Tonnessen
Design & Print
Advertising
Liquid Graphic Ltd.
info@discovergermany.org.uk
Executive Editor
Discover Germany is published by:
Thomas Winther
Scan Magazine Ltd. 4 Baden Place Crosby Row London SE1 1YW
Creative Director Mads E. Petersen Editor Tina Awtani
Phone +44 (0)870 933 0423 info@discovergermany.org.uk
Copy-Editor Mark Rogers
For further information, please visit www.discovergermany.com
Art Director Svetlana Slizova Contributors Lydia Evers
Welcome to the July issue of Discover Germany. Summer has finally arrived and most people seem to have only one thing in mind: the summer holidays. All London ports and airports will be working at full capacity during the next couple of weeks. Some people, especially those with school children, may have planned their trip well in advance, but for those who haven’t made up their mind yet we have a few great tips in this magazine. The beautiful German islands are best visited during the summer months and you can easily go by train with Deutsche Bahn or even take your own car via ferry or Eurotunnel to get there. If you prefer buzzing city life to the great seaside resorts take a look at our Frankfurt City Special, where you find all the information you need regarding a visit to Mainhatten, including great entertainment, apple wine and the local speciality green sauce. And if you take a peek into our cultural section you will find amazing and very special hotels and attractions including a Swiss water park and the Salzburg museum in Austria. Think summer, think water and meet windsurfing wonderboy Philip Köster. Our young coverstar is not afraid to jump 18 metres high with his board as he simply seems to defy gravity. The sporty and sympathetic youngster is already on his best way to scoop his third world champion title. Read what drives him and what he enjoys most when in Germany.
Barbara Geier Emelie Krugly Hill Jessica Holzhausen Julika Hüther Gregor Kleinknecht
It gets stylish in our Interior design guide, where some of the finest interior architects and designers present a selection of their greatest projects. Meet the masters of interior space and discover their unique individual perceptions and expressions of style.
Anne Krebiehl Cordelia Makartsev Franziska Nössig Jessica Pommer Julien Rath
Made in Germany is the motto in our product guide where you can find out what Japanese Princess Aiko played with when she was little, what distinguishes German craftsmanship from others and how a small creative idea can turn into a big successful business.
Jessica Ridder
Enjoy the magazine!
Marilena Stracke
© All rights reserved. Material contained in this publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior permission of Scan Magazine Ltd. This magazine contains advertorials/promotional articles
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Tina Awtani Editor
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Access All Areas - Welcome to Germany Germany offers a wealth of opportunities for a relaxing holiday. Visitors with disabilities and restricted mobility, including the elderly, and people with sporting injuries will all be able to enjoy Germany to the full. Which is why many towns, cities and regions in Germany offer special packages for visitors with disabilities. There‘s something for everyone.
Š TMGS mbH/Sylvio Dittrich
Holidays in Germany: www.germany.travel
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Discover Germany | Cover Feature | Philip Köster
Philip Köster Master of the elements TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTOS: JOHN CARTER
Windsurfing wonderboy Philip Köster got a World Cup wild card at the age of twelve, five years later he scooped his first World Cup title and was, apart from iconic Robby Naish, the youngest World Champion ever. In 2012 he successfully defended his title and this autumn he is about to leave competition behind for the third time in a row. Read what drives him and how he became such an inspirational figure. An early start When Philip’s parents decided to move from Hamburg to Gran Canaria to open a windsurfing school, they had no idea that their son would turn into one of the finest sportsmen on this planet. Philip grew up on the Canary Islands where windsurfing conditions are ideal throughout the year. From an early age his passion was clearly driven by wind and water. He fondly remembers his early days of surfing.“I was eight when I was able to windsurf on my own. Before that I was always lying on the boards of my mum or dad when they were windsurfing.
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Or I held on to their boards and let them pull me through the water. It was always fun.”Today Philip measures 1.90 metres and years of fun have been infused with discipline and ambition. He wrote windsurfing history by jumping 18 metres high above sea level, and he is not remotely afraid of the elements.“I feel really comfortable at extreme heights. My jumps are controlled and calculable to me, I love to jump and race full throttle towards a wave. I am capable of jumping a double loop even off the smallest little wave. Windsurfing is very multifaceted, riding down the waves of Maui or Fiji is fantastic, but up in the air I just feel free,”he explains. The triple loop Still there is one challenge yet to be conquered. Philip’s dream is to be the first windsurfer to master the triple loop jump. And once you have met this boy you know that it will just be a matter of time before he succeeds.“Unfortunately the weather conditions weren’t ideal this winter to practise the triple, in fact you can’t really train for it. You have to craft it precisely in your mind and then perform it in exactly that way. The problem is the third spin. It requires a lot of overcoming to induce the third spin, because you don’t exactly know how high you are. There is the danger of spinning too fast, so it needs to be performed rather horizontally to slow it down. Some riders were severely injured when they tried it, but I already managed to achieve a two and three quarter spin with a water landing. At the moment I have to focus on the World
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cup training, especially combination jumps. When the season is over I will definitely try the triple again.”
ways challenged to constantly and with discipline push your own limits, which is even more fascinating!”
Currywurst, friends and freezing waters
World Cup 2013
When Philip visits Germany he always feels right at home and admits that he can’t wait to treat himself to a currywurst [German sausage speciality]. “I have a lot of good friends in Germany and I always look forward to meeting them. But most of the time I have to windsurf there in really rough, wet, cold and rainy weather conditions. That is something I will never get used to. Riding the waves in 3 degrees Celsius air and water, like I did at Red Bull’s Big Day, can be quite challenging. But then it really amazes me, how the Germans enjoy the sport so much. In Germany you always feel to be in good hands.”Philip is a windsurfer inside out, but when asked about an alternative career he replies:“I would have chosen another sport [Philip also competed in swimming] and become a pro in that. Sport is incredibly fascinating, and you are al-
In September it will be World Cup time again and Philip feels confident as ever. Asked about local conditions the sympathetic youngster reveals how he is going to tackle the harsh North Sea: “Accept the challenge and go! The local conditions were good last year, but usually it is pretty tricky to ride off Sylt’s shore, because the water is quite choppy and the wind only blows with medium-strength, so you can just try to ride your way out. It takes a lot of luck to find a perfect wave. But that is part of the game, I always look forward to a Heat and give my best.”Fingers crossed by Christmas we have a triple World Champion.You can read more about Philip in the new book “Philip Köster - Der Überflieger [The Highflyer]” by Andreas Erbe or watch him in person from 27 September to 6 October at the 2013 Windsurf World Cup Sylt.
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Discover Germany | Design | Dedicated to Design
Dedicated to Design... The German design scene is more vibrant than ever, with an array of new inventions and beautiful objects now available in stores. Check out these award winning and inspiring design pieces that we have fallen in love with this month.
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BY TINA AWTANI
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“Invite Pip to all your parties and gatherings, these colourful birds wait patiently in their tree, ready to fly into food spearing action! Each set contains 8 fun coloured bird cocktail sticks and a stylish white tree stand to store them in. Great for serving up cheese, olives, canapes and any other finger foods in style.” £18.50. www.koziol-shop.co.uk Smart teamed up with fashion designer Jeremy Scott to spice up the smart. Just like he did before with the Adidas trainers, Scott added an extra bit of design in the form of wings. This fancy version and limited edition is called SmartForJeremy and will be available in the UK this summer. Price on request. www.smart.co.uk. The Rockaway headset Bluetooth stereo headset by Novero just scooped the red dot design award. It connects wirelessly via Bluetooth to an iPhone, iPad or almost any Bluetooth enabled music player. Cut the chord with this compact and light weight high-tech accessory. £69.99. Available at www.iheadphones.co.uk
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We love the retro style mega kitchen magnets featuring some truly German icons. Designed by Donkey Creative Lab these Good Old Germany magnets are nostalgic, fun and practical too. £9.30. www.donkey-products.de Don’t even think of exploring the outdoors without the clever Mountaineer Lite utility tool from Victorinox, founder of the legendary Swiss Army knife named “Officer’s Knife” in 1897. The Mountaineer Lite even doubles up as a flashlight. £49. www.victorinox.com
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Fashion Finds British designer Stella McCartney showed us how to work the easy aesthetic in her SS13 collection. Sporty with a touch of understated elegance is a key look this summer. The secret is to wear classy luxurious fabrics with a little twist. If you dare, go for the bright colours such as vibrant orange, bright yellow or this season’s trendy cobalt blue. For a more subtle version opt for pastel shades or the ever popular white. BY TINA AWTANI
We love the creations from German designer Annette Görtz. Her signature look is defined by pure aesthetics, natural materials in unobtrusive colours and sleek silhouettes. Sneakers £320, hoodie £220, skirt £205. www.annettegoertz.de
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Discover Germany | Design | Fashion Finds White is always a winning number, especially this design by Annette Görtz which combines effortless style with a touch of sporty quirkiness. Sunglasses £180, coat £550, pants £211, cuffs £103, shoes £401. www.annettegoertz.de
Beautiful tunic by designer Steffen Schraut. Team tunics with slim trousers for an effortless chic. £127. www.steffenschraut.com
These figure hugging pants made by Closed make a wonderful all-rounder. The Pedal Star skinny-leg coloured denim pants are a great basic for every summer outfit. Wear with sneakers for a casual look or opt for high heels to add a sexy note. £229. www.closed.com
Pretty in pink - pastels are as trendy as ever. The tote bag Brigitte 21 from Bree is made of fine leather and holds everything you need on a busy day out. £339. www.bree.com
Mont Blanc’s La Vie de Boheme small leather accessories are functional and fashionable with a hint of extravaganza. Made of exotic alligator print on fine calfskin, these are great classics with a contemporary twist in beautiful pastel shades. From £120. www.montblanc.com
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Photos: ŠB Schneider
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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Interior Design Guide
Special Theme
Interior Design Guide
Interior architecture The art of designing internal space London is a hotspot for interior architecture and design and industry leaders such as Kelly Hoppen, Anouska Hempel and David Collins are well known and not only amongst design aficionados. But did you know that Germany also has a vibrant interior design scene? TEXT: TINA AWTANI
©Angela Stein Interior Design
In this issue we present you with a great selection of Germany’s finest interior architects and designers. All of these creative talents are unique in their own special way and offer a wide spectrum of high end service all dedicated to inner space. No matter if you prefer a contemporary, a classic or even a quirky style, there is certainly a designer out there who is capable of creating your perfect space. But what does“interior architecture”really mean? Expert Susanne Leson, founder of Leson Innenarchitektur x Objektmanagement Frankfurt, has been in the industry for decades. She has learned her profession from scratch including a university degree in interior architecture with distinction and years of training in a prestigious studio in New York. She explains: “The interior architecture is an area that appeals to the senses of insides sparking a passion about unusual textures, surfaces, colours and materials. For many it seems an almost heavenly pleasure to deal with these topics on a daily basis, but for an industry professional it is a bare necessity. With all respect for the euphoria, it is essential not to forget that this profession is without doubt one of the most creative crafts, but in reality also requires a firm understanding of technical is-
sues, function and organisation.The classic interior architecture includes dealing with the creation or recreation of interior spaces, the formation of rooms including walls, ceiling and floor design, while always bearing in mind the technical facilities such as in-house technology, lighting, security systems etc.” Around 126,000 architects are registered in the Federal Chamber of German Architects (BAK) this year, of whom only 5,500are listed as interior architects. “It seems odd that the market has far more architects than interior architects. And the real number of interior architecture studios in the classic sense may even be lower due to high professional requirements in terms of creativity. The sense for space, form and colour as well as the high level of technical understanding is key, but in order to successfully achieve the necessary symbiosis of creative and technical capability, one also has to have natural talent,”Leson says. Take a close look at the following pages and meet some of the finest German interior architecture and design talents from the studios of Angela Stein, Lay, Leson or Reuter Schoger.
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Angela Stein Interior Design
Simple measures for unique and surprising results An individual and clear design according to the builder’s personality, his wishes and project – that is the core of Angela Stein’s work. She uses simple materials and modest furniture to create a unique style with luxurious clarity. TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN | PHOTOS: ©ANGELA STEIN INTERIOR DESIGN
It always begins with questions. Angela Stein’s interior design is based on a knowledge of her customer’s wishes, his ideas for the project and the characteristics of the building she is working in. And to acquire this insight needs a good and individual consultation, asking the right questions and having a conversation about plans and ideas during the whole process. Asking questions and listening allows Angela Stein to delve into the very soul of the project she is working on, finding its authenticity and creating a harmonious overall image.“Our client's visions, the necessary functional analysis and the building's character form the fundamentals,”explains Angela Stein. And these fundamentals make her projects unique.“Recently after finishing a project a customer told me: ‘Now I know why you asked me all these questions.’”
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Angela Stein intends to create clear structures with dignified materials; she designs offices, showrooms, restaurants, hotels as well as apartments and renovates houses. “Working with clear structures and plain materials we create a long-term interior design that allows adjustment to changes,” Angela Stein explains. But this does not mean triviality. Far from that, every project bears the individuality of the client and his building.“We use straightforward furniture to gain unusual results. For example, we have colourised a simple plywood panel for a Angela Stein project, making it
look completely different and unique.”And as a result surprised the client. Angela Stein interior design focuses on a luxurious clarity and simplicity. Working with a harmonious colour concept, her design gains warmth without lapsing into stereotypes. To create this warmth Angela Stein for example never resorts to overused warm colours or puffy curtains which would destroy a room’s clear structure. Her décor instead gains emphasis through breaking with stylistic conventions. Working with light accents and a room’s acoustics, Angela Stein interior design in the end always combines functionality with comfort. www.angela-stein.de
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Special Theme | Interior Design Guide
pletion accomplished by Leson. Every single detail, every height ratio, every proportion is painstakingly planned and implemented with great attention to detail. We always look at a project from a global angle when it comes to completion.That is why a perfect acoustic is taken into consideration as well as the perfect illumination of the individual interior space.”
Leson interior design x object management
A symbiosis of interior design and marketing
The latest Leson project is as prestigious as it gets. None other than one of the world’s finest jewellers decided to put the creation of office and retail space into Leson’s hands. Tiffany & Co. had already embarked on a successful cooperation with Leson, who created the label’s boutique at Frankfurt airport in 2011. This time around the exclusive jeweller is looking forward to a brand new Leson office and retail space in Frankfurt’s prime location Goethestrasse. But until the premises are finished an interim solution needed to be created in order keep business open as usual. And Leson found the perfect solution with a clever temporary arrangement just around the corner. “Reassembling the Tiffany gift box, a special container in the characteristic Tiffany Blue® was created, so the brand can be easily identified from a distance. Even the characteristic white bow, that is part of the gift box, was visualised in style,” Guido Leson proudly says. www.leson.de
Leson sees, understands and implements interior architecture “as a whole”. Achieving extraordinary rooms made up of function, comfort, elegance and perfection is what Leson stands for. The Frankfurt based interior architects are an established fixture amongst the cities bluechip boardrooms. TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTOS: LESON INNENARCHITEKTUR X OBJEKTMANAGEMENT
When Susanne Leson and her husband Guido established Leson Innenarchitektur x Objektmanagement in 1997, they embarked on a venture of blending classic interior design, marketing expertise and excellent communication skills. The Leson portfolio includes renovation and interior architecture of existing as well as newly built constructions, the revitalisation of single floors or a complete property. Located in Frankfurt’s
vibrant Sachsenhausen district, the duo established a proven track record by creating contemporary living spaces, exclusive office and conference areas and even high end retail space for the distinguished and style savvy clientele. Asked about the secret of success, founder Guido Leson replies: “The art of optimising materials, colours and their implementation in a project is a process that reaches its peak with every single com-
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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Interior Design Guide Main image - left / Photo: Hiebler&Brunier Below / Photos: ©Werner Huthmacher
clearly sensible,” Johannes Reuter explains. The architect couple was amongst the proud winners of a Teamwork Bau 2013 award and scooped the coveted architecture award Farbe Struktur Oberfläche 2012 for the completion of a unique project. In order to celebrate its 500th consecration anniversary the sacred spaces of the Catholic church St. Jodokus in Bielefeld required a makeover. Together with Berlin sculptor Prof. Norbert Radermacher, Reuter Schoger developed a masterpiece of modern design in the holy premises.
Modern masterpieces made by Reuter Schoger Berlin
Rooms for a fast changing and vibrant world Berlin based architects and interior architects Reuter Schoger combine both, the external and the internal architecture. A whopping six Reuter Schoger projects are nominated for the German Design award 2014 and the company has been voted amongst the top 12 German interior architects by AIT trade magazine in 2008 and 2011. TEXT: TINA AWTANI
Johannes Reuter and Wencke Katharina Schoger established their studio in 2004. While he is an architect, she is the interior architect on the successful team. “In our creations we combine architecture and interior architecture. Our designs are defined by great depth in various ways: it is essential to individually relate to task, time and location. Furthermore the interaction between space and human being is extremely important. In our rooms, closeness and communication to and with people is
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Johannes Reuter ©Harald & Erhard Fotografie
Wencke Katharina Schoger ©Harald & Erhard Fotografie
Another remarkable achievement is the Ellington Hotel Berlin, which is also one of the projects nominated for the German Design Award 2014. The landmark building, originally created by architects Richard Bielenberg and Joseph Moser, dates back to 1932 and has now been revamped by Reuter Schoger, who successfully designed a place where guests feel at home while being excited about the new and the unknown at the same time.“We are extremely proud of those concentrated areas, where architectural abstracts and poetic gestures come together in space and detailed formation, and which radiate a subtle warmth and cosiness while being enjoyed by people. A prime example is the sculptural reception furniture in the Ellington Hotel Berlin, which smoothly welcomes every guest with its slightly bent, round shaped body and surface. It immediately settles in the visitor’s mind, enchants him and will be remembered,”Mr Reuter says. www.reuterschoger.de
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Kramers
Special Theme | Interior Design Guide
Reflection of change LAY-Architekten break through established plans The architects of Munich-based architectural office LAY-Architekten design, plan and construct buildings for clients of the private and public sectors. TEXT: JESSICA POMMER | PHOTOS: ©LAY INNEN ARCHITEKTEN
Christoph Lay
sector, industry, commerce and gastronomy. Clients include big German enterprises such as the Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt, DLR [German Aerospace Centre], the world-famous glass producer Schott AG or the large drugstore chain dm-drogeriemarkt.
“In every architectural concept the human being should occupy centre stage. Life is dynamic and time changes. We want to reflect the dynamics of time in our architecture and plans. I imagine the floor, walls and ceiling of a room to form a fixed stage which is modeled according to present-day requirements,”explains Christoph Lay. For example, in the shops of the drugstore chain dm LAY-Architekten introduced a new design, for which Lay coined the term“Venetian”. Instead of a straight corridor the shoppers stroll through contorted hallways, which resemble the paths of Venice. Shopping thus becomes a unique experience. www.lay-architekten.de
dm Kinderwelt
“Brands need identity to become established in an ever more difficult market or assert themselves as a reference. The trade puts up with neither timelessness nor fashion, but rather the state-of-the-art, otherwise the result is arbitrariness,” explains founder Christoph Lay. LAY-Architekten presents the brand message as a space that can be experienced and with comprehensible furniture. Recognizable self-similarity is turned into retail concepts, from the development of a design idea to its implementation in individual retail spaces. Interior design and architecture are regarded as a whole.
dm Kosmetik
Nowadays cities face the challenge of preserving their unique flair and incorporating shops and restaurants that are mainly chains and thus tend to give cities an identical look. Also shops want to distinguish themselves and create a unique shopping experience for the consumer. The team of architects from Munich-based architectural office LAY-Architekten aims to create unique space. LAY-Architekten designs, plans, and constructs buildings for optimized shopping experiences, the public
Christoph Lay founded his architectural office in 1991 and is now heading a highly skilled team of architects, interior designers and designers.
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Viva bubbles galore!
Summer time is fizz time Nobody knows that better than the Germans who, according to recent stats, downed 455 million bottles(!) of the stuff in 2011. If it has bubbles, the Germans love it, be it Prosecco, Champagne, Cava but most of all their very own Sekt – which turns out to be a surprisingly elastic term. TEXT: ANNE KREBIEHL | PHOTOS: PRESS PHOTOS
So what is Sekt? In German, this short and onomatopoeic word (think of corks popping and bubbles fizzing) serves as an umbrella term for sparkling wine but more specifically, when it says ‘Sekt’ on the bottle, the wine has been made sparkling in Germany with base wines possibly bought abroad. If it says ‘Deutscher Sekt’ the base wines must be German. While the vast majority of Sekt is made by giant brands like Rotkäppchen and its competitors Henkell, Faber and Mumm, from base wines sourced far and wide and expertly made sparkling in tanks, there also are artisan Sekts. These are worth tasting. Steffen Mugler of Sekt producer Andres & Mugler in the Pfalz confesses that he and
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his business partner Michael Andres caught the “Sekt-virus” when they were studying together at Geisenheim.They realised there was a place for Sekt that was a cut above the regular stuff. Mugler says: “With our style of Sekt we could service a niche: we started working on complex cuvées of Pinot grapes.” All of their Sekt, today also from Riesling and aromatic Muskateller, is made by the traditional method, this means the slow, second fermentation in bottle with subsequent ageing. It is this cumbersome and time-consuming process that allows complex yeast flavours to develop that will harmonise with the varietal expression of the grapes. Rather than the frothy mousse associated with tank-fermented Sekt, bottle-fermented sparklers show creamier,
finer, more integrated bubbles. Quality paired with striking packaging allowed Andres & Mugler to make a splash. The same ‘Sekt-virus’ is rife in Germany: Many small wineries make a zippy, light and fragrant fizz. If they are in the Rheingau and Rheinhessen, this often happens in the form of Riesling-Sekt; if they are further south in the Pfalz or in Baden, they make so-called Winzersekt, usually from Pinot varieties. Don’t forget to scoop up a few bottles when you are in a wine region – cellar door purchases are always more fun than shop-bought bottles. While such slender, refreshing styles are made to show off the enticing flavours of fruit and are ideal aperitifs and picnic wines, the rightful place
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Discover Germany | Dine & Wine | Anne Krebiel
of vintage-dated Sekt is firmly on the dinner table. Long ageing on lees (the yeast from the second fermentation) imparts complex flavours that call for food – and what better time than summer to devise a whole menu around fine Sekt? Mugler knows the brut-style dryness and creaminess of his wines makes them perfect for summer cuisine like white asparagus, poultry or Asian-spiced seafood. His neighbours at Reichsrat von Buhl, a firstrate address known chiefly for its singlevineyard still Rieslings are driving up the stakes: they think the best match for their single-site 2008 Rieslingsekt from the Forster Pechstein, a vineyard of immense power, is simple but exquisite crustaceans. For their creamy 2006 Blanc de Noir Sekt b.A., made from low-yielding Pinot Noir, they suggest rich, braised meat dishes like oxtail-stew. Let it not be said that Germans are not adventurous. Further north, in the Mittelrhein, Riesling reigns supreme and Jochen Ratzenberger has made his name with vintage-dated
Rieslingsekt. His 2007 Sekt from the single Bacharach site of Kloster Fürstental combines the racy acidity and the developed, honeyed apricot flavours of aged Riesling to great effect. “The site is perfectly suited for Sekt: the warmth of the slate soils creates full fruit-aromas that really begin to shine after three years on the lees,”he states. This means his wines are listed wherever their subtlety is needed as a foil for the multi-layered creations of modern cuisine. Weingut Wegeler in the Rheingau follows a very similar strategy with its vintage-dated Geheimrat "J" Riesling Sekt b.A. brut. It is an ethereal expression of matured Riesling and, according to Wegeler, is a particularly good match for rillettes of wild boar, breaded snails or seared foie gras on raisinbread. Served in the premium cabins of selected Lufthansa flights, this ultra-classy Rieslingsekt alone is reason enough to taste German fizz, and more importantly, to try it with food. Let the corks pop for a sparkling summer of Sekt.
Main pictures from left to right: Bacharach - home of Ratzenberger Pfalz vineyard - Reichsrat von Buhl Riddling racks in Reichrat von Buhl's Cellar Bottom pictures from left to right Wegeler Geheimrat-J-Sekt 2008 Reichsrat von Buhl Forster Pechstein Riesling Andres & Mugler Cuvee Elena Brut Magnum
www.andresundmugler.de www.reichsrat-von-buhl.de www.weingut-ratzenberger.de www.wegeler.com WHAT’S IN A NAME? Sekt - not necessarily German base wines Deutscher Sekt - German base wines Deutscher Sekt b.A. - German base wines with designated regional origin Traditionalle Flaschengärung - traditional method Rieslingsekt - minimum 85% Riesling Winzersekt - always b.A. and traditional methold
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Photo: Sänger Medienfabrik
Photo: Klaus Venus
Discover Germany | Dine & Wine | Anselmann Winery
Anselmann Estate Wine making with a long family tradition Thinking of wine making, many people imagine ripe grapes glistening in the sun, a harvest on a beautiful and still warm autumn day. But there is one exceptional wine that needs frost and ice to gain its rich taste: Icewine. A German speciality the Anselmann estate is famous for. TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN | PHOTOS: PRESS PHOTOS
What makes icewines so special is their late harvest which also gave the wine its name: the grapes are picked and pressed after they have frozen on the stocks. For that the temperature has to sink below 7 degrees Celsius. Most of the water within the grapes turns into ice and only the very essence of the juice is pressed out of the grapes. One of these icewines is the prizewinning “Edesheimer Rosengarten” Riesling Icewine of the Anselmann Estate. A marvellous wine: rich, full-bodied, natural sweet with the flavours of citrus fruits, honey and flowers. The Anselmann family has been tied to wine making for centuries, an experience that still influences their high quality beverages. The family business is currently headed by Gerd, Ralf and Ruth Anselmann
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who run 120 hectares of vineyards. Situated in Edesheim, a 1,300 year old wine village, the winery lies in the middle of one of Germany’s most well known wine regions: the Palatinate. It is not only a place of wine production, throughout the year visitors can experience the Anselmann wines in a tasting directly on the estate. Besides the icewine, the winery produces a wide range of red and white wines: from the crisp white Riesling with its fruity bouquet to a dark red Dornfelder. The Ortega Trockenbeerenauslese for example is a very rare and exceptional rich wine made from ripe and almost dried fruit. The winery combines modernity and tradition; its secret vault is the barrique cellar. More than 800 wooden barrels containing
225 litres each give the wine its special aroma and make it more substantial in emphasizing its tannins. One of the wines ripened in these barrels is the Dornfelder Barrique “Edesheimer Ordensgut”, a dark red wine with the taste of blackberry, cherry, sweet pepper and vanilla. The Anselmann wines gained a lot of national and international awards in recent years. And they were served at the German House during the London Olympics 2012.The Ortega Trockenbeerenauslese, the Riesling Icewine and the Dornfelder Barrique are available at many airports shops. www.weingut-anselmann.de
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Enchanting Edesheim Castle where fairy tales come true! Surrounded by idyllic vineyards, four-star hotel Edesheim Castle nestles in the Southern Winestreet of the Pfalz. The perfect setting to take a break and relax in Germany’s Tuscany. TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE | PHOTOS: SCHLOSS EDESHEIM
First mentioned in 756 the castle’s history goes back to the Middle Ages, with many stories of Royal residents who fell in love with this enchanted building. In 2001 the castle became part of the Dr. Lohbeck Company Group and after meticulous refurbishment it opened its doors as a four-star hotel. The credo of Dr. Lohbeck is:“To create a successful future, one has to look into the past and understand it.”Keeping the castle’s authenticity whilst merging it with a modern approach to service and comfort has proved to be very successful. With extensive international experience, hotel director Andreas Lorenz makes sure guests have their every wish fulfilled. Classy suites, comfy rooms and a spacious apartment in the former stables invite visitors to leave their hectic everyday lives behind. Parts of the original castle’s moat have been rebuilt and through a little bridge you can reach a marvellous open-air stage, which floats on the moat and is reminiscent of an
Amphitheatre. It is a popular cultural site, especially during the castle’s theatre festival in the summer. The Mediterranean scenery of the Pfalz is unique to Germany and the castle’s fivehectares park promotes a tranquil atmosphere. Dreams of fairy-tale weddings can come true here as the castle has its own civil wedding chamber and the wedding suite, Sans Soucis. Recently Lorenz established a wellness programme, which offers back and foot massages and Eastern techniques like Shiatsu and Ayurveda. Several weekend packages combine a holiday at the Southern Winestreet with golfing or motorbike tours. There are also spaces for seminars with professional conference technology. The castle’s gourmet restaurant with its historic open-fire place and mural paintings is a highlight in itself. Chef Sebastian Koehn surprises with innovative creations, spoiling guests with Mediterranean delicacies. Staff
take great pride in giving advice on wines – after all you are in the heart of a prestigious wine region! Local wines, partly from the castle grounds, or supreme Italian wines come straight from the well-stocked cellar into your glass. If you are looking for a luxurious yet homely place to rest your soul and indulge in fantastic food and wine you certainly cannot miss the Hotel Schloss Edesheim! www.schloss-edesheim.de
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Restaurant of the Month Austria
Ikarus Restaurant at Red Bull’s Hangar-7 Where the culinary world elite meets and greets The Ikarus restaurant in Salzburg is certainly a different kind of star studded fine dining venue. Great guest chefs from around the world change every four weeks to offer guests an ever evolving, inspiring and innovative culinary experience. TEXT: TINA AWTANI
Set in a quite spectacular architectural construction, the Hangar-7 building in Salzburg, which is owned by Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz, the Ikarus restaurant is the perfect place for those who are passionate about international cuisine. Hangar-7 showcases extraordinary exhibits from the world of aeronautics and motor racing, ever-changing art exhibitions, the Mayday Bar, an Outdoor Lounge and a café, which is called Carpe Diem Lounge Café. But the superstar of Hangar-7 is without doubt the Ikarus restaurant. An innovative hospitality concept The concept of monthly changing chefs was born ten years ago by Mr Mateschitz and the restaurant’s patron, award winning
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Austrian chef Eckart Witzigmann.“The idea was to be different and offer something else than all the others. Based on the Red Bull philosophy something international needed to be done. So the idea was born to invite the culinary world to Salzburg,” Roland Trettl, Executive Chef, explains. And he admits that at first it seemed a bit of a risky strategy.“At the beginning it was very tricky, because the human being by nature is driven by habit. I am the same, i. e. when I am in London I go to Zuma, because I know I get the best Japanese food and I also know that I always get it there. When I visit Ikarus I have no idea what to expect, because every single month a completely different culinary style is on the menu. In May we had Dylan Jones and Bo Songvisava
Roland Trettl, Executive Chef, Red Bull Hangar-7
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Discover Germany | Restaurant of the Month | Austria
Main image: Red Bull Hangar 7. © Gerald Rihar From top to bottom: Red Bull Hangar 7 - Interior. © Helge Kirchberger Restaurant Ikarus. © Helge Kirchberger Guest Chef July 2013, Richard Ekkebus (left), Roland Trettl (right). © Kar Fai Tong Ikarus Team (from left to right): D. Fitz, T. Dananic, J. Bruch, R. Trettl. © Helge Kirchberger
the world and meets his colleagues he always relies on the expert’s word of mouth, so apart from knowing the well established and award-winning chefs he is always the first to spot an upcoming star. The international elite loves visiting Trettl and his team. 2014 is already fully booked with great names from all over the world. “If I had worked unprofessionally, I would not have any more guest chefs. If they are happy over here in the Hangar and watch my team prepare their creations, then they return to their homes and spread the word. If you take a look at the 120 chefs who have been visiting over the past ten years you will find the world’s top listed chefs. Take a look at the top 50 Pellegrino list, 35 of them have already been here,” Trettl proudly says.
over, the best Thai Chefs. In June Spanish three-star chef Eneko Atxa was in charge.” And this is what makes Ikarus unique. Against the odds the strategy proved to be a very successful one. “We noticed that our guests keep returning because of the great quality. No matter if it is Thai, French, Chinese or Brazilian food, the quality is always outstanding in the hangar and that is why people keep coming back. Our guests really enjoy being positively surprised again and again,” Trettl reveals.
Last but not least Especially for our British readers Roland Trettl has a little surprise. “Previously we hosted chefs from Britain such as Zuma’s Rainer Becker or Nuno Mendes. No one knows it yet, but I will tell you: next year we have another British chef over. It is "Sat" [Satwant Singh] Bains from Nottingham,” Trettl proudly announces. And if you wish to try the Master’s own creations you should visit during the summer as August is the month, when the home team is in charge and the sympathetic executive chef from south Tyrole and his team will be offering their own creations.
The quest for authenticity But how does he do it? How does he ensure that a 30 head strong kitchen team always excels at such different styles? Roland Trettl shares the secret of success: “This is the interesting bit: I personally spend a whole week with every guest chef in his home restaurant.This is an incredibly enriching experience. Every month I am away for a week. In January I spent a week in Bangkok, after that a week in Hong Kong, Sydney…That is the only possible
www.hangar-7.com/en/ikarus
You find Ikarus restaurant at
way.You have to spend adequate time with the guest chefs in order to succeed. This is simply something that can’t be done by email.”And Trettl is always on the hunt for new international talent. When he travels
Hangar-7 Wilhelm-Spazier-Straße 7a 5020 Salzburg, Austria and on facebook: www.facebook.com/hangar7
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Discover Germany | Restaurant of the Month | Switzerland
Restaurant of the Month Switzerland
Dreamlike food for body and soul at Rico’s Kunststuben In Switzerland’s Küsnacht top chef Rico Zandonella knows how to create a very special culinary experience with a passion for detail, imagination and colour! TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE | PHOTOS: PHILIPP ROHNER
The legendary gourmet restaurant Kunststuben (art livingrooms) was established over 30 years ago. After decades of close collaboration with his former teacher Horst Peterman, Rico Zandonella took over the restaurant in 2011. “My guests can look forward to aromatic, high-quality cuisine using only the best products and spices, a unique interior design and a professional yet casual service,” states Zandonella. Originally from the Ticino canton he started training as a cook at the age of fourteen. His cooking is based on modern Mediterranean cuisine with classic French and Italian roots. With a true passion for spices, he is always inventive and successfully combines the exotic with the commonplace. It is no surprise awards keep coming in. In 2012 Zandonella was named Chef of the Year by the Big Restaurant & Hotelguide
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and during his first year of taking over the Kunststuben, Gault & Millau on first visit gave 18 out of 20 points! Not to mention the two prestigious Michelin stars and the treasured plate Châine des Rôtisseurs. Zandonella easily wins international gourmets over with creativity, quality and hard work. His creations are playful with a range of bright colours and they never fail to excite. The dishes are simply a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds! Reflecting on past years Zandonella says:“I am especially proud of my team, and of everything we have achieved together so far. It is incredible to see how committed everyone is.” That he leads his small team with passion and devotes his attention entirely to the restaurant can be felt not only on the plate. When Zandonella took over, the interior was re-designed by Carlo Rampazzi from
Ascona and resulted in a look as cheerful as Zandonella himself. With goblets, vases and a majestic deer resting on a table, the restaurant displays a variety of art, including sculptures and prints by Swiss artists like Eugene Meyer and Max Gruetter. Zandonella adds:“I like humorous and joyful art. It just corresponds with how I am.” Zandonella’s personality is reflected throughout the colourful venue, which together with the exquisite yet surprisingly affordable gourmet food creates an artistic and extra-ordinary ensemble not to be missed. Go treat yourself! www.kunststuben.com
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City Special
Frankfurt Main image: © PIA Frankfurt am Main. Photo: Tanja Schäfer
Frankfurt Germany’s gateway to the world Most people think of Frankfurt as a giant international business hub. Of course they are right, but the vibrant metropolis on the river Main has much more to offer than banks and trade fairs. Hospitality and entertainment venues are plentiful in Frankfurt where guests from all over the world are warmly welcomed. TEXT: TINA AWTANI
Frankfurt is often referred to as Mainhatten thanks to its impressive skyline, but below the skyscrapers lies an enchanting city full of history and remarkable character. One of the things that makes Frankfurt special is the eclectic mix of locals preserving their traditions and international inhabitants adding an international twist. About a quarter of the 700,000 people living in Frankfurt do not hold a German passport, thus culture, lifestyle and traditions are enriched by foreign input. In addition, more than 3 million visitors come to Frankfurt every
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year of which two thirds attend one or more of the great trade fairs and exhibitions. Frankfurt airport is one of the most important hubs in the world with a turnover of more than 50 million passengers per year. So you may rest assured that Frankfurters know exactly how to welcome guests from even the most diverse backgrounds. Take a stroll along the Museumsufer with its with 60 museums and exhibition venues scattered along the banks of the river Main.
Below from left to right: © PIA Stadt Frankfurt am Main. Photo: Rainer Rüffer Central Station. © PIA Stadt Frankfurt am Main. Photo: Tanja Schäfer
Historic landmark buildings are plentiful including the Goethe House or those magnificent half-timbered houses lining the Römerberg square. Stroll down the pedestrian area starting at the old opera house and nibble some great food in one of the Fressgass [food mile] restaurants with their cosy terraces. Take a peek at the luxurious Goethestrasse with its exclusive boutiques. Be surprised by the beautiful green spaces such as the Grüneburgpark, Taunusanlage or Palm Tree Gardens or enjoy a good glass of apple wine in a cosy little pub hidden in the little streets of the lively Sachsenhausen district. There is plenty do and enjoy in Frankfurt, but don’t miss out on a nostalgic tram Ebbelwei Express tour which is great fun. www.frankfurt.de
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Discover Germany | City Special | Frankfurt
Left: ©Tourismus+Comgress GmbH Frankurt am Main. Photos: H. Ullmann
the prominent role culture plays. The unique museum landscape along the river Main is celebrated during the Museum Embankment Festival that offers craft stalls, live music and culinary adventures. The Apple Wine Festival invites indulgence in Frankfurt’s most popular beverage, and the festival around the opera showcases performances of all kinds. When it comes to shopping and dining, Frankfurt is a true metropolis with international cuisine and shopping streets representing all major labels. “There are also lovely boutiques for individualists in the Brueckenstrasse and the Bergerstrasse,” Rupprecht says. All in all Frankfurt surprises with grand diversity: Simply come and explore!
Come to Mainhatten! Culture, history and apple wine! Visit Frankfurt am Main, Hessen’s international trade fair city with the stunning skyline, and get a taste of the city’s heartfelt hospitality. TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE
When most of us think of Frankfurt am Main we see modern buildings seemingly reaching the sky and being home to the international finance sector.You may think there is only business? Think again! How green Frankfurt is can be seen from the Maintower, which provides a fantastic view, if weather permits as far as the Taunus.“The embankment, the large green belt or the many, different parks are ideal to relax, go for a run or bike ride,” Tourism and Congress GmbH spokesperson, Elena Rupprecht, says. Garden enthusiasts should visit the scenic Palm Tree Garden, which features tropical plants and an indoor waterfall amongst other attractions.
History can be found throughout modern Frankfurt. “The Roman halls and Roemerberg (town hall square) already hosted trade fairs in the middle ages. Today the Roemerberg is the heart of the historic city centre and a popular tourist destination.” The cathedral and the old town hall are must-sees due to their striking authentic architecture and history. At St. Paul’s Church the first national assembly took place in 1848.“It is regarded as the cradle of German democracy,”Rupprecht adds. The parental home of Germany’s most famous poet Goethe is not only interesting for Goethe-fans, it also vividly portrays life in the 18th century. Renowned museums like the Städel or Schirn Kunsthalle indicate
www.frankfurt-tourismus.de
The tourist centre offers: - Room reservations at over 260 local hotels - Private accommodation during trade fairs - Frankfurt Card including public transport, discounts for tourist attractions, and restaurant vouchers - Low priced weekend packages - Venues - Guided tours in 23 languages for groups and individuals
Bembel ©Tourismus+Comgress GmbH Frankurt am Main. Photo: H. Ullmann
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Discover Germany | City Special | Frankfurt
Apfelwein Föhl
Authentic Frankfurt Cider Fresh cider, hearty traditional cuisine, and a homely atmosphere at the heart of Neu-Isenburg’s historic centre just outside Frankfurt – there is plenty to look forward to at Apfelwein Föhl. TEXT: FRANZISKA NÖSSIG | PHOTOS: APFELWEIN FOHL Run by business partners Ulrike Wipfler and Uwe Vollmershausen since 1996, the renovated and modernised restaurant has through the years maintained its characteristics of a traditional German Wirtshaus, or pub. “In addition to our spacious beer garden at the rear of our restaurant,” Vollmershausen points out, “we now also invite our customers to enjoy their drinks and food on the little terrace at the front
facing the marketplace.” Besides a great variety of wines, the drink not to be missed is cider. “It tastes similar to wine made from grapes,” the owner explains. “But it’s much tarter and, most of all, very refreshing.”And unlike the sparkling cider of Britain or France, the Hessian Apfelwein is non-carbonated. But it’s not only Apfelwein which explains the restaurant’s popularity with locals,
amongst them players from the Frankfurtbased German Football Association DFB. Föhl’s weekly changing seasonal menu just earned the restaurant a recommendation in the Slow Food’s Gourmet Guide 2013. “We use overall organic produce from not too far away as well as meat from nearby farms,” Vollmershausen stresses. Any of the dishes go well with cider, be it Frankfurter Rippchen, cured pork cutlet, with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes, or sour milk cheese with onions in a vinaigrette. Ready to have a taste? Then look forward to enjoying a refreshing glass of Apfelwein on the terrace this summer while treating yourself to some delicious local slow food. www.apfelwein-foehl.de
Depot 1899 German Gemütlichkeit XXL Perfectly located in the vibrant district of Sachsenhausen, the Depot 1899 is the ideal venue for a truly authentic dining experience in Frankfurt style. Homemade cloudy beer and typical regional dishes are a treat for locals as well as international guests. TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTOS: DEPOT 1899
In 2007 the Accente Gastronomie Service company, a subsidiary of Messe Frankfurt, decided to create a hospitality venue outside the trade fair grounds and right in the heart of Frankfurt.“The Depot 1899 is incredibly multifaceted and offers a unique atmosphere blending tradition and modernity. The interior is carefully crafted to match the historic building featuring lots of lovely little details for the guests to discover. Just like the menu: classic local dishes are presented with a contemporary twist. Transforming the Depot 1899, which serves as a café, a restaurant and a beer garden at the same time, into an event location is an exciting challenge time after time,”Holger 28 | Issue 5 | July 2013
Schuster, general manager of the Accente Gastronomie Service GmbH, says. The Depot 1899 is not only a magnet for trade fair visitors, who can easily reach it via the Messe-Express shuttle, it even became a hot spot for the locals. Featuring a capacity of 800 seats, the Depot 1899 frequently hosts plenty of functions and special occasions. Enjoy al fresco dining on a lazy summer evening on the large terrace, ideally accompanied by a pint of original Depot cloudy beer. Make sure you try the typical Frankfurter "Green Sauce" with boiled eggs. And don’t miss out on the cocktail happy hour!
www.depot1899.de
Albrecht Dürer, Portrait of a Young Woman with Her Hair Down ((detail detail)), 1497, Städel Museum, Frankfurt am Main, photo: Städel Museum, Norbert Miguletz
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Dürer COMING SOON – AUTUMN 2013 Städel Museum · Schaumainkai 63 · 60596 Frankfurt am Main · www.staedelmuseum.de
Plan your trip to Frankfurt for the
2013 EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHT today and reserve your ticket at tickets.staedelmuseum.de
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Frankfurt Museumsufer Protecting and promoting cultural highlights for the future You are planning your next city trip and are looking for the perfect range of culture, art and entertainment? Frankfurt am Main’s Museumsufer offers the perfect mixture for everyone – couples, families or business people with not a lot of time. TEXT: LYDIA EVERS
Frankfurt am Main does not exactly have the reputation of a cultural metropolis such as Venice or Rome. However, with 60 museums and exhibition venues ranging from universally set up museums to small, specialised collections, the international city proves itself. The very heart of Frankfurt am Main’s diverse museum landscape forms the so-called Museumsufer (“museum riverbank”), which was founded as such in 1978. Every year it attracts more than two million visitors from all over the world. On both sides along the river Main, and connected by seven bridges, one finds an exceptional diversity of 26 museums displaying avant-garde and ancient artists, a rich town history, Johann Wolfgang Goethe, world culture, design, film and archaeology. This multi-faceted offer is complemented
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by the lovely scenery of the river Main and an impressive combination of modern and historic architecture. Come and visit! If one follows the river from West to East there are the Liebieghaus Skulpturensammlung (“Liebieghaus sculpture collection”), the Städel Museum, the Museum für Kommunikation, the Deutsches Architekturmuseum and the Deutsches Filmmuseum (a must for all film fans with its modernised cinema and new permanent exhibition on the principles of film making). The world-famous Städel-Museum for instance was founded in 1815 and holds an impressive collection of works of art from seven centuries: from Rembrandt and Vermeer to Monet and Renoir to Picasso and Klee. At the moment it exhibits 2,900 paintings, 600 sculptures, 500 photographs and
over 100,000 drawings and graphic reproductions. Those particularly interested in the region should visit the Museum Giersch, which has specialised in historical art and culture from Frankfurt am Main and its surrounding Rhine-Main-Area. The Jüdisches Museum (“Jewish Museum”), the Historisches Museum and the Caricatura Museum Frankfurt, which is dedicated to Comic Art, are located on the opposite riverbank. Other renowned museums in close proximity are the Schirn Kunsthalle (one of the most famous exhibition venues in Europe), the Archäologisches Museum, the MMK Museum für Moderne Kunst and the Goethe Haus – the parental home of the poet genius, which combines memorial, picture gallery, manuscript archive and library.
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Discover Germany | City Special | Frankfurt
Main image, left: Historic Museum vom Eisernen Steg. Photo: Jörg Baumann Right, from top to bottom: Stadel Fassade. Photo: Norbert Miguletz MAK Museumsufer Momentum Klein. Photo: Sebastian Schramm Schirn exterior. Photo: Norbert Migueletz Luminaleboot Night of the museums 2012. Photo: Frank Rumpenhorst
Angewandte Kunst (“museum of the applied arts”) or the Museum für Moderne Kunst, have even been designed and renovated by world famous architects such as the American architect Richard Meier or Hans Hollein from Austria. “The city sees it as its duty to protect and promote its cultural highlights for the future,” Frankfurt’s head of cultural affaires Professor Dr. Felix Semmelroth explained recently. For him, sustainability and high quality are the key words when it comes to the organisation of the city’s cultural life. No other German city currently invests as much in the preservation, restoration and expansion of its museums as Frankfurt am Main does. Come and see for yourself, and let Frankfurt am Main be your new Venice or Rome … Fun for young and old To make a visit to the Museumsufer exciting for the whole family, many museums provide special entertainment for children. In the Archäologisches Museum for example young ones can try on ancient clothing or produce paint in the Steinzeitwerkstatt (“Stone Age work shop”). In the Deutsches Architekturmuseum they can create and build their own designs. The kinder museum frankfurt (“children’s museum Frankfurt”), located closer to the city centre, offers exhibitions and activities for its little visitors.
Tips:
ums”) is the second event during which the Main riverbank turns into one big cultural party (next date: 10 May 2014). From 7 pm to 2 am people can visit current exhibitions – accompanied by concerts, theatre, readings and culinary delicacies.
- 26 museums are in walking distance along the river Main - For those who want to take a bus, the Museumsuferlinie 46 stops at all the sights - Every last Saturday of the month admission is free - Tip: Museumsufer-Ticket: 2 days for 18 € - For more information visit: www.museumsufer-frankfurt.de - Museumsuferfest: www.museumsuferfest.de
History meets modernity Besides diverse exhibitions, Frankfurt’s museums are part of two major cultural events that the city hosts every year. On the last weekend of August (this year from 23 to 25 of August) the Museumsufer turns into one of the biggest culture festivals in Europe: the so-called Museumsuferfest attracts around 2.5 million visitors every year. The Nacht der Museen (“Night of the muse-
The Museumsufer Frankfurt is much more than an agglomeration of several museums in one place. On top of culture, art and entertainment visitors get rewarded with a synthesis of cultural highlights and highcontrast architecture: Many of the museum buildings are historical villas that have been modernised on the inside or expanded on the outside. Some, like the Museum für
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Discover Germany | City Special | Frankfurt
Tigerpalast Frankfurt celebrates 25th anniversary
Liberté, egalité, varieté! The Tigerpalast Variety Theatre Frankfurt is the perfect choice for a great night out packed with world-class live entertainment and fine food. Visit with family, friends or colleagues and enjoy the artists up close and personal on stage. Main image, left: Menno & Emily ©Tigerpalast Varieté Theater Below: Tigerpalast ©Tigerpalast Varieté Theater
TEXT: TINA AWTANI
In 1997 Margareta Dillinger and Johnny Klinke opened the Tigerpalast together with late cabaret star Matthias Beltz , who famously marked the occasion with the words “liberté, egalité, varieté!”Today the Tigerpalast is a firmly established entertainment highlight famous far beyond the Frankfurt city centre borders. Starting after the summer break, from 21 August onwards the new spectacular anniversary show programme will wow the audience twice every night. Live entertainment in form of chansons, cabaret, live music and breathtaking acrobatics will be performed by some of the world’s greatest artistes. Highlights of the new show include Juggling Tango by French Menno &
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Emily or a strap act by Sergey Akimov from Moscow. German avant-garde juggler Jochen Schell is also part of the new programme. The Italian Giurintanos will perform exciting roller-skate acrobatics and the American-born brothers Giuliano and Fabio Anastasini will shine with their famous Rislay act. And this is just a small selection of what to expect. Unlike other shows, where individual acts are adapted to fit into a superordinate choreography, at the Tigerpalast every single artiste follows his own choreography expressing his life and his history in his authentic and truly original way. Just like head chef Andreas Krolik, who caters for the culinary needs of guests in his own very special
way. His "cuisine of flavours" served in the Michelin-starred Tiger-Gourmetrestaurant with its distinctive wine list leaves no room for desire. And this authenticity and originality is exactly what makes the Tigerpalast variety show unique. Founder and director Johnny Klinke proudly resumes:“After 25 years the Tigerpalast theatre has become the leading institution of the highest quality international variety culture. Experiencing fascinating variety stars in close contact with the audience is a holistic experience for all the senses.” www.tigerpalast.de
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Discover Germany | City Special | Frankfurt
guests can dine on the terrace. It is also an ideal venue for events of any kind. Alternatively there are traditional apple wine taverns within walking distance because of the hotel’s great location right by the river Main. It is ideal for visiting the unique museum landscape on the embankment, one of Frankfurt’s cultural gems. The Main Plaza also offers packages like the VIP shopping at Wertheim Village, which includes the Frankfurt Card for travel and discounts. So if you are looking for individual yet modern accommodation, the Main Plaza is a fantastic choice, as it truly embodies the city’s international flair.
Lindner Hotel & Residence Main Plaza
www.lindner.de
Stylish NewYork atmosphere and a great deal of space! The grand Lindner Hotel & Residence Main Plaza in Frankfurt am Main offers lavish rooms with classy 1930’s New York flair in a great location. No matter how long you stay, the Main Plaza will make you feel at home. TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE | PHOTOS: LINDNER GROUP
Finished in 2001, the Main Plaza was designed by renowned Berlin architect Hans Kollhoff. “Initially it was meant to be a residential property, not a boarding-house. That is why our rooms are a little special. Every room has its own corridor and is larger than average, measuring around 45m2 , they even have their own door bell," sales representative Anamaria Cocuz explains.“Our guests don’t feel like they are in a hotel room, it feels more like an apartment.” And indeed the Main Plaza has the largest rooms in Frankfurt, some of them provide a breath-taking view of the fabulous skyline. The avant-garde ambience combined with modern service and facilities make this the ideal home away from home. With around 100 luxury fitted rooms and suites
the hotel has the right accommodation for everyone. Guests who would like to stay a little longer can rent residences and maisonette-apartments or go for the penthouse option. Since the hotel belongs to Lindner Hotels a wellness area has been added, which offers 450m2 of pure relaxation with modern spa facilities and body treatments. A highlight is the hotel’s very own Harry’s NewYork Bar, which everyone in Frankfurt knows! It offers amazing cocktails and live music. Cocuz adds:“Just imagine a bar from the 1930s with dimmed lights, cigar smoke and of course live piano music. Then you get an idea of what our bar is like.” The New Brick restaurant spoils guests with Californian cuisine and if weather permits
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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Made in Germany
Special Theme
Made in Germany
“Made in Germany” A quality label invented by the British Made in Germany – this label is associated with outstanding quality. However, the famous three words were officially established by the British. Back in the 19th century the British felt the desire to clearly mark the origin of a product in order to protect their local produce. The British Merchandise Marks Act took effect on 23 August 1887 and stated that all goods should clearly indicate their country of origin. TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTO: GALLERIE LAFAYETTE / VISIT BERLIN / STEFFEN
Soon the words Made in Germany became an internationally renowned indicator of quality and precision. Today top German export goods include motor vehicles and parts, machinery, chemical products, computers, electronics and electrical equipment and according to the Federal Statistical Office the future looks bright with German exports having risen by 8.5 per cent over the past year (April 201213) and the trend is believed to continue. Besides the big corporations it is also the medium sized and family businesses from the most diverse industries which contributed to this remarkable result. Manufacturers all over the country are continuously striving to optimise their products in terms of aesthetics, functionality or efficiency. They work tirelessly Dr Philipp Rösler, Federal Minister of Economics to keep up the good repuand Technology. © BMWi
tation of the famous three words and prove over and over that you can’t do wrong in choosing a product made in Germany. Dr Philipp Rösler, Federal Minister of Economics and Technology, stated: "We are proud of our companies and workforce – of the success of our so-called German Mittelstand. They are the ones who ensure that our economy is particularly efficient and productive, and is internationally competitive. Products from Germany quite rightly enjoy worldwide renown. The quality seal "Made in Germany" is a symbol of this. Economic success is created through effort and good economic conditions, not through protectionism and state intervention. The social market economy is the basis of our success story. It is now especially important to respect the principles of the social market economy, which are more modern than ever. Growth and competitiveness cannot be ordained by law – they must be achieved again and again by hard work."
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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Made in Germany
Delicate dbeads made in Berlin
Where glass is an attitude This summer glass bead artist and jewellery designer Dagmar Brückner celebrates her 10th anniversary. She acquired her skills in New York and inspired by the art of glass beads Brückner decided to establish her own brand of “wearable art made of glass“ named dbeads in Berlin a decade ago. TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTOS: DBEADS
Brückner’s creations were already a huge success amongst trendy NewYorkers when the German designer started her career in a workshop in Brooklyn before she moved to Germany. It didn’t take long to win the hearts of those passionate about beads in Berlin. Award-winning creations such as the Berliner Mauerperle [Berlin wall bead], a hollow glass bead which contains a tiny little fraction of the original Berlin Wall, became key pieces in Brückner’s collection. Other famous items include the trixiebeads, a
beautiful selection of tiny little glass creations in the most vibrant colours.Timeless classics featuring a cool retro aesthetic are the signature beads, which pay tribute to a decade of glass bead making. “What I love most about my work are the countless happy and satisfied customers, who keep returning because they
Baked art made in Berlin TEXT: JESSICA RIDDER | PHOTOS: STADT PLÄTZCHEN
Lohbeck, a designer, and her business-partner, architect Petra Vondenhof-Anderhalten, handcraft Berlin’s main attractions such as the Potsdamer Platz, the Gendarmenmarkt or the Brandenburg Gate in the form of short crust biscuits.
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Pariser Platz
Potsdamer Platz
www.dbeads.com
Dagmar Brückner
Berliner Plätzchen
“One of the things that make our products so special is the attention we spend on every detail, because each of them are individually handmade. Not to mention the delicious taste of the short crust biscuits.” Says Constanze Lohbeck, one of the two founders of Berliner Plätzchen (Berlin Biscuits).
trust my skills. And it is always a great pleasure to create a unique bespoke piece on request,”Brückner reveals. Dagmar Brückner is passionate about glass. For her “glass is not a material, glass is an attitude.” It is exactly that passion which is reflected in her creations. For those who feel intrigued a 3-hour workshop offered by the designer is a wonderful opportunity to become immersed in the world of glass bead making.
Hamburg cookies
“Berliner Plätzchen (Berlin Biscuits) were inspired by the famous sights of Berlin. They became so popular that eventually further requests for other German cities flooded in. In this context, we have renamed
the company Stadt Plätzchen (City Biscuits), because the range got more extensive.” Berliner Plätzchen are available in five different mixtures and presented in a nicely shaped box, including an architectural guide in German and English. “The best seller is still the Brandenburg Gate, best known as the emblem of Berlin,” Lohbeck says.“And we are now adding the first European Capital, Lisbon, to our offer: its famous sights include the Praça do Comércio, the Lisbon Cathedral, the Torre de Belém and the popular historic tram. For Lisbon, we have also created its own Portuguese flavour with orange and a little vanilla.” However, the creator’s capacity to produce forms is not limited to architecture. They also cater for special requests. “We have already baked many corporate logos, advertising slogans, and even animals, cars and portraits.” www.stadtplaetzchen.de
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Special Theme | Made in Germany
Below: Kennel & Schmenger Shop in Hamburg.
Kennel & Schmenger Quality without compromise In times of mass production it has become almost exceptional to encounter individuality and hand-made manufacturing. Kennel & Schmenger with its headquarters in Pirmasens, Rhineland-Palatinate, is one of those exceptions. In 95 years of shoe craftsmanship the family-owned firm has succeeded in perfecting their products and bringing their brand to an international level. Today the company is one of the leading German manufacturers of high-quality shoes and accessories. TEXT: LYDIA EVERS | PHOTOS: MEDIA & CONCEPT
It is the company’s straight line that makes Kennel & Schmenger both unique and successful: “Accepting no compromise is the driving force behind our quality and our own expectations of each pair of shoes, each bag and piece from our collections.” The results of this philosophy are products of the finest quality (premium leather is material number one), high-value craftsmanship and the latest international trends. The company’s business partners are highclass shoe and accessory shops, premium department stores and exclusive fashion outlets. Furthermore, it runs individual concept stores in, for example, Hamburg, Berlin and soon Munich – just the right locations for Kennel & Schmenger’s customers: modern, fashion-conscious and confident women with high expectations.The assortment ranges from stylish flats and fashion-
able trainers to elegant high heels and exquisite boots. Beautiful bags and belts complete the firm’s lifestyle concept. Founded in 1918 as only a small shoe factory in Pirmasens, which was then wellknown for its remarkable shoe industry, Kennel & Schmenger has remained a family business ever since. And although Klaus Kennel (who until recently managed the firm for 50 years) retired in 2011, the firm’s tradition-steeped corporate culture is carried on by the two managing directors Andreas Klautzsch and Stefan Frank. And this clearly successful: today the company retails its products in 33 countries all over the world selling 3,500 pairs a day (year: 2012). In 2011 the shoe sale came to over 50 million Euros with the total number of pairs sold exceeding 750,000 – for 2013
the company expects even further growth. It is, however, not only success that is important to Kennel & Schmenger, but also the connection to the region and its people, the well-being of their employees and their families. All in all, this company has created something that is nowadays rarely found: a link between high quality, authenticity and the belief in tradition. Accepting no compromise – it clearly pays off. Kennel & Schmenger Schuhmanufaktur was founded in 1918 by Fritz Kennel in Pirmasens. Today: 1.200 customers in 33 countries Turnover 2011: over 50 million B Trade price range: 150 – 400 B Export quota: 45% www.kennel-schmenger.com Managing Directors Andreas Klautzsch (left) and Stefan Frank (right).
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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Made in Germany
Metal construction sets attract adult youth to Metallus Germany has long been the world’s capital for metal construction sets. The first original metal construction set was invented in Germany in 1892 by the company Richter, Rudolstadt. Unfortunately it failed after a year of being on the market and production stopped. What followed was the launch of Meccano in the United Kingdom in 1901 which went on to become the first big name in metal construction sets. TEXT: JULIEN RATH | PHOTOS: ©GERHARD REKERS DIGITALTECHNIK GMBH & CO.KG
Since then a lot of the market has come back to Germany. Up until the 1920s the Stabil range developed by Walther was the most important producer of metal construction kits but production stopped in the 1970s. Today Germany is home to names such as Märklin, Trix and more recently Metallus. In 2000 Metallus appeared and began producing metal construction pieces. Three years after its foundation Metallus quickly opened a new production site in Spelle, near Münster. It now offers over 1,500 different pieces which is far more than
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Märklin has ever offered, boasts Philipp Rekers, son of the original Metallus founder Gerhard. “The biggest customer group we have is the ‘adult youth’who already came into contact with the hobby in their childhood,” says manager Philipp Rekers. The success of Metallus reaches around the world. “We have a lot of clients in the English speaking world, such as Canada and the United States and even more clients across Europe. Metallus has become a brand known to hobby mechanics around the world,” adds Rekers. The expansion of Metallus
continues and they now even have dealers in Israel and Canada. Contributing to the success of Metallus is most certainly the fact that as a customer you become part of the family. The company employs two generations of the Rekers family all of whom have a strong interest in construction sets. This also pays off for customers. “Some project clients have unusually large scale models which have to be meticulously planned and constructed,” says Rekers. www.metallus.de
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Special Theme | Made in Germany
when their whisky came in the top 5 in a blind taste test. As a result the distillery developed the AUREUM 1865 barrel strength and the five year aged AUREUM 1865, which was presented to the world for the first time at this year’s ProWein convention in Düsseldorf. The whisky gets its specific taste and amber colour from its storage in oak barrels. After a year the whisky is transferred to ex-Bourbon barrels from the Speyside Cooperage in Craigellachie, Scotland. A 0.7l bottle of five year aged AUREUM 1865 costs €59.90 and the barrel strength AUREUM 1865 is €69.90. www.brennerei-ziegler.de
Luxury Distillery Ziegler launches two new lines of whisky Whisky drinkers across the world will rejoice at the launch of two further whiskies from German distillery Gebr. J. & M. Ziegler GmbH. The AUREUM 1865 line will keep up with the traditional values of excellence that the distillery has had since it was founded. TEXT: JULIEN RATH | PHOTOS: BRENNEREI ZIEGLER
The fruit distillery Ziegler was started in 1865 in Freudenberg am Main, located between Würzburg and Frankfurt. Even today the distillery is still located where it was founded. Tradition has always been at the core of the distillery.“We have to take the history into account and integrate the original philosophy into the way we work today,” says manager Alain Langlois. Today groups of up to three people can arrange for a visit to the traditional distillery. In 2003 the distillery opened a shop so that visitors could directly purchase the products they had just seen.
Distilling has long been a Scottish tradition but Langlois believes that the practice in Germany has many advantages in the quality of the product over whisky from Scotland.“We distill on a much smaller scale. In Scotland the distilleries are huge and that means that our whisky is substantially cleaner,” says Langlois. Additionally Langlois and his master distiller, Jürgen Marré believe that the mild climate of the region of Baden-Würtemberg adds to the whisky’s exquisite taste and makes it to one of the best whiskies in Germany. Langlois and Marré got proof of that at the InterWhisky convention 2012 in Frankfurt
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Main image and below: Kugeltisch (The Sphere Table ) Middle: Award winning Da hindurch (Get Through) Bottom: Musical building blocks
SINA Spielzeug High-quality wooden toys made in Germany What was one of the favourite toys of the Japanese princess Aiko when she was little? We can tell you: the Musical Building Blocks made by SINA Spielzeug (SINA toys). The small German company based in Saxony has made a huge international success with its high quality wooden toys for educational and imaginative play and won multiple awards for its beautiful products. TEXT: CORDELIA MAKARTSEV | PHOTOS: SINA SPIELZEUG
“Look, mum, a flower!” The little girl is deeply absorbed in her play. She dives under the big round Ball Table, puts her fingers through the holes in the table top thus moving around the colourful wooden balls on the table plate above her head. With a big smile on her face she comes up again and explores the new pattern she has created.“Childhood's play is not mere sport; it is full of meaning and of serious import,” said the renowned German pedagogue Friedrich Fröbel, founder of the first kindergarten in Thuringia in 1840. His guidelines and principles lie at the heart of the development and production of wooden toys at SINA Spielzeug.
touching and building with all the senses. They promote creativity and a feel for aesthetics. “Wood is a natural material, it is long lasting with a soft touch.This makes it the perfect material for toys to introduce your child to the natural environment from a very early age,”explains Barbara Seidler, Managing Director at SINA Spielzeug GmbH. The Erz Mountains region in Saxony looks back on a long tradition in wood carving and the first wooden building blocks for children were produced there before 1850. SINA’s production builds on this traditional craftsmanship.“We strongly believe in these high quality toys made in Germany,”says Barbara Seidler.
Carefully crafted simple shapes in brilliant rainbow colours encourage grasping,
But it is not just the children who love the bright colours and creative possibilities of
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SINA toys. Often the parents sit down together with their offspring to see who can build the highest tower or the most beautiful castle. This is not only fun but also strengthens the child’s communication skills, which improves social behaviour and creates confidence. SINA produces toys for various situations and purposes. Products such as the Ball Table are perfect for keeping children busy in waiting rooms or for group play at nurseries. They are even used in homes for the elderly to improve their fine motor skills. Other successful play materials are the games for therapeutic use, designed to support speech therapy and occupational therapy and which are great for children with special needs. www.sina-spielzeug.de
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Special Theme | Made in Germany
Photo: Felix Park
Sustainability with style Children’s fashion by CharLe Organic fabric, long-lasting material and beautiful designs: Innovative label CharLe successfully shows that you can indeed have it all! TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE | PHOTOS: © BENJAMIN PRITZKULEIT
Founder Mandy Geddert, herself a mother of two, remembers: “It all started 11 years ago when my daughter was born and I was looking for organic baby clothes. Unfortunately they were hard to find or were very plain, with little colour and boring patterns.” So in March 2010, after years of research she established her own label: Organic yet fabulous-looking children’s clothes, only using environmentally friendly production. Keeping everything as regional as possible not only resulted in an impressive business model that created jobs in a time of need, it also ensures a close quality control through personal relationships with the producers of the raw materials. As a member of the International Association of Natural Textiles CharLe only uses ecologically and fairly produced organic fibres certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard.
CharLe shows with great success that quality does not mean one has to compromise when it comes to the clothes’ look. There are two beautiful lines, Pure and Colourful, which are not restricted to certain trends or seasons. This concept of Slow Fashion is to produce sustainable clothes that can be combined to one’s personal taste whilst being suitable the whole year round.
Photo: Felix Park
prise that CharLe enjoys a broad, international fan base. And for those who don’t have a little one, take a look at the woollen carpet (with Lyk Carpet). Its subtle rabbit footprints make it a great piece of furnishing with a playful twist and will certainly evoke the child in you. Geddert adds: “In the future we would like to expand and employ disadvantaged people who don’t have a chance in the common job market. To do so, we need funding, but banks won’t invest, as our concept of social responsibility does not fit with profit-oriented business models. Luckily there are alternatives like Crowdfunding! It remains exciting!” www.charle-berlin.de
“I’m especially proud that our clothes are designed to grow with the kids, which allows them to be worn for up to two years! High-quality work has priority, because we want our clothes to be passed down to younger siblings and friends.”Geddert says. Extremely robust fabrics make the clothing not only long-lasting, but also ideal for daily adventures. Kids test the items before they go into production. Hence it is no sur-
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Special Theme
Island Vacations
Visit Germany’s islands Nature’s northern beauties Germany is well known for its castles, gardens and vineyards. But high up in the North lies a different kind of temptation. Both the North and Baltic Sea are home to a rich and diverse selection of islands scattered along the coasts. TEXT: TINA AWTANI
In the North Sea’s protected Wadden National Park, which is part of UNESCO World Heritage you’ll find the North Frisian and the East Frisian islands. The Baltic Sea islands are located on the East coast and differ from the North Sea islands in the sense that the water is much calmer because of the weaker tides and milder climate conditions. Both sides have plenty to offer: white dunes, endless beaches and an atmosphere of tranquillity and natural harmony. Waddle through the Wadden Sea and look out for Wadden worms around the North Sea islands, look out for seals, take a trip on a fishing cutter, listen to the screaming seagulls or just relax in a Strand-
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korb. A Strandkorb by the way is a wicker style lounger cleverly designed for the windy weather conditions in the coastal regions. Quite sturdy and turned in the right direction, a Strandkorb is the perfect shelter from the wind and great to cuddle up in with your loved ones. North Sea islands The most famous North Frisian Islands are Sylt, often dubbed the German Hamptons due to its posh reputation, Amrum, Föhr and Pellworm. Smaller islands, called Halligen, are less touristic with some of them uninhabited. The East Frisian Islands and Halligenare are located slightly more
southerly and appear neatly lined up like a string of pearls along the Lower Saxony coast.The islands of Norderney, Juist and Borkum are the most famous ones, but again plenty of little islands are no less impressive when it comes to natural beauty and character. Norderney is an alltime favourite not only amongst returning visitors as it offers the best of both worlds. On one side the town of Norderney is vibrant and lively with a rich variety of entertainment and cultural highlights, on the other side endless beaches offer an ambience of tranquillity and freedom away from it all. Best explored by bike, Norderney features one of the most beautiful promenades in Europe. Some things are different when taking an island vacation in the North Sea region. While Sylt can be reached by train across a man-made dyke, other islands are approached in a more adventurous way by ferry and occasionally a trip requires a bit of planning ahead because of the times of the tides. Baltic Sea Islands In the Baltic Sea region the elements are not as extreme as they tend to be on the
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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Island Vacations
Top images from letf to right: Baltic Rügen. © DZT e.V. Photo Norbert Krüger East Frisian Langeoog. © Kurverwaltung Langeoog. Photo: Detlef Westerkamp Baltic Usedom © DYT e.V. Photo: Astrid Schwarz Right from top to bottom: East Frisian Borkum © DZT e.V. Photo: Dirk Topel North Frisian Sylt dunes and lighthouse ©Tourismus-Agentur Schleswig-Holstein GmbH. Photo: Jens Koenig Sylter Royal oyster ©Tourismus-Agentur Schleswig-Holstein GmbH. Photo: Jens Koenig
West coast regions so some of the islands can easily reached by car across bridges. Just like the North Sea islands endless beaches seem to be just made for hours of strolling barefoot through soft sand. Fehmarn and Poel are real little gems in the Baltic Sea coastal region. Further to the East lies Rügen, Germany’s largest island, featuring magnificent chalk cliffs and, because of its size, offering a large variety of holiday activities suitable for winter and summer. Smaller but similar is the island of Ummanz with its idyllic fishing ports and a more tranquil ambience.The island of Hiddensee gained fame as an artists’ colony and still attracts countless creative heads from across the world who are looking for inspiration. Just off the Eastern edge of the German mainland lies Usedom. A mere 42 kilometres of beach front feature eight piers
and endless dunes. Interestingly, part of the island is in Polish West Pomeranian Voivodeship as Usedom is located on the German-Polish border. A little insider tip: Usedom is said to be the sunniest island in the Baltic Sea region. Strandkorb happiness No matter if you decide to visit the North Sea islands or their Baltic Sea sisters, rest assured that the locals are most welcoming, great seafood will thrill your senses and the amazing smell of a fresh sea breeze will settle in your heart. When you relax in your Strandkorb on a sunny day, watching the sparkling sea, listening to the seagulls while enjoying a sip of bubbly with a fresh fish bun you’ll wish this moment would just never end.
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Norderney Island Enjoy waves, mudflats and a salty breath from the sea Norderney is a spectacular island full of contrasts. While in the west it holds an urban atmosphere with a diverse cultural life, the eastern part of the island is nearly untouched by human hands. Sand and dunes mark the landscape and the island offers one of the most beautiful seaside promenades in Europe. TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN | PHOTOS: PRESS PHOTOS
“No other North Sea island offers such an appeal and such a variety,” says Wolfgang Lübben, one of Norderney’s marketing managers. “While you have an attractive city centre in the west, the east of the island is unspoiled countryside, an enchanting addition. That is why Norderney is my island.” And it is not only Lübben’s favourite place: About 6,000 residents live permanently on the island, while 25,000 guest beds are spread over 60 hotels, little bed and breakfasts or holiday homes.Travellers arrive by ferry, which departs from Nord-
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deich-Mole in East Frisia, a village easily accessible by car or train. The ship does not depend on the tide and cruises to the island at least 20 times a day. Even though with its 26 square kilometres the island is quite small, it offers approximately 14 kilometres of sandy beaches, a mosaic of plain coastline, salt meadows, Wadden seasides and sand dunes with a height up to 25 metres.“I love the dune landscape in the east of the island, the oystercatchers, seagulls and seals,”says Wolfgang Lübben.
Norderney is situated in the middle of the UNESCO World Heritage natural site Wadden Sea. It is one of the seven East Frisian islands in the middle of this unique biosphere reserve, habitat for critically endangered animals and plants as well as a place for humans to learn about a sensitive ecosystem. The Norderney Nationalparkhaus (national park house) for example helps to understand the nature of the Wadden Sea and gives an introduction into the species living around the island. Even though it is a protected area, tourists can
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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Island Vacations
Poet Heinrich Heine visited the island every summer between 1825 and 1827, but he was not the only poet and artist who fell in love with the place. Wilhelm von Humboldt, Theodor Fontane, Clara and Robert Schubert and Franz Kafka are only a few of the famous names related to Norderney. Germany’s oldest North Sea spa Norderney is the oldest sea bath on the German North Sea coast, founded in 1797. Traces of Norderney’s history as a sea bath can be found all over the island. Buildings from the time of the German Kaiserreich, Art Noveau or Biedermeyer period stand together in a symbiosis with those in the architectural style of the Bauhaus era. On the Norderney“Kurplatz”the old theatre decorated with gold and plush still keeps its old glamour. Built in the early 1890s it opened its doors in July 1894. It is one of Wolfgang Lübben’s favourite places on the island. “The theatre has such a unique charm. At well visited performances the air in the building is nearly crackling, it is extraordinary.”
Life-Style and Cultural highlights While one part of the island is a peaceful nature resort its main village does not lack a cultural life: up to 1,200 concerts, exhibitions or shows featuring, for example, the Warsaw Symphonic Orchestra turn a stay on the island into a cultural highlight as well. For movie lovers the cultural height of the season is the film festival
Emden-Norderney, which takes place in early summer.
Before the construction of the theatre, performances had taken place in the old Conversationshaus, build in 1837, a building that was reopened after restoration in 2008
In the city centre visitors can find culinary highlights, especially seafood restaurants offering regional specialities and fish like plaice or crabs but also ice parlours and bars for a drink after dinner as well. And it is the place to go for a shopping spree: The island is well known for its boutiques selling fashion, jewellery and often hand-made decorations.
Photo: Ralf Taprogge
walk along the beaches and during low tide on the mudflats to discover on their own or take a guided tour into a landscape that can be found nowhere else on the planet.
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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Island Vacations From top to bottom: Norderney lighthouse Conversationshaus. Photo: Ingo Jahn
Situated in the middle of the North Sea Norderney has a healthy climate for all those suffering from respiratory diseases. The high concentration of moisture and iodine helps to improve the resistance of the respiratory system and the skin, making it a good place for people suffering from allergies. Part of the Thalassotherapy centre is the old bathing house bade: haus norderney with its family Thalasso bath. It is the biggest Thalassotherapy house in Germany and offers a wide range of facilities including a steam bath, a salt water bath, an outside pool, saunas and rooms for spa treatments. Children love the big Wattwurm water slide and a pirate ship where a child can at once be the captain with his crew sailing the seven seas. A quality campaign to improve infrastructure and tourism
Conversationhaus was once the summer residence of the kings of Hanover that today houses a Thalassotherapy hotel. Europe’s Thalassotherapy island number one
and now provides a library, tourist information and a casino. Directly behind the
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According to its long history as a sea bath and spa, it does not come as a surprise, that up until today Norderney is a centre for health and wellness specialising in the so called thalassotherapy. It is the plan to make Norderney the number one island for thalassotherapy in Europe by 2020. “Thalassotherapy is health from the sea,” says Wolfgang Lübben. It uses what the North Sea offers: saltwater, silt and algae contain healthy substances that can be used for skin treatments making it healthy and smooth.
Ten years ago the island started a quality campaign, over 100 million euros went into the infrastructure. The restoration of old buildings, a new beach promenade, hotels and restaurants, an adventure playground and a high rope course were part of the programme. The campaign has shown great results as because of the improvements Norderney has won numerous awards such as the German Tourist Prize for health tourism in 2010. Also the island was nominated for the EDEN-Award (European Destinations of Excellence) and was honoured as Germany’s top event location in 2012. Word of mouth replaces advertising “Delighted guests tell about their experience and spark others.That is far more persuasive then every marketing plan,”Lübben explains. 70 percent of visitors are regular guests. And that is Norderney’s secret of success as Lübben puts it in a nutshell:“No one is more convincing than an infuriated Norderney fan.” www.norderney.de/my-island
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Island Hotel König Norderney The world’s first photo resort Experience the beauty of the Wadden sea from a camera perspective TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN | PHOTOS: HOTEL KÖNIG NORDERNEY
Since December 2012 the hotel offers guests a photo holiday, giving them the experience to photograph with professional camera equipment: bodies from prominent labels like Canon, Sony or Nikon combined with high quality lenses. “Our guests can always expect a lot from us. And to continue this tradition we continuingly develop new and innovative ideas,” says hotel owner Sascha Nüchter. While in most shops cameras like these are kept behind glass and could only be touched under the surveillance of a shop attendant, guests of the hotel König can use the cameras where and when they like, experiencing the island’s beauty through a camera lens. Sand dunes, long beaches, the waves of the sea or the romance of old fisher boats tied
to the quay: situated in the centre of the Norderney island the historic hotel König is an ideal place to start exploring the island’s beautiful nature. Since many people do not have a lot of experience of photographing the hotel offers photo courses as well, giving advanced photographers and beginners the chance to improve their skills. The arrangements often contain a certain theme, for example exploring the first spring green or summer sun and surfing up to winter impressions of snow and ice. The quality cameras ensure the capturing of the colours and contrasts, light and shadow, sunsets and sunrises and the breaking of light on the waves that are so characteristic for the island. Of course, participants can bring their own cameras as
well to learn how to take better photographs with their own equipment. After a long day of exploration guests can relax in the hotel’s own sauna paradise or with a cosmetic treatment and massage. And the restaurant Leib & Seele, body and soul, invites to a delicious dinner of modern regional cuisine. The island hotel is situated in walking distance to the shore and was built in 1868; it has 49 rooms and two suites. One of the suites is situated on three storeys in the hotel’s little tower and allows a fantastic view over the town and the island. Island hotel König opens all-season. www.inselhotel-koenig.de
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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Island Vacations
Michels Thalasso Hotel Nordseehaus Feel well and relax with the power of the sea The Thalasso hotel Nordeseehaus represents a “premium spa” awarded with the European quality seal for health and spa hotels and is situated on the beautiful German North Sea Island Norderney. TEXT: MICHELS THALASSO HOTEL | TRANSLATION: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN | PHOTOS: MICHELS THALASSO HOTEL
Our house combines relaxation, gastronomy and wellness with the benefits of the sea (Greek: thalasso) and that in a unique way. Based on an incomparable, effective mixture of stimulating and indulgent climatic factors we offer our guests a wellbased wellness and relaxation concept at a high international level. Whether on holiday or a business trip – enjoy the interaction of sea air, salt water and high comfort. In our hotel you can flee the routine of daily life and find a harmonic way towards new ideas and back to yourself. After renovation the Thalassohotel Nordseehouse reopened in June 2012. 125 hotel rooms, the gourmet restaurant Tide with its big sunny terrace, the 850 square metre Thalasso sport and wellness club Nordseeoase, two bars and the new Nordy’s kids club offer you and your family a place for recreation. The rooms’ interior contains Corbusier furniture and continental beds.
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The Thalasso- and Tidesuite are your own private refuges with a 165 square metres space each, a living- and dining-room, three bedrooms including a wellness-bathroom each, a private terrace and room service. Our qualified team offer a first-class service, living our Thalasso concept. A stay in our hotel includes the use of our sport and wellness club Nordsee-Oase, a haven to rest, relax and feel comfortable. From Aqua fitness and Aqua Tai-Chi in our sea water pool to yoga, Nordic walking on the beach, spinning and aerobics at the seaside – we fulfil our guests’every wish. Tai-Chi master Mr. Lee is the hotel’s valuable partner because our holistic concept contains traditional Asian kinesiatrics with the elements of water and sea. We work efficiently and sustainably, making your stay with us a priceless experience.
The Michels hotels and holiday homes offer luxury holiday accommodations in the Thalasso hotel Nordseehaus, the newly renovated beach hotel Germania, the hotel Hanseatic and facilities near the Norderney beaches. www.michelshotels.de Information: 0049 800 6738330
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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Island Vacations
Usedom Imperial spas and rich history
from Berlin the island can be reached by car or train and Heringsdorf even has its own regional airport. www.usedom.de
Usedom is Germany’s second largest island featuring 42 kilometres of beautiful Baltic coastline at the East German border. Part of the island belongs to Poland. The sunniest German island in the Baltic Sea with its shallow waters is perfect for a visit with children. TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTOS: ANDREAS DUMKE
The rich and famous were flocking to Usedom at the beginning of the 19th century, when the seaside spa resort celebrated its heydays. Magnificent buildings from that period still pay tribute to those great times when even Emperors Friedrich III and Wilhelm II paid regular visits. The three Imperial Spas Ahlbeck, Bansin and Heringsdorf are connected by Europe’s longest uninterrupted promenade, which stretches along 8 kilometres of seafront. One must take a close look at the Ahlbeck pier, which is the oldest original pier on Germany's Baltic coast, celebrating its 115th birthday this year. For those who prefer a relaxed holiday the three Imperial sea spa resorts
offer a wonderful variety of wellness solutions as does the rest of the island which also features a great variety of attractions. Usedom is also rich in military history as it was used for various military operations and research programmes in the past.Those interested in military memorabilia will be amazed by the display of historic items in the region of Peenemünde. Getting to Usedom is easy. Just over two hours
Ahlbeck pier
Museum Peenemünde Technological history for everyone Once a historical place of technical advancement the Peenemünde Military Test Site has since been turned into a historical technical museum. In 1942 the first ever missile launch into space took place on the site. TEXT: JULIEN RATH | PHOTOS: HTM PEENEMUNDE
During WW II slave labourers, concentration camp inmates and prisoners of war provided the Nazi government with the work that enabled the serial production of rockets that would be used to attack Belgian, English and French troops and resulted in the deaths of thousands. Today visitors will find 5,000 square metres dedicated to exploration into the technological advancements that the region went through. Advancements in airspace and rocket technology are highlighted as the museum showcases original rocket parts, documents and interviews with eyewitnesses. This June the temporary exhibition Welt.Krieg.Erbe (World.War.Heritage)
opened. It aims to show visitors the different stages that cities went through during and after the war. The exhibition aims to trigger the start of a discussion about the subject. As well as showcasing important moments from modern history the museum also serves as a cultural centre. “It’s obviously important for the museum to have an
international presence. Since the opening in 1991 we have had over five million guests from around the world coming to visit the museum,” says manager Michael Gericke. The museum organizes seminars, workshops and work camps for children and adults. On an international level the museum has taken on an important role by offering international work camps since 1999 for university students and teachers. For its important contributions to world peace and reconciliation the museum was awarded the Coventry Cross of Nails in 2002. Alongside its function as a museum it also welcomes performances of various arts such as musical concerts, theatre and literature. www.peenemuende.de
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Discover Germany | Column | Deutsche Sporthilfe
Deutsche Sporthilfe Photo: visitBerlin / Scholvien TEXT: DR. MICHAEL ILGNER, CHAIRMAN OF THE FOUNDATION DEUTSCHE SPORTHILFE
Role Model Elite Sports Germany has always been a sporting country. Not only since Germany hosted the World Cup in 2006, have Germans regard sports as a means of national identification. They cheered German athletes in a colourful and peaceful way just recently at the Olympic Games in London. Sports create common bonds among athletes and fans alike, and Germans take both pride and joy in the success of their sports stars. Top athletes are outstanding representatives of the nation, they serve as role models for children and adolescents and they help to unite the multi-cultural German society. This has been proved by various surveys. Deutsche Sporthilfe as a non-profit foundation has since 1967 supported German athletes on their way to become international sports stars. Currently 4,000 athletes in more than 50 different sports are being
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supported financially and ideally under the motto of “Achievement, Cooperation, and Fair Play.” Our goal is to help young athletes find their way to the top regardless of whether they generate either media interest or commercial success.
successful professions after their sports careers are over. Tomorrow’s Olympic champions need freedom to advance the culture of sports.
Duties in Elite Sports Sporthilfe is aware of the fact that life is not easy for athletes in Olympic and Paralympic sports. Scientific studies have discovered that the average athlete who is sponsored by Sporthilfe receives just 626 Euros per month – for a 60 hour week of training, competition, education, and work. Sporthilfe is able to support these athletes because of the substantial financial help of many partners from the German economy who insure that this assistance will be sustainable over time. That help is being provided as compensation for everything these athletes give to German society and we hope it will enable them to also prepare for
Dr Michael Ilgner, Chairman of the foundation Deutsche Sporthilfe. Photo: Frank May
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Golf Pro Michael Westall
Discover Germany | Sport | Golfclub Nationalpark
Golf with the wolves at the Golfclub am Nationalpark Bayerischer Wald (GCANP) Nestled in the beauty of the Bavarian National Park the golf club is located at the southern end of Germany with close proximity to the Czech Republic and the Austrian city of Linz. The GCANP offers an unparalleled combination of golf sport and unspoilt natural beauty. TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTOS: ROLF NACHBAR
The GCANP is a prime example of nature and human beings living happily in harmony. The sight and sound of a rare bird or a local wildlife creature is not uncommon while finishing a round of golf. The fairway names give visitors a hint.“Primroses” or “Kingcups”mark the beginning, tee number 10 refers to otters, 15 to wildcats and fairway number 18 is named after wolves. But don’t be afraid, though you may hear
the mighty beasts, they all reside in the nearby and fenced nature reservoir. The scorecard suggests a par 71 course with a length of 5433 m for the gentlemen’s yellow tees and 4467 m for the ladies’red tees. “My favourite fairway is the 11th.The tee is located on the highest point of the course and offers a breath-taking view of the Bavarian Forest treetops,” Mr Josef Liebl,
GCANP president, reveals. The club is very proud of its ties with the surrounding nature.“The principle of the Bavarian National Forest is ‘leave nature be nature’. Our golf course shows that the preservation of nature and golf do not exclude each other. It is quite the opposite as the creation of protective zones for flora and fauna create a very natural panorama,“ Liebl explains.Tailor-made membership offers are available even for those who fall in love with this beautiful spot of nature but live further away. And British pro Michael Westall will confirm that the friendly and social atmosphere makes everyone feel warmly welcome. The 19th hole awaits guests with a panoramic terrace and a great blend of Thai and Bavarian cuisine. And throughout the summer various open competitions are scheduled, with the Open Golf Week in August marking the highlight of the season. www.gcanp.de
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zine as“Best Rail Operator”. DB Bahn offers companies discounted tickets for business travel from as little as 3,000 Euros annual ticket turnover. The more a company books their business travels with DB, the more reductions they receive. In just four and half hours, travelers can reach Cologne from London St Pancras International and Frankfurt in less than six by connecting with Eurostar via Brussels or Paris. “Time can on board be used effectively as laptop power points are at each seat on our ICE trains and there is also an enhanced mobile phone reception. The restaurant on-board serves fully cooked meals all day long,”says Mr. Schmidt.
A German Train Giant Deutsche Bahn enables you to save on travel costs as well as time. Board one of their high-speed trains and benefit from not only attractive prices but also conditions that will serve both you and the environment well.
Arriving directly at the city centres, passengers do not have to worry about travel to and from the airport as well as check-in times.The future plans for this German rail operator are to develop high speed rail connections between London, Frankfurt, and other major European cities such as Amsterdam. On-going featured offers are the “London Spezial” from 59 Euros to any German station with booking in advance recommended.This summer the“Deutschland-Pass” rail card for 309 Euros gives you access to the whole of Germany over four weeks between June-August. www.bahn.com/uk
Train passengers: 1.98 billion annually Local and long-distance trains: 26,713 per day Length of line operated: 33,723 km
TEXT: EMELIE KRUGLY HILL | PHOTOS: DEUTSCHE BAHN
Number of passenger stations: 5,645 Revenues: 39.3 billion euro
Carrying approximately two billion passengers each year, the German railway company Deutsche Bahn AG (DB) is one of the world’s largest passenger and logistic companies. Founded in 1994, as the successor to the former state railways of Germany, Deutsche Bahn operates passenger and freight services in over 150 countries with more than 300,000 employees. Oliver Schmidt, director of international sales UK& Ireland says;“Deutsche Bahn’s business is not just in rail as we also cover land, ocean, and airfreight transport. At the
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heart of Deutsche Bahn is our strategy to connect all modes of transport. We have a door-to-door perspective and offer car sharing, bicycle rental and busses in addition to rail services; it all comes in a package to get you home as easy as possible.” Deutsche Bahn offers city connections from major European cities such as Paris, Brussels or Zurich to Germany as well as in Germany. Cologne, Berlin and Munich are their top three destinations from the UK. Earlier this year Deutsche Bahn won the 2013 Business Travel Awards by the renowned Buying Business Travel Maga-
Employees (full-time personnel): Over 300,000 worldwide Deutsche Bahn UK booking Centre: 08718 80 80 66
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Four star quality service in apartment style rooms with Adina Hotels
Conference of the Month Germany
The Adina Apartment Hotels offer one to three bedroom accommodation and conference solutions in a number of cities. Part of the Australian Toga Hotels chain, the Adina Hotels feature four star quality accommodation in cultural hotspots around Europe. TEXT: JULIEN RATH | PHOTOS: ADINA HOTELS
Now major cities Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Budapest and Copenhagen can become a“home away from home in a central city location,”says Regional General Manager of the group Georgios Ganitis. The rooms in each hotel range from a size of 27 square metres to 70 square metres. Each room is fully furnished with a small kitchenette or kitchen, a separate living room with a flat screen television and stereo system. The rooms are also equipped with washing machines, dryers, irons and ironing tables. To relax, travelers can enjoy the wellness centre in each hotel with a gym, sauna and whirlpool or swimming pool. Each hotel also boasts an Alto Hotel Restaurant where guests can enjoy a variety of international dishes, light snacks and Australian barbecue dishes. Its prime locations in European hubs combined with four star quality service attract a number of guests to the hotels.“Not only business travelers can feel at home with Adina but also families can find more room
in the largely spaced apartments with 2 or 3 bedrooms,”says Ganitis. Especially popular with families are the special family offers with toys for young children or video game consoles for the whole family. This summer Adina Hotels offers a selection of special summer packages such as Summer in Europe or The Way You Want for guests travelling to the seven different locations around Europe. For business guests the hotel group offers a number of conference solutions. Every month over 250 conferences are held in the group’s hotels. The hotels’ conferencing rooms combine the newest technology such as WiFi connections, projectors and TV connections with large well lit rooms. The team of Adina Hotels is at your disposal and will prepare every conference room to your needs. For after the conference the team will put together a sightseeing programme and tours for every guest. Since its launch across Europe in 2007 Adina Hotels have won a number of awards for the high quality they offer their guests. Their Australian roots bring a pursuit of excellence to the service which Adina puts at its customers’disposal. www.adina.eu www.togahotels.com
Left: Adina Conference Room Right, from top to bottom: Top: Adina Apartmen Hotel Frankfurt Middle: Adina Apartment Hotel Hamburg Michel Bottom: Adina Apartment Hotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof
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Discover Germany | Business | Carl Hansen & Søn and Bulthaup Left & below: Bulthaup B3
A Danish-German success story:
Carl Hansen & Søn and Bulthaup celebrate supreme design On 30 May, Bulthaup and Carl Hansen & Søn hosted an exciting evening in order to present the newest collection of the Danish furniture manufacturer alongside Bulthaup’s state-of-the-art b3 kitchen system in central London. TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTOS: PRESS PHOTOS
Carl Hansen & Søn CEO Knud Erik Hansen, who runs the family business in the third generation, welcomed the guests in the stunning surroundings of the Bulthaup showroom in Clerkenwell. “The cooperation between Bulthaup and Carl Hansen & Søn commenced during 2004. Following a visit by Mr. Geert Bulthaup to the Carl Hansen & Søn factory in Denmark, it was decided that a much closer liaison between the two quality household names should be developed. Since that day, a very friendly and mutually advancing relationship has flourished,” Knud Erik Hansen explains. For over a decade, Carl Hansen & Søn manufactured furniture designed by great artists such as Tadao Ando, Hans J. Wegner, Mogens Koch, Kaare Klint and Ole Wanscher. The manufacturer’s 165 passionate
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employees ensure that every piece leaving the Danish production site is a masterpiece of precision.“Carl Hansen & Søn is known as the world’s largest producer of architect Hans J. Wegner furniture that is nearly all made from wood that has grown in sustainable Danish forests,”Knud Erik Hansen says. Architect Hans J. Wegener was a founding member of the modern Danish style. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of one of his most iconic designs, the Shell Chair has just been re-launched in an exclusive limited jubilee edition. Bulthaup embodies the epitome of contemporary kitchen design and perfection. Cool, functional, sleek and elegant – a Bulthaup kitchen is a bold statement of style. Still a family business, Bulthaup is run by the founder’s grandson Marc O. Eckert, who is taking the brand to new
heights. The flexible b3 system is available in various shapes and sizes, exquisite materials, luxurious surface finishes and subtle colours. All elements can be combined in numerous ways. That is what makes every single Bulthaup kitchen a unique bespoke masterpiece tailored to the individual requirements and lifestyle of its owner. The presentation in London showed a wonderful synergy of great classic and contemporary design. “Today, both Bulthaup and Carl Hansen & Søn have created a common image by matching their supreme designs, which is generally regarded as a natural complement,”Knud Erik Hansen says. www.carlhansen.com www.bulthaup.com
50th anniversary limited edition. Hans J. Wegner’s most iconic design – the Shell Chair. Photo: Per Knudsen
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Business | Solicitor Column
Buying Property in England Owning real estate in England has always been an attractive proposition for overseas buyers, whether for their own use as a family home or for investment purposes. However, property laws and the buying process in England differ in important respects from those in other European countries and potential buyers should therefore ensure that they have a basic understanding of the system before contemplating a purchase. TEXT: GREGOR KLEINKNECHT
From a newly-built pied-a-terre in London’s West End to listed Georgian mansions surrounded by rolling countryside, there is plenty to tempt buyers and the recent turmoil in the financial markets has only added to the attraction of brick and mortar as a safe haven for investments. Once a suitable object has been identified with the help of an estate agent or the internet, the first question is what is actually being sold: is the property freehold, which means that the land on which it is built forms part of the sale, or is it leasehold, in which case the land on which the property is built will not form part of the sale and an annual ground rent and service charges will be payable to the owner of the land. Leasehold interests can vary in length but are invariably limited in duration; leases of 99 years or longer are not untypical but sometimes properties with an unexpired leasehold term of 10 years or less are sold. Once the remaining term becomes too short, this will have an impact, for example, on the availability of mortgage finance although the term of a leasehold can sometimes be extended by agreement with the freeholder. If the property is to be bought together with someone else, such as a husband, wife, civil partner, or relative, a decision then has to be made whether the buyers should own the property as beneficial joint tenants or as tenants in common. This will always depend on legal considerations in the individual circumstances.
Once an offer for a property has been made and accepted, the buyer’s solicitor will make enquiries and searches in relation to the property. All properties should be subject to a detailed survey (which can range from a house buyer’s report to a full structural survey) and be accompanied by an energy performance certificate. Newly-built properties should be covered by an NHBC Buildmark warranty. A mortgage may need to be arranged through a bank or building society. The seller’s solicitor will draw up the contract for sale. The actual completion of the purchase usually takes place about four weeks after exchange of contracts, when the balance of the purchase price also becomes payable. Upon completion, the buyer will have to pay residential Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) on a sliding scale of up to 7% on properties over £2 million. While property can also be purchased through a company (sometimes through an off-shore structure), this will now attract SDLT of up to 15% on properties over £2 million. Gregor Kleinknecht LLM MCIArb is a German Rechtsanwalt and English solicitor, and the founder and managing director of Klein Solicitors, a successful independent boutique law firm in Mayfair in the West End of London. Klein Solicitors, 42 Brook Street, London W1K 5DB, E-mail: gk@kleinsolicitors.com www.kleinsolicitors.com
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Hotel
of the Month Germany
Vier Jahreszeiten Schluchsee Wellness, fun and entertainment no matter what the weather is Family hotel Vier Jahreszeiten am Schluchsee combines wellness, authentic Ayurveda and adventure for kids and adults alike TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN | PHOTOS: PRESS PHOTOS
When the idea of Ayurveda treatment had its initial impact in Europe, the hotel Vier Jahreszeiten am Schluchsee, situated in the Black Forest, opened the first authentic Ayurveda Centre in Germany. Today the resort offers wellness, health and traditional Ayurveda in a family friendly atmosphere, combining luxury holidays with adventure activities for children. The hotel Vier Jahreszeiten am Schluchsee – the name translated into English means four seasons – is situated at lake Schluchsee at an elevation of 1,000 metres in the mid-
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dle of the Black Forest. Surrounded by hill moors, fir forest and romantic valleys it offers a great opportunity for hiking, walking or biking in a beautiful landscape and calm atmosphere. 450 high-class rooms accommodate an ideal surrounding for wellness holidays as much as space for international business events. And the hotel offers a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for families.“We have special age-appropriate programmes for children and adolescents from the age of three to 17,”says Diane Hergarden, a mem-
ber of the executive board. “That gives adults the opportunity to enjoy their own hobbies and interests – even though they are on a family-holiday.” The hotel Vier Jahreszeiten am Schluchsee has provided a day care kindergarten for decades. The region around the lake Schluchsee is, according to a federal state contest, one of the most family friendly regions in BadenWuerttemberg. And that includes a wide range of holiday activities such as tree top walking. Children can explore the world high between the treetops in a climbing
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Discover Germany | Hotel of the Month | Germany
Photo: Martin Eschmann
forest. Different courses with varying complexity make it a joy for beginners and little climbing experts as well. Other sport programmes include swimming in a pond, diving, basketball, tennis, playing soccer with real soccer professionals or learning how to walk a slack line. In the evenings the adventure continues: children can bake bread on a stick in an open fire, explore the woods in an organized night hike carrying torches or test their knowledge skills in a family quiz.“Our supervisors have worked out small and big action and adventure programmes which allow families to make every holiday a bit different and exciting,“ says Hergarden.
lasekera. Born in Colombo she has worked as a physician for ten years. She studied regeneration and prevention in cancer treatment for over four years and has an additional qualification in massage techniques for patients with joint diseases. “We have imported all the furnishings directly from Sri Lanka from where we also import high quality medical herbal oils,”says Diane Hergarden. What makes the treatment in the hotel different is its holistic approach: only after consultation with the physician does every guest receive treatment with oils and medicine according to his or her needs. “An elementary part is the diet; we have for example a bistro with authentic Ayurveda cuisine, and offer teas, yoga and meditation as well,” explains Hergarden. Of course some of the treatments are very relaxing and feel like wellness but she points out what’s even more essential: “It is a health system to detox the body and bring it back into balance.” Apart from this health treatment the hotel also offers a wide range of wellness facilities. The wellness and fitness area expands over 4,000 square metres. From beauty treatments to swimming in one of the pools, relaxing in a sauna or visiting a Turkish Hamam, the hotel offers guests plenty of activities. Next to relaxation the spa area provides workout opportunities as well: various gyms for strength and endurance training cater for all needs.
While the children go for an adventure, parents can enjoy their own tours through a beautiful landscape or take advantage of the hotel’s wellness and health programmes – a visit to the authentic Ayurveda centre is especially highly recommended. Founded in 2001 it was the first of its kind in Germany working with specialists from Sri Lanka right from the beginning. Still unique in Germany, the centre is currently headed by the Ayurveda doctor Arosha Ku-
What makes the Vier Jahreszeiten am Schluchsee different from other hotels? Diane Hergarden concludes:“We have such a wide range of activities for the whole family, entertainment for young and old, which you rarely find in one place. We are very flexible, offer various restaurants, bars, sport and fitness accommodations and interesting leisure programmes like hiking, Nordic walking or fitness courses.” And what makes it even better:“You can have fun no matter how good or bad the weather.” www.vjz.de
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Discover Germany | Hotel of the Month | Switzerland
Hotel
of the Month Switzerland
Hotel Glärnischhof Zurich Where modern style meets traditional values Whether on a business trip or on a cultural journey, this city hotel, right in the heart of Zurich offers a combination of modern style and traditional values. “We try to offer our guests a home away from home,” says Christian Schübert, general manager of Hotel Glärnischhof. “We only regard our mission as fulfilled if the hotel guest at the checkout is saying I've felt at home here. This is our commitment, from the moment of arrival at the hotel, on to all the restaurants, over breakfast and until the moment of goodbye.” TEXT: JESSICA RIDDER | PHOTOS: CYRILL MATTER
The Hotel Glärnischhof is a stylish four-star business and city hotel located perfectly in the heart of Zurich. Just 2 minute walk from the lake, the Concert Hall, the Congress Hall and the Bahnhofstrasse, it is the perfect location for those travelling for business or culture.
Christian Schubert, General Manager
“Our guests appreciate the excellent infrastructure, the perfect quiet location in the centre of the financial district of Zurich and especially the personal approach in our hotel. With us, every guest is an individual person with different needs, and not just a room number, as in some hotels. Here, our guests feel at home and as if they are being cared for, while we
maintain their privacy and discretion at all times,”Schübert explains. A peaceful sleeping experience Extensively renovated in 2011, this city hotel now boasts 62 bright, spacious rooms, quiet and with all technical facilities. Comfort and satisfaction, is what it’s all about at Hotel Glärnischhof; and what could be more important than the satisfactory sleep of the guests? Recently the hotel has therefore replaced all the mattresses in all its rooms and suites with mattresses from Swiss provider Airlux. “These unique mattresses are equipped with an air suspension system which can be individually adjusted to the need of the guest. From very soft to very hard, 24 different settings are possible, which can be set in just a few minutes by the hotel staff. These mattresses adapt perfectly to body shape and allow peaceful and restful sleep. We are the world's only hotel of this size
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Discover Germany | Hotel of the Month | Switzerland
which is equipped 100% with Airlux,” Schübert says.
ranean and Provence-style menus are deftly interpreted by Swiss culinary artists.
Haute Cuisine
Quality and comfort
When it comes to culinary delights, guests face a difficult decision between the hotel restaurant Restaurant Glärnischhof and the French seafood restaurant Le Poisson, with both offering a high level of service and excellent cuisine. The hotel restaurant has recently moved away from predominantly Italian fare and put greater emphasis on regional and local gastronomy. A delectable choice is offered to everybody, so guests will find a number of regional culinary delights marked by southerly influences.
Nominated in the category Luxury Business Hotel in the World Luxury Hotel Award 2013, Hotel Glärnischhof is a member of the Swiss Premium Hotel organization: “A sales & marketing organization working on behalf of personally managed, and often owner-run, hotels that are distinguished by their warm-hearted hospitality, their authenticity, and their high standard of quality and comfort,” says the organization’s website.
Le Poisson is one of the top seafood restaurants in Zurich and is counted an insider’s tip amongst locals, and in circles of gastronomic connoisseurs as a traditional address when it comes to amazing creations of tasty fresh and salt water fish dishes. Mediter-
So is there anything new this season?“We are focusing our attention even more on the needs of our guests. Every fifth stay we regard as a Jubilee Stay and guests will receive a special gift in the form of, for example, a Swiss Army knife, a bottle opener or a cuddly pillow, each in blue, our company
Chef Marco Breitenbach
colour, and with our golden logo, plus a personal card and fresh fruit. Showing our appreciation in these ways is extremely well received by our guests and encourages them to come and visit us again,“ Schübert says. “Our sole mission and utmost priority is to offer our guests a remarkably personal and friendly service, and to continuously raise the bar on our overall quality performance.” Included in the room rate are coffee and tea, Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel and entrance to the neighbouring Luxor Fitness Club. What makes Hotel Glärnischhof even more attractive is the fact that sustainability and environmental protection also play a big part in its endeavours. The hotel is actively involved in reducing overall CO2 emissions and holds a CO2 certification officially acknowledging these efforts. www.hotelglaernischhof.ch
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Hotel
of the Month
Burg Vital Resort Oberlech
Austria
The BurgVital Resort combines contrasts The Burg Vital Resort expresses its philosophy in its name: to activate the vitality of its guests. Three pillars build the foundation to achieve this aim: food, sports and wellness. TEXT: JESSICA POMMER | PHOTOS: BURG VITAL RESORT OBERLECH
Oberlech, also called Lech, in the Austrian Alps is an internationally renowned skiing resort which has increasingly been attracting additional summer tourists in recent years. The Burg Vital Resort satisfies the needs of both winter and summer tourists. Like the contrasting requirements for the two opposite seasons of winter and summer, the Burg Vital Resort also caters to other contradictory desires: luxury and simplicity, vitality and calmness, abundance and sustainability. “Nowadays people develop diseases because in their demanding and stressful lives they live unconsciously, they neglect the signals of their body and do not treat it well. That´s why in the BurgVital Resort we want to implement a new awareness in our
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guests, which they are supposed to integrate into their daily life,”explains co-manager Hannelore Lucian.“Together with physicians, therapists and nutritionists we have designed a unique concept.” “vitalPRÄVENT” is the concept’s name - in English “Vital Prevention”. Cooking, sport and therapy are the three areas where guests can learn more about and experience life-enhancing methods. Nevertheless, the visitors do not have to fear an ascetic life. A stay in the Burg Vital Resort proves that wellbeing and acting consciously can be combined. The Burg Vital Resort is managed by the married couple Thomas and Hannelore Lucian, who run the hotel for the second generation. Thomas`s parents, Fridolin and Helga, started the hospitality business in
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Oberlech in the 1960s by opening a small milk bar for skiers. From this they developed the Burg Hotel. In 1997 the adjacent Burg Vital Resort was opened. It has garnered a rank of five stars. The hotel comprises five chalets whose wooden architecture is typical for the region, Vorarlberg, and radiates warmth and cosiness. Inside you can find modern, yet still comfortable wooden-walled rooms, which are individually furnished. In total there are 17 luxurious suites, nine comfortable apartments, 31 double rooms and six single bedrooms available. All the houses in Oberlech are linked to each other by a subterranean tunnel system, which was initiated by Fridolin Lucian. The five star hotel has gained a reputation especially through its award-winning restaurant. The “GriggelerStuba”, which could be translated as “Griggelparlour”, satisfies both the need for purity and for abundance. The creative compositions are based on natural ingredients whose special aroma is defined by the herbs and spices used. Head chef Thorsten Probost draws on wild herbs from the Alps around Oberlech to give his cooking an unforgettable taste.
All the other ingredients are also mainly bought from local suppliers.The GriggelerStuba has received three toques (that means 18 out of 20 points) from the famous restaurant critics Gault Millau. In the basement of Burg Vital Resort the gourmet awaits a real treasure: one of the best stocked wine cellars in the world. Rare wines such as Guigal`s single estate wines from the northern Rhine region can be discovered here. Massage and beauty treatments allow the customer to take a break from everyday life.The staff is trained according to the latest trends in wellness. Also far eastern methods such as Ayurveda are applied. A private SPA suite offers intimacy for couples. Body-detox, Thalasso and Myroreflex Therapy aim at improving body functions. The third pillar of the vitality concept consists of a comprehensive sports schedule. Extravagant offers like indoor golf or archery complement more usual activities like fitness courses or the gym. In order to achieve the best training effects personal trainers and therapists set up an individual training plan. The aim of Burg Vital Resort to encourage visitors to find fortitude is supported by the
Griggeler Stuba
Discover Germany | Hotel of the Month | Austria
Oberlech landscape. At an altitude of 1,700 metres Oberlech is exposed to a lot of sun. The Burg Vital Resort´s location allows the visitor to indulge in a captivating view over the massive, quiescent mountains.The renovated garden is a great outdoor spot to enjoy both the sun and the view over the Arlbergmasif. The concept of combining simplicity with luxury encompasses the management of the hotel. Founder Fridolin Lucian installed the first biomass power plant to feed Burg Vital Resort with power. This innovative power system has now been extended to other areas in Oberlech. Thus, Fridolin Lucian has proved that an upscale lifestyle can be based on originality, simplicity and sustainability, which is a truly avant-garde approach today. www.burgvitalresort.com
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Attraction of the Month
Alpamare
Switzerland
A thrilling descent into an Alpine Sea The Alpamare is Europe`s largest covered water park. Eleven different slides ensure that every visitor will testify to increased adrenaline levels amongst an oasis of calm and beauty. TEXT: JESSICA POMMER | PHOTOS: ALPAMARE
People who travel to Switzerland for a vacation normally do so because they want to enjoy quiet holidays and indulge in the idyllic nature of the country lying between the Alps. The Alpamare, nicely situated on the shores of Lake Zurich, offers water lovers the perfect blend of excitement and relaxation. Located in the metropolitan area of the lively and elegant city of Zurich, the Alpamare water park hosts the largest covered water park in Europe. Over an area of 25,000 square metres guests can undertake a gripping journey into the water pools by riding one of the eleven slides. On the other hand visitors can shift down a gear and relax in the wellness area.“Every guest is wel-
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come in the Alpamare. But, because of the adventurous nature of the slide ride, mostly young people or young families visit our park,� declares marketing and sales manager Catrin Hardung. Each slide is framed according to a theme. For example, the King Cone slide, which was introduced in 2012, has the shape of multiple cones through which the swimmers are manoeuvred. It has a length of 153 metres and a vertical height of 16.7 metres. All slides wind in narrow and sharp bends which slope steeply so that the ride down will not leave you at all calm. The hairpin bends may especially catch your breath.The eleven slides of the water park amount to a length of 1800 metres. The Cobra slide has
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Discover Germany | Attraction of the Month | Switzerland
your quiet moments. A fitness area with exercise machines and courses may be of interest to those who want to take care of their health on their own. If you want to dry you can lie down on one of the numerous deckchairs, which can be used for free.They are placed on a lawn from which you can enjoy an impressive view over the surrounding landscape with Lake Zurich and the Alps in full sight. A day at the Alpamare can be rounded out by a joint meal. Guests are invited to cling to the holiday atmosphere and to do their own barbecue in their bathing outfits. The barbecue food can be bought from a selfservice restaurant. There is also a menu in the Restaurant “Rio”, which boasts a new winter garden. The Alpamare enjoys an international reputation given that it is the largest covered water park in Europe. English-speaking staff are present for all visitors from abroad. This year a new payment system has been launched which may also benefit foreigners who are not familiar with the Swiss franc currency. Visitors now can pay for services with the Alpamare debit card. The advantageous location on Lake Zurich makes it possible for visitors to plan a longer sojourn at the Alpamare as there are nearby hotels at which you can book joint discounts. The hotels range from family hotels to upper class resorts.
only just been reopened, in the spring of 2013.“The Cobra has been completely rebuilt. The routing has been optimized, light effects have been included and it has been coated in bilious green, so that our visitors experience a more turbulent descent down the snake`s throat,”Catrin Hardung says. The swimming pools are partly outdoors. The water is heated so that swimming there gives you the feeling of bathing in a tropical sea. In the outdoor pool, the Rio Mare basin, you find yourself in a flowing stream which alternates its speed. In the Wave Pool inside one metre high waves are produced. Once you have had enough adrenaline rushes or just want to relax you can hang
The Alpamare was opened in 1977 and has been twice entered in the Guinness Book of Records for the sake of its size. It is located in the town Pfaeffikon, which can be reached from Zurich within half an hour by car or 20 minutes by train. It is open every day of the year, so no matter what the weather is, you can enjoy water in all its forms in the Alpamare. out in the sauna, steam bath or in one of the thermal baths. A bath in the hot springs also has health promoting and therapeutic effects. For example, the Iodine Sole bath is said to prevent rheumatic disorders and to mitigate aches. Massage and beauty treatments ensure that you make the best of
Note: If you come to Alpamare and present this article at the ticket office, you and one additional person will each receive a 50% discount on the entry fee. www.alpamare.ch
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Left: Neue Residenz. © Salzburg Museum Below: Glypto. © Ulrike Lienbacher
previous five decades, his prevailing media of choice are collages and photography, which he merges into dynamic cityscapes. But Salzburg Museum is not only unique in its approach to presentation, it also caters for all sorts of different groups. Children can discover Salzburg's history by following a specially marked trail, including hands-on arts and crafts as well as special hidden rooms only accessible for children. For visitors of the special exhibitions, signage and audio guides are available in English, and English language guided tours for Austria groups can be pre-booked through the helpful visitors' service of Salzburg Museum.
Attractions
of the Month
State of the art Salzburg Museum
www.salzburgmuseum.at
Where history is presented in a new light From the outside, Salzburg Museum, set in the historical building Neue Residenz, seems to be a museum in the traditional sense. But on the inside, visitors are surprised by a multi-award-winning museum that not only informs but excites and inspires.
Special exhibitions: −
Teutloff meets Ars Sacra, until 26 January 2014
−
Archeology?! Searching for Traces in the Present Age, from 19 October 2013
−
Gottfried Salzmann: Atmospheres, until 6 October 2013
TEXT: JULIKA HÜTHER
When Salzburg Museum opened in 2007, architects had restored the listed building in a way that was true to its over 400 years of history, but also embraced the future as a modern exhibition space using state-ofthe-art technology. Today, the museum houses a permanent exhibition about the city of Salzburg, changing exhibitions about the city's influential personalities as well as special exhibitions. The museum is headed by director Prof. Mag. Dr. Martin Hochleitner and aims to present historical subjects in a contemporary context. This was proven by means of the most recent special exhibition de sculptura – Perspectives on the Dresden Sculpture Collection. The upcoming exhibition Archeology?! Searching for Traces in the Present Age, scheduled for October, will adhere to the same concept. Another great example of putting a new
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twist on the presentation of historical artefacts is the current special exhibition Teutloff meets Ars Sacra. It pairs contemporary video works from the internationally renowned Teutloff Collection, including artists such as Tracey Emin, Gary Hill and Bjørn Melhus, with medieval artefacts such as paintings and sculptures. The video works question pictorial conventions by focusing on the image of the human body, an iconography that is historically rooted in the medieval depiction of Christ, theVirgin Mary and the Saints. In the current changing exhibition, Atmospheres, artist Gottfried Salzmann showcases around 100 of his most recent works centring around mega cities such as NewYork. Moving on from small-scale watercolours that dominated most of his works in the
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Discover Germany | Attractions of the Month | Austria
The interactive Toy Museum Salzburg
An exciting world of toys for young and old explorers Dull toy museums are a thing of the past. The Toy [Spielzeug] Museum Salzburg puts an end to dusty display cabinets, where neglected dolls just stared at visitors. Discover the Toy Museum which turned this outdated concept upside down – literally! TEXT: JULIKA HÜTHER | PHOTOS: © SPIELZEUG MUSEUM
The Toy Museum reinvented itself with its re-opening in October 2011, turning the museum into a place where children can discover historical toys in a new way and experience new toys by playing and interacting with them.The three themes“play“, “experience“ and “amaze“ are not just labels. Children can smell real spices playing shop, compete against each other while racing slot cars, travel from one floor to another on the slide, read a book or look at historical displays at eye level. “This concept is unique and doesn't exist in any other toy museum in Europe. Experiencing and having a go at things take centre stage at the Toy Museum Salzburg,”says Tanja Petritsch, head of Marketing and PR. It is a concept that has proved successful
with 40 per cent more visitors compared to the time prior to re-opening. Another reason for the success is that the museum appeals to all age groups: Children from six months onwards can enjoy the play area. Toddlers and school children can play or make their first discoveries among the historical toys. And the young-at-heart can turn back the hands of time looking at doll's houses. The favourite vintage toy of Karin Rachbauer-Lehenauer, Manager of the Spielzeug Museum, is Hölder, a teddy by the renowned company Steiff and at 113 years of age the oldest toy in the exhibition. Hölder and his fluffy gang are presented as artefacts and in digital format. Background information on the plush toys can be ac-
cessed via a touch screen. Another favourite of Rachbauer-Lehenauer's is the giant Memory game that can be played on the floor as part of the current exhibition Your Turn … Parlour Games Through the Ages. In contrast to the dusty toy museums of yesterday, the Toy Museum in Salzburg is a place of light, laughter and lots of fun. It sets an example for other museums and provides children with positive memories. After all, only children whose connotation of the institution“museum”is positive will become museum visitors when they grow up. www.spielzeugmuseum.at
Current special exhibitions: −
Hurray, Here Comes the Train! Toys and Models from Three Generations, until 17/11/2013
−
It´s Your Turn… Parlour Games in the Course of Time, until 15/06/2014
SPIELZEUG MUSEUM Bürgerspitalgasse 2 5020 Salzburg Austria Opening times: Tue-Sun: 9 am – 5 pm
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Attraction of the Month Germany
Historical gardens Kleve
Where nature comes alive
The historical gardens in Kleve (Cleves) are unlike any other parkland in Germany. With its ingenious use of technology and an array of great events, the city is putting its beautifully landscaped gardens firmly on the map for young and old. TEXT: JULIKA HÜTHER | PHOTOS: © KLEVE MARKETING
In 1647, John Maurice of Nassau, a man with a vision and governor of the duchy of Kleve, ordered his landscape gardener Jacob van Campen to create a park that would inspire and amaze. Today, the historic gardens in Kleve, situated adjacent to the Dutch border and the River Rhine, have achieved just that: they attract thousands of visitors every year who enjoy a stroll around its paths for free. While only parts of the original gardens could be preserved, the unusual topography and variety of attractions is still as impressive as ever. The Sternberg, a hill and focal point for 12 alleys, provides a great view over the otherwise flat Lower Rhine region, as does the canal that ends just in front of the Amphitheatre. The gardens include a seedling nursery opened in 1782 that still houses some of the exotic trees originally planted back then.
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In 1821, some of the baroque symmetrical landscapes were updated to resemble English landscaped parks. South of the city, John Maurice's original creation including a star-shaped network of walkways and artificial hills can be used for hiking from the Schwanenburg castle towards John Maurice's tomb. In the same direction lies the Klever Reichswald, the largest continuous forest in the Lower Rhine region. While other cities would rest on their laurels, Kleve is pulling out all the stops to attract young people and families. Apart from normal guided tours, it offers audio guides and QR codes, enabling visitors to use their smart phones and tablets to access background stories. Of course these are also available in English. Kleve also offers guided tours through private gardens, giving your visit a personal
Left: Gartenanlagen Gossens Right from top to bottom: Evers, Koncert in Forstgarten, Galleien
touch. Seasonal highlights include a range of free events, such as summer concerts in the nursery with internationally renowned pianists, the Festival of Lights, the VHS Summer Night and the Christmas Market. Martina Gellert of Kleve Marketing sums it up:“the events infuse the gardens with life, which makes them less static, as other palace grounds tend to be.”The historical gardens of Kleve have clearly arrived in the 21st century! www.kleve-tourismus.de The gardens in Kleve are a member of the Verein Straße der Gartenkunst and the EGHN: www.strasse-der-gartenkunst.de/47.html
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Discover Germany | Culture | Highlights
Bach ‘Unwrapped’ at Kings Place in 2013
A string of concerts pays homage to the great composer Not only home to the Guardian newspaper offices, Kings Place near London’s Kings Cross is an exciting hub for those passionate about arts and culture. The sleek and modern building is host to the ‘Unwrapped’ concert series that originated in 2009. TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTOS: ©KINGS PLACE LONDON
Season after season great musicians such as Ludwig van Beethoven, Frédéric François Chopin, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Johannes Brahms have been celebrated. 2013 is all about Johann Sebastian Bach and a string of 80 events will pay tribute to the great composer.“It gives me the greatest pleasure to introduce Bach Unwrapped at Kings Place, our largest annual series to date. We are joined by a glittering array of performers, including the Academy of Ancient Music, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Aurora, and the Academy of St Martin in the Fields. Celebrated instrumentalists such as Rachel
Podger, Pekka Kuusisto, Christoph Richter and Richard Egarr will perform solo, while
www.kingsplace.co.uk/Bach
The BFI pays homage to Werner Herzog A man who always remained true to his ideas Celebrating the great artist and his lifetime achievement in the film industry, Werner Herzog’s greatest works will be shown at the BFI Southbank until the end of July. TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTOS: WERNER HERZOG
An icon of the New German Cinema and holder of the Federal Cross of Merit in 2012, Herzog is considered one of the most remarkable cinema artists of modern times. Herzog gained fame as a movie director, producer and screenwriter. Even stepping in front of the camera as an actor is one of his various talents. Away from the big screen Herzog also successfully conducts opera. To date he has produced over sixty feature and documentary films including Aguirre, The Wrath of God (1972), Nosferatu (1978) and Fitzcaraldo (1982) starring controversial actor Klaus Kinski. More recent works include Grizzly Man (2005), Encounters at the End of the World (2007) and the 3D documentary Cave of Forgotten Dreams (2011).
a host of brilliant singers from Carolyn Sampson, Rosemary Joshua and Sanford Sylvan to Robin Blaze and John Mark Ainsley feature in cantatas and Passions. We can boast every aspect of Bach performance from The Swingle Singers to King’s College Choir, from La Nuova Musica to Onyx Brass, from Gwilym Simcock to The Sixteen. Our Study programme also includes fascinating days focusing on major works such as the St John Passion and the Orchestral Suites, chances to come and sing, and children’s concerts,” announces Kings Place CEO Peter Millican.
Despite being 70 years old, he has no ambitions to slow down. Werner Herzog has recently been appearing on the big screen in the American thriller Jack Reacher
Werner Herzog © Werner Herzog Film
playing alongside Tom Cruise, Rosamund Pike, Richard Jenkins and Robert Duvall. He also made an appearance in the Simpsons cartoon series. Head down to the BFI Southbank this month, where Werner Herzog, who according to the BFI “has remained admirably and unswervingly true to his own ideas, interests and obsessions” will be celebrated. www.bfi.org.uk/werner-herzog
Werner Herzog © 2012 Gerald v. Foris
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Discover Germany | Culture | Barbara Geier
German football simply wunderbar Mm, just wondering and in the light of recent events: should I mention the football? Or is it too sensitive an issue considering that in the year of the 150th anniversary of the FA there was no English team in the Champion’s League final but – oh my god – two German ones! In Wembley! TEXT: BARBARA GEIER
Well, I guess it’s safe to talk about it since London welcomed the Germans in late May with astonishingly open arms. The times are really chaa-anging: “Willkommen in England, liebe Deutsche” – “Welcome to England, dear Germans”, such was the headline of a Times leader. (Wow!). And here’s another one, also in the Times: “The Germans are coming and we’re happy to see them.” (Finally!) What a nice thing to read for all the Germans that are already here … There was praise all over the media for German football in general, and the Bundesliga seems to be the holy grail now when it comes to football in Europe. Ok, there were also some UK tabloid jokers who couldn’t resist a “fans already have their towels on the seats” quip as soon as the all-German final was confirmed. But in general, it was very much acknowledgement all round that the Bundesliga with its low ticket prices, safe standing areas and stylish infrastructure has eclipsed the English Premier League and Spain’s La Liga. After the rousing Champions League final, The Telegraph even wrote:“Fussball came home and, frankly, it can come back any time; an open invitation, the most welcome of guests. This was the first all-German Champions League Final and it was simply wunderbar.’
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It’s quite hip now to travel to Dortmund for the famous Südtribüne terrace known as gelbe Wand (yellow wall) because of the team jersey’s colour, to Bayern Munich’s sleek Allianz Arena or iconic St Pauli in Hamburg. Interesting to see how sport, in this case football, can change stereotypes and perceptions. German teams play innovative and entertaining football, the German team under the leadership of the always immaculately dressed Joachim Löw is made up of young players from the German, Polish, Turkish, Tunisian and African communities reflecting how diverse Germany has become and – oops, all of a sudden, Germany is über-cool. Really, as if we hadn’t known all along. It’s just that towel jokes die hard. Anyway, let’s give the last word to another German sporting hero, much loved in the UK, often derided in Germany – Boris Becker, Londoner by choice (and ardent Bayern Munich fan) who mentions the World Cup 2006 in Germany in a recent interview as the sporting event that started the wave of changing perceptions:“We did a great job with the visiting fans and whoever was there seven years ago has seen a different side of Germany and realised that the new Germans are much 'cooler.' I wouldn't say that the English are falling in love with Germany, but I think they have
respect for what Germany has achieved in the sporting world.” Ok, we can live with that for the moment. And may sport continue to bring positive change to the world.
Barbara Geier is a London-based freelance writer, translator and communications consultant. She is also the face behind ww.germanyiswunderbar.com, a German travel and tourism guide and blog that was set up together with UK travel writer Andrew Eames in 2010.
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Just a couple of hours from home. And yet a world away.
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