Issue 4 | June 2013
PLUS
HEIDI KLUM Germany’s prettiest export
FINE WINES FABULOUS FESTIVALS BEST OF AUSTRIA
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Discover Germany | Contents
Contents JUNE 2013
14
22
Neustadt Wine Route view of Neustadt-Haardt
COVER FEATURE 6
Hallstatt Salt Mine
35
Heidi Klum The German supermodel turned businesswoman talks about kids, career and a healthy lifestyle. She also explains why you are not just supposed to look pretty to be successful.
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SPECIAL THEMES 12
Wine
Summer in the Austrian Alps
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27
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Dedicated to Design This month’s editor’s pics include sleek sun loungers and cute kid’s tableware. Wine lovers will fall for the Vinidor and our little kitchen helpers are extremely sleek too. All items are created by German, Swiss or Austrian designers.
Fashion Finds Our editor’s pics are all about cool summer style. From the hot tuxedo to the uber-cool Lagerfeld sunglasses, cosy scarfs and colourful Gretchen bags - we present the latest trends.
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Hotel of the Month Discover the Residenz Heinz Winkler, a wonderful hotel with a special treat as Mr Winkler is one of the world’s most celebrated chefs.
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Attraction of the Month Visit the world famous Meissen manufacture, where dreams are made of fine china.
REGULARS & COLUMNS
Organic Lifestyle Organic food is no longer a niche market. We celebrate the healthy lifestyle and present great products and services from a Bio-hotel in Bavaria to fine organic baby food. Read about chocolate with a soul, gluten free bakery products and a nettle that has turned from weed to wellness hero.
Summer in Leipzig Leipzig City Special: The city of the peaceful revolution in is one of the finest examples of rich heritage mixed with contemporary lifestyle and well worth a visit.
Find out what makes Austria such an attractive destination. Insider tips on Austria, all about Kufstein and a great place to stay in Arlberg. Find your happy place in the Austrian Alps.
40
Festivals Get into the groove. Read all about the hottest gigs, great locations and the finest DJs live on stage this summer in our special theme section, which is entirely dedicated to festivals. Gear up and get ready to enjoy great music. From hip hop to folk there’s a festival for every taste this summer.
In our Wine section you will discover that Germany is more than just“Riesling”. German wine is on the rise. We present award-winning vineyards, distinguished wines and the Mosel wine region.
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Parks and Gardens Enjoy the sunshine, taking a deep breath and inhaling the scent of the blossoming flowers. In our parks and gardens theme we feature fine flower arrangements, award-winning landscape architecture and botanical Alpine beauty.
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Culture Witty Barbara Geier writes about Blue Nun.
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Business Meet the British Swiss Chamber of Commerce.
Issue 4 | June 2013 | 3
Dear Reader, Discover Germany Issue 4, June 2013 Published 14.06.2013 ISSN 2051-7718
Welcome to the June issue of Discover Germany, a magazine dedicated to promoting Germany, Switzerlandand Austria and appealing to all thosewho have a relationship with or a connection to these countries.
Sales & Key Account Managers Lena Meyer Gudrun Klein Teresa Verwanger Nina Deking
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 Astrid Barwasser-Brestrich
Our June issue is packed with exciting themes. Find out why German wines are on the rise and discover some of the finest vineyards in our special wine theme. Furthermore, we present you with our special parks and gardens theme featuring a wonderful selection of horticultural highlights reaching from the Hamburg port to the Swiss Alps. For the music savvy readers a great selection of festivals reveals the best events starring international superstars like David Guetta or Paul van Dyk. German supermodel turned successful businesswoman Heidi Klum reveals what it takes to make it in the fashion world and how to juggle kids and career. Just like her, we support the healthy life style and you will find lots of useful information in our organic section featuring everything from organic babyfood to healthy treasures made of nettles as well as an entirely green hotel. Herwig Kolzer, regional Manager UK, Denmark and Sweden of the Austrian National Tourist Office London shares his valuable insider information about holiday highlights in his home country as with this issue we officially present Austria to our readers.
Barbara Geier Jessica Holzhausen Anne Krebiehl Cordelia Makartsev
Our hotel of the month is indeed a very special one as it is owned and run by one of this planet’s finest chefs. Heinz Winkler talks about the best cheese cake in the world and his colleague Paul Bocuse.
JulienRath DorinaReichhold
The finest china in the world is made in Meissen and we proudly present the Meissen manufactory as our attraction of the month. Our city special is dedicated to vibrant Leipzig, the birth place of composer Wilhelm Richard Wagner 200 years ago.
Jessica Ridder MarilenaStracke
Enjoy the magazine.
© 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
Reach ach Germany any in less s than 4 hours ours from m London n from justt 59 Euros* Euros s* - using DB Bahn’s offer! Bahn’s London-Spezial ondon-Spezial ezial of ffer! from London
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Discover Germany | Cover Feature | Heidi Klum
Heidi Klum at the gala screening of The Paperboy in competition at the 65th Festival de Cannes. May 24, 2012 Cannes, France. Photos: Paul Smith/Featureflash
Heidi Klum “Nowadays you are not just supposed to look pretty, but you have to talk, and you have to kind of fit into so many different things. I enjoy it”. TEXT: INTERVIEW BY BARBARA BINSTEIN / THE INTERVIEW PEOPLE
Meet Heidi Klum, Germany’s prettiest export and a smart one too. The blonde girl from Bergisch Gladbach was the first German model to star as aVictoria’s Secret Angel. Her appearance on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue in 1998 caused quite a stir in the fashion world. Since then Heidi has come a long way and is today successfully operating her own fashion empire. Besides other projects, the top model turned über-businesswomen is currently heading “Germany’s Next Topmodel” TV show for the seventh season. Across the pond her “Project Runway”TV
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Do you have any tips for busy moms? “I mean, try to work it into your daily routine. That's what I do. It's hard.You have to get dinner on the table. You have to get your kids to school, do their lunchboxes, everything. It's hard, so you have to try to make it work somehow for yourself. It's also eating right.” Who are you wearing or a better question is who put you in it? “Maryam Malakpour.” That's your stylist? “Yeah. I've been with her for many years, which makes it much easier, because if you have to explain what you like and don't like…and now with 'America's Got Talent,' I do three shows a year. I do Germany's 'Next Top Model.' I do 'Project Runway' and now this, and she has to find a lot of things for me all the time.”
show is a real hit in the United States. The mother of four explains how to juggle kids and career, who is in charge of her outfits and why looking pretty just isn’t enough. So many women see you as a role model. With all that you do, how do you stay in shape? “The fitness is suffering a little bit because I think that myself always comes last. I don't do spas and any of that stuff. I haven't shopped in a long time. I am with my family. My weekends are always off. Usually when I work I'm done by five o'clock so that I can be home and be there for dinner and spend time and all of that. If I don't work in the mornings, I drive my kids to school and be with them as much as I can. I try not to cram in so much, and when I come home I leave my bag by the door with all of its gadgets. I try not to be on any of the devices in the house anymore. I think that's important, because sometimes the emails and all the iPhones and Blackberry's,
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they overtake your life. I try to get a little bit back to basics and push that away a little bit. Otherwise, it's too much.” Do you work out? “Not so much. I try sometimes, yeah. Like my kids, for example, on Sundays they do gymnastics, and while they do gymnastics I kind of do an hour while they're in there, but it's hard. So I try to incorporate gymnastics and working out a little bit into my everyday routine. Like just over the weekend, we were at home in the pool, playing in the pool, doing a few laps with the kids. We have a big trampoline outside. We have two German Shepherds. So I take them on walks. So it's trying to incorporate that into my daily life.” You do a lot. So you must be really good at scheduling. “Yeah, I plan ahead.”
How are you qualified – to do a show like this ['America's Got Talent’]? “Well, for me, I've been in the entertainment industry now for 20 years. I've travelled the world. I feel like I've seen things not only in America, but all over the world. And I'm very interested in theatre and music. Being married to a musician for eight years, I've seen a lot of things. I don't know. I've judged in fashion or in music, I guess it's part of my personality, too. I want to tell everyone how they are looking and what they should be doing or whatever. I think it's part of my personality, too. And in Germany, I do Germany's "Next Top Model" where I try to find a beautiful, young girl who has that all-around talent because nowadays you are not just supposed to look pretty, but you have to talk, and you have to kind of fit into so many different things. I enjoy it.” Are you green at all? “I try to not do it on an Earth Day. I try to do it all the time. Not being wasteful. I always try to do that, not just on one day.”
Discover Germany | Design | Dedicated to Design
Dedicated to Design... The German, Austrian and Swiss 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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Christina Miliopoulou and Gundula Oltmanns have teamed up to create this smart and child-friendly tableware set for little heroes. The set also comes in handy for a picnic. £25 www.ornamin.com Enjoy the summer in your garden with the Viteo Slim sunlounger which has been designed by Wolfgang Pichler and is crafted from highly durable thermo-formed Corian on a stainless steel substructure. £1,500 www.viteo.at The Liebherr Vinidor Wine Cooler Cabinet stores up to 200 bottles and keeps your favourite wines at just the right temperature throughout the hot summer months. Beautiful aesthetics, high performance and a low noise level make this wine cooler stand out from the crowd. £3,349 www.liebherr.com Swiss manufacturer Bodum created this colourful Bistro jug blender as a perfect kitchen companion. Create smoothies, milkshakes or a fresh summer berry mix easily with this sleek machine. £119 www.bodum.com
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Prepare your summer salad in style with the Swiss made Bistro Line Spice Mills and Vinegar-Oil Dispenser. Designed by Philipp Beyeler this beautiful set certainly makes you the hostess with the mostess. £19.95 www.kuhnrikon.ch
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Fashion Finds Summer is on its way and it brings great new trends. The tux is back. There is hardly a catwalk that hasn’t been featuring the new season’s must have with the silk lapels. Also trending are bold and bright accessories which instantly add a bit of fun to any wardrobe. BY TINA AWTANI
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Tuxedos are the hot new trend. Try a black, masculine version with boyfriend jeans and high heels for a sexy and casual look. Or opt for a feminine silhouette in summer friendly off white shades like this sand coloured one created by German designer Michael Michalsky. £589 www.michalsky.com
Bold colours are trending this summer and none other than design genius Karl Lagerfeld has created these stylish sunglasses for men and women. Absolutely uber-cool these shades are an accessory not to be missed. From £89. Available at www.selectspecs.com
These fashionable hand-printed scarves are not only pretty to look at. The scarves come in handy when a cool summer breeze kicks in during the evening while out and about as they are created in oversize measuring 210 by 107 centimetres. Amorph founder and designer Iris Jorde is renowned for her high quality viscose, silk and cashmere creations featuring jellyfish, chameleons, octopuses, lobsters etc. From £68. www.amorph-berlin.com
We love the sculptural aesthetics of the Tango bag designed by Anne-Christine Hofmann. Gretchen’s leather accessories are all crafted with a distinctly modern design language, just like the Tango bag that comes in all the colours of the rainbow. £256. www.mygretchen.com
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BAYERN TOURISMUS Marketing GmbH
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Wine
Special Theme
Wine Discover the Diversity TEXT: MONIKA REULE, MANAGING DIRECTOR GERMAN WINE INSTITUTE
Germany is more than “Riesling”! The tremendous diversity of German wines is unique among the wines of the world. It is a reflection of our individualistic wine-growers and their methods of viticulture and winemaking as well as the distinctive features of our winegrowing regions, each with a slightly different climatic and geological makeup. Exploring wine country – even on weekend excursions – is one way to tap these resources. Tips, Addresses, Maps With www.germanwines.de and our young wine maker's platform www.generationriesling.de we hope to pique your curiosity. Find our survey of the 13 wine-growing regions and their wines, tips for sightseeing and maps to get you started on a journey of discovery. Those who want more detailed information can turn to us. We can provide you with maps for motorists, hikers and cyclists, as well as calendars of events to help you plan a regional tour. Cultural and Viticultural Highlights Monika Reule, Managing Director German Wine Institute. Photo: Angelika Stehle
Germany’s viticultural tradition dates from Roman times. As such, it’s not surprising that the winegrowing regions are rich in cultural
and art historical treasures. Follow in the footsteps of bishops and princes as you tour venerable monasteries and splendid castles, or take a leisurely stroll through charming medieval towns. Gentle Warmth and Great Natural Beauty Grapes grow in climatically favorable zones with lots of sunshine and mild temperatures. Where else in Germany do fig trees, kiwis and other Mediterranean fruits thrive in the open air? And all of this in landscapes of great natural beauty ranging from steep slopes along narrow river valleys, to gentle rolling hills carpeted with vines, and vast expanses of vineyards stretching into the plains, punctuated here and there by old, traditional estates. The Culinary Delights of a Wine Tour Every wine tour has its culinary aspects. Wine and food are natural partners and it is precisely this interplay of a region’s typical wines with local cuisine that makes for a memorable experience...whether in a gourmet restaurant, a cheerful country inn or a wine-grower’s pub offering simple, but tasty, fare. Let’s go!
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A New Age for German Wines? In conquering markets and winning hearts, the playing field for Germany’s flagship wine Riesling has never been level – is that about to change? TEXT: ANNE KREBIEHL
The most abiding advantage French and Italian wines have always had – and still have – is that they have travelled piggyback on their cuisines throughout the 20th century. Would the iconic Chianti-bottle have become so ubiquitous had it not been for countless pizzerias and trattorias across the western world? Would French wines have reached the same apotheosis had it not been for the stranglehold of ‘la haute cuisine’ over what was perceived as fine dining until ‘molecular gastronomy’ swept collective table tops clean? Wines become successful if you sell not only the beverage
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but also the drinking occasion. The revival of dry Sherry, for example, is only due to tapas bars which demonstrated to a whole new generation of drinkers at first hand how fabulously well Fino pairs with smoked almonds and paper-thin slivers of jamon. This is the kind of leg-up that German wines have never had. Should you actually come across a German-styled restaurant it will most likely be a travesty: a beer-hall dedicated to sausages, sauerkraut and more or less buxom waitresses in fake Dirndl
dresses that will make entire Alpine civilisations shudder. Nor are you likely to find good German wines there: such establishments capitalise on the quality of German beer while peddling a downmarket version of the food. Short of some bright spark opening and financing a German-styled chain of Riesling-lounges on über-cool, international roof terraces, this is unlikely to change. Or is it? Germans themselves have neglected some their greatest vineyards. They – apart form a few exceptions - did not speak with con-
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Wine
Main image: Neustadt Wine Route view of Neustadt-Haardt. © GNTB Neustadt a.d. Weinstraße, Tourist, Kongress- und Saalbau GmbH From top down: Neuleiningen Wine route. © GNTB Gundhard Mardt Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler grape harvest. © GNTB Dirk Topel Kommunikation GmbH Esslingen am Neckar Castle tower, bread, wine and grapes. © GNTB Photodesign Thomas Rathay Stuttgart Wine Festival. © GNTB Stuttgart Marketing GmbH
the same excitement as a congress of philatelists. This is how they were marketed, too, with intricate, tongue-twisting gothic labels. Just a few years ago, Riesling, Silvaner, Spätburgunder and Co. were considered terminally uncool. So what has changed? It’s hard to date, but something has shifted permanently. Perhaps it was climate change, perhaps improved viticulture. Perhaps it was the scores of Geisenheim graduates fanning across the globe to work vintages abroad, returning home and realising for the first time their own utterly unique vineyards. Perhaps it was the thrill of tasting a Riesling with that unmistakeable electric acidity. Perhaps it was the realisation that Germany simply cannot compete on price and must therefore compete on quality. The reasons are numerous but for the first time in years German winemakers are presenting their wines to the world with a newfound pride. On a regular basis now, German wines are wheeled out to be presented with numerous Asian cuisines where their subtle nuances complement textures and flavours without dominating them. But is Asian food the long-lost culinary leg-up that was missing for so long?
viction when they went abroad, so why should the world at large appreciate what is disdained at home? Even in Germany good restaurants did not champion German wines while the very finest exponents – the Auslesen, Beerenauslesen and TBAs, all nobly sweet - were so niche they garnered
Not just Asian but modern, metropolitan cooking is the ticket. Coincidentally, consumer tastes shifted away from heavy-hitting, oak-saturated wines towards fresher, lighter styles while wine-lovers have become more sophisticated: no longer do they equate Germany just with sweet wines – even though a little sweetness – that slight touch of residual sugar that acts as flavour enhancer rather than as sweetener, can be a boon for modern cooking. Star sommelier Dustin Wilson, wine director at Manhattan’s Eleven Madison Park Restaurant,
says“just in the last five to ten years or so that having a wine with a little sweetness is not necessarily a bad thing anymore.” He loves pairing such marginally sweet German Rieslings with inventive combinations – lighter versions of traditional foods like a salad of roasted pork leg, tossed with leaves, port jus and mustard and topped with roasted cherries. He is echoed by Billy Wagner of the ultrahip and Michelin-starred Weinbar Rutz in Berlin: “Ten years ago when I started you could not sell Riesling – today that has changed completely,” Wagner explains. “Even restaurants who for years only sold Bordeaux, Burgundy,Tuscany and Piedmont are today selling great German wines.” Where food is concerned, Wagner knows that “Riesling combines sensationally well with food. No matter where you look, kitchens are defining themselves by producing a succession of light but very flavoursome courses, and Riesling is very exciting in that situation. Despite its lightness it delivers lots of flavour and complexity.”Good news then: you can now head to any ontrend wine bar and proudly ask for a good German wine. If the sommelier is worth his salt he’ll have a Riesling, Silvaner, Grau- or Weissburgunder chilling for you. “Schnapsdrossel extraordinaire” Anne Krebiehl is Discover Germany’s new wine expert. As an accredited member of the Circle of Wine Writers as well as the Association of Wine Educators she holds a Wine & Spirit Education Trust Diploma and has been writing for Harpers Wine & Spirit, The World of Fine Wine, The Financial Times, Decanter, Weinwelt and the London Evening Standard in the past. www.AnneInVino.com
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Discover Germany | Specal Theme | Wine
Schloss Johannisberg
The oldest Riesling estate in the world Fine nuances, flavours of herbs and citrus fruits, rich aromas or sweet yellow fruit notes – all this can be found in a Riesling white wine produced at Schloss Johannisberg Winery. Schloss Johannisberg is a monument of wine, culture and landscape: the winery offers wine tastings, cellar tours and an all-season restaurant. TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN | PHOTOS: SCHLOSS JOHANNISBERG WINERY
Schloss Johannisberg lies in the middle of the Rheingau, one of Germany’s most famous wine regions just 45 Minutes outside Frankfurt. The Schloss Johannisberg vineyard has a perfect soil for Germany’s famous Riesling grape, a mixture of quartzite and loam-loess. Combined with a mild climate this allows the grapes to gain their rich aroma and makes it to one of the world’s best white wines. Grapes have been cultivated in the vineyards surrounding the castle for the last 1,200 years. In 1720 about 294,000 Riesling vines were planted in the vineyards of the old Benedictine abbey, the same which in 1775 discovered and recognized the benefits of the so called Spätlese (late-harvest), a sweet and rich but elegant wine from overripe grapes. At the beginning of the 20th century Riesling wines were among
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the quartet of the most famous and rather expensive wines in Europe.
and the terrace over the Rheingau landscape.
The Riesling grape is multifaceted, delivering new nuances with every vintage. The wines produced at Johannisberg have a wide range from dry to sweet. To discover this wide spectrum of flavours and differences of Schloss Johannisberg Riesling is one of the most exciting adventures the Rheingau has to offer all those who cherish and love a good white wine.
One of the highlights of a visit to Schloss Johannisberg might be a tour deep down into the old wine cellars, long and dim vaults where wine has ripened in big wooden barrels since the 18th century. Tours and wine tastings can be booked in advance (Contact: Stefan Eiser, telephone: + 49 6722 7009 29, e-mail: Stefan.Eiser@schloss-johannisberg.de).
The wine shop at Schloss Johannisberg offers a wide range of wines and qualified personnel help to choose the right wine for every occasion. But Schloss Johannisberg does not only create and sell wine. It also houses a restaurant, which opens all-season. During the summer visitors have a beautiful view from the garden
www.schloss-johannisberg.de
Discover Germany | Specal Theme | Wine
Vulkanfelsgarten Winklerberg
Best of nature & world famous wines The volcanic Winklerberg is one of Germany’s finest vineyard sites, stretching from the south-western Kaiserstuhl (Emperor’s Chair) mountain region along the Rhine valley. Local vineyards are world famous for the production of high quality wines. TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTOS: PRESS PHOTOS
Due to the warm, almost Mediterranean climate even lizards, mantis and cacti are a common sight in this extremely fertile wine growing region. Many award winning wines are grown on the volcanic soil in this beautiful mountain area. Discover Germany presents three outstanding vineyards and their award winning produce. Awarded the “Wine Producer of the Year 2013” by the the Gault Millau editorial team, Joachim Heger and his vineyard are internationally renowned for the production of top quality wines. Established in 1935, the estate is deeply rooted in the Ihringer Winklerberg with its steep, hot and rocky surface made of decomposed volcanic stone. The conditions are absolutely perfect for the production of a“Grand Cru”. Try the expressive Terroir wine such as the full bodied white grape 2011“Ihringer Winklerberg Grauburgunder Spätlese” dry, which is famous for its fine fruit, elegance and tangible minerality. Also located on the Vulkanfelsgarten Winklerberg is the Hubert Lay vineyard estate, running into the fourth generation and still a family business. The vineyard is a supporter of the slow food movement and all wine is grown on a strictly ecologic and vegan basis. House specialties are the Grauburgunder, Gewürztraminer and the cream of the crop Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir). International top wines by Hubert Lay include the 2008 late Burgundy“Spätburgunder Rotwein Spätlese trocken SL”, famous for its harmony, complexity, spicy notes and berry aroma.The Hubert Lay estate has won countless industry awards for its wines including winner and runner-up of all German organic wines 2011. The Winzergenossenschaft (wine-cooperative) Ihringen with its 700 members is one
of the largest and oldest wineries in the Kaiserstuhl region in southern Baden. The cooperative produces various wines such as Spätburgunder, Müller-Thurgau, Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris), Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Gewürztraminer, Muskateller (Muscat) and Scheurebe. A prime example is the Uringa 962 Exzellenz, a red wine ripened on volcanic grounds, which is dominated by blackberry, pepper and fine wood notes. Again this local produce is internationally renowned and has been awarded the silver medal at the Mondial des Pinots 2012. The Vulkanfelsgarten Winklerberg vineyards are a dream destination for wine lovers.
Hubert Lay Spätburgunder
www.ihringen.de www.heger-weine.de www.weingut-hubert-lay.de www.winzergenossenschaft-ihringen.de
Dr. Heger Ihringer Winklerberg Grauburgunder Spätlese trocken
Uringa 962 Spätburgunder
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of German Quality and Prädikat Wine Estates (VDP) and is one of only four East German members up until today. The reason behind the success is the family's ambition to constantly review and improve ways of production. "We are continuing a family tradition, but we are looking forwards, not backwards," explains Alexandra Prinzessin zur Lippe, who manages the winery's public relations; "innovation is at least as important as tradition for us." The estate takes pride in being a green winery which cultivates environmentally friendly produce, regularly reviews soil quality and has drastically reduced the use of pesticides ever since the vineyard was repurchased. Intense use of pesticides was the norm in the German Democratic Republic.
Saxony's oldest winery bears witness to German history The winery Proschwitz Castle unites tradition and innovation in a success story of producing distinguished wines TEXT: DORINA REICHHOLD | PHOTOS: WEINGUT SCHLOSS PROSCHWITZ
It started out with the wish to continue a family tradition. After German re-unification, Dr Georg Prinz zur Lippe started buying his family`s old wine-growing estate back little by little and in 1997 also the family residence Proschwitz Castle, long after the family had been expropriated without compensation in 1945. He began rebuilding both the castle and the 800-year-old winery, thus re-establishing the biggest and oldest private winery in Saxony. Situated
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northwest of Dresden, the vineyard overlooks Meissen, home of the world-famous porcelain. The southern disposition of the vineyard, the microclimate of the Elbe valley and the excellent soil composition ensure the production of high quality wines which are regularly praised by internationally renowned experts and food guides, such as Gault Millau. In 1996, the winery Proschwitz Castle was the first Saxon member to be admitted to the Association
Next to the high quality of its products, the winery castle Proschwitz sets its focus on culture and enjoyment of the estate. Each year, about 500 different events take place and each one is a unique experience. Winetasting, candlelight tours through the wine cellars, concerts, dinners and the Proschwitzer Parklust, an open air event in the castle grounds, are some of the cultural highlights the estate has to offer. As a horse enthusiast, the Concours d`ElĂŠgance, a carriage ride with picnic in the forest, is one of Prinzessin Alexandra zur Lippe's favourite events and also one reviving old traditions. The family works hard to ensure every guest enjoys their time at the estate: "It is our trademark and philosophy to look after every guest, to make everyone feel welcome and appreciated." Which is a cordial invitation to come and experience Saxon wine and hospitality, as well as a part of German history at the winery castle Proschwitz. www.schloss-proschwitz.de
Sunshine, nature and tranquillity:
idyllic vineyard Amalienhof Hidden between lush forest lies the 30 hectare vineyard Amalienhof, which produces high quality natural wines ranging from the classical varieties to innovative Nouveau-wines. TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE | PHOTOS: PRESS PHOTOS
In the 1970s Gerhard Strecker and his family took over the Beilsteiner Steinberg, a hill also known as Amalienhof, which was in a wild state back then. According to tradition, the name Amalienhof (Amalie’s court) goes back to old times when it was home to Amalie, the lover of Baron von Helfenberg. This inspired Strecker to change the name of his vine-growing estate to Amalienhof and turn it into a success story. Strecker renewed the vineyard meticulously, always keeping it close to nature. Red Keuper, known for its thermal storage properties together with marl soil, creates the perfect ground for growing vines. Because the south-facing hill is 400 metres high and has very little fog, it allows the grapes to ripen longer.
When processing the wine traditional craftsmanship merges with an experimental attitude and great care is taken to emphasise the natural taste of each wine. The range of products goes far beyond the local wines of Württemberg. Samtrot, Sauvignon blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon are only a few of the grape varieties that grow on the Steinberg. Dry wines and classically astringent wines have found an ideal home there just like the high-quality sweet wines. The speciality is undoubtedly the Wildmuskat (wild nutmeg). After decades of refining this deep-red wine it received the official variety protection in 2003. Because of its natural, wild history of development and its distinctive strong taste, it found its final name Wildmuskat.
The next step for the dry Wildmuskat is to be included in the variety list, a long and bureaucratic process that has not stopped it from winning International awards already. After all, taste speaks for itself. And where better to enjoy a glass or two than at the vineyard itself? On weekends visitors can relax in the onsite wine parlour and indulge in local culinary delights and wine tastings. Yet again tradition is combined with innovation and a great passion for wine and hospitality. The Amalienhof’s success is based on decades of continuously producing high quality wines. The ever-changing trends in the wine market are not the priority, it’s solely the wishes and taste of the customers, a concept that has worked out brilliantly for generations. www.weingut-amalienhof.de www.weinstube-amalienhof.de
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The Mosel Region Combining fine wines, beautiful landscapes and modern architecture The Mosel region has been known for its fine wines for centuries. But today the wine-growing estates aspire to more than just wine making: many have set up high-class restaurants with traditional or modern cuisine. And they display how agriculture and architecture coalesce in the construction of new estate buildings and the reshaping of old ones. TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN | PHOTOS: PRESS PHOTOS
Glass and steel, natural stones and old wooden beams – modern wine architecture can no longer be placed under one label. And the Mosel region shows its variety and innovative strength. Every year the federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate offers two awards for the best wine architecture recently built in the Mosel-Region: one for the reshaping and modernization of an old estate building and the second for a new guest lodge in an estate’s vineyard. Matteo Thun, the famous star architect from Milan, for example, designed the guest lodge. And these are only two examples of the modern, energetic Mosel wine culture, which helps to keep a 2000-year-old tradition alive.
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The Mosel is a river flowing from theVosges Mountains in France through the Lorraine region, Luxembourg and western Germany to Koblenz where it enters the Rhine. Whoever follows the traces the wine culture has left in the Mosel region sets his steps on a long journey through history from antiquity until today. Not only the Romans, who provably grew grapes around the river Mosel after they arrived there more than 2000 years ago, but before them the Celts also cultivated vines in the region that is today the fifth biggest wine-growing area in Germany. 2500 winery owners farm about 9000 hectares of vineyards, with approximately half of their vines growing on steep
slopes. Europe’s steepest vineyard can be found at the Calmont, which has a 68 degrees slope. But since the hillsides open up to the south or southwest they offer the ideal climate for making delicious wines. The Riesling is the region’s most famous wine, a late harvested grape with a wide range of aromas and a crisp taste. The dry Riesling wines taste of light fruits such as apple, pear or peach and go well with fish, salad or poultry.The semi-dry version could accompany a spicy dish with intensive flavoured sauces and the sweet Auslese is a good companion to cheese, desserts and sweets. Next to the Riesling the region cul-
Discover Germany | Specal Theme | Wine
Main image: Mosel loop at Bremmer Calmont. Photo: Christopher Arnoldi From top down: WeinKulturgut Longen-Schloeder, Award winning Winzerhaus guest house Lubentiushof Piesport. Photo: Elmar Kohl Mönchhof Bottom right: Mönchhof Vinothek
tivates Pinot noir and Pinot blanc wines and the old variety Elbling. Most of the winegrowing estates offer sparkling wines as well, produced in the traditional method of bottle fermentation as is done in the Champagne region. Vineyard visitors can enjoy the estates wines in a wine tasting; many estates offer a tour through their vineyards and cellars explaining how the grape is harvested, pressed and ripens until in the end it becomes a wine matured for tasting. About half of the Mosel wines are sold directly at the estate, in wine stores or to gastronomic restaurants. Since the time of the emperor Charles the Great wine growers have been allowed to serve a share of their wines themselves. This is a tradition that still exists today in the so called Straußwirtschaften: 16 weeks a year the vintners are allowed to serve their own wines on their estate grounds, often in old vaulted cellars or in a wine garden, offering a range of snacks and local dishes.
Where you find good wines you can also find good food – that is true for the Mosel region at least.Visitors can choose between a wide range of restaurants – some of them located directly on a wine estate – offering fine gourmet cuisine or traditional Mosel regional food such as the Winzervesper (vintner vesper) containing bread, a variety of cheese and different German sausages. Next to traditional regional cooking Mosel wines are a good accompaniment for international dishes, the off dry Riesling for example is a fine choice for Asian cuisine. That is why many modern restaurants in the Mosel region combine traditional wine tasting with modern international cuisine. Several of the high class restaurants are featured in the famous Michelin guidebook. The wine growers make the Mosel region a modern one – they combine a long tradition of wine cultivation in a beautiful landscape with modern production methods, new approaches in architecture and fine cuisine. The Mosel region today is wine culture in a high quality atmosphere. www.weinland-mosel.de www.mosellandtouristik.de
Issue 4 | June 2013 | 21
Special Theme
Summer in the Austrian
Alps
What makes Austria such an attractive destination? TEXT: Q&A WITH HERWIG KOLZER, REGIONAL MANAGER UK, SWEDEN & DENMARK, AUSTRIAN NATIONAL TOURIST OFFICE LONDON (ANTO)
Austria is world famous for its exceptional natural beauty, warm hospitality and the legendary “Gemütlichkeit”. Nestled in the heart of Europe, Austria is rich in culture and bursting with heritage. Warm temperatures in the summer are perfect for hiking the terrific mountains, enjoying the glistening lakes or strolling through the magnificent cities, while in the winter plenty of snow allows for sensational winter fun. But what exactly makes Austria such an exciting destination? Herwig Kolzer, Regional Manager UK, Sweden & Denmark of the Austrian National Tourist Office London (ANTO) shares some of his valuable insider knowledge.
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What makes Austria a very special destination? For many centuries Austria was exposed to vibrant influences from eastern and southeastern Europe, from Italy and from southern Germany. These influences can still be found in Austria’s art and culture as well as the lifestyle and the much-quoted “gemütlichkeit”. Austria, like no other country, bonds historic tradition and pulsating modernity and has been unveiled as the cultural heartbeat of central Europe. The traditional image of Austria is enhanced through the communication of new, unconventional experiences. What’s more: Austria represents best value for money with a high standard of service and the
warmest of welcomes. Longstanding traditions of hospitality make Austrians highly professional, personally engaged hosts. They make possible a truly personal path to new enjoyments in life and the personal unfolding of their guests. Therefore, we promise that holidays in Austria will inspire you, revitalise body and soul and you will come alive again. What are some of the most interesting historical places and attractions to visit? Probably everyone knows Vienna with its imperial palaces or Salzburg with its baroque architecture, but one should not forget cities like Innsbruck, where you will find the Emperors' heritage – the Golden Roof and the Imperial Palace – but at the same time also modern sport site architecture, like the Bergisel Ski jump, designed by Zaha Hadid. And it may be fair to say that something a little out of this world is going on in Austria’s second largest city, Graz. Taking its place between the historic houses of Graz’s old town, the Kunsthaus Graz (Graz Art Museum) has firmly enamoured
itself amongst locals as the city’s resident ‘friendly alien’ due to its bluish, bulbous shape with tube-like appendages jutting out the top. What special events, exhibitions or happenings are taking place in Austria in 2013? The reopening of the Kunstkammer in Vienna after 10 years is definitely a must see for all culture lovers. One of the highlights is Benvenuto Cellini’s Saliera. Despite remaining rife with tradition, Austria is also unreserved when it comes to showcasing a very burgeoning contemporary cultural scene. For example, the stage at the annual Bregenz Festival may very well be the epitome of cool – imagine opera under a starry sky, open-air seating in view of an absolutely mesmerising stage that is actually floating on Lake Constance, and famous arias from Mozart’s‘The Magic Flute’wafting musically all around. Even James Bond himself couldn’t resist an impromptu appearance on stage in 2008’s Quantum of Solace. And in Linz, Europe’s most modern opera house, the new Musiktheater am Volksgarten, designed by the British archi-
tect Terry Pawson has been opened in April this year. Let’s not forget the culinary side of Austria. On 17 August 2013, the historic centre of Graz will turn into a giant open air restaurant. Just imagine sitting down at a festively decorated table and enjoying a delicious dinner with matching wines and musical entertainment, with another 700 guests for company in the heart of the old town, just in front of the City Hall. Do you have an insider tip to share with our British readers? It is difficult to choose just one or two of my favourites. Last year I spent my holiday in Austria’s westernmost province,Vorarlberg. Here, a unique style of modern architecture co-exists with alpine style. Most of these new designs are still ones of timber build, but minimalistic in nature with clean lines and the clever use of large glass surfaces. There is a strong emphasis on sustainability throughout the building process – from planning, to ecological land use, to the favouring of natural building materials, to an adherence to stringent energy-efficient regulations.
Left: Bregenz Lake Constance. © Österreich Werbung Mallaun Middle: Hallstatt Salt Mine. © Österreich Werbung Pigneter Right: Salzburg. © Österreich Werbung Weinhaeupl W
This year we have planned to go on a hiking trip and discover some stages of the Alpe Adria Trail in Carinthia. We probably will not make the whole trail – which is 750km and leads from the permanent ice of the glacier of Austria’s highest mountain, the Großglockner, 3,798m high, to the azure blue Adriatic in Triest, Italy.
Herwig Kolzer, Regional Manager Uk, Sweden & Denmark, Austrian National Tourist Office London (Anto)
Issue 4 | June 2013 | 23
KHM Wien © Österreich Werbung Peter Burgstaller
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Summer in the Austrian Alps
Austrian Summer Highs – Where is your happy place? TEXT: AUSTRIAN NATIONAL TOURIST OFFICE
A day of fresh air in the mountains, an afternoon lost in modern art and architecture, an hour or two relaxing in the style of emperors, a moment of wonder at opera in the most surprising of settings. And, with plenty of time for unexpected discoveries and experiences, this is one summer holiday hotspot that you’d return to in a second. As a year-round holiday destination, Austria moves effortlessly from seasonal strength to seasonal strength, and when its spectacular winter ski landscape melts aside, Austria really gets a chance to bare it all and show its true summer colours. So, if your summer pleasure is being outdoors and active – give it a go where there’s always a stunning backdrop. If it’s the unexpected that piques your interest – marvel at constructs built to impress. If it’s a city Top: Badehaus at Bodensee, Bregenz. © Österreich Werbung Peter Burgstaller Middle: Dürnstein, Wachau. © Österreich Werbung Peter Burgstaller Below: Gosausee with Dachsteingletscher Oberösterreich. © Österreich Werbung Weinhaeupl Bottom: Nationalpark Ranger, Jungfernsprung Heiligenblut, Hohe Tauern. © HT-NPR Klaus Dapra
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break that’s all there’s time for – stroll along pedestrian shopping streets, lovely riverbank paths, well-preserved old town alleys, and urban green spaces. And, if it’s a cultural experience you’re after – immerse yourself in a magnificent blending of classical and contemporary. However, for the environmentally-conscious traveller this can be a problem. We’re told that in order to save the planet we have to be more careful. We have to watch what we use, look out for what we throw away, minimise carbon emissions and so on. With such restrictions, how can there be room for indulgence, relaxation and luxury? In Austria, a progressive eco-tourism infrastructure allows you to enjoy a perfectly relaxing, indulgent holiday while protecting the planet – effortlessly. Happy holidays here in Austria! www.austria.info
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Summer in the Austrian Alps
Hotel Arlberg
Top: Spa Hotel Arlberg, Lech. © Marco Grundt Middle: Hotel Arlberg, Lech. © Ydo Sol Bottom: Hotel Arlberg, Lech. Press photos
A first-class family affair Built in 1956, and situated right in the heart of the world famous ski resort Lech, the family-run Hotel Arlberg has always played an important role in the village that was awarded the title of Europe’s most beautiful village by Entente Floral in 2004. TEXT: JESSICA RIDDER
Kathrin Schofer, daughter of the owner and head of marketing says: “We look at the hotel together with our guests and our employees as a large family. We are not a hotel, but a large household. Each of our guests feels right at home with us, this is reflected by our high ratio of over 80% of regulars a year.“ A luxury holiday accommodation, the hotel offers first-class standards in a truly beautiful setting. However, what is so special about it is this feeling of home away from home. Schofer describes: ”It creates a comfort factor. Our guests can expect first-class service, culinary highlights of a 2-toque cuisine, exquisite interior design, and a spacious spa area, but especially the warmth of us as host family and of our employees. For many of our guests, we are part of their own holiday tradition.” Any request made by guests always takes the highest priority and it’s this symbiosis of Austrian hospitality and outstanding service at Hotel Arlberg that often initiates the beginning of a long-standing holiday tradition. In winter, the hotel’s privileged and unique location, right in front of the ski resort, al-
lows guests to actually start skiing at the hotel. In the summer season, non-skiing guests will be able to enjoy a generous garden or the stunning view on the beauty of the surrounding nature from one of many mountain-hiking trails. These beautiful surroundings can be experienced in many different ways, whether it’s during a morning swim in the outdoor pool or an aperitif on the sun terrace, everything is destined to make guests feel relaxed and that they have nothing to wish for. A main attraction, during the summer months is the automotive Mountain summer. Hannes Schneider, owner of Hotel Arlberg explains:“Through my passion and fascination for Oldtimers and through Lech’s seasonal kick-off event Arlberg Classic Car Rally, during the summer we specialize in this theme. Our offer ranges from organized rallies and rides for corporate events, to individual short trips, for all who want to experience the unique landscape from a new perspective.“ www.arlberghotel.at
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Summer in the Austrian Alps
Kufstein Tyrolean traditions, stunning nature and a tempting event calendar
The Kufstein holiday destination consists of the town of Kufstein plus eight surrounding Tyrolean villages such as first cure village Bad Häring as well as the villages of Ebbs, Erl, Langkampfen, Niederndorf, Niederndorferberg, Schwoich and Thierseetal. Every single one is unique in character and particularly pretty in scenery,e.g. Ebbs is home to the gorgeous Haflinger horses and Erl has hosted the Passion Plays since the 17th century. The Kaisertal (Emperor’s valley) protected nature zone is regarded as one of Austria’s most attractive hiking areas and climbing the Pendling mountain rewards keen sportsmen with spectacular views. The magnificent Kufstein fortress dates back to the 13th century. Home to the world’s largest open-air organ it also serves as a great event location. Below the fortress
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The idyllic Austrian holiday region of Kufstein is located between Salzburg and Innsbruck in the Kaiser mountain nature park area. No matter if you are looking to hike and bike, relax and recharge, take a family vacation or enjoy cultural highlights – Kufstein caters for all needs, featuring rich heritage, welcoming people and entertainment for all age groups. TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTOS: FERIENLAND KUFSTEIN
lies the Römerhofgasse, Kufstein’s historic city center. Away from town, typical Austrian mountain huts serve dishes like“Bretteljause”, a hearty mix of local produce consisting of meat and cheese products served with pickles and veggies on a wooden board. Culinary treasures also include Kasspatzln, Gröstl, Tiroler Knödl or the famous Kaiserschmarrn. If you are lucky, your culinary experience will be accompanied by some Tyrolean music and a performance of the local Schuhplattlers wearing leather trousers and the traditional Gamsbart hats. The variety of local entertainment reaches from traditional processions to top-notch musical events in the ultra-modern play house in Erl or Western Austria’s largest
rock and pop festival. Highlights include the Beethoven Days in June, Academia Vocalis, the Tyrolean Festival Erl, the famous Passion Plays in Erl and Thiersee, Kufstein’s Summer Operetta and Austria’s largest flower parade, the traditional flower parade in Ebbs. “What makes it unique is the variety, everything blends in harmoniously, because all these events are not only lived but also loved by the locals. Here visitors and locals mix, here everyone sits light-heartedly together,” Dr Karin Scholz, Tourist Board Holiday Region Kufstein Executive Director, says. www.kufstein.com
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Organic
Left: Source www.oekolandbau.de © BLE, Bonn, Photo: D. Menzler Below: Source www.oekolandbau.de © BLE, Bonn, Photos: T. Stephan
Special Theme
Organic
Organic food – striding forward in leaps and bounds More organic food is sold in Germany than in any other European country. Turnover has more than doubled since 2002 and the upward trend continues unabated. In 2012 alone, the turnover of organic products in Germany grew six per cent to around seven billion euros per year. More than 65,000 organic products are stocked on German shelves. The organic sector is now a permanent fixture within the German agri-food industry. TEXT: ILSE AIGNER, FEDERAL MINISTER OF FOOD, AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER PROTECTION
Organic customers are loyal customers. Even in times of financial and economic crisis, they still reach for relatively expensive organic products. They do this because of the benefits to animals and the environment. And because they appreciate high quality and fine taste. Organic products stir the appetite! Traditionally, organic food is rooted within the region and this remains a key aspect for many customers. Regional products don’t require long-distance transport, they offer greater freshness and they strengthen the local economy. In future, a clear system of regional labelling is to provide consumers
with additional support in making shopping decisions. The underlying idea is that consumers should be able to tell which region a product comes from by quickly glancing at the packaging. To qualify for the label, the product's main ingredient must be entirely from the specified region. I am confident that this system will soon be helping consumers to select regional products. Organic food has long outgrown its niche market status in Germany. The sector is striding forward in leaps and bounds. But in the long term, the growing demand can only be met if organic farming is commit-
ted to innovation and progress. This is something we actively support – in the coming year, my Ministry will for the 14th time be honouring particularly sustainable and creative organic farms with the Promotional Award for Organic Farming. Furthermore, 17 million euros are available this year in our Federal Organic Farming Scheme and for other forms of sustainable agriculture. More than half the funding is channelled into supporting research and development projects. This is a sound investment in outstanding quality and taste. Discover the rich and varied temptations of a strong organic sector in Germany for yourself!
Ilse Aigner, Federal Minister of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection. © BMELVM Leis
Issue 4 | June 2013 | 27
Hotel Schlossgut Oberambach
Between Heaven and Earth Not only a hotel but also a truly cleansing experience for body and soul, the gorgeous Bio-hotel in Bavaria shows, with grand success, that luxury and nature can work hand in hand. TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE | PHOTOS: PRESS PHOTOS
Well-hidden from the rest of the world lies this gem of a hotel right by the scenic lake Starnberger See. The beautiful Schlossgut Oberambach is full of history: it got its first mention as early as 1476 when it belonged to a monastery, and in 1870 it was turned into a manor house. Today, it invites guests from all over the world to enjoy a holiday that goes beyond the usual hotel experience. Schlossgut Oberambach is a green hotel and since 2002
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part of the Bio-hotel group.This means that from serving exclusively organic food to the biological heating systems and use of only natural cosmetics, everything in and around the hotel is entirely in line with nature. It took eight years of renovation until the hotel met the high biological standards set by its fond owner Andreas Schwabe. “I’m not a hotelier, I took a new career path,” says Schwabe, who was new to the hotel business but already had a back-
ground in naturology and homeopathy.The anthroposophy-oriented Schwabe family is one of the earlier producers of homeopathic medicines. Following the family’s tradition, Schwabe became a healthcare practitioner before he discovered his passion for anything organic in the 1980s and pioneered in this field during the next ten years. After opening one of the first health food stores in Munich, followed by another three
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Organic
suites) with solid wood furniture, six rooms in the neighbouring guest house and 24 in the new building, which was originally the barn. The rooms have wooden floors and Schwabe has perfected the system to reduce electro-smog. Instead of a chlorinated pool there is a lovely natural pond, and guests are encouraged to take a relaxing swim during the summer. Aside from the sauna and steam bath, guests can completely detox in the rest areas. They can go on walking-tours, guided herb tours and there are Trekking and E-bikes available, too. Why not ask for a picnic basket full of delicious treats? Guests can also look forward to organic regional, vegetarian and Mediterranean cuisine and visit the hotel’s new vitality centre, where trained therapists offer naturopathic services, like Ayurveda, Shiatsu, Hot Stone, gemstone massages, Yoga and regional treatments. The staff also specialises in treating patients with burn-out or Tinnitus. “I wanted to offer something therapeutic again,” explains Schwabe, whose wife Sabine is a trained Aura-Soma-Therapist and offers treatments at the centre. branches, Schwabe wanted to return to his roots and the countryside. He came across the idyllic manor house surrounded by untouched nature, right by the lake, but also only 25 minutes away from Munich. The building itself has undeniable charms and seems to tell stories about past times, when artists, writers and philosophers strolled through the five picturesque alleys or studied the giant trees in the park. Even members of the famous artist group The Blue Rider are said to have met here. Schwabe was won over in a heartbeat and remembers:“When I visited for the first time, I instantly felt that this place is truly special.” The green hotel opened its doors in 1999 and remains close to Schwabe’s heart. The success of the concept, which combines 100% eco-friendliness with subtle luxury
and promotes gentle tourism in the region makes the owners deservedly proud. Receiving the certificate from eco hotels certified (ehc) was another step to reaching Schwabe’s goal. The ehc-label makes environmentally friendly, sustainable trading and a future-oriented economy compatible and proves the outstanding CO2 balance the hotel draws. “Our bio-hotel is holistic,“ Schwabe explains. He was the first in the region to install systems using rainwater for toilets and watering the garden. Wood Chip boilers and a block heating station deliver the hotel’s heat and energy and make it self-sufficient. Today the hotel boasts of 40 rooms: ten in the former manor house (including two
Last but not least there is the Starnberger See with its enchanting alpine background and charismatic art nouveau villas and farmhouses.Take a towel and take the walk down the tree alley that Andreas Schwabe took so many years ago when he discovered the manor house. A charming lakeside property belongs to the hotel and is exclusively reserved for its guests. And of course famous Munich is a hop, skip and a jump away, ready to be explored. Whatever you desire, Schlossgut Oberambach is the ideal place to relax and indulge in a little luxury. And the best part? You know you are supporting a good cause because the bio-hotel contributes its share to preserving our planet’s resources, without compromise. www.schlossgut.de
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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Organic
Organic chocolate with a soul VIVANI organic chocolate combines distinguished taste with sustainability and ethical consumerism. TEXT: DORINA REICHHOLD | PHOTOS: PRESS PHOTOS
This milk chocolate helps to make the world a little bit better. Every February,VIVANI introduces new creations to the world of chocolate. This year, one of them is the KIDS for KIDS milk chocolate, which donates 0.10 EUR from each bar sold to German charity Kindernothilfe, to help fight child labour in Haiti.VIVANI is aware of the involvement of child labour in the chocolate trade and only uses products which were sourced ethically. The social conscience is what makes VIVANI chocolate stand out – next to its extraodinary taste and exotic creations such as Organic Dark Chocolate with Green Tea and pieces of Mango. "Our ingredients are 100% organic, we do not use soy lecithin and our chocolate is conched extra long," is how Monika Noack from VIVANI´s marketing department explains the brand's secret.The chocolate mass is kept in motion in a special container, the conche, for up to 18 hours to make it become as fine as possible. No soy lecithin means the chocolate does not contain any traces of genetically mod-
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ified soybeans. In addition, VIVANI does not use any pesticides and maintains soil fertility. The results of this production concept are praised by experts. The recipe of VIVANI's Dark Chocolate has been awarded the maximum score by the gourmet magazine Savoir Vivre (Issue 1/2002). Furthermore, the book Der Schokoladentester, which tested 217 chocolate producers in 38 countries states that VIVANI White Chocolate with Vanilla is a "must have for lovers of white chocolate". Not only loved by food critics but chocolate lovers worldwide, VIVANI is sold around the globe in 50 countries. It is produced at the family business of Ludwig Weinrich which can look back on more than a century of experience in producing the finest chocolate creations and now offers a great variety of products. "Just one?" laughs Noack when asked about one of her favouriteVIVANI creations. "I have at least three: Edelbitter Cranberry, Dark Nougat and White Chocolate withVanilla."
VIVANI goes beyond the importance of taste and strives to give its creations a soul – by fusing taste with art. "Since the content is something special, the exterior should be special as well," explains Noack. The chocolate packaging is designed by artist Annette Wessel, who creates an endearing image for each type of chocolate, further underlining the uniqueness of VIVANI amongst organic chocolates. www.vivani-chocolate.de
© Markus Bertschi Fotografie
Huttwiler
– relish gluten-free! Huttwiler glutenfree, the newest brand of JOWA, the biggest bakery in Switzerland, offers an exciting variety of innovative gluten-free goods to the German market in oven-safe bags, for simple daily use. TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE | PHOTOS: PRESS PHOTOS
JOWA has decades of experience under their belt and a true passion for developing and refining recipes until they are perfect: a striking combination for producing tasty and gluten-free goods.
has a different consistency, we cannot use ordinary machinery to process it,” says Christoph Keller, Site Manager in Huttwil. “To produce gluten-free goods that taste and look like ordinary bread is a true art.”
A modern manufacturing centre in the Swiss canton of Bern, Huttwil is home to Huttwiler glutenfree, where gluten-free products are produced under very strict safety and hygiene guidelines to avoid any contamination. Huttwiler’s employees are trained in following those strict safety regulations that are essential when it comes to producing allergy-sensitive foods. All products are labelled with the seal of the Association of European Coeliac Societies (AOECS) and because gluten intolerance often goes hand in hand with other allergies, all Huttwiler products are also free of lactose, nuts and wheat, and without added preservatives.
Besides the high quality of the products, Huttwiler glutenfree wins over anyone who suffers from gluten intolerance or simply prefers a gluten-free diet with its rich flavours and extensive variety. There are, for example: the hearty sunbread, savoury lye baguettes, all kinds of rolls and pasta, and, of course, delicious cakes to satisfy the sweet tooth. Huttwiler glutenfree mainly uses corn flour or starch, and rice flour. It proves that nature generally provides us with great alternatives and bears opportunities to discover new aromas: amaranth, chestnut flour, carob gum or arrowroot allow for entirely new recipes.
The factory carries the newest technology to meet the specific requirements of glutenfree dough. “Because gluten-free dough
Swiss precision can also be found in the packaging. All products are separately packed and frozen in oven-safe bags. This
keeps the aroma and protects the products against contamination. For consumers who prepare meals for the whole family this is an unbeatable advantage and saves a lot of effort.The rolls, baguettes or cakes can simply be heated up in the oven together with gluten products without hesitation. Huttwiler glutenfree is perfectly aligned with a gluten-free diet and its products can easily compete with their gluten containing siblings on all levels. www.huttwiler.de
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80 years of Holle Celebrating the pioneer in organic baby foods Over four generations Holle has proved to exceed their trusting customer’s expectations and is widely appreciated for its continuous quality control. It not only stands for outstanding organic quality, but also contributes to making our planet a greener and better place. Holle is a lot more than just food! TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE | PHOTOS: PRESS PHOTOS
Holle was founded in 1933, long before the recent global boom in organic foods. The company’s unique philosophy is based on the anthroposophical nutrition concept of Rudolph Steiner, who sought an alternative method for producing food when chemical solutions were starting to impact our agriculture in the 1920s. “Those principles of biodynamic agriculture are still our guidelines today,”says Udo Fischer, director of Holle. “Our products come with the label Demeter, which is the embodiment of biodynamic quality.” Demeter, originally named after the Greek goddess of fertility, is the number one trademark for products which are produced under very strict and controlled biodynamic guidelines in a total of over 80 countries. From sustainable farming to product packaging, the holistic Demeter requirements ensure true quality throughout. Mr. Udo Fischer, Director of Holle
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Organic
Fischer explains further: “In addition to never using any chemical or synthetic fertiliser Demeter farming also increases the fertility of soil through using herbs and natural supplements.The farmer is giving back more than he takes and thus keeps the soil’s vitality.” Not only does this result in healthier products, it also takes responsibility for the future of our planet. Only by meeting all of the Demeter criteria without exception is a company allowed to display the Demeter label on its products. Today Holle products can be bought in local health food shops, pharmacies and organic retailers in over 40 countries.Their variety of products covers everything essential in providing children with a healthy and delicious diet. “Baby food has always been a very sensitive product area. Understandably mothers demand the highest quality for their babies without compromise and they trust greatly in our brand,”Fischer explains.“To maintain this trust and gradually extend it globally is both our challenge and motivation.” He notes that the market has changed over the years; young families are more aware and critical with food than in previous decades. The standard of baby foods has generally increased but this also means that within the organic market there are new
things to look out for.“The bigger the market for organic food becomes, the more the regulations will be stretched. That is why it is especially important to us that the universally strictest biological guidelines of Demeter guarantee Holle’s exceptional quality.” One of the most innovative concepts is the first and only Demeter labelled infant milk formula being CO2-neutral. Holle works with the company Soil & More International, which calculates the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced during the process of making the formula, it then neutralises them through emission certificates. Soil & More maintains facilities in developing countries where organic waste is turned into fertiliser instead of burning it. This reduces the greenhouse effect and is then officially certified. Holle compensates its emissions through the CO2 -reducing project Sekem in Egypt. 350,000 square metres of desert are now cultivated and used for biodynamic agriculture. Holle supports those projects not only to reduce emissions but also because they develop sustainable fertile grounds, increase productivity and save water. In line with its philosophy, Holle is also fantastically supportive of anthropologic projects like the very unusual BrotherCockerel Initiative. In conventional farming
the male siblings of laying hens are not commercially valuable as meat providers compared to the fattened chicken.They are killed after hatching and thrown away as waste, around 34 million baby cockerels each year. Under the slogan Save my brother – Stop the wasteful killing Holle supports the initiative to stop the unethical procedure by becoming a secured buyer of the meat. The cockerels are raised in accordance with Demeter organic animal husbandry rules thus turning them into a valued organic poultry product despite starting life as an economic waste product! Looking back at Holle’s continuous and well-deserved success over the past 80 years Fischer is grateful that his company has managed to be responsible for the outstanding quality of baby foods as well as contributing to the sustainable maintenance of our natural resources. “For us as an independent family business it is a matter close to our hearts to be personally accountable when it comes to customers, suppliers, employees and all our partners,”Fischer says.“Taking responsibility is the precondition for trust and success. We are set to maintain this in the future.” www.holle.co.uk
Issue 4 | June 2013 | 33
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Organic
The Stinging Nettle is in fact a really nice fellow
hero thanks to Elfi and her team. Last but not least, let’s not forget to mention the nettle’s reputation as an aphrodisiac. www.gruenevogtei.com Right: Elfi Braun
The stinging nettle or common nettle is widely regarded as an unpleasant companion and not really appreciated amongst keen gardeners. While some people are just interested in how to treat a nettle sting, others discovered that she is a real allround talent when it comes to wellbeing.
Bottom: WELLNESSEL product range 2013
TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTOS: GRÜNE VOGTEI
Once cooked the nasty nettle turns into a delicious soup, and a cup of tea made from the leaves is said to be a herbal remedy against gout or rheumatism. The common nettle contains plenty of iron and vitamin C and was a regular on the food menu of our ancestors. Considered a “poor people’s food” for centuries, plenty of old cooking recipes including the nettle are now carefully retrieved from the archives. Nestled in the Ore Mountains/Vogtland Nature Park, the Grüne Vogtei is dedicated to bringing out the best in the common nettle. A whole range of products reaching from tea blends or juice to nettle pesto is made from the of-
ten underestimated plant.“People love our nettle seasoning, they use it to add flavour to all sorts of dishes,” explains Elfi Braun, owner of the Grüne Vogtei and she adds: “We are proud to have achieved such a widespread recognition of our certified organic WELLNESSEL® products.” Braun was inspired by her grandmother and the nettle has now gone from weed to wellness
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Special Theme
Island Mainau Lake Constance giant garden gnome made of flowers. © Ernst Wrba - Deutsche Zentrale für Tourismus eV
Welcome to the world of parks and gardens
Parks & Gardens
The summer months are just perfect for a visit to a park or garden. Enjoy the sunshine, taking a deep breath and inhaling the scent of the blossoming flowers. Colours are exploding in all shades and the sheer beauty of the scenery never fails to impress even those who are not blessed with a green thumb. And for some it may come as a surprise that Germany has so much more to offer than the common garden gnome, which still has a loyal fan base. TEXT: TINA AWTANI
Germany is rich in history when it comes to gardening. To many, German parks and gardens are a pleasant surprise, as usually it is the English and the French who are famous for their magnificent horticultural achievements. The British landscape artist Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe is still considered to have been one of the finest landscape architects in the world and British horticulturist Gertrude Jekyll has been one of the most influential women in horticultural history. French landscape architect André Le Nôtre famously created the legendary gardens of Versailles in France. But their German colleague Peter Joseph Lenné doesn’t
come second. Although he refined his skills with visits to England and France, he has achieved remarkable results for the German horticultural scene. One of his finest works is Sanssouci Park surrounding Sanssouci Palace near Berlin and some of his creations are today protected as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Another great German landscape architect was Friedrich Ludwig von Sckell, who created the Englischer Garten (German for English garden) in Munich. Many of today’s famous gardens date back to the baroque, rococo and romantic periods. But landscaping made in Germany is continually on the rise
with many award winning designs scattered around the country. In our Parks and Gardens Theme we present some of the finest gardens reaching from the vast and colourful International Garden Show in Northern Hamburg to the fine Alpine botanic garden of Flore Alpe in Switzerland. Read about the association of German landscape architects, find out who is behind all of Berlin’s open space development projects and discover Germany’s street of gardening art which is made of 57 parks located between the rivers Rhine and Maas.
Issue 4 | June 2013 | 35
Landscape design for the world we live in Landscape Architecture is the art and the science behind all our planned green and urban spaces. From city parks and urban plazas to infrastructures as large as Olympic London 2012, landscape architects can make it happen. TEXT: ASTRID BARWASSER-BRESTRICH
"Our profession supports the way in which people interact with the landscape," says Andrea Gebhard, president of 100-year-old BDLA (Bund Deutscher Landschaftsarchitekten), the German professional body of landscape architects. "A landscape architect designs nearly everything under the sky – and his imagination knows few bounds when it comes to intersecting land and buildings. We tackle ecologic development and urban reforestation, but one of our most valuable roles is in building sustainable communities and fighting climate change." Adapting land for our use and enjoyment "Landscape architecture is a multidisciplinary task," states Andrea Gebhard: "It incorporates aspects of botany, horticulture and the fine arts as well as architecture, industrial design, ecology and geology. We might be called upon to plan and build new roads, bridges and paths, or might be involved in creating gardens and other green spaces. Above all else these days, energy saving is really important." This can comprise, for instance, the design of a bio-ecological drain system that has pollutant-removal mechanisms to provide clean water as well as the installation of photovoltaic cells for energyefficient buildings. Award-winning“green urbanism” Two winners of the German Landscape Architect’s national honorary mentions in 2013 may serve as an example: In the small town of Nagold in Baden-Württemberg, three new parks and a new bridge were created, providing better pedestrian access to both rivers crossing the town, including stairs to the river banks, whilst the green spaces contribute to improving the quality of life for the residential areas. Aesthetic solutions, walkable communities
Top: A Bird’s view of Nagold's new town layout. © Stefan Fromm, Landscape Architects BDLA, Dettenhausen Middle: Three new parks for Nagold. © Stefan Fromm, Landscape Architects BDLA, Dettenhausen Bottom: Elisengarten Aachen, with night view of the Aachen Cathedral. © Landscape design by Lützow 7, Berlin. Photo: Jörg Hempel
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Another award in 2013 was won for the successful alteration of a neglected plaza in the historic imperial city of Aachen, the“Elisengarten”. It is now a modern, elegant and urban space in the centre of Aachen, taking into account the historic features and Aachen’s traditional role as a site of springs, spas and wellbeing. For more information about the BDLA (German Landscape Architects) and their projects, a database of more than 700 projects can be downloaded here: www.Landschaftsarchitektur-heute or www.mobil.Landschaftsarchitektur-heute for your smartphone.
Special Theme | Parks & Gardens
Left: Palm-tree greenhouse Below: Orangery Bottom: Pleasure garden with Hillside Palace
Castle and Park Pillnitz
Pure pleasure TEXT: JESSICA RIDDER | PHOTOS: PRESS PHOTOS
Sybille Gräfe, the castle manager says, “What makes Schloss Pillnitz (Pillnitz Castle) so special, in addition to its Chinoiseriestyle architecture that is unique in Europe, is its harmonious integration with the vineyards along the Elbe and the symbiosis of architecture, garden design, botanical collection and the surrounding landscape.” Schloss Pillnitz was initially a present in 1707, from Augustus II the Strong to his famous mistress the Countess of Cosel, who began its Baroque conversion. Years later the castle became the summer residence of the royal Saxon family in 1768. The extensive park grounds feature a Dutch garden, an English garden, a Chinese garden, an orangery and the Palmenhaus, (a Palm-tree greenhouse) that offers visitors an impressive variety of botanical treasures, the most famous being the 250-yearold camellia. Gräfe says, “The Pillnitz camellia is the oldest free-growing camellia north of the Alps and attracts thousands of visitors every year. During its annual
bloom from mid-February to mid-April the displaceable house, especially built for it, is open to visitors.” As part of Schloss Pillnitz, a Wasserpalais (Waterside Palace) with an elegant staircase leads down to the river Elbe and the Bergpalais (Hillside Palace). Inside these amazing buildings, the Staatliche Kunstsammlung Dresden (Dresden State Art Collections) gives insights into the lifestyle of an Elector and exhibits fascinating objects from 13th to the 20th century. These stunning buildings unite with the neoclassical Neue Palais (New Palace), enclosing a magnificent pleasure garden. For further insight into this beautiful collection of architecture, the Schlossmuseum (Castle museum) is open from May to October, presenting the history and transformation from pleasure castle to former summer residence of the Royal House of Wettin. This year from May to October, the castle will host the remarkable "Vis àVis" exhibi-
tion.“The larger than life, almost naturalistic female wooden figure sculptures by Małgorzata Chodakowska and the romantic photographs by Frieda von Weissenfels are on display in the Castle Museum, in the domed hall and the special exhibition rooms of the Neues Palais. There are also bronze sculptures in the Palmenhause, which cheerfully play with the theme of water,”Gräfe describes and she is looking forward to watching the growth of the new perennial garden, which was planted this spring to replicate its historic model. www.schlosspillnitz.de
Vis a vis - Palm-tree house. (Woman with Ice block)
Just outside Dresden, this unique ensemble of architecture and garden art is a must see for those visiting the capital of Saxony.
Grün Berlin Gärten der Welt One of Berlin’s not so best-kept secrets is its many parks and gardens. Die Gärten der Welt (Gardens of the World), are hidden away in the unlikely area of MarzahnHellersdorf. TEXT: JESSICA RIDDER | PHOTOS: GRÜN BERLIN
Beate Reuber, senior park manager of Gärten der Welt says: “The specialty and beauty of the Gardens of the World, lies in their gardens from different cultures. Very authentic and traditional gardens from Asia, the Orient and Europe invite you to sojourn and admire.” The former recreational park Marzahn presents this stunning garden art from around the world. It began in 1987 when the Park arose out of the horticultural show Berliner Gartenschau (Berlin Garden Show) for the 750th anniversary of the City. In 2012 the Gärten der Welt received the Green Flag Award, awarded only to the best parks and gardens in England and Wales. Reuber says: “Every year we are delighted again, when everything blooms so beautifully, as it does at the moment, and visitors can admire this.” The first attraction, a Chinese garden, was added in 2000 as a result of the town twinning agreement between Berlin and Beijing.
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The Garten des wiedergewonnenen Mondes (Garden of the Reclaimed Moon) is Germany’s largest Chinese garden and symbolizes the reunification of Berlin. From the materials used, to the work carried out by skilled Chinese artisans, the garden is completely authentic. Gradually more gardens were added, each of them a piece of art in its own tradition. The Garten des zusammenfließenden Wassers (Garden of Merging Water) features typical Japanese plants. There’s also a Balinese Garden and an Oriental Garden, which represents the garden traditions of several oriental countries.The Korean Seoul Garden was a generous gift from the city of Seoul to Berlin. The Karl-Foerster- Staudengarten (Perennial Garden) is an example of the art of gardening in Germany in the early 20th Century. The Italian Renaissance Garden shows one of the earliest examples of garden architecture in Europe
Top: Chinese tea house. Grün Berlin Bottom: Sunrise japanese garden. Gardens of the world
and conveys the magic of Tuscany’s famous gardens. The Christlicher Garten (Christian Garden) is designed on the prototype of a cloister garden. Reuber explains:“Many visitors have their personal favourite, and are willing to travel far to enjoy the garden. Some visitors simply love the diversity of culture and gardens.” And more is planned, with the opening of the English Cottage Garden in 2015. In 2017 the Gärten der Welt becomes a part of the IGA Berlin 2017 GmbH (International Garden Exhibition).
Special Theme | Parks & Gardens
Left: Natur-Park Südgelände Below left: Main Birdge
into the Britzer Garten for the tulip show Tulipan im Britzer Garten, and the dahlia show Dahlien Feuer, in the fall, is a great magnet for visitors!” The heart of the Britzer Garten is a ten-hectare lake area. Three hills allow extensive views of the surroundings. Unique to the Britzer Garten and particularly worth seeing are the Rose, Witches’and Karl Foerster Perennial Gardens.
But that’s not the only amazing green space that Berlin has to offer. The Natur-Park Südgelände (Nature-Park Südgelände) in the area of Schöneberg is a unique combination of people, nature, industrial ruins and art. Park manager Rita Suhrhoff says:“The nature park is still an insider tip. When you come here, you discover a place whose magic is unique in Berlin. A fantastically beautiful wilderness of rare plants and animal species, right in the middle of Berlin!” This fascinating site was opened to the public in 2000 with the help of many citizens and the support of the Allianz Environmental Foundation. Originally the ruins of an old 1890s railway hub, after train traffic was stopped at the Tempelhof marshalling yard, nature re-conquered the territory. “The richness and distinct vitality of the area stimulate imagination and creativity. The Berliner Festspiele will be a guest of the
Britzer Garten That the most beautiful spaces don’t always have to be wild gardens is proved by the Britzer Garten (Britzer Garden). Now one of the most attractive recreational areas in Berlin, the garden was the site of the Bundesgartenschau 1985, (German Garden Show in Berlin).
Tulip show, Britzer Garden
Natur-Park Südgelände Schöneberg
“From 12 June–21 September 2013, Shakespeare’s lovers, freaks, trolls and tyrants, heroes and witches will come to life again through the Shakespeare Company Berlin. Performed in the open air, between tall trees and old industrial monuments accompanied by birdsong, the rustle of leaves and the gentle hum of insects.”
Dahlia show, Britzer Garden
Natur-Park Südgelände for a second time. In the series Foreign Affairs, the Festival presents a retrospective of the choreographer William Forsythe,”Suhrhoff explains.
“This is a place for people who feed their basic need for rest and leisure outdoors in the fresh air. Here they get the power to cope with everyday life, the joy of life and irreplaceable seasonally changing impressions of nature.Throughout the day, joggers, cross country runners, students, mothers and fathers with children, grandparents, couples in love, pleasure seekers, escapists and sun-worshipers meet here,” explains Kleuvers.
Senior park manager Gabriele Kleuvers says: “Main attractions are the horticultural special shows. On sunny weekends up to 30,000 visitors a day pour
Issue 4 | June 2013 | 39
Main image: Botanic garden Below: Old cemetery Middle: Spring. Photo: Michael Sondermann, Presseamt Stadt Bonn Bottom: Rheinaue. Photo: Michael Sondermann, Presseamt Stadt Bonn
Taking delight in the beauty of gardens The Classical Garden Route promotes history and beauty between Germany and the Netherlands TEXT: DORINA REICHHOLD | PHOTOS: PRESS PHOTOS
In Germany´s West one can find a tourist route of a different kind. Featuring especially beautiful and mostly historical gardens, The Classical Garden Route between the Rhine and Maas unites private and public gardens and park owners in Germany and the Netherlands who wish to maintain their horticultural heritage as well as promote tourism in the area. In August 2004 the registered society StraĂ&#x;e der Gartenkunst zwischen Rhein und Maas e.V. was founded as the first transnational society of this kind between the two countries and now encompasses 36 members with 57 parks. The society chooses new members according to their art historical significance, accessibility, state of maintenance and ownership. The society's main focus lies in promoting day trips from one garden to the next, in-
40 | Issue 4 | June 2013
cluding visiting other tourist attractions on the way. It offers 12 different tours with different core themes. One tour for example is focused on children, suggesting a visit to the Neanderthal museum in Mettmann, where the place of the discovery of the fossil human is re-enacted and arranged as an archeological garden. One of the society's members is the former German capital, Bonn. "What is interesting about the gardens in Bonn is the diversity in a relatively small area," says Dieter Fuchs, head of the urban park department." One can visit a generously laid out parkland and afterwards the nearly 300 year old Alten Friedhof (Old Cemetary) with many old tombs of worldfamous personalities." Bonn has four different gardens participating in the Classical Garden Route. In addition to the Alter Friedhof, there is the privately owned Arboretum Park Herle, which
features a vast collection of rare trees, some of them dating back to the park's beginnings in 1870, as well as roses and shrubs. The Bonner Rheinaue, a recreational park, is nearly as big as Bonn`s city centre. Some of its features comprise a Japanese Garden, a rosarium and a garden for the blind, where touching the plants is encouraged and information is given in Braille. Also, Bonn is home to beautiful botanical gardens. One of them belongs to the University and, being over 400 years old, is one of the oldest gardens in the world. Fuchs finds it hard to decide which one is his favourite: "All parks have their unique character." Which is in accordance with the Classical Garden Route`s motto: To take delight in the beauty of gardens. www.strasse-der-gartenkunst.de
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Parks & Gardens
Flore-Alpe A sanctuary for Edelweisse and other exceptional alpine species Set 1500 metres above sea level in the magnificent mountain area in ChampexLac the Flore-Alpe botanic garden displays more than 3,000 alpine plant species in their natural habitat. TEXT: TINA AWTANI “The garden is exceptional for its history. It was first conceived by the Jean-Marcel Aubert, an entrepreneur from Vaud, who decided to build a chalet in the Swiss Alps for his holidays. He then had a garden built around the chalet in the form of an alpinum. The garden is thus a testimony to Swiss tourism and the relationship tourists had with the Alps in the early 20th century,” explains Charly Rey, botanist and President of the Jean-Marcel Aubert Foundation. But Aubert wasn’t the only garden aficionado involved in the project. Renowned botanist Egidio Anchisi created the largest collection of alpine plants in Switzerland, probably in the whole alps, here. Anchisi was determined to establish a biotope that is as authentic as possible, so visitors can experi-
ence the alpine flora in a most natural way. “The richness of the collection also implies that Flore-Alpe finds itself in a privileged position in ensuring the conservation of species, which are under greater and greater stress with the expanding development of mass tourism,”Rey says about the award-winning garden that scooped the coveted Schultess prize for gardens in 2007. Special events during the summer include the grand opening of the new sculpture exhibition by nine different artists on 15 June. Botanists should save the date, as on 23 June the unique Flore-Alpe collection will be explained by experts. The STEPPES festival is scheduled for 28 July and a fine flower market will take place on 18 August 2013.
Around the world in 80 gardens Between April and October Hamburg’s Wilhelmsburg Island Park will be blooming in full splendour as the International Garden Show (igs) 2013 exhibition kicks off attracting an estimated 2.5 million visitors over the summer months. TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTO: PRESS PHOTO
Over 100 hectares of beautifully landscaped gardens feature themed gardens, landscaping competitions as well as fun and activities for all age groups. Managing Director Heiner Baumgarten explains this year’s motto as a“pleasant journey through the earth’s cultural and vegetation zones.
The‘World of Ports’tells of wanderlust, the ‘World of Water’ of a shortage and abundance of water. The diversity of nations is presented in the ‘World of Cultural Diversity’ and the wide variety of vegetation in the ‘World of Continents’. The ‘World of Movement’entices visitors with a climbing
Top: The Chalet. Photo: Castillo Clochers Below: Edelweisses. Photo: Jasmin Joshi
www.flore-alpe.ch
hall while the ‘World of Religions’ offers contemplation.” 80 gardens created by some of the most renowned landscaping artists are a pleasure for the senses, but there is plenty more to be explored. Take a hike on the high-wire garden, visit the climbing hall, or take advantage of the 3000-metre running course. A modern indoor pool and a skate park with bowl and street zones are great for kids and for those, who prefer to watch from the waterside, a soon to be completed canoe route leads through the igs area. A monorail is available to gather a bird’s eye impression of the splendid flower arrangements. Over the summer months a string of special events is scheduled including concerts and other artistic performances. www.igs-hamburg.de
Left: World of Ports. Photos: igs 2013 Gärtner und Christ
Issue 4 | June 2013 | 41
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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Festivals
It’s party time TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTO: RELOAD FESTIVAL/PRESS PHOTO
Special Theme
Festivals The following pages are all about festivals. The most prominent music festival in recent history was certainly the legendary American Woodstock festival in 1969. Half a million people, a never before seen number of visitors, attended this first of its kind openair event of musical celebration. What caused quite a stir almost half a century ago, has now evolved into a highly successful industry attracting millions of party savvy visitors every summer all over the globe. The CoachellaValley Music and Arts Festival in California is America’s hottest event and in Britain the Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts brings public life near the idyllic town of Somerset almost to a standstill every year. Glastonbury attracts 150,000 visitors each year and even celebrities and members of the Royal Family are frequently spotted wearing shorts, sunglasses and wellies while cheering the performing artists.The wellies are necessary because of the unstable British weather conditions. But did you know about the German festivals? Summer may be a little slow to arrive this year, but the German festival season is already in full swing. It may not be Coachella size nor, we hope, Glastonbury weather, but world class gigs and hot newcomers are entering the stage areas at star studded events scheduled all over the country. Discover Germany presents exciting events such as the TFF Rudolstadt, the Reload Festival, the Lausitzer Seenland Festival, the Soundbad Festival or PvD’s We Are One Festival. Read all about the hottest gigs, great locations and the finest DJs live on stage this summer in our Special Theme section, which is entirely dedicated to festivals. Gear up and get ready to enjoy great music!
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TFF Rudolstadt – A Voyage of Discovery into World Music In July, musicians from all over the world take over the small Thuringian town Rudolstadt when the colourful World Music scene visits the city. Germany’s biggest Folk-Roots-World Music Festival, the TFF Rudolstadt, presents a unique mix of the top names from across the world, well-known performers and exciting new bands. TEXT: CORDELIA MAKARTSEV | PHOTOS: TFF RUDOLFSTADT
Arstidir
Heidecksburg ® J M Unger
Lao Xao Trio
Bauchklang. © Peter Rauchecker
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Festivals
Kindertanz ® Joerg Wolf
Rudolstadt, the residence of former princes, lies at the feet of the imposing baroque castle Heidecksburg at the bend of the river Saale. Surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the forest, Thuringian Rudolstadt has always been known for its cultural open-mindedness. The famous German poet and writer Friedrich Schiller appreciated the intellectual atmosphere in the town and frequently visited Rudolstadt. Here, 225 years ago, he not only met his future wife Charlotte von Lengefeld but also started his complicated and fruitful friendship with another giant of German literature, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. A small museum vividly tells the story of these eventful days in the poet’s life. Nowadays, Rudolstadt’s cultural activity takes place on a more international scale. From 4–7 July 2013 more than 1,000 musicians from over 35 countries meet at the Folk-Roots-World Music Festival. But what is Folk-RootsWorld Music? Wo l f r a m Böhme, the festival’s PR representative, knows the answer: “We see every style of music which refers
to its local tradition as Folk-Roots-World Music. Naturally, this includes contemporary music as well.You will find Hip Hop bands, electronic music and New Jazz bands on our festival programme which incorporate certain rhythms or melodies from their local tradition into their pieces.” The Highlights: Partner Country Italy and the Magic Flutes The festival is back again for the 23rd year in a row, brimming with new ideas and a distinctive line-up of terrific artists at over 20 venues across the city. This year, Italy is the festival’s partner country and provides the fans with some very special music treats such as performances from Gianmaria Testa and Enzo Avitabile. Gianmaria Testa is wellknown for his husky and tender voice. Accents of tango, bossa nova and jazz convey a beautiful aura of melancholy in his poetic songs. His qualities become magnified when he is performing, as at Rudolstadt, with clarinet master Gabriele Mirabassi. Something extraordinary awaits the audience when Enzo Avitabile performs together with the ensemble “Bottari di Portico”. Since medieval times, drumming on “Bottaris”(barrels) has been used to exorcise evil spirits in the houses of Campania, Italy. Mixed with the sounds of recorder, guitar, acoustic bass, Ciaramella (shawm), violin and accordion and Enzo Avitabile’s unique soul voice the drumming takes you on a Mediterranean journey through time. Over the weekend, the expected 90,000 guests will be spoilt for choice with performances from bands like the vocal groove project “Bauchklang” (belly sounds) from Austria or“Carminho”from Portugal,“one of the most impressive fado singers we will have forever.” (FADO.com). Another act worth discovering is the London based “Tiger Lillies”. The Guardian described their surreal, darkly humorous style as“brilliantly twisted”. This year, the organisers of the festival have chosen flutes to be in the focus of attention. Various artists from very different musical backgrounds will perform magic on this lovely instrument. Just to name a few, Alan
Doherty from Ireland, Koushi Tsukuda from Japan and Jean-Luc Thomas from France will amaze the audience with their very own interpretation of the flute. And the“RUTH” goes to... The TFF Rudolstadt is the biggest World Music festival in Germany and therefore the event where the German World Music Award “Ruth” is presented. This year, the festival award will be given to the well-established band“Jazzkantine”, who took up German folk songs and transformed them in an extraordinarily fresh and daring approach with elements from hip hop, reggae and soul into their characteristic sound. “But we also want to support up and coming bands, which is why we introduced an award category for newcomers,” explains Wolfram Böhme. This year’s winner is the Vietnamese Lao Xao Trio with their promising mix of traditional Vietnamese folk songs and acoustic Jazz from the Western world. Endless fun for grown-ups and children Dance is an important part of the festival – with both social and display dance taking on a prominent role in the event. If you want to dance the night away with the“Cajun Roosters”or learn Latin Fusion Dance with a professional dancer from Mexico, this is the place to be. But the fun is not only limited to the venues. The streets and squares in the historic town will be full of music, laughter and dance when street musicians and artists invite you to their many performances. Children especially will enjoy the lively and joyful atmosphere. There is a special programme for kids, a “Carnevale die Rudolnezia” with actors and acrobats from the Gran Teatro del Carnevale. A special highlight at the children’s festival is the giant wooden toy frames like a pirate ship or a washing trough. This is one of Wolfram’s favourite events:“The bands from the festival come often to these gigantic sculptures and do something here with the kids which is a big success every year.” More info and tickets: www.tff-rudolstadt.de
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Reload Festival in Sulingen set to be bigger than ever This year’s Reload Festival in Sulingen is set to turn out bigger than ever. This year organisers of the festival plan on moving away from the more pop oriented festivals and to distinguish themselves as one of the core rock festivals in the region close to Bremen. TEXT: JULIEN RATH | PHOTO: PRESS PHOTO
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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Festivals
for fans alongside the live performances. “We thought about what we could do to entertain fans apart from the live performances. We’ll be trying out some new things this year,”said Siemers.
Especially in order to bring hard rock back to the stage Reload Festival will be welcoming well-known English rock band Motorhead, and Papa Roach from the United States. “We always try to improve everything we do every year,”said organiser of the festival Calvin Siemers. He explained that the terrain breakdown has changed for this year by moving the stage to give fans the best possible experience. Other changes to the festival include additional entertainment
The lineup of the festival has always been the most important: “This year we especially paid attention to the stylistic quality of the line-up. We’re very happy with the result,” said Siemers. Fans are also happy with this strategy. After an audience of 8,500 fans made their way to Sulingen last year organisers are expecting record numbers this year. “To cut it short, we’ve made 50 per cent more sales than last year,” said Siemers. This year the organisers of the festival are expecting between 8,000 and 10,000 fans a day. To top it all off Siemers guarantees that ticket prices won’t be raised before the festival starts. One of the most attractive reasons is sure to be the big names the festival is bringing in. Papa Roach first became a staple in the German music scene in 2000 when their hit Last Resort made it onto the fourth spot of the German charts. It’s not just mainstream rock that will be heard in Sulingen. Swedish band At the Gates is the benchmark for Gothenburg death metal. After a rare appearance in Germany at the famous
Wacken Festival in 2008 the band returns for their show at the Reload Festival this year. Reload Festival is proud of being one of the few hard rock festivals in the country said Siemers:“German bands are important to us because we are, after all, a German festival.”One way of supporting local German bands is the contest “Get the Reload Spot”that the festival has been running in recent years. The winners of the contests get to perform at the festival alongside the big names like Motorhead. This year organisers had three different contests in the region. The bands Quiron, Bonez and Into the Wild each won their respective contests in Bremen, Sulingen and Osnabrück. The fact that the festival supports small German bands also attracts the more upand-coming bands. For Cologne based band KMPFSPRT performing at the Reload Festival is a first:“None of us have actually been to the festival before. But it definitely has a name,”said bass player Dennis Meyer. Nonetheless Siemers believes supporting German bands is important but what counts is that the festival is the best it can be.“When it comes to bands we don’t really consider where they’re from. What counts is the music,”said Siemers.This philosophy also extends to all aspects of the festival. “This year we thought a lot about how we could entertain the fans alongside the festival.” The organisers attitude towards having good music and fans having fun is working. Bands like Hatebreed from America are returning to the festival after performing at last year’s. More importantly everyone believes the event is about having fun and enjoying oneself.“What it’s all about for us is to have a good night and to give the people in front of the stage exactly that: a good night,”said KMPFSPRT’s Dennis Meyer. www.reload-festival.de
Issue 4 | June 2013 | 47
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Festivals
What looked like a barren lunar landscape only a little while ago has now been transformed through controlled flooding into a beautiful lake called Partwitzer See near Hoyerswerda and is part of the biggest conversion project in Europe: The Lausitzer Seenland (land of lakes). This new holiday destination has changed from an open cast mining territory into one of the most spectacular European aquatic landscapes and is the ideal venue for a music festival! Three days of top-notch bands and some very exclusive acts are awaiting sound savvy guests. The festival will kick off on Friday night with the finest modern electronic music by Frenchman David Guetta, who will certainly accomplish his mission to make the
entire world dance. The legendary British band The Boomtown Rats will re-unite and play their first German concert since 1986. They will be followed by another highlight of the festival: German superstars Die Toten Hosen, who will continue rocking the gigantic stage on Sunday evening. A special treat by the organisers is the birthday concert for Die Fantastischen Vier, who will celebrate their 24th anniversary on Saturday together with sound legends OMD and
Pool party festival under the stars with Chakuza & Co. SoundBad is anything else but bad, as the German word Bad refers to the giant public open-air pool area location. A fantastic mix of great artists will perform at this year’s festival, which will be the epitome of uber-cool pool party. TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTOS: PRESS PHOTOS
On July 6 a different kind of festival will take place in the region of Lohr at the river Main, a city between Frankfurt and Würzburg. What serves as a public open-air pool area in daytime will be transformed
into a fun pool party location under the stars. Austrian hip hop stars such as Chakuza and Gerard will perform live on stage as well as tech-house expert Lützenkirchen from Munich or ironic hip
www.seenlandfestival.de www.lausitzhalle-hoyerswerda.de www.lausitzerseenland.de
Ich und Ich © Sascha Erdmann
TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE
David Guetta. Photo: Press image
German and international stars such as David Guetta, Die Toten Hosen and Die Fantastischen Vier will perform concerts from 5-7 July 2013 amidst the enchanted scenery of man-made lakes.
Klee. Another exclusive performance comes from Ich + Ich, who will give their only concert in Germany this year! Tickets for single days or for the entire festival are available with a camping option. For those who prefer a cosy hotel room to a sleeping bag, the Tourist Information Centre in Hoyerswerda is happy to help. The Lausitzer Seenland festival has more than enough ingredients to make this event an unforgettable weekend for everyone.
Die fantastischen Vier. © Gnädinger
Lausitzer Seenland Festival A unique event, not to be missed
hoppers OK KID. Andhim will perform their super-house style and AYoung Man’s Journey will share their folksy stories with the audience. Listen to German rap newcomers C-Raze & Mircovski or dance to the baseline of insider tipp Schallplattenraritäten, who was the shooting star at the SoundBad 2011 festival. But there is more, DJane Sassi, a celebrity on Frankfurt’s clubbing scene, will also treat festival visitors to a hot night at the pool when her beat rules. “The SoundBad festival is not made of the usual festival-construction-kit, featuring camping, rock and excess components.The location is by tradition a public open-air pool, and we distinguish ourselves through our unique and exotic wellness flair, the love of good music and a relaxed but stylish ambience,” festival organiser Sebastian Goldbach explains. www.soundbad.de Left: Mono & Nikitaman view from Stage 2012 Right: Pool at night
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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Festivals
DJ Paul van Dyk presents We Are One in Berlin Legendary icon Paul van Dyk presents his We Are One festival at Berlin’s Zitadelle Spandau on 6 July 2013. Together with stunners Chicane, Arnej, First State, Ben Nicky and more, Paul will transform the Zitadelle into an electronic dance music temple. The event is tipped to be one of the hottest gigs this Summer season.
reason, it gives me great happiness to be able to bring you news that – three years on from that momentous night – the second We Are One will be staged. I look forward not only to welcoming you to Berlin’s astonishing Zitadelle Spandau on the 6th of July, but also to personally introducing you to music from Politics of Dancing 3,” Paul van Dyk says. www.weareonefestival.com
The German DJ kicked off his career in the early 1990s and proceeded to conquer the world of electronic sounds. Award winning Paul van Dyk – also nominated for a Grammy music award – has released numerous successful albums, the most recent being“Evolution”. Paul tirelessly tours the world’s most vibrant venues and has firmly established his own empire while becoming a household name in the international music industry. His secret of success is fairly simple: he does what he loves most. The We Are One festival pays homage to the reunification of Germany. For the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall in
2009, van Dyk created the hit“We Are One”together with Irish recording artist Johnny McDaid. A year later and inspired by the original title, the We Are One festival was born at Berlin’s O2 arena.“2010’s We Are One was an extraordinary night in my life. From the moment I left Berlin’s O2 Arena, after its climax, I’ve wanted nothing more than to do it all over again. For that
Paul van Dyk
TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTOS: PRESS PHOTOS
GRAPHIC DESIGN PRINT MANAGEMENT At Liquid Graphic we are specialists in the design and print of: • Corporate Identity • Conference documentation • Reports • Magazines • Brochures • Books
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Residenz Heinz Winkler
Hotel
of the Month Germany
High end hospitality and the best cheese cake in the world The Residenz Heinz Winkler combines local charm and luxury accommodation with one of the finest kitchens in the world conducted by none other than the maestro himself. The Patron, as he is addressed by others, holds the Federal Cross of Merit and countless industry awards. TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTOS: PRESS PHOTOS
Nestled in southern Bavaria’s Chiemgau mountains, a paradise not only for hikers and golfers, the Residenz is located in close proximity to some of Germany’s and Austria’s most significant sightseeing monuments such as the Royal Palace of Herrenchiemsee, built by eccentric King Ludwig II, who also commissioned the world famous Neuschwanstein Castle. Other attractions nearby include the Salt Mine Berchtesgaden, Europe’s largest automobile museum in Amerang as well as
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Austria’s Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Watten and, to the delight of wine lovers, the world famous Riedel wine glass factory in Kufstein.
Germany’s finest restaurants, efficient conference and relaxing wellness facilities, the Residenz is a great venue for private as well as corporate special occasions.
The Residenz Heinz Winkler premises date back to the medieval times of 1405. When Winkler acquired the former post station near Rosenheim in 1989, he transformed the building into a wonderful world of luxurious and charmingly traditional ambience. Featuring 32 rooms and suites, one of
The patron himself is an icon not only among the German cooking aristocracy. He learned his skills in the most exquisite hotels and restaurants in Germany, Switzerland, Italy and France. Winkler headed world class restaurants such as Eckart Witzigmann’s Tantris in Munich and the fa-
Discover Germany | Hotel of the Month | Germany
Main image: Gourmet restaurant and Garden Salon Left: Alexander (left) and his father Heinz Winkler Below: Residenz Heinz Winkler
mous Tristan in Majorca. By the age of 32 Winkler was the youngest ever chef to be awarded three Michelin stars. Since then he has been granted three Michelin stars an impressive 21 times throughout his career and 14 Gault Millau ratings of 19 and above. A milestone in his professional life was the year 1978, when Winkler was working with nouvelle cuisine founder Paul Bocuse. Still fond of his former employer, Winkler remembers:“Paul is a PR genius; he took everyone on board and the whole industry benefitted from him to a never before seen extent. Thanks to Paul the occupation of the chef has become a decent and socially acceptable profession.”
Heinz Winkler himself is the founder of the Cuisine Vitale, a style that “distinguishes itself by its unique liveliness, which quickens the body as well as the soul.”Visit his Venetian Restaurant and prepare to be wowed. Many returning guests are loyal fans of the Patron and his cooking style. Up to 25,000 bottles from Latour to Lafitte are stored in the restaurant’s wine cellar and the wine list features 950 splendid varieties to choose from, some bottles dating back as far as 1874. In 2012 the patron’s son joined the Residenz as restaurant manager. Alexander Winkler gained his skills in the Black Forest’s Hotel Traube Tonbach, which is home to the three Michelin Star and 19.5 Gault Millau points Schwarzwaldstube restaurant. The personal involvement of father and son makes every single guest feel truly special. Apart from the Venetian Gourmet restaurant, the Garden Salon and the Poststube offer a more intimate setting for smaller groups and are ideal to be used as event locations.
Kneipp-Rondell, a Tepidarium and a pool with adjustable jet stream. Please refer to the Residenz website for the latest packages tailored to individual guest’s needs. Various packages such as the twonight Heinz Winkler Arrangement include a champagne reception on the terrace or in the winter garden, followed by an eightcourse gala dinner. Other offers are available for golfers or hiking fans. An insider tip is the luxurious Palace Herrenchiemsee experience and for those who are passionate about cooking the Cooking Course Arrangement allows gourmets to participate in the fresh preparation of Vitale Cuisine dishes in the surrounding of Winkler’s professional kitchen under the eyes of the Patron himself and his highly qualified team members. Heinz Winkler describes what makes the Residenz so attractive to its guests:“A classic Italian coutry house style in Bavaria is unique, an extraordinary, light and easy to digest cuisine offers culinary delights without gaining weight and of course the outstanding location adds to the value.” But there is more to be excited about this summer:“The beautiful mountain terrace overlooking the Kampen forest and Hohenaschau Castle and above all the best cheesecake in the world,” Winkler says promisingly. The idyllic village of Aschau near Rosenheim is less than an hour away from German Munich airport and approximately 45 minutes by car from the Austrian city of Salzburg. www.residenz-heinz-winkler.de
The ResidenzVital Resort spa is an oasis of relaxation, beauty, health and wellness. Guests may enjoy a visit to the Laconium, featuring Finnish and Roman sauna, a
Issue 4 | June 2013 | 51
Manufaktur MEISSEN Impression Museum of MEISSEN Art
luxury whose creations are set apart by a supreme devotion to style and quality as well as embodying 300 years of European art and culture from Meissen.Thus it is that we create unique objects of desire additionally distinguished by lasting worth,” Dr Christian Kurtzke, CEO of the Meissen manufactory, explains.
Attraction of the Month
Meissen
Germany
Visiting the Meissen premises is a unique experience. Beside a vast array of events happening throughout the year, the history of the place is overwhelming. Strolling past the fragile exhibits which have been preserved immaculately for over 300 years in the onsite historic museum is a sublime experience. But there is also a museum of contemporary Meissen art which visitors may easily spot from a distance as its façade is used as a canvas featuring the work Rauchzug by the German artist and holder of the German Federal Cross of Merit K. O. Goetz. For those who would like to take a bit of Meissen home, a boutique offers the latest creations while the outlet store is a treasure chest for bargain hunters. A restaurant and café caters not only for culinary needs as all food and beverage is naturally served on beautiful fine original Meissen china. www.meissen.com
Masters of ancient porcelain and fine goods for the future The porcelain manufacturer Meissen was established in 1710 and is considered to be one of the finest producers of china in the world. Having expanded its luxurious product portfolio successfully over recent years the future looks bright for one of Germany’s finest traditional ventures.
Top left: Gourmet restaurant and Garden Salon Left: Joaillerie Right: Fine Art
TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTOS: MEISSEN/PRESS PHOTOS
Below: Tableware Cosmopolitan. ® JanSchuenke
Located just outside Dresden, the town of Meissen has been home to the original porcelain factory for centuries. The crossed swords symbolising the original Meissen masterpieces is one of the world’s oldest and best known trademarks. Meissen creations keep fetching record prices at auctions around the world and keen collectors are plentiful throughout the globe. Fine
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china is still a house speciality, but the Meissen manufactory embarked on a mission to conquer the worlds of interiors, decorative items, jewellery, fine watches and even the fashion industry in form of couture and accessories which are created in cooperation with renowned designers. “Driven by our founding spirit, today we again see ourselves as a house of art and hand-produced
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
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Summer in Leipzig
Special Theme
Summer in Leipzig
Leipzig
Proudly presented by Discover Germany This issue’s city special is dedicated to Leipzig, a city that is described by locals as “the new Berlin”. The city of the peaceful revolution in is one of the finest examples of rich heritage mixed with contemporary lifestyle and well worth a visit. TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTOS: PRESS PHOTOS
Located in the former Eastern part of Germany in the north-western region of Saxony the city is home to around 500,000 inhabitants. Leipzig has always been a bustling trade fair hub with a rich history dating back to the 7th century when the first Slavic settlements were recorded in the area. In 1015 the name ''urbs Libzi'' first officially appeared in the chronicles of Bishop Thietmar von Merseburg. 150 years later the town of Leipzig was granted a city charter and market rights by Margrave Otto the Rich. This memorable event shaped the town’s repu-
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tation as an international trade fair hub up to this day. The Leipziger Messe is the oldest commercial fair in the world and attracts over one million visitors each year. Besides trade, music and performing arts have always played an important role in the history of the city. One of Leipzig’s most famous residents was composer Johann Sebastian Bach who served as musical director and choirmaster of St. Thomas' Boys Choir between 1723 and 1750. The choir still exists today and performs in the St.
Thomas' Church. Just like the choir, the Bach Archives, the Bach Museum and the legendary Gewandhaus Orchestra are still paying tribute to Bach’s achievements. The Leipzig opera is known to be Europe’s third oldest bourgeois music theatre stage and musicians were always drawn towards the city of Leipzig. Besides Bach, the composers Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy and Georg Friedrich Händel found inspiration in this exceptional town. This year is of particular importance for the city of Leipzig as the great composer Wilhelm Richard Wagner
Main image: Above the rooftops of Leipzig. Right: Barthels Hof Drallewatsch. Photos: Tourism Marketing of Saxony/Michael Bader
was born here on 22 May 1813 and the celebrations in honour of his 200th birthday are in full swing. Leipzig has been an inspiration not only to musicians. Famous writer Johann Wolfgang Goethe spent his university years here and in the Auerbachs Keller restaurant, which is featured in our City Special, his famous Faust is still very much alive. Poet Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, intellectual and writer Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz and the philosopher Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche are just a few of the creative heads which have chosen Leipzig as a source of inspiration. Today the city shines in new splendour, historic buildings have been painstakingly restored and the city offers a well balanced mix between the old and the new. About a third of the city’s buildings are designed in the elegant Gründerzeit style, the so-called promoterism which hit its peak just before 1873’s great stock market crash. An ultramodern trade fair complex and a state-of-
the-art train station blend in harmoniously with historic buildings such as the Old City Hall, a stunning Renaissance structure, or the St. Thomas Church. The people of Leipzig are proud of their city and the town is often described by locals as “the better Berlin” or “the new Berlin”. Smaller in size than the German capital, most attractions in the historic city centre can be reached in walking distance. But that’s not it: because of a tight network of little waterways, the city can be explored by boat too. Thanks to the smart, welcoming and highly creative locals, Leipzig is bursting with great things to do and hospitality venues second to none. In our Leipzig City Special the Leipzig Tourismus und Marketing GmbH gives valuable tips for a trip to town. Read about the museum of printing arts, find out about the unrivalled hospitality of the featured Seaside hotel and the famous Auerbachs Keller on the following pages.
Top: Old City Hall. Tourism Marketing of Saxony/Photo: Andreas Schmidt Middle: Barthels Hof Drallewatsch. Tourism Marketing of Saxony/Photo: Michael Bader Bottom: © Leipziger Messe Zimmermannn
Issue 4 | June 2013 | 55
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Summer in Leipzig
Spend your Summer in Leipzig Still don’t know where to spend a short weekend trip or maybe your whole summer vacation? How about Leipzig? This city has plenty of choices and activities to offer. You can go to the beach and tan, go shopping all day, revive history or enjoy the vivid nightlife! Leipzig, a German city with an extraordinary flair, is the right place for any kind of vacation. TEXT & PHOTOS: LEIPZIG TOURISMUS UND MARKETING GMBH (LTM)
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Summer in Leipzig
Bach Museum. © Leipzig Tourismus und Marketing GmbH/Schmidt
Go shopping The Leipzig city centre is a shopaholic’s paradise. Besides chic boutiques and cutting edge stores, Leipzig is renowned for its enchanting galleries and arcades, which boast some stunning atriums and offer a unique atmosphere – no matter how wet and windy it may be outside. The Mädler Passage (arcade), for example, offers a mix of luxury shops and boutiques to warm any shopper’s heart. In the shopping arcades you can also find the small shops of young designers, which are truly one of a kind. If you prefer to go shopping at a mall, you may do that as well, at the“Höfe am Brühl” Shopping Centre, which is located in the heart of the city. www.leipzig.travel Relax at the beach Nature lovers will be in their element rambling through the numerous parks and woodlands in and around Leipzig, while locals and visitors can also enjoy the chance to relax and take a breather from everyday life and do a little sightseeing on the spacious park greens. So if you enjoy a vacation at the beach, Leipzig might just be the place for you! In the south of Leipzig the former lignite mining district has been turned into the“New Lakeland”with ideal conditions for enjoying swimming, water sports and the attractive sandy beaches.You can enjoy both nature and sports. Go scuba diving, read a book by the sea or go sailing – it’s up to you! The Lakes and Waterways provide excellent opportunities for family excursions as well. Whether you prefer cycling, hiking or water sports, the possibilities are endless: the city is constantly expanding its vast network of
Issue 4 | June 2013 | 57
Lake Cospuden
waterways – in summer 2011 the first fully passable water route between Leipzig’s city port and Lake Cospuden, known as Course 1, was opened. The route brings into view Leipzig’s spacious park landscapes and magnificent Wilhelminian villas, and immerses travellers in the unique animal and plant world of the Auwald Forest. Beautiful cafes and restaurants have also sprung up on the banks of the waterways. www.leipzigerneuseenland.de
perience for anyone with an interest in culture. One of the popular Art Museums in Leipzig is the GRASSI Museum of Applied Art, which opened in 1874. With its firstclass collection, it is considered one of Europe's leading museums of arts and crafts. Art nouveau, art déco and functionalism create a profile-defining focus for the collection in virtually all areas. Craftwork and design of the 20th century are also depicted at central key points.
Enjoy art
But Leipzig does more than display art – the city lives art. Artists are trained at the Academy of Visual Arts, and many of them later find their way to the Spinnerei, an artist centre in the western part of the city. Over 100 artists work at their studios here, which are located in a former cotton mill,
The large variety of museums and sights in Leipzig is staggering: As a centre for the fine and applied arts, Leipzig is a real magnet for visitors. Its place in the international art landscape and its many museums and galleries make visiting the city a special ex-
and share the site with gallery owners, architects and designers. One of the local artists is Neo Rauch, who is known internationally – some of his artwork has been displayed in museums abroad, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. If you would like to visit the place where Neo Rauch was inspired you are welcome to drop by at any time of the day. www.spinnerei.de or www.leipzig.travel Go on an adventure If you love animals, you should definitely visit the Leipzig Zoo! Experience the animal kingdom on a tour – a visit to the world’s biggest centre for great apes“Pongoland”is as unforgettable an experience as an audience with the King of the Jungle on the “Makasi Simba”(lion savannah) or a safari through the expanses of the “Kiwara Savannah” to view the giraffes, antelopes, zebras and flamingos. The Siberian tiger enclosure “Tiger Taiga” is designed to be as natural as possible, and visitors will marvel
Left: Grassi Museum Above: Museum of Applied Arts
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Summer in Leipzig
at the sight of its inhabitants taking a bath. In the Asian world, the“Ganesha Mandir” elephant temple will simply take your breath away – you can actually observe an elephant swimming underwater through an armoured glass window at the Zoo! Since 2011 there has been a spectacular new attraction: the "Gondwanaland" Tropical Experience, which is a multi-sensory journey of discovery through a tropical rainforest that is home to 40 exotic species and over 500 different types of trees and plants. Follow the jungle paths, climb the treetop trail and float downstream on the primeval Gamanil River. For the adrenaline-junkies the BELANTIS theme park is a must-see. BELANTIS Theme Park is one of our top family excursion destinations: more than half a million children, youngsters, parents and grandparents come here every year, making BELANTIS the number one attraction in the new federal states. The theme park opened in 2003 and offers just the right blend of fun and relaxation with eight themed worlds and more than 60 attractions. The newest addition to the theme park was the Huracan rollercoaster, which goes as fast as 85km/h. Would you be brave enough the ride the Huracan Rollercoaster? Come and find out! www.zoo-leipzig.de or www.belantis.de Enjoy music Leipzig's musical tradition is truly exceptional. This is the city where Johann Sebas-
tian Bach, Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, Robert and Clara Schumann all worked, and where Richard Wagner was born and received his musical training. And musical history is still being written in Leipzig today, with world-famous ensembles performing to audiences throughout the city, whether in the Gewandhaus, in St. Thomas Church or in the Opera. The city's musical legacy is documented and maintained in a large number of museums. Visit the places where famous composers lived and worked; listen to music in venues where history comes alive on the Leipzig Music Trail. If you prefer Bach, you should visit the Leipzig Bach Festival in June. It combines a musical programme of the highest quality with the historical authenticity of its venues. Every year, this festival casts its spell over visitors from Leipzig and around the world with a variety of top-class events including secular and religious concerts, jazz, chamber music and open air concerts. For the younger audience Leipzig has popular music festivals to offer in the summer such as the Highfield Festival or the Splash Festival with international line-ups such as Billy Talent, Flogging Molly or Macklemore. Of course the Leipzig nightlife is a great chance to experience the music scene and enjoy the music from local DJs, such as Matthias Tanzmann, live. www.bach-leipzig.de www.notenspur-leipzig.de
Discover the nightlife Great places to party and spend time out with friends – wandering from restaurant to restaurant, from pub to pub, the choices are endless. These neighbourhoods are very popular to go to for lively dining and entertainment: the inner city, especially the Barfußgäßchen and the Gottschedstraße area and the Südmeile (The 'Southern Mile' - the Karl-LiebknechtStraße and Münzgasse areas).These streets are the best places to go for a wonderful time, a great cuisine, and lively entertainment right in the heart of the city. And for another sumptuous culinary journey of discovery, the increasingly popular Karl-Heine-Straße in the Plagwitz area of the city is an attractive option. www.leipzig.travel
FURTHER INFORMATION Interested? Got further questions? For more events, bookings and information please visit: www.leipzig.travel Did you know that Ryanair offers non-stop flights from London Stansted to the Leipzig/ Halle Airport? For flights, bookings and more information please visit: www.ryanair.com Leipzig Zoo - Gondwanaland
Issue 4 | June 2013 | 59
Art-Déco in the historic heart of Leipzig
Seaside Park Hotel The traditional yet distinctly individual hotel right in the city centre of trade fair city Leipzig boasts Art-Déco style design throughout and is open to all. Be it a business trip or sightseeing tour, the four-star Seaside Park Hotel fulfils all expectations. TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE | PHOTOS: SEASIDE PARK HOTEL
tourist attractions and cultural institutions within walking distance.”
The elegant hotel first opened its doors in 1913 for the inauguration of the colossal Monument to the Battle of the Nations. Eight decades later, in 1993 the Seaside Hotels took over the building and refurbished it meticulously with a great love for detail.The hotel’s original facade was restored to its former glory and is now registered as a protected listed building.To represent the grand flair of that era, it was decided to maintain the charming Art-Déco style, giving visitors the sensation of being transported back in time.
Leipzig is not only a historic centre of letterpress but also hosts one of the oldest universities. Great musical tradition goes back to the work of Johann Sebastian Bach and Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, and the city holds annual events remembering this significant heritage.The cityscape is shaped by the preserved Moritzbastei and the old town hall, a renaissance building, as well as by many historic trade courts.
Gitta Jonek, Sales and Marketing Manager, says:“The hotel’s exclusive location in the historic centre of Leipzig is particularly remarkable. Right at the famous Nikolaistraße, between central station and St. Nikolai’s Church, guests can easily explore many
In the evening guests can dine in the hotel’s restaurant Steaktrain, which offers a variety of meaty delights on hot lava stones in a dining car atmosphere, making the meal not only a satisfying culinary experience but also a little adventure!
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The hotel’s modern fittings encompass a range of facilities: Wi-Fi, business work stations, vast entertainment systems, indoor parking and a spa area including whirlpools, sauna and an infrared cabin. Massages and cosmetic appointments can be booked upon request.There are a total of 288 rooms, boasting a variety of different options including suites, and the conference rooms can cater up to 110 people. The Seaside Park Hotel wonderfully combines the niceties of a modern hotel with the historic grandeur of the Art-Déco era whilst maintaining a personal atmosphere, making it the place to be when visiting Leipzig. www.parkhotelleipzig.de
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Summer in Leipzig
Auerbachs Keller Leipzig Where Faust was born and the legend lives on The Auerbachs Keller, or “Goethe’s living room” as it is dubbed by many, sits prominently in the Mädler Passagen in Leipzig’s historic city centre and is an absolute must-visit when staying in what not only locals describe as “the better Berlin”.
ian region. “People love our authentic dishes,”he says and he highly recommends booking in advance. www.auerbachs-keller-leipzig.de
TEXT: TINA AWTANI
Guests are welcomed by the Mathieu Molitor bronze figures at the entrance, and virtually everyone who shaped history since the 16th century and passed through Leipzig enjoyed the cellar’s hospitality. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was famously inspired to write his Faust here, Johann Sebastian Bach came up with great compositions, and it was here where Mori Ôgai’s idea was sparked to translate Goethe’s greatest hit into Japanese. The Hexenküche, Fasskeller, Lutherzimmer and Goethezimmer rooms date back to 1530 and Faust’s famous barrel ride took place right here. Since 2006 Bernhard and
Christine Rothenberger have been running the Auerbachs Keller and together with their strong team they have managed to even excel the cellar’s former glory. Today the Auerbachs Keller is one of the bestknown international restaurants in the world.The Rothenbergers are well aware of the responsibility they took over.“We see it as our duty not only to run the place as a business, but to take over a century spanning heritage which needs to be treated with utmost care and needs to be preserved and handed down to the generations to come,”Mr Rothenberger explains. A fleet of 35 chefs guarantees that guests are served deliciously hearty cuisine from the Saxon-
Explore the world of authentic printing arts in Leipzig Almost twenty years ago today’s Museum of the Printing Arts Leipzig was established as a print workshop. Still in use and capturing centuries of the printing arts, it has become one of the last historic print premises in the world featuring a remarkable collection of exhibits from the print industry. TEXT: TINA AWTANI
The museum covers a total of 4,000 square metres; half of the space is dedicated to exhibiting precious items from the past. Since the museum is also a fully operating printing house, guests are granted the unique opportunity to watch the printing experts at
work while strolling through the exhibition. All craftsmen are more than happy to share their knowledge with guests. Visitor numbers are steadily on the increase and every year thousands flock in to admire the valuable machines from a time when a dig-
Top left: Mr and Mrs Rothenberger in the legendary Fasskeller. Photo: Auerbachs Keller Leipzig Top right: Faust barrel ride. Photo: Armin Kühne Bottom: The Great Cellar. Photo: T. Kunstmann
ital world did not exist.“The museum’s collection of around 100 working machines and presses for historical casting, composing and printing techniques really brings the history of printing alive. Combining a museum and an active workshop, visitors still can experience printing processes at first hand,”Dr. Susanne Richter, Director of the museum, explains. But there is more to discover for those passionate about the printed word.“The Museum of the Printing Arts also houses a handcraft bookbindery, the workshop of a wood engraver, a unique collection of different typefaces and a special exhibition of music printing techniques. The Museum of the Printing Arts is based in the former industrial quarter Plagwitz in a listed industrial building that has been in continuous use as a printing house since the early 20th century,”Dr. Richter says. www.druckkunst-museum.de Left: Small printing room. © Klaus-D. Sonntag Middle: Print at the "Kniehebelpresse" from 1865. © Museum für Druckkunst Leipzig Right: Museum of the Printing Arts, Nonnenstraße 38 © Museum für Druckkunst Leipzig
Issue 4 | June 2013 | 61
Discover Germany | Culture | Barbara Geier
Anything but Blue Nun One of my little quirks is sauntering along the wine racks in supermarkets, checking their offer of German wines. From my point of view, there are too few of them in between all the French, Italian, South African or South American ones. I have always been a bit peeved about the fact that wines from my home country suffer from a bad reputation in the UK. Even more so since I’m from the Pfalz, the Palatinate region, which is Germany’s second biggest wine-growing district. TEXT: BARBARA GEIER
When you’ve grown up in direct neighbourhood of the German Wine Road, meandering on 85 km from Schweigen on the French border up north to Bockenheim, with is many lovely wine villages, excellent vineyards and numerous wine festivals, you take it for granted that everyone knows about the quality of German wines. Hence, it was a bit of a shock for me when first being confronted with the UK’s perception of German wine and the enduring cliché about German equalling Liebfrauenmilch et al (No one drinks that in Germany, once and for all!). German wines being mentioned with a smile of gentle deprecation? I almost felt obliged to be outraged on behalf of all the winemakers in the countries 13 different wine-growing regions, from the smallest in Saxony to the largest, Rheinhessen. I have learned in the meantime where it all went wrong since in the 1970s, many of Germany’s best winegrowing regions were cultivated for mass productions with Blue Nun and the like particularly aimed at the British market. However, things have changed. From the 1980s onwards, a new generation of wine makers who had studied wine making not only in Germany but also abroad and learn-
62 | Issue 4 | June 2013
ing from the best, took over the family estates. Apart from Riesling which has traditionally been a major grape variety (and is a top seller in the USA), they also started introducing international grapes such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.The cultivation of red wines has risen, too, and in a blind tasting a couple of years ago that was organised by the German Wine Institute in London seven of the judges’ top ten Pinot Noirs came from Germany. Maybe I don’t need to be outraged for too much longer. The perception of German wines in the UK is changing, helped, for example, by the likes of Jancis Robinson, one of Britain’s foremost wine writers, endorsing the quality of German wines. Or entertaining online guides such as the Wine Rambler, representing the young and modern side of wines in Germany. Passionate supporters such as German Wine Agencies, set up a couple of years ago and tirelessly campaigning to introduce UK wine connoisseurs to their growing roster of German wine makers trading in the UK, or wine tasting courses as started by the Goethe Institute in London last year also do their bit. Needless to say, I’m also taking every opportunity to tell everyone what German wines are really about. So, next
time you come across a German wine, give it a try, it might be better than you think. Just stay away from the Blue Nun, please …
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.
Discover Germany | Business | BSCC
Meet the British Swiss Chamber of Commerce – where“business is still conducted by people.” TEXT: TINA AWTANI
The BSCC has been promoting business relations between Switzerland, Liechtenstein and the UK for almost a century and offers members a unique platform for individual cross-border networking. Focal point of the organisation is the official representation of its members within the British-Swiss business community. Carolyn Helbling, Managing Director of the BSCC, explains: “With more than 760 corporate members, the BSCC is a natural meeting place for those interested in British-Swiss business. Over the years, the Chamber has played host to key personalities from both countries from the worlds of business, politics and academia and has successfully raised the awareness of issues of importance to our bilateral relationship”. The annual British-Swiss Business Awards ceremony is just one of the many highlights
marked in the BSCC calendar. This year’s winners will be announced on 28 November in Geneva.“The British-Swiss Chamber of Commerce has been contributing to the development of British-Swiss business relations for more than 90 years.Through our extensive network and eclectic events programme across Switzerland and in London, we bring thousands of businesses – both large and small – together each year. Despite the prevalence of the internet, business is still conducted by people.The BSCC enables business executives and politicians with a shared interest in our two countries to meet and exchange ideas in a professional and friendly atmosphere and provides a platform for discussion and debate on matters of bilateral interest,” Alexis P. Lautenberg, President of the BSCC says. www.bscc.co.uk
Top: Alexis P. Lautenberg at the BSCC New Year Reception in Zurich 2013. Photo: Howard Brundrett Bottom: Yves Robert-Charrue, CEO Switzerland, Bank Julius Baer at a BSCC Business Lunch. Photo: Howard Brundrett
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