GERMANY Edition 2011 | 12 www.germany.travel GERMANY – DESTINATION CULTURE Breathtaking architecture, creative potential and innovative ideas in art and technology – from the coast to the Alps. BERLIN & BRANDENBURG Culture and entertainment around the capital city. THEME PARKS & SHOPPING Fun for the entire family. BLACK FOREST & LAKE CONSTANCE Vacation variety for active enjoyment. SUPPLEMENT FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011™. DISCOVER
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Dear reader,
Health and wellness travel is very much in vogue. Around 40 per cent of international visitors come to Germany for leisure purposes. 15 per cent travel with the specific intention of doing something fortheir fitness, beauty or wellbeing. In this latest edition of DiscoverGermany we will tell you about some of our country’s top destinations for health-related travel.
More than 350 spa resorts make Germany a leading choice for healthand wellness travel. Germany has also earned a global reputation as a destination for medical tourism. What’s more, there is a multitude of spa and beauty hotels that specialise in a holistic approach to wellness. These are ideal for holidaymakers who want to rest, relaxand escape their everyday cares.
In our special “Destination Culture” you will find lots of ideas and inspi ration for combining your wellness holiday with culture and enter tainment.
To tie in with the 125th anniversary of the motor car in 2011 we will also be telling you about the centres of Germany’s automotive industry.The factory guided tours and on-site museums offer fascinating insights into the past, present and future of an industry that changed the world.
We hope to see you soon.
EDITORIAL
Petra Hedorfer, Chief Executive Officer German National Tourist Board
Maritime culture, the new art scene andlifestyle, industrial culture and modern architecture as well as
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There’s just no getting away from the sea in this part of northern Germany. And especially not in Emden, a town ofjust 50,000 people that was one ofEurope’s leading port cities 500 yearsago. Moored in Emden is the Amrumbank,a museum ship that gave service as afloating lighthouse in various positions inthe North Sea from 1917 to 1983.
THE HOME OF THEODOR STORM
Schleswig-Holstein’s history is of adifferent character. In this region, or moreprecisely in North Friesland, people loveto tell stories of dark and stormy nights inwhich the westerly winds chase darkclouds through the sky; in which the seawhips against the dykes and some of thecoast dwellers even claim to have seenthe famous ‘Rider on the White Horse’ –the ghostly literary character penned bythe German poet Theodor Storm.
Husum is the region’s biggest city andthe place where Theodor Storm grew up.This pretty little town with its medievalgabled houses has a lively feel and aloveable charm. Theodor Storm once livedright in the centre of Husum, at Wasser -reihe no. 31, a house that now accommo -dates the Theodor Storm Museum.
GERMANY COAST TO COASTLower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein
and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania –Germany’s three northernmost federalstates – are ideal destinations for a sea side holiday. But that’s by no means all they have to offer. There are friendlytowns and cities replete with beautiful,historical buildings, for example, lots ofcultural attractions, and many an excitingstory to hear from days gone by.
Between 1830 and 1974, more thanseven million people left Germany from
Bremerhaven.
Bremerhaven, whose history has beenshaped by the sea to an almost unparal -
leled extent, is one such destination.Between 1830 and 1974, more than sevenmillion people emigrated from Bremer -haven, most of them to the USA. TheGerman Emigration Centre, Europe’slargest interactive museum devoted to thissubject, tells the emigrants’ stories, ex -plains their motives, and explores the insand outs of their journey across the Atlan -tic and arrival at Ellis Island, New York.
Wilhelmshaven is also lapped by thewaters of the North Sea, so it’s nosurprise that the sea plays a big part in itsattractions. Along the Maritime Meilewaterfront ensemble, for example, thereis the Coastal Museum am Bontekai withits exhibition on the world of whales, andthe Wattenmeerhaus, which showcasesthe flora and fauna of the Lower SaxonyWadden Sea National Park.
PICTURES1 Bremerhaven German Emigration Centre
2 Lübeck Merchants’ houses3 National Park Wadden sea
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Just 20 minutes by car from Husum isthe small town of Tönning. Located on theEiderstedt peninsula, which is surroundedby the coastal mudflats, Tönning is hometo the Multimar Wattforum National ParkCentre – a must see attraction on anytour of northern Germany.
This is the largest visitor centre inSchleswig-Holstein’s Wadden SeaNational Park and tells you everythingyou need to know about biodiversity inthe coastal mudflats, the tides, and theconservation of indigenous life.
Follow the coast eastwards and youarrive in Kiel, the regional capital ofSchleswig-Holstein. This is where the KielCanal, the most heavily used artificialwaterway in the world, empties into theBaltic Sea. For around 100 kilometres,
it cuts through the marshes and sandyheathland of Schleswig-Holstein, andenables close to 50,000 ships a year toavoid making the long journey around theJutland peninsula via Skagen in northernDenmark.
Lübeck may be known as Kiel’s littlesister, but this town at the end of the Bayof Lübeck is also a wonderful destinationin its own right.
“In proximity to the ocean one finds no shortage of notable towns. But Lübecksurpasses them all”, wrote Pope Pius in1457. Lübeck is renowned for its distinct -ive skyline, in which seven church spirestower over the old quarter, its magnificentbürgerhäuser and merchants’ houses, itsmaze of cobbled lanes and brick façades,and for the Holsten Gate with its mightytowers. Lübeck also provides the settingfor a number of novels, including ThomasMann’s family saga Buddenbrooks.
One could stay forever in Lübeck,wandering the lanes, paying a visit toBuddenbrooks House and admiring thetown hall – one of the oldest in Germany.Also part of Lübeck is the seaside resortof Travemünde, which boasts an idyllic oldquarter and a promenade stretching formore than two kilometres.
NATURAL AND CULTURAL RICHES
This is where the coast of Schleswig-Holstein ends and the shores ofMecklenburg-Western Pomerania begin.Where small, sleepy villages dot a verdantlandscape and idyllic avenues are linedwith ancient chestnut trees. Then theHanseatic towns rise up on the horizon,
first Wismar, then Rostock and finallyStralsund. The old quarters in Wismar andStralsund were major trade centres in the14th and 15th century and have beeninscribed on UNESCO’s list of WorldHeritage sites. Why? Because they haveretained their original medieval layoutsand characteristic architectural styles,and because of their superbly preservedbrick-Gothic buildings.
Stralsund’s top attractions: the German Oceanographic Museum,
northern Germany’s most visitedmuseum, and the nearby Ozeaneum,Europe’s Museum of the Year 2010.
In the heart of historical Stralsund isthe triple-naved, Gothic hall of the formerChurch of St. Catherine. This is nowhome to the German OceanographicMuseum, the most visited museum innorthern Germany with its sensational seaturtle aquarium. Just a short walk away isthe Ozeaneum, Europe’s Museum of theYear 2010. Here, around 7,000 plants andanimals live in more than six million litresof water.
Of the many other attractions of notein Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, theabundant piers are among the mostprominent. Reaching far out into theBaltic Sea, each one seems to outdo thelast in terms of beauty and architecture.Sellin pier on Rügen Island, for example,seems to hover above the sea like aminiature fairytale palace. The pier inHeringsdorf on Usedom island, mean -while, is the longest in mainland Europe at 508 metres. Of course, there’s nothinglike discovering Germany’s coastalregions for yourself, and taking lots andlots of time to enjoy it all .
Text: Karen Amme – travel journalist and marine expert. Feels at home along all of Europe’s coastsand writes about them in daily newspapers and weekly magazines.
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AVANT-GARDE ART AND DESIGN
UNESCO has bestowed a very specialhonour on Berlin. In 2005, Germany’scapital became the first and so far onlyEuropean city to be awarded the orga ni -sation’s prestigious ‘City of Design’ title.
Berlin is ideal for creative spirits. It has lots of spare and relatively inex -pensive space for studios, ten prestigioushigher education institutes with specialistart faculties, and an audience that iscurious and open to everything. Eventssuch as the DMY Design Festival giveestablished and up-and-coming designersalike the chance to unveil their latest‘product experiments’.
CREATIVITY WHEREVER YOU LOOK
While in most countries, the leadingmuseums, theatres and art scenes areconcentrated in just a few big cities, inGermany you are spoilt for choice. Evensmall towns have a breathtaking array ofcultural entertainment.
Berlin does full justice to its reputationas Europe's culture capital. There’s some -thing new to discover every day in thiscreative hub, and the events calendar hasnever been so packed. Other important cultural destinations inGermany’s east include Leipzig, Dresdenand, of course, Weimar and Dessau.Down the centuries, Weimar has beenhome to many of the greats of Germanliterature, music, philosophy and art.Today, it mixes trendy urban living with along tradition of culture.
DESIGN THAT CHANGED THE WORLD
Preparations are well underway for the 100th anniversary of the Bauhaus in2019. In 1919, Walter Gropius opened the State Bauhaus in Weimar, which wenton to revolutionise modern design, archi -
tecture and the visual arts. From theBarcelona chair to Corbusier’s chaiselongue, Bauhaus is synonymous aroundthe world with linear, functional andavant-garde design. Bauhaus ideals haveinfluenced generations of designers, andcontinue to do so today, and the BauhausUniversity in Weimar is one of Germany'screative think tanks.
In 1925 the Bauhaus moved to Dessau, a true place of pilgrimage for fans of
architecture and design.
In the Bauhaus Foundation’s listedGropius building, groups of internationalstudents develop new design concepts in line with Bauhaus principles. This alltakes place just a short distance from themaster houses and experimental housingestates designed by Paul Klee, WassilyKandinsky and Lyonel Feininger. A counterpoint to these cubic, nestedbuildings can be found nearby in theGarden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz.Covering an area of 142 square kilo -metres, the Garden Kingdom encom -passes magnificent palaces, such as the Dutch-inspired Oranienbaum, and a beautiful and extensive collection of 18th-century gardens. In November 2000 it joined the Bauhaus sites on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
PICTURES1 Berlin University of the Arts2 Leipzig Museum of Fine Arts
3 Dresden Green Vault, Pretiosensaal4 Weimar Bauhaus University
Text: Ann Wente – scene insider with an art historybackground. She highlights German cities’ hot spots forart & culture, shopping & lifestyle in travel guides andcity magazines.
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German fashion has long been a fixture on the world stage, whether on the red carpets or out on the streets.Labels like adidas, BOSS and Escada,and designers such as Wolfgang Joop and Karl Lagerfeld are among the biggestnames in the fashion industry. Berlin-based designers on the verge of gaininginternational fame include MichaelMichalsky with his feminine designs, thec.neeon label with its brightly coloured,artistic clothing and Kaviar Gauche, which makes stylish, elegant gowns.
The best in product design can be seen in the Vitra Design Museum,
the Deutscher Werkbund’s ‘Museum ofThings’ and the Bauhaus Archive.
In the Mitte, Friedrichshain andPrenzlauer Berg districts, it’s clear to seethat the people of Berlin like their fashionextravagant, easygoing and individual.Countless boutiques are based in theseareas, often with the backroom doublingas the studio. Clothing by intriguingnewcomers can be found at berliner -klamotten in the Hackesche Höfecomplex.
Twice a year for Berlin Fashion Week,the whole city goes fashion crazy. CalvinKlein, Vivienne Westwood and other stardesigners unveil their new collections,while the accompanying streetwear trade -s how Bread & Butter is a magnet for trade
journalists and buyers. Interestingly, thegrand dame of British fashion, VivienneWestwood has also had a lasting impacton the Berlin scene. From 1993 to 2005,she taught fashion design at the BerlinUniversity of Arts, one of the world’slargest and most highly respected artuniversities. Creative centres such asBerlin are one of the reasons whyGermany occupies such a prominentposition in contemporary art.
Works by German artists achieve topprices at auctions and are represented inimportant collections and many majormuseums. Offbeat art festivals help drivethe avant-garde scene forward. In artcircles, the Berlin Biennale has establisheditself alongside the documenta in Kassel,while the Transmediale has become aleading international festival for digital art.The Ostrale in Dresden, which is set in aformer abattoir, has become a stimulatingartistic counterpoint to the city's baroquegrandeur. And Leipzig, from which a newwave of German painting has emerged,explores further aspects of modern art withits F/STOP photography festival. The cityalso lends its name to one of the mostinfluential art movements of recent years,the New Leipzig School. The movement isclosely associated with the city’s pres ti -gious Academy of Visual Arts, and its most
famous exponents are Neo Rauch andMatthias Weischer.
A WORLD OF MUSEUMSAND EXHIBITIONS
These two star artists, together with 100 others, have their studios in theBaumwollspinnerei, a former cotton mill inLeipzig. Galleries and designers have alsoset up on the site and made it one of themost vibrant art hubs in Germany.
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S ites of industrial heritage such
as the ‘Eiffel Tower of the Ruhr’,
the Eiserner Steg bridge in
Frankfurt and Völklingen
Ironworks have been
transformed into architectural
monuments and modern
worlds of discovery .
*
CULTURE
Journeys of architecturaldiscovery above and below ground
… changes the way we look at industrial heritage*
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A NEW ARCHITECTURAL ERAThe huge Grossmarkthalle from the
1920s stands right on the banks of theRiver Main in Frankfurt. It is currentlybeing incorporated into an ensemble of ultra-modern skyscrapers that willbecome the new headquarters for the European Central Bank. A boat tour on the Main and Rhine through the old trade and industrial estates makes for an exciting trip that’s full of surprises. Along the way are historicalcranes, the Eiserner Steg bridge spanning the Main in the centre ofFrankfurt, the old Opel mansions with their temporary art exhibitions, the steel Kaiserbrücke bridge across the Rhine at Mainz, and the neighbouring production halls of the former carriagefactory, which are now used as an arts centre.
Back on land, a great way to discoverthe Rhine-Main region’s exciting past isby following the Route of IndustrialHeritage, which provides information onthe themes of ‘energy’, ‘river ports’ and‘automation – man and machine’.
Frankfurt’s main railway station, whichwas built in the 19th century, is a vibranttransport hub whose five halls with theircurved, steel-and-glass roofs extend along way beyond the platforms. It’sequally busy and bustling just twelvekilometres away at Frankfurt airport,which is one of the largest in the world.Terminal 2 is a masterpiece of modernarchitecture with a glass roof for directsunlight.
FROM INDUSTRIAL PLANTSTO LEISURE PARKS
In Germany, monuments from the oldworld of industrial work are now popularvisitor destinations. They stand as em -blems for a region’s shift from industry to culture, in which cavernous halls havebecome museums, sites of architecturalinterest and modern, themed attractions.Places associated with Germany’s indus -trial heritage over the past 200 years arenow quick and easy to get to, and offerample opportunity both for richly varied,full-length holidays as well as intensiveweekend breaks.
THE RUHR REGION: 1,000INDUSTRIAL MONUMENTS
In Europe’s third-largest conurbation,with its 53 towns and cities and populationof 5.3 million, an incredible 1,000 monu -ments bear witness to the heyday of heavyindustry. This was the age of industrialbarons such as Krupp and Thyssen, whoreigned supreme through their coal andsteel empires, and made the region anindustrial powerhouse in Europe. Today,the collieries and steelworks – the centresof production – serve as sites of culturalpreservation. The Ruhr region has under -gone a phenomenal transformation fromindustrial heartland to a region of culture.120 theatres and 19 universities are avibrant expression of this metamorphosis.
As the European Capital of Culture 2010,the Ruhr presented a wealth of industrial
architecture in and around Essen.
The port city of Duisburg, Oberhausenwith its gasometer, the UNESCO WorldHeritage Zollverein mine in Essen, thefestival city of Bochum and football-madDortmund with its big breweries all playeda part in the region’s year as the Euro -pean Capital of Culture.
For over ten years, the Route of In dus trial Heritage has linked the 52 main industrial monuments in the Ruhrregion. This tourist route runs for morethan 400 kilometres and is the onlyregional project of its kind in the world.
A highlight of the route is the 117-metre-high gasometer in Oberhausen,which offers spectacular exhibitions insideand a fabulous 360° view of the regionfrom its roof. At Duisburg-Nord IndustrialLandscape Park, meanwhile, the gas -ometer by the disused ironworks has beenconverted into a diving centre un like anyother in Europe. On the same site, aformer blast furnace serves as an obser -vation tower, and the old ore bunkershave become alpine climbing gardens.
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A GARDEN PARADISE ALONGTHE SAAR RIVER
In the Saarland, a captivating contrast exists between the enchantingscenery along the Saar river and theformer centres of heavy industry. Theregion's landscape has coal and steel atits heart. The Völklingen Ironworks,founded in 1873, became the firstindustrial monument to gain UNESCO
World Heritage status in 1994. Until itclosed in 1986, almost 20,000 peopleworked at the site on the banks of theSaar. During this time, the closed-off area between the river and the ironworkswas left to grow unchecked into a wild‘paradise of natural beauty’. Rising abovethese gardens are the mighty smeltingworks with their coal towers, blastfurnaces, coke batteries and a huge water tank. The Völklingen Ironworks isone of the region's most popular touristattractions.
Steel behemoths, industrial heritage and grand railway station halls.
Not far from the Völklingen Iron worksis the Haldenrundweg walking route. Thiscircular trail runs for more than 45 kmthrough the Saarkohlenwald forest inSaarbrücken, linking six disused slag heapsalong the way. This former mining regionhas become an oasis of green, a beautiful,post-industrial landscape dotted withtrees, bushes and many a ruin or relic
from the era of coal and steel. Ascents tothe summit of the Viktoria and Lydia slag -heaps are rewarded with phenomenalviews.
There are no better places in Germanyto see how sooty industrial areas canbecome cultural and architectural centres,modern transport hubs and post-industriallandscapes than along the Ruhr and Saarrivers and in the Rhine-Main region. Steelbehemoths, former production sites andgrand railway station halls stir up mem -ories of yesteryear in a modern context. They bear witness to a fascinating pastand give visitors the chance to discoverall this for them selves .
PICTURES1 Gelsenkirchen ‘Maschinenhalle’
2 Frankfurt Eiserner Steg3 Oberhausen Gasometer4 Völklingen Blower Hall
Text: Dr. Peter Christian Lang – PR pro and cultural philosopher. He discovers hidden cultural treasuresand shows travelers from all over the world architectural pearls from yesterday, today and tomorrow.
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CAR CULTURE
A thoroughly German productcelebrates its 125th birthday
From mode of transport to cultural icon*A HIGH-TECH AUTOMOTIVE
EXPERIENCE
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Its CarDesign Studio allows anyone todesign their own dream on wheels. Thosewishing to put their driving skills to thetest – in the virtual or real world – cangive the challenging indoor and outdoorcourses a whirl. The ZeitHaus tells thestory of the motor car and features much-loved classics and current models.Another manufacturer belonging to theinternational elite is Audi. Visitors to theAudi ‘museum mobile’ in Ingolstadt learnall about the company's past and futurethrough interactive and multimediainstallations. The most significant modelsfrom the past 100 years are mounted on a paternoster lift that moves through the
CLASSIC CARS AS MUSEUM EXHIBITS
Using the new technologies availableto them, the inventors of the motor carwanted to produce a vehicle that wouldfacilitate faster travel. Yet no-one wouldhave imagined, 125 years on, that thiswould be the high-tech product and evencultural icon of today. The dream onwheels, which has become reality, hascaptured the imagination of young and old alike for generations. This passion isreflected in the many museums opened by Germany’s prestigious car manufac -turers. These exciting visitor attractionsrevisit technologies from the past, reflecton the present day, and offer an insightinto the companies’ visions for the future.And all this in buildings of bold andprogressive ambition. What unites them is their international reputation for quality‘made in Germany’.
Futuristic glass temples and legendarycars as mobile exhibits – Carl Friedrich
Benz would be proud.
The invention of the motor car iscredited to Carl Friedrich Benz, whoregis tered the first patent in 1886 for his ‘motor car number 1’. A visit to theMercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart is a must for all car enthusiasts. With 106
exhibits and breathtaking architecture, it promises to be an experience to re -member. From the very beginnings of thecar through to the latest technologicaldevelopments, everything can be seen inthe original. The award-winning BMWMuseum building in Munich commu -nicates the dynamism and elegance ofthese luxury cars. Futuristic glass templeshouse 25 themed areas from the 90-yearhistory of BMW. There are 120 vehicleson display which give an insight intodesign, popular model ranges, motorsportand groundbreaking visions for the future.Autostadt Wolfsburg is a Volkswagenmuseum and theme park rolled into one.
PICTURES1 Bertha Benz on the Benz Patent motor car
2 Nürburgring’s northern circuit3 BMW Museum kinetic sculpture
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four levels of the building. Last but by nomeans least is Porsche, a company thatsends the hearts of many a car enthusiastracing. The Porsche Museum opened inStuttgart in 2009. Housed within a build -ing of bold geometric lines, the collectionof over 80 cars proves that it is impos -sible to resist the allure of these stylish,powerful machines. Legendary cars fromthe Porsche 356 to motorsport raritiescaptivate the imagination of every visitor.
AUTOMOBILE SUMMER 2011:CAR-MAKING CLOSE UP
Many other museums, including theTransport Centre at the German Museumin Munich, the Automobile and TechnologyMuseum in Sinsheim and the TechnologyMuseum in Speyer, will be hosting excit ingevents to mark the 125th anniversary ofthe motor car. As part of ‘AutomobileSummer 2011’ in Baden-Württembergfrom 7 May to 10 September, there willbe themed city tours, classic car ralliesand a fascinating look behind the scenesof the major car manufacturers. Opel inRüsselsheim is one of those taking part.
The automotive manufacturer will beopening its doors to visitors, who can see at first hand how a modern car ismade.
World champions Sebastian Vettel and Michael Schumacher will be giving
it their all at the Nürburgring. Will the Formula 1 title remain in
German hands?
Frankfurt International Motor Show is the world’s leading automotive tradefair and takes place this year from 15 to25 September 2011. German manu -facturers will, of course, be presentingtheir latest models and visions for thefuture. There will be a special focus onenergy-saving variants, such as theinnovative hybrid and electric cars thatrepresent the future for the German carindustry. Formula 1 fans will be in theirelement as the German Grand Prix comesto the Nürburgring from 21 to 24 July2011. It’s all about the smell of fuel andburning rubber, squealing tyres and pure,unadul terated motor racing action.Sebastian Vettel, the youngest Formula 1world champion of all time, has followedin the footsteps of living legend MichaelSchumacher and put Germany back inpole position.
ON THE TRAIL OF BERTHA BENZ
Those who would rather be behind the wheel discovering Germany for them -selves have no fewer than 12,000 kilo -metres of autobahn, a large number ofsuperbly maintained country roads, and a wealth of visitor attractions to discover.Keen motorists in particular will enjoy
Germany’s themed scenic routes.Whether it’s the Avenues, Alpine, Castleor Half-Timbered Houses Road, the BlackForest Panoramic Route or the SaxonWine Route – there are surprises in storewherever you go. There are natural andunspoilt landscapes to discover, from thecoast in the north to the Alps in the south,traditions and historical treasures, butalso a strong sense of Germany’s moderncharacter, expressed in its vibrant citiesand futuristic architecture. In all theseplaces you'll also find traditional innsserving classic German cuisine that tempt you to stop a while.
The world’s first motorist was a woman – Bertha Benz. In actual fact, hertwo sons, aged 13 and 15, also helped to
Text: Norbert Wolf – copywriter and artist. He delights culture fans with excitingreports about automobile museums, amusement parks, wellness and beauty hotels.
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Take buzzing Berlin, for example. More than 20 years
after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Germany’s capital is
celebrating its return to form as a world city and is
undergoing dramatic changes wherever you look. Then
there is Hamburg, the free Hanseatic city on the Elbe
river, whose port won it fame as Germany’s ‘gateway
to the world’. Munich, meanwhile, with its many
traditions attracts millions of tourists every year – and
not just for the Oktoberfest. Cologne is renowned for
its cathedral, carnival and carefree Rhenish exuberance,
while Frankfurt conceals medieval lanes beneath its
skyscraper skyline. Dresden, the Florence on the Elbe,
takes a bow for its baroque splendour. The list goes on
and on. And once you’ve ticked off the must-see land -
marks, you can stroll along splendid tree-lined avenues,
shop for the latest fashions in temples of luxury, admire
art in prestigious museums or hear works by German
and international musicians at captivating concerts.
Even smaller towns have their share of these attractions.
Against a backdrop of timber-framed buildings or
futuristic modern architecture, cafés and restaurants
serve classic German fare and tempt passers-by to
Steeped in history, achingly modern or a combination of the two: it is often the exciting-urbane mixture
which constitutes the allure of German cities. History can be experienced in a wonderful manner and
modernity can be discovered at the same time. Germany’s cities always stand out because each has a
charm of its own.
CITIES create the zeitgeist and have
their finger on the pulse. They are hubs of art and
culture, centres of vibrant life, places of major architectural
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BERLIN Germany’s all-night capital. It is known
that Berliners like to party – a lot. Germany’s party capital turns night
into day – and vice versa.
buzzing with countless cafés, bars and restaurants –perfect for party people.
For those who prefer to sip cocktails with views ofthe water, there are lots of city beaches, bars andclubs on the banks of the Spree and along thecanals, for instance the Strandbar in Mitte, theAnkerklause in Neukölln or the Watergate electroclub in Kreuzberg.
Mitte is the chicest district but Schöneberg, Prenz -lauer Berg, Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain are going-out destinations as well. The Kulturbrauerei inalternative Prenzlauer Berg offers a mix of parties,shows and concerts, while the legendary SO 36 clubin Kreuzberg honours punk. Friedrichshain, especiallyaround Boxhagener Platz, is fast becoming an in-place for young, creative people. And Berlin is stillthe techno capital – Berghain and Tresor are two ofthe best techno clubs in the world.
For late-night party animals, this world city offersover 200 clubs and many more pubs and bars. Newhotspots open every week, while others close for amakeover. Berlin is always in flux, and party hostsare constantly trying new ideas. The current trendsare nostalgic parties in swinging 20s style and out-and-out celebrations of kitsch, for instance the hitsdisco at the maritime Hafenbar in Mitte district.
Berliners are not shy or stand-offish, so subcultureand high culture rub along comfortably together.Several times a month there’s even dancing beneaththe chandeliers in many famous theatres, such asthe Schaubühne and the Roter Salon or GrünerSalon at the Volksbühne.
Berlin’s legendary nightlife is quirky, fun and moreliberal than that of any other city in the world, andevery weekend thousands of visitors come just toparty. There’s no closing time, so most clubs stayopen till early in the morning. Unless it’s a continu -ation of the night before, the clubbing starts late –and things never really get going before 1am.
Jewels of internationalhorticulture in Germany's capital
At the fabulous Gardens of the Worldin Berlin, visitors can go on a uniquetour of discovery. Its Garden of theRegained Moon, for example, is thebiggest Chinese garden in Europe.Also popular are the Japanese, Korean and Balinese gardens. TheOriental Garden, meanwhile, focuseson Islamic horticultural traditions. Behind its high walls lies an incom -parable splendour of flowers and Arabic architecture.
Oriental Garden
Chinese Garden
2008 saw the opening of the seventhand eighth themed gardens – the Karl Foerster Herbaceous Garden and the Italian Renaissance Garden.The latter mimics one of the earliest European trends for architecturallylandscaped gardens.
New in 2011: The Christian Garden
Opening times: daily from 9am
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The Hollywood Media Hotel on the Kurfürstendamm in Berlin is a hommage
to film, world-famous movie stars and big-screen legends. This privately
run, four-star establishment with its personal service and friendly atmosphere
is a popular choice both for business travellers and city break tourists.
HOLLYWOOD MEDIA HOTEL Home from home and fit for a film star.
Kurfürstendamm 202
DE-10719 Berlin
Phone +49 (0)30 88 91 00
Fax +49 (0)30 88 91 02 80
www.filmhotel.de
Hollywood Media Hotel
…PORTRAIT
This unique themed hotel is ideally situated forexploring Germany’s vibrant capital. Not only is theKurfürstendamm – Berlin’s iconic shopping street –right on your doorstep, but you are within easy reachof the zoo, the famous memorial church, and justminutes from Potsdamer Platz.
There’s simply no getting away from the theme ofHollywood and the big screen. Strolling around thehotel is like taking a walk through movie history,with its shrines devoted to classic films. Actual sets,movie stills and framed posters from the collectionsof Berlin-based producer and owner of the hotel,Artur Brauner, complete the cinematic picture. Eachof the 182 rooms and apartments is named aftera famous actor or actress. Whether you admire theclassic elegance of a diva such as Marlene Dietrichor the rebellious charms of a James Dean, you canlook forward to star treatment during your stay.From the moment you walk through the door, youplay the lead role and enjoy the luxuries that A-listcelebrities take for granted. To start the day in style,hotel guests enjoy a lavish champagne breakfast in
the Bel Air restaurant. For conference guests andgroups, the restaurant also serves lunch and dinner.Film screenings as well as presentations and pressconferences can be held in the hotel’s privatecinema (Neue Lupe).
they are amazed by the juxtaposition of historicalbuildings with the bold imaginings of contemporaryarchitects. Potsdamer Platz, the new embassyquarter and the haunting Holocaust memorial arejust some of the latest additions to the cityscape.By contrast, the Nikolaiviertel quarter is a vibrantpiece of old Berlin. Other unique attractions includeGedächtniskirche memorial church, vibrant Alex -anderplatz and Gendarmenmarkt, one of Europe’sfinest squares. Berlin’s wealth of cultural attrac -tions is world class. Berlin Museum Island with itsnumerous fascinating cultural sites is a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site. The Berliners’ sense of hu -mour can be experienced at many cabaret venues.
Kreuzberg, the home of Berlin’s alternative scene,encapsulates the spirit of the city. It positivelycrackles with creative energy and has a cool,cosmopolitan vibe spawned by the artists andbohemians who live there. Everywhere seems to be in a constant state of flux, most notablyChamisso platz square. There is so much going onamong the antique shops and emporiums, the cafésand the clubs. An inspiring mix that continues alongBergmann strasse, a popular Berlin street forbrowsing, rummaging and shopping at leisure. The wide choice of culture and entertainment is also reflected in Kreuzberg’s cuisine, which rangesfrom classic Indian curries to the city’s signaturesnack – a bratwurst with curry sauce. The HAU(short for Hebbel am Ufer) is the most off-beattheatre in the city. Its three venues provide anexciting arena of experimentation for up-and-coming performers. The Tempodrom stages con -certs and variety shows that more than do justice toits quirky exterior. A hot new tip in the culturalscene is the Berlinische Galerie – the city’s mostrecently established show case for aestheticexperimentation. Featured artists range from OttoDix to contemporary exponents of the avant garde.
Cosmopolitan City full of History – Berlin isdifferent, a true world city. As soon as visitors seethe view from the top of the new Reichstag building,
BERLIN A buzzing city of contradictions and Germany’s
melting pot. Everything that makes Berlin the most exciting capital in Europe can be
found in Kreuzberg, a district of contrasts.
East Side Gallery
Modern street artBerlin Alexanderplatz
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“Coffee to go” is a ubiquitous feature of modern life, but Leipzigoffers a much more civilised coffee drinking experience. At Germany’soldest coffee house “Zum Arabischen Coffe Baum” in Kleine Fleischer -gasse visitors can savour a cup of coffee – in local parlance aSchälchen Heessen – in a blissful, unhurried atmosphere, as the greatand the good have been doing since 1711. This café’s illustriouspatrons included Augustus the Strong, Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte,the great poets Goethe and Lessing, and the composers Bach, Wagner,Schumann and Liszt, all of whom lingered over an aromatic beverage ina little porcelain cup, set the world to rights and imagined them selves inseventh heaven. Today the coffee is still exquisite and the cosyatmosphere still intact. In the old days, the light Leipzig cake known asKleckselkuchen was probably not on the menu but the calorific gateauxfavoured by the crème de la crème of society certainly were. Present-day coffee lovers can also discover Saxony’s 300-year coffee culture ina 16-room exhibition at the café.
Leipzig’s Mädlerpassage arcade, a beautiful illustration of art nouveau,offers shopping in a tasteful, rarefied setting that would have appealedto our great-grandparents. Although the products are new, the architec -ture is a historical gem. This same style is replicated in Königspassage,Messehofpassage and Specks Hof nearby. For upbeat tastes, there arealso plenty of young, creative boutiques such as Tschau Tschüssi inWindmühlenstrasse.
DRESDEN Music festivals in
palaces and on the river.
Dresden is the go-to city when it comes to staging festivals. Musicwas and continues to be the backbone of the events calendar: theSemper Opera House offers a year-round programme and the DresdenMusic Festival is the summer highlight (18 May – 5 June) with guestperformances by distinguished soloists and orchestras including thelegendary Bolshoi Theatre. The venues are a pleasure in themselves:the new atrium at the grand old Albertinum museum, the Church of OurLady, Pillnitz Palace, Wackerbarth Stately Home and VW’s high-tech“transparent factory”. Music of a different sort altogether can beenjoyed at the 41st International Dixieland Festival (17 – 22 May) atvarious venues around the city. The avant-garde comes to the fore atthe TonLagen festival (30 September – 15 October), a contemporarymusic panorama that transcends genres and styles.
Visitors can expect more of a traditional fair atmosphere at theElbhang festival (24–26 June) when a 7km “festival mile” links fivecommunities along the Elbe – bringing the party spirit to squares,parks, villas and most especially the picturesque hills above the river. In November the city becomes a magnet for international jazz musicians.From 26 June to 17 July the spotlight moves to football: as part of theFIFA Women’s World Cup™, Dresden is hosting three first-roundgames and one quarter final. Another highlight is the Pillnitz PalaceNight on 6 August: the illuminated summer residence of Augustus theStrong create a majestic backdrop.
POTSDAM Strolling through the gardens of Prussia’s Arcadia.
Visitors to Potsdam can explore no fewer than 12 royal palaces on a leisurely stroll around the city. This
wealth of man-made splendour was created by famous architects such as Knobelsdorff, Schinkel and
Persius, together with distinguished landscape gardeners including Lenné, Eyserbeck and Prince Pückler.
Potsdam Sanssouci Music Festival11 to 26 June 2011The music and splendour of Saxony’s royalresidence of DRESDEN spanning more than fivecenturies comes to Potsdam in the 2011 musicfestival – including typical Saxon joie de vivre.
Experience Night Festival Potsdam’s baroque city centre, 30 July 2011The Potsdam Experience Night features a late-night programme of live music, food and drinkand shops that open till midnight.
TIP
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Potsdam Brandenburg GateSanssouci Palace
In 2011, Potsdam will celebrate this fact with atheme year featuring numerous highlights. A strollthrough the Dutch quarter with its many cafés andindependent shops is highly recom mended. Noother place in Germany has wooden houses likethose in the Russian village of Alexan drowka. Aparticularly pleasant way of exploring Potsdam’sattractions is the Potsdam Sanssouci Tour, while the riverboats on the Havel show the city from adifferent perspective.
In 1990, whole areas of Potsdam became aUNESCO World Heritage site, including the royalpalaces, the three historical parks of Sanssouci,Neuer Garten and Babelsberg, and the Russiancolony Alexandrowka. Many of these palaces, parks and gardens also serve as specta cular venues for concerts, theatre and events such as the 2011 Potsdam Sanssouci Music Festival in June with its theme of “Saxony’s Splendour andPrussia’s Glory”. Every August more than 30,000people attend the Potsdam Palaces Night to enjoya fairytale pro gram me amid festive illuminations inSanssouci Park.
Grand baroque houses are a hallmark of the city centre, which is dominated by the toweringpresence of St. Nicholas’ Church. Neuer Marktsquare has one of the best-preserved baroqueensembles in Europe. The historical royal stablesbetween Alter Markt and Neuer Markt square arehome to Germany’s oldest film museum. Potsdam is a fitting location for this museum, as the famousBabelsberg film studios were foun ded here almost100 years ago. Stars such as Marlene Dietrich,Heinz Rühmann and Hans Albers all appearedbefore the camera there.
Foundation of Prussian Palaces and Gardens in Berlin/BrandenburgVisitor centre at the Historical Mill
The foundation for the Babelsberg Film Studios was laid on 3 November 1911. Names such as Fritz Lang
or Marlene Dietrich stand for the great past, Kate Winslet and Quentin Tarantino for the present studios.
As the City of Film, Potsdam will be celebrating 2011 with a large-scale programme of events.
Babelsberg – Facets of a Film City An exciting time journey through almost 100 yearsof film history: shooting locations, stars andstarlets (can also be booked in foreign languagesfor groups). www.potsdam-tourism.com
Sehsüchte – the largest international student filmfestival in Europe at the “Thalia Arthouse KinosPotsdam” (2 - 8 May 2011): Workshops, paneldiscussions, screenplay lounge and many films.www.sehsuechte.de
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Filmpark Babelsberg Entrance Marlene in stage props
people – in front of and behind the camera! A newpermanent exhibition on the history of the film cityBabelsberg will be inaugurated on 3 November tocommemorate the anniversary of laying the studios’foun dation. Cottbus is located about 120 kilometressoutheast of Berlin and Potsdam near the Polishborder. The “Cottbus Film Festival” has been heldyearly in November since 1991. In the meantime it isregarded worldwide as the most important festival ofEastern European films where filmmakers, producersand actors from Eastern and Central Europe meet.
Babelsberg has been writing film history since 1912.“Film” will be extensively celebrated in Potsdam onthe eve of the 100-year anniversary in 2011. Forinstance, twelve alternating “Film Loca tions of theMonth” will be the focal point of atten tion and maybe attended and discovered. Further more, on 14 Maythe Film Park will team up with German Film Orches -tra Babelsberg and the shipping company WeisseFlotte Potsdam to feature the thematic genre ofespionage films during the suspenseful “Night ofSecret Agents” on the Glienicker Bridge. The pro -duction will be staged on land, water and in the air.“Other events” such as silent film live concerts, thePotsdam Film Experience Night on 30 July or a 4Dhybrid cinema experiment are also on the agenda.
As a theme park, the “Babelsberg Film Park” is a showcase and stage of the media city Potsdam:stuntmen, pyrotechnicians and film trainers willdemonstrate their ability in exciting shows. A “Tourthrough the Media City” which provides an optimaloverview of the history, presence and future of filmand television production sites is recommended formovie buffs. Germany’s oldest “film museum” islocated directly in downtown Potsdam and conclu -sively reports on prominent and nearly forgotten
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HANNOVER Sightseeing made easy.
One of the first things that will grab your attention in Hannover city centre is the “red thread” that is painted on the pavement. This barrier-free route runs for 4.2 kilometres and links 36 land marksand visitor attractions. The “red thread” helps you to find yourbearings and paves the way for a sightseeing tour of your owncreation. It’s entirely up to you where you stop, what to do when youget there and how long you stay. An accompanying brochure helps youget more out of the route and tells you everything you need to know –and some things you don’t – about all the attractions.
One of the first stops is the magnificent neo-classical opera house on Georgestrasse, Hannover’s premier boulevard. Other Hannoverhighlights include the market church, the Anzeiger building and theTown Hall, most southerly examples of North German brick Gothicarchitecture. The town hall dome is a magnificent edifice dating fromthe period of Kaiser Wilhelm and offers sensational views across theentire city. Interestingly, the elevator that takes you there changes itsangle to follow the contour of the dome and actually tilts during theride. One place that the “red thread” won’t take you in Hannover isHerrenhausen Gardens. On a 135 hectare plot, the Hannover electorsand kings created the Great Garden (Grosser Garten), theBerggarten, Georgengarten and the Guelph Garden (Welfengarten).Each of the three gardens is a baroque gem and the ensemble as awhole is one of the finest places in Europe to discover the splendourof this period.
Braunschweig, Celle, Göttingen,Goslar, Hamelin, Hannover, Hildes -heim, Lüneburg and Wolfenbüttel –nine historical towns and cities inNiedersachsen where the pastcomes to life. There’s so much forvisitors to discover, from UNESCOWorld Heritage sites, a wealth ofhalf-timbered medieval buildings,pretty market squares and magni -ficent merchants’ houses all theway to parks, gardens and grandpalaces. In the summer season, old traditions are brought to life atevents such as the Pied Piper open-air plays in Hamelin, the Wal purgisNight celebrations in Goslar andthe stunning baroque fireworks inHannover’s Herren hausen Gardens.Explore the history of the Guelphdynasty in Braun schweig, Celle,Hannover and Wolfenbüttel, marvelat the proud merchants’ houses inthe Hanseatic town of Lüneburg,discover the World Heritage sites
of Goslar and Hildesheim or take astroll through the old university townof Göttingen. At Christmas time, youcan soak up the festive atmospherein traditio nal surroundings whilebrow sing through the delight fulstalls. Each of the Chris tmas mar -kets is an unmissable experiencepre sen ted against a historical back -drop. Among the picturesque timber-fra med buildings, Gothic brick gab -les and splendid baroque exteriorsthe aroma of ‘Glühwein’ and gingerbread is an ever-present temptation.
Pay a visit to AutostadtWolfsburg, VW’s automotiveexhibition complex, to exploretechnology and innovation, the future of mobility and the history of the motor car.www.autostadt.de
the_9 wonderful cities in NiedersachsenHannover Marketing & Tourismus GmbH
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HAMBURG The green city
on the Elbe.
From 2011 Hamburg may be called “Europe’s greenest city”, afterfending off competition from 34 other cities and gaining recognitionfrom the European Commission for its commitment to improve thequality of life for its citizens. This was not achieved without pioneeringwork on environmental issues including action to limit air pollution andCO² emissions. Hamburg’s declared target is a 40 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 and an 80 per cent reduction by2050. At the same time Hamburg city centre is set to grow – so the cityis setting itself an enormous challenge. New energy-saving technologies,which are being implemented at the HafenCity, currently the world’sbig gest building site, are important contributors to the city’s ecologicalgrowth.
Hamburg also enjoys a reputation as a ‘garden city’ counting “moretrees than people”. Almost half of the metropolitan area consists ofbeautifully laid-out parks and green spaces that give the city its airyfeel and provide a variety of leisure and recreational activities forvisitors and locals alike. There are many ways of exploring this city thatis also known as the “gateway to the world” as millions of emigrantsparted their homeland in search of better lives in the United States ofAmerica: a visit to Planten un Blomen Park, Hamburg’s highly regardedbotanical garden, or a walk – with a remarkable 900 kilometres offootpaths to choose from. The Speicherstadt warehouse district is theworld’s largest former warehouse complex – and last but not least thereis the Reeperbahn, the renowned “red light district”.
Exhibitions in 2011:“Joos van Cleve – Leonardo ofthe north” in the SuermondtLudwig Museum, 17/03/ - 26/06“Hyper Real – Art and Americaaround 1970” in the LudwigForum for International Art,13/03/ - 19/06
aachen tourist service e.v.
AACHEN Thermal springs and royal heritage
where Germany meets Belgium and the Netherlands.
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Aachen – renowned for its eques -trian events, healing waters andprinten gingerbread – origi nallyrose to fame because of Charle -magne. Situated in the heart ofEurope, on the border with theNetherlands and Belgium, the cityand its people are cosmo politan to say the least. Annual eventssuch as the award ceremony for the International CharlemagnePrize, the CHIO InternationalEquestrian Tourna ment and theEuropean Craft Fair exemplify thecity’s European outlook. More than40.000 stu dents attend Aachen’sinstitutes of higher education,adding a youthful edge to the city.The elite RWTH Aachen Universityenjoys the greatest prominence.Aachen Cathedral with its famousshrine to Charlemagne, the Gothictown hall and the old quarter bearwitness to the city’s glittering past.There are also museums in
abundance, as well as outstan dingspas and thermal baths. TheCarolus Thermen, in parti-cular, has breathed new life into thisfamous local tradition. Every yearduring the festive season, thesquares and streets around thetown hall are trans formed into afairytale world of seasonal lights,festive sounds, and seduc tivesmells for the Christmas market –one of the prettiest in all ofGermany.
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COLOGNE/BONN Cultural
duo on the Rhine. Cologne and Bonn are similar in many
ways. Both are set on the Rhine, share a Roman heritage, have
provided the world with the famous Eau de Cologne, a magnificent
cathedral, a huge carnival and the great Beethoven.
in lively cafés and traditional inns, sipping a glass of kölsch beer and soaking up the friendly localatmosphere. From there it’s a stone’s throw toCologne’s exquisite museums: the Wallraf RichartzMuseum and the Ludwig Museum with its splendidcollections of paintings. No less exciting are themany other museums such as the ChocolateMuseum, the Toy Museum, the Carnival Museumand the Fragrance Museum in Farina House – thebirthplace of Eau de Cologne.
The trip upstream from Cologne to Bonn can beenjoyed on a riverboat excursion. Bonn was oncethe German capital and is where the genius Ludwigvan Beethoven was born. Like Cologne, it datesback to the Romans and is one of Germany’s oldestcities. Visitors to Bonn can admire the architectureof the late-classi cal Villa Hammerschmidt,Schaumburg Palace, the former parliament and the former chancellery. One particularly beautifulbuilding in Bonn is the old town hall, which was builtin rococo style in 1737 and has welcomed rulersand statesmen from around the world. Bonn alsooffers a variety of distinguished museums such asthe Art and Exhibition Hall of the Federal Republicof Germany, the House of History, the BonnMuseum of Art and the Beethoven House.
Cologne on the Rhine is home to many of Germany’sgreatest artistic and cultural treasures. The skylineis dominated by the 157-metre spires of CologneCathedral, a masterpiece of High Gothic archi tec -ture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Thismakes an excellent starting point for a journey ofdiscovery into Cologne’s 2,000-year history. Thecity’s earliest remains can be viewed at the Romano-Germanic Museum directly to the south of thecathedral. Other impressive reminders of this eraare the remnants of the Praetorium governor’sresidence and the ancient city walls, which havebeen extensively preserved. Around 800 years agoCologne acquired a ring of twelve Romanesquechurches, one of which is Great St. Martin’s Churchwith its distinctive four-turreted tower. St. Martin’squarter, between the Rhine and Alter Markt, is theheart of the old town. Here – surrounded by pointedgables and picturesque façades – visitors can relax
Cologne Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum
Bonn Villa Hammerschmidt Cologne Cathedral and Romano-Germanic Museum
Until June 2011 visitors canexperience the Cologne/Bonnregion as part of the RhinelandWorld Exhibition. Excitingexcursions, tours, exhibitions andcultural events can be enjoyed incountless locations, some offeringglimpses behind closed doors.
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„Axis of art“ All of Düsseldorf’s leading art institutions are lined up on astretch just 800 metres long: ArtMuseum, Art Palace, Art Academy,Kunsthalle art gallery and artassociation and the North-RhineWestphalia Art Gallery.
Düsseldorf, which has earned the city its newreputation as a capital of creativity. The ArtAcademy and the vibrant gallery scene go someway to explaining this, but most of the credit is dueto the openness and vitality of the people who livethere. This lust for life is best experienced in the old quarter, where there are more than 260 placesto enjoy a drink. It's affectionately known as thelongest bar in the world and comes highly re -commended for trying the traditional altbier in the company of friendly locals. With its quaintpassage ways, old churches, traditional brewpubs,bars, restaurants and avant-garde stores it is anabsolute must for any visitor.
Düsseldorf is a city of many and varied faces thatlies where the Lower Rhine meets the BergischesLand region. It appears at its most elegant alongthe Königsallee shopping street, which is lined fromtop to bottom with high-end boutiques and gal -leries. Further south we find the young and creativeside to Düsseldorf in the Media Harbour, whosemain feature is the trio of office towers designed byworld-class architect Frank Gehry. The architectureis no less impressive in the rest of the district, inwhich hip restaurants share the space with a hostof top advertising agencies. Media and music, artand architecture, fashion and a flourishing alterna -tive scene all combine to generate a real buzz in
DÜSSELDORF A city for fashion, fun and
upcoming trends. The longest bar in the world: 260 places to enjoy a drink.
Düsseldorf Media HarbourBenrath Palace
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Frankfurt is famous for its financial institutions, international airportand trade fairs, and looks more like an American city than any otherplace in Germany thanks to its 30 skyscrapers. In terms of architec ture,Frankfurt is in a state of almost constant change. The trade fair tower,Westhafen Tower and the spectacular MyZeil centre – a temple to high-end shopping – are emblematic of a flouri shing, ambitious city. Stillunder construction but a landmark in the making is the new building forthe European Central Bank, which incorpor ates the city's historicalwholesale market hall. The observa tion platform of the Main Toweroffers breathtaking views of all this and more at a height of 200 metres.Frankfurt can boast an unrival led number of museums. There are 60 intotal, including 13 alone along the southern bank of the Main – thefamous museum embankment.
Housed in a series of historical and modern buildings are highlights such as the Städel Institute of Art with its paintings from the MiddleAges to the modern age, the Liebighaus with its sculptures fromantiquity to neo-classicism, the German Film Museum and the Ger manArchitecture Museum. Waiting on the other side of the river are theMuseum for Modern Art, the Schirn gallery and Senckenberg NaturalHistory Museum. Frankfurt ranks number three in the world for tradefairs. The big two for exhibitors, industry professionals and the generalpublic are the International Motor Show, which is held every two yearsin September, and the annual Book Fair in October.
MUNICH Culture between beer gardens and art,
football and architectural masterpieces.
The sights and symbols that define Munich, thestate capital of Bavaria, range from BMW to thebaroque, Oktoberfest to opera, leder hosen tolaptops and the P1 nightclub to the Pinakothek derModerne gallery. They complement rather thancompete with each other and represent oppositeends of a spectrum that make the city come to life.The atmosphere is unbeatable in summer, when itseems as if all of Munich decamps to the pavementcafés and beer gar dens. At times it feels like beingin Italy. The Pinakothek’s monumental glass dome,
for example, is a modern masterpiece inspired byFilippo Brunelleschi's cathedral in Florence. KingLudwig I of Bavaria, an ardent admirer of Italy,made the city what it is today: a centre of art thatwas the envy of Europe. This reputation still holdstrue today, but now finds its expression at chicgallery events and concerts featuring a new wave oftraditional German musicians. As everyone fromMunich knows, soaking up the culture doesn’t meanyou can’t have fun as well! You don’t have to be afootball fan to enjoy the Allianz Arena.
Forest. Beautifully located in the sun drenched southwest corner of Germany at the foothills of
the Black Forest, Baden-Baden is a world famous and elegant thermal spa resort, a real wellness
paradise as well as a cultural metropolis.
International Horse Races
Spring Meeting: 28/05/ - 05/06/2011 Great Festival Week: 27/08/ - 04/09/2011 Sales & Racing Festival: 08 - 09/10/2011
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Baden-Baden Caracalla Therme City view
International Horse Race weeks three times a year,the International Vintage Car Meeting mid of July,outstanding open-air concerts at the parks andgardens “Licht entaler Allee” as well as world-famousgala balls and concerts at the Kurhaus. Besideswell-known starred restaurants, cosy little taverns with local colour and fine Baden cuisine, bistros andcount less street cafés in the centre, there is alsoBaden-Baden’s “Rebland”, one of the most popu larRiesling growing districts in Germany and an insidertip for the gourmet and connois seur of good wines.Germany’s oldest and according to MarleneDietrich “the most beautiful casino in the world”rounds off a perfect day in a playful manner andentices guests from all over the world to try theirluck at the roulette table.
Today Baden-Baden is the perfect mix of BelleÉpoque ambiance and innovative 21st century me dical wellness. Its famous healing thermal water,flowing from 12 springs, is not only used for well-tried therapies but also for modern and innovativetreatments. The up to 68° degrees hot and health fulwater pampers guests from all over the world in thetwo thermal baths – the modern Caracalla Spa andthe historic Roman-Irish “Friedrichsbad”. Further -more many spa-hotels are particularly con ducive torelaxation and offer individual health and wellnesstreatments.
Baden-Baden’s “Festspielhaus”, Europe’s secondlargest opera and concert hall, offers cultural ex periences all-season long with top-class perfor -mances and international stars such as Anne-Sophie Mutter, Lang-Lang, Hélène Grimaud etc.The Museum Frieder Burda is the outstanding jewelin the 3 km long splen diferous parks and garden“Lichtentaler Allee”. Not only unique is its fascin -ating architecture but the private collection dis -poses moreover of many magic moments of art with selected masterpieces of Classical Modernism.During the whole year, Baden-Baden is setting for outstanding and sophisticated events: the
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People who love the water and the beach – and who won’t
shy away from a stiff sea breeze – should head for the coasts
with their mudflat conservation areas. An abundance of hill
ranges, criss-crossed by scenic walking trails and cycle routes,
are ideal for variety-filled holidays in the country. Many of these
upland destinations offer winter sports and climbing, as do the
German Alps, of course. No matter what the purpose of the
holiday, there is a region in Germany to suit – spa resorts offer
relaxation and wellness, adventure and active pursuits are
available on land and water, and unspoilt nature equals leisurely
fun. In addition, cultural tours of discovery reveal Germany’s
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Six KUHNLE-TOURS Charter bases in some of the prettiest parts of Germany:
• Hafendorf Müritz (Mecklenburg Lakes)
• Zeuthen (Berlin, Dahme Waterway)
• Brandenburg-Plaue (Lower Havel Waterway)
• Schwerin (Lake Schwerin, Müritz-Elde Waterway)
• Stralsund (Rügen and Bodden)
• Sierck-les-Bains (Southern-Wine-Mosel)
Boating holidaysKUHNLE-TOURS offers houseboat holidays in one of Germany‘s prettiest regions. Many oneways are offered, with or without boating licence. No experience is neccessary to drive one of our boats which can cater for between 2 and 12 people.
and holiday preferences. The famous novelist andpoet Theodor Fontane was passionate about thebeauty of the Branden burg countryside. You canfollow the same routes as he once did along water -ways from Berlin to Köpenick and then on to thesophisticated spa resort of Bad Saarow or to thepeaceful town Teupitz. Time seems to stand still inthese small towns and picturesque villages set instriking natural land scapes. Entering Berlin by boatand exploring Germany’s bustling capital from thewater is a unique experience. But anyone lookingfor a calm and relaxing holiday away from the city’shustle and bustle will find peace and tranquillity on
An intricate network of waterways and canals was built in the 17th century and links more than athousand lakes of all shapes and sizes in the north-east of Germany. Today, crews of boating and watersports enthusi asts enjoy gliding through the beautifulcountryside along these former transport arteries.You do not require a licence to take the helm of ahouseboat and guide it through the lakes and canalsof Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Branden -burg on a journey of discovery with friends andfamily or on a romantic journey for two. There aremany different houseboat tours to choose from, andthey can be selected to suit different group sizes
Highlight
Side trip Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam was built by the Prussian KingFrederick II and is one of the most famous royal residences inthe world. Sanssouci Park and its palaces were designated aUNESCO World Cultural Heritagesite in 1990.
CAST OFF! Travel by houseboat through north-east Germany.
The picturesque waterways in Mecklenburg-Brandenburg lakeland region offer unforgettable holidays.
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WER
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Mecklenburg-VorpommernDiscover its variety
Germany's no. 1 region for water: over 1,900 km of coastline, 2,000 lakes and crystal-clearrivers for swimming, sailing, windsurfing or canoeing. A paradise for walkers and cyclists:clearly marked routes link the coast with the forest, the seaside villas with the Gothic brickchurches. Pure bliss: Get a sense of freedom from the endless picturesque landscapes, takedeep lungfuls of the healthy air, bask in the sun or visit exclusive spas.
Brochures, information & bookings: Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Vorpommern e.V. · Platz der Freundschaft 1DE-18059 Rostock · +49 (0) 381 40 30 500www.mecklenburg-vorpommern.travel · [email protected]
and walking trails or at one of the many romanticlittle swim ming areas. A lot of visitors come just for the amazing variety of flora and wildlife and the perfectly clean waters. The excellent waterwaynetwork makes this the ideal destination for avaried boating holiday that will appeal to naturelovers, water sports enthusiasts and those seekingpure relaxation.
the nearby inland waters of the Havel and theSpree in northern Branden burg. Potsdam is thestarting point for tours through Havelland’s riverscenery, passing Albert Einstein’s summer house at Caputh, the romantic little island resort of Werderand the famous waterside town of Brandenburgbefore reaching the mouth of the Havel at Havel berg.Marvellous views, modern marinas and numerousattractions offer a fun holiday on land and water for everybody.
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NIEDERSACHSEN Actively experience nature — a holiday
destination with many natural landscapes! The second-largest federal state in the northwest
of Germany surprises with its scenically diverse regions and is almost inevitably a veritable paradise for all
holidaymakers who look forward to experiencing activities and nature.
sports: canoe tours on the numerous rivers, sailingalong the coast or on the state’s inland lakes, golf ingat over 80 golf courses, hiking and skiing in the Harzregion – no limits are set on the active holiday pro gramme. Combine your active holiday with avisit to cities in Niedersachsen such as Osnabrückor Wolfsburg. Germany’s unique experi mentallands cape – “phæno” – is located in Wolfs burg and allows visitors to immerse themselves in thefascinating and exciting world of natural scienceand technology. The 350 inter active exhibits whichinvite visitors to try things out and investigate arethe focal point.
The variety of nature, culture and people particularlycharacterise the special charm of the holiday desti -nation in the north. Attractive holiday regions whichenable many experiences especially for those wholook forward to a holiday featuring activities andnature range from the East Frisian Islands and theWadden Sea World Heritage Site to the peaks ofthe Harz Mountains.
Bicycling is among the most popular recreationalactivities in Niedersachsen. Families with children aswell as ambitious bicyclers can enjoy Nieder sachsen’sscenic variety at their own pace during a holiday ontwo wheels. Numerous long-distance cycling routesand regional cycling routes traverse the countryside,such as the approxi mately 500 kilo metres long WeserCycle Route. Impressive castles and picturesquetowns line the route along the banks of the WeserRiver between the cities Hann. Münden in the southand Bremen in the north. Portions of the route canalso be alternately covered by ship. On the otherhand, whoever likes it faster will get their full money’sworth on approxi mately 1,800 kilometres of con ti -guous mountain bike routes in the Harz and Weser -bergland. In addition to bicycling, a holiday inNiedersachsen can also be combined with other
Osnabrück – City of Peace in the nature park:The greenery extends into the city, the routesare short, and life is exuberant and colourful. At the market square people meet for the firstcoffee in the sun, weddings, music festivals,wine markets and Christmas markets. Treatyourself to a brief stop in Osnabrück, the City of Peace. Travel offers are available atwww.osnabrueck.de/angebote orwww.osnabruecker-land.de
TIP
Active through culture and countryside
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STIFTUNGTHÜRINGER SCHLÖSSER UND GÄRTEN
Molsdorf Weimar
Greiz
Altenburg
Schwarzburg
Heldburg
Gotha
Meiningen
Rudolstadt
Sondershausen
Schmalkalden
SCHATZKAMMERTHÜRINGEN
AND ITS ROYAL PALACES
The legacy of courtly life
MEISSEN PORCELAIN MANUFACTORYExclusive insights into a 300-year success story.
The MEISSEN® World of ExperienceHouse, which allows visitors to expe -rience the art of Meissen Porcelain,is located not far from Dresden anddirectly adjacent to the company’sporcelain manufactory. The demon -stration work shops invite visitors toexperience the creation of famousMeissen Porcelain up close: How isa cup created? How many individualparts does a figurine consist of, andhow do the blue swords come underthe glaze? The tour through thedemon stration workshops providesan answer. The Museum ofMEISSEN® Art entices its gueststo take a journey through 300 years of porcelain history. Arrangedin chro no logical order, numerousfigurines from the historical inven -tory of the collection illustrate thedevelop ment of various epochs.The exhi bition “All Nations are Wel come”, which was created inthe course of the manufactory’s
300 year anniversary, showscharacter istic Meissen Por celainworks which have been cre atedsince 1710 – char acterised byexternal influ ences – or have beenmanufac tured as commissionedworks worldwide. Whoever wouldlike to take a bit of “indulgence”home with them has quite a fewpossibil ities: The MEISSEN®
Boutique and Outlet offers theworldwide largest selec tion rangingfrom small bowls to limited works of art. The Restaurant and CaféMEISSEN® offer culinary delicaciesserved on Meissen Porcelain.
Family Weekend at MEISSEN®
12 - 13 February and 12 - 13 November Open House16 April and 22 October
have been cultivated for centuries in the wine region along the
Moselle and the Rhine. This landscape is a tapestry of vines
dripping with glistening fruit.
This landscape along the Rhine and the Moselle isa blend of unspoilt countryside, medieval castlesand palaces and steep, terraced vineyards. ‘Theromantic Rhine’, the expression coined by Englishand Italian tourists at the end of the 18th century,has come to encapsulate everything about thisregion. Today the river landscape between Rhensand Spay – the Middle Rhine Valley – is a UNESCOWorld Heritage site, the perfect destination for longwalks or a leisurely riverboat tour. From Koblenz,one of Germany’s oldest towns, visitors can take a boat upstream and enjoy panoramic views of theRhine Valley, Stolzenfels Castle, Lahneck Castleand quaint half-timbered buildings. Before steppingaboard, a stroll to Deutsches Eck is not to bemissed. This spit of land – where the Moselle flowsinto the Rhine – is adorned by an equestrian statueof Kaiser Wilhelm I. Koblenz was founded morethan two millennia ago and will be hosting the
Federal Horticultural Show in 2011. The small townof Rhens is a popular riverboat destination offeringan excellent range of wines, delicious regional foodand much more.
Active holidaymakers can tackle the six kilometreRhine-Moselle cycle trail and pedal from Mühlentalto Waldesch. Rüdesheim, St. Goar, St. Goarshausenand Assmannshausen are also popular riverboattour destinations. St. Goarshausen is set at the foot of the Loreley, the famous slate outcrop where, according to legend, a blond mermaid sangbeguilingly and lured sailors to their death upon therocks. Another spectacular sight is the Germaniamonument in Rüdesheim, which can be reached onfoot, by car or by cable car.
Rüdesheim Ehrenfels Castle
Highlight
The “Rhine in Flames” festival takes place every year inSeptember. This amazing lightshow and massive firework displayat the Loreley is a magical spec -tacle of fire, water and light setagainst the backdrop of Rheinfels,Katz and Maus (cat & mouse)castles, attracting visitors from all over the world.
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But wines are not only made along the GermanWine Route, they are also served there – often bythe people who work in the cellars and vineyards.Exquisite selections from famous wineries flowfreely beneath pavement arbours, in seasonaltasting rooms and at traditional wine taverns. Andthere’s nothing quite like a wine tasting in the veryvineyard where the wines were made. Traditionalrustic Palatinate dishes and the more delicatespecialities of ‘regional nouvelle cuisine’ are not tobe missed either. Walking and cycling are popularactivities in this playground for refined tastes, butthere are more leisurely options.
From May to September, if the weather is fine, an open-top double-decker bus runs betweenBockenheim, Bad Dürkheim and Deidesheimoffering panoramic views of the glorious countryside.The German Wine Route can be experienced ineither direction, of course, so it’s ideally suited torepeat visits. The idea for the route emerged in1935 and proved to be a masterstroke, inspiringcountless imitations in other wine regions.
The German Wine Route is a connoisseur’s dreamcome true and truly delivers on its promise. A feastfor the senses, it runs for 85 km from Schweigen-Rechtenbach to Bockenheim, in a region where thePalatinate Forest and vineyards merge into one,where vine-clad slopes, lush orchards and a nearmediterranean climate give form and flower to thelandscape, where castles, palaces and historicalparks double as sensational event venues, andwhere riesling, dornfelder and other renownedgrape varieties shape the rhythm of daily life forthose who live from – and for – wine. The world’slargest wine barrel stands in Bad Dürkheim. Itscapacity is 1.7 million litres, but it actually serves as a restaurant for 650 people. The culmination ofthe wine-growing season is celebrated for two weeksevery autumn at the Wurstmarkt festival in BadDürkheim, the largest wine festival in the world.
Other events that vie with it in popularity includethe German Grape Harvest Festival in Neustadt,during which the German Wine Queen is crowned,and the Federweisser Festival in Landau.
GERMAN WINE ROUTE A fitting tribute to
Germany’s winemaking heritage. Wine, wurst and a warm welcome. Through the
Palatinate wine region, linking major towns and attractions, impressing with incomparable esprit.
A good glass of wineMoselstrasse Through the vineyards
hillside vine yards and shady forests alternate with river land scapes and upland moors, steep
gorges and broad valleys.
every village one finds an inn or restaurant withspecial indulgence factor. The cuisine ranges fromregional to international, but always features greatattention for detail. Well over 60 “nature parkinnkeepers” and more than 40 innkeepers from theculinary asso ciation “Kulinarisch Kaiserstuhl” areparticularly committed to regional cuisine. Inaccordance with the motto “From the region, for theregion”, they procure fresh seasonal fruit andvegetables, meat from organic animal husbandry,honey and cheese directly from local producers.
By foot and on two wheels However, the holiday region not only has a widerange of offers for connoisseur holidaymakers, but active nature lovers can also look forward tochallenging recreational holidays. More than 24,000kilometres of long-distance hiking trails and circularhiking routes are signposted here. Thematic andadventure paths promise amusement in harmonywith nature. The legendary “Westweg” (West Trail)trail was constructed back in 1900: along the courseof over 285 kilometres it passes through the deepest
Black Forest girls, Black Forest houses, Black Forestgateau, cuckoo clocks – throughout the world theBlack Forest stands for storybook holidays in anintact and pristine landscape. The scenically varyingholiday region extends well over 11,100 squarekilometres from Pforzheim in the north to the Swissborder in the south, from the French border in thewest to the Nagold and Neckar river valleys in theeast. The Black Forest, which rises to an elevationof 1,493 metres, thereby comprises roughly twothirds of the area. At the same time it is one of themost varied hiking destinations in Europe withseemingly never-ending views of nature.
Germany’s most beautiful connoisseur’s cornerIt is not without good reason that the region in thesouthwest can boast of being “Germany’s mostbeautiful connoisseur’s corner”. Nowhere else isthe concentration of restaurants which have beenacknowledged with accolades by current gourmetguides as high as here. This shows that not onlyseveral top restaurants in the Black Forest offercreative and varying cuisine, but that in virtually
More than 24,000 kilometres ofsignposted circular and long-distance trails, 8,000 kilometresof mountainbike-trails and reamsof cycle tracks.
TIP
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Forbach Hiking across the riverbed in Murgtal Freudenstadt Beautiful view
A healthier climate by nature!Freudenstadt's location on an upland plateau makes it ideal for fun-packed holidays. This region, where there is rarely mist or wind, is renowned for its clean air, sunshine and low humidity. Theterrain lends itself to a variety of sports, fromparagliding, mountain-biking and hiking to golf and snow-shoe walking. The streets surroundingFreudenstadt's market square, the largest marketsquare in Germany, are superb for shopping andleisurely strolls. An unusual L-shaped church can be seen on the lower market square. If you love the great outdoors and you're looking for a healthyholiday in the fresh air, a walk on one of the sevenclimatic health walking trails is the ideal choice. www.freudenstadt-tourismus.de
forests and most panoramic mountains of the BlackForest ranging from Pforzheim to Basel. Certified“quality hosts” offer special service along the way:they provide lunch packets for hikers, offer dryingrooms and luggage transport to the next lodging.The “Schluchtensteig” (Gorge Trail) is the latestlong-distance hiking trail in the Black Forest: itfeatures six stages and leads along 118 km throughthe most beautiful gorges in the south of the region.
En route with the entire family The accolade “Family-friendly Holidays in Baden-Württemberg” has been bestowed upon Germany’shighest uplands due to its family-friendly policies.“Leo Luschtig” the lion mascot stands for family-friendly holidays. A holiday resort only receives theseal of quality if the entire town responds to thedesires and needs of children. Of the 28 qualityseals awarded by the state for particularly family-friendly holiday resorts, 25 awards went tomunicipalities in the Black Forest.
Free admission and rides in the Black Forest:Over 160 of the most beautiful excursion destinationsin the entire Black Forest can be experienced withthe “SchwarzwaldCard” (Black Forest card). In 2011, holidaymakers can once again make achoice between the SchwarzwaldCard and the“SchwarzwaldCard Europa-Park”, which includesone free admission to Germany’s most attractiveamusement park.
Welcome to our charming town, near Freiburg and theBlack Forest
Va r i e t y w i t h o u t b o r d e r s
breisach
Breisach upon Rhine
Your contact:Breisach-TouristikMarktplatz 16D-79206 Breisach am RheinTel. +49 76 67/94 01 55Fax +49 76 67/94 01 58 [email protected]
of Europe. Palms along the lakeside promenades, vineyards, rambling meadows and
apple trees in the lakeside region, alpine peaks and hilly hinterland on the horizon characterise
the multifaceted image of the international four-nation Lake Constance region.
The Flower Year 2011 on Mainau Island Luxuriant blooms all year round, a park with a treepop ulation over 150 years old, the baroque splendourof the castle complex and church as well as themediterranean character – this is Mainau, theFlower Island in Lake Constance! Count LennartBernadotte († 2004), great grandson of Grand DukeFriedrich I. of Baden, transformed the overgrownpark into a paradise of flowers and plants. Everyseason, the current generation of the Bernadottefamily strives to recreate an oasis of natural beauty,harmony and relaxation for visitors from all over the world. Mainau is one of the most popular touristattractions on Lake Constance, and features afloral array following the seasons as well as one of the largest butterfly houses in Germany.
The traditional start of the Mainau Flower Year is theOrchid Show in the Palm House, which is regardedas one of the most important exhibitions of this kindin Europe. Design features are walls and towersmade of tuff, which are populated by the orchids.The orchid genus Cattleya is the focus of attention
The Lake Constance holiday region featuring thefour nations Germany, Austria, Switzerland and thePrincipality of Liechtenstein extends over 500square kilometres. The holiday paradise is just asdiverse. Experience charming medieval towns andbaroque cultural sites, and discover the modernarchitecture: the historic city of Constance,Friedrichshafen where the Zeppelin airship wasinvented, Meersburg situated on idyllic vineyards,the protected heritage of the Wasserburg Peninsulaor the impressive harbour facility in Lindau.Überlingen offers pure relaxation directly on LakeConstance with a long lakeside promenade andwonderful parks.
Culture and tradition in theneighbouring countries:
The Bregenz Festival on thewell-known floating stage is held every year in Austria.Friedensreich Hundertwasser’scolourful Market Hall inAltenrhein and the facadesadorned with oriels in Stein amRhein on the Swiss lakeshoreare impressive. Schaffhausenwith the largest waterfall inEurope is not far away.
A cultural highlight featuring the Electoral Collection can befound at Museum Liechtenstein.
TIP
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Church of St. Peter and St. Paul on Reichenau Island
Unteruhldingen you can can journey back in time tothe Stone Age and Bronze Age on Lake Constance.Meersburg Fortress with its unique silhouette islocated further eastward and also promises excite -ment. The medieval fortress, which gave the city itsname and was formerly in the possession of thebishops of Constance, towers majestically abovethe rooftops and is visible from far across the water.
Further along the lake is the city of Friedrichshafen,which is the home town of the Zeppelin airship andaviation in general. It is also the location of theZeppelin Museum. The modern Zeppelin NT enablesup to twelve passengers to hover above LakeConstance and to enjoy the unique panoramaduring a two-hour sightseeing flight. The DornierMuseum, also located in Friedrichshafen, exhibitsthe life and work of aviation pioneer Claude Dornierand allows visitors to experience 100 years ofexciting aerospace history. A very special holidayparadise awaits visitors in Lindau, the last largetown before the Austrian border. On mild summernights, a mediterranean flair prevails under thepalms. A walking tour through the historic harbourtown starts at the lighthouse and lion on thelakeside promenade and leads through medievalMaximilian strasse towards the market square. Fromnature to technology, from sports to culture – LakeConstance has something for everyone!
this year. The spring flower attracts visitors outdoorswith a sea of fiery colours and tantalising scents.The annual Rose Month June is a highlight in theFlower Year. This queen of flowers is presented inmore than 1,200 varieties along the promenade,which features wild and shrub roses, and in theItalian Rose Garden. The blossoming of dahlias inthe lakeside garden colourfully heralds the arrival of autumn. Then over 12,000 dahlias unfurl veritablefireworks of flowers and vie for the favour of visitors.
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46 »47 www.germany.travel
We would like to invite you to discover the diversity of the Bavarian museum landscape.
Discover the museums and palaces in Bavaria! The Infopoint – Museums & Palaces in Bavaria is yourinformation centre in the heart of Munich. Here, in the historic Alter Hof you will find comprehensiveand up-to-date information about the Bavarian museum landscape.The Infopoint provides you with all the information necessary for planning your excursion: collectionfocus of the museums, addresses, opening hours, special exhibitions, guided tours, activities andmuch more. You are free to organise your museum visit to suit your taste!
Vassily Kandinsky was one of the first to find inspiration in Murnau and its picturesque landscape at the foothills of the Bavarian Alps.• EuroArt artists’ colony
between Munich and Garmisch-Partenkirchen
• Swimming, cycling and hiking in the mountains and lakes
• “Blue Rider” expressionistheritage in the Castle Museumand Münter House
• Murnauer Moos: the largestalpine moor in central Europe
• King Ludwig’s castles and other world-famous sights andattractions within easy reach
German beer garden. You'll discover exactly why theBavarians are so friendly once you've tucked intosome freshly roasted veal and tackled your firstone-litre beer! Or perhaps you'd prefer to observethe festivities at a traditional country wedding, loseyourself in the fun and excitement of a parishannual fair – zithers, brass bands and all – andenjoy the spectacular scenery of southern Germanyon a hot-air balloon ride. There are also plenty ofactivities to enjoy in and around the 20 crystal-clearmountain lakes and in the national parks andconservation areas. The region reveals its beauty atall times of the year, even in winter when attentionshifts to the snow-covered pistes and traditionalmountain lodges.
Rising up majestically towards the sky, the Alpshave captured the imagination since timeimmemorial with their bare rocks and snow-cappedsummits. What better way to enjoy them than onone of Germany's oldest tourist routes? TheGerman Alpine Road runs for more than 450kilometres from Lindau on the shores of LakeConstance to Berchtesgaden by the Austrianborder and is a totally unforgettable experience.Attractions along the way include Oberstaufen andother popular spa resorts, plus historical gems suchas Neuschwanstein Castle and Ettal Abbey, thelatter famous for its digestif spirit. It's hard to thinkof a better place to end a long walk, a day up in themountains or a cycling tour than a quintessentially
Lake Königssee
GERMAN ALPINE ROADFairytale tour of the Bavarian Alps. The region at its best.
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Passau is situated at the confluence ofDanube, Inn and Ilz directly at the Aus-trian border. Prince-bishops embellishedPassau as their residence and Italianmasters created the baroque townscape.
With its charm and flair Passau ranksamong Bavaria’s most impressive cities.The beautiful Old Town is dwarfed by themonumental St. Stephen’s Cathedral withthe world’s biggest cathedral organ. Highabove the rivers is the castle of Veste Ober-haus and the cloister Maria Hilf. Passau isthe starting point for many river cruises intothe countries bordering the Danube.
“Cittàslow” best owed by the international associa tionof liveable cities. This global movement distinguishescities which treasure original landscapes, promotecraftsmanship and regional pro ducts and in whichtaste, culture and hospitality are in the foreground.Let yourself be enchanted by Nördlingen. After all:“The most beautiful corners are round!”
Located on the “Romantic Road”, Nördlingen issurrounded by Germany’s only completely preservedcity wall. A walk on the roughly 2.7 km long fortifica -tion with its numerous gates and towers offers abeautiful view of the romantic alleys. The town’sprominent landmark, the late Gothic hall church St. Georg with the bell tower affectionately called“Daniel” in common parlance, is already visible fromfar away. From the steeple of the Daniel there is awonderful panorama of the medieval town and the“Ries”. This unique landscape was created roughly15 million years ago through the impact of a meteo -rite. The “Swabian Stone” (suevite) is only one ofmany geological peculiarities which developed inthe Ries. Since 2009 Nördlingen has borne the title
Visit the Ries Crater Museum and be impressedby the meteorites which struck the area 15 millionyears ago. Another highlight is the moon rocksexhibited in the museum.
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The Hotel Eisenhut is located in the heart of the Old Town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the most famous and picturesque of medieval towns along the romantic road.
Four patrician mansions, dating back to the 15th and16th century, are now a first class hotel with 78 rooms.
Today, this unique hotel offers you all modern amenities combined in a medieval atmosphere. No room is like the other, all are individually furnished. Throughout the hotel you will find select antiques and original artwork.
Historical banquet rooms and modernly equipped conference rooms are at hand for events of all kind.
Welcome to the EISENHUT ...!
Info & Booking: HOTEL EISENHUT - An Arvena Hotel - Herrngasse 3-5/7 - 91541 Rothenburg o. d. Tauber - Telephone: +49 (0)9861 70 50 - Free Call: 0800-Eisenhut - E-Mail: [email protected] www.eisenhut.com
A special experience ...
....for every traveler !
The Hotel Eisenhut is located in the heart of the Old Tof Rothenburg ob der T
WelelcocoWelcoof medieva
The Hotel Eisenhut is located in the heart of the Old T, the most famauberr,of Rothenburg ob der T
ome toto ththehe EIEISome to the EISal towns along the romantic road.
own The Hotel Eisenhut is located in the heart of the Old T, the most famous and picturesque
Village, The Imperial City Days and the ChristmasMarket. Käthe Wohlfahrt’s “Christmas Village” is a unique experience in summer as well as winter.The “wintry” shopping paradise is presented behind inconspicuous facades in the middle of the Old Town: for instance, small snow-covered half-timbered houses surround small squares where a five meter high, white Christmas tree with 1,000 glass ornaments or a 5.50 meter highChristmas pyramid rotates. The scenery in which you can select from approx. 30,000 traditionalGerman Christmas articles on several levels isguarded by a 3.50 meter high nutcracker and is transformed by 196,000 lights into a glisteningChristmas fairytale.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber features pure romanticismin a globally known town which combines historicambience with internationality. The silhouette of the medieval Old Town is characterized by more than 40 towers and the town wall featuring forti -fications that can be walked on surrounds the OldTown. A walk through the town’s alleys whisks you away into a long forgotten time. Embedded in undisturbed landscapes, the city – which obscurescountless cultural treasures such as St.-Jacobs-Church, the medieval Crime Museum or the ImperialCity Museum behind its walls – invites visitors tolinger and discover. Among the highlights in the richoffer of cultural activities and events are the festival “The Master Draught”, the Wine
ALTÖTTING AND OBERAMMERGAUBavaria’s religious centres commemorate King Ludwig II. The life of Ludwig II, who
died 125 years ago under mysterious circumstances, will be solemnly remembered. The pilgrimage town
of Altötting and the Passion Play village of Oberammergau will also honour the ‘Fairytale King’.
Events commemorating the 125th year of thedeath of King Ludwig II: Exhibition in theOberammergau Museum, 01/04/ - 31/12/2011;Major Candlelight Procession in Altötting 14/08/2011; “Mountain Fire” in the AmmergauAlps 24/08/2011 and much more.
TIP
Altötting Urn bearing the heart of King Ludwig I I Ammergau Alps Linderhof Palace
King Ludwig II, special guided tours of LinderhofPalace will provide an insight into the magicalfairytale world of Bavaria’s most famous king. Theroute next leads from Oberammergau along theBavarian Alps to Lake Chiemsee including a visit tothe Bavarian State Exhibition “Twilights of the gods– King Ludwig II” at Herrenchiemsee Castle. Thethird stop is devoted to the pilgrimage townAltötting. After a visit to the Chapel of Grace and themuseums, among them the “Jerusalem Panorama ofthe Cruci fixion of Christ” and the “New Treasury”with the Pilgrimage Museum in the house PopeBenedict XVI, which also accommodates the bridalwreath of Aus trian Empress Sissi, the traditionalAltötting Candlelight Procession held every Saturdayevening from May to October provides a fittingconclusion.
King Ludwig II was a devout Christian. He visitedOberammergau’s parish church or the Benedictinemonastery at Ettal on a regular basis. Altötting isalso closely associated with the monarch: since the17th century the hearts of Bavarian rulers have beenpreserved in silver urns in the Altötting Chapel ofGrace, among them also the urn bearing the heartof King Ludwig II, as a sign of deep solidarity with theBavarian national shrine. This tradition, retained un -til the end of the monarchy, earned Altötting thesobriquet “Heart of Bavaria”. An individual journeyin the tracks of King Ludwig II offers the best overallview of the most famous places of interest in south ernBavaria. In 2011 this tour will be particularly unique,since numerous events will be held pertaining to the“King Ludwig II” theme. Starting from Munich, themost important places of interest can be com binedin a 3-day tour. Oberammergau has always beencharacterised by religious culture. Neuschwan steinCastle, Linderhof Palace, the Pilgrimage Church ofWies and Ettal Monastery Monastery are alwaysworth a visit in any case. Linderhof Palace, locatedin the Ammergau Alps, is the smallest of the threecastles which Ludwig had built. Linderhof is the onlycastle which the king also inhabited for eight years.In the year of the 125th anniversary of the death of
Kapellplatz 2a
DE-84503 Altötting
Phone +49 (0)8671 50 62 19
www.altoetting.de
Pilgrimage and Tourist Office Altötting
…PUBLI
OberammergauAmmergau AlpsEugen-Papst-Strasse 9a
DE-82487 Oberammergau
Phone +49 (0)8822 92 27 40
www.ammergauer-alpen.de
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The car, one of mankind’s most
important inventions ever, is celebrating
its 125th birthday in 2011. This bread-
and-butter product of the German
economy is being honoured in the form
of countless events, special exhibitions
in museums and the opportunity to
glimpse behind the scenes in automotive
factories. Beyond cars, Germany has a
wide range of attractions that suits
almost any interest you can think of.
Museums devoted to all manner of
subjects are just waiting to be
discovered, festivals large and small –
such as the Oktoberfest in Munich and
Hamburg's Port Festival – provide
excitement and entertainment, and the
many theme parks offer fun and thrills
for the whole family. The “Made in
Germany” seal of quality adorns a host
of products and brands, which can be
purchased in futuristic shopping malls,
outlet centres or direct from the
manufacturer. This year’s sporting
calendar features the FIFA Women’s
World Cup 2011™ and dozens of city
marathons that are looking for new
champions. Germany is also a place
for the finer things in life. Aside from
a mouth-watering selection of culinary
events there are world-class concerts
providing aural delights.
Exuberance and zest for life at traditional festivals.Quaint discoveries during the automotive year.
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Berlin KaDeWeMunich Shopping centre “Fünf Höfe”
Particularly the major cities, such as Munich,Hamburg and above all Berlin, are a real shopper’sparadise. The pedestrian areas of Germany’shistorical town centers and its 400 shopping mallsare the perfect place to hunt for bargains, followedby a well-earned break with a delicious piece ofcake at one of the local cafés. Among the mostpopular shopping streets with large departmentstores and flagship establishments of famousfashion labels are Schildergasse in the vibrant oldquarter of Cologne, Hamburg’s Mönckeberg strasseand Kaufingerstrasse in Munich. For a taste of realluxury, try the upmarket shops along Königsallee inthe fashion mecca of Düsseldorf. Alongside Chaneland Prada, you can find all the leading Germandesigner brands here, including Boss and Escada.
The top addresses in Berlin are Friedrichstrasseand Kurfürstendamm, but the German capital isalso renowned for its many small boutiques in thebohemian quarters around Hackescher Markt and in Friedrichshain. Quirky souvenirs and fashion bycreative designers are available at Berlinomat. TheKaDeWe (Kaufhaus des Westens), Europe’ssecond-largest department store, is a true Berlinlegend. Even browsing through the luxury wares onsale here is an experience in itself. Another highlight
Shopping in Frankfurt: MyZeilLocated in the heart of the city,MyZeil is one of the trendiestshopping centres in Germany. Oneight floors, with spectacular,light-flooded architecture, MyZeiloffers an equally spectacular retailand leisure mix.
SHOPPING AND GASTRONOMY Perfect for
gourmets and fashion fans. If you’re going on vacation in Germany, make sure to leave some
space in your suitcase. The temptations are simply endless – from leading international fashion labels to
fine wines and brand-name products made in Germany.
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Here today... there tomorrow... Enjoy two fun-packed days at the Car & Technology Museum Sinsheim and Tripsdrill Th eme Park including overnight accommodation.
Th e Car & Technology Museum Sinsheim features more than 3,000 exhibits spanning the history
of technology, including a Concorde with walk-on visitor access. Another sensational attraction is the IMAX 3D cinema showing the very best in 3D fi lms on a giant screen.www.technik-museum.de
Th e all-inclusive package ‚Here today... there tomorrow...‘ is bookable from 16 April to 6 November 2011 and includes admission to the Car & Technology Museum Sinsheim plus IMAX 3D cinema and Tripsdrill Th eme Park and Wildlife Park. Included in the price is one night‘s accommodation with breakfast
either in the 4-star Hotel Sinsheim near to the museum or in a shepherd´s wagons at Tripsdrill Th eme Park.
At Tripsdrill Th eme Park you can look forward to more than 100 novelty
attractions: clatter through a gigantic sawmill on the wooden roller coaster Mammut, and be sure not to miss the bathtub fl ume ride, the double thunder-box, the soapbox race – and of course Tripsdrill Wildlife Park. www.tripsdrill.de
Th e all-inclusive price with an overnight stay at the 4-star Hotel Sinsheim: adults from €82.50 • Information: +49 (0)7261 / 4064-0 • www.hotel-sinsheim.deTh e all-inclusive price with an overnight stay in a shepherd´s wagons at Tripsdrill Th eme Park: adults from €74.00 • Information: +49 (0)7135 / 9999 • www.tripsdrill.de
Prices for children and tour operator rates available on request.
experience world. With a freefall height of 71metres, the freefall tower “Scream” tower at“Heidepark”, south of Hamburg, is the biggestof its kind. A miniaturised landscape withover 50 million lego bricks is one of the mainattractions of the “Legoland” theme park inGünzburg, including lovingly recreated scenesof Berlin, Neuschwanstein Castle, Venice andSwitzerland. The park opened in 2002 and,since then, has welcomed 1.3 million delightedvisitors annually from all over the world.
The time of your life is waiting at Germany’s themeparks. Take your pick from the best roller coaster inthe world, a flying carousel with spectacular sea viewsor breathtaking stunt shows packed with movie-styleaction. The most popular theme park in Germany isthe “Europapark” in Rust at the edge of the BlackForest. Visitors can look forward to a choice of nineroller coasters including two water roller coas ters.“Hansa Park”, Germany’s only mariti me theme park,is situated at the Baltic Sea. Splash ing boat ridesand unique model ships characterise the huge
THEME PARKS Adventure, pleasure and thrills. Breakneck
roller coaster rides or attractive show programmes – German theme parks leave nothing to be desired.
Sinsheim Car & Technology MuseumEuropapark “Blue Fire Megacoaster”
Highlight
Europapark Rust offers 13impressive theme zones, each ofwhich focuses on an individualcountry or region and presents its special characteristics likearchitecture or cuisine in a culturalcontext.
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HIGHLIGHTS 2011/2012
13 Aug 2011The highlight of the Lake Night festival in Constance is a spectacularfirework display set to music. The firstfirework display took place in honourof Emperor Maximilian in 1507.
Lake Night Festival, Constance
International Samba Festival Coburg
08 - 10 Jul 2011The biggest samba event out side Brazil that attracts 200,000 visitors to Coburg every year. Enjoy hot Latinrhythms from 100 troupes with morethan 2,000 dancers.
Black Forest Music Festival
02 June - 13 June 2011 23 Sep - 03 Oct 2011Enjoy music played by world-classmusicians in unusual venues such assmall craft workshops in the BlackForest, in churches and in concerthalls.
Festival Summer 2011 Festivals for the 175th anniversary
11 September 2011
2011 OPEN MONUMENT DAY Visiting scenes of an industrial past – the European Heritage Days
Public awareness of the importance of cultural heritage should be raised and interest in thepreservation of historical monuments shall beawakened with various campaigns. Historicalbuildings which are otherwise inaccessible willopen their doors to visitors and delight lovers ofarchitecture and history. In addition, during ex-pert guided tours visitors can learn interestingthings about the tasks and activities involvedwith the preservation of historical monuments.
Archaeologists, conservationists and craftsmenwill demonstrate working methods and tech-niques, and steer the view towards details whichoften remain concealed to untrained eyes. The2011 Open Monument Day has “Romanticism,Realism and Revolution – The 19th Century” asits motto. The emphasis in this connection shallbe placed on the stylistic versatility and technicalprogress. www.tag-des-offenen-denkmals.de
GERMANY’S FESTIVAL CULTURECountless festivals – all musical styles
Particularly in the summer, when the days arelong and warm, many German and internationalguests discover the desire for open-air music.Deciding which festival to attend is difficult asthere is something to suit every taste in music.Whether it is “Rock am Ring” (3 - 5 June 2011),pop and electronic avantgarde at Melt! Festival(15 - 17 July 2011) or a pilgrimage to theheavy metal Mecca at the Wacken Open Air (4 - 6 August 2011): anyone who goes the wholeyear without getting to a festival has onlythemselves to blame.
SAXON STEAMBOAT COMPANY175th birthday of the unique paddle steamers
The world’s oldest and largest paddle steamerfleet operates between Diesbar-Seusslitz andBad Schandau and on special voyages even asfar as Ústí nad Labem in the Czech Republic.Visitors are enthralled both by the historicsteamers themselves and the enchanting ElbeValley. The traditional fleet will be celebratingits birthday in 2011 and looking back on 175years of history with a plethora of events andhighlights. Cast off! Good luck and happy sailing! www.saechsische-dampfschiffahrt.de
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Events – Concerts – Exhibitions
30 June - 5 July 2011The Gendarmenmarkt, one of themost beautiful squares in Europe inBerlin's historical centre, provides thegrand setting for the Classic Open AirFestival each summer. www.classicopenair.de
Classic Open Air Gendarmenmarkt, Berlin
Frankfurt, Museum Embankment Festival
26 - 28 Aug 2011Europe’s largest cultural festival fea-tures art and crafts stalls, live music,culinary highlights from around theworld and Frankfurt’s museum row.www.museumsuferfest-
frankfurt.de
Gäuboden Festival
12 - 22 Aug 2011Every year, Staubing hosts Bavaria’ssecond biggest public festival whichattracts 1.2 million visitors each year. Attractions include the grand procession, a huge funfair and theEast Bavaria Show.
FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP 2011™Exciting matches – lavish fan parties
In the summer of 2011, 16 nations will competefor the title of the world’s best women’s footballnation. The tournament promises female footballstars, up-and-coming new talents and jubilantfans. The opening match will be held at theOlympic Stadium in Berlin, which offers over70,000 seats. Other sporting venues areAugsburg, Bochum, Dresden, Leverkusen,Mönchengladbach, Sinsheim, Wolfs burg andFrankfurt, where the final will be held.www.germany-tourism.de/
fifawomensworldcup2011
Year-round global explorations
MINIATUR WUNDERLAND The world’s largest model railway
About 890 trains zip about on 12,000 metres oftracks on 1,150 square metres of space inHamburg’s Speicherstadt district. The expansionfrom 8 sections to 12 has long been in theplanning stage, because the Wonderland isconstantly growing. But visitors can already findmost parts of our world replicated in miniaturehere in Hamburg. A special section for thehometown of the miniature world shows most ofthe famous places of inter est in Hamburg and islike a small sightseeing tour.
www.miniatur-wunderland.de
2011 FEDERAL HORTICULTURAL SHOW IN KOBLENZ Koblenz will be transformed into a unique floral dream with new colours, shapes and ideas.
26 June – 17 July 2011
15 April – 16 October 2011
The horticultural show grounds extend for 48hectares around the Electoral Palace, GermanCorner and Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. The city’sunique location and history combines the threeexhibition areas as a core idea. Here the tworivers Rhine and Mosel flow together at the Ger-man Corner. European history was written here,and the Roman legacy is visible everywhere. That is why the leading themes water, Europe,Rhine romanticism and UNESCO World Heritage
define the planning, and architects transform for-merly inconspicuous areas into locations that arenow new and attractive for visitors and the popu-lace, without forgetting the historical roots in theprocess. For instance, a monotonous parking areais transformed into a colourful sea of flowers or amodest backyard is transformed into a magnifi-cent rose garden. Koblenz will be transformed,and at all locations there will be much to discoverand marvel at. www.buga2011.de
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HIGHLIGHTS 2011/2012
Open all yearGARDENS OF THE WORLDIN BERLIN
At the fabulous Gardens of the World in Berlin, visitors can go on a unique tour of discovery.
www.gaerten-der-welt.de
Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt
Bread and Circuses, Trier
02 - 09 Sep 2011 This grand spectacle at the amphi-theatre and Roman baths in Ger-many’s oldest town appeals to allages. An informative programme illustrates life as it was in Roman times.
Hanse Sail Rostock
11 - 14 Aug 2011Tall ships are the main attraction atthe biggest maritime event in Meck-lenburg-Western Pomerania. HanseSail has become a major spectaclewith a programme of entertainmentand other events.
25. Nov - 23. Dec 2011The famous Christmas market at theheart of the old quarter with traditionalfavourites such as gingerbread, tinselangels, Nativity scenes, tree decorati-ons, baubles, toys and much more.
26/11/11 - 09/04/12STUTTGART ART MUSEUM MICHEL MAJERUS
The works of Michel Majerus,who died in 2002, influencedan entire generation of contemporary painters.
www.kunstmuseum-stuttgart.de
22 - 24/07/2011 DEICHBRANDCUXHAVEN/NORDHOLZ
The Deichbrand Rockfestivalam Meer will be held for the7th time. Over 40 bands willperform live on four open-airstages, and top DJs and liveacts will be presented in theclub tent.
01 - 19/06/2011ALTONALE
The Hamburg cultural festivaloffers art, literature, theatreand film events as well as a three-day street festivalwith music, art and fleamarket, medieval market and “information mile”.
May till september SCHWERIN GARDENSUMMER
“Nature that inspires. Culturethat fascinates.” The Schw-erin Palatial Gardens presentfabulous entertainment andcolourful horticultural themes.
www.schweriner-gartensommer.de
26/03/ - 27/03/2011CROCUS BLOSSOMFESTIVAL IN HUSUM
Spring makes its arrival and brings along the colourpurple when more than 4 million crocuses immersethe Palatial Park in a huge,purple sea of flowers.
The strange objects of sur -rea lists demonstrate theinterplay of contrasting ele -ments, whereas the zanyreality points out thesubliminal and dreamlike.
www.schirn.de
13 - 20/04/2011“ACHTUNG BERLIN” NEWBERLIN FILM AWARD
About 70 feature anddocumentary films, includinginternational, national andBerlin premieres, can be seenbefore their official cinemastart during the festival.
www.achtungberlin.de
17 - 22/05/201141ST INTERNATIONALDIXIELAND FESTIVAL
The festival will be held inDresden once again this yearwith highlights such as the“Riverboat Shuffle” on the famous Elbe River steamboats.
www.dixieland.de
24 - 27/03/2011LICHTER/FILM FESTIVAL FRANKFURT AM MAIN
Since 2008 the “Festival in the We and Now” has been the annual platform for new film productions from Frankfurt and the Rhine-Main region.
www.filmtage-frankfurt.de
19/08 – 21/08/2011RÜDESHEIM WINEFESTIVAL
This festival highlights thebest of Rüdesheim hospitalityand wine culture. Wine standscluster around the lime treesand the very special atmos -phere of this festival unfoldsunder the garlands of lights.
30/06/ - 10/07/2011THEATRE FESTIVALIMPULSE
The festival of German-langu -age and free theatre for thefirst timer takes place in sum -mer. Outstanding off-produc -tions in Bochum, Düsseldorf,Köln and Mülheim a. d. Ruhr.www.festivalimpulse.de
all-seasonSCHAUFENSTER BOOTS -BAU IN BREMEN
Here visitors can experiencemaritime handicraft up close. Interactive exhibits and hands-on activitiesillustrate shipbuilding from A to Z.
www.schaufenster-bootsbau.de
25/06/ - 27/08/2011RHEINGAU MUSICFESTIVAL
One of the leading classicalmusic festivals in Europe pre -sents over 150 concerts andattracts more than 120,000domestic and foreign visitors.
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Events – concerts – exhibitions
03 - 04 Sep 2011Residents and shops along the legen-dary “antiques mile” roll out the redcarpet and invite visitors to the chicstreet festival with culinary delicacies,art and culture.
WiesbadenTaunus street festival
Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival
09 Jul - 28 Aug 2011
Year after year, outstanding music and a different country as its themeare the ingredients that attract an audience of thousands to Europe’sbiggest classical music festival.
International FireworkCompetition, Hannover
May 14, June 25, Aug 27,Sep 10 and 24, 2011
The elite of the pyrotechnic world demonstrate their art against the magnificent backdrop of the Herren-hausen Gardens, accompanied bymusic from classic to pop.
28/06/ - 03/07/2011 SEAT KITESURF WORLD CUP
The top German kite surferswill compete with the best“dragon tamers” from 16 nations on the WesterlandBeach in Sylt.
www.kitesurf-worldcup.com
all-season FRIEDRICHSTADT PALAST
Europe’s largest and mostmodern revue theatre is located in the Berlin Mittedistrict and offers superlativeshows on the highest artisticlevel throughout the year.
www.show-palace.eu
08 - 17/07/2011 CHIO AACHEN
The “World Festival of Eques-trian Sport” has been held in Aachen since 1924 and annually attracts the elite of international equestriansport to North Rhine-West-phalia.
www.chioaachen.de
17/09/ - 03/10/2011 OKTOBERFEST 2011
The world’s largest folk festi-val will be celebrating the artof brewing beer in the Bavar-ian capital Munich for the201st time in 2011.
www.oktoberfest.de
22 - 24/09/2011 REEPERBAHN FESTIVAL
The Hamburg Reeperbahn,“Germany‘s most creativeneighbourhood”, is offeringexciting bands and individualartists as well as an ambi-tious art programme for thesixth time.
www.reeperbahnfestival.com
16 - 17/07/2011 DTM IN THE OLYMPIC STADIUM
Starting in 2011, the fascina-ting touring car racers willduel under the pavilion roof of the Olympic Stadium atthe Olympic Park in Munich.
www.dtm.com
03 - 08/05/2011 INTERNATIONAL FESTI-VAL OF ANIMATED FILM
The entire colourful world ofanimated film will be meetingonce again in Stuttgart for the18th International Festival ofAnimated Film (ITFS), and willbe awarding the “Trickstar”.
www.itfs.de
07/03/2011 ROSE MONDAY PARADEIN MAINZ
Political motif floats, musicalparades, flag bearers andcommemorative guards will elbow their way along the revelling, dancing crowds in the state capital of Rhineland-Palatinate.
14/05/2011 EUROVISION SONG CONTEST
The major European singingcontest will be held at theDüsseldorf Arena in 2011 and promises to be a colour-ful and cheerful festival.
www.eurovision.de
29/04/ - 01/05/2011 KNIGHTS FESTIVAL ATTHE PALATIAL PARK
The Middle Ages arrive inBad Bentheim with jugglers,minstrels and acrobats. Morethan 100 performers will setup their tents at the PalatialPark in Bad Bentheim.
21/05/ - 25/09/2011 “FROM TIME TO TIME”
What is time? Different vari-ants and things worth know-ing about time are to be discovered in the exhibition at the Neanderthal Museumin Mettmann.
www.neanderthal.de
06/05/ - 14/05/2011 FESTIVAL PERSPECTIVES
The German-French Festivalof Stagecraft in Saarbrückenis the only festival in Germany that offers a forum for both French-language and German-language stagecraft.
all-season HOLZHAUSEN CASTLE
Concerts, recitals, reading,children’s events – an ex-traordinary cultural pro-gramme is featured at thecentrally located, smallbaroque castle in Frankfurt.
www.frankfurter-buergerstiftung.de
31/03/ -19/06/2011 ARCHITECTURETHROUGH THE LENS
At the “Pinakothek der Mod-erne” modern art museum in Munich, the exhibition featuring previously hiddentreasures unfurls a panorama of photography from the beginnings to the present day.
German National Tourist OfficePO BOX 2695 London W1A 3TNwww.germany.travel
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany23 Belgrave Square London SW1X 8PZPhone: 020 78 24 13 00Fax: 020 78 24 14 49www.london.diplo.de
German Embassy Dublin31 Trimleston Avenue Booterstown BlackrockCo. DublinPhone: +353 1 269 3011 or 3772Fax: +353 1 269 3946www.dublin.diplo.de
Embassy of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandWilhelmstrasse 70-71 DE-10117 BerlinPhone: +49 30 20 45 70Fax: +49 30 20 45 75 94http://ukingermany.fco.gov.uk/de
23.06.2011 Corpus Christi Holiday in Baden-Württemberg,
Bavaria, Hessen, North Rhine-
Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate,
Saarland, Catholic parts of Saxony
and Thuringia
15.08.2011 Virgin Mary Ascension Day In Catholic areas of Bavaria, Saarland
03.10.2011 Reunification Day 31.10.2011 Reformation Day Holiday in Brandenburg,
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania,
Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia
01.11.2011 All Saints Holiday in Baden-Württemberg,
Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia,
Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland
16.11.2011 Repentance Day Holiday in Saxony
25.12.2011 Christmas Day26.12.2011 Boxing Day
01.01.2011 New Years Day06.01.2011 Epiphany
Holiday in Baden-Württemberg,
Bavaria, Saxony-Anhalt
22.04.2011 Good Friday25.04.2011 Easter Monday01.05.2011 May Day02.06.2011 Ascension Day13.06.2011 Whit Monday
Other Holidays
1) Special rules apply on the North Sea islands of Lower Saxony. Special rules apply during holidays for the following islands: Sylt, Föhr, Amrum and Helgoland as well as the Halligen.
Should any of your questions concerning Germany remain unanswered, feel free to contact the German Tourist Board directly. You will find practical information for the appropriate travel themes under the Info Center link on our internet site at www.germany.travelOur staff, at your respective country agency, will be pleased to provide any further information about Germany.
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Deutsche Bahn (DB)Frequent Eurostar rail services for passengers to the continent through theChannel Tunnel. There are promotional fares from London to Cologne fromonly £79 return. This offer is valid on Eurostar trains from London orEbbsfleet to Brussels in connection with DB’s ICE service from Brussels toCologne. Passengers departing from London can reach the main station inCologne in just under 5 hours. For those who want to travel within Germanyor onward to another European country, there are easy connections from theCologne main station using Deutsche Bahn’s local or long-distance trains.Rail travel throughout Germany is available at affordable prices. There arespecial offers on many routes throughout the whole year and fares normallydepend on the distance travelled and the type of service used.
A German regional ticket for up to 5 persons from just £22 – For unlimitedtravel for a whole day within a certain region of Germany using DeutscheBahn’s “Länder-Tickets”. Travel can be on any weekday, Saturday or Sunday,within one of the German states. The ticket can be used on all local trains(RegionalExpress, RegionalBahn, S-Bahn) and also other modes of transport.
The package price starts from £22 for up to 5 persons travelling together, orfor parents (or one parent) travelling with any number of children under 15.
SparNight, the DB NachtZug promotion is now also valid on several DBnight train routes from Paris to many German cities. Prices start from £24 fora seat or £57 for a sleeper berth. These are one-way fares per person andsubject to availability and change. Using the Eurostar service, you can travelto Paris and use the overnight connections to Munich via Karlsruhe, Stuttgartand Ulm. Direct connections are also available to Berlin from Paris (pricesand infor mation are correct at time of printing).
How to book Deutsche Bahn offers a comprehensive booking service for rail travel in Germany and Europe. For rail tickets and information contact theDeutsche Bahn UK Booking Centre 0871 880 80 66 (8p/minute) from Mondayto Friday (9am to 5pm). Train timetables and connections are also available atwww.bahn.co.uk. For motorail services (also available in English) please visitwww.dbautozug.de. Coach travel – Eurolines serves many destinations from the UK to Germany. Phone: 08705 14 32 19 | www.eurolines.co.uk
SPECIFIC TRAVEL INFORMATIONDeutsche Bahn (DB) in the UK.
Ferry ConnectionsDestination from - to Company Phone InternetBelgium Hull – Zeebrugge P&O Ferries 0871 66 42 121 www.poferries.com
UK to Europe Coach 0871 78 18 178 www.nationalexpress.com
UK to Europe Coach 0871 78 18 181 www.eurolines.com
Learn the language the most effective way at 13 attractive locationsthroughout Germany. Benefit from the supplementary services we offer:• Personal consultation on learning• Media resource centres/individual learning centres• A cultural and leisure programme• Accommodation service
LEARN GERMAN ANDGET TO KNOW GERMANY–AT THE GOETHE INSTITUTE.
All the details are based on sources of the mentioned organisations andenterprises. No responsibility is takenfor the correctness. Alterations possible.Status quo December 2010.
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Info-Line +49 (0) 18 05/77 66 88 (14 cent/min.**) · www.europapark.de/discovergermany · Motorway A5 Karlsruhe - Basel · Exit 57b Europa-Park Open daily from 9 April to 6 November 2011 from 9.00 am – 6.00 pm (longer opening hours during main season) and in winter
**for calls from the German landline network, prices for mobile and international calls may differ
Welcome to the wonderful world of fantasy – welcome to
Europa-Park. Over 100 exciting attractions and spectacular shows
in 13 European themed areas are guaranteed to enthrall you! Feel
butterflies in your tummy all the year round: lavish decorations,
a wide array of themed festivals, hip parties and surprises galore
await you! And for an enchanting ending to an unforgettable
adventure, stay at one of our four 4-star themed hotels*, the Camp
Resort* with its teepees, covered wagons and romantic log-cabins,
or spend a cosy night in your own caravan.
*book through your travel agency or directly at Europa-Park Resort
Where short breaks become big occasions!
Magic momentsSpooky moments Europa-Park Hotel ResortRefreshing moments
www.europapark.de/discovergermany
Unforgettable Moments
DW11_UK_64_U3_Adressen_Regionalmanagement_Europapark_. 29.12.10 16:01 Seite U3
Free Ticket*
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station Frankfurt or Munich, 9.30 am.
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