HISTORIC HIGHLIGHTS OF GERMANY
historicgermany.com
Schwabentor (Freiburg)
Content Germany
To travel is to experience
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Historic Highlights of Germany
Germany’s historic cities!
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Exploring Germany
“Back to the Routes!”
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Short Breaks
General news
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City bites
Great Food and Drink
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In Focus
Germany Insight
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Fantastic sites
Quirky and Offbeat
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Explore more
Getting Around
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The “Cityspheres” guide is edited by Historic Highlights of Germany e.V., Ernst-Ludwig-Ring 2, DE-61231 Bad Nauheim. Publication Manager: Bjoern Rudek. Printed in Germany, January 2013. Whilst every care has been taken in the writing and production of this guide, errors or inaccuracies cannot be completely excluded. Photo credits: air-klick.de, Barbara Neumann, Björn Rudek, Cäsar Willich, Deutsche Bahn AG, Eckhart Matthaeus, Fluxus + Museum Potsdam, Fränkisches Weinland / Andreas Hub, FWTM/ Raach, FWTM/ Schoenen, Heidelberg Marketing GmbH, HHoG/ Takano, Hotel Neptun RostockWarnemünde, Koblenz Touristik/ Thomas Frey, la vie Restaurant, Landeshauptstadt Mainz, Monika Rittershaus, Nadia Pacino, Niels Stappenbeck, Nordlicht, Oliver Lang, Osnabrück Marketing und Tourismus GmbH, P!Elmedia, Ralf Emmerich, Regio Augsburg Tourismus GmbH, Restaurant Friedrich Wilhelm IV, Rheinisches Landesmuseum Trier, Thomas Zühmer, Ron Stern, Sascha Mayerer, SPSG / Anton Graff, SPSG/ Michael Lüder, Staatlicher Hofkeller Würzburg, Stadt Augsburg - Marktamt, Stadt Würzburg, Thüringisches Landesamt für Denkmalpflege und Archäologie (TLDA), TIT/ Yaph, TMB/ Boldt, Wiesbaden Marketing GmbH, Wikimedia Commons / Josef Lehmkuhl, www.maisenbacher-art.com (Foto W. Scheuermann)
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Germany OFF the beaten track
HISTORIC HIGHLIGHTS OF GERMANY
HISTORY UP Your Life!
Dear readers,
“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards!” (Søren Kierkegaard) How much do you know about Germany? More and more travelers from around the world discover our country which is a true treasure chest of many themes and possibilities. In your hands you hold a great mix of travel ideas for Germany’s historic cities – those destinations that were ennobled with the title of the Historic Highlights of Germany, representing quality, trust and value.
This is what we call “Germany off the beaten track”. Experience Germany the way the Germans do it: We promise that after your journey you will know a great deal more about the country in the heart of Europe!
With one glance at the map you will quickly be able to spot well-known cities, but also those places which – despite their historical significance – are not often on the classical travel route. What all member cities of the Historic Highlights of Germany have in common is that they are neither too big nor too small. A fusion of significant European history and modern lifestyle took place here. Travelers are able to experience the unexpected, chat with locals at markets and gain a whole new impression of Germany.
Björn Rudek CEO Historic Highlights of Germany
Contact us Historic Highlights of Germany HEADQUARTERS Ernst-Ludwig-Ring 2 61231 Bad Nauheim Germany t: +49 (0) 6032 – 93 74 393 f: +49 (0) 6032 – 93 74 394 info@historicgermany.com www.historicgermany.com
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Reiseland deutschland
To travel is to experience
Discover Germany: culture, nature and much more besides.
Destination Germany: the country where travel dreams come true. In the heart of Europe – and at the heart of life. Buzzing world cities including Berlin, Hamburg and Munich are magnets for millions; historical gems such as Heidelberg with its castle or Würzburg with its palace are destinations of majestic beauty. Scenic landscapes from coastal mudflats to towering mountain ranges alternate with river valleys, vineyards and sweeping forests. And most importantly of all there is the warmth and hospitality of the people, their cosmopolitan outlook and their lust for life.
© Getty Images
Welcome to Germany – www.germany.travel
Museums of world renown such as those on Berlin's Museum island or in Munich's museum quarter are reason alone to visit these cities. in leipzig and Bayreuth, a glittering musical tradition that is still very much alive finds expression in a calendar of cultural highlights. and Germany now has 37 unescO World heritage sites bearing witness to great history and exceptional natural beauty. But it is not always just the great and the important that make up the appeal of Germany, it's often the smaller towns as well, whose sleepy old quarters and quintessential traditions offer many a pleasant surprise. Bamberg, for example, Münster and trier – alongside many others. in all places and at all times people are out enjoying life, at town celebrations and street festivals, in cosy inns and in the countryside, amid glorious natural beauty. shopping and chilling out are always an option, and those who want to boost their health are well catered for in famous spa towns such as aachen, Wiesbaden and Baden-Baden. also well catered for are active holidaymakers on the many walking and cycling routes, including those in Germany's 14 national parks – the perfect way to enjoy the great outdoors.
The Top 100 mobile app: Finding without searching. there is so much on offer in Germany that it's sometimes difficult to know where to
start. to help narrow down the selection the GntB has launched the top 100 mobile app, which features the 100 most popular sights in Germany as chosen by visitors. currently in the no. 1 spot: heidelberg castle. the app can be found at www.germany.travel/top100
Authentic, beautiful, cool Germany 2013: from youth travel to Richard Wagner. Great destinations, many target audiences. Families, single travellers, people in the prime of their life, the lGBt community, honeymooners, the health-conscious, business travellers, visitors with restricted mobility: Germany is there for all of them. in 2013 youth travel takes centre stage under the banner 'hotspots in Germany'. Young travellers from around the world have named and rated their very own 'hotspots' in Germany as part of a GntB Facebook survey and shared them with their friends.
Germany is in. Among young people of all ages. the latest findings show: Germany's cities are 100% on trend when it comes to young people's tastes. and that doesn't just start and end with Berlin, the central star in the galaxy of youth lifestyles. Young travellers have already come up with 'hotspots' up and down the country in the categories of nightlife, must-sees, shopping, cafés & bars as well as festivals & events. From
also on the agenda is Richard Wagner: in 2013 Germany is celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of this remarkable yet controversial genius with concerts, exhibitions and plays in a number of cities, including the composer's birthplace, leipzig, and his adopted home of Bayreuth. another anniversary being celebrated in style is that of the Brothers Grimm fairytales, which this year are 200 years old – or young to look at it another way! For more information about the themes for 2013 visit www.germany.travel. One thing we can promise: it's going to be another exciting year!
© Deutsche Zentrale für Tourismus
© Deutsche Zentrale für Tourismus
Great destinations. Unforgettable experiences.
March 2013 an interactive map will make it possible to discover these hotspots, comment on them and share them with others. and it will continue in this vein throughout the year: teenagers and young people will be able to post their own favourite places in Germany on the interactive map and share these with their friends and peers, thereby playing an active role in the youth travel campaign. What's more, there's a dedicated GntB app for finding free Wi-Fi hotspots in Germany, perfect for staying in contact with friends at home.
Theme for 2014: UNESCO World Heritage in Germany. Germany's unescO World heritage includes important churches, abbeys and palaces, parks, industrial monuments, historic town ensembles and entire natural landscapes. World heritage sites. together with the historic highlights of Germany these will be the focus for 2014 – showcasing the finest legacies of man and nature. the anticipation is already beginning to build at www.germany.travel/unesco this and much more information for journalists and the media can be found at www.germany.travel/presse
historicgermany.com
Historic Highlights of Germany
Germany’s finest selection of historic cities Understanding Germany’s historic cities often means more than just visiting its buildings. It’s also about understanding its traditions. Augsburg, Erfurt, Freiburg, Heidelberg, Koblenz, Mainz, Münster, Osnabrück, Potsdam, Rostock, Trier, Wiesbaden and Würzburg are joined together as “Historic Highlights of Germany” – 13 of the best alternative historic cities for short breaks off the beaten track.
Prinzipalmarkt (Münster)
Wine and Rhine (Koblenz)
There are few places in Germany older than these wonderful cities, whose history, which often dates back more than two millennia, is brought to life with style and verve. Each one has played a major role in changing the course of German, European and sometimes even world history. While each city has its own unique attractions and events, all are known for an abundance of well-preserved churches, chapels, museums, castles, town halls and historic houses. At these destinations, visitors don’t just view monuments, they interact with history! Würzburg
Further information: www.historicgermany.com
Best Value Packages
We make city breaks affordable – excellent value for money All of the Historic Highlights of Germany member cities offer packages with overnight stays in a hotel (incl. breakfast) and many more services for less than $ 100 / € 77 per day. Follow the traces of the Romans starting from $ 38 / € 29, be captivated by North German Hanseatic cities from $ 47 / € 36 or by magnificent castles from $ 41 / € 29. Step back into the times of Martin Luther starting from $ 59 / € 45, discover treasures of German Romanticism from $ 64 / € 49 or indulge in wine culture from only $ 62 / € 48.
All offers refer to overnight stays per Person in a double room, including additional services. (*December 2012, prices depending on current exchange rates)
More information: www.germany.travel/specialoffers Germany’s oldest guesthouse “Zum Bären” (Freiburg)
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Exploring Germany
HISTORIC HIGHLIGHTS OF GERMANY
“Back to the Routes!” Featured Itineraries With six Dream Routes and four Christmas Dream Routes, Historic Highlights of Germany’s member cities offer featured itineraries for individual planning. The routes are offered in a variety of themes and interests. Visitors to the Historic Highlights of Germany website – www.historicgermany.com – are able to peruse a list of “Dream Route” topics, select one that matches their interests and view a map and a city-bycity description that most closely reflects those interests. Check: www.germandreamroutes.travel
Seal the Deal!
Complete Tour Packages Where To Book It?
TOEUROPE USA/Canada (toll free): 1.800.817.8137, International: +49.6475.911.0239 toeurope.eu
Dream Route 3: Cities of the Hanseatic League
Witnesses of the first globalization
Dream Route 1: Roman Heritage
On the traces of a world power TRACES OF THE GREAT ROMAN CIVILIZATION ARE STILL VERY MUCH IN EVIDENCE IN GERMANY. THE OLDEST CITIES ALL HAVE ROMAN ORIGINS AND DATE BACK MORE THAN 2,000 YEARS.
Rostock
IN THE MIDDLE AGES SO CALLED “CITY ALLIANCES” WERE CREATED. THE “HANSE” (HANSEATIC LEAGUE) MADE THE ECONOMY BOOST IN NORTHERN GERMANY’S CITIES AND BROUGHT PROSPERITY.
Potsdam
Osnabrück
Dream Route 2: Kings, Emperors and Palaces
Münster
The feudal time of the nobility
Dream Route 5: Treasures of German Romanticism
The epoch of longing FROM THE END OF THE 18TH TO THE MIDDLE OF THE 19TH CENTURY, THE FEELING OF LONGING AND LOVE WAS PUT INTO EXPRESSIVE WORDS: ROMANTICISM, A SPIRITUAL MOVEMENT THAT SPREAD FROM GERMANY OUT INTO ALL EUROPEAN COUNTRIES.
Erfurt
Koblenz
Trier
Wiesbaden Mainz Würzburg Heidelberg
GERMANY’S VAST HISTORICAL HERITAGE ALLOWS TRAVELERS TO VISIT BISHOP’S SEES AND RESIDENCE CITIES, CASTLES, PALACES AND FORTRESSES OF EUROPEAN RANK.
Dream Route 4: On the Roots of the Reformation
Augsburg Freiburg
Dream Route 6: Vintage Travel
A pleasure for the senses A TOUR OF DISCOVERY THROUGH CITIES ON THE RHINE, MAIN OR MOSELLE RIVERS ENTHRALS THE SENSES WITH HIGH-CALIBRE CULTURE AND INTER-NATIONALLY ACCLAIMED WINES.
The Country of Martin Luther THE TIME OF THE RELIGIOUS REFORMATION (16TH CENTURY) IS CLOSELY CONNECTED TO THE HISTORIC HIGHLIGHTS OF GERMANY AS MARTIN LUTHER LEFT BEHIND IMPORTANT TRACES IN MANY CITIES.
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Short Breaks
General news New Attraction in Koblenz: ROMANTICUM
The Federal Garden Show 2011 has changed the face of the city of Koblenz considerably: Past and present are inextricably interwoven and new gardens and promenades invite travelers to explore the city. In the fall of 2012, the Forum Mittelrhein shopping mall opened its doors. The FORUM CONFLUENTES and the ROMANTICUM will open up on July 1st, 2013 – a new interactive exhibition experience which introduces visitors to the natural beauty of the Rhine Valley and its myths and legends – the German Romanticism. Equipped with audio guides, one will go on a fantastic journey on an imaginary Rhine steamer and be amazed.
ber 2013. The site where the treasure was found is located in the western part of the city, an area where several valuable discoveries were made before, such as a deposit of 49 richly ornamented silver vessels weighing over 250 pounds or a large, partially gilded silver jug which shows, among other things, figures of apostels with halos. Go on a journey into the world of the Romans in the “Rheinisches Landesmuseum Trier” (Archaeological Museum Trier). A special tip is the multilingual multimedia show “Im Reich der Schatten” (In the Realm of Shadows) alongside Roman gravestones. More information: www.trier-info.de/english
400th anniversary of Heidelberg’s impressive Castle Illumination
More information:
The gold of the Romans – starting in autumn in Trier!
It was a sensation for archaeologists when thousands of Roman gold coins were discovered during construction works of a parking garage on the 9th of Septemer 1993 in Trier. 20 years after the discovery, the largest ever found gold treasure of Aurei of the Roman Empire with more than 2570 gold coins will be on exhibition from Septem8
The “Schlossbeleuchtung” (Castle Illumination) in Heidelberg is a fascinating spectacle of flames and light, that takes visitors back into the local history. They originated in 1613 when newly-wed Prince Elector Frederic V welcomed his young wife to Heidelberg. The English princess Elizabeth Stuart was received with due respect and a splendid event. To commemorate the destruction of the castle by the troops of the Sun King of France (1693), Heidelberg celebrates castle illuminations several times every summer. Picturesque and otherworldly Bengal fires drench the ruined walls in a dazzling red light. When the ‘fake fire’ dies away, a cheerful, brilliant fireworks display takes over and adds festive glamour to the beautiful Old Town. More information: www.heidelberg-tourismus.de
Newsticker
In brief Reopening after renovation With more than 500 years of history, this is one of the oldest hotels in Germany. The “Steigenberger Hotel Drei Mohren” in Augsburg presents itself after a complete renovation in its full splendor. For more information: steigenberger.com/Augsburg/ Opening GHotel Würzburg Germany’s young hotel chain GHotel has opened its newest house in Würzburg. In close location to the central station and to the historic Old Town, the hotel offers modern rooms, suites and apartments which are spread over 17 floors. The rooms have stunning views over the historic city. For more information: www.ghotel.de Germany’s world champion beer-sommelier Sebastian Priller has dedicated himself fully to the golden barley juice and is not only the head of the Riegele Brewery in Augsburg – where traditional beers as well as creative beer specialties are brewed – but also the current world champion beer-sommelier. For more information: www.riegele.de Wiesbaden: Awarded leading Spa Resort The spa resort “Nassauer Hof Therme” in Wiesbaden was awarded with the Senses Wellness Award as the “World’s Best Spa Resort” in the category “City Resort”. Beauty, sports, health, prevention and rehabilitation: These are the elements of the “Nassauer Hof Therme” which invites you on 1500 sqm to relaxation and well-being. For more information: www.nassauer-hof.de
A museum’s birthday The “Mainfränkisches Museum” (Main-Franconian Museum) in Würzburg celebrates its 100th birthday. On the 17th of May 1913 it opened its doors as the “Fränkisches Luitpoldmuseum”. The museum is particularly famous for its detailed sculptures of the master sculptor Tilman Riemenschneider. The largest collection of his works is housed here. For more information: mainfraenkisches-museum.de Darwinium opens in Rostock Three exhibition parts lead you on a total of 20.000 sqm through the entire biological evolution on Earth and finally through the cultural evolution of man. The great-grandson of Charles Darwin – Felix Padel – especially arrived from India for the opening of the Darwinium on the 7th of September 2012. The British anthropologist found words of praise for the Darwinium: He said he had seen many exhibitions already but that the Darwinium comes closest to the theories of his great-grandfather. For more information: www.zoo-rostock.de/english/ 500 years Freiburg Cathedral Around 1200, builders from Burgundy began with the construction which is based on the model of Basel Cathedral. The works were meant to take several centuries and should have been completed in the second quarter of the 16th century, at the turn of the Middle Ages to modern age. However, when the cathedral was consecrated in 1513, the end of construction was officially dated. Although the ravages of time take their toll on the most important Gothic cathedral of the Upper Rhine, the builders are able to keep up with the repairs. Good for humanity: According to legend, the world ends when there is no more scaffolding on the cathedral. For more information: www.freiburg.de
The famous Christmas markets open on the first weekend in advent and end shortly before Christmas Eve. www.christmasmarkets.travel
A 500 years of tradition: Augsburg Christkindlesmarkt
HISTORIC HIGHLIGHTS OF GERMANY
Münster Christmas market
Annual Events
Festivals
The Round-Up
German music sampler
JANUARY
JUNE
1 Trier Wine Forum Moselle www.trier-info.de/english
1 Freiburg Wine Festival www.freiburg.de
FEBRUARY
1 Potsdam Sanssouci Music Festival www.musikfestspiele-potsdam.de
1 Freiburg Alemannic Fasnet www.freiburg.de
JULY
1 Mainz Carnival www.touristik-mainz.de
1 Rostock Warnemünde Week www.warnemuender-woche.com
MARCH
1 Trier Moselle Festival www.trier-info.de/english
1 Erfurt Thuringian Bach Festival www.erfurt-tourismus.de 1 Heidelberg International Music Festival www.heidelberg-marketing.de
APRIL 1 Osnabrück EMAF European Media Art Festival www.osnabrueck.de/english
MAY 1 Wiesbaden International May Theatre Festival www.wiesbaden.de/en
1 Erfurt Cathedral Steps Festival Plays www.domstufen.de 1 Heidelberg Castle Illumination www.heidelberg-marketing.de Baroque Festival “Le Carrousel de Sanssouci” (Potsdam)
AUGUST 1 Koblenz Rhine in Flames www.koblenz-touristik.de 1 Mainz Wine Festival www.mainzer-weinmarkt.de 1 Rostock Hanse Sail Regatta www.hansesail.com
1 Münster International Hanseatic League Day www.tourismus.muenster.de
1 Wiesbaden Rheingau Wine Festival www.wiesbaden.de/en
1 Würzburg Mozart Festival www.mozartfest-wuerzburg.de
SEPTEMBER
1 Rostock International Beach Polo Cup www.rostock.de
Mozart Festival (Würzburg)
1 Heidelberg Autumn Fair www.heidelberg-marketing.de 1 Münster “Schauraum” Festival www.tourismus.muenster.de
Music-loving travelers could spend every weekend alongside thousands of other fans listening to rock, jazz, folk or classical music in Germany’s historic cities. The Moselle Music Festival is the promise of great moments and top-class events in Trier and one of the most beautiful wine growing regions of Europe (May 8 – December 22, 2013). The traditional Mainz Midsummer “Johannisnacht” (St. John’s Night Festival) with music, theater, folklore groups and marching bands is the climax of the festival season in Mainz (June 21 – 24, 2013). The International Tent Music Festival has been one of the top cultural events in Freiburg for years which offers an unparalleled range of all music genres – rock, pop, jazz, blues and classical (June 26 – July 24, 2013). For five days cultures and people from all over the world meet on the streets and char-
ming squares of Erfurt with their traditions (music, dance, songs and costumes) during the International Folklore Festival “Danetzare” (July 11 – 15, 2013). “Le Carrousel de Sanssouci”, a spectacular baroque equestrian display from the days of Frederick the Great, is a fascinating journey back in time to the forgotten world of royal court pomp and splendour in Potsdam including classical horsemanship, live baroque music, singing dance and artistic finesse against the historical backdrop of the New Palace in Sanssouci Park (July 18 – 21, 2013). Würzburg’s International Street Music Festival with more than 300 artists from all over the world is the largest stage-free open air music festival in Europe (September 6 – 8, 2013). More information: www.historicgermany.com
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City bites
Great Food and Drink – a unique Experience for all Palates Yummy
Exploring
What you opt for is just a matter of taste!
Germany’s way of socializing at Farmers’ markets
In the Historic Highlights of Germany, travelers encounter many temptations – what they opt for is just a matter of taste. German cuisine is characterized by regional diversity: each region has its own dialect along with its own regional food specialties. Thuringian grilled sausage, Westphalian ham, original Muenster pumpernickel bread, raspberry schnapps, grain spirits, Black Forest cherry cake – whenever possible travelers should eat at locally owned restaurants. Farmers’ Market (Mainz)
Travel TIP
Great Value for Money! Guide Michelin’s “Bib Gourmand” designation denotes good cuisine at a reasonable price in a variety of comfort categories. Defined as “Inspectors’ Favorites for Good Value”, Bib Gourmand restaurants offer two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less.
The best opportunity to experience and buy regional groceries is to visit a typical farmers’ market. It almost seems as if time stood still: men and women stroll comfortably and without haste across the market square, chat among each other or to the market women and get inspirations for their lunch from the wide range of freshly harvested fruit and vegetables and homemade cheeses and sausages from organic farming. If one cannot decide from the wide selection, the stand operators are happy to support the decision-making with small samples. In addition to the good atmosphere, the air is filled with the scents of many different products. It smells deliciously of fresh baked goods, tangy cheeses, flowers and even the vegetable stands can be identified by their own fragrance.
In Erfurt, visitors experience the hustle and bustle in front of a historical setting, the “Erfurter Dom” (Erfurt Cathedral), and can enjoy an original “Thüringer Rostbratwurst” (Thuringian grilled sausage) along the way. Freiburg’s farmers’ market is located at the foot of the “Freiburger Münster” (Freiburg Cathedral). The diverse offer of the approximately 100 stands is supplemented by arts and crafts and handmade souvenirs. In the city of Münster, visitors experience the diversity of the typical regional products at some 150 stands. This farmers’ market, too, is located in front of the historical cathedral. The farmers’ market in Mainz, which is located in the historic Old Town, offers apart from the market stands a “Marktfrühstück” (market breakfast) where one can enjoy light snacks as well as sample the wines of Mainz’ vintners. More information: www.historicgermany.com
Traditional Thuringian Grilled Sausages (Erfurt)
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Farmers’ Market (Wiesbaden)
“I certainly didn’t come to Germany to experience HISTORIC HIGHLIGHTS OF GERMANY
exactly the same thing as I have at home!” (Tracy Bymoen, Canada)
Culinary Stars
Interview
Meet the Chefs!
Talking Food Q: Michelin says Germany is now ranked only behind France in Europe in terms of top restaurants, with its top chefs producing extraordinarily varied and experimental food that is “very open to the cuisines of the world”?
Björn Rudek CEO, Historic Highlights of Germany
Friedrich Wilhelm Restaurant (Potsdam)
Top chef Thomas Bühner creates sensuous gastronomic experiences in “la vie” threestar restaurant in the heart of Osnabrück’s Old Town. The gourmet critics and guests are full of praise: “accomplished creations, which satisfy the highest standards of enjoyment”. Double Michelin star chef Wolfgang Becker stands for a clear and straightforward cuisine in Becker’s Restaurant (Trier). Manfred Schwarz, who made his reputation cooking for heads of state, offers in “Schwarz – das Restaurant” inventive, complex cuisine and the best views on the 12th floor of the Print Media Academy in Heidelberg. The restaurant “Die Ente” (The Duck) is located in the 5-star hotel “Nassauer Hof” in Wiesbaden. In 1979, the restaurant was awarded with a coveted Michelin star which it has retained ever since. The restaurant’s young head chef, Michael Kammermeier, presents his very own interpretation of exquisite, straightforward classic European cuisine with a very personal touch.
Gourmets, enjoying top quality, organic, hand selected ingredients and who are willing to try unusual food compositions have to visit the restaurant “August” of Top Chef Christian Grünwald in Augsburg. Guide Michelin as well as Gault Millau mentioned the two-star restaurant benevolently.
Q: It’s all about German “Gemütlichkeit”!? Something travelers should know is that in Germany, when a traditional restaurant is full but some tables have seats available, people have the option to share tables. And many do! Because being close to your neighbors and exchanging stories is part of the traditional experience. Q: What kinds of food are found and eaten in Germany’s historic cities?
la vie Restaurant (Osnabrück)
New Top Chefs Stars rain over Germany’s historic cities! Guide Michelin awarded even more chefs of the cities of the Historic Highlights of Germany with a star in 2013: Martin Scharff, Dirk Seiger (Scharff’s Schlossweinstube, Heidelberg) and André Skupin (Kaiserhof – Gourmet 1895, Münster).
German cuisine is characterized by regional diversity. Thuringian grilled sausages in Erfurt, original Münster pumpernickel bread, Black Forest cherry cake in Freiburg, Mecklenburger Rippenbraten (Mecklenburg’s roast ribs) with a Rostocker Doppelkümmel (Rostock caraway seed schnapps) or in Würzburg the Franconian specialties include Franconian Hochzeitsessen (boiled beef and pasta, served with horseradish), Gerupfter (a special way of preparing camembert cheese) and Meefischli (small fish from the Main River) – whenever possible travelers should eat at locally owned restaurants.
Food critics say a more telling sign of Germany’s culinary rise was the number of restaurants in the very respectable two-star category, which has doubled to 36 since 2010. Germany has redeeming itself gastronomically in the past years and our Historic Highlights of Germany top-chefs would like to share their passion and zest for life. Their creative dishes – often imaginatively interpreted classics with regional and national influences – are presented like works of art with all their aromas and textures. Q: If travelers are looking to experience food in your cities, are there any food tours or food events? There are guided brewery tours and beer seminars as well as walk and dine guided city tours including stops in restaurants and wine tasting with canapés. The Rheingau Culinary Week in Wiesbaden and the Rheingau region worth a visit. An exquisite Franconian spring dinner prepared by top chefs awaits travelers in Würzburg during the Baroque Festival. In Rostock’s seaside resort Warnemünde, near side of the “Alter Strom” (Old Stream), fishing boats lie tied to cleats as their crews sell from tables heaped with fish and restaurants offer herring, salmon, squid, mackerel, pickled fish, smoked fish, fish sandwiches, fish-kabobs and fish cakes. Freiburg’s Plaza Culinaria trade show is the opportunity to enjoy the finer things in life with all five senses: tasting, smelling, feeling, seeing and hearing!
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German Wines!
Vintage Travel
VINOPOLY! – The glorious grapes and its cities
“It’s a pity one cannot stroke wine”, said Kurt Tucholsky. Well, we do! With the new Magazine of the German Wine Institute called “Oechsle”. www.germanwines.de
Travel TIP
Wine funds a hospital?
Staatlicher Hofkeller (Würzburg)
Juliusspital (Würzburg) Great Wine Barrel (Heidelberg)
Today, there are 13 wine-growing areas in Germany with six of them being located in close proximity to cities of the Historic Highlights of Germany. Each of these cities provides a unique combination of culture and wine, and they are perfect for the individual traveler. In the old walls of the former Roman warehouses in Trier, that were built around about 330 A.D. on the Moselle, lies the origin of the “Weingüter der Vereinigten Hospitien” (United Hospices Wine Cellars). The “Große Weinfass” (Great Wine Barrel) in the “Heidelberger Schloss” (Heidelberg Castle), an object of prestige of the elector with a capacity of 219.000 liters, truly deserves its name. More information: www.historicgermany.com 12
Eberbach Monastery (Rheingau, Wiesbaden)
For 300 years, there has been one of the largest German wine cellars underneath the Residence Palace in Würzburg with a production of 850.000 bottles a year. During a visit to the traditional champagne producer Henkell in Wiesbaden, an impressive classical example of architecture awaits visitors that reveals all its splendor as they enter: the figurines, paintings and rococo ornaments of the “Marmorsaal” (Marble Hall) harmonizes refreshingly with the cheerful world of champagne. Next to Wiesbaden, the Hessian State Winery impressively blends into the landscape of Eltville and in the nearby “Kloster Eberbach” (Eberbach Monastery), modern elements of the winery were combined with historic monastic buildings. Out of the cellar, the wine advances contemporary to the cult on the surface.
In the Winery “Weingut am Stein” in Würzburg visitors are pleased to experience a perfect match from architecture and the uncompromising style of the wines: sunlight, green glass and oak create a changing play of light in the inside of the building.
Wine enthusiasts do not likely associate wine with hospitals. “Bürgerspital” and “Juliusspital” are the two hospitals in Würzburg that are actually funded by thriving wineries. In fact, it’s actually some of the best wine in Germany, both wineries making the top 10 German wine list. They have a very modern wine room on site in a separate building, next to the historical (but still functioning) hospital. The Bürgerspital’s history dates back to around 1316, when a wealthy Würzburg man (Johann von Steren) made a donation which founded this “new hospital”. Following this, many other wealthy citizens saw it as a good cause and helped him out. The story of the second “wine hospital” is similar in many ways, in that it is also a thriving hospital with a long history of being funded by wine. Who doesn’t love a good glass of wine? And knowing that every sip is helping others regain their health?
It’s time to talk BEER!
HISTORIC HIGHLIGHTS OF GERMANY
Brewery stories of Germany’s historic cities Travel TIP
Sleeping in a brewery is possible in Germany!
Meierei Brewery (Potsdam)
The Bavarian city of Augsburg already began very early to put the lid on the adulteration of beer: The municipal law of the free imperial city had stipulated since 1156 that no beer of inferior quality is allowed to be brewed. Augsburg can claim that the city provides the oldest evidence of middle-class brewing within our cultural area. As early as 1143 the city of Augsburg passed a purity law. Today, there are still four large breweries in Augsburg. The brewery “Riegele” was founded in 1386 and is considered one of the oldest in the world. In the Early Middle Ages, mainly monks busied themselves with the art of beer brewing as they said that “liquid does not break the fast”. Even today, there are breweries that still produce beer according to the old recipes of the monks. The brewery “Brauerei zum Klosterhof” in Heidelberg, for example, belongs to the monastery of the “Stift Neuburg” (Neuburg Abbey) whose history goes back to the 12thcentury. In the midst of nature, even organic beer is produced as all ingredients used in the brewery are organically grown. Soon merchants and traders discovered the art of brewing, too. Thus, the tradition of beer can still be discovered in a variety of ways in the Hanseatic City of Rostock. The “Hanseatische Brauerei Rostock” (Hanseatic
Brewery Rostock) has existed since 1878 and is open for visitors. Those who love feasting in a historic setting, will feel at home in the brewery “Hausbrauerei Rampendahl” in the Hanseatic City of Osnabrück. There were once 150 Altbierbreweries in the Hanseatic City of Münster but there is only a single one left today: the brewery “Pinkus Müller”. Towards the end of the Thirty Years’ War (1618 – 1648) the soldiers in the Mainfranken region had drunk up nearly all the wine provisions. Thus, the idea arose that the men should be supplied with beer instead. In 1643, the “Fürstliches Hofbräuhaus” (royal court-brewery) was founded in Würzburg, today the oldest company in the city. More well worth seeing breweries of the nobility can be found in Brandenburg. The brewery in the “Krongut Bornstedt” (Bornstedt Crown Estate) in Potsdam has brewed the “Bornstedter Büffel” since 1689. The historic ground can be explored on a guided tour. Directly located at the lake “Jungfernsee”, there is the “Meierei im Neuen Garten” which was originally built in 1791 by Frederick William II. Here, many beer specialties can be enjoyed in historic rooms. More information: www.historicgermany.com
Factory Hotel (Münster)
The Design Hotels member “Factory Hotel” in Muenster is an eclectic mix of buildings – some old, some new – located at what was once the site of the Germania Brewery. The former Schaaf brewery was transformed and this tradition came alive again. The result today is the “Kulturbrauerei Heidelberg” – a successful mix of a hotel, the
old brewhouse and a modern brewery located in the heart of Heidelberg’s Old Town.
Riegele (Augsburg)
Bornstedter Büffel (Potsdam)
Rampendahl (Osnabrück)
Meierei (Potsdam)
Trier’s first microbrewery opened at Hotel Blesius Garten and brews in the traditional style as an unfiltered beer. In addition, there are seasonal beers such as May bock beer or Christmas bock beer.
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In Focus
Germany Insight Church of our Beloved Lady (Trier)
Religious travel in Germany
Constantine’s “Aula Palatina”/ Konstantin-Basilika (Trier)
Exploring the roots of faith and walking in the footsteps of spiritual leaders. The cities of the Historic Highlights of Germany present a vivid record of how religion evolved in Germany – indeed, throughout much of Europe – during the past two millennia. Those interested in Christian history will find the city of Trier especially interesting as Emperor Constantine was the first Christian Emperor. A main focus of the “Museum am Dom” is the building of the first Christian churches. A highlight for many in this museum is the collection of Constantine ceiling paintings which came from the family’s residential palace and were discovered beneath Trier Cathedral. The time of the Reformation is closely connected to the history of the Historic Highlights of Germany as Martin Luther left behind important traces in many cities. He lived in Erfurt’s Augustinian Monastery as a monk from 1505 to 1511. The monastery complex houses an important library with rare books and a permanent exhibition about the life of Luther. On top of that, it is used as a parish church and a pilgrims’ hostel. 14
“Lutherstiege” (Augsburg)
In 1518, Martin Luther stayed in Augsburg, at St. Anna Church, formerly a Carmelite Monastery. Later, Luther’s closest friend and colleague published the “Augsburg Confessions” based on their joint concerns with the medieval church. As a result of the Augsburg Confessions, many historians suggest that the Reformation which swept the world had its very roots in Augsburg. And today, this once revolutionary document is basis of the creed for 600 millions of Protestants in the whole world. In 2012, the theological-historic museum “Lutherstiege” in St. Anna Church reopened. Here, travelers will find originals of Luther’s writings and the famous portrait of the reformer that was painted by Lucas Cranach the Elder.
Market Cross (Trier)
Martin Luther Memorial (Erfurt)
“A Germany you won’t expect!” HISTORIC HIGHLIGHTS OF GERMANY
(Ines Watson, United Kingdom)
The Jewish Heritage in Contemporary Germany
Robes, remains, cathedral treasuries
New Synagogue (Mainz)
For over a thousand years, Jewish Magenza (Mainz) was an important spiritual and cultural center for east and west European Judaism. Poetry and prayers bear witness to the fame of the city’s scholars. The long Jewish tradition in Mainz can be discovered again: the new synagogue was completed in 2010 and the Jewish community itself sees the work as perhaps “the most important design of contemporary Jewish architecture”.
Old Synagogue (Erfurt)
Beyond that, the medieval Jewish history also comes to life in Erfurt: the “Erfurter Synagoge” (Erfurt Synagogue) dates back to the 11th century and is the oldest from basement to roof preserved synagogue in Central Europe. The Erfurter Synagoge as well as the Erfurter Schatz (Erfurt Treasure) were rediscovered in the nineties. The Erfurter Schatz consists of a hoard of coins, gold and silver jewelry and of a rare Jewish wedding ring that goes back to the 14th century. After several exhibitions in New York, London and Paris, the treasure is now on permanent display in Erfurt.
Felix Nussbaum Museum (Osnabrück)
In Osnabrück, the FelixNussbaum-Museum is named after the Jewish artist Felix Nussbaum, who was born in Osnabrück in 1904 and murdered in Auschwitz in 1944. Like no other painter, his impressive works record the stations of his life, from the "happy childhood" in a Jewish merchant family, via initial artistic success in Berlin, to the despair of a persecuted Jew living in Belgian exile. The museum, designed by the New York architect Daniel Libeskind, is home to the internationally renowned Felix Nussbaum collection. Among the 200 works is the main work “Self-portrait with Jewish pass”. More information: www.historicgermany.com
Jewish Treasure (Erfurt)
Cathedral Treasury (Osnabrück)
Relics are considered as physical remains of the body of a Saint or as objects of his or her possession. The cult of relics can be traced back to the 2nd century and since the 5th century, almost every church has preserved relics. According to legend, the tunic of Jesus (Holy Robe) was brought to Trier by Saint Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great. From a cultural and historical point of view, these cathedral treasures are definitely worth an expedition. Several of the 13 member cities of the Historic Highlights of Germany have unique relics in their churches and cathedral treasuries. In Trier, there is in addition to the Holy Robe also the grave of Saint Matthias, the only tomb of an apostle on German soil and north of the Alps. In the Freiburg cathedral treasure, there is a reliquary bust from 1514 in which the skull of Saint Lambert is preserved. Saint Lambert was bishop of Maastricht in the 7th century and was involved in the Christianization of the pagans.
1000-year-old cathedral (Mainz)
Crispin and Crispinian were martyrs who had to die in the 3rd century for their unwavering faith. Their physical remains can be found in the North of Germany, in Osnabrück. The cathedral in Mainz has as many as 45 bishops’ tombs and the treasury of Mainz Cathedral has been considered one of the most valuable treasures of the Occident for centuries. 15
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In Focus
Germany Insight Incredible Astronomical Clocks
St Mary´s Church (Rostock)
The primary purpose of astronomical clocks was to calculate Easter, a complicated business since the date is related to the phase of the moon and must be known six weeks in advance in order to begin Lent on time. St. Mary’s Church in Rostock includes an astronomical clock dating from 1472 which is the only one of its kind still in working condition with its original clockworks.
Münster Cathedral
St Mary´s Church (Rostock)
The most famous feature of Münster Cathedral’s interior is the magnificent astronomical clock (1540-43). Impressively, the years listed on the calendar are 1540 to 2071!
Where would we be without the“Man of the Millenium” In the 15th century Johannes Gutenberg from Mainz invented printing with letters made with a casting device and the printing press. And, as is pointed out at the Gutenberg Museum, Gutenberg’s and Martin Luther’s histories are fundamentally linked. Luther transcribed the Bible. But it would not have been able to be read by the masses, leading to various religious revolutions, had an efficient means of printing not been invented by Gutenberg.
Gutenberg Museum (Mainz)
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“The World Museum of the Art of Printing”, the Gutenberg Museum showcases the history of writing and printing in all of its forms and a highlight of the museum is definitely the two copies of the world famous “Gutenberg Bible” though, both entirely unique.
Gutenberg Memorial (Mainz)
"St. Mary’s in Rostock is a beautiful church. The HISTORIC HIGHLIGHTS OF GERMANY
gilded altar is spectacular and the one of a kind medieval Astronomic Clock which dates back to 1472 is very interesting!" (Debbie Beardsley, USA)
“Symphony of Light” – stained-glass windows
World-famous composers in the annals of our cities
Mozart Museum (Augsburg)
Germany is known as a land of great composers. Their works can be heard around the world – and not least of all in concert halls, churches and cathedrals throughout Germany’s historic cities.
his opera “Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg” (The Mastersingers of Nuremberg) in a nearby villa on the Rhine River.
Richard Wagner’s Villa (Wiesbaden)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart also has roots in Germany’s Historic Highlights cities. His father, Leopold Mozart, was born in Augsburg in a house that is still standing and houses a museum.
Freiburg Cathedral
Most of what is known about medieval stained-glass making comes from a twelfth-century German monk who called himself Theophilus. In the Middle Ages only few people were able to read. So the histories of the Holy Bible and of the legends of the saints were illustrated on the windows. There are not a lot of churches in Germany like the cathedral of Freiburg, which still have a big part of their original windows dating from the 13th up to the 16th century. Here in 35 of 65 windows filled with painted glass windows one will find 500 pieces of original glass. The south clerestory of Augsburg cathedral contains the oldest stained glass windows
Freiburg Cathedral Houses of Bach Family (Erfurt)
in Germany: portraits of the prophets Jonah, Daniel, Hosea, Moses and David from the late 11th or early 12th century. The interior of Rostock’s 14th century St. Mary’s church features a massive stained glass window depicting the Last Judgment. St. Stephen’s in Mainz is the only German church for which the Jewish artist Marc Chagall (1887 – 1985) created the glowing blue stained glass windows.
Significant musical history was written by Johann Sebastian Bach. His family lived for years in Erfurt. This composer from the period of Baroque is recalled by a tour called “Following Bach through the City”. Every year, Erfurt also hosts the “Thüringer Bachwochen” (Thuringian Bach Weeks) – an excellent tradition that offers much for music lovers. Johannes Brahms composed his “Third Symphony” in Wiesbaden, and Richard Wagner worked on
Although Bonn, just to the north, is better known as the birthplace of Ludwig von Beethoven, the world’s largest private Beethoven exhibition is in Koblenz. It was in the house at Wambachstrasse 204 that the composer’s mother, Maria Magdelena, was born in 1746. Today, the “Mutter-Beethoven-Haus” (Mother-Beethoven-House) also houses documents and letters of cultural figures of the period. 17
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In Focus
Germany Insight Hidden Treasures
Richard Wagner-year 2013
Medieval career with minnesang – Inspiration for Richard Wagner
The composer and his mastersingers
Codex Manesse (Heidelberg)
The 12th century was the great epoque of courtly rituals. Table etiquette and manners were refined. In lyric poetry, minnesang became very popular. The relationship between man and woman that was portrayed in minnesang
Biebrich Palace (Wiesbaden)
(minne = love), was totally new back then. One of the most famous minnesingers of that period was Walther von der Vogelweide who worked in Würzburg. Among the so-called “Meistersinger” (mastersingers) of the Late Middle Ages, Konrad von Würzburg was considered one of the “Twelve old masters” of minnesang. Heinrich von Meißen, called Frauenlob, was one of the most influential German poets of the 13th century. His work is preserved in numerous manuscripts. He was so influential that many imitated his style. He worked at the court of the Archbishop of Mainz and was buried after his death in 1328 in the eastern cloister of Mainz Cathedral. Frauenlob’s particular merit was the authorship of the Codex Manesse, also known as the “Große Heidelberger Liederhandschrift” (medieval songbook). This is the largest and most famous German song manuscript of the Middle Ages. Since 1888, the manuscript is again preserved in the library of Heidelberg University and one facsimile is constantly presented in the foyer of the library’s second floor.
Heinrich von Meißen, called Frauenlob
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Richard Wagner’s opera “Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg” (The Mastersingers of Nuremberg) drew its material from the German music history and refers to the minnesang of the so-called “Meistersinger” (mastersingers). Wagner offered one draft of the opera to his publisher Franz Schott in Mainz who asked him to complete the work. In order to be able to compose in peace, he moved into the country house “Villa Annica” at the bank of the Rhine river in WiesbadenBiebrich. From the large living room, he was able to see the baroque “Schloss Biebrich” (Biebrich Castle) and from the balcony room he enjoyed a wonderful view across the Rhine and the towers of Mainz Cathedral in the distance. The visits to the casino and to the theater in Wiesbaden were a welcome change for him. The overture of the “Meistersinger” was finally created. Schott Music was founded in 1770 and is now one of the world’s leading music publishers. The headquarters have been in Mainz since the company’s foundation. Among other things, Schott Music edited the entire compositional work by
Richard Wagner (1813 – 1883)
Schott Music (Mainz)
Richard Wagner which made the publisher reach worldwide recognition. To this day, the Richard Wagner Park in Wiesbaden represents Wagner’s original plans of creating an opera house there. However, this project was eventually realized in Bayreuth. Wagner also had a significant influence on the local woodwind manufacturer Wilhelm Heckel. Heckel followed the wishes of the composer and built a baritone-oboe for him – the “Heckelphon” became worldfamous . The workshop still exists in Wiesbaden and is one of the oldest woodwind manufacturers ever.
“The history of regions was not only written HISTORIC HIGHLIGHTS OF GERMANY
in the castles but in the small cities that bred the religious, political and business leaders of the day.” (Ted Davis, Canada)
Report
Looking into the Mirror of History: Risks and Benefits of Globalization
Travel TIPS
Münster, Principal Market
Karl Marx, the Icon
International Day of the Hanseatic League
from March 17 to October 18, 2013
Prinzipalmarkt (Münster)
Münster uses its character and charm to create a link between tradition and modern lifestyles.
Golden Hall (Augsburg)
Significant innovations such as division of work, bookkeeping, cashless payment transactions and the postal system date back to the time of the Hanseatic League (since 1157) – a mercantile league of medieval north German towns. Rostock preserved much of the charm that it once possessed as the most important member of the Hanseatic League. Great profane buildings such as the impressive storehouse and mighty churches evoke the wealth of the Hanse-merchants. In the historic center of Osnabrück, there still exist seven stone houses from the 12th to the 14th century. The so-called “Steinwerke” (vault houses), including their vaulted roofs, consist of laid stones. In contrast to half-timbered houses, they could resist the flames of the regular fires and were perfect storehouses for the merchants of the city. The Hanseatic League as a traditional trade organization has become an example of an economic phase-out model. From the 16th century on, it was no longer about making ends meet, but rather about gaining profit systematically: everything was benefit analysis. From then on,
Jakob Fugger
the market – i.e. the interplay of supply and demand – determined the prices. So far, people used to invest and save. Then, new values determined their economic activity: Everything evolved around consuming and representing! Jakob Fugger, born in 1459 in Augsburg, called “Jakob Fugger the Rich”, benefited from this development and became Europe’s richest and most significant merchant and banker of the 16th century. He represented the new type of entrepreneur, knew how to combine trade and banking and used his economic power to exert influence on politics. Jakob Fugger aspired to immense wealth – money making became an end in itself for him. The overseas trade between East and West was developing into a global economic system. In 1540, Germany’s oldest stock exchange was founded in Augsburg. During the 16th century, the city developed into one of the most important trade and economic centers of the world.
Colorful festivities such as the “Tag der internationalen Hanse” (International Day of the Hanseatic League) remember the zenith of the league. On this day, the “Prinzipalmarkt” (Principal Market) is turned into a festively decorated table where Westphalian canapés, cold beer and wine are served in a unique setting.
Tour Package “The cities of the Hanseatic League” • 7-Day Self-drive Tour • Avis rental car with GPS • 3*** and 4**** hotel accommodations • Buffet breakfast
from
EUR 679
Bookable with www.toeurope.eu
Karl Marx (Trier)
On the occasion of the 130th anniversary of the death of Karl Marx in March 2013, the Municipal Museum Trier “Simeonstift” will hold an exhibition with the title “Karl Marx, the Icon.” The exhibition may be viewed as an important step to 2018, the 200th birthday of Trier’s greatest native son, who was born here, grew up here, and, not least, was influenced decisively by (private) teachers. The exhibition is a journey through almost a century. This journey begins in an era when portrait photography became increasingly more important, replacing portrait painting. The 20th century followed with new forms of representation all the way to the current art of Neo Rauch. “Karl Marx, the Icon”
Caricatures, advertisements, and Web 2.0 are included as well as items of daily use which have sometimes already taken on the character of devotionals. More information: www.trier-info.de/english 19
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Fantastic sites
Quirky and Offbeat Lovely tradition
Padlocks in Warnemünde (Rostock)
Couples put locks on bridges (e.g. here in Warnemünde) and throw the key into the river to signify their love.
Heidelberg upside-down
Hip-Hotel (Heidelberg)
The Hip-Hotel is installed in a 250-year-old building, but don’t expect antique, creaky rooms. Everything is fresh and contemporary. Its rooms are all themed with global places, and when travelers step inside these rooms they definitely feel the place’s themes. The hotel owners have fun with the concept, too. For instance, the “Down Under” room has been composed to actually be upside down, so that one feels like standing upside down when being in it! It is situated on the main pedestrian street (Hauptstrasse 115) which is right in the thick of things.
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Creative Potsdam
Germany’s hidden fashion and design spots
Fluxus+ museum (Potsdam)
The FLUXUS+ Museum in Potsdam has become a true meeting point for cultural travelers. The focus of the audiovisual exhibition is the Fluxus movement, an international art movement which developed around 1960 in New York and Tokyo. The artists who performed in the context of Fluxus over the years operate in music, fine arts, literature and theater. The FLUXUS+ Museum is located in the midst of Potsdam’s Schiffbauergasse where a vibrant arts and culture scene meets high-tech businesses, exciting history and trendsetting future. For more information: www.fluxus-plus.de
Buzzing around Freiburg in a teeny Electric Car! Freiburg, the “Green City”
Despite having various sites of great historical significance, Freiburg has also become known as Germany’s greenest city. The Victoria Hotel is Freiburg’s “Green Hotel”. This hotel has meticulously analyzed every aspect to reduce waste as well as electricity and resource consumption. The hotel does not only offer its guests free tickets for local public transport but also e-bike or e-car rentals and the rates are incredibly economical.
The new “Staatliche Textil- und Industriemuseum (tim)” (State Museum of Textiles and Textile Industry) in Augsburg brings the history of the Bavarian textile industry back to life. Historical weaving looms clatter here alongside high-tech machines and produce for example the “Fugger-Barchent” (barracan) which is closely linked to Augsburg’s Fugger-dynasty. The tim offers an exciting journey through the history of fashion and costumes of the past 200 years. For more information: www.timbayern.de In 2011, Lady Gaga was so intrigued by the “Pepita” fabric that she appeared on the US talk show “The View” fully clothed in the print. Not only was she wearing the print all over, from her shoes to her sunglasses and hat, but the grand piano she was playing was entirely covered with the fabric, too! That Pepita print was first created in Bramsche – a quaint town famed for its traditional clothmaking, just to the north of Osnabrück! There’s the “Tuchmachermuseum” where travelers are able to see first-hand age-old machines at work while learning about all of the 18 steps involved in the clothmaking process. Blue printing has a tradition that goes back 300 years. In Thuringia and in Erfurt, this old Thuringian craft has experienced a revival. Ms. Weiss, a master indigo printer and craftswoman, is one of the last in Central Europe to print her own designs traditionally by hand (using blocks) and to dye with indigo. The products made by Ms. Weiss (table cloths and scarves) are on sale in the indigo printing workshop. tim – Bavarian Textile Industry Museum (Augsburg)
Fashion design is one of the most popular courses of study in Germany’s oldest city, Trier. For lovers of creative fashion, the Neustrasse – with its many studios and stores by young fashion designers – is the ideal starting point for a stroll. Shakira wears it. Kim Wilde and Madonna wear it. The jewelry by Miranda Konstantinidou now has famous fans. In 1986, the fashion designer from Trier founded a company in a small workshop which ever since produces handmade fashion jewelry and fashion accessoires under the name “Konplott”. By now, Miranda Konstantinidou employs around 1.200 people. The jewelry is sold in more than 900 stores worldwide, a visit to the store in Trier’s Konstantinstrasse is definitely worth it though. Creativity, local design and “Stijl” in Mainz and Freiburg It is THE temporary presentation and sales platform for young, creative people in Germany: The multi-day “Stijl” fairs in Mainz and Freiburg attract every year around 100 young designers and producers from all over the country. The product range includes t-shirts, street fashion and design products but also unique handmade pieces. “Especially in university towns like Mainz and Freiburg there are many active people who are committed to interesting projects. The “Stijl“ fairs bring this development to the surface and offer the young, creative minds a platform”, says organizer Bastian Steinbeck. Dates: www.stijlmesse.de
“This is one of the things I love about travel. Discovering the little details that
HISTORIC HIGHLIGHTS OF GERMANY
make life different from one place to another.” (Tracy Bymoen, Canada)
Local coffee enjoyment and way of life
Café to go in Wiesbaden
1952: the triumph of the pizza in Germany begins in Würzburg
Kaffeeallianz (Osnabrück)
In one of the most beautiful art nouveau buildings of Trier’s Old Town, a unique concept of bookstore and café invites you to relax and enjoy. The coffee roasters produce small batches of exclusive coffee which are prepared with love by the barista. Grandma’s homemade cheesecake and small dishes, made with ingredients from local manufacturers, create an atmosphere for individualists and connoisseurs. For more information: www.genussgesellschaft.de The Kaffeeallianz in Osnabrück’s Old Town (Große Gildewart 12) fills the streets with the scent of fresh coffee and transforms coffee beans into real taste sensations. Customers can choose from bags of raw beans from different coffee growing regions and receive their individual roasted coffee beans. For more information: www.tomas-cafe-art.de
Historic German cities can be incredibly edgy and youthful!
Henry Moore sculpture (Münster)
Antiques, culture and gastronomy in Wiesbaden’s Taunusstrasse provide a blend that is unique to Germany. The new Café Insight combines all characteristics of the shopping street: You cannot only enjoy coffee and cake creations here but even the whole interior from table to chair etc can be purchased at pleasure – a true Café to go! Insight (Taunusstrasse 38) is considered an Event-Café and also offers concerts, exhibitions and gourmet tastings. For more information: www.insidewiesbaden.de
In 1952, Nicolono di Camillo founded Germany’s first pizzeria in the Elefantengasse in Würzburg. Pizza topped with cheese and even with ham and salami, soldiers raved about these American customs in front of the Italians: “Nick, you really have to open up a pizzeria in Germany!” And the business flourished: The cozy restaurant “Capri” in the medieval suburb Sand advertises with the sign “Germany’s oldest pizzeria”. For more information: www.capri-blaue-grotte.de
Münster is a city full of artsy surprises. In fact, redefining the concept of “art” has become somewhat of a passion for the city. Riding around the city, one can notice the many “strange objects” – some looking like satellites, some looking like concrete walls – dotting the city’s many public spaces. These are the city’s permanent reminders of its “Skulpturprojekte”. The concept has since caught on though, and Münsterites are now quite proud of this world famous art project. In fact, since it began in 1977, it has continued every 10 years. And for each project, by invitation only, international artists create large “sculptures” in public spaces.
Since the first “Roestbar” opened in Münster’s quarter “Kreuzviertel” (Nordstrasse 2), coffee lovers are succumbed to the black temptation. This is because of the freshly roasted specialties and the distinctive Röstbar-atmosphere. Meanwhile, more coffee houses were opened, the city now has three locations for contemporary coffee enjoyment à la Münster. For more information: www.roestbar.de
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Fantastic sites
Quirky and Offbeat
Beach Life (Rostock-Warnemünde)
Beach holiday just around the corner
Great place for a comfy picnic: beach chairs in Rostock-Warnemünde
Casino Royale in Wiesbaden
Germany’s most famous puppets and their home Puppet master workshop (Erfurt)
Rheinstrand citybeach (Mainz)
Deckchairs, beach volleyball and beach bar: That sounds like travel destinations in Southern Europe. Far from it: The cities of the Historic Highlights of Germany move with the times. Many city beaches beckon with a time-out. Locals and guests appreciate the combination of architecture and culture in the city landscape as well as the lifestyle and “gemütlichkeit” in the new city oases on rivers and streams. The only exception is the Hanseatic city of Rostock: In the summer months, the seaside resort of Warnemünde lures with gastronomy, games, sports, beach and sea.
Beach Chair, Neptun Hotel (Rostock)
Wilhelm Bartelmann, a basket maker in Rostock, invented (but failed to effectively patent) the beach chair in the late 1800s. He first created a one-seater wicker and cane “seating accommodation” for the beach, based on a lady client’s request for protection from the wind and sun. He later advanced his model into a two-seater. Bartelmann’s original beach chair’s style differs substantially from the globalized form of the beach chair one sees at most beach resorts. Even though the beach chair has since evolved and spread in popularity, the traditional style chair is still what lines the public beaches of Warnemünde.
Foodies TIP
“Perhaps the best cheesecake in the world...” Golden yellow, creamy, delicate … Stefan Linder’s cheesecake has achieved cult status. Whether plain, with cherries, raisins or poppyseeds: Stefan Lindner’s light and creamy cake creation has long achieved cult status in Freiburg: There are always long queues in front of his booth at the “Freiburger Münstermarkt” 22
Where? Stefan’s cheesecake, “Freiburger Münstermarkt” (Farmers’ market Freiburg) at the Fischbrunnen (fountain). When? Tue – Sat 8 – 1pm
Historical Casino (Wiesbaden)
Here in Germany, where virtually everything has a lengthy history, even casinos have history. And casinos are well preserved institutions. Guides have started describing it as a sort of “casino royale” to visitors so that they realize this is the old school, high class, real luxury deal! The “Kurhaus” in Wiesbaden, the gorgeous building where the casino is now housed, was built in 1907. However, Wiesbaden’s casino history dates back to 1771, when the Duke of NassauUsingen first licensed public card games. Soon, everyone of importance in Europe – dignitaries, musicians, poets, authors – came to Wiesbaden to gamble, a little or a lot. Dostojewski, who wrote the famous novel, “The Gambler”, lost all of his money there in 1865 (inspiring the book).
In 2011, wood carver and puppet maker Martin Gobsch has opened a small workshop on Erfurt’s famous “Krämerbrücke” (Merchants’ Bridge) where you can watch him at work. The unique mechanical theater “Theatrum Mundi”, which took him almost one and a half years to finish, is a true eye-catcher and attracts the crowds when it is started by inserting a coin. From Augsburg, the puppets conquered the living rooms of the Germans. Founded after WWII, the Puppet Theater from Augsburg becomes famous with countless TV shows. For a long time now, Augsburg’s Puppet Theater has been a cultural heritage which brings childhood memories back to life. 2013 is an anniversary year: Today’s adults unite the memory of those magical moments from almost 60 years ago, when the lid of the “Augsburger Puppenkiste” opened up for the first time on television. As children they were enchanted by a “World of threads”, without any action or violence.
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Erfurt Koblenz Frankfurt Wiesbaden Hahn Mainz Trier Würzburg Nuremberg Heidelberg Stuttgart Augsburg Munich Freiburg
Dresden
Experience the culture and history in enchanting cities such as Potsdam, Mainz or Augsburg and travel by train because nothing in Germany is easier, faster and more comfortable than traveling by train! The modern Intercity-Express (ICE) train reaches speeds of up to 300 km/h (186 mph) and connects Germany’s greatest cities. We take you to your Historic Highlight while passing the most beautiful river valleys and fairytale castles. Fly in and rail on. Fly to any major airport and connect directly to Deutsche Bahn’s rail and service networks or alternatively use one of our 10 convenient airport railway stations: www.bahn.com/airports. Frankfurt, Düsseldorf and Cologne Airport have direct ICE connections to all major German cities with high train frequencies. Furthermore, access to our services can be found at the airports in major cities such as Berlin, Hamburg and Munich. With open tickets and non-com-pulsory reservations you can flexibly board any train at your convenience holding a standard fare ticket or rail pass in hand.
How about a first class upgrade? Experience the extra comfort and flexibility of first class travel on your next trip. The first class carriages provide a peaceful atmosphere with spacious design. Wider seats and more legroom guarantee individual freedom. Reliable cell phone reception and outlets for your electronic devices are also offered. First class attendants ensure personal and attentive service. Dine and ride. DB Bahn restaurant cars and catering on board are revolutionizing the quality of cuisine available on high-speed networks. Sip a beer or enjoy a gourmet platter of French cheese while you are carried to your destination. ICE trains, most IC and EC trains have a bistro offering light snacks and meals. A wide selection of hot and cold drinks is available. German Rail Pass This offer from DB Bahn enables visitors from outside Europe to travel on all scheduled trains operated by DB Bahn for 3 to 10 days within a four week period. It is available for first and second class with fares starting at 188 euros only!
The German Rail Pass Extension brings you even further: with this additional ticket, you are allowed to travel to Brussels (on ICE International), Prague (on DB Expressbus from Munich and Nuremberg), Austria (Kufstein and Innsbruck on DB-ÖBB Eurocity trains) and even to Italy (Bolzano/Bozen, Verona, Bologna and Venice on DB-ÖBB Eurocity trains). Further information can be found here: www.bahn.com/ germanrailpass
CityCards open doors to visitors everywhere. Bought for an affordable price, they often let travelers use public transportation and give them reduced entrance fees for many sights and museums.
Savings Fare (Sparpreis) Travel conveniently throughout Germany in standard or first class with the Savings Fare. Fares depend on availability and apply for a single journey from 29 euros. Buy your ticket online: www.bahn.com/savingsfare Our many booking channels are always at your disposal Purchase ticket online at www.bahn.com/international or find one of our DB Agency partners worldwide near you here: www.bahn.com/agencies
More information: www.historicgermany.com 23
historicgermany.com
Good reasons to choose our cities!
Follow us! Join us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/historicgermany Follow us on twitter! twitter.com/hhofgermany Historic Highlights of Germany Ernst-Ludwig-Ring 2 61231 Bad Nauheim/ Germany t: +49 (0) 6032 – 93 74 393 www.historicgermany.com
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HISTORIC HIGHLIGHTS OF GERMANY