Issue 41 | August 2016
RAINER
BECKER
A C U L I N A R Y A R T I S T PA R E X C E L L E N C E
PLUS
BERN CITY SPECIAL DISCOVER NORTHERN GERMANY CONSUMER ELECTRONIC & SOFTWARE TRENDS TOP SWISS ARCHITECTS
T H E M AG A Z I N E P R O M OT I N G G E R M A N Y, S W I T Z E R L A N D & A U ST R I A
Discover Germany | Contents
Contents AUGUST 2016
18 Photo: © David Griffen Photography
COVER FEATURE 18 Rainer Becker German-born chef Rainer Becker is the face behind award-winning restaurants all over the world. Discover Germany spoke to him about how he managed to create one of the most successful restaurant concepts in the world.
SPECIAL THEMES 13
Horse & More With the number of horses living in Germany having quadrupled in the last 40 years, Germany can be called an equestrian’s paradise. Our August issue takes a closer look at some great products for your four-legged friend.
25 Bern City Special A well-preserved historic town, numerous shopping facilities and many cafés and restaurants – Bern fascinates tourists from all over the world. Find out what should not be missed on your next trip to the Swiss capital. 36 Discover Northern Germany Secluded beaches, great wellness landscapes and a relaxed positivity make Northern Germany a popular place for tourists all around the year. From the North Sea islands to the big cities, this part of Germany has a great deal to offer. 50 Aesthetics & Beauty Experts Austria The aesthetic medicine and cosmetic surgery industry all over the world is booming. One ever-growing country to offer high-quality procedures is Austria. 60 Consumer Electronic & Software Trends 2016 Want to find out about the trends of tomorrow? Head to our Consumer Electronic and Software Trends special
46 Photo: © Austrian National Tourist Office, Österreich Werbung / Diejun
to read about the latest apps, innovative software and much more.
72 Photo: © Hoehn + Partner AG
70 Top Architects Switzerland More than anything, architectural creations are milestones of our development as human beings, while also representing a door into our shared history. In Switzerland, this door is wide open and the many architects working in the country today surely will not let it close in the near future.
hotels, museums, at exhibitions or in public spaces. This innovative thinking deserves our spot of ‘Innovative Company of the Month’.
REGULARS & COLUMNS 6
Fashion Finds Our fashion pages prepare you for your summer holiday this month. Check out what the DACH region’s designers have to offer.
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Dedicated to Design This month’s design section boasts everything from cute accessories for cats and dogs to exclusive watches, innovative entrance matting systems, umbrellas or an exciting tea glass.
FEATURES 43 The Berlin Biennale Writer Thembi Mutch went to this year’s Biennale in Berlin and took a closer look at the artful venues and some of the great artists present at this famous event. 45 Exhibition of the Month Germany For more great art, head to the Art and Exhibition Hall of the Federal Republic of Germany in Bonn. It will show an exciting exhibition on the river Rhine from September to January. 46 Summer, sun and mountains Austria might not be the first choice for bathing and swimming enthusiasts. However, you might want to give it a second thought considering the numerous mountain and bathing lakes it offers. Our writer Monique Amend presents the most enchanting ones in this feature. 48 Top Wellness Hotel Austria Ebner’s Waldhof am See not only lies directly at Lake Fuschl’s shore, but also has its own golf course, a large wellness world and a family-friendly atmosphere. Here, one can enjoy everything from activity holidays to extensive relaxation. 58 Innovative Company of the Month eyefactive develops intriguing touch technology in XXL for the use in salesrooms,
22 Wine & Dine We have found some tasty products that are sure to come in handy in summer, such as delicious homemade jams for breakfasts outside or gins for garden parties. 58 Business This month, our business section is filled with great architects, innovative companies and products. Our columnist Gregor Kleinknecht also takes a closer look at Brexit. 84 Culture Calendar Discover Germany’s culture calendar is your perfect guide to what not to miss in August. 90 Barbara Geier This month, our columnist Barbara Geier talks about her personal summer memories and explains Germany’s craze with the so-called ‘Strandkorb’. Issue 41 | August 2016 | 3
Dear Reader,
Discover Germany Issue 41, August 2016 Published 08.2016 ISSN 2051-7718 Published by Scan Magazine Ltd. Print Liquid Graphic Ltd. Executive Editor Thomas Winther Creative Director Mads E. Petersen Editor Nane Steinhoff Copy-Editor Isa Hemphrey Graphic Designer Mercedes Moulia Feature Writer Thomas Schroers Contributors Barbara Geier Cornelia Brelowski Dorina Reichhold Elisabeth Doehne Emmie Collinge Gregor Kleinknecht
Ina Frank Jessica Holzhausen Marilena Stracke Monique Amend Nadine Carstens Silke Henkele Sonja Irani Thembi Mutch
Cover Photo © David Griffen Photography Sales & Key Account Managers Emma Fabritius Nørregaard Laura Hummer Noura Draoui Sophie Blecha Freya Plakolb Publisher: SCAN GROUP Scan Magazine Ltd. 15B Bell Yard Mews Bermondsey Street London SE1 3YT United Kingdom Phone: +44 (0)870 933 0423 Fax: +44 (0)870 933 0421 Email: info@discovergermany.com For further information please visit www.discovergermany.com
Summer is still here and thousands of people are flocking to their chosen summer holiday destinations to relax, discover new things or to spend time with their family and friends. According to the World Tourism Barometer by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, Germany was the seventh most-visited country in the world in 2015 with approximately 35 million annual tourist arrivals. Only France, the United States, Spain, China, Italy and Turkey attracted more visitors. This seems no wonder when you look at what great diversity Germany has to offer. Whether you opt for a mountain retreat, a vast beach, a lonely island, UNESCO World Heritage sites, great shopping opportunities, exciting outdoor activities or natural parks, the country has got you covered and has something in store for every type of holidaymaker. But what do German tourists actually prefer? Where do they tend to spend their holidays? ADAC’s ‘Reisemonitor’ reveals that Germans who want to leave their country borders behind, Italy, Spain and Austria are the most popular destinations. However, not surprisingly, more than 30 per cent of Germans spend their holiday in their own country. If you think that’s boring, make sure to read our columnist Barbara Geier’s piece in this issue. I guarantee that she will make you want to go to Germany’s coastline on your next holiday. To help you make up your mind about potential holiday destinations, we have filled this issue with exciting articles about travel opportunities in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. If you prefer a city trip, head to our Bern city special to find out what the city has to offer. Or be sure to visit our cover star and Germanborn chef and restaurateur Rainer Becker in London’s exclusive restaurant Oblix – great food and exceptional views included. If you prefer a relaxing beach holiday, take a look at our Northern Germany special and, last but not least, our writer Monique Amend also takes us on an exciting journey to enchanting bathing lakes in Austria and Switzerland. Sit back, relax and enjoy the summer! Thanks for reading,
© All rights reserved. Material contained in this publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior permission of Scan Group – a trading name of Scan Magazine Ltd. This magazine contains advertorials/promotional articles.
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Nane Steinhoff
AUTUMN LOOKS SHOP NOW AT www.madeleine-fashion.com
Discover Germany | Design | Fashion Finds
Fashion Finds Although summer is slowly saying goodbye, we are not yet ready to let go of our favourite season of the year and all its fashion trends. Our picks of the month guarantee you a stylish last minute vacation at the beach, on a cruise or at the pool bar. From swimwear to sunglasses – designers from the DACH region prove that you can make an exceptional fashion statement by only wearing a bikini or swimsuit. TEXT: MONIQUE AMEND | PRESS IMAGES
The semi-transparent mesh parts make this swimsuit of the Beach Burlesque line quite unique. They reveal almost as much skin as a bikini would, but still conceal perfectly at the same time. The radial arranged stripes form a small silhouette. ÂŁ70. www.proidee.de
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Discover Germany | Design | Fashion Finds
Protect your head from the sun and look super stylish at the same time with this beach hat from Olympia Beachfashion. £25. www.olympia.info
Berlin-based glass manufactory MYKITA has been awarded several prizes for their stylish and unique designs. Their eyeglass models, like this one called Madison, are made out of the best materials with a constant drive for innovation. £389. www.mykita.com
Beachwear in its most luxurious form is what OPERA Swimfascination stands for. The natural white monokini of the Alhambra Beach line with artful ribbons on the side, represents their high standards in look and quality. £102. www.albamoda.de
Whether you are on your way to the beach or about to spend the night dancing in your favourite beach club: with these metallic sandals you will be prepared for anything. £40. www.goertz.de
Issue 41 | August 2016 | 7
Discover Germany | Design | Carl von Zeyten
Dreams from the Black Forest Germany’s Black Forest may be known best for its incredible nature and growing appeal for tourists. With the Black Forest Watch Company Carl von Zeyten, the region has another visually appealing feature on its side. TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS I PHOTOS: CRISTANO GMBH
In the middle of the last century, Carl von Zeyten, an ambitious and technically skilled watchmaker, dedicated all his efforts to the creation of unique pocket and wrist watches. Based in Freudenstadt in the Black Forest, he made a name for himself all over the country. In the following years he began to travel to Switzerland and also to England, gaining valuable new insights into the craft of manufacturing watches. Back home, he used these experiences to assemble singular watches for handpicked customers. Guided by the one principle to always improve his watches, he began to live his dream of a perfect mechanical watch.
Years later, this dream is still alive as customers of Carl von Zeyten receive an original chronometer of the highest quality. One particular watch is the model Urach, featuring a quartz clockwork with the calibre Ronda 706B. The dial is
kept in silver, as is the steel chassis. The wristband is available in red, blue and black leather and also as a Milanese steel band. Furthermore, the distinctive feature of the Urach is a display of the phases of the moon, month, day and week; and at 325 euros it comes at a dream price. All of the Black Forest Watches can be found on the respective website, where you can also find your closest merchant. www.carlvonzeyten.de
Discover Germany | Design | Dedicated to Design
Dedicated to Design… We know you love your pets. Why? Because we love them! But we also want them to love you. For that purpose, we have searched for five items that will excite both the human and the animal heart. Here are five design ideas for your cat or dog. BY: THOMAS SCHROERS
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1.Featuring robust larch wood and an inherently stable mattress with a sturdy cotton cover, the Paul*05 dog basket is the perfect residence for your quadruped. This hand-made item can be used indoors and outdoors. You can also customise the Paul*05 by choosing from different wood colours and cushion designs. Available in four sizes. From £270. www.paul-05.de 2. It is time to get playful. This wonderful, flexible little cat toy embraces your cat’s wild side. Leather tape and pom-pom can be individualised with the highestquality material. Available in two sizes. From £15. Image: © MiaCara. www.miacara.com 3. An award-winning design, the Mopi pear-shaped cat cave will become your cat’s favourite place to curl up. Hand made out of 100 per cent pure new wool, each product is unique in appearance and quality. As it is available in three sizes and various colours, it will fit perfectly in every living ambiance. From £207. www.katzeundfilzkunst.de
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4. Here is the sustainable alternative to a wooden stick. Your dog will treasure this robust toy made out of canvas rope. Ideal for dragging, casting, searching and retrieving, the Treusinn Spiely can be bought in various colours and sizes. Prices start at £10. www.treusinn.com 5. This hand-made elegant dog bar smoothly fits into your home interior. Beech wood and metal give it a timeless look. Plus, the feeding dishes, both with a volume of one litre, can be put in the dishwasher. 49x8.5x25.5cm. £43. www.naturehome.com
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Issue 41 | August 2016 | 9
Discover Germany | Design | GEGGUS
Function meets creativity GEGGUS won the German Design Award 2016 for its outstanding creative expertise. Their entrance matting systems continue to impress their distinguished clientele. TEXT: DORINA REICHHOLD I PHOTOS: GEGGUS
The entrance area gives visitors their very first impression of a building and is therefore of the utmost importance. German company GEGGUS offers various solutions of entrance matting systems that are both outstandingly functional and meet high-end design aesthetics. Their products come in a wide range of shapes, sizes and different materials, all of them designed to fulfil their purpose in the most efficient way. Founded in 1947, GEGGUS is now one of the global market leaders for entrance matting systems, operating in more than 10 | Issue 41 | August 2016
30 countries. This year, their French branch in Strasbourg celebrated their 20th anniversary. Amongst their customers are high-profile names such as the Mercedes Benz customer centre in Sindelfingen and the ICC International Business Centre in Geneva, Switzerland. GEGGUS has also opened branches in Switzerland (near Zurich) and recently in Singapore. The company`s innovative ideas were highly praised this year. In February, GEGGUS was presented with the German Design Award 2016, one of the world’s most prestigious design awards. The TOP
Top left: GEGGUS’ matting system in the Mall of Scandinavia. Left: GEGGUS’ headquarters. Right: GEGGUS’ matting system in Singapore.
CLEAN BRUSH entrance matting system came first in the category ‘Building and Elements’, excelling with its extraordinary design and a high level of functionality. GEGGUS is always eager to continue their research and constantly develop new ideas. Amongst their recent inventions are the GREEN MOTION line, which is entirely recyclable, as well as an entrance door matting system for disabled access. It features visual and tactile guidance systems that aid visitors to get access to a building. The systems can be combined with all profiles and are made for indoor and outdoor purposes. Just one of GEGGUS’ brilliant ideas to make entrance areas safe and welcoming to everyone.
www.geggus.com www.facebook.com/Geggus.de
Discover Germany | Design | amapodo
The double-walled amapodo tea glass with tea strainer and bamboo lid If you are looking for the perfect quintessence of indulgence, aesthetics and contemporary lifestyle, amapodo’s TEAFAVS tea glass is a great example. With only one tool, you are equipped for all the tea making phases and, due to its stylish design, even coffee drinkers are persuaded to have a cup of tea. TEXT & PHOTO: AZOBIT GMBH, TRANSLATION: NANE STEINHOFF
At first sight, amapodo’s TEAFAVS thermo tea glass seems surprisingly puristic. But this minimalism wonderfully harmonises with current trends and directs the interest towards the thermos tea bottle for a stylish tea time. If you take a closer look at this all-rounder, you will notice many details that make it a perfect companion for tea drinkers. For example, the glass is equipped
with a two-piece sieve made out of stainless steel with components that can either collectively or individually be brought into play according to the tea type chosen. The bamboo lid stands the test in many respects After filling the glass with water, the tea preparer can be closed with a high-quality
bamboo lid so that the hot drink does not cool down. Whether at home, on the go or at work, the double-walled TEAFAVS tea glass furthermore keeps the drinks warm for up to two hours without getting hot on the outside. amapodo’s tea bottle holds 450 millilitres, but do not despair if you need more during the day: the TEAFAVS thermo tea cup concept allows for more infusions during the day. The tea glass can be bought at Amazon or on the following website. www.amapodo.com
Issue 41 | August 2016 | 11
Discover Germany | Design | Knirps
Technology in focus:
Umbrella brand Knirps and its T.Series Since 1928, the Germany-based company Knirps has stood for excellent quality and innovation regarding umbrellas. Numerous patents and developments have garnered the brand worldwide recognition. With its T.Series, Knirps heralds a new umbrella era.
it can provide shelter for a partner as well. All umbrellas are available in classic and fashionable designs and enable owners to calmly await the next rainy day.
TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS I PHOTOS: KNIRPS
www.knirps.com relief in everyday life, as the umbrellas can be operated with only one hand. All umbrellas are also tested in wind tunnels, a method that confirms the extremely stable and break-proof materials. For the start of the T.Series – ‘T’ for Technology – four new models are introduced. The T.010 is the smallest and lightest umbrella of the collection. The smallest umbrella featuring the open and close automatic is the T.100. Furthermore, the T.200 is the all-rounder of the series, featuring a compact design and comfortable functionality. The largest one is the T.400. With a spread of 1.15 metres
Margarete Steiff GmbH | Richard-Steiff-Straße 4 | 89537 Giengen/Brenz
On the basis of consumer demands, designers at Knirps have created the unique T.Series. While respecting the brand values of quality, functionality and design, it was the objective to modernise both technology and use of form. Central to the concept is the famous rot dot, that is stylishly integrated as a prominent, red push-button. Apart from the design, Knirps has also dedicated itself to usability, comfort and functionality. As all handles are formed ergonomically, they fit comfortably in the palm of your hand. In addition, the easyto-use open and close automatic offers
T.200
T.100
T.Series
Giant sized and cuddly
“For children only the best is good enough” www.steiff.com
Special Theme
Horse & More
Germany: An equestrian’s paradise Hardly any other nation is as passionate about horses as Germany. This continuous dedication has an impact on both the economy and top sports, as the horses collect awards and create employment at the same time. As an introduction to our Horse & More special theme, we take a look at the current state of the horse country.
One of the roots of this ongoing success is not only the excellent youth development work, but also the thoughtful and intelligent horse breeding in farms around the country.
TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS
Finally, horses are also a driving economic factor. Three to four horses constitute one human workplace; so more than 300,000 people are earning their living directly or indirectly through these animals. Carefully estimated, the overall turnover of the sector amounts to more than five billion euros, a magnificent number that again highlights the immense importance of horses for Germans.
Studies have shown that in the last 40 years, the number of horses living in Germany has quadrupled. Roughly 1.2 million of the 60 million horses worldwide are in Germany. While the actual boom happened in the past, nowadays the numbers have consolidated. Naturally, those horses have their respective human partners. In fact, 3.7 million Germans are riding horses; but although only 1.17 consider themselves to be riding frequently, this is still a large number. That horses are loved more by women might be a cliché, but for Germany it is actually true. Looking at the demographics,
almost two thirds of horse owners are female with half of them aged between 30 and 50 years old. This is resembled by the German Horse Association, the world’s largest of its kind, where 77 per cent of its members are women. In sports, German equestrians are regularly one step ahead. Germany has won more than double the amount of Olympic equestrian gold medals than its rival Sweden, with 38 golds split between dressage, jumping and eventing. For this reason, the upcoming Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro will once again see a strong, ambitious German team with high hopes.
On the following pages, we present an exquisite selection of brands that have dedicated themselves to horses and more. Main image: © Sabine Braun From top left: © Tourismus Region Celle GmbH © TourismusMarketing Niedersachsen GmbH © Tourismusbetriebe der Stadt Bad Harzburg GmbH © Hartwig Wachsmann
Issue 41 | August 2016 | 13
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Horse & More
Finest saddles for a horse’s individual character Every product from MAYBACH – ICONS OF LUXURY embodies the best of German handcrafting excellence. For several years now, the company has been upholding the great values of this traditional brand and winning the hearts of connoisseurs all over the globe who appreciate beautiful and luxurious products. TEXT & PHOTOS: MAYBACH – ICONS OF LUXURY
The label is known for its exclusive eyewear, elegant accessories and exquisite leather goods. A particular highlight is the high-class saddlery segment - with innovative, fine-quality jumping and dressage saddle concepts and a wide range of accompanying saddlery accessories, this label has inspired the enthusiasm of 14 | Issue 41 | August 2016
the equestrian world. The dynamically elegant charm, high demands on form and function, and the best MAYBACH quality of materials and workmanship define these saddles. “Every horse, with its individual character and build, deserves to be held in high
esteem,” explains Jutta Kahlbetzer, CEO and designer, from MAYBACH – ICONS OF LUXURY. The custom-made saddles from this label are developed and created according to this principle. For example, each of the extremely light saddle trees are one-off pieces, developed on the basis of individual digital and physical measurements taken from both horse and rider. The titles are both appealing and appropriate - THE QUANTUM LEAP for the jumping saddle and THE RADIANCE for the dressage version - so the prospective
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Horse & More
client expects great things from their new, promisingly named saddle. They will not be disappointed. A symbiosis of handcrafting skill and technical know-how form the best foundation for magnificent riding performance. With regard to the complete shape of the saddle, in addition to aesthetic factors, the ergonomic parameters are of course of paramount importance. The design and technical solutions allow for large contact areas and an optimum pressure distribution for even muscle development of the horse. The special forms and features of the MAYBACH saddles have been specifically created to fulfil the highest demands in a variety of equestrian fields. The highquality standards of the manufacturer include the use of hand-selected natural and high-tech materials, and the best German handcrafting saddlery skills. This excellence of craftsmanship makes
each piece an unrivalled and unique masterpiece. The newest dressage saddle, THE RADIANCE II, is presented on the world-champion stallion Sezuan from the Peterhof Stud in Germany. This impressive black steed is a double world champion among the young dressage horses and one of the most talkedabout stallions in the world. His sporting performances and his charisma mean that he is facing an extremely promising future. Ridden by Dorothee Schneider, the experienced, successful and likeable German dressage rider, further impressive appearances can be expected.
select range of products to complement the saddles. Each one-off masterpiece from the MAYBACH handcrafting experts is made with loving attention to every detail, radiating the power of this luxury brand with its long traditions as well as the energy of a promising future. These handmade products can be experienced live in the MAYBACH Boutiques in Berlin and Abu Dhabi, or during the WEF in Wellington, the Tops International Arena in Valkenswaard, the CHIO in Aachen as well as in several equestrian hot spots like the Longines Global Champions Tour in Monaco, Paris and Rome. www.maybach-luxury.com
As well as saddles, MAYBACH – ICONS OF LUXURY offers an outstanding and elegant repertoire of saddlery accessories. Exclusive bridles, high-performance saddle pads or superior grooming tools – MAYBACH Saddlery encompasses a
From left to right: The world-champion stallion Sezuan from the Peterhof Stud in Germany. THE QUANTUM LEAP I jumping saddle in cognac-espresso. THE CARESS IV goathair brush with walnut burr. THE QUANTUM LEAP I jumping saddle in cognac-espresso. THE PATRON III sunglasses. THE RIDER I rider´s bag. THE RADIANCE II dressage saddle in black-maroon.
Issue 41 | August 2016 | 15
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Horse & More
Mobility for horses ‘Made in Germany’ It is a given fact that horses need a great deal of exercise in order to keep their muscles strong and their bodies mobile and healthy. While exercise is ideally granted by a daily riding routine or by free movement, circumstances may arise when this routine does not suffice or cannot be maintained. Here treadmills manufactured by ms Horse can be of invaluable help to race, jump or leisure horses alike.
muscle-building appliances. The whole range of ms Horses’ handmade products can be viewed and ordered online. A fine choice indeed if you are looking for only the best for the wellbeing of your horse or a well-equipped stable.
TEXT: SILKE HENKELE I PHOTOS: MS HORSE
www.horse-fitwell.de
ms Horses’ treadmills are available in a variety of versions: the economy version, as a purist, has the walking function only. In contrast, the premium version has an individually deployable vibration functionality that counts among its major distinguishing features. This functionality helps to actively build up muscles, enhance flexibility and stretchability, and thus renders exercise more effectively. Moreover, the velocity of both ms Horses’ treadmills can be adjusted according to the horse’s pulse rate, thus neither underchallenging nor overtaxing the animal. “The treadmills, of course, are not supposed to replace a horse’s free and unhin-
dered movement in its natural surroundings,” emphasises Preisendanz, head of marketing at ms Horse. “Yet, they are an invaluable addition to the formation of muscles for convalescent or sport horses.” ms Horses’ product range is not limited to treadmills or similar mobilising and
From left to right: Delaya on the ms Horse Power Vibrations Trainer Premium. ms Horse saddle cabinet with ms Horse grooming box. ms Horse Power Vibra Station. ms Horse Power Vibrations Trainer.
Securely networked in equestrian and outdoor sport The Bluetooth communication system CEECOACH enables voice communication for up to 500 metres and the new XTREME edition is even more robust and waterproof. TEXT: PEIKER CEE GMBH, TRANSLATION: NANE STEINHOFF | PHOTOS: PEIKER CEE GMBH
Communication during training or outdoors can be hard at times. However, a new device that is based on Bluetooth and guarantees stable voice communication up to 500 metres changes this. Whether during horse riding, outdoor sport or on the ski slope, with the CEECOACH up to six people can smoothly talk with each other – even over greater distances. For its innovative design, the CEECOACH, which is a product by peiker CEE, was awarded the Red Dot Design Award in 2015 and was also honoured on the international sports fair ISPO. Numerous equestrian sport professionals have convinced themselves of the communication system’s quality. Amongst them is Isabell Werth, a multiple world 16 | Issue 41 | August 2016
champion and Olympic champion in dressage. She uses the device during daily training sessions and during tournament preparation at the warming-up area. In her honour, a CEECOACH special edition was designed that bears the name of the equestrian sport professional and is embellished with exclusive Swarovski crystals. Just in time for summer, CEECOACH is also available as the waterproof XTREME
edition. A robust silicone case safeguards the device from dirt, water (protection class IP67) and UV radiation. Thus, the XTREME edition is even more resistant and is especially suitable for the use at and on the water. The waterproof communication device is complemented by a waterproof stereo sport headset with special wind noise reduction technology. www.ceecoach.com
The CEECOACH communication system consists of two devices plus headsets (Starter Kit). Up to six participants possible.
Isabell Werth, world champion and Olympic champion in dressage, with her CEECOACH.
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Horse & More
Equipment for equestrians: The most comfortable way of safety! As a horseman or horsewoman one is always in need to find the perfect equipment for both the animal and the rider. The online shop reitmodenshop.de offers a wide assortment of quality products with a focus on equitation safety and expert advice. TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS I PHOTOS: REITSPORT ZUM HOCHSCHEID
the digital intermediate, Reitsport Zum Hochscheid is now able to bring its exclusive assortment and competence to a wide-spread audience.
Before there was a shop or even an online shop for equestrian demand called Reitsport Zum Hochscheid, there was a Reitsport Zum Hochscheid horse farm and riding academy by the same name. Naturally, riding students needed quality equitation gear and proper guidance in finding it. Henceforth, the horse farm decided to offer its students the respective items itself and in that way make sure that all horsemen were outfitted perfectly. The shop gained an initial following and by visiting Germany’s large horse fairs, it grew further and the success enabled the launch of an online platform. Through
“Equitation is not dangerous, when one learns the right handling of a horse and uses equipment that is fitted individually for one’s own demand,”explains Christiane Mueller, who is leading Reitsport Zum Hochscheid with her husband. In order to find these items, skilful counsel is needed. “For every equestrian, the riding
helmet, breeches and well-fitting riding boots or shoes are products that need to fit perfectly.” To guarantee that, online shop visitors can contact a team of trained horse professionals through mail and telephone. One of the main specialities of the product range is its depth. The reitmodenshop.de offers an extensive size and colour pallet from quality brands like uvex, Maybach, Airowear, Pikeur, Cavallo or Euro-Star. Every product is tested and only items that convince in practise are included in the assortment. Online, Reitsport Zum Hochscheid continuously introduces new and innovative products. At the same time, visitors profit from seasonal collections and respective special sales offerings, while always receiving top-notch counselling.
www.reitmodenshop.de www.zumhochscheid.de Issue 41 | August 2016 | 17
Discover Germany | Cover DesignFeature | Luxembourg | Rainer Becker
Photo: Š David Griffen Photography
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Discover Germany | Cover Feature | Rainer Becker
Rainer Becker A culinary artist par excellence Harpers and Moët named him Chef of the Year in 2004, the Guild of Chefs Awards appointed him Best Newcomer in 2003 and he reached 45th place in The Caterer’s top 100 list of the most powerful people in hospitality in 2012: German-born chef and restaurateur Rainer Becker is the face behind award-winning restaurants like Zuma and Oblix in London’s Shard. He talks to Discover Germany about how he managed to create one of the most successful restaurant concepts in the world. TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF
Born near the Moselle River, Rainer Becker started out his career as a chef at some of Germany’s top Michelin-star restaurants, such as the Königshof in Munich. But even before that, Rainer Becker knew that he wanted to become a chef. He smiles: “I think it always has [been my biggest wish to become a chef]. I’m not entirely sure where the desire arose but it is still there – I really love to cook. I remember when I was at school telling my parents I wanted to cook. They weren’t so keen of course; my father didn’t feel it was a career option. He actually sent me off to a relative’s restaurant one summer to work (at my insistence) with the specific instruction to my uncle that I would be put through my paces – I think he was hoping I would be put off. Instead I came home even more convinced and enthusiastic than before. At that point, I will give him his due, he chose to support me 100 per cent.” Australia, London, Hong Kong, Dubai, Miami Soon, Rainer Becker’s wanderlust got the better of him. Working for the Hyatt Hotel Group for 14 years, he was appointed executive chef at the Park Hyatt hotel in
Sydney and then became the executive chef in Tokyo’s Park Hyatt for six years before moving to London in 1998. Here, he worked as the executive chef for the Hyatt Carlton Tower hotel and was a consultant at the prestigious Hakkasan restaurant. Then, alongside the successful restaurant investor Arjun Waney, Rainer Becker opened his own Japanese restaurant Zuma in London’s Knightsbridge in 2002. It celebrates the informal izakaya style where dishes are continuously brought to the table throughout the meal. “I think the informality, the freedom and joy of Australia was huge in nudging me towards what was to become Zuma. I loved the Australian easy way and joy of sharing food, enjoying being with friends (…) without pomposity or regulation,” notes Becker and adds:“Izakaya is a mix up, it’s a place where you can just eat what you want, when you want and have a drink. They are kind of like Japanese pubs really. I wanted to recreate that informality which ties back to my enjoyable experiences in Australia, but I wanted to create that feeling in a different environment: something more elegant, incorporating the beautiful design elements I had seen in Japan.”
So how did his time in Japan directly influence the Zuma idea? “Like every chef who visits for the first time, the religious Japanese food culture influences, however it wasn’t until I lived there that I actually understood it. That was my greatest gift, having the time to really immerse myself in the food culture. It was from there that Zuma was born - a mixture of my own learnings, of Australia, of Japan - all of it.” This concept soon proved to be so hugely successful, that Zuma restaurants were opened in Hong Kong, Istanbul, Dubai and Miami, to name a few locations. “I never thought it would be this successful to be honest and I don’t know why it boomed so much. I can only tell you what we do. For me it’s detail, detail, detail. You have to be aware of all the details, all the time. If working in this industry is just a job then it’s a hard life but if it gets under your skin, if it becomes part of you, then it’s the best job in the world. You have to be that connected. My team, all of them all focus on the one thing: how does the guest feel? Everything we do is based around our customer, that’s the starting point.” Conquering the world In 2004, Becker’s second restaurant concept ‘Roka’ opened in Charlotte Street London, three more Roka’s were established soon after in Canary Wharf, Mayfair and Aldwych and other gems, such as the famous ‘Oblix’ in London’s landmark The Shard soon followed suit. Located on the 32nd floor of The Shard, Oblix takes a step back from the Issue 41 | August 2016 | 19
Discover Germany | Cover Feature | Rainer Becker
I created a recipe years ago that I loved. That was maybe the start of the Oblix idea; I have had a few people joke that I opened a restaurant solely for that roast duck dish,” he laughs and adds: “More seriously I guess a signature dish would be anything from the rotisserie or the grill as that’s the heart of Oblix.” The recipe to success With all of Rainer Becker’s restaurants being award-winning establishments, it seems like everything that he touches turns into gold. But what exactly makes a good restaurant today? He explains: “As a chef it is not easy for me to admit, but it is important to note that service is as important if not more so than the food. Mistakes can happen but it is how it is dealt with that makes the difference. I have never understood a divide in a restaurant between kitchen and front of house as we are all on the same team. That is the only way to work.” With this in mind, the concept at Oblix restaurant is designed for guests to walk through the kitchen on their way to the restaurant. Before they leave, guests can interact and give feedback. “It gives the chefs a direct interaction with the floor and a direct response to what they do, so it really makes the whole working environment unique and enjoyable for the whole team,” he says.
View from Oblix. Photo: © Oblix Restaurant
Oblix library table. Photo: © Richard Southall, Emphasis Photography
Japanese focus, caters for breath-taking panoramic views across London and serves great dishes from the grill in a sophisticated, yet relaxed, ambiance. Now a huge success, one would not believe that Rainer Becker was reluctant at first to open a restaurant in the Shard. “I’m a pretty big fan of architecture and when I was invited to consider a restaurant in The Shard I was delighted. However, our original conversation was around Zuma. After consideration I didn’t think that two Zuma’s in one city would work so I changed my mind. It was the building that haunted me though. I thought that 20 | Issue 41 | August 2016
every day I saw it I would regret not being there so the idea of Oblix began to take shape. I need to add that originally I was offered just one side of the building. I just couldn’t make my mind up which had the better view so decided it had to be the whole floor or nothing. So now there is Oblix Restaurant, as well as Oblix Bar and Lounge - that way you get the whole of London.” Of course we wanted to know from the owner himself which signature dish we should try on our next visit to Oblix. Becker answers: “I always loved roast duck and
Despite having achieved so much already, Rainer Becker does not think about slowing down. “Zuma New York opened last year and has been incredibly well received. Powered by the success of New York we decided to open another one in the US. First there was Miami, then New York, so next stop Las Vegas.” He adds: “You have to remember that in 2002 I never thought I would ever open another restaurant other than Zuma London. To think that the restaurant is now global, that we have four different Roka restaurants in London now and then Oblix restaurant and Oblix Bar… well if you had told me back in 2002 that this would be the picture in 2016 I would have laughed in your face. It’s been quite the journey and I am hugely thankful to everyone who has been on it with me who has made it happen.” But what about personal dreams for the future? He smiles: “A day off would be nice….!”
Discover Germany | Cover Feature | Rainer Becker
Photo: © Oblix Restaurant
Lobster. Photo: © Oblix Restaurant
‘Velvet Revolution’. Photo: © Oblix Restaurant
‘Last Night in El Paso’. Photo: © Oblix Restaurant
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Gin de France G’Vine Gin brand story The true taste of modern day France, G'Vine Gin de France is born from the environment that surrounds it, combining the rich heritage of the Charente region, the avant-garde attitude of Paris, where free spirit and individuality have long been celebrated, and the effortless chic escapes of the South West region. TEXT & PHOTOS: SIERRA MADRE
Adored by gin connoisseurs and novices alike, G'Vine Gin is a celebration of creativity, craft and brings a fresh viewpoint and an unparalleled taste to the luxury drinks segment. Traditionally unconventional, G'Vine Gin is a unique product of the lush Charente landscape, crafted from grapes, unlike most other gins, and enlivened with ten botanicals including the rare vine flower from our legendary vineyards. G'Vine Gin’s exceptionally smooth and silky taste is a direct result of the grape spirit, a rare ingredient for gin that 22 | Issue 41 | August 2016
creates a heady body and full mouth feel. Thanks to centuries-old expertise in the Charente region, the spirit is the perfect backdrop for the ten pure botanicals that bring delicacy and complexity to the blend. G’Vine Gin‘s hero botanical is the precious vine flower, which blossoms just once a year in mid-June, and exists for just a few days before maturing into a grape berry. It is handpicked as soon as it blooms to preserve its exhilarating and evocative fragrance for G'Vine Gin. There are two expressions of G‘Vine Gin de France: the fresh, smooth, rounded and
vibrantly floral G'Vine Floraison, and the intense, spicy, crisp and aromatic G’Vine Nouaison. G‘Vine Floraison captures the splendour of the vineyards at the end of spring, when the vine flowers’ enchanting aroma fills the air for a few fleeting days as it blossoms. It is best enjoyed as a sublime and sparkling gin and tonic, served on ice in a large wine glass and garnished with fresh white grapes to magnify its soft roundness. A bolder gin, G'Vine Nouaison is the embodiment of intensity and spiciness and captures the grapes metamorphosis from the aromatic flower to a luscious berry. It brings a new and sophisticated character to classic cocktails like the Martini and the Negroni. G’Vine Gin’s world Combining the heritage of the Cognac region, the avant-garde attitude of Paris and the effortless chic of the South West,
Discover Germany | Wine & Dine | Sierra Madre
Jean-Sébastien Robicquet.
G'Vine Gin de France embodies the creativity and joie de vivre of modern day France. Blending French wine traditions with spirits innovation is the essence. Its exquisite liquids, independent character and savoir faire are famed around the world. G’Vine Gin’s creativity Uniquely crafted from grapes and enlivened with ten botanicals including the rare vine flower, G'Vine Gin represents the revolutionary vision of founder and master distiller Jean-Sébastien Robicquet. It is a spirit that shakes up codes and conventions, yet is crafted with the upmost respect for local heritage and the expertise of Maison Villevert, a 16th century family estate in the heart of Cognac. G’Vine Gin’s craftsmanship Their process begins with a neutral grape spirit — the perfect canvas on which to lay their ten carefully selected botanicals, including aromatic juniper berries, green cardamom, cubeb berries, liquorice, lime, coriander, cassia bark, nutmeg and ginger root. Uniquely, one of these botanicals is the precious vine flower, which gets handpicked as soon as it blooms to capture its enchanting aroma. It is then macerated in the grape spirit and distilled in a Florentine pot still. The resulting essence is then married with the other nine botanicals in a traditional
Maison Villevert.
copper pot still named Lily Fleur to create the uncompromising and refreshing smoothness of G’Vine Gin. G’Vine Gin’s products Both creatively crafted with grapes and vine flowers, G'Vine’s two expressions share a characteristic smoothness, yet are utterly individual. FLORAISON — Fresh and floral, G’Vine Floraison embodies springtime in the vineyards, when the blossoming vine flowers perfume the air. It is best enjoyed as a sublime gin and tonic, served on ice in a large wine glass and garnished with fresh white grapes.
Lily Fleur.
NOUAISON — Intense and spicy, G’Vine Nouaison captures the grape’s metamorphosis from aromatic flower to luscious berry. Its boldness, complexity and dryness are the perfect complement to the refined elegance of a Martini or Negroni. G’Vine Gin’s signature serve G’Vine’s rounded and fresh personality makes it the perfect fit for the drink du jour: simply fill a large wine glass with ice and pour in four centilitres of G’Vine Gin. Top with premium tonic water and garnish with three white grapes. www.facebook.com/GVine.Germany www.twitter.com/GVineGins
Floraison.
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Discover Germany | Wine & Dine | MaLi’s Délices
Homemade jars delivered to your doorstep The taste of delicious homemade jam is a luxury you can usually only enjoy in the countryside. Luckily this has changed thanks to MaLi’s Délices, a wonderfully rural gourmet manufactory that produces handmade jars of culinary goodness. TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE I PHOTOS: MALI’S DÉLICES
Initially, Christine Breyer just wanted to cook jams outside the supermarket range, but her unique creations such as ‘Raspberry-CoffeeVanilla’ or ‘Gooseberry-Tonic’ quickly became local favourites. Therefore, she did not stop there: “Each time I had too much fruit, I soaked it in alcohol to make liqueurs,” Breyer adds. What started as a hobby turned into a little manufactory on her farm in the German biosphere reserve of Bliesgau. The reason her jams, liqueurs, chutneys, chocolates and pesto taste truly homemade is simple: because they are. Each batch is made from only five to six kilograms of locally sourced produce and does not contain any additives.
Breyer cooks like our grandmothers did, which means her food contains less sugar compared to their supermarket equivalents. “The most popular fruit spreads are ‘Strawberry-White-Chocolate’, ‘Blackberry-Raspberry’ and ‘Plums in port with walnuts’,” says Breyer. “For cheese platters, our red onion paste is great.”
The MaLi’s Délices newcomer walnutpesto received two out of three stars by Brussels’ prestigious test institute iTQi. Recently, Mango-Ketchup was added to the menu and soon there will be more vegetarian spreads and a vegetarian seasoning sauce. There is the right jar of deliciousness for everyone, made with a lot of love and true passion for outstanding food. Go taste it. www.malis-delices.de From left to right: Christine Breyer in the manufactory. Outside the manufactory. ‘Strawberry-White-Chocolate’ spread.
Special Theme
Bern
Simply beautiful
Bern City Special
Main image: Zentrum Paul Klee. Left: Historic old town. Middle: Einsteinhaus museum. Right: Parliament building. Bottom: The clock tower ‘Zytglogge’.
With its well-preserved historic town, numerous shopping facilities and many cafés and restaurants, the Swiss capital fascinates tourists from all over the world every year. It has also made a big impression on the UNESCO World Heritage Committee as well as on one of the world’s most famous theoretical physicist.
The building is a masterpiece in itself and illustrates how Bern combines medieval construction art with modern design and architecture perfectly.
TEXT: MONIQUE AMEND | PHOTOS: BERN TOURISMUS
Besides dishes from all over the world, one can find numerous traditional delicacies like the Bernese Rösti, the traditional Bernese platter – a selected variety of meat and sausages - or the Bernese Züpfe, a local bread speciality on the menus of various restaurants. But the Swiss city has another treat to offer: the famous Swiss chocolate Toblerone, characterised by its triangular shape, was invented here around 100 years ago. Thanks to its central location, Bern is also the perfect starting point for trips to Switzerland’s other beautiful regions.
Although Bern is the capital of Switzerland, in the country’s political centre which is home to around 141,000 people, life proceeds at a somewhat different pace. Barely any other city stands this much for culture, leisure and pleasure and ‘hurry’ or ‘rush’ are not part of the Bernese vocabulary. This way of life and Bern’s special charm have been recognised internationally as the city has been named the 14th best place to live from Mercer’s quality of living city survey in 2016. That one can enjoy life in the Swiss capital is easy to understand when you look at the scenery of Bern’s historic city centre. The medieval and regularly arranged alleys have remained unchanged until today. The historic townscape is characterised by the well-preserved sandstone fronts, the
unique roof scenery and the‘Lauben’, what the Bernese call their six-kilometre-long arcades in the city centre. Furthermore, there are 11 beautiful fountains from the 16th century and the gothic minster which contributes to Bern’s appearance. No wonder the old town became a part of the UNESCO world heritage in 1983. Numerous people were attracted by the beauty of the Swiss city, among them Albert Einstein. He lived and worked in Bern from 1903 to 1905 and developed his famous theory of relativity there. As a tribute to its popular resident, the city turned his former home into the Einsteinhaus museum. Furthermore, the Zentrum Paul Klee holds selected works of the famous Swiss painter and temporary exhibitions of other important artists.
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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Bern City Special
The SKY terrace.
Lobby.
Exterior.
Luxury holidays in one of Bern’s most iconic hotels Built about 150 years ago, the Hotel Schweizerhof was the first luxury hotel in the Swiss capital of Bern. Re-opened in 2011, today’s guests can again experience the hotel’s original charm, tradition and outstanding service as a five-star superior hotel – one of the best in Bern’s city centre. TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN I PHOTOS: HOTEL SCHWEIZERHOF
Famous for its luxury interior and lavish parties, Hotel Schweizerhof in Bern has it all. Hollywood stars like Liz Taylor, Grace Kelly, Ursula Andress or Sophia Loren have spent the night here, as did famous researchers, important politicians and sport stars. Among them were footballer Diego Maradona, the former German chancellor Helmut Schmidt and Nobel Prize winner Albert Schweitzer. Even in its early years, the hotel had changed ownership a few times and did so again in 2008, when the Qatar State Fund bought the hotel and financed its renovation. The hotel reopened in June 26 | Issue 41 | August 2016
2011 and since then has become the preferred hotel for many people travelling to and discovering Bern. The hotel lies in the historic city centre; a stone’s throw away from the main station. Beautifully decorated rooms suites with views over the city
and
“Arts, culture and modern designs are melted with 150 years of tradition, this mix can be found in every outlet of the hotel,” says Anja Ullmann, responsible for communications. The hotel has 99 rooms and suites, decorated in a modern and warm style, using taupe as its dominant shade. Even in the modern room designs
the hotel honours its history, using for example classic and restored chandeliers for lighting. The double rooms either offer a view over the lively city centre or – if preferred – face towards the calm courtyard. Next to the bedroom, the suites have a separate living room and dining area. While the normal suites are about 60 square metres, the largest presidential suite with its luxurious interior is 120 square metres; three additional bedrooms can be connected to create an even bigger space. The bathrooms with rain showers and Japanese bathtubs in all rooms are small wellness oases. London-based interior designer Maria Vafiadis was responsible for the design that in 2012 was declared the most beautiful hotel interior design in Europe. When entering the large Bel Étage with the famous Salon Trianon ballroom, one can imagine the glamorous parties that
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Bern City Special
have been celebrated here over one and a half centuries. Marble-clad walls and large chandeliers make the ballroom an ideal spot for private celebrations or weddings. Of course, the hotel has also smaller venues for private gatherings or business meetings and conferences. Spread all over the house, art lovers will find paintings of Paul Klee, one of the most famous modern Swiss-German artists, who immigrated to Switzerland in 1933. Fine cuisine from France and Japan For more than 70 years the hotel’s restaurant Jack’s Brasserie has been among the best in the city and was only recently awarded 14 Gault-Millau points. When the Gauer family took over the hotel from previous owners in 1939, the hotel’s splendid epoch began. Jack Gauer turned the local hotel into one that became internationally renowned. Jack’s Brasserie continues to honour this
achievement in its name. In a typical fin-de-siècle ambience, the restaurant serves French brasserie cuisine using only ingredients fresh from the market as well as Schweizerhof classics. Food and drinks are not the only possibility in the hotel. In the Lobby-Lounge-Bar, in the heart of Hotel Schweizerhof, Fugulicenced Sushi chef Hironori Takahashi serves high-quality Japanese food, from a light Sashimi snack to a Sushi taster’s menu. With space for up to 60 people, it is an ideal meeting point for a chat over coffee or tea and cake, or to relax in the evening with a glass of wine or a cocktail. “The SKY terrace is also a secret tip amongst Bernese people, and with its breath-taking view it is an attraction for tourists,” says Ullmann. Speaking of relaxing, the hotel has a 500-square-metre-large bath and spa area including an indoor pool with two
Jacuzzis, an 85-degree sauna, a fitness area, a Turkish-style Hamam and five treatment rooms. “The SPA, which is the only hotel spa in Bern, offers special treatments from luxurious brands like Sothys and Jacqueline Piotaz 365 days a year.” Bern residents can book spa entry, treatments and memberships separately. Taking a short break over lunch, with a beauty treatment, massage and a light snack, spa guests are fit again for the rest of the day. For people who want to discover Bern and enjoy everything the hotel has to offer, Hotel Schweizerhof offers special packages (www.schweizerhof-bern. ch/de/spezialangebote/details/id/7300/ typisch-bern), including one night in the hotel, Jack’s Brasserie’s Wiener Schnitzel for dinner, spa usage and entry to the Museum of Fine Arts. www.schweizerhof-bern.ch
The SPA pool.
Lobby lounge bar.
Entrance.
Bathroom.
Room.
Jack’s Brasserie.
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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Bern City Special
Classical harmony meets artistic creativity The CAMERATA BERN is renowned as one of the prime ensembles among chamber orchestras in Europe. The orchestra stands out for its subtle and perfectly homogeneous sound, its freshness and mastery of style – and its innovative yet classical interpretations. The CAMERATA BERN embodies the values of a classical chamber orchestra as well as its own distinct artistic autonomy. The orchestra understands the classical tradition as blending both creative energy and education, and its programmes – from baroque to contemporary – open up music lovers’ ears and minds. “The CAMERATA BERN strives to enhance the kinship between the historically informed performance practice on period instruments and the music of our time,” explains director Louis Dupras. “Unlike other chamber orchestras, the CAMERATA BERN creates music without a conductor. The musicians thus communicate on a chamber music level with each other,” describes Dupras. Founded in 1962, the CAMERATA BERN has developed into an internationally
acclaimed chamber orchestra uniting top level musicians inspired by the idea of performing within a self-conducted ensemble. Its members are gifted soloists and chamber musicians and under its artistic director, the violinist Antje Weithaas, as well as guest concertmasters Erich Höbarth, Patricia Kopatchinskaja, Carolin Widmann, Kolja Blacher and others, the CAMERATA BERN performs a broad repertoire. Since 2005, the orchestra has
greatly extended its range of repertoire and concert formats, from Brahms’ symphonic Violin Concerto, to dance and theatre performances, lunchtime concerts and live-streaming, Haydn’s opera L’isola disabitata to over 100 education ventures for children. One highlight of the 16/17 season is Mozart bewegt (Mozart moves) this fall, a choreographed staging of Mozart’s Requiem. www.cameratabern.ch Left: The CAMERATA BERN. Photo: © Gerardo Garciacano, CAMERATA BERN Right: The CAMERATA BERN with artistic director Antje Weithaas. Photo: © Giorgia Bertazzi, CAMERATA BERN
Cleaning the body with a bblubb Shaped like a crystal or a bear, the small Swiss soap manufacturer bblubb, based in Bern, makes small pieces of soap artwork. Founder Simone Mosimann uses only natural ingredients and many of the products have a Bern tourism quality seal. TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN I PHOTOS: BBLUBB
One of bblubb’s special soaps is formed like a Bernese bear, the city’s symbol. The 12-centimetre-high brown bear is made of plant-based glycerine soap. “The idea to order handmade bear forms came over night,” says Simone Mosimann about her most successful products often bought as souvenir. Not the only product inspired by the region: another – a glycerine soap without pigmentation – is shaped like a rock crystal, so typical for the area. Mosimann aims to sell these soaps as souvenirs in duty-free shops in the near future. Furthermore, bblubb fabricates individual soap batches for companies. Simone Mosimann started to make soaps by pure coincidence. When studying pedagogics many years ago, she worked 28 | Issue 41 | August 2016
part time in a shop that sold raw materials for cosmetic products. “Using these ingredients to make soaps became a hobby,” she says. Years later, now that her children have grown up, she started a business venture manufacturing soaps. Something a bit different in Mosimann’s shop is the ‘kon-kret’ stool – built together with a family member – that also has a Bern tourism quality seal for being ‘typical Bernese’. The stools are handmade from ash wood from the very mystical Elfenau in Bern and concrete. Like the soaps, the concrete stool bears witness to Simone Mosimann’s creativity. www.bblubb.ch www.kon-kret.ch
TEXT: ELISABETH DOEHNE
Top: Crystal and bear soaps. Right: The ‘kon-kret’ stool.
Bern‘s active concert choir Choir director: Willi Derungs Versatile repertoire of spiritual music from all epochs: from early baroque up to the 21st century Music from opera, operetta and musical Concert activity in the capital of Bern, in Switzerland and abroad
Bern, French Church 11 December 2016, 16.00 J. S. Bach: Concerto for 2 Violins d-minor, Kantate BWV 132 A. Corelli: Concerto Grosso op. 6, nr. 8 T. Albinoni: Magnificat g-minor A. Vivaldi: Gloria RV 589 www.cantoclassico.ch
Photos by Karin Scheidegger, 2016
Jubilee concert – 10 years of Canto Classico Festive baroque music
Air – is not just nothing The breathtaking temporary exhibition in Technorama Winterthur
Media partners
www.technorama.ch
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Bern City Special
Accessories with a twist Swiss design talent Sabina Brägger recycles left-overs to create new purses, bags, belts and watch bracelets for men and women. Here, she explains how this innovative idea came about. “All of this started while I was studying for my Bachelor’s degree,” remembers Brägger. “At that time, I realised that classic textile design wasn’t necessarily the right choice for me. Instead, I was keen to create something on my own, something completely new.” So, the young designer learnt everything about the various sustainable uses of production remnants and soon discovered that leather can be made from fish skin. Motivated and inspired, Brägger contacted Tropenhaus Frutigen, a local fish farm in Bern. Equally fascinated by this idea, the company has supported Sabina Brägger ever since. Today, Sabina Brägger offers several different services. “I’m always on the lookout for suitable residual material, which I can work into my product designs,” she says. “I also offer these materials
to other companies for the purpose of a cooperation. Examples include the Luzern-based watchmaking company ochs und junior, for which I produce watch bracelets from 100 per cent sturgeon leather.” Brägger, who revealed that an English version of her website is currently
Regionality at its best
TEXT: SONJA IRANI I PHOTOS: SABINA BRÄGGER
in the making, also creates her own design collections from versatile materials of all kinds. “Finally, I get requests from people and companies to process their left-over materials,” she explains. “This also works the other way round. When someone doesn’t yet have the right material, I search and find suitable left-overs for them.” www.sabinabraegger.ch
TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF
Visitors who head to Langnau in Switzerland’s Emmental can look forward to one of the largest existing museums with local history collections. Situated in an exceptionally preserved building from 1526, the regional museum Chüechlihus not only impresses with its special ambiance, but also with diverse exhibitions. “We distinguish ourselves from other regional museums with our size, as well as our collection’s comprehensiveness. Amongst the small museums, we are one of the biggest. In over 25 rooms, we present more than 20 topics and each year, a temporary special exhibition is brought to life,” notes Madeleine Ryser, museum director. Founded in 1930, the museum was established to give a voice to the Langnau region, an economic and cultural centre of the upper Emmental. Thus, the museum today deals with the rich local history, regional personalities, as well as with the population. For example, visitors can look forward to one of the largest Langnau ceramics collections – high-quality farmer ceramics from the 18th and 19th century. 30 | Issue 41 | August 2016
Ryser says: “The collections cover many interest areas so that the rich history and culture can be holistically experienced.” She adds: “The combination of the Chüechlihus’s sophistication, carefully designed exhibitions and the staff’s friendliness and expertise exudes high quality and competence. Visitors especially enjoy the museum tours which we also offer in English and French, as well as the written guides in three languages.” After an exciting day, a small courtyard with a garden offers coffee and for pre-booked groups, concerts and other events, the Chüechlihus also offers ‘Chüechli’ (fried dough foods) and other refreshments. www.regionalmuseum-langnau.ch
Top: The regional museum Langnau at the Bärenplatz. Photo: Jan Ryser, © Regionalmuseum Langnau Below: High-quality Langnau ceramics. Photo: Hans Wüthrich, © Regionalmuseum Langnau
In the footsteps of a genius Discover the Einstein Museum in Bern Albert Einstein (1879–1955) was living in Bern in 1905 when his theory of relativity turned our perceptions of space and time upside down. The Einstein Museum at the Bernisches Historisches Museum celebrates this memorable event. Elaborately staged original objects as well as written documents and films outline the biography of the genius while they, at the same time, illustrate the major topics of his time. TEXT & PHOTOS: EINSTEIN MUSEUM IN THE BERNISCHES HISTORISCHES MUSEUM
Aspects from Albert Einstein’s private and working life are dealt with and reveal the person behind the genius. The discoveries the scientist made in physics are explained by means of easy-tounderstand animations. His love affairs, his commitment to the cause of nuclear disarmament in his later years and other personal insights paint a comprehensive picture of Albert Einstein as a person. Modern staging: immersing oneself in Albert Einstein’s life and world Visitors to the exhibition walk in the footsteps of the physicist through the various stages of his life. Having spent his
childhood in Ulm and Munich, he studied in Switzerland. In 1902, Albert Einstein’s first permanent employment at the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property brought him to Bern, where three years later he went on to revolutionise physics with his ground-breaking theories. The scientist continued his research in Berlin where he worked on the general theory of relativity in the middle of the First World War. When practical proof of some of the theory was found in 1919, he gained lasting fame, which was yet further enhanced by his public support for European peace just before the outbreak of the Second World War. The exhibition comes to its
conclusion in Princeton, where the genius spent the final years of his life. Technical aids: a museum for everyone An audio guide in nine languages, inductive headphones as well as a video guide for hearing-impaired and deaf visitors (in Swiss German) make the museum accessible to a wide audience from all parts of the world. www.bhm.ch Einstein Museum in the Bernisches Historisches Museum Tue – Sun: 10am – 5pm Mon: closed Audio guide in nine languages (German, French, English, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Hebrew, Japanese and Chinese) Bernisches Historisches Museum Helvetiaplatz 5, CH-3005 Bern +41 31 350 77 11 info@bhm.ch www.einsteinmuseum.ch
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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Bern City Special
Unspoilt nature at its best Searching for an exceptionally beautiful and diverse landscape? Why not head to the Regional Nature Park Gantrisch? Here, one can slip in their hiking shoes and explore the Gantrisch panoramic trail – a beautiful pre-alpine altitude hike with numerous lookout points and scenic, as well as cultural highlights. TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF
Located in the local recreation area of Bern, Fribourg and Thun, the Gantrisch panoramic trail counts towards the most beautiful panoramic hiking trails of Bern’s Alpine foothills. It can be easily discovered in half-day or day trips, can be divided into different stages and is well developed and signposted. In the south, one can gaze at the peaks of the Gantrisch mountain range and a bit further away, snow-covered Alpine peaks and the Bernese foothills of the Alps with the ‘Eiger’, ‘Mönch’ and ‘Jungfrau’ mountains meet the eye. Towards the north, one’s view wanders across the Nature Park Gantrisch and the Bernese midlands towards Lake Biel and the Jura Mountains. With good visibility, one can even see the Black Forest’s Feldberg, Mount Titlis or Mount Pilatus. Starting in Zollhaus on around 900 metres above sea level, hikers need approximately 32 | Issue 41 | August 2016
six hours to get to Gurnigelbad – the hiking path’s last stop. After starting in Zollhaus, the first 500 altitude metres have to be climbed to reach the first viewpoint in Hällstedt which impresses with panoramic views across the Kaiseregg, the Märe and the Gantrisch mountains. On the Alpine foothills’ ridge, one reaches the Pfyffe – the second-highest point (1,666 metres above sea level). Here, the view across the Jura Mountains and the midlands is simply gorgeous. The next stop is the Gägger mountain which is a highlight to many visitors. In this area, the big storm Lothar knocked down the entire forest in 1999 and today visitors are greeted by an exceptional experience: the ‘Gäggersteg’ that describes a partly raised, wooden walkway which runs through untouched nature and exposes unusual views into the wilderness. 12 hectares of the destroyed forest were made into a reserve where visitors can now
Main image: Hiking with a view. Photo: Naturpark Gantrisch Top right: Panoramic hiking trail. Photo: Max Stöckli, artmax GmbH Above right: The ‘Gäggersteg’. Photo: Naturpark Gantrisch Bottom: Panoramic hiking trail. Photo: Max Stöckli, artmax GmbH
explore how a new forest slowly comes to life without human help. For those who want to keep exploring the Gantrisch panoramic trail from here, the Süftenenegg and the Schüpfenfluh mountains will bring them to the Selibüel – the hike’s highest point with a 360-degree panoramic view. This is also the trail’s last highlight before it leads down to the Gurnigel mountain lodge where food, overnight accommodation and buses await visitors. The hike can also be made the other way around. As it primarily goes down that way, it is more enjoyable for many hikers. www.gantrisch.ch
IN THE BERNISCHES HISTORISCHES MUSEUM The world’s first Einstein Museum shows important aspects of Einstein’s life, his time and his revolutionary theories. k Admire the original objects and writings k Discover the unique historical audio and film material k Learn about Einstein’s physics through animation films k Book a guided tour in English, German or French k Enjoy the ambiance of the restaurant in the museum park Einstein Museum in the Bernisches Historisches Museum Opening Hours: Tue–Sun 10 am – 5 pm (Mon closed) Helvetiaplatz 5, CH-3005 Bern, Tel. +41 31 350 77 11 www.einsteinmuseum.ch
BHM_EinsteinMuseum_Discover Germany_205x127.5_E_c.indd 1
13.07.16 08:35
Ankommen und wohlfühlen - mitten in der historischen Altstadt von Burgdorf. • 15 liebevoll gestaltete Hotelzimmer
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• Als Betrieb der Stiftung LebensART Langnau bietet das Hotel Orchidee Menschen mit körperlichen- oder geistigen Beeinträchtigungen einen Arbeitsplatz
• Dachterrasse mit atemberaubendem Ausblick über die Zähringerstadt, über die grünen Hügel des Emmentals und die schneebedeckten Gipfel der Berner Alpen
Das Team des Hotels Orchidee Burgdorf freut sich auf Ihren Besuch!
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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Bern City Special
Above: Museum Franz Gertsch. © Franz Gertsch Museum Right: Franz Gertsch, Maria (2001/02), woodcut, exhibition view, 2016. © Bernhard Strahm Bottom right: Franz Gertsch © Jesper Dijohn
A house of art Switzerland’s finest art and culture The perfect symbiosis of precision, talent and creativity – this perfectly describes Franz Gertsch’s art. For 12 years his most famous paintings and woodcuts have been presented within a breath-taking architectural masterpiece of a building. TEXT: MERYEM HAUER
The Museum Franz Gertsch in Burgdorf in the region of Bern, Switzerland, opened its doors in autumn 2002, dedicating the impressive building to the internationally known homonymous artist. With a notable range of large-sized paintings like Silvia I, Gräser I-IV from 1995 to 1998 and Vier Jahreszeiten (20072011), but also different-sized woodcuts since 1986, the museum is able to call itself the biggest collection of Gertsch works. The exhibition also includes the painting Johanna I of 1983/1984, which signalised the transition from photo-realistic to conceptual painting. Furthermore, the Museum Franz Gertsch proudly presents the triptych woodcuts Gräser (three-part) printed on handmade paper from the Japanese master Heizaburo Iwano. The original idea of the museum The intention to set up the museum came from Dr. h.c. Willy Michel, collector and patron. After a visit to the artist’s studio in 1998, the fervent supporter determined that a museum has to be built in order to effectively present the paintings and 34 | Issue 41 | August 2016
woodcuts. This museum is setting itself apart from others as it is privately financed and managed at 98 per cent. The two architects Martin Sturm and Hansueli Jörg from Langnau planned and realised the building. In close cooperation with the patron Michel and the artist himself, it was possible to create great architecture, which allows the total affiliation of light, design and the presented art. The credo through this whole process was ‘Reduction of architecture – Focus on the Art’ and with simple and discreet design, the construction allows art lovers to focus on the works. Thereby architecture in combination with the exposed works leads to a total symbiosis, accompanied by meditative silence. Offering a total area of about 1,000 square metres, half of it is used to show regular exhibitions from contemporary national and international artists. A multilateral artist The charismatic artist Gertsch, born in 1930, lives and works in Rüschegg near Bern. The international breakthrough came in 1972 with his work on the documenta 5
in Kassel, and from there on many pictorial and graphical works followed. For Gertsch, reality means the biggest challenge within his works. Images or slide projections serve as templates for the masterpieces and the pictures follow thereby their own logic, which aims to achieve the absolute coherence of all the elements. After he finished the painting Johanna I, he realised that there is no way to outreach the already existing level of detail to illustrate. A very significant priority within the lifework of Gertsch is related to the woodcuts. The production underlies a so far unknown precision of completion and in monumental formats that the artist has lent a traditional medium into new dimensions. www.museum-franzgertsch.ch/en/
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Bern City Special
The red saloon. Castle Jegenstorf.
Unknown woman by Emanuel Handmann, Bern, 1760.
Recreation and adventure only a stone’s throw from Bern Castle Jegenstorf offers a variety of adventures and cultural activities for young and old alike. It has many faces and combines baroque architecture, art, culture, history and a recreational park area in one unique location only 15 minutes away from the buzzing Swiss capital of Bern. TEXT: MONIQUE AMEND | PHOTOS: STIFTUNG SCHLOSS JEGENSTORF
It only takes a short ride by car or with the excellent train connection to discover the Castle Jegenstorf with its charming Baroque style and its surrounding park area. It is not only a journey out of busy city life but also a travel through time that takes one back to the 18th century and the life of the Bernese patrician families who used the castle as their residence. The living and interior museum reflects the glamour of the past and revives the Bernese cultivation of home décor. It houses bourgeois and patrician highquality household furniture from the surrounding area, as well as exquisite art handicrafts, portraits and a dozen painted tiled stoves from all over Switzerland. Castle Jegenstorf has witnessed a great deal during its history. Created at the start of the 12th century in wood and used as a fortified manor for ministeriales, the complex was rebuilt in stone and used
during the Middle Ages, renovated into a baroque manor for the wealthy Patrician families in 1720 and was the last command post of the iconic and down-to-earth general Henri Guisan during the Second World War. “Castle Jegenstorf has been an important setting throughout history and therefore attracts many visitors. The grounds are a unique combination of culture, nature, fun, education, history, art and recreation. The park is open to everybody 365 days a year and the ideal place for a fun family picnic,” explains Murielle Schlup, the castle’s curator. The castle grounds do not only attract visitors to relax, dwell and stroll around on a daytrip, but offer a unique setting for private and public events like concerts, children’s festival and weddings. Romantic marriage ceremonies in the park are very popular and the picturesque orangery and castle cellar are the perfect premises for its
many celebrations. The ‘castle(time)travel’ is a special offer for families: equipped with a map and a compass one can go on a discovery tour to find hidden suitcases that are full of exciting and informative contents that tell the castle’s impressive story. www.schloss-jegenstorf.ch
Discovery Tour.
SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS AT CASTLE JEGENSTORF: General Henri Guisan 2 July - 16 October 2016 Parisian Chic & Bernese costumes 4 May - 16 October 2016
Issue 41 | August 2016 | 35
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Discover Northern Germany
Special Theme
Discover Northern Germany
The northern face of Germany While the borders of what we call Northern Germany are not clearly defined, its culture and history are more than distinct. There is a very specific, recognisable feel to the way things work up north and both tourists and residents will testify to its irresistible, inimitable charm.
but in the end a common decision will not be taken. Maybe after all this decision is not even needed, as geography is not the only means to peek behind the curtain that is Northern Germany.
TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS
A defining history When we discover the northern part of Germany, the first thing we have to acknowledge is that we cannot really locate it geographically. Sure, logically it should just be the north of Germany, but immediately questions arise. How far south does it stretch? What about sub categories? What characteristics give a region or city the right to be called northern? Over the years, there have been various ways of finding the north. One of the 36 | Issue 41 | August 2016
most common methods of decoding it is to only take the regions into concern, that originally spoke so-called Low German. However, the lines are blurred instantly as this language or dialect was also spoken in the Netherlands and is therefore influenced by Dutch words. Of course, one could also focus on the national states that border on the northern seas. But what about Lower Saxony, which is so large that its southern parts may not be qualified to be northern? As you can see, arguments can be made for and against these ideas and many more,
Maybe in order to decipher the north, we have to look into its past. Fortunately, or unfortunately, the history of Northern Germany allows us to not only do that in a small way, but to go way back. Close to the city of Brunswick, historians have found hunting weapons and bone fragments dating back around 400,000 years and belonging to the extinct species of Homo Erectus, who was our prehistoric precursor. However, it took our ancestors until 4,000 BC to really settle in, start
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Discover Northern Germany
already mentioned the Romans, but let us see who else visited the north over the centuries. Vikings? Sure, they were here. Pirates? No problem, there is legendary buccaneer Klaus Störtebeker, who was the Robin Hood figure of his time. Traders and merchants? Most definitely. Lead by traders from Lübeck, the unofficial capital of the northern states, the Hanseatic League (or Hansa) arose and brought wealth and fortune to all harbour cities. For better and for worse, Northern Germany experienced every major historical trend first hand. The Black Death or pest, cholera, invasions from France and Britain and, of course, the darkest of times of the 20th century: the First and Second World War and the separation of Germany. Always worth a visit Nowadays, a relaxed positivity prevails, making the north the perfect place for
tourists and visitors. Here is a region where you can do most anything. From the islands in the North Sea, with their stormy frontiers and exquisite animal life, to the big cities, most prominently Hamburg, one of the major cities in the country. From the beautiful landscape of the Luneburg Heath, to the exhilarating adventures in the Heide Park. From the Harz to the Weser Uplands to the relaxation of Mecklenburg Vorpommern and the Baltic Sea. The list could go on forever, but in the end there is one thing to be realised: the north is diverse. And while it cannot be defined, it must be experienced. Main image: A view over the landing bridges in Hamburg. © Joerg Modrow From left: Harz Forest. © Peter Hamel An example of centuries old stone dolmen. © TourismusMarketing Niedersachsen GmbH Old warehouse town Hamburg. © Ingo Boelter A beach on the Baltic Sea. © ostsee.de INFO GmbH Discovering the Luneburg Heath. © Sabine Braun
farming, building and socialising. When it happened, a mysterious civilisation was born and it was the Romans who coined the wording ‘Germanic tribes’ for it. Needless to say, this wording has sustained until the present, as we still refer to ourselves as Germans. Next to our name, one of the most impressive historic leavings of that time are the more than 900 megalithic stone constructions, so called dolmen, which we can still visit today. Whether they were used as tombs, holy worshipping sites or border markings, we will never know, but what we know is that building these dolmens must have taken a great deal of muscularity and knowledge in physics. A place to be If you wanted to be at the pulse of time and experience the defining periods of Germany and the European continent, living in the north of Germany would put you right in the middle of it all. We have Issue 41 | August 2016 | 37
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Discover Northern Germany
German national treasure and long-time healing spa:
The island of Norderney To restore body and soul, some seek the seclusion of a city spa. But the truly lucky go to a spa island that lives and breathes its beneficial values every single day of the year.
numbers rose to 520,000 overnight guests and 240,000 day tourists; marking a third of the whole East Frisian archipelago.
bathing area lies to the west. There is the chilled out hipster El Dorado of the ‘White Dune’ and, last but not least, the ‘Oase’ is ideal for those seeking untouched nature. On Norderney, anyone and everyone will find their individual spot of freedom, air and expanse. Five supervised bathing beaches provide for safe and relaxed swimming in the North Sea.
Modern beach life is a major factor of attraction on the island. With 15 kilometres of sandy beach in total featuring a modern infrastructure, the island will earn the international Golden Quality Coast Award this year. The expansive strips provide space for everyone, promising the ideal beach for each taste: the diversity and summer events at the Northern Beach attract the young crowds, while the family
In addition to the outstanding coastline, the island is well known for connecting modern lifestyle with its own thalassotherapy competence. Countless secular buildings from the 18th and 19th century, when Norderney was used as summer residence for the King of Hanover, have been restored and welcome the guests equipped with the latest technology and a timeless interior.
TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI
Set in the UNESCO world heritage site of the Wadden Sea, Norderney is one of the seven populated East Frisian Islands. With thalassotherapy as its biggest asset, the health-inducing climate of the island forms its nature-given magnet, attracting tourists from all over the world. Founded in 1797, Norderney is the oldest beach resort of its kind on the German part of the North Sea. Over the past two centuries, tourism has continuously been developing and today forms the island’s most important economic factor. Last year, 38 | Issue 41 | August 2016
Main image: White Dune. © SKN/Ostfriesland Bild Left: Seawater pool at bade:haus norderney. © Staatsbad Norderney GmbH, Nicholas Chibac Above: Sauna at bade:haus norderney. © Staatsbad Norderney GmbH, Nicholas Chibac Bottom from left: ‘Kurtheater’, historical spa theatre. © Staatsbad Norderney GmbH, Ingo Jahn Mud treatment at bade:haus norderney. © Staatsbad Norderney GmbH, Nicholas Chibac Mud treatment at bade:haus norderney. © Scheffen/TMN
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Discover Northern Germany
Especially picturesque examples are the ‘Kurtheater’, the ‘Conversationshaus’ and the ‘Inselloft’ building. The ‘bade:haus norderney’ is the biggest thalasso house in Europe. On no less than 8,000 square metres, the sea health spa provides all imaginable variations of thalasso-based treatments. Relating to the Greek word thálassa, standing for health generated by the sea itself, the various forms of thalassotherapy include cold or warmed sea water, sea air, sun, algae, mud and sand. Based on 25 years of research at the Norderney institute for rehabilitation, the healing powers of thalassotherapy for people suffering from insomnia and burnout have lately been confirmed by long-term expert Dr. Friedhart Raschke. From salt bath to sauna, from massage to original Norderney mud baths, the ‘bade:haus’ can turn into a true thalasso home, even offering overnight stays in one of its apartments, a good choice for everyone who looks for a truly outstanding experience. Outside, thalasso can also be enjoyed through dune paths and the so-called thalasso platforms; beautiful
viewing platforms that offer unique views over the sea, the untouched island landscape and that provide information on both thalasso and the Wadden Sea. The Wadden Sea national park is a unique attraction in itself. The specific biological and geological processes it contains and the resulting biodiversity are the reason why the Wadden Sea became a UNESCO heritage site in 2009. A visit at the Watt Welten events centre allows an in-depth look into the unique eco system while the joy of experiencing it through a guided walk or as part of a birdwatchers’ group during bird migrating season will stay with you for years. Due to the interactive and informative quality of its special events and exhibitions, the centre will most probably be christened a UNESCO world heritage centre by next year. While the curative benefits of Norderney’s natural environment provide its highest asset, they are not forming the only attraction. Events like the yearly White Sands Festival on Pentecost weekend, with its beach volleyball tournament and
the windsurf world cup, attract 50,000 guests alone while the open-air live event Summertime@NORDERNEY at the Northern Beach features multiple musical events, from Irish singer Rea Garvey to concerts with the Warsaw symphony orchestra. In total, 1,200 events a year make for the island’s brimming cultural and entertainment calendar. Because of the span of attractions and the manifold qualities making a stay unique and colourful, this goes also for the range of yearly visitors. Overall, people who come to Norderney are attracted by the combination of highquality accommodation, the sophisticated lifestyle, culinary temptations and highlevel entertainment. All these aspects together have given Norderney its excellent reputation and those who have visited the island once tend to come back again soon. In numbers, 70 per cent of visitors return to this magical place of beauty that heals, restores and celebrates life at the same time. www.norderney.de
Issue 41 | August 2016 | 39
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Discover Northern Germany
Come to Oranienburg The historic city of Oranienburg on the outskirts of Berlin attracts two million tourists a year and not only impresses with grand designs, but also with great diversity. This year marks the 800th anniversary of Oranienburg’s first historical mention. Today the beautiful city is home to 44,000 people. Oranienburg’s heart is without a doubt its stunning Baroque Palace, built in 1652 by the Dutch Princess Louise Henriette. Located right by the scenic river Havel, it is a must-see for every visitor. The museum that it houses today invites us to dive deeply into the era of kings and queens. On 13 August 2016, the gorgeous palace garden will come to life during the night and will turn into an illuminated backdrop for big festivities. Live music, artistic shows, cabaret and lots of entertainment for kids turn this night into an unforgettable adventure, which ends with breath-taking fireworks.
The regional market on the last weekend in September is another unmissable event as well as the Lichternacht (night of the lights) in October, where Oranienburg becomes an ocean of light and shops remain open until ten o’clock at night. Situated in an area filled with lakes and forests, nature lovers can explore Oranienburg by bike or even by boat.
The first hanseatic shrimps In Northern Germany’s Grevesmühlen, one can expect a rather unexpected find: shrimps of the highest quality. Here at Cara Royal’s shrimp farm, delicate, regional, freshly caught White Tiger shrimps are produced without the use of any antibiotics. “Our shrimps are culinary treats that come from a natural rearing environment. They stand for a quality that only pure nature can offer,” says York Dyckerhoff, manager of Cara Royal. Thus, the farm puts the shrimps’ wellbeing at the core of its doings: the water and food quality, the water’s oxygen amount or the depths of the rearing tanks are adapted to the shrimp’s natural surroundings. “We put emphasis on ‘class instead of mass’. Shrimps aren’t only products for us but rather animals that we offer habitats. And if you wonder why our shrimps shine in a noble, unique blue, well… it’s a special rearing secret,” smiles Dyckerhoff. On 1,200 square metres and in three rearing tanks for each growth phase, Cara Royal makes it possible for shrimps to develop naturally through balanced stock 40 | Issue 41 | August 2016
density, water that is cleaned every hour, perfectly attuned minerals and French organic feed. This kind of rearing makes the shrimps grow up to 15 centimetres each. Dyckerhoff adds:“Each process is 100 per cent natural, sustainable and traceable. Thanks to its quality and freshness, the
York Dyckerhoff, manager of Cara Royal.
TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE
For families, the Germendorf Wildlife, Adventure and Dinosaur Park and the TURM ErlebnisCity waterpark are certainly worth a visit. Packed with culture, history, nature and a good deal of fun, Oranienburg is the right destination for everyone, both young and old. www.oranienburg.de Left: Fireworks at the Oranienburg Palace Gardens during the Schlossparknacht. © Andreas Herz Right: Palace in Oranienburg by the river Havel. © Finish Werbeagentur
TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF I PHOTOS: THOMAS MANDT
shrimps can even be eaten raw – that is unique in Germany.” No wonder premium hotels like the 4 Jahreszeiten Hamburg and celebrity chefs, such as Rainer Sass (NDR Mediathek, 17 April, Sass: So isst der Norden), have discovered Cara Royal’s tasty shrimps for themselves. If you want to explore the shrimps yourself, simply order them online on the following website. www.cara-royal.de
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Discover Northern Germany
Main image: Giebichenstein castle in Halle at the river Saale. © Jan Laurig Top right: Open-air events in the festival summer in Halle. © Thomas Ziegler Stadt Halle (Saale) Left: State Museum of Prehistory Halle. © virtiv Stadtmarketing Halle (Saale) Above: Market place of Halle with Handel monument. © Michael Bader, IMG
Halle The hometown of George Frideric Handel Halle (Saale) is called the ‘Cultural Capital of Saxony-Anhalt’ for good reason. Over the course of its 1,200 years of history, Halle has become famous for its beautiful old town, the unique and romantic scenery along the Saale River, its tradition of Handel and the Francke Foundations.
There are many reasons to visit the city on the Saale River year round, so come around and have a look.
TEXT: STADTMARKETING HALLE (SAALE) GMBH
The town is known for its beautiful five towers, situated on Market Square: the two round caps, as well as the two blue peaks, of the Church of Our Lady, and the Red Tower. Additionally, 53 per cent of the town is green space, including the extensive riverbanks between Halle’s Old Town and New Town, making Halle one of the greenest major cities in Germany. The historical Old Town contains one of Germany’s largest architectural monuments, the Giebichenstein Castle. Built in the 12th century, the Giebichenstein Castle was once the seat of government for the Archbishops of Magdeburg. Today, it
than 60,000 books from the 17th and 18th century and the unique Art and Natural Curiosities Chamber.
is used to house the University of Art and Design. The Moritzburg, a late Gothic fortress and castle that was partially destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War, was extensively restored between 2005 and 2008. Today it contains The Art Museum of SaxonyAnhalt with a wonderful collection of classical art that is not to be missed. The Foundation of the Great Pedagogue August Hermann Francke originated as a poorhouse and orphanage in 1698. Today, these buildings accommodate one of the oldest libraries in Germany, with more
www.hallesaale.com
HIGHLIGHTS IN 2017: • 22 April – 1 May 2017: 12. International Jazz Festival ‘Women in Jazz’. www.womeninjazz.de • 26 May – 11 June 2017: International Handel Festival at authentic locations in Halle. www.handel-festival.com • 25 August – 27 August 2017: Lantern Festival, the most beautiful public festival along the river Saale in Saxony-Anhalt
Issue 41 | August 2016 | 41
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Discover Germany | Culture Feature | Berlin Biennale
Above: Ninth Berlin Biennale for Contemporary Art, ESMT European School of Management and Technology. © ESMT Right: GCC installation view. Courtesy GCC; Kraupa-Tuskany Zeidler, Berlin; Project Native Informant, London; MitchellInnes & Nash, NY. Commissioned and produced by Sharjah Art Foundation. Photo: Timo Ohler
The Berlin Biennale – the Present in Drag. Can we talk about global narratives now? The Biennale is a city-encompassing event. The venues are pieces of art in themselves: the former head of East German Council (ESMT) is a confident, brutalist ‘60s building, now an expensive Business School. The modernist, glassfronted Akademie overlooks the Hotel Adlon (where Michael Jackson dangled his son) on one side, and the Potsdamer Platz on the other. TEXT: THEMBI MUTCH
Inside the Biennale, it is all communicative capitalism. Hyper-individualism. Supranationalism. All illustrated via conceptual art: lightboxes, gym workouts, race tracks, opportunities to contribute to blogs; interactive apps, narratives that speak to the blurred line between commerce and domesticity. It is hard to take in, but the central theme is the overwhelming bombardment of information. ‘The Present in Drag’, the title of the ninth Berlin Biennale, is a reference (by the Manhattan, 30-something curators DiS collective) to the confusion of ‘our’ present state. Lauren Boyd, one of the DiS collective, says: “We are interested in the globalised issues in Berlin. In the end, when I say globalised, I mean the city itself
is globalised around global real estate, gentrification, the tourism, migrants and refugees. And these are global issues.” Berlin, like almost all European cities, is being hollowed out by gentrification. There is much about the present that is incomprehensible, immaterial, driven by algorithms and it is problematic. But now the artists are speaking. Lauren continues: “The digital condition affects us all, and we’re living in the most contradictory time ever. We wanted to create an exhibition that was equally incomprehensible. The present feels more future than ever. You can predict the future, but you can’t control it. We can absolutely calculate what will happen, with an algorithm, but not know what’s happening under our nose. We are
all hyper-individuals, but then there’s the crushing, anonymising power of big data.” There are a few artists who seem to make comments on real, material issues. For example, GCC collective, based in the Arabian Gulf, make the connection between supply chains, oil and global ideas. They have created a large running track, a stationary mannequin mother in traditional dress ‘healing’ a small child and videos showing the office of the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid whose desk doubles as a ping pong table. This work is motivated by the ruler of Dubai’s (Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum) decision to create a minster of happiness. They critique, cleverly, two phenomena in the Arab States the rise in the ‘happiness industry’: personal healers, self-help, oil wealth, complacency, Feng Shui, meditation, and the state assertion that personal happiness is a pre-requisite of a high-producing capitalist, consumerist economy. GCC issue a group statement, in the form of a question:“We’ve been talking about happiness as a way to influence productivity, which means it’s in a nation’s Issue 41 | August 2016 | 43
Discover Germany | Feature | Berlin Biennale
best interest to promote happiness; so should coaching and holistic practices be provided by the government?” Turkish artist Halil Altindere makes very provocative work. Inside the glass-fronted modernist building, the Akadamie in Berlin, the video Homeland is being played. The video shows a Syrian rapper describing his journey from Turkey, and there are re-enacted scenes in the old airport, and people tumbling off trains in Berlin Central Station. It is impossible to tell what is news footage and what is staged. Refugees in well-cut clothes looking middle class and powerful, are given a voice. They tell us how they do like currywurst now (German-sanctified dish) but also want citizenship papers. The video is edited with scenes from a luxury yoga retreat, people sit in mediational repose, “only observe”the subtitle cuttingly tell us. The entire wall behind the video screen is glass, and down below, in the Potsdamer Platz (yards from the Bundestag), they are debating whether the Turkish quashing of the Armenians in Turkey is a genocide. Where does art stop and life begin? In the KV building, two Los Angeles artists, Trecartin and Fitch, have made a homage to superficiality. The video is a completely scripted unfathomable MTVlike blur of references from homelessness 44 | Issue 41 | August 2016
to valley girl Whatever-ese. Apparently the superficiality is the meta point. Berlin is a fabulous beautiful city where tolerance is normalised, art and life meet, and actually there is a great deal of human goodness. Some of the biennale acknowledges this. There is a stunning work where the themes of lack of intimacy, disconnection and impotence are beautifully dealt with: Karolinski/ Nierman’s Army of Love is a powerful and clever comment on this. It is a video of a naked woman nursing a baby, and other people crowding around her, and a disabled, naked man being caressed by able-bodied naked women. The South African art collective CUSS have created Triomf Factory Shop which is a reference to a real South African super mall in Soweto, an equalising and generous offer for Black South Africans to consume in an equal (but in a different geographical) space to their richer friends. Triomf Factory Shop is a small ‘shop’ complete with flickering neon light (a reference to the increasing power cuts in South Africa) in which one TV and some beer can be bought. “The world seems to be at some kind of major, and frightening turning point. Things like austerity, the rise of xenophobia and extreme nationalism, runaway global warming and the rise of groups such as ISIS. This is against the backdrop of a hyper-connected cyber
world of social media and surveillance. It seems like there is an increased blurring of the ‘virtual’ and ‘real’. So our project has its focus on how information gets manipulated and conveyed in this unstable world!” says the collective. CUSS want to address the new PanAfrican rhetoric that is being created by a highly visually literate youth, to engage with a consistently developing new aesthetics in African art. One of the important roles of public spaces, museums, biennales and festivals is to relocate the conversations, to reorganise our expectations, and to not be too guilty of cultural ventriloquism. There are many people who are interested in the concerns of a small, parochial, youthful elite. The DiS Collective want us to be disturbed, stateless, confused about what is an advert and where the art stops. Annoyed, anxious, a reflection of our contemporary state. The Modern Condition, one where there are no clear reference points. But that is not how many of us actually feel. The Berlin Biennale runs until 18 September 2016. Top left: Ninth Berlin Biennale for Contemporary Art. Courtesy Berlin Biennale für zeitgenössische Kunst Top right: Ninth Berlin Biennale for Contemporary Art, Exterior/ Façade of KW Institute for Contemporary Art. Photo: Julia Burlingham
Discover Germany | Culture | Exhibition of the Month
Exhibition of the Month Germany
Main image: Johann Adolf Lasinsky, Der Rhein bei Koblenz Ehrenbreitstein (detail), 1828. © LVR Landesmuseum Bonn Left: Reichenauer Evangelistar, dedication picture, Reichenau, around 1056, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Kupferstichkabinett. © bpk / Kupferstichkabinett, SMB / Jörg P. Anders Bottom right: Max Ernst, Vater Rhein, 1953, Kunstmuseum Basel. © VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn 2016, Photo: Kunstmuseum Basel, Martin P. Bühler
The Rhine: The biography of a European river In the first biographical exhibition ever dedicated to the Rhine, the Art and Exhibition Hall of the Federal Republic of Germany will highlight the river’s more than 2,000 years of cultural history from September to January. TEXT: NADINE CARSTENS
From the Roman period to the building of Gothic cathedrals and ongoing wars between France and Germany – ‘Father Rhine’, as the Germans like to call the more than 1,230-kilometre-long river, has had a rich and often dramatic history. Today, the Rhine is one of the world’s busiest rivers as it is a major transportation route. Since it has been part of Western Europeans’ identity for many centuries, the Art and Exhibition Hall in Bonn decided to show an exhibition on the river in cooperation with the LVR-LandesMuseum Bonn. Following the course of the Rhine from its sources to the Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt delta, the exhibition The Rhine: The Biography of a European River will show more than 300 exhibits documenting the cultural history of the river. “Never before has there been a biographical exhibition dedicated to the Rhine, displaying a wide range of
objects and paintings from palaeontology to contemporary art,” says exhibition manager Dr. Katharina Chrubasik. “We would like to shed light on events from many different epochs which took place along the river. That the Art and Exhibition Hall is situated on the Rhine was just another reason why curator Dr. MarieLouise Gräfin von Plessen came up with the idea to show an exhibition of this kind,” Chrubasik adds.
present medieval scripts documenting the foundation of monasteries and scriptoriums, as for example a manuscript of the Nibelungenlied,” Chrubasik says. “Since the Rhine serves as a backbone with regard to the politics in Western Europe, with the Council of Europe having its domicile in Strasbourg, we will also reflect on the territorial and political rearrangement of Europe.” The exhibition The Rhine. The Biography of a European River can be seen from 9 September 2016 to 22 January 2017 in the Art and Exhibition Hall, Friedrich-EbertAllee 4 in Bonn. www.bundeskunsthalle.de
Some of the oldest exhibits are fossils; skeletons found in Bonn-Oberkassel are proof of early settlings along banks of the Rhine 14,000 years ago. And of course, visitors will also see various Roman artefacts. For the Romans, the Rhine was part of their well-organised infrastructure and military border between Gaul and Germania. They established military bases and extended the first cities along the Rhine. “Furthermore, the exhibition will Issue 41 | August 2016 | 45
Discover Germany | Feature | Bathing Lakes in Austria and Switzerland
From left: Schwarzsee near Kitzbuehel, Tyrol Kaiser mountain range. © Austrian National Tourist Office, Österreich Werbung / Ascher Mountain lake in the Schobergruppe; Wangenitzsee in Carinthia. © Austrian National Tourist Office, Österreich Werbung / Baumgartner Lake Erlauf / Lower Austria near Mariazell. © Austrian National Tourist Office, Österreich Werbung / Weinhaeupl W. Lake Achensee,Tyrol. © Austrian National Tourist Office, Österreich Werbung / Homberger Lake Vilsalp in Tannheim, Tirol. © Austrian National Tourist Office, Österreich Werbung / Popp Hackner
Summer, sun and mountains Austria might not be the first choice for bathing and swimming enthusiasts when it comes to planning the summer holidays. The country does not have any access to an ocean or the Mediterranean Sea as Italy or Spain have; and usually one associates it with mountains, snow and skiing. Nevertheless, you might want to give it a second thought considering the numerous mountain and bathing lakes the ‘Alpenrepublik’ has to offer. TEXT: MONIQUE AMEND
Austria – the country with its spectacular alpine landscape and breathtaking views from each mountain peak. It is known and loved for the numerous possibilities in winter sports and activities: from skiing and snowboarding to sledding and snow hiking. But one can also enjoy a little beach feeling or transfer his skiing adventures from the mountain tops to Austria’s lakes. Although it is a landlocked country, it attracts many tourists 46 | Issue 41 | August 2016
and visitors from all over the world. Even in the summer, people spend their holidays in Austria rather than at the Adriatic coast or other Mediterranean beaches of the neighbouring country Italy. Changes in demand During the last ten years, Austria’s tourism industry has experienced a shift: from attracting more tourists in the winter to having their busy season now during
the summer. Last year, 51 per cent of all overnight stays were counted in the summer months. Most foreign tourists come from the neighbouring countries Germany and Switzerland, but also the Dutch enjoy the Alpine characterised nature and spend their holidays here. The over eight million Austrians love their home country as well and even make up a quarter of all tourist arrivals in the country and show a high domestic tourism. Of course, all these numbers do not implicate holidays and vacations only committed to bathing and swimming. But many appreciate the combination of hiking and cooling off afterwards in Austria’s fascinating nature. Austrian lakes stand out with their impressive and breathtaking backdrop
Discover Germany | Feature | Bathing Lakes in Austria and Switzerland
scenery of the Alpine mountains and all the other features and advantages that are involved in these special natural phenomena. But before we consider and present different ways to enjoy this beauty of nature, we want to clarify some questions: how are these lakes created and what makes them so special compared to other lakes around the world? Most of the natural lakes are so called glacial lakes. They originate in erosive and raising action of glaciers or glacial meltwater. This provides high water quality and the often crystal clear water conditions in the lakes. EU-proven bathing spots According to a report on bathing waters of Austria in 2015 by the European Environment Agency (EEA), an agency of the European Union, Austria provides excellent bathing spots. It is their job to take water samples during the bathing season lasting for 78 days from the middle of June to the very end of August. Those samples are taken to analyse them for
bacteria, which may indicate the presence of pollution. Altogether, the EEA took 1,419 samples last year, which makes five per bathing water on average. And their results are superb: 99 per cent of bathing waters were tested with good or excellent water quality. The 265 tested bathing waters offer a wide range of water activities, which promise much more than just swimming and dabbling in the lake. During an organised dive, one can discover the often breathtaking underwater worlds and various fish species, which are possible due to the high water quality. Action lovers can put all their energy on wakeboarding and waterski stations. In some cases, the local wind and weather conditions even allow sailing and surfing fans to train their skills on the lakes. For all those who prefer to stay dry, the numerous boat rentals will have the perfect paddle boat or rowboat to enjoy the beautiful panorama and nature around Austria’s great bathing lakes.
Favourite picks With over 260 officially tested bathing lakes, of course we cannot introduce you to every single one. Therefore, Discover Germany has picked its favourites, which are definitely worth a trip. Lake Going is fed by the natural springs of the famous mountain range the Wild Kaiser and was chosen to be Tyrol’s most beautiful natural bathing lake. The Weissensee in Carinthia is famous for its perfect visibility underwater, which makes it the ideal paradise for divers to discover its underwater world and a great deal of different fish species. Although mountain lakes tend to be a little bit cooler, you will experience a tropical feeling at Lake Klopein in Carinthia, which offers water up to 29 degrees and is therefore the warmest alpine lake of all. Lake Altaussee in Styria is also called the inkpot, because of the water’s dark blue colour. Furthermore it has proven drinking water quality and is the perfect place to cool off from the outside as well as the inside. Issue 41 | August 2016 | 47
Discover Germany | Top Wellness Hotel | Austria
Restaurant ‘Stammhaus‘.
Top Wellness Hotel Austria
Ebner’s Waldhof am See. Archery.
From activity holidays to relaxation:
The Austrian Lake Fuschl has something to offer everyone The summer is not yet over, but you may already be thinking where to travel in autumn. The Austrian mountains are a great destination for everyone enjoying hiking or mountain biking, but also for those searching for a calm place to relax from a busy life. Ebner’s Waldhof am See not only lies directly at Lake Fuschl’s shore, but also has its own golf course, a huge wellness world and a familyfriendly atmosphere.
by Elmtrude und Georg Ebner, but over the years has constantly grown. Today it is still family led and consists of three hotel complexes, three restaurants – one about 15 minutes away is a typical alpine cabin – and a large wellness and pool area.
TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN I PHOTOS: EBNER’S WALDHOF AM SEE
Fuschl am See lies not only at Salzburg’s doorstep, but also offers a huge amount of possibilities for those who love outdoor sports. Lake Fuschl for example is quite small, 4.1 kilometres long and 0.9 kilometres wide, and is surrounded by a path that is not too steep but in a beautiful landscape. The lake itself is famous for its clear water; the underwater visibility can be as much as six metres.
When people think about autumn they often imagine dark, deep hanging clouds, raindrops blown onto their cold faces, wet and uncomfortable weather, days better spent at home. But autumn can be quite beautiful, especially the early days in September or October, when leaves turn into bright colours and the landscape looks like a golden painting. But above else, it is a great time for outdoor activities while the weather is still warm enough but not as hot as in summer. 48 | Issue 41 | August 2016
A great holiday destination in autumn is Lake Fuschl, one of Austria’s most beautiful lakes, with its emerald green surface surrounded by mountains and soft green meadows. “The region around the lake is very attractive – no matter how good the weather is,” says Dani Kari-Ebner, managing director at the Ebner’s Waldhof am See hotel that lies directly at the lake’s shore. The four-star superior hotel had started out as small bed and breakfast in the 1950s, founded
The mountain area, the famous Salzkammergut, is perfect for hiking and exploring the alpine landscape in all its glory. But this is not the only possible
Discover Germany | Top Wellness Hotel | Austria
outdoor activity: “For golfers or those who want to become one, we not only have a nine-hole golf course but also a golf academy where people can learn how to golf or improve their skills,” says Dani Kari-Ebner. 20 top golf courses can be found in the surrounding area. If indeed a day is cold and rainy, guests can still enjoy their time in one of the region’s biggest hotel spas. Ebner’s Waldhof am See has a large indoor pool with a wild water stream, a waterfall, underwater jets and a relaxing whirlpool area, with underwater seats and a water temperature of 32 degrees throughout the year. Additionally, the hotel has a new outdoor sports pool with rather stunning views on the lake. The wellness area provides a traditional Finnish sauna, a sanarium, an infrared cabin sauna and a saline steam bath.
Indoor pool.
But while there are many possible outdoor and indoor activities and splendid tourist destinations to visit, there is no obligation to do so. One can also quite simply relax in the hotel and enjoy a time of quiet comfort. “In combination with our outstanding cuisine, the hotel leaves no holiday dream unfulfilled,” says Kari-Ebner. The main house restaurant led by Alexander Ebner focuses on traditional Austrian specialities, while the Gütl Garden Restaurant and the Gütl Terrace have quite a different approach: alpine wellness cuisine. According to the philosophy ‘health from within’, the head chef presents culinary delicacies using only the finest regional produce including native herbs. Hotel Ebner’s Waldhof am See is also a great destination for family holidays: “Our suites are perfect for families and
we even have special indoor playing areas and an outdoor adventure playground with, for example, a trampoline, swings and sandbox.” The newest attraction is a 70-metre-long tubing run, where children – and adults – can whizz down the steep run in a soft tire. It is fast, fun and safe and can be used all through the year – summer like winter. The outdoor playground lies right next to the Waldhof stables with a collection of tame animals – from alpacas to donkeys and horses. But the two ponies Max and Moritz are clearly the stars here. The tennis court, an archery range and the fitness course are also all nearby, so parents can keep an eye on their children while enjoying their holidays. “And we also offer childcare six days a week,” says hotel manager Dani Kari-Ebner. www.ebners-waldhof.com
Waldhof Spa.
Waldhof Spa.
Golf course with the Waldhof Alm.
Pool with a view.
Issue 41 | August 2016 | 49
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Aesthetics & Beauty Experts Austria
Special Theme
Dr. Najib Chichakli with a patient. Photo: Sigrid Mayer
Aesthetics & Beauty Experts
Masters of perfection The aesthetic medicine and cosmetic surgery industry all over the world is booming while offering almost unlimited possibilities. Each year, new treatment methods receive marketing approval and more and more men and women make ample use of the possibilities this medical speciality has to offer. TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF
In 2015, the surgical procedure that was most popular throughout the world was eyelid surgery, followed by liposuction and breast augmentation according to the ISAPS International Study on Aesthetic/ Cosmetic Procedures. Ranking highest on the list of non-surgical procedures was botulinum toxin, aka Botox, in 2015, followed by hyaluronic acid and hair removal. The same study reveals that over 20 million procedures were undertaken in 2014 worldwide. While the USA was the forerunner in plastic surgery with just over four million surgical and non-surgical procedures, Brazil underwent over two 50 | Issue 41 | August 2016
million and the third-largest country with the most surgeries was Japan with over one million. Furthermore, in Germany, 533,600 operations were performed. In Austria, on the other hand, the number seems quite small with around 50,000 cosmetic operations per year according to an estimation by the Austrian Society for Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery (ÖGPÄRC). However, this does not mean that the quality lacks that of other countries. On the contrary, bodies like the ÖGPÄRC or the Austrian Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine (AACSM) cater for transparency, objective
Austria
information and safe and efficient treatment forms. Furthermore, a special Austrian law that tries to prevent or significantly lower the chance of risks and damages of cosmetic operations came into force in 2013. Besides restricting minors under 16 to undergo plastic surgery, this law ensures strict quality requirements. So, what do you need to consider when searching for a great doctor for your aesthetic procedure? Make sure they provide objective, factual and transparent information and, of course, demonstrated specialist expertise, as well as extensive consultation is vital. Furthermore, do not forget to get information on potential risks and impacts of the wanted procedure. So, if you have decided to undergo a certain procedure, why not have a look at the following pages to find out about some great Austrian plastic surgeons that are sure to offer great expertise in their respective fields?
Beauty made in Austria Never have people been more conscious about their appearance. Never has the access to means to enhance or to restore beauty been more easily available than today. Scars or other bodily reminders of an accident, an illness or similar can be mitigated, those little flaws that have always troubled us when we looked in the mirror amended. It therefore becomes ever so important to carefully choose those who will help us achieving the look we imagine for ourselves. Doctor Horst Koch is one of those people who can be trusted to find the best solution to his patients’ needs. TEXT: SILKE HENKELE
Dr. Koch, a certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, opened his practice for aesthetic and reconstructive surgery in 2004. Originally trained in Austria and Germany, Dr. Koch keeps up to date with current innovations in his field of work through regular trips to Paris, the European hotspot of aesthetic surgery. Here, he not only consults with his French colleagues on related topics but also works with them in their practices in order to get a better and, above all, practical understanding of the most up-to-date developments in the field of aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. Apart from the highest scientific and medical standards, Dr. Koch highly values the individuality of his patients
and the personal relation with them. He particularly stresses the need for personal communication before a surgical intervention as well as during their stay at his clinic: “In addition to the concise knowledge of a patient’s current situation, it is equally important to carefully analyse his or her needs and demands,” Koch stresses. Truly living up to his maxim of personal care taking, it is Dr. Koch himself who does the ward rounds and who takes care of his patients’ after-treatment and surgical dressing. This enables Koch to constantly assess his patients’ current needs and hence the prescription of the according treatments.
Left: Univ. Prof. Dr. Horst Koch. – Photo: Horst Koch Right: Privatklinikum Hansa Graz. Photo: Privatklinikum Hansa Bottom right: Consultation and treatment in a pleasant atmosphere. Photo: Horst Koch
quality of living and their zest for life. “Sometimes,” Koch muses, “it is just a minor surgical procedure like for example the treatment of a noticeable scar that puts the smile back in my patient’s face. I feel very honoured to be able to help people in this way.” Koch offers his services at the University Clinic of Graz as well as in his own surgeries in Graz and Innsbruck. Both premises are equipped up to the most modern medical and safety standards and thus provide the ideal surrounding for the restitution of timeless beauty. www.plastchir-graz.com www.plastchir-tirol.at
Dr. Koch feels privileged to be able to restore and to improve his patients’ Issue 41 | August 2016 | 51
DC Tower. © Worseg Clinics
Clinic. © Worseg Clinics
Dr. Sabine Apfolterer:
Highlighting individual beauty It takes a lot of courage to confront your own body and beauty. Dr. Sabine Apfolterer knows that, but because of her innate understanding of people and her extensive medical expertise, one can be sure to be in very good hands when being treated by her at the Worseg Clinics in Vienna. TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS
Born in Bad Leonfelden, Austria, in 1978, Dr. Apfolterer subsequently went on to study at the University of Vienna. Her major and doctorate was in human medicine and, following her studies in Austria, Dr. Apfolterer went over to Germany. At the Steinbeis-School in Berlin, she received a Master of Business Administration for Health and Care and henceforth gained knowledge about the economic workings of a clinic with individual practices. It was always her desire to go into the private sector and form her own independent practice, as opposed to following a career in a large hospital. For that reason, she began professional training to become a plastic aesthetic 52 | Issue 41 | August 2016
surgeon in numerous renowned practices and clinical centres all over Germany. During that time, Dr. Apfolterer focused especially on reconstructive, burn and hand surgeries, while also developing her abilities with regard to further surgical topics. Worseg Clinics Since 2011, Dr. Apfolterer has been part of the team around Dr. Artur Worseg, which forms the Worseg Clinics. Previously known as the ‘Institute for plastic surgery’, the Worseg Clinics are a centre for aesthetic treatment at three locations around Vienna. The Clinics offer holistic care, which in combination with the exceptional medical services constitutes
the high satisfaction of its patients. After two years at the Clinics, Dr. Apfolterer became a Managing Partner in 2014. There, she is now part of a team of five surgeons with different specialisations, together forming the perfect task force for any aesthetic problem. Facial treatments On the one hand, Dr. Apfolterer’s own specialisation is facial treatment. “Here I am particularly keen to combine nonsurgical and surgical methods in order to achieve a natural, harmonic result that fits both type and age,”explains Dr. Apfolterer. One commonly used combination is a Thread Lift with hyaluronic treatment or autologous fat or a combination with a surgical intervention at the upper eyelid. Through managing various workshops with regard to these treatments, Dr. Apfolterer has continuously broadened her expertise in the field. “For me it is important, that I can find an individual solution for every patient.” In that regard,
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Aesthetics & Beauty Experts Austria
every patient brings a different set of circumstances. Only through a personal evaluation and counselling interview can doctor and patient together decide which treatment can be considered. Pretty Mum Her second focus is lifting operations, especially after pregnancies or huge weight reductions. “To support young mothers already during their pregnancy, I have created the website prettymum.at, a platform dedicated to the beauty of mothers.”The site is multifaceted, as it not only presents surgical possibilities, but also gives helpful information regarding fitness, diets and more. Due to the fact that there are always new medical innovations, Dr. Apfolterer routinely visits conventions around the world. “Surgical methods always develop further, to get the optimum with as low a risk as possible. In our job it is indispensable to continue to educate
oneself and keep up with the latest progress. Only in that way I can offer my patients the best possible treatment.” Individual beauty “We are born as originals and should always stay like that.” In her work, Dr. Apfolterer is focusing on the individual beauty of each patient. Every treatment begins with an intimate conversation about wishes and ideas that a patient may have. These very personal thoughts are then examined from a medical point of view. “Contemporary aesthetic surgery stands for not being satisfied with copied beauty ideals, but highlighting the distinct, inherent beauty of each human being.” After an operation, Dr. Apfolterer continues to be available for her patients in that she is not only responsible for their physical beauty, but also for their emotional journey throughout. www.worseg-clinics.com www.prettymum.at
Dr. Sabine Apfolterer. © Bernhard Noll
Clinic. © Worseg Clinics
Issue 41 | August 2016 | 53
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Aesthetics & Beauty Experts Austria
Dr. Thomas Rappl (left) and US tattoo artist Mario Barth (middle).
Dr. Thomas Rappl
How to enhance the art of beauty surgeries with the art of tattooing As senior physician for plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery at the Medical University of Graz, as well as a plastic surgeon at the Schwarzl daycare hospital near Graz, Austria, Dr. Thomas Rappl provides both outstanding theoretical advice and an expert practical skill-set to help his patients gain new self-confidence. At times, this approach even includes such unconventional methods as tattoo surgery. TEXT: SONJA IRANI I PHOTOS: DR. THOMAS RAPPL
“Aesthetic surgeries are proven to have a very positive impact on the wellbeing and self-consciousness of a patient and it’s only natural that in our day and age, when a lot of things have become possible, more and more people wish to look their best,” says the Austrian doctor who 54 | Issue 41 | August 2016
specialises in aesthetic face surgery based on reconstructive surgery techniques. “Reconstruction and aesthetics influence each other a lot. Plastic surgery is the basis for a perfect aesthetic result,” he explains. “Therefore, an aesthetic foundation is a must-do for the perfect reconstruction.”
Looking back on many years of experience as a highly renowned plastic surgeon, Dr. Rappl has helped many people to lead a happier and more convenient lifestyle. “I’m very pleased about each successful reconstruction result - whether that’s a replantation of a detached arm, which afterwards works well again, or helping someone who has been burned by high voltage power to be able to practise his favourite sport once more. And these are just two examples.” Studying and gaining work experience in France and Brazil certainly helped the surgeon in becoming more innovative. “Both
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Aesthetics & Beauty Experts Austria
countries are considered as the birthplace of modern aesthetics,” he explains. “A beautiful and graceful outer appearance is very important in these countries as well as to most of us human beings. Moreover, both countries are extremely innovative when it comes to plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery.” Bring in the tattoos One example of an innovative beauty treatment is combining the art of tattooing and plastic surgery.“As a plastic surgeon, I often encounter limits,” explains Dr. Rappl. “The art of tattooing, however, can create an extra positive boost and consequently help to significantly improve the end result.” That is why Dr. Rappl and his colleague Dr. Simone May established a cross-over collaboration with the famous US tattoo artist Mario Barth (Starlight Tattoo).“Mario Barth and I also work closely together when it comes to my second speciality besides face surgery – breast reconstruction,” adds Dr. Rappl.“Such a collaboration is unique in the world, which is why Dr. Simone May and I are often thought of as pioneers within the tattoo-surgery niche.” Keep downtime down “One of the hottest trends right now is minimalist invasive surgery,” says the
Austrian beauty doctor. “Because most of my female patients are working full-time, they cannot afford a long period away from work. Regarding larger, surgical procedures, this is often the case though. That’s why a lot of our treatment strategies make the procedure as short and least invasive as possible in order to keep the downtime short.” In Europe, there is also an ever-growing trend to look as natural as possible after a plastic surgery.“This has gained a lot of pace and recognition in the US too, which is why we’ll probably see this trend continuing around the world in the upcoming years,” the established surgeon predicts.
Dr. Rappl is often invited by companies to contribute to the training and development of their staff. “That is a big challenge, but it’s a lot of fun, too,” gushes Dr. Rappl.
Learn from the specialist
www.schoenheitschirurgie-graz.at
Choose your doctor wisely “In order to protect yourself from nasty surprises, it’s highly recommended that patients thoroughly inform themselves about the quality and reputation of the doctor who offers aesthetic surgery,” recommends Dr. Rappl.“This is due to the fact that there are more and more doctors newly entering the market each year. At the same time, the market is becoming increasingly complex and difficult to keep track of.”
Aside from the private - predominantly aesthetic - surgeries that Dr. Rappl offers at the Schwarzl day-care hospital, Dr. Rappl’s activities also include international lectures and talks, conventions and training sessions for international colleagues from all around the world. Due to his comprehensive work experience as a plastic surgeon, his good contacts regarding the science and research teams at the Medical University of Graz as well as his commitment and reputation as a leading expert on an international level,
The Schwarzl day-care hospital near Graz, Austria. Dr. Thomas Rappl (left) and colleague Dr. Simone May (right).
Issue 41 | August 2016 | 55
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Aesthetics & Beauty Experts Austria
Dr. Balogh’s surgery.
Dr. Balogh at her registration desk. Dr. Balogh performing surgery on the hand.
Offering a holistic approach Dr. Brigitta Balogh, specialist doctor in plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery in Vienna, knows that her medical field is often stereotyped: “One quickly thinks about stars whose procedures fundamentally went far beyond their objectives. That’s why it’s important to find the right balance between good looks and experiencing their own body. In the end, beauty means feeling confident - this credo is crucial.” TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF I PHOTOS: DR. BRIGITTA BALOGH
When one enters Dr. Balogh’s practice in Vienna, one can immediately feel a cosy feel-good ambiance. With a high degree of empathy, the doctor is able to put herself in the position of her clients. “Me and my small team constantly try to make a patient feel as comfortable as possible. Of course this includes integrity, taking a lot of time for each patient and offering holistic, personal advice to prevent unrealistic expectations,” the doctor notes. As she provides breast and hand surgery, aesthetic operations, wrinkle treatments, reconstructive surgery, tumour removals, as well as surgery of the peripheral nerves, it becomes clear that Dr. Balogh offers 56 | Issue 41 | August 2016
a great package. So, why did she decide to become a doctor in plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery? She smiles: “Actually it was quite a coincidence. I originally wanted to go into cardiac surgery, but when I found out more about plastic surgery, it was love at first sight. I like being able to work on the entire body. When a patient suffers from impairment of the hand function for example, there is no better feeling than helping that patient to feel again so that he or she is able to use the hand in daily life again.” Having gained extensive experience throughout her medical studies and training at the Medical University ofVienna
and the Medical University of Hannover, Dr. Balogh received her specialist diploma in 1993 before working as senior physician. After receiving her habilitation for the subject ‘plastic surgery’ in 2003, Dr. Balogh went on to work in various university clinics and has participated in numerous additional trainings. Last but not least, the doctor is dedicated to scientific research to keep up with the latest trends. Thus, it seems no wonder that she won first prize for the best scientific and didactical presentation of the Austrian Society for Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery three times already. With that much specialist knowledge, we wanted to know what the latest trends in her medical field are. She says: “Breast corrections and vampire lifts are especially popular at the moment. The latter describes non-surgical skin rejuvenation through injecting patients’ blood, alongside PRP plasma cells and regenerating proteins into a patient’s skin.” www.drbalogh.at
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Aesthetics & Beauty Experts Austria
Haute couture plastic surgery in the heart of Vienna Dr. Najib Chichakli is a consultant in Vienna’s biggest clinic for plastic surgery. With more than 16 years of experience in plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, he is an internationally known expert, lecturer at top conferences and medical advisor for aesthetic medical companies. TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN
Plastic surgery is more than only Dr. Najib Chichakli’s profession. It is his mission and passion. “Plastic surgery is a combination of art and surgery,”says Dr. Chichakli.“The difference between an outstanding plastic surgeon and an average one lies not only in surgical skills, but also in having the aesthetic creative gene. Like every piece of art, it should be unique and made with passion and love.” Dr. Najib Chichakli wants to set new trends in aesthetic medicine, away from an exaggerated look and back to natural and individual beauty.“Our treatments are custom made, meet the patients’ expectations and underline their unique characters.” This can only be achieved through very profound analysis, listening to patients’
wishes and concerns as well as making individual plans to meet their expectations. “We want patients to feel at home in our clinic,” states Dr. Chichakli. Thus, he and his team are dedicated to taking care of patients and making their visit a unique experience. The team of experts offers the newest treatments, while covering the
whole range of aesthetic medicine, beauty and wellness. “Patients receive holistic state-of-the-art and custom-made treatments, addressing the cause and not only the symptoms.” Dr. Najib Chichakli also uses the most advanced and effective devices and techniques to improve and optimise results - if possible without surgery. www.drchichakli.com Dr. Najib Chichakli’s practice. Photo: Maximilian Salzer, 2016
Dr. Najib Chichakli. Photo: Sigrid Mayer
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Touch technology in XXL With interactive display systems clients can be reached more effectively so that brands and products achieve maximal interest and impact. eyefactive develops relevant, large-format hardware and software for the use in salesrooms, hotels, museums, at exhibitions or in public spaces. TEXT: MATTHIAS WOGGON, EYEFACTIVE GMBH, TRANSLATION: NANE STEINHOFF I PHOTOS: EYEFACTIVE GMBH
With the success of smartphones and tablets, controlling via smaller touchscreens has been established at the latest. Direct operation with the fingers is more user-friendly than ever: touch technology enables access to digital information to a broader target group than it is possible with mouse and keyboard. Future market: interactive signage The digital signage industry, which is still young but growing rapidly, deals with display systems in so-called ‘out-ofhome’ areas. Through using interactive displays with corresponding applications, clients even get directly, interactively and more emotionally involved into the communication process. According to a study from Ingram Micro, the revenue can be increased by 20 to 30 per cent. Evolution in human-computer interaction With unlimited touch technology, even several users can interact at the same time 58 | Issue 41 | August 2016
on large displays. With this, clients do not have to wait for free spaces anymore and can look up digital information about the products on their own or collectively at the same time. Visitors browse through virtual products, websites and brochures with the advisory staff. With simple gestures, information in the form of pictures, videos, PDF documents or 3D models can be intuitively moved, rotated or scaled. Thus, clients can put together their personal shopping basket or send detailed information to their email inbox via virtual keyboard. Field of applications Besides virtual product catalogues, application possibilities include interactive maps, feedback forms, social media or games. The new possibility of joint interaction on large touchscreens offers space for innovative solutions to inform and enthuse visitors. Particular points of sales or information, such as stores,
Top left: S-shaped multi-touch counter (six metres) for MANN+HUMMEL (trade fair). Top right: Interactive information desk in the Europa Passage (Hamburg). Bottom: Three-metre-long, interactive multi-touch wall with product recognition in Beiersdorf Eucerin’s skin institute.
shopping centres, museums, airports or train stations are usage sites. Another technology picks up the wellknown principle of barcodes: objects that are equipped with a printed code can be detected and processed from displays. A large care product provider uses this technology on a three-metre-long wall for example where the advertised products are ready to hand. When visitors hold a product with its barcode to the display, a virtual window with background information in the form of texts, photos and videos appear. Furthermore, these windows can be controlled with the fingers via multi-touch and the desired information can be sent directly online via email with a virtual keyboard. www.eyefactive.com
Discover Germany | Business | Solicitor Column
Brace, brace TEXT & PHOTO: GREGOR KLEINKNECHT
about party leadership, thereby only increasing the political uncertainty and vacuum in the immediate aftermath of the vote. At the time of writing, the United Kingdom at least has a new prime minister and, if nothing else, she will hopefully provide a steady hand in steering the country into an unknown future. The outcome of the Brexit vote was close but clear and it is also clear that there is unlikely to be a second referendum anytime soon. The fact of the matter is that the people of Britain have voted to leave the European Union and, whether you agree with the outcome or not, we must now live with it and make the best of what the future holds. What that best is, is for now entirely unclear.
A bit like with the safety drill in the airplane, you can brace for the impact of Brexit, but ultimately you have to rely on the pilot to bring the airplane back down to Earth safely. Except that the pilot resigned mid-flight, following a massive political miscalculation; and those who set the airplane on its fatal course in the first place have jumped ship and run for the hills, Costa Concordia style, although I am now definitely mixing up my metaphors - and the one thing we do not need right now is any more confusion. Rather than to provide the country with the leadership and direction it urgently needs (also as a matter of responsibility to its European partners), both Government and opposition turned to navel-gazing
While the Scottish referendum in 2014 was accompanied by a detailed white paper that provided a roadmap for the future following a possible independence vote (which did not of course then happen but is now rearing its head again), the Brexit campaign had no plan as to the direction in which the United Kingdom should travel after a Brexit vote. Many of the promises made by Brexit campaigners were quickly exposed for what they were: the promise of an extra £350 million every week for the National Health Service, for example, springs to mind, which was withdrawn as soon as the final votes were counted – apparently a misunderstanding. The Government must now roll up its sleeves and develop a plan for Britain’s future and a strategy for the exit negotiations with its European partners as soon as possible. In the meantime, the economic predictions that preceded the referendum are starting to come true, with Sterling losing value, stock markets
dropping, jobs being transferred abroad, and foreign investment all but grinding to a halt. However, it will take rather longer for the full impact of Brexit to be felt. While the world is still turning, Britain’s world is at risk of turning rather more slowly in the future. In the meantime, however, Britain remains a member of the European Union with full rights and obligations. Even once Britain has actually left, it is likely that legislation will have to be introduced to provide for previously directly applicable European law to continue in force unless and until it is amended or repealed by national legislation. That process of disentanglement will take many years, if not a generation. Businesses and individuals must accommodate the uncertainty that this creates and must consider and plan for the likely implications. While we do not yet know the shape of things to come, we do know which areas of the law are likely to be affected by Brexit and there are steps that businesses and individuals can and must take now. This is where the lawyers come in and I hope that the legal profession can play its role in trying to provide as much of a soft landing as possible.
Gregor Kleinknecht LM MCIArb is a German Rechtsanwalt and English solicitor, and a partner at Hunters Solicitors, a leading law firm in Central London. Hunters Solicitors, 9 New Square, Lincoln’s Inn, London WC2A 3QN, E-mail: gjk@hunters-solicitors.co.uk www.hunters-solicitors.co.uk
Issue 41 | August 2016 | 59
Special Theme
Consumer Electronic & Software Trends 2016
The trends of tomorrow Our lives are increasingly coined by fascinating technology. For example, one is now able to regulate a home’s heating with their mobile phone from afar. Or why not take gaming to the next level with virtual reality devices? Whether for practicality or for fun, many German developers are working meticulously to bring consumers more and more innovative products, devices and software. TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF
For those who want to have a look at the newest consumer electronics trends, this year’s IFA trade fair is probably the best option. From 2 to 7 September, the fair that is often referred to as the most renowned exhibition for consumer electronics and home appliances will showcase many innovations and new products, from screens for fascinating HDR images, UHD films from the new Blu-ray Disc, glasses and cameras for virtual reality, safety, comfort and energy efficiency through smart networks to sensors for fitness and health, fascinating cameras, smart heating control, superfast 3D scanners, music streaming portals, diverse new headphones and much, much more. If that sounds interesting to you, head to Berlin’s ExpoCenter City between 2 and 7 September. If you do not have time 60 | Issue 41 | August 2016
in September, simply look at the following pages where we showcase some of this year’s IFA exhibitors, as well as many great software and app developers that seek to facilitate and enrich your life.
Main image: Miss IFA presents new products 2016: XLHF302PHT by Sharp. © Messe Berlin Top right: © Nigel Goldsmith, www.nigelgoldsmith.co.uk, Flick.com Above: © www.perspecsys.com, Flickr.com Bottom right: IFA Global Press Conference 2016, Dr. Christian Göke, CEO Messe Berlin. © Messe Berlin
companies that offer help with creating great apps or websites, the German software market has a great deal to offer that will facilitate one’s life or help companies with daily business dealings. If you want to head to this year’s IFA, Discover Germany readers can save four euros when buying a single ticket and even 17 euros when choosing the 3-for-2 ticket. The discounted tickets can be bought online at the following link until 1 September. www.tickethall.de/ifa-berlin-02-07-09-2016
The software, app and IT industry in Germany might not be as world famous as it is in the USA to consumers, but German companies are internationally successful with their vast variety of products, apps and services. While their names might not be known to many people, they are extensively innovative and exportoriented. Take a look at the following pages to find out more about 2016’s interesting software trends these companies have to offer. Whether professional, easy-to-use database solutions, smart software for comprehensive inventory or innovative
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Consumer Electronic & Software Trends 2016
Ninox - The smart database Ninox is an easy-to-use – and easy to customise – database software for teams and individuals. With the simplicity of a spreadsheet, Ninox provides all the indepth features of a relational database. Dozens of advanced features make it the right choice for a wide variety of business and personal applications. TEXT: ELISABETH DOEHNE I PHOTOS: NINOX SOFTWARE GMBH
Business intelligence means efficiently managing and processing everything in one place. In terms of business software, applications should be user-friendly, fast and well designed. Ninox embraces these values and lets users process, manage and share all of their work effortlessly. The software is the Swiss Army Knife of business applications, if you will.
individuals’ and companies’ success.“More than 60,000 customers around the globe love Ninox for its unique combination of simplicity and flexibility,” explains Frank Böhmer.
"Companies often struggle to find business software that really meets their unique requirements. That's why we designed Ninox from ground up with flexibility in mind. With Ninox, everyone can create custom forms and reports. While having a gradual learning curve, users benefit in the long term from our full-powered relational database," states CEO and founder Frank Böhmer.
Ninox gives users all the professional features and tools to create forms and reports with calculations, table relations, printing, charts, data management to name just a few. Easier to use than competing programmes, the software is perfect for both individuals and team collaborations. To get started quickly, users can pick from several templates. The library includes starter solutions for customer relationship management (CRM), accounting, expense tracking, invoicing, project management, event planning and many more.
Working smarter and faster
Meeting SME business needs
Founded in 2013, the Berlin-based startup develops customised, easy-to-use business applications to leverage both
Especially for small and medium-sized companies – which are often faced with the challenge to find affordable, customised IT
From top left: Efficient, beautiful diagrams and charts are part of Ninox's creative presentation tools. Ninox helps businesses from all industries to optimise the digitisation of their processes. Individual business applications can be created with Ninox on MacBook.
solutions – Ninox is a powerful and flexible tool to help companies create optimised business applications. The professional software supports the daily tasks of CEOs and managing professionals in small to medium-sized companies as well as team leaders in a variety of industries. Businesses of any kind use Ninox to support and optimise processes – making their business more intelligent. The Ninox database is available on the web or as an app for Mac, iPad and iPhone on the App Stores in several languages. Teams can sign up with the Ninox Cloud and start collaborating. www.ninoxdb.de Ninox team and founder Frank Böhmer (front, right) - since 2014 they have been working on the innovative business software.
Issue 41 | August 2016 | 61
Main image: © Kevin Shine, Flickr.com Above from left: Software and device list, Search and queries, and Object details. © VisLogic GmbH
Combining vision and logic In order to keep track of their IT inventory, companies need to have reliable and modern software. The so-called Lan-Inspector, produced by the company VisLogic domiciled in Elmshorn, is the perfect tool for this purpose. At this year’s CeBIT, the current product version 10 was awarded with the innovation prize in the IT category. TEXT: NADINE CARSTENS
“Computer networks are as unique as companies’ services and products,” says Maxim Szenessy, managing director of VisLogic. “Therefore, creating a complete inventory data base is automatically a challenging task.” This is where the LanInspector 10 helps out: it manages to scan all computers in a network and even reaches devices located in other countries when they are connected to the internet. “These notebooks can be inventoried 62 | Issue 41 | August 2016
via e-mail, if security restrictions prevent any other method,” Szenessy explains. Large companies with a growing structure benefit especially from the Lan-Inspector’s various methods of collecting inventory data. “Only if you know about everything in your network, you may be able to escape the licence jungle,” Szenessy says. In order to adapt to the different requirements of their customers, VisLogic
offers different editions of the LanInspector 10. All editions provide German and English language support for the graphical user interfaces. Small businesses with up to 25 computers can choose the Basic Edition, for example. It scans the network and provides an accurate overview of all the software and hardware immediately. The Basic Edition also offers a module for managing licences. Various editions for various requirements “Administrators who want extended options or who manage networks with up to 100 PCs or servers should check out the Professional Edition,” Szenessy adds. “It includes the popular start prevention for specified software, which helps to ensure
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Consumer Electronic & Software Trends 2016
that unwanted and harmful programmes cannot be executed in their network.” Medium-sized businesses would also profit from Active Directory support for Citrix licences. Using the Professional Edition of the Lan-Inspector 10, they could also manage user-defined inventory assets, calculate licence reports with upgrade and downgrade queues, and deposit reports as templates permanently. “Especially medium-sized businesses tend to be a target of software producers who try to coerce users into piling up licence fees,” Szenessy criticises. Especially those companies need to manage their licences continuously in order to avoid unnecessary licence costs. A third option is the Enterprise Edition that has no limitation on the number of devices and therefore is suitable for all network sizes. It offers comprehensive server functionality with multiple user access. Enterprise customers can optimise future volume agreements by using the module for software usage analysis. This edition also features an e-mail service for reports the Lan-Inspector generates from real-time data using a time scheduler.
Especially banks and those institutions, which underlie legal revision policies, must keep track of assets and processes within their network. To support the responsible persons, VisLogic implemented a highly effective archive function. Lan-Inspector users can instantly look up which software was installed on PC ‘X’ regarding 5 January 2015, for example. Administrators can create real-time reports and complex queries from the archived data of every day in the past. Before ordering, customers can get a preview of the Lan-Inspector 10 by installing an easy-to-use evaluation version. According to VisLogic, the trial versions offer the full range of functions corresponding to the edition the customer likes to choose. However, Szenessy recommends interested admins to benefit from their guided tours through the trial versions. Via telephone or in remote sessions, potential customers can get a clear idea of all the features.
in 2000, we found a market niche: there was no comparable software that quickly compiled a clean list of the installed software,”the managing director states.“In the beginning, the Lan-Inspector was just about software and licences.” The latest version now creates a valuable database of the complete inventory of a company’s IT landscape, including software and hardware, as well as various information about the configuration of the devices. Over the years and with the release of new operating systems, the Lan-Inspector has been continuously extended. “At any time, we exclusively modify our standard product Lan-Inspector for our customers in order to meet their individual demands,” Szenessy says.
Continuous improvement
VisLogic has recently been establishing the cost-free partner network ‘VisLogic SamNet’: “We seek to cooperate with IT system houses and offer exceptionally good conditions to SamNet partners,” Szenessy says. “If interested, IT service providers are welcome to get in touch with us.”
Lan-Inspector 10 is the latest version of this licence management software. “Back
www.vislogic.de
Photo: © tec_stromberg, Flickr.com
Photo: © Quapan, Flickr.com
Photo: © tec_stromberg, Flickr.com
Photo: © tec_stromberg, Flickr.com
Issue 41 | August 2016 | 63
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Consumer Electronic & Software Trends 2016
Comfort of a pre-cooled home.
The ultimate ‘welcome home’ For too long, saving money by reducing your heating bills has been synonymous with discomfort, with prudence taking precedence over the presumed lavishness of sitting around in a pleasurable climate. But driven by the belief that saving energy can be both smart and satisfying when it comes to heating, the Munich-based company tado˚ has crafted an app-controlled smart thermostat to combat this. TEXT: EMMIE COLLINGE I PHOTOS: TADO˚ GMBH
Founded in 2011, tado˚’s aim is to develop technologies and products that enable a sustainable lifestyle without sacrificing comfort. CEO and Co-founder Christian Deilmann explains how the pioneering team have focused on a market where they can really have an impact: the heating and cooling of homes. The idea was first born after Deilmann returned to Germany from a stint of studying in a perpetually warm state of the USA and enlisted the help of three friends, Leopold von Bismarck, Johannes Schwarz and Valentin Sawadski. Now essentially split 64 | Issue 41 | August 2016
into two strands, tado° has created the tado° Smart AC Control (cooling) and the tado° Smart Thermostat (heating). In terms of home climate control, the team saw untapped potential for smarter technologies that can save huge amounts of energy to benefit consumers. Striving for comfort, convenience and savings – three aspects that the team personally value – the Smart Thermostat and the Smart AC Control lead to immense energy saving costs as your heating or air conditioning work around
the hours you are at home. In fact, unlike a regular thermostat with prescribed schedules, the stylishly understated tado° can detect your homecoming in advance and automatically reach the desired temperature for your arrival. Thanks to painstaking research into smarter technologies for heating and cooling devices, the days of arriving home to an unpleasant climate are over. With the simple installation of a tado˚ device, which gives every resident access to an even simpler smart phone app, Deilmann reels off the advantages: residents can not only set, alter and configure their heating and air conditioning remotely, but also reap the benefits of tado˚’s intelligence to cut costs, heat their home more sustainably and eliminate hassle. The innovative and close-knit team admits their attention revolves around
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Consumer Electronic & Software Trends 2016
simplifying the lives of people around them, jokingly explaining how the early prototypes of the Smart Thermostat were handed out on trial to friends and relatives. While it might sound complex, it is very simple to set up regardless of your heating system or air conditioner. Once armed with a tailored step-by-step guide, the whole process typically takes around 30 minutes – “and won’t need a computer science degree.” The Smart AC Control is compatible with almost all remotecontrolled AC units. Sustainable, sensible and safe, the geolocation capability is a major selling point. Once the app is running on each resident’s smartphone, tado° detects when the home is empty and duly turns down the heating or air conditioning. In a similar vein, once it identifies that a resident is approaching home, the heating or air conditioning is turned back up to the set temperature. As a result, the cited savings in energy Control from anywhere.
costs do not seem at all surprising; the heating or cooling is activated much more effectively than with a regular setup and you will be hard pushed to waste valuable energy. Deilmann recognises that many clients would be hesitant to reveal their whereabouts, and is quick to confirm that the team places the utmost importance on data privacy, tracking only proximity to the home rather than a specific location. Ever on the pulse of the times, tado° even employs the same strict data encryption as internet banking. In a further bid to reduce heating costs and impress with its hi-tech exploits, tado° is also capable of adapting to the weather forecast and utilising natural heat. Despite sounding farfetched, tado° is equipped to not only read the current indoor and outdoor temperatures, but also factor in weather forecasts to adapt your heating in advance and let the
sun’s natural warmth flood into the home to do the same job as the heating system. As with all things smart and app-based, you have to keep up with the competition; and naturally the young team at tado° strive to keep ahead of the curve. Having established itself firmly in Germany and Europe over the past five years, tado° launched into the US market last summer after a hugely successful Kickstarter campaign. Deilmann concludes with some hints at what is heating up in Munich, including Smart Radiator Thermostats that identify and link a home’s individual radiators, allowing multi-zone control with the same tado° intelligence. Then there is a collaboration with the Apple HomeKit on the cards, which he excitedly reveals will allow seamless integration with Siri and other smart home devices. www.tado.com
Location-based automation.
Issue 41 | August 2016 | 65
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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Consumer Electronic & Software Trends 2016
Seeing everything In the summer of 2015, Berlin-based start-up Panono GmbH launched its first 360-degree digital camera with the highest resolution of any 360-degree camera available. Today, the company is growing steadily and orienting itself further to the Prosumer and B2B market. TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS I PHOTOS: PANONO GMBH, MARKUS WAELDE
When founder and CEO Jonas Pfeil went on holiday to Tonga in 2007, he wanted to take panoramic photos, but could not find a feasible way to do it. Back home, he decided to make his problem the topic for his thesis at the Technical University of Berlin. Soon he had created a first prototype of a football-sized camera utilising 36 individual lenses. He presented the idea both at his university and in a video on YouTube that soon went viral. Subsequently, a crowdfunding and a crowd investing campaign enjoyed record-breaking reception and Panono was officially started.
The Panono 360° Camera is roughly the size of a grapefruit. It still uses 36 lenses and operates with 108 megapixels. Photos are taken using a tripod or a selfie stick. Once the camera is on, it is connected with your smartphone or tablet and the Panono App. When shooting a photo, you can immediately see a first version of it on your device. To complete an image, the stored files are loaded from the camera into the company’s cloud service, where the 36 images are stitched together. Afterwards, photographers can share it right from Panono’s website or download the 16kx8k image onto their hard drives.
Main image: Panorama U.S. Bank Stadium Minnesota Vikings. © Panono Gmbh From left: Panono 360˚ Camera. © Panono GmbH Panorama Chalet Salomon, Switzerland. © Panono GmbH CEO Jonas Pfeil. © Markus Waelde
At the moment, the company has set its sights on becoming the preferred 360-degree photo solution for professional applications. “For professionals, a high image quality is crucial,” explains Pfeil. “More often the application goes beyond classic marketing activities, for example in construction, where planning and documentation is done.” In the future, Panono wants to offer extra services for B2B clients, such as adding information to images through annotations or building virtual tours for real estate. With the rise of virtual reality, the professional demand is bound to grow further and with that growth Panono will continue to refine its product, enabling you to see everything. www.panono.com
Issue 41 | August 2016 | 67
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Consumer Electronic & Software Trends 2016
Transforming business:
Not only making services and processes digital, but mobile Digital transformation is one of the key challenges, yet many companies are struggling with it. In most cases digitalisation means going mobile. But finding the right strategy and partner is not easy, especially since technology changes so fast. Munich-based mobile consultancy bellboxx is an expert in this field.
individual service providers, but only one to take care of all their potential and diverse mobile projects. www.bellboxx.com
TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN I PHOTOS: BELLBOXX
Whether it is operating and controlling processes, visualising them, marketing, sales or communication, at one point digitalisation certainly means developing mobile solutions in the form of apps, virtual reality or connected solutions. Technology, services and the market are very complex and often companies do not have the necessary experts in-house. “This is where we come into play and take clients by the hand,”says bellboxx founder Ingo-Marc Ferdini, a mobile veteran with more than 17 years of experience. The bellboxx - mobile internet services GmbH was founded in 2006 by two
former Vodafone and Orange managers. Both wanted to use their knowledge, experience and diverse network to consult others on how to develop a mobile strategy, what to think of designing and launching successful apps or virtual reality solutions and how to deal with the whole mobile lifecycle. “We consult clients from all sectors on the right strategy, technology, products and services, we develop a concept and organise the technical implementation process,” says Ferdini. The decisive advantage working with bellboxx is that clients no longer need to contact many
Above: bellboxx founder Ingo-Marc Ferdini
Discovering Ibiza’s best beaches using a mobile phone guide Apps have become important in people’s business and in everyday life. The Cologne-based software service provider Appside.me develops native and cross-media apps that offer users not only fun but great service. Appside.me has developed ‘Find your beach – Ibiza’ for iOS and Android, an app that makes carrying heavy guidebooks obsolete.
various software solutions, among them app development for iPhone, Android or Windows phones or hybrid solutions with full frontend and backend service. www.appside.me
TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN I PHOTOS: APPSIDE.ME
As the title implies, ‘Find your beach – Ibiza’ is dedicated to Ibiza’s beaches. It not only delivers all the necessary information like beach descriptions, footage shot by drone cameras or navigation from current location to a chosen beach, its unique selling point is its social media function. Users themselves determine the app’s content, for example by uploading pictures or commenting on other users’ content. In future versions, users will be able to start their own thread about new beaches they have discovered and enjoyed visiting 68 | Issue 41 | August 2016
or other special topics. It will also allow people to communicate with each other. This lively and dynamic environment – great pictures and videos included – is not only very functional but also a great deal of fun, even for people who are not on the island yet but are dreaming about their next holiday. The Find-your-beach-app is a 100 per cent in-house production of Appside. me – from the first concept, to data research and programming the app. As IT service provider, Appside.me offers
Left: Look at the most recent photo uploads. Right: 65 beaches of various kinds are waiting for you.
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Special Theme
Top Architects Switzerland
Switzerland’s structural marvels There is something inherently timeless about architecture in general and Swiss architecture in particular. More than anything, architectural creations are milestones of our development as human beings, while also representing a door into our shared history. In Switzerland this door is wide open and the many architects working in the country today surely will not let it close in the near future. TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS
In European history, Switzerland takes a unique place as the country has been at peace for more than 200 years. Naturally, preserving cultural treasures is easier in amicable times and this is resembled throughout the Swiss landscape. In that regard, visitors are able to experience almost every major trend in European architectural history. From the stone houses in Ticino, to the half-timbered houses in the eastern parts and the UNESCO world heritage old town of Bern, Switzerland’s architecture is as diverse as it gets. This diversity is ubiquitous in its contemporary architecture as well. Since the early 70 | Issue 41 | August 2016
20th century, there have continued to be visionary Swiss architects with worldwide followings. One of these artists was Charles-Édouard Jeanneret, better known as Le Corbusier. He was not only highly influential, but also quite controversial in his attempts to combine human existence and the industrial society. It was mostly the element of functionality that inspired a whole generation of architects. In recent years, the duo Herzog & de Meuron has been the latest, worldchanging Swiss architecture export. Both are graduates of the ETH Zurich University, one of a handful of schools with dedicated
study programmes for architecture. Their work, which features minimalist designs, has become an international sensation. Therefore, the list of their achievements is long: the Tate Modern in London, the ‘Birds’Nest’in Beijing, the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg and many more. At home, the two have created the St. Jakob Park in Basel and the Schaulager, which combines a public museum and an art store. As you can see, Switzerland may be a small country, but its architectural reach goes far beyond geographical borders. Rooted in a long history, new creative voices arise on a regular basis. On the following pages you will be able to get an inside look at some of these artists. From top left: ETH Zurich University interior. Photo: © ETH Zuerich Tate Modern museum. Photo: © Hayes Davidson and Herzog & de Meuron Heidi Weber Museum by Le Corbusier. Photo: © Roland Fischer Schaulager outside. Photo: © Ruedi Walti ETH Zurich University. Photo: © ETH Zuerich
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Top Architects Switzerland
A touch of soul:
Top left: Stern Luzern (conversion of two storey restaurant, Luzern). Middle: Herzog Bar. Top right: Ampersand, restaurant in Luzern. Avobe: Pracht (hairdresser).
BUILD_Inc. architects put space and usage in context Swiss-based BUILD_Inc architects derive an idea from its given context and adapt it to their respective client’s needs with mindful consideration. By analysing not only the space but also the individual client as a human being, they create a scenario of harmony in which the future user can thrive.
preset style. Synchronising the history and the future usage of a space while concentrating on the essential forms the ultimate goal for each of their works.
TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI I PHOTOS: EZGI POLAT
For 2016 and next year, challenging projects will include the fit-out of an entire additional storey for the Monopol Hotel in Luzern as well as upgrading a 1,000-square-metre-large brewing kettle factory. But also smaller projects like an ice cream parlor, set in a listed modernera building, require the highest standards and a high architectural responsibility.
Rendering the soul of a place, it is transformed into a new space while keeping its integrity. The contextual aspect is being replenished with individual details or ‘gestures’ added to the space, thereby revealing and underlining its respective unique soul. For BUILD_Inc., architecture means passion. It is not about representing a brand through one name only, instead it stands for a ‘building-together’ mentality. As architect Özgür Keles states: “The solution lies in the common path and requires perseverance.” BUILD_Inc. work on a project with their creative forces combined, to achieve an integrative, sustainable construction that serves the user as an individual.
The cooperation started out in 2010 with refurbishing a restaurant on two levels, namely the first mentioned licensed bar in Luzern dating back to the 18th century. The unique atmosphere of the traditional Swiss ‘Beiz’ was newly interpreted while keeping its uncomplicated attitude and economic virtues. BUILD_Inc.’s architects today are Özgür Keles, Hanya Leo, Eleanor Mir and Lena Schneider. They have included co-workers over time, but today the four names stand for the brand. Working on a foundation of trust, architecture for them means serving the client’s vision by using their creative potential and know-how. Their clients approach them to see sustainable projects realised – subject to no trend or
For BUILD_Inc., each new challenge means creating a well-designed framework with details that mirror the client’s individuality. As the word architecture itself stands for the “high art of building”, the BUILD_Inc. team see themselves as a guiding force, keeping to the beauty of the essence and always putting the human at the front and centre. www.buildinc.ch Issue 41 | August 2016 | 71
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Top Architects Switzerland
Modern architecture for residential building Höhn + Partner AG from Dübendorf in the state of Zürich is a well-established architecture office and full service contractor for the construction of freehold and rented flats ready for occupation. With an attention to customer needs, innovation and contemporary technologies, the company is creating residential properties that are built to last. TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS I PHOTOS: HOEHN + PARTNER AG
Since its foundation in 1946, Höhn + Partner has continuously reinvented and developed itself. While founded as a plain architectural office, the company was steered towards being a full service contractor after 22 years. Nowadays 72 | Issue 41 | August 2016
Höhn + Partner is led by a third generation of successors who further evolved the integrated concept that was first installed in the 1960s. In that regard the main management functions are shared by Matthias Leuzinger whose major
Main image: Aerial View Rietwispark Egg. From left to right: Residential Park Villa Frank, Zürich. Residential Park Fronwald Zürich-Affoltern. Residence Möhrlistrasse, Zürich. Geisberg Residence, Zürich. Schüracherview in Wangen.
occupation is the architectural aspects of the work and Guido Frei who is responsible for the full service operations. Thus, Leuzinger is concerned with the design and planning of a project, whereas Frei focuses on the implementation. In the management team the two are joined by customer consultant Roland Kobelt and financial manager Pawel Ghilardi. Start to finish from one source Höhn + Partner mostly works in their hometown of Zürich and its surrounding areas. “We are a modern, regional firm
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Top Architects Switzerland
and focus on great residential property in the state of Zürich,” explains Leuzinger. Here is how the company starts a new project: through architectural and financial feasibility studies, Höhn + Partner investigates property. Once a suitable space is identified, the company puts together an in-house construction team for the project. Now the real work begins as the team starts the development process with regard to all aspects of the new building. At this stage, Höhn + Partner closely works together with the agents from the real estate broker belle immo AG which supplies them with valuable market and customer information. When it comes to customer needs, Höhn + Partner works with high attention to detail to design their floor plans in a way that functions perfectly for the final residents.
says Leuzinger. Hence, new energy technologies and sustainable concepts are key aspects of every project. For that reason, all buildings by Höhn + Partner adhere to the construction standard Minergie which certifies high energetic and ecological aspects.
excellent too. On this account, Höhn + Partner constructs residential spaces with a modern attitude, innovative ideas and an impeccable focus on the fact that these are buildings for people to feel comfortable and at home in. www.hoehnpartner.ch
In its designs the company is hugely influenced by customer needs. “We stand for pragmatic, well-arranged flats of exquisite quality and with that proposition we are finding great acceptance in the market.” In fact, the company’s floor plans have garnered the highest grades in reviews and customer reception has been
Höhn + Partner AG Bettlistrasse 35 8600 Dübendorf Switzerland Tel.: +41 44 820 14 45 Email: info@hoehnpartner.ch
Once a project has been approved, it is put onto the market. Flats are sold off plan, meaning before actual construction. When roughly half of the flats have been bought, the full service operation really takes off as the building phase starts. Under normal circumstances Höhn + Partner estimates 12 to 18 months as the time for completion on a regular project. Full service advantages For Höhn + Partner there are huge advantages in operating as a full service contractor. Projects are never done in a vacuum. Even in the initial stages cooperation between the different departments of the company itself and its additional business partners shapes the outcome. Communication channels are short and direct and information is shared in such a way that it enables a perfect trade off among the involved parties. Additionally, as a full service operation, Höhn + Partner is fully responsible for all construction contracts of a project which guarantees the new apartment owners high security with regard to the result of their investments. Pioneering energy and award-winning floor plans “The specific features of a location must be used in the perfect way, both from macro and from micro point of views,” Issue 41 | August 2016 | 73
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Top Architects Switzerland
Main image: Two six storey living and office houses in Zurich-Stadelhofen, certified MinergieP-Eco (best energy and ecology standard in Switzerland). Swiss Solar Prize 2013. Right: South façade with the solar thermal collectors.
Searching for the perpetuum mobile Thanks to the seemingly infinite availability of fossil energies, contemporary architecture was able to cast off many constructional and technical limitations in the 20th century. Light, open floor plans and airy rooms were the main topics and buildings made out of steel and glass were developed everywhere. Today, we know that fossil energies are finite and are too valuable to use for heating buildings. TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF I PHOTOS: KÄMPFEN FÜR ARCHITEKTUR
“Architects from the 21st century don’t have to waive all artistic freedoms and achievements from the 20th century because we can effortlessly complement them with the principles of energy efficiency, ecology and sustainability,” explains the Swiss architect Beat Kämpfen. Clear, modern design and resource-saving constructions perfectly complement each other in his architecture. The buildings from the Zurich-based architectural office Kämpfen für Architektur impress with homely rooms made out of natural materials. The buildings are entirely designed with prefabricated timber ele74 | Issue 41 | August 2016
ments even though the appearance sometimes entirely does without visible wood. Sophisticated solar systems are integrated in the facades and roofs and low-tech rooms are found in high-tech shells. A good example is the residential building for three families in a sought after area of Zurich. Three complexly interlaced flats stretch over two storeys each and comprise of a private outside area. One would not think that these elegantly designed flats are situated in an energetically highly efficient building that self-evidently adheres to passive solar construction principles. The solar
collection panels on the south and west façade that coin the building are also not immediately recognisable. The glass tubes are technical premium products that heat up water to over 100 degrees Celsius and thus, cater for heating and warm water. However, the collection panels not only impress energetically but are primarily an important design element. Thus, a loggia – a room between inside and outside – came into being, which results in a new spatial feeling thanks to the unusual materials that were used. Architecture, comfort and building technology form a natural synthesis. This is also reflected by the fact that the solar system can cool the flats in summer with a geothermal probe. Furthermore, the roof entirely consists of photovoltaic modules that produce the needed energy. Therefore the multi-family home has a zero energy balance throughout the year. The willingness to combine attractive design with environment-friendly tech-
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Top Architects Switzerland Beat Kämpfen.
nology also can be seen in the house expansion at the Zürichberg. The representative house from 1924 was supposed to be torn down, giving way to a replacement construction. Beat Kämpfen, however, convinced the owners to take a different approach. Thus, the old building was renovated and a new single-family home was attached. Through this, an exciting contrast between new and old came about. The careful renovation has left the old house in its original state and the new building has a modern, restrained form to create an addition, rather than being a competition to the existing house. A glass joint connects the two parts and also acts as the new building’s, light-flooded entrance area. The new roof works as an integrated energy machine and produces energy for both buildings with solar technology. Compared with 1950, we live on twice as much living space, we drive to work and for leisure four times further and the en-
Stairwell of the new building in Zürichberg, Zurich.
Loggia of the multi family home in Zurich-Hoengg. Minergie-P-Eco, Swiss Solar Prize 2012.
tire energy consumption of each person is four times as high. The majority of people do not want to restrict the increased consumption to a lower level. “The principle of sufficiency is hardly backed by the majority, so that a much higher efficiency is a necessity,” emphasises Beat Kämpfen. The keywords of the modern age, such as light, air and sun can be perfectly complemented with the terms of timber, energy efficiency and sustainability in the 21st century. We have to find our way back to a holistic form of architecture that conserves our planet’s resources. In Beat Kämpfen’s vision, the house of the future is an integral part of the natural cycles, for example of day and night and of summer and winter. The facades
will not stay constant and unchangeable in the future but will rather adapt to variable outer conditions thanks to integrated controlling. Biological processes will start to influence architecture. “The perpetuum mobile hasn’t been invented yet,”says Beat Kämpfen.“But we are trying.” www.kaempfen.com KÄMPFEN FÜR ARCHITEKTUR, ZURICH The architectural office specialised on energyefficient and resource-friendly architecture many years ago. Beat Kämpfen is one of the pioneers in solar construction. He received a diploma at ETH Zurich and a Master degree at UC Berkeley.
South facade of the house expansion in Zürichberg. Minergie-P-Eco.
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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Top Architects Switzerland
Comfort value: Pfister architects build bioecological homes in stunning locations Answering the ever-growing demand for eco-friendly buildings, Swiss-based Pfister architects have put the focus on building biology at the top of their agenda, resulting in a living comfort that is simply state of the art. TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI | PHOTOS: ANDREAS PFISTER
The small but long-standing office is a merger between two prestigious Swiss architects' families, the Pfisters and the Roccos. With their expertise in real estate planning, they apply their knowledge of biological and ecological architecture to projects like Schafigaden, a development of second-home houses in the Swiss Alps. Here, buyers and future inhabitants can spend a blissfully undisturbed holiday, literally. In the airy, modern houses, electronic stress is reduced to nil. Power cycles in the bedroom areas can be entirely switched off overnight, while enforced shielding allows escaping electronic 76 | Issue 41 | August 2016
stress produced by any of the neighbours' wireless devices. The small Pfister office provides exclusivity in planning, development and execution close to the clients' needs. Andreas Pfister, architect in the fourth generation, describes the merits of the Schafigaden project as high-quality design, conscientious and precise planning and execution, with a focus on ecological and electrobiological principles. The freestanding houses are situated on a sunny hill next to a bubbling mountain stream. Skiing slopes are nearby, a comfortable access to the Arosa
and Lenzerheide winter sports paradise is guaranteed and the generous southfacing glazing provides for a magnificent unobstructed view of the Arosa mountain scenery. On lovely winter days, the sun can be savored on the sheltered patio. The quiet and sunny position of the development invites to long, pleasant snow walks in wintertime, but also during summer, picturesque hiking paths and adventurous biking routes, the lido and an 18-hole golf course provide plenty of holiday activity. The Schafigaden houses' layouts are specifically designed to fulfill the needs of an ideal holiday home. Various sleeping areas with optimised wet cells can accommodate a large number of guests and an expansive living area leaves nothing to be desired, including the option
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Top Architects Switzerland
for a wood burning stove. Downstairs apartments feature a hobby room and a separate entrance through the basement. Natural construction materials and electrobiological control are on high demand and all measures have been taken to meet those popular needs. The Schafigaden buildings feature complex grounding and the star-shaped wiring avoids the sleeping areas. Active shielding screens any surrounding electrosmog and integrated network activators can be centrally switched off on demand. These measures guarantee a balanced and uninterrupted good night's sleep. The whole development is built in accordance with the ‘Minergie standard’, the Swiss label for energy-conscious building quality. Efficient insulation keeps the energy costs low and each apartment features a comfort ventilation unit, ensuring a balanced room climate. Metal supply ducts avoid static charging of the air. Pfister architects, founded in 1978 by Georg and Angelina Pfister, spring from two branches of Swiss architect
families, with the roots reaching far into the past. Ancestors of both founder members include the brothers Otto and Werner Pfister who designed numerous buildings in Zurich at the beginning of the last century, such as the prominent Swiss National Bank. Alfons Rocco, of the same generation, was active in Arosa with designing hotels, private estates and various train stations in his area. His office was continued through the Rocco brothers Andrea and Alfons. Angelina Pfister is their daughter. Today, Andreas Pfister continues the architectural family trait in the fourth generation. With this impressive lineage of talent under their belt, Pfister architects nowadays combine the accumulated knowledge of their ancestors with modern building technology, resulting in eco-friendly projects that offer the comforts of modern living. Beautiful locations especially ask for sustainable, sound building structures, ensuring a positive development of the overall value in the long run.
sustainable values who appreciate a biological building philosophy. For example, international investors looking for a suitable holiday property of lasting value in the Swiss Alps may have a project like Schafigaden on their immediate radar. Guests are known to travel up to five hours for the promise of a stressfree holiday home at Arosa, completely shielded from technical disturbance.
Pfister architecture attracts buyers with an eye on high-quality buildings with
www.pfister-arch.ch www.schafigaden.ch
Connected to the past and building for the present, Pfister architects make living valuable, both in comfort and sustainability. Their focus on ecofriendly building techniques creates developments of long-lasting value, both for clients and tenants. Meeting the growing demand for electrobiological, stress-free surroundings, supported by cross-generational expertise, makes Pfister architecture unique in planning and execution so that any quality-seeking client will see their wishes fulfilled.
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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Top Architects Switzerland
Ophthalmology practice.
Mireille Allemann (left) and Tanja Wurmitzer (right).
Angiology practice. Villa Rebwiesstrasse.
Light and grace: echt.raum architects Echt.raum designs living and working spaces that connect with the human being. Based in Zurich, echt.raum looks back on five years of providing architecture and visualisations.
is not just a staircase, but rather an ascending gesture, providing the promise of upward expansion.
TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI I PHOTOS: TOM LICHT
Echt.raum designs buildings that weave the cloth of the urban landscape history. They succeed in implementing a contemporary view on architecture while using high-quality, sustainable materials. Their clients value the individual and conscientious approach the team provides.
With a design that is soothing to the eye and allows a feeling of inner expansion, the projects of echt.raum open up spaces and gently put them together again, according to their clients' vision and needs. A young and dynamic team, the architects of echt.raum focus on exclusivity and originality. Believing in haptic and sensual architecture that will touch people, the individual lies at the centre of each project. Medical practices are their field of specialty. They look at the doctor's spaces as the carte de visite for the practitioner. Before getting to know the doctor, the patient steps into the practice. As the first impression always counts, echt.raum believe that the doctor's work philosophy and personality should be mirrored in their surroundings. A functional outline 78 | Issue 41 | August 2016
of the workspace and a healthy room climate in which everyone feels at ease are important as well. Creating both an individual atmosphere and a smooth functionality through design are the two aspects that form the echt.raum approach. Echt.raum was founded by Mireille Allemann in 2011. Recently, Tanja Wurmitzer has joined the management board. Their team of architects and interns is tightly connected with competent specialists. After starting out with designing medical practices and doing feasibility studies, today the office has expanded into building and converting villas and apartment houses. For projects such as these, echt.raum creates lightflooded, airy living spaces with both inventive and practical details. For example, echt.raum believes a staircase
Next year's agenda will bring a groundbreaking multifunctional project that will connect apartments, experimental operating theatres and an event hall together into one single building. With an in-depth look at their clients' needs and a detailed, sustainable approach to each project, echt.raum and its architects provide exquisite designs for living and working spaces alike, which embrace the human being and connect people with the spaces they inhabit. www.echtraum.ch
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Top and above: Sabag AG Biel, exhibition space, customer parking and depot. © Hannes Henz Right: ‘Manor’ department store, Biel. © Hannes Henz
Gebert architects: Analytical planning and constructive realisation Biel-based Gebert architects support private, professional and public investors with the analysis, planning and realisation of projects. Operating on a bi-lingual basis, the office tackles the multiple challenges of urban planning in Switzerland through both architectural interpretation and implementing the respective technical and constructional means.
on an apartment complex in the city as well as a commercial building in Bern and the extension of an old people's home in Fribourg. A colourful palette, showing the multiple areas of expertise that Gebert architects provide.
TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI I PHOTOS: ROGER FREI, HANNES HENZ
www.gebertarchitekten.ch Gebert architects' large field of expertise include administrative and commercial buildings, industrial and residential construction as well as the design of public spaces. Representative examples are the modern extension for a department store in Biel, part of the renowned Swiss Manor group; an entirely new corporate architecture for the Sabag AG Biel, one of Switzerland's biggest building material providers; and last but not least the restoration of the ‘Werkhöfe and Stadtgärtnerei Biel’, a municipal operations area forging communal and local identity, executed in cooperation with Strässler+Storck. Through a conscientious analysis of each specific project and its framework, Gebert architects aim at cut-to-measure solutions, creating unique objects with a specific identity. Fuelled by motivation and
commitment, constructive criticism and creativity, both ecological and economical solutions are being developed within the team. Projects are tackled and then conveyed to the client through blueprints and building models as well as visualisations.
Below and bottom: Biel operations centre, restoration and enlargement 2011. © Roger Frei
Due to the geographical setting of the Gebert office in Biel, Switzerland and the resulting bi-lingual infrastructure and professional networking, Gebert architects also offer projects for the French-language market, particularly the French-speaking part of Switzerland. At present, Gebert architects are busy with planning and realising a large-scale project that will take them far into next year, restructuring a former Swiss watch manufacture into 30 loft apartments. At the same time, the Biel-based office will take Issue 41 | August 2016 | 79
Main image: The two apartment buildings with a shared garden; Bahnhaldenstrasse, Zurich. © Ponnie images, Aachen Above: The ‘Alte Mühle’ in Aarburg. © Jürgensen Klement
Creating identity through architecture For Jürgensen Klement architects, it is important to recognise that architecture is about creating a sense of identity in a built and therefore artificial environment. Steffen Jürgensen and Thomas Klement founded their Zurich-based architectural office only three years ago, after they had worked as project architects for many years.
rooms are organised around a core and are connected to allow movement in a circle, displaying the idea of connectivity. Large loggias function as ‘garden rooms’, merging the inside and outside world.
TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN
Another project worth mentioning is the ‘Alte Mühle’ apartment block in Aarburg, designed for a pension fund. The biggest challenges here were a busy road and an old castle wall on its northern side. This had been dealt with in moving secondary rooms like kitchens, staircases or bathrooms to the noisy façade and inserting light wells as special moments into the apartments.
“We often think of architecture as a language that can compose powerful and poetic narratives if put together in a meaningful way,” says Steffen Jürgensen. What he stresses here is the social potential of buildings. “Almost all our activities take place in buildings or man-made external spaces. Being a vessel for human activity, architecture is the place where people come together and socially engage.”This is why design is so important and has to be done responsibly to provide an adequate framework. Architecture should always be about people. “The invention of the city is probably the most successful model for 80 | Issue 41 | August 2016
bringing people together and encouraging social exchange,” says Jürgensen. Now think of a family sitting around a kitchen table or neighbours meeting in a courtyard, nodding at each other while passing by. Buildings not only provide the infrastructure for these meetings, but can also inform them in a positive way. The two partners met while working in the same office in London. Today, after winning a competition for a cooperative housing scheme, they focus on questions of dwelling. In 2015 they proposed two apartment buildings with a shared garden on a plot with beautiful mature trees, commissioned by a private client and the local church. All
To understand a place and what it should become, Jürgensen Klement uses various design methods – from simple sketches to CAD drawing and models. It is always a process going back and forth between thinking and making until the best solution is found. www.j-k-a.net
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Architecture with a point of view For Swiss Architect Roman Burkard, architecture defines as a constant interaction between its presence in society and its technological aspects. Therefore, his own work is shaped by communicating with people about these forces and having a clear point of view on them. TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS I PHOTOS: BURKARD BURKARD AG, PHILIPPE HUBLER
Looking back at his childhood, Burkard identifies early influences for his career. His father, with whom he now shares the Burkard Burkard AG, is a construction manager. Bringing his son to his sites gave Burkard the opportunity to get to know his father’s world. He is also very interested in understanding the way society works within architecture. “How is a one-family house designed in the British countryside as opposed to Vietnam? And why is it that way?” he asks. The emphasis on societal contexts is perceptible in his approach to new projects. “It should never be about a label, but about practical realities and requirements,” explains Burkard. In that,
openness is one of the most important features when communicating with the different parties involved in a project. “My task is to protect my point of view of the project, while integrating the ideas of the building owner in the big picture.”
A flat organisational structure is key to Burkard Burkard’s success. With short communication channels and the active inclusion of all employees and their opinion, a project is constantly monitored from different angles. “Other opinions from all kinds of people offer new interpretations, which obviously help our work as it is closely related to real life.” www.burkardburkard.ch
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Contemporary Art and Concert Hall. © Elias Hassos
Architecture as an integral concept At Kitzmüller Architektur, architecture and interior design are considered as an entity, so everything comes from a single source. The latest project, Arlberg 1800, shows how the interplay of exterior and interior design can make a building become a total artwork.
the hotel's former coach parking bay has been integrated into the project. One can now walk underground from the hotel directly into the Contemporary Art and Music Hall.
TEXT: INA FRANK
For architect Jürgen Kitzmüller, spatial art is the most natural kind of art. Spatial art, in interaction with natural light, generates a very special feel. Kitzmüller works with materials close to nature, because “this wealth of design variants can only be offered by nature”, as he puts it. Therefore, he is always in search of new materials and new kinds of light art. Where culture lovers get their money's worth St. Christoph am Arlberg has always been a popular tourism destination for skiers. With the completion of the
Strolz am Rüfiplatz. © Kitzmüller Architektur
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Contemporary Art and Music Hall, as one part of Kitzmüller's project Arlberg 1800, the town now also hosts an extraordinary centre for contemporary art. Florian Werner, a hotelier from St. Christoph, discovered his love for art by chance and decided to commission the construction of a cultural centre. The hall particularly distinguishes itself by its exceptional location: it is mainly located underground. Still, because of its clear and appealing interior design, visitors do not feel like walking into a cellar. The cultural centre forms part of the already existing hotel Hospiz am Arlberg. By building the hall,
Hotel Bergkristall’s SPA in Lech. © Kitzmüller Architektur
Next to the art exhibition space, Kitzmüller has created a stunning concert hall, which is now the highest located concert hall in the Alps (at a height of 1,800 metres above sea level). Through the gently curved, bulbous walls, lined with pale oak wood, visitors feel like being inside a ship's hold. “The top-class acoustics enjoy great popularity among musicians,” Kitzmüller gladly notices. Artists of international fame, like Chris de Burgh and Art Garfunkel, have already played shows in the concert hall. In general, about 160 concerts will take place there each year, ranging from classical music, jazz and pop to authentic folk music.
Boat house Meier, single-family home in Fussach. © Kitzmüller Architektur
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Arlberg 1800 Residences. © David Churchill
Luxurious, customised residences After just half a year of planning, Kitzmüller has also implemented the building of two high-class residences, held in the country house-style. Façades made of natural stone on the ground floor, continued by plaster surfaces and scrap wood, and the typical saddle roofs define the residences' appearances and make them an architectural landmark. They comprise 17 apartments and a room for skis and shoes. Based on their sizes and the personal wishes of the owners, all apartments were individually decorated. Kitzmüller describes the process of creating the country houses: “You are an interior designer and a lighting designer at the same time. The external is merged with the internal: only in this way it can become a synthesis of the arts and only in this way it has worked out.”
The apartments' sizes range from 90 to 240 square metres. While some of them are dominated by expanse and openness, spanning over a whole floor level and including a huge balcony, or with a ceiling height of up to five metres, other residential units rather exude a cosy and introverted atmosphere. Every apartment is featured with wooden balconies with floors surfaced with natural stone. The apartments' interior design could not have a bigger variety. Some of the walls are built in a traditional way with the use of scrap wood, others come along with a modern, smoothed concrete look. In the bathrooms, one can find either natural or artificial stone, be it backlit onyx, Italian marble or granite. Also concerning the textiles used, all possible opportunities were exploited. Every flat has a different
concept of colours and materials. With a room height of 2.70 metres, individually designed curtains unfold the particularity of the specific material. The light concepts are matched with the overall ambiance of each flat. In summary, Kitzmüller states: “The apartments are designed in a straightforward, modern way.” Further projects are already ready and waiting, for example, the construction of a new skiing service building in Lech. As with the project Arlberg 1800, a great deal will be built underground. “The interior furnishing will resemble an upscale hotel,” Kitzmüller says. Besides this, he will keep on focusing on hotel and restaurant projects. www.kitzmueller-architektur.at
Hotel Alpenland’s SPA, Lech. © Kitzmüller Architektur
Fiegl + Spielberger’s company headquarters in Innsbruck. © Kitzmüller Architektur
Chalet Huvila, St. Anton am Arlberg. © Kitzmüller Architektur
Gschwantler store, Innsbruck. © Kitzmüller Architektur
Fiegl + Spielberger’s company headquarters in Innsbruck. © Kitzmüller Architektur
Chalet 1597, Lech - Stubenbach. © Kitzmüller Architektur
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Discover Germany | Culture | Culture Calendar
The Karl-May-Festival’s open-air theatre in Bad Segeberg. © Karl-May-Spiele Bad Segeberg
Vienna Classic Days. © viennaclassicdays.com
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Discover Germany | Culture | Culture Calendar
Culture Calendar Save the date as there are plenty of great events scheduled for the weeks to come. From music festivals and exciting exhibitions to fantastic sport events and social highlights, Discover Germany’s Culture Calendar is your perfect guide to what not to miss in August. TEXT: MONIQUE AMEND
Rheingau Music Festival (18 June – 27 August) The Rheingau Music Festival presents mostly classical music, but also showcases other genres. Spread across the wine-growing Rheingau region, the chosen settings create a special atmosphere during the concerts. 42 culturally important locations such as the monastery of Eberbach and castle Johannisberg were picked out for the music festival. www.rheingau-musik-festival.de Karl-May-Festival, Bad Segeberg (25 June – 4 September) The Karl-May-Festival takes you right into the Wild West and the adventures of Winnetou and Old Shatterhand. This year The Treasure of the
Silverlake, May’s most popular book, is shown in Bad Segeberg, one of Europe’s greatest open-air theatres. www.karl-may-spiele.de
Above: The Quay of the Dahlias in Morges. © Morges Région Tourisme Bottom: Rheingau Music Festival. © rheingau-music-festival.de
International Berlin Beer Festival (5 – 7 August) This year, the International Beer Festival in Berlin is not only celebrating its 20th anniversary, but also 500 years of the German Purity Law. In the ‘Longest Beer garden of the World’ – rewarded by the Guinness World Records - more than 300 hundred breweries from 87 countries will present their culinary specialties. www.bierfestival-berlin.de
The Quay of the Dahlias, Morges (15 July – 31 October) For the 20th time, thousands of Dahlias bloom along the scenic shoreline of Morges. Between the temple and the Parc de Vertou, 2,250 flowers will decorate the promenade along Lake Geneva and invite you on an idyllic summer walk. About 100 varieties will be spread out for this unique exhibition in the French part of Switzerland. www.morges-tourisme.ch/en/flowers-nature/ events-dahlias Issue 41 | August 2016 | 85
Discover Germany | Culture | Culture Calendar and installations. Old coking plants, machine and blasting halls and coal towers serve as settings and create an interesting interplay between these post-industrial locations and the presented contemporary art. www.ruhrtriennale.de/en Mountains in Flames, Altaussee (13 August) Fire has always been a fascinating element and seems to radiate its power in the mountains even more. During the ‘Mountains in Flames’ event the mountains and the lake of Altaussee are filled with fireworks, Bengal lights and other highlights creating a special atmosphere in the evening. www.ausseerland.salzkammergut. at/veranstaltungen/oesterreich/ veranstaltung/430130777/berge-in-flammen
Alphorn Meeting, Maennlichen (7 August) Take one of the two available cableways and enjoy the breath-taking view from the mountain ‘Maennlichen’ while listening to a concert by the alphorn blowers from the area at a height of around 2,300 metres. Or why not join in the concert yourself if you have a hidden talent as an alphorn blower? www.maennlichen.ch/de/grossesalphorntreffen.html Imperial Days, Bad Ischl (11 – 18 August) Every year, Bad Ischl celebrates Austria’s Emperor Franz Joseph I., who used to spend
Top left: Beer Festival in Berlin. © Frank-Peter Buerger Below: Fireworks at the Museum Embankment Festival. © Holger Ullmann Right: The Talking Heads at the Ruhrtriennale. © Atelier van Lieshout
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every summer together with his family in the town. Travel back in time to the end of the 19th century for one week and enjoy the various concerts, the arrival of a nostalgic steam train and much more. www.badischl.salzkammergut.at/en/wasmoechten-sie-erleben/summer-in-bad-ischl/ imperial-ischl/imperial-days Ruhrtriennale, Ruhr area (12 August – 24 September) The Ruhrtriennale is a festival for arts showing a good mixture of theatre and dancing performances, as well as music concerts
Gamescom, Cologne (18 – 21 August) The worldwide fair for entertainment electronics will open its gates in Cologne again for the eighth time. Fans of video and computer games will get to see and test the newest hardware and software products from makers around the world. www.gamescom.de International Festival of Traditional Costumes, Menzingen (19 – 21 August) The International Festival of Traditional Costumes is a great opportunity to see and learn about different traditional costumes from all over Europe. Groups from Spain, Germany, Slovenia, of course Switzerland, and many more countries will present and celebrate
Discover Germany | Culture | Culture Calendar their traditional costumes together. Alongside varying music performances in the evenings, the traditional costume parade on Sunday will be the highlight of the festival. www.trachten-menzingen.com Museumsufer Festival, Frankfurt (26 – 28 August) Countless arts and crafts booths, culinary highlights from around the world and live music will be presented along the bank of the river Main. A special festival button offers visitors a low-price admission to participating museums all over Frankfurt. www.museumsuferfest.de
Above: Alphorn concert at the mountain ‘Maennlichen’. © Jost von Allmen Right: The Quay of the Dahlias in Morges. © Morges Région Tourisme Below: The Altaussee which will be filled with fireworks, Bengal lights and more. © Steiermark Tourismus / Wolfgang Weinhäupl
Issue 41 | August 2016 | 87
Discover Germany | Culture | Culture Calendar
Top: Karl-May-Festival. © Karl-May-Spiele Bad Segeberg Above from left: Cutting the ‘Mulbratl’. © tourismus-weiz.at Gamescom in Cologne. © Koelnmesse GmbH At the river of the Museum Embankment Festival. © Holger Ullmann Right: Gamescom in Cologne. © Koelnmesse GmbH
Vienna Classic Days (26 – 28 August) A rolling museum in front of the backdrop of Vienna’s magnificent buildings of the inner city. The parade of antique cars shows more than one hundred years of automotive history - the ideal event for car lovers and their families. www.viennaclassicdays.com Mulbratl Festival, Weiz (27 August) On this day, it is all about the ‘Mulbratl’, a smoked and air-dried piece of rip. Very thinly sliced and served on real farmhouse bread, it is a delicacy you will love. More than 50 local farmers will present self-made wines, schnapps, fruit juices, cheese variations, sweet treats and more. With traditional Styrian music the festival invites you to do some tasting, dwelling and celebrating. www.events.steiermark.com/detail/6312/ 88 | Issue 41 | August 2016
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Discover Germany | Culture | Barbara Geier
‘Strandkorb’, Capri-Sun and summer memories TEXT & PHOTO: BARBARA GEIER
At this time of year, I’m tempted to write something about summer. However, summer? I think so far this year I have not left the house in the morning without a jacket on. For me, that used to be the indicator for summer – knowing that you can go out without having to think about an additional layer of clothing. Carefree, warm, sunny. Well, summer. My only ‘consolation’ as a wind-blown UK dweller: people back home in Germany don’t seem to be doing much better. I recently saw a post on my Facebook feed shared by a German friend that congratulated summer 2016 on its Oscarworthy role as autumn. So, time for a bit of nostalgia then, don’t you think? Back to the days when we still had summers. When I think of my childhood, I remember nothing but long and hot summers (obviously). In particular, I remember wonderful holidays in northern Germany on a lovely island called Juist, which is one of the seven inhabited East Frisian islands, beloved by German families and little known by international visitors. I remember horsedrawn carriages because the place is blissfully car-free, and I can still taste the milk rice with cinnamon we used to have there. Also on my mind: long mud flat walks, getting out on boats to watch seals and of course, playing all day long on the beach, supported by Capri-Sonne Zitrone - never anything else, always lemon. Yes, 90 | Issue 41 | August 2016
Capri Sun, another one of those brands that you might never have guessed is German. Speaking of which (things German) dear British readers, rest assured: there are no towel wars in sight on Juist. Would you believe it, Germans can go on holidays without getting up at daybreak in order to secure the best places by way of strategically placed towels. North Sea as well as Baltic Sea beaches are all about the Strandkorb, literally ‘beach baskets’. These specially designed chairs for use on the beach and to protect from sun, wind, rain and sand may well be the best German invention ever. A certain Wilhelm Bartelmann, a basket maker in Rostock, is said to have built the first one in 1882. As you’d expect, given their provenance, those beach chairs are super practical and provide a veritable home from home by the sea. They come complete with tiltable tops, storage space below the seats, arm and footrests and rain-proof covers. Holiday makers hire them on the beach, and I challenge you to find a German photo album that hasn’t got a picture of a family sitting in a Strandkorb with some kids grinning and happily licking their ice-cream. Or sucking on their Capri Sun. Now, at this point, I’d really like to recommend a summer holiday German style, on a pristine white North Sea beach.
However, with summer being what it is this year, I understandably hesitate a bit. On the other hand, you’d, of course, have your very own Strandkorb to protect you from the elements. In any case, have a great summer! Which, by the time you read this, might have shown up after all.
Barbara Geier is a London-based freelance writer, translator and communications consultant. She is also the face behind www.germanyiswunderbar.com, a German travel and tourism guide and blog that was set up together with UK travel writer Andrew Eames in 2010.
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