Lubeck was an important Hanseatic town. The imposing and very decorative Holstentorwas built in 1477. Behind it are the Salzspeicher warehouses dating from the 16th and 17th century where the salt from Leneburg was stored. To the North, Burgtor is an excellent example of a medieval fortification with a trefoil ogival arch. It was built in the 15th century.
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Sunday, October 30, 2016
Bonn
Along the Bonngasse stands the pink-painted house of Beethoven where the famous composer was born on 16 December 1770 into a family originally from Malines (Belgium). At 16, the young Beethoven already enjoyed much fame as a musician in the service of the court chapel of the Elector. Six years later, he was to leave Bonn for good to live in Vienna. Ludwig van Beethoven composed the 9th Symphonie (Ode to Joy), which has been chosen as the European anthem in 1985.Shop
For chocolate fans in Bonn, do not miss the Schokoladen for hundreds of types of chocolate and some amazing hot and cold beverages.
Saturday, August 20, 2016
Berlin
The efficient S-Bahn train leaves roughly every 10 minutes from Berlin-Schonefeld airport.
No other "noble pile" could so symbolise the ups and downs of German history. The Brandenburger Tur has been designed by C.G. Langhaus, 6 August 1791 saw its inauguration at the west-end of the fine boulevard "Unter den Linden". The stage of the 1918 revolution and the Nazi marches, it was destroyed in 1945. The gate was to be marked by the construction of the wall in 1961 and its fall on the 9th of November 1989, thus becoming the symbol of the democratisation of the east and German reunification. The Brandenburg Gate was modelled on the Acropolis in Athens, with its six Doric columns.
Postdamer Platz is the city's new glass and steel epicentre linking East and West. Home to the Berlinale Film festival, cinemas, museums and restaurants. The world-famous Berlin Philharmonic is just down the road.
Prater Garten in Prenzlauer Berg is Berlin's oldest biergarten dating back to the mid-1800s and is still thronged with lcal beer lovers every evening.
Prenzlauer Berg is Berlin's most picturesque neighbourhood which houses many of the city's students and artists. The tree-lined streets are punctuated with buildings and roads being refurbished and re-laid, updated, modernised, nipped, tucked and styled. It is like the district is constantly shedding its skin. Prenzlberg is at Eberswalderstrasse U-Bahn. Prenzlauer Berg has three main streets: Eberswalderstrasse, Kastanienalle and Schonhauserallee. Down Eberswalderstrasse, for about five minutes, there is Mauerpark which was formerly part of the Berlin Wall. There is a flea market on Sundays. Oderberggerstrasse is one of the loveliest streets in Prenzlauer Berg: ice cream cafes, restaurants, bars and vintage boutiques. This street intersects Prenzlauer Berg's most happening street, Kastanienallee: art supply shops, international restaurants, cinema, retro and vintage shops, lively bars at night. Kollwitzplatz is a cute green square with table tennis tables and an excellent eco-market on Saturdays.
The Badeschiff is one of Europe's most unusual swimming pools: it floats in the Spree River and is the perfect place to relax after a night out.
Shop
Cover your head with one of the hundreds of original hats at stylish Heimat ( 13-14 Kastanienallee, Prenzlauer Berg)
Looking for a chandellier for a chandelier, Samurai sword or particular type of wig? The Komische Oper Fundusverkauf sells unwanted props ans costumes from the Comic Oper on the other side of the street. Unmissable (corner of Glinkastrasse and Behnrenstrasse)
The Optiking store sells only original vintage sunglasses and frames dating back to the 60s, 70s and 80s. It doesn't get funkier than this (34 Eberswalder Strasse, Prenzlauer Berg)
Day trip
Treptow. Venture out to Preptow to relax in the Badeschiff, a futuristic bubble on the Spree River containing a heated pool and two saunas.
Potsdam. The town of Postdam, once the summer residence of Prussian kings, is bursting with parks, palaces and charm. A highlight is Alexandrowka, a colony of traditional Russian houses. Potsdam is a 40-minute S-Bahn ride from Berlin main station.
Friday, July 22, 2016
Munich
From the airport
Train: The S1 and S8 run from 3.30am to midnight to Munich's central station (Hauptbanhof)
Shop: After a great holiday read? Head to the Hugendubel English bookshop, in the heart of the Old Town, for books, English magazines and city guides.
If there is one thing Munich is more famous for than beer, it is the city's car manufacturer, BMW. Fans should not miss the very cool BMW shop for everything from sleek sledges to kids' cars.
Dance: Die Registratur. Club-goers need only remember one name in Munich, die Registratur. Attracting a wealth of big-name DJs, this is a hotspot for the city's beautiful people.
On a hot summer's day, nothing beats a dip in the Bad Maria Einsiedel outdoor pool. Part of the River Isar has been channelled off for swimming-giving you the chance to plunge into icy water, straight from the Alps.
Fancy trying your hand at skiing? Instead of trekking to the Alps, check out Munich's city slope, Skiarena Munchen, where two hours' fun costs 10 euros.
February in Munich is one long month of partying during the annual Fasching celebrations (Carnival). Check out the processions, open-air events and fancy-dress balls. Lehel is one of Munich's classiest districts. Just a short hop from the city centre, you will find swish bars, restaurants and boutiques.
Munich's eye-catching Allianz Arena football stadium is made of transparent "cushions" filled with thousands of lights. These change colour, either red, white or blue, to mirror the colours of the team playing.
Day trip
Andechs. For the perfect combination of countryside, exercise and beer, head to the Andechs Monastery, a 50-minute S-Bahn ride. After a short hike from the station, you will arrive to the welcome of a litre of freshly brewed beer.
Blombergbahn. If hurtling down a hillside is your idea of fun, do not miss the Blombergbahn, one of Germany's longest sled runs. South of Munic, at Bad Tolz, the 5.5 kilometre run provides sledges for hire.
Train: The S1 and S8 run from 3.30am to midnight to Munich's central station (Hauptbanhof)
Shop: After a great holiday read? Head to the Hugendubel English bookshop, in the heart of the Old Town, for books, English magazines and city guides.
If there is one thing Munich is more famous for than beer, it is the city's car manufacturer, BMW. Fans should not miss the very cool BMW shop for everything from sleek sledges to kids' cars.
Dance: Die Registratur. Club-goers need only remember one name in Munich, die Registratur. Attracting a wealth of big-name DJs, this is a hotspot for the city's beautiful people.
On a hot summer's day, nothing beats a dip in the Bad Maria Einsiedel outdoor pool. Part of the River Isar has been channelled off for swimming-giving you the chance to plunge into icy water, straight from the Alps.
Fancy trying your hand at skiing? Instead of trekking to the Alps, check out Munich's city slope, Skiarena Munchen, where two hours' fun costs 10 euros.
February in Munich is one long month of partying during the annual Fasching celebrations (Carnival). Check out the processions, open-air events and fancy-dress balls. Lehel is one of Munich's classiest districts. Just a short hop from the city centre, you will find swish bars, restaurants and boutiques.
Munich's eye-catching Allianz Arena football stadium is made of transparent "cushions" filled with thousands of lights. These change colour, either red, white or blue, to mirror the colours of the team playing.
Day trip
Andechs. For the perfect combination of countryside, exercise and beer, head to the Andechs Monastery, a 50-minute S-Bahn ride. After a short hike from the station, you will arrive to the welcome of a litre of freshly brewed beer.
Blombergbahn. If hurtling down a hillside is your idea of fun, do not miss the Blombergbahn, one of Germany's longest sled runs. South of Munic, at Bad Tolz, the 5.5 kilometre run provides sledges for hire.
Leipzig
Do: Spinnerei. A rich tapestry of artists, theatre groups and dance troupes now call this former cotton spinning mill their cultural home. Every Friday and Saturday one-hour guided tours shuttle visitors around some of the galleries and exhibition spaces.
Climb: Volkerschlachtdenkmal. Constructed to celebrate the defeat of Napoleon at Leipzig in 1813, this tower is the tallest monument in Europe. Currently under renovation, if you are lucky you may still be able to clamber up the 500+ steps for an unparalleled view of the city.
Hamburg
From the station
Train: the S1 S-Bahn now connects the airport to the city-centre in 25 minutes. Trains run from 4.29am until just after midnight, every ten minutes, during weekdays and starting at 7.30am at weekends.
Shop
Stocked to the rafters with a treasure-trove of accessories, housewares, jewellery and beauty products, Cape Grace is a must-visit for any self-respecting fashionista.
Whether it is hand-carved mid-century furniture or wrought-metal works, you can find it all at Thai Cong, a beautifully outfitted home furnishings and accessories shop in moneyed Eppendorf.
The 160-hectare Outer Alster Lake anchors the city and provides its citizenry with diversions both on and off its crystalline shores. It is surrounded by cafes, sculpture-studded parks lined with oak and chestnut trees.
Join throngs of healthful Germans at Holthusenbad: an outsized complex of public baths in Eppendorf. Ptrons bathe under tiled vaulted and domed ceilings, enjoying hundreds of treatments including wet and dry massages.
Just 10 minutes north of the city centre on the U-Bahn, Klosterstern is home to countless trendy boutiques selling everything from bohemian kaftans and clutchse to jewellery, stationery and bespoke scents.
Visit: Fischmarkt. The unmistakable aroma of Hamburg's historic Sunday morning fish market has been puling in crowds since 1703. But it is not all about the fresh catch of the day. Jazz and country music can be heard in the auction hall, almost drowning out the hollering of the market traders.
Train: the S1 S-Bahn now connects the airport to the city-centre in 25 minutes. Trains run from 4.29am until just after midnight, every ten minutes, during weekdays and starting at 7.30am at weekends.
Shop
Stocked to the rafters with a treasure-trove of accessories, housewares, jewellery and beauty products, Cape Grace is a must-visit for any self-respecting fashionista.
Whether it is hand-carved mid-century furniture or wrought-metal works, you can find it all at Thai Cong, a beautifully outfitted home furnishings and accessories shop in moneyed Eppendorf.
The 160-hectare Outer Alster Lake anchors the city and provides its citizenry with diversions both on and off its crystalline shores. It is surrounded by cafes, sculpture-studded parks lined with oak and chestnut trees.
Join throngs of healthful Germans at Holthusenbad: an outsized complex of public baths in Eppendorf. Ptrons bathe under tiled vaulted and domed ceilings, enjoying hundreds of treatments including wet and dry massages.
Just 10 minutes north of the city centre on the U-Bahn, Klosterstern is home to countless trendy boutiques selling everything from bohemian kaftans and clutchse to jewellery, stationery and bespoke scents.
Visit: Fischmarkt. The unmistakable aroma of Hamburg's historic Sunday morning fish market has been puling in crowds since 1703. But it is not all about the fresh catch of the day. Jazz and country music can be heard in the auction hall, almost drowning out the hollering of the market traders.
See: Beatlemania. Before unleashing their act on an unsuspecting world, the Fab Four honed their talents in Hamburg. Beatlemania documents the legend that was John, Paul, George and Ringo.
Drink:
Ciu' die bar, best for cocktails. Shiny leather sofas, huge mirrors, black marble and carefully chosen artwork signal that this is serious cocktail bar. Here you will find pre- and after-dinner drinks, highballs and short and tall sours. If you crave the more specialist tequila, mezcal, cachaca, absinthe, vermouth or Calvados, you will find them here too. The waterside setting, with stunning views of the Inner Alster, adds to the appeal. 14-15 Ballindamm, www.ciudiebar.de
Day trip
Celle. Nearly 120 kilometres south of Hamburg, Celle is a well-preserved medieval town. The largest palace, Herzogschloss, dates to the 13th century, while its baroque theatre hails from 1674, making it the oldest in Germany.
Sylt. This was the exclusive retreat for German nobility. Today, a myriad of trains make the three-hour journey to this pristine sliver of land in the North Sea where idyllic villages, windswept beaches, thatched roof homes and a vibrant nightlife scene await.
Drink:
Ciu' die bar, best for cocktails. Shiny leather sofas, huge mirrors, black marble and carefully chosen artwork signal that this is serious cocktail bar. Here you will find pre- and after-dinner drinks, highballs and short and tall sours. If you crave the more specialist tequila, mezcal, cachaca, absinthe, vermouth or Calvados, you will find them here too. The waterside setting, with stunning views of the Inner Alster, adds to the appeal. 14-15 Ballindamm, www.ciudiebar.de
Day trip
Celle. Nearly 120 kilometres south of Hamburg, Celle is a well-preserved medieval town. The largest palace, Herzogschloss, dates to the 13th century, while its baroque theatre hails from 1674, making it the oldest in Germany.
Sylt. This was the exclusive retreat for German nobility. Today, a myriad of trains make the three-hour journey to this pristine sliver of land in the North Sea where idyllic villages, windswept beaches, thatched roof homes and a vibrant nightlife scene await.
general information
Federal Republic
Capital: Berlin
Area: 357 000km2
Currency: euro
Capital: Berlin
Area: 357 000km2
Currency: euro
Population: 82,4 million
Population density/km2: 229
EU member since 1952
Population density/km2: 229
EU member since 1952
language: German
- 22 330 is the number of hybrid cars in Germany.
- Since the reunification of Germany, the Germans make up 17% of the population of the European Union.
- Germans are the Europeans most likely to consult a doctor. Germans go on average 11 times a year to the doctor.
- The Germans eat 84kg of bread per annum. They are the biggest consumers of bread in Europe.
- The largest clock in Europe is in Cologne Cathedral. This clock can produce 40 different chimes.
- Germany is a federal country made up of 16 Lander.
- Germany is the number 1 for its quantity of museums (6500), ahead of France (4500) and Italy (2500)
Since the Berlin wall came down in 1989, cities like Berlin, Dresden, Munich, Cologne and Stuttgart have boomed. If you are around in September or October head down to Munich for the Bavarian Oktoberfest.
Places to visit
Eltz castle, strategically placed in the narrow valley of the Eltz (affluent of the Mosel), has stood up well to the rest of time. This Ganerbenburg is a castle that is home to several heirs, each family in a different tower. The stubbornness of the knights of Eltz won them the nickname of ironheads.
Wies. The Wallfahrtskirche or pilgrimage church, with its Priesterhaus priory, is beautifully situated on a gently sloping hill. This marvellous of Rococo architecture from the mid-18th century is known for its illusionsmalerei, a special painting technique whereby an optical illusion of relief is achieved. The architect Zimmerman could not bring himself to abandon his masterwork and therefore lived the last years of his life in a small house near the church.
Trier. The Porta Nigra is undoubtedly the largest monument from Roman times which has survived in this city. The gateway was built around 180AD and owes its name to the dark patina of limstone blocks. It is evidence of the domination of the Roman Empire, which at one time covered virtually all of Europe. In the 11th century, this fortification was transformed into a two-level church. The Roman Empire left its mark in 20 of the 28 states of the European Union.
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