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Contents JUNE 2016
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Photo: Herby Sachs
Photo: Plan2Plus
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COVER FEATURE 6
Ranga Yogeshwar Our writer Thomas Schroers visited one of Germany’s leading journalists and most inquisitive presenters to find out what he thinks about the importance of independent information and much, much more.
SPECIAL THEMES 18
Wine World Austria 2016 This month, Discover Germany presents innovative Austrian wineries, vintners and their products to reveal that Austrian wines have a great deal to offer.
36 Best of Bavaria The largest German state of Bavaria annually attracts millions of visitors and this is no wonder. The beautiful landscape, exciting activities and diverse cultural offerings make it the perfect getaway. 45 Basel City Special An impressive medieval old town, great culinary treats, an exciting history, enlightening cultural offerings, beautiful nature and surroundings and exceptional events – that is Basel. 58 Interior Architecture Spending more than 80 per cent of our time indoors, rooms should be able to capture, move and inspire us with a welcoming and stylish character. This is where interior architects come into play. Discover Germany handpicked some of the best ones for this issue. 66 Architecture & Photography What happens when great architecture meets exceptional photography skills? Find out in our special Architecture & Photography theme this month.
72 June Exhibitors in Germany As Germany is not only the land of poets but also of tinkerers, numerous fairs take place all over the country. We present some of the most innovative ones and chose some great exhibitors with interesting products. 82 AUTOMATICA 2016 Head to Munich this month to visit the world’s largest robot trade fair and one of the leading technology platforms for automation.
FEATURES 56 Football Fever Just in time for the upcoming European football championship, our writer Monique Amend writes about Germany’s special relationship with football and how Germans celebrate their team. 88 Third German Mittelstands-Summit For the third time, more than 1,000 decision makers from the German small and medium business sector meet for the German Mittelstands-Summit. Various panel discussions and presentations will attract many visitors. Furthermore, our current cover star Ranga Yogeshwar will discuss the potential benefits of deliberate innovation in terms of business strategy. 30 Destination of the Month Longing for beautiful wilderness, impressive nature, great cultural events, a magical mountain world and diverse possibilities for active holidays all year round? At the hidden treasure in the middle of Germany, the Harz, you will find the right offer. 34 Culture and Congress Centre of the Month We found our culture and congress centre of the month in Austria’s Feldkirch. With
Photo: Manfred Klimek
its magnificent architecture and a stimulating event series, the Montforthaus makes for an extraordinary experience.
REGULARS & COLUMNS 14 Dedicated to Design This month’s design section boasts everything from exciting garden accessories and men’s fashion to innovative floor mats. 10 Fashion Finds For the fashion pages, we picked out some summery items for a tasty barbeque or the next summer party. Check out what the DACH region’s designers have to offer. 17 Wine & Dine This month’s Wine & Dine section is all about great Austrian and German wines, fine whisky, great hotels and hop liqueur. 58 Business Our business section is filled with great interior architects, photographers, architects and exhibitors at German fairs. We have also focussed on innovative companies and the third German Mittelstands-Summit. Fittingly, our columnist Gregor Kleinknecht speaks about how medium-sized businesses can expand their operations abroad. 94 Culture Calendar Discover Germany’s culture calendar is your perfect guide to what not to miss in June. 98 Barbara Geier This month, our columnist Barbara Geier asks herself why Germans are always on holiday and are still able to remain productive. Issue 39 | June 2016 | 3
Dear Reader,
Discover Germany Issue 39, June 2016 Published 06.2016 ISSN 2051-7718 Published by Scan Magazine Ltd. Print Liquid Graphic Ltd. Executive Editor Thomas Winther Creative Director Mads E. Peterson Editor Nane Steinhoff Copy-Editor Isa Hemphrey Graphic Designer Mercedes Moulia Feature Writer Thomas Schroers
Elisabeth Doehne Monique Amend Emmie Collinge Ina Frank Marilena Stracke Barbara Geier Gregor Kleinknecht Cover Photo Herby Sachs 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
Contributors Jessica Holzhausen Cornelia Brelowski Silke Henkele Sonja Irani Nadine Carstens
For further information please visit www.discovergermany.com
Summer is finally here and I hope you are enjoying your time outside to the fullest and exploring what nature has to offer. The Discover Germany team certainly is. That’s why we have decided to give you some inspiration for exciting trips to get you out of your own four walls and into the sunshine. Bavaria, for example, has much to offer. The largest German state enchants with beautiful landscapes and diverse cultural offerings. Whether you opt for water adventures, hiking or climbing trips, cross-country skiing paths, extensive relaxation, a tour of discovery, a museum visit, historic small towns, vibrant cities, UNESCO world heritage sites, festivals or enchanting castles, Bavaria will suit every taste and the possibilities are endless. Turn to our Bavaria special to find out more. Or why not head to the Harz region? Here, one can discover intoxicating wilderness and a magical mountain world. For those who want to head to Switzerland instead, we have created a Basel city special. With its medieval old town, tasty culinary treats, exceptional nature and extraordinary cultural offerings, we think it makes for the perfect weekend trip destination. If you prefer staying at home and fancy a tasty glass of wine at your next garden party, we have got you covered. We have handpicked some of the best Austrian wineries to inspire you to try something new. One German presenter who prefers to go far beyond exploring his natural surroundings is Ranga Yogeshwar – this month’s cover star. As one of Germany’s most inquisitive and leading science journalists, he never shies away from thinking outside the box. Our writer Thomas Schroers had the chance to meet up with Yogeshwar and we hope this inspires you to explore your surroundings even further this summer. And now – enjoy and thanks for reading!
Nane Steinhoff
© 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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Where form and function go hand in hand. Pavilions designed by Frei Otto in 1988. Freedom of movement: with the IN office chair featuring Trimension速 technology. Designed by Wiege in 2015. wilkhahn.com
Discover Germany | Cover Feature | Ranga Yogeshwar
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Discover Germany | Cover Feature | Ranga Yogeshwar
Ranga Yogeshwar Germany’s most inquisitive He is one of Germany’s leading science journalists. Once a week, for more than 20 years, Ranga Yogeshwar has moderated the popular television show Quarks & Co. In addition, he has written books, followed his passion for astrophysics and over the years has been involved in various social issues. Discover Germany spoke to Yogeshwar about all of the above and much more. TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS I PHOTOS: HERBY SACHS AND NORA YOGESHWAR
Ranga Yogeshwar is a very busy man. When we meet he is speaking on the phone with great attentiveness. He has already been interviewed by a Japanese journalist about his documentations on the nuclear catastrophe in Fukushima. There is a computer running in the background and piles of books are on the table. It is still morning but Yogeshwar is obviously in the midst of things, seemingly juggling a number of thoughts at once. Later, when asked about his longstanding interest in astrophysics, he says: “When I can make the time I would love to go and watch the Mercury transit today.” Yogeshwar was born in Luxembourg in 1959. While his mother was a Luxembourgian artist, his father, an engineer, was born in India. In his childhood he experienced a multicultural world, spending his earliest days in India, before finishing school back in Europe. “I was always curious, like many other children. The difference may be that I held onto that curiosity later on in life,” he says. His inquisitiveness led him to Germany and to the renowned RWTH
Aachen University, where he studied experimental elementary particle physics and astrophysics. After his studies he went on to work at the Swiss Institute for Nuclear Research (SIN), as well as the CERN in Geneva and the research centre in Jülich back in Germany. It was not until 1987 that Yogeshwar first got involved with the medium of television and the possibilities it bared, but six years later, in 1993, together with the Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR) he achieved a huge breakthrough. Quarks & Co “[Each episode of Quarks & Co] was supposed to be monothematic, content focused and innovative in its presentation. And of course, it was about explaining complex topics on an understandable level, ” says Yogeshwar. Based on these simple ideas, the television station and Yogeshwar created a show with many possibilities and incredible range. Over the years, the 45-minute-long episodes have dealt with such diverse topics like earthquakes, autism, various medical subjects, chickens and recently the nuclear catastrophe in
Chernobyl and many more. In its content, the programme is not limited and this boundlessness is one of its biggest strengths, as it enables Yogeshwar and his team to visit people from all walks of life and deal with both serious and fun subjects. In Germany, Quarks & Co has become as iconic as its presenter, who always begins and ends the show with the same sentences. The informed citizen For Yogeshwar many of his professional efforts have to do with informing the general public. He himself has “the desire to see behind the curtain” and he sees this desire as a mechanism for social orientation. Yogeshwar is convinced that our societal future has to be developed by everyone and not just by a few informed people. “We need correct, relevant and independent information and this is what we try to do with Quarks,”he explains.“With the internet and marketing [in media] there is an informational contortion, that enables people to believe that everybody is thinking what they are, while in fact this is not the reality.” In that way, his efforts are to foster discourse and discussion and help people to get informed about subjects in an objective way. Because of this same reason, Yogeshwar has been criticising the German school system. “In the priorities of our society the school system isn’t at the top. It is not Issue 39 | June 2016 | 7
Discover Germany | Cover Feature | Ranga Yogeshwar
really responsive for new developments, but slow moving.” For Yogeshwar, who has four children, this subject is very important on a professional and personal level. Education is only one part of the story. Another is scientific research, which Yogeshwar sees as a function for a better understanding of the world, to which one needs to be open. He is certain that innovative ideas stem from long-term scientific operations, that most of the time do not yield an immediate profit. Nevertheless, “doing things that are not economic is an inherent component of our culture. Otherwise we wouldn’t have written books or started making music”. Innovation and balance Hearing him speak about these matters, makes his involvement in the TOP 100 award for innovation in small and medium-sized businesses, which will be handed out at the Deutsche MittelstandsSummit in June, clear. Yogeshwar actively wants to support causes that are dear to him and in some way all of these concerns go together. With the TOP 100 the idea is innovation, something “that Germany needs desperately in order to keep up”. When looking for an innovative company, Yogeshwar is trying to find it in all organisational processes, as “innovation must be an overall thinking”. In his view, technological progression, which is a part of innovation, can also create relief for nature and restore a much needed balance with regard to sustainability. Through the years, Yogeshwar has visited a number of interesting places. Among them are the before mentioned catastrophe sites in Fukushima and Chernobyl, but also the magnificent natural landscapes of icy Spitsbergen, the Sumatran jungle and the Indian Sea. While there are huge contrasts in the interaction between people and nature in all of these places, a common denominator arises in the fact that man is part of nature and for that reason holds a long-term responsibility. Passionate and conscious While he and his wife live in Germany, Yogeshwar considers himself a global citizen. “[Today] home has nothing to do 8 | Issue 39 | June 2016
with national borders anymore,� he says. Despite the fact that many people are putting much emphasis on borders at the moment, he believes that the natural progression of the past decades will sooner or later dissolve this kind of thinking. In that regard, Yogeshwar himself is living in a global home, but like so many people nowadays he is also very much rooted in the region where he lives. Not one to make big plans for the future, Yogeshwar makes an effort to be passionate and conscious in everything he does. He is not working towards some specific dream or goal, but is trying to include the qualities that make him happy in his everyday life. Like taking the time to look through the lens of a telescope and watch the planet Mercury as it transits in front of the sun. Issue 39 | June 2016 | 9
Discover Germany | Design | Fashion Finds
Fashion Finds It is warm, sunny and nature is green and lush all around us. What better time to have a tasty barbeque or a summer party? We found the perfect fashion items that are airy, exciting, as well as flattering, while making sure you look absolutely gorgeous both in your friend’s garden or in a public park. EDITOR’S PICKS | PRESS IMAGES
Since 1973, German fashion label Marc Cain has stood for exclusive designs, a laid-back attitude, a natural look and innovative thinking. Its high expectations on design, quality and material quickly made the brand famous all over the world. Dress with sequins £395. www.marc-cain.com
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Discover Germany | Design | Fashion Finds
Do not go without sunglasses this summer. This model by Berlin-based label MYKITA is sure to protect your eyes, while looking absolutely stylish. £679. www.mykita.com
Liebeskind Berlin is known for their fabulous bag designs. This peach-coloured bag will hold everything needed for a day out in the sun. £119. www.liebeskind-berlin.com
This crystal embellished cashmere pashmina shawl will come in handy when the sun goes down and it gets a bit cooler. Simply wrap around and look gorgeous. £198. www.cashmererebel.co.uk
This outfit by Marc Cain is perfect for hot summer days and a picnic with friends. While being stylish, it is also very comfortable and airy. Blouse £197. www.marc-cain.com
Issue 39 | June 2016 | 11
100 per cent relaxed CASAMODA stands for sporty, straightforward and reliable fashion for the qualityconscious man from his mid-thirties. Offering casual wear, as well as business shirts and selected knit products which can be perfectly combined with CASAMODA’s other items, all products put special emphasis on attention to detail. TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF I PHOTOS: CASAMODA
“Our designs orientate themselves towards the American casual sportswear look – the products look casual without being too casual. With our masculine colour worlds, CASAMODA is the perfect partner for leisure time activities, as well as the office,” notes Klaus Katt, CASAMODA’s owner and managing director. He adds: “We focus on special features on the button bars, sleeves or cuffs. Thereby, all of our products harmonise with each other so that clients can easily combine them – even across several seasons.” Since 1924, CASAMODA has been known as an exceptional shirt expert. But how has the brand managed to be successful for so long? By offering a wide range of perfectly fitting shirts for clients of each age and 12 | Issue 39 | June 2016
shape, while moving with the times, adapting to customer needs and putting special emphasis on customer support. “While casual shirts were mostly checked in former times, this has fundamentally changed in past years and stripes, prints and embroidered uni-shirts were added to the portfolio. Thereby, our shirts have become more fashionable and can be complemented with knit sweaters and so on,” adds Katt. Furthermore, CASAMODA offers the majority of their products up until size 7XL which makes the Oldenburg-based brand stand out significantly from competitors. Another factor that makes CASAMODA special is its diverse product portfolio. Katt smiles: “We offer our customers a new colour world every four weeks.”
Of course, high and constant quality is important for CASAMODA too. “We put special emphasis on our products’ quality and intensively control this as well. That’s why we have our own production plants in Europe and our products get produced according to the OEKO-TEX® standard 100. Also, we primarily use 100 per cent natural materials which cater for a pleasant wearing comfort. After all, customers should feel good in our products,” adds Katt. In their own stores and in the online shop, CASAMODA also offers jackets and trousers besides their shirts to give customers the chance to purchase a complete outfit. Their products can additionally be found in over 1,200 specialist shops. Interested? Then head to the following website and get a teneuro discount for your first order when entering the code DISGER716. www.casamoda.com
Main Image: CASAMODA shirt and knit combo. Middle: CASAMODA business. Below left: CASAMODA checked shirt. Below right: Summer outfits.
AD CASAMODA | GutenbergstraĂ&#x;e 7 | D-26135 Oldenburg | FON +49 (0) 441 2066-0 | www.casamoda.com
Discover Germany | Design | Dedicated to Design
Dedicated to Design… Summer is here, which means it is time to embrace the sunshine by getting back into the garden. To help you reconnect with nature in the proper way, we have looked for exciting items to increase your garden experience and enhance your favourite summer spot.
BY: THOMAS SCHROERS
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1. During mild summer nights, the Fireplace Sunset by Artepuro will give your evening a magical ambience. Designed by Katrin and Norbert Weber and manufactured out of powder coated steel, this rustic fire bowl is a garden highlight. 80cm diameter. £315. www.artepuro.de 2. Want to really get in touch with nature? Invite some feathered friends and give them a new home with this magnificent nesting box. The cleverly designed connector system is completed by an attractive overall design, accentuating your garden’s natural vibe. 24x31x23cm. £24. www.werkhaus.de
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3. A beautiful spot for real enthusiasts. Here is a two seater with the highest material value. The compact construction of planed oak wood allows enough room for people and practical spaces. It is a highlight for balconies, terraces and gardens alike. £305. www.livendor.de 4. This incredible farming solution brings vegetable growing to the smallest of spaces. Urbanature has designed the handmade vertical garden especially for balconies, making sustainable living in an urban environment a reality. With three racks: £220. www.urbanature.de 5. Stretching out in the sun is made easy with this comfortable mattress pillow. Water-repellent, fadeless and washable, the pillow creates a cosy atmosphere wherever it is placed. Available in various colours. 50x50x10cm. £24. www.hock-dich-hin.de
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Discover Germany | Design | Kleen-Tex
Decorating with mats Austrian company Kleen-Tex industries has been producing all-purpose matting for almost 50 years. The 2016 wash+dry floor fashion collection of the manufacturer’s Home+Living product line continues the company’s innovative developments. TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS I PHOTOS: KLEEN-TEX INDUSTRIES
“The speciality of a wash+dry mat is that it combines the hygienic characteristics of a foot mat with the visual elements of an exclusive carpet,” says Schlegel. Like all of Kleen-Tex’s matting, the new collection adheres to current safety standards and ecological regulation. Like the name says, all of the mats, which are solely manufactured in the European Union, can be cleaned in washing machines and dryers. In conjunction with the material quality of the mats, this guarantees a high hygiene level and a long product life. Hence, wash+dry creates ideal decoration solutions for allergic people and pet lovers as well. www.kleen-tex.at www.wash-and-dry.eu
Margarete Steiff GmbH | Richard-Steiff-Straße 4 | 89537 Giengen/Brenz
Those who believe matting is supposed to stay outside the front doors should take a closer look at Kleen-Tex Industries’ latest, exciting product line.“With our 2016 wash+dry collection we continue to develop, inspired by current living and fashion trends, our design offering, emanating diversity, modernity and character,”explains marketing manager Antje Schlegel. In their floor fashion collection, the company is adding trending themes like Scandinavian design or vintage motives to the classic designs and bestsellers of the wash+dry collection. By investing in its design capabilities, Kleen-Tex is increasing the quality of its matting, as it has made the step to photo-realistic prints for the floor fashion collection, which are sure to attract customers with an eye on design.
Top: Colourful Ethno Pop Artwork. Bottom: Royal Cat Mat.
Giant sized and cuddly
“For children only the best is good enough” www.steiff.com
Discover Germany | Design | Loftsound
Audio & Sound
Only the best for finely tuned ears There are people who do not care about the sound of music, as long as what comes out of the loudspeakers remotely resembles their favourite song. Yet there are others who are looking for audio equipment that suffices only the highest standards.
Kampschulte according to the customer’s individual specifications, which also include the prevailing room acoustics at the customer’s own home.
TEXT: SILKE HENKELE I PHOTOS: MICHAEL SCHENKE, COPYRIGHT: MARKUS KAMPSCHULTE
“The last couple of years have seen the comeback of the vinyl long-player, currently one of the most exciting trends in the music industry,”offers Kampschulte. Accordingly, Loftsound not only offers a variety of more than 30 record players but also an extended choice of the newly esteemed vinyl long players.
Markus Kampschulte, the owner and founder of Loftsound near to Dortmund, is a music fanatic and a jack-of-all-trades. He and his brother Stefan are experienced sound engineers and Markus plays the guitar in several bands, which can occasionally be seen on television. The two brothers opened the high-end sound studio Loftsound in 2005 on the premises of an old loft that they had skilfully converted into a paradise for like-minded music lovers. ”What drives us is the love of music,” says Kampschulte. “Our ultimate aim is for the customer to actually feel the music and to experience moments of pure pleasure and relaxation. We want our customers to be absorbed by the music and to experience some authentic listening experiences.” 16 | Issue 39 | June 2016
In order to fulfil this aim, Kampschulte’s Loftsound offers a huge variety of differing brands, most of them small but select and known exclusively to the most demanding and committed sound lovers. Much of the equipment on offer is hand-made and limited to one piece only; thus not only guaranteeing first-class craftsmanship but also exclusivity to its future owners. Music lovers visiting Kampschulte on the premises of Loftsound will be in for a pleasant surprise: not only will they be met with the most up-to-date high-end audio equipment; they will also be able to discuss music over a nice cup of coffee at the shop’s own coffee bar. Visits can be arranged prior to a customer’s visit where the customer will be able to enjoy a choice of sound systems pre-selected by
At Loftsound, music lovers will find the most competent advice on high-end audio equipment, a perfect surrounding for testing this equipment, and for keeping up to date with current developments. Markus Kampschulte and his team are expecting your visit. www.loftsound.de Main image: The Loftsound team: Brothers Markus (front) and Stefan Kampschulte (back). Top right: The loft. Middle right: Vinyl trend. Bottom right: High-end studio.
Best Hotel in Salzburg
When an art nouveau villa meets pop art The four-star hotel Villa Carlton is a boutique hotel right in the old town of Salzburg and fascinates every guest with its charming outside appearance and distinct interior design. TEXT: MONIQUE AMEND | PHOTOS: HOTEL VILLA CARLTON
To be able to call yourself a boutique hotel, the house must be managed by the owner himself, prove an authentic and historical background and be equipped individually. At the Hotel Villa Carlton every floor is designed according to a different theme. The ground-floor, for example, captivates visitors with a distinctive royal blue, while the third floor which is also called ‘Klimbim’ – a German expression for odds and ends - distinguishes itself with glitter décor, pop art and exquisite furniture. This unique design, as well as carrying owner Anna Sunshine Sigl’s personal thumbprint, is what sets the Villa Carlton apart from other hotels. “I wanted to create a hotel where people really feel at home. I wanted to create a hotel that has a soul,”says Sigl. The hotel is an old Ceconi Villa from the 19th century which was renovated with a great deal of passion for details. Sigl maintained the former style and mixed it with avant-garde and straight-lined interior design. Not only the facilities with its spacious rooms
are cherished by the guests, but also the personal and individual service is a poster child for the hotel. The service crew is the Villa Carlton’s soul and they do not only know all the regular guests by name, but also make each new guest feel like a longtime guest of the house. Visitors enjoy the exclusive and comprehensive standard breakfast buffet; and the lounge with bar as well as the café-terrace are perfect places to meet and relax. Because of its central location it is perfect for discovering the beautiful city of Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, but also provides enough parking spaces for guests arriving by car. If guests are in the mood for some nature adventure, the Hotel Villa Carlton has special getaway offers too. During the summer they can rent real Dutch bicycles and a picnic basket and, in the winter months, a shuttle service picks them up right at the front door and brings them to the next skiing area. www.villa-carlton.at Issue 39 | June 2016 | 17
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Xxxxxxx)
Special Theme
Wine World Austria 2016
VieVinum 2016: gate to superb wine in the Vienna Hofburg Palace The VieVinum is Austria’s largest and most prestigious wine festival. The Vienna Hofburg Palace is once again the stage for the best vintners from Austria and the rest of the world from 4-6 June 2016. TEXT: GROSSWERK E.U., VIEVINUM | PHOTOS: EVA KELETY
More than 500 top wine producers will present their wines at this grand oenophile event. Established monuments of wine history meet avant-garde wines of the Millennial generation in a huge diversity of styles that range from amphorae wines 18 | Issue 39 | June 2016
to wines from sustainable production or biodynamic cultivation. Star-studded side events Highlights of the VieVinum are the commentated tastings in the side events. Vinea
Wachau puts the highlight on Riesling from the legendary 2006 vintage (6 June, 12:30) and builds a bridge to this year’s guest of honour vintners from the Verein Deutsche Prädikatsweingüter (VDP). Comparison of vintages and unique character of wines as expressions of nature will be the subject of examination with the vintners from Wagram (4 June, 15:00), while Steiermark (Styria) has prepared a commentated tasting with a lucid Sauvignon Blanc statement (6 June, 11:45). Red wine blends are
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Wine World Austria 2016
the theme for Vinum Magazine’s national team challenge (5 June, 16:00) and the vintners from Mittelburgenland will compare single-vineyard Blaufraenkisch wines from the highly contrasting vintages 2009 and 2012 (6 June, 14:15). Of topical interest are also vintner associations such as the ‘Jungen Wilden Winzer’ (Young Wild Vintners) and their tasting ‘Herzblut bis zum letzten Tropfen’ (Passion to the Last Drop) (5 June, 14:00) or the Demeter wine producers and an elucidation of their biodynamic philosophy (6 June, 13:00). Complete online side event programme: www.vievinum.com/visitors/side-events-2016 Reduced-price tickets Advance tickets are available to enjoy this exciting array of top wines at 25 per cent off the regular price (30 euros instead of 40 euros at the gate). Another way to get reduced price tickets is through your hotel booking. Mondial, specialist for congress trips, has put together attractive packages for exhibitors and visitors. The Mondial team is also at your service for customised planning of your trip. Info: +43 1 58804-137, austria@mondial.at, hotels.mondial-reisen.com. Visitors arriving with WESTbahn trains, must simply present their WESTbahn-ticket and their entrance to the VieVinum in the Vienna Hofburg Palace costs only 29 euros. www.vievinum.at All images: VieVinum 2014.
AT A GLANCE: Venue: Vienna Hofburg Palace, Heldenplatz entrance Dates: Saturday 4 June to Monday 6 June 2016 Opening hours: Sat to Mon from 12:00 to 18:00 Trade & press: Sat to Mon from 9:00 to 18:00 Entrance: Advance sale ¤ 30 - www.ticketgarden.com/ tickets/vievinum-internationales-weinfestival-1/ Trade visitors after accreditation ¤ 29 Day ticket ¤ 40 Three-day ticket ¤ 70
Issue 39 | June 2016 | 19
Bründlmayer ‘A beacon for Austrian wine’ For generations, Willi Bründlmayer‘s family has cultivated vineyards in the wonderful valleys of the Danube and the Kamp river. With exceptional climate and terroir characteristics, alongside a big portion of love for viticulture, Bründlmayer’s wines have become some of Austria’s most exceptional. TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF I PHOTOS: BRUENDLMAYER
For experts, Willi Bründlmayer’s wines shine due to their matchless depths and finesse. Beyond that,“they are also counted among Austria’s most long-lived ones,” as Rudolf Steurer, author of the renowned Austrian Wine Guide, once noted. Without doubt, the wines from the Bründlmayer estate have established themselves at the top of the league. Having won numerous national and international competitions and awards, Willi Bründlmayer has been repeatedly voted one of the world’s greatest wine producers and ranks among the 50 most influential personalities in the 20 | Issue 39 | June 2016
wine world. In the Financial Times, Jancis Robinson MW called his estate a “Beacon for Austrian Wine”. But what exactly makes Bründlmayer so exceptional? “Our greatest treasures are – of course - our vineyards,” smiles Willi Bründlmayer. Thus, the terroir and climate play crucial roles. The winery is situated in Langenlois, which lies around 70 kilometres away from Vienna. Here, the Kamp valley and the Danube valley meet and the Waldviertel’s wooded hills protect the vineyards against icy winds. During the
day, the sun heats up the stony wine terraces and at night, the tangy woodland air seeps into the ground. A pleasant climate with cool nights and warm days and geological and climatic diversity, alongside the exceptional primary rock soil high above river Kamp, give the wines their distinctive characteristics. Furthermore, a majority of Bründlmayer’s vineyards, such as the Käferberg or Heiligenstein are classified as ‘Erste Lage’, an acknowledgement which designates first-class vineyards with distinctive soil characteristics, microclimate and slope position which provide optimal growing conditions for refined and complex wines. Sustainability is key Exclusively using organic fertilisers and adhering to strict no-herbicide policies to maintain the ecological balance of
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Wine World Austria 2016
are cut and trained in V-shape so that they extend heavenwards like arms praying to the sun. He states:“Only healthy, perfectly matured grapes which were sorted by hand offer the base for distinctive wines which reflect their origin.” What many do not know is that climate change directly affects more and more wineries – just like winery Bründlmayer. “We have noticed over the past years that the blossom and grape maturity happen approximately 12 days earlier than it did 40 years ago,” Willi explains. He adds: “In order to be able to still harvest fresh and light white wines in the future, we decided to create Grüner Veltliner and Riesling gardens in higher, cooler locations. Types that mature early like Müller Thurgau or Frühroter Veltliner were rooted out. The global warming of the past four decades is quite good for our wines. However, we would prefer to do without a further temperature increase.”
the vineyards is self-evident for family Bründlmayer. Furthermore, the vinetraining method plays a crucial role at the winery. In order to double the sunlit and aired foliage surfaces in some vineyards, Willi Bründlmayer applies the complex ‘lyre system’ in which the vine branches
Bründlmayer puts special emphasis on growing Grüner Veltliner – an exceptional white wine which is considered the flagship of Austria’s white grapes. “Willi Bründlmayer produces probably Austria’s best Grüner Veltliner,”said Olivier Poussier, (World’s Best Sommelier, Montreal, 2000). Another speciality of the winery is its Riesling with excellent cellaring potential. For example, Bründlmayer‘s‘2010 Zöbinger
Heiligenstein Erste Lage Alte Reben Reserve Riesling’ made it into the top ten of the cellar selection list of Wine Enthusiast 2012. The winery’s red wines like the Pinot Noir or the St. Laurent should also not be underestimated and sparkling such as Bründlmayer Brut and Brut Rosé have been widely praised in the past. Following British wine critic Stuart Pigott, Bründlmayer produces “probably the best sparkling wine in Germanspeaking countries”. Heurigenhof Bründlmayer Kamp valley visitors should head to the family’s Heurigenhof – a wonderfully preserved renaissance building which poses as the perfect meeting place for wine enthusiasts and gourmets. The Heurigenhof serves Bründlmayer’s current wines by the glass, alongside exceptional culinary delights which are coined by the region and seasonal, high-quality products. In summer, one may enjoy the cosy renaissance courtyard and in winter, visitors can relax at the open fireplace. Two charming guest rooms round off the programme. No wonder the Heurigenhof Bründlmayer landed at the top of the new ‘FalstaffHeurigenguide’ which ranks Austria’s best wine taverns.
www.bruendlmayer.at www.heurigenhof.at
Main Photo: The legendary ‘Zöbinger Heiligenstein’ is inseparably connected to Bründlmayer’s international renown. From top left: The irresistible Bründlmayer Brut; Austria’s best sparkling wine for many. Bründlmayer’s ‘lyre system’ grape training; the grapes grow in semi-shade under an airy leaf roof. The ‘Riesling Zöbinger Heiligenstein Alte Reben’ has the potential to be the vintage’s best in its category. Bründlmayer’s ‘Lamm’ counts towards the icons of the domestic wine scene. Photo: Pascal Froideveaux Willi Bründlmayer and son Vincent. For generations, the family has produced its renowned wines. Photo: Chris Rogl
Issue 39 | June 2016 | 21
Bottled poetry: How the Prieler family creates wine magic in Austria’s Burgenland Austria’s Lake Neusiedl area is special, both in light and climate, and those who have seen it for the first time usually return soon after. The region features mild temperatures and, during the summers, even the air has its own aroma due to the special variety of plants growing here. It is an ideal terroir for growing excellent wines. TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI
With a Pannonian climate marked by cold winters, hot summers and warm temperatures in autumn, the Burgenland area, where lake Neusiedl with its surrounding hills is situated, provides Austria’s highest average temperatures. The lake’s micro-climate adds a mild touch and some welcome humidity during the 22 | Issue 39 | June 2016
summer, a combination which guarantees ideal wine-growing conditions. Winemakers for five generations now, the Prielers are situated in Schützen, close to the Lake Neusiedl National Park. Their terroir covers 20 hectares of the high hill of the ‘Schützner Stein’, west of the lake,
situated in the Leithaberg area. The best part, the Goldberg, provides especially good conditions. The vineyards are facing east and south, catching the full force of the sun. The stony soil of the hills stores the heat of the day and the lake provides for mild temperatures throughout the year.
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Wine World Austria 2016
Long slopes and an ideal geographical position with the protecting foothills of the Leithagebirge in the back allow long ripening phases for the grapes, especially for the excellent variety Blaufraenkisch. The Leithagebirge forms part of the Alps and therefore the ground shows traces of the so-called Leitha Limestone. It both reflects the sunlight and allows good drainage. This soil is ideal for grapes like Pinot blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot noir and helps to create their full, mineral note. Other grapes need other soil and the Prieler terroir also features brown clay and mica slate. Brown clay preserves moisture, is rich in iron and provides ideal conditions for the ‘Blaufränkisch’, a Burgenland-classic of a lush, fruity and peppery-spicy aroma. Last but not least, the mica slate of the Goldberg hill, known since 1555 for providing the best slopes in the area, acts as a kind of super storage for sunlight. Well known for its wine-growing advantages also in Spanish priories or northern Rhone, the heat-saving mica slate supports powerful wines with diverse mineral-rich bouquets. “We’d like to put the character of the region into the bottle,” says Georg Prieler. Quality-increasing crop limitation and short pruning as well as high foliage walls and a great deal of patience allow the
Prielers to reach that goal. They allow time for the grapes to mature and, as they say: “The rhythm is provided by nature itself.” I am reaching Georg Prieler coming back from the vineyard as there has been frost alarm in this year’s unusually cold spring. As a trained winemaker, Georg Prieler has gained practical experience internationally before he joined the family business. His father’s expertise, fine-tuned over the span of three decades, lies within soil cultivation, pruning and harvest. With a great deal of patience and unrelenting support by his wife, it took 20 years for Engelbert Prieler until he was finally satisfied with the outcome of his meticulous efforts of growing a small but special grape range from great, great vineyard side. Each type is growing under respective ideal conditions. Today his son contributes to what has been always a family tradition of creating some of the most excellent and well-known wines in the area. “In Schützen, we harvest the best nature has to give”, it says on the Prieler website. A close observation of the climate and a life at the pulse nature has given them the knack to produce quality wines praised by both experts and the press. “A lot of what we value about the region is mirrored in our wines. They combine a lightness with power and just like the people of the area, they are open and approachable but not
easy to fathom.”Mystery wines? Well, with a little help of Silvia Prieler, who holds a Ph.D. in microbiology, they have already arrived at presenting one of the most hailed Pinot noirs throughout the region. Prieler wines are characterised by the terroir they grow on. Their extraordinary spot in the countryside around Schützen at Lake Neusiedl, set within protected nature and lined by the hills of the Leithagebirge, provides for a magic landscape – and magic wines. www.prieler.at Main Photo: The Prieler family: Georg, Silvia, Irmgard and Engelbert Prieler (from left to right). © Steve Haider From bottom left: Wine cellar. © Steve Haider Prieler’s ‘Blaufränkisch’ Goldberg. © WEIN & CO Prieler’s Pinot blanc Leithaberg. © Hannes Strondl Vineyard. © Joe Haide Vineyards. © Manfred Klimek
Issue 39 | June 2016 | 23
Main photo: Johannes Berger. © Steve Haider Right: Zweigelt grape. © Weingut Berger Leginthov Far right: Greening at the vineyard. © Weingut Berger Leginthov Opposite from top: BERGER LEGINTHOV wines. © Hans Juergen Luntzer The Zweigelt vineyard in June. © Weingut Berger Leginthov Ice wine harvest. © Weingut Berger Leginthov Johannes Berger. © Steve Haider
Dedicated to nature, quality and taste Offering high-quality wines at an affordable price is one of winery BERGER LEGINTHOV’s top priorities. By giving nature the time it needs, the winery produces unique and extraordinary tasteful wines, which are loved by occasional wine drinkers as well as connoisseurs. TEXT: MONIQUE AMEND
Time matters – especially when it comes to good wine. It is an important factor during the maturing and the storage process and the most important reason why the wines at the winery BERGER LEGINTHOV stay in the barrels longer than usual. “In our hectic society, time and tranquillity have become very rare,” says the calm and prudent vintner Johannes Berger. Still, or 24 | Issue 39 | June 2016
rather due to that, it is important for the Austrian winery BERGER LEGINTHOV to allow their types of wine enough ripening time to develop an individual taste and character before they are bottled. A family business in a top location Not only Johannes’ relaxed and calm attitude runs in the family but also the
passion for wine. The winery BERGER LEGINTHOV is a family business located in Moenchhof, the oldest wine-growing village in Austria. Here, in the very eastern part of the country, many varieties can be found since the region distinguishes itself with a Pannonian climate with low precipitation, hot summers, moderate cold winters and various soil types. Lake Neusiedl works like the area’s thermostat and enables a long growing season during which the grapes can mature completely. This special climate helps to create fruity and harmonic red wines as well as white wines with a great body and balance. The special quality wines like ice wine and
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Wine World Austria 2016
‘Trockenbeerenauslese’ from this area are well known beyond the borders, too. Quality and sustainability The winery BERGER LEGINTHOV does not only content itself with having an advantaged location, but also pursues a special philosophy. For them, the whole process of wine-making includes high quality, variety, sustainability and a fair cost-benefit ratio. Therefore, Johannes is involved in every single step: from the growing in the vine stock and the gentle processing to the bottling. For him this goes without saying for offering highquality wines. Furthermore, the winery BERGER LEGINTHOV puts emphasis on a production close to nature and wants to keep the vineyard’s ecological balance. Johannes loves the nature and its variety and wants his products to have enough time to mature and keep their naturalness. Besides its great philosophy, the winery can also convince with its array of products. A wine for everybody The wide product range offers a wine for every taste and every occasion. There are fruity white wines, full-flavoured red ones and sweet ice wines. The ruby-red Zweigelt Classic 2013 with a fine cherry flavour is described as natural, authentic and down to earth. The hearty St. Laurent Reserve 2012’s taste reminds one of dark chocolate, cloves and vanilla. The Chardonnay 2015 is matured in fine yeast for a few months and smells like stone fruits, lychee and hay flowers. The Leginthov Reserve 2012 is an
intensive ruby wine with a black core that shows a beautiful streak pattern and has a wild mixture of blackberries and currants. The wide range of different wines is what customers love about the winery BERGER LEGINTHOV and connoisseurs are impressed by the variety and intensity in taste, which young wines cannot provide. The wines are the perfect companion for great dinners and reflect the Pannonian climate, the many sunny hours at the Burgenland and the people’s joie de vivre. A life for the wine The proud and excited way Johannes Berger describes his wines shows how passionate he is about the whole art of wine-making. Since he was in school he always wanted to become a vintner and as a child you could find him either in the wine cellar or the vineyard where he looked over his father’s shoulder to learn more about the profession. During his training period he visited well-known wineries to delve into the craft of winemaking. Until today, the perfectionist keeps on learning new things in his own firm and explains: “If you are ambitious, then there is no single day you don’t ask yourself: couldn’t it be even better?” Last spring the hard work paid off and Johannes Berger was elected as VINEUS NEWCOMER WINZER 2015. Additionally, the winery BERGER LEGINTHOV received numerous national and international awards for their extraordinary products.
The winery offers an exclusive Discover Germany tasting box with a special selection of red and white wines in their online shop. Head to www.leginthov.at or send an email to wein@leginthov.at and have the taste of the Burgenland delivered to your home. Next events of the winery BERGER LEGINTHOV: WINE EXPERIENCE DAYS, Marienkron 14 – 17 July 2016 11 – 14 August 2016 WINE + CULTURE DAYS, Moenchhof 28 – 30 October 2016
www.leginthov.at Issue 39 | June 2016 | 25
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Wine World Austria 2016
Completing nature Located around the Austrian village of Neckenmarkt, the vineyards of the winery Juliana Wieder are spread over 40 hectares. Original, elegant and with great varietal identity, Juliana Wieder wines take nature’s best and finalise it with distinctive quality and character. TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS I PHOTOS: WEINGUT JULIANA WIEDER
When working with nature, a personal connection is inevitable. For the winery Juliana Wieder, this relationship was first established when the family made the decision to refocus its agriculture business solely on wine. The new direction was taken with a great deal of passion and handwork, which is still at the heart of the Wieder’s viticulture. Whether sprouts are watched, soil is tended or leaves are raked, the important thing is to be among the vines. From this effort, various types of wine arise. The regional speciality and main grape of the winery is the Blaufraenkisch, but the Wieders also produce Zweigelt, Chardonnay, Merlot and many more. In terms of its terroir, the winery benefits from
a loamy soil and three western ridges that hold off bad weather. Simultaneously, the warm climate streams into the vineyard from the eastern side, giving the grapes everything they need. A true family affair, the winery Juliana Wieder is led by Georg Wieder, who has
been passionate about winegrowing since his youth. He is supported by his sister Burgi, their mother Juliana and his wife Gina. Further, his oldest sister and his two nieces actively assist him. “There is no blueprint for wine,” explains the winegrower. “One can only complete in the cellar, what nature has given. We are dependent on nature.” www.weingut-juliana-wieder.at Below middle: Juliana Wieder in her vineyard. Below right: The Wieder family in the wine cellar.
Top: The Hundsdorfer family. Middle: Winery from the outside. Bottomt: Vinyard landscape.
Award-winning Austrian viticulture Following Neckenmarkt’s long-standing wine tradition, the winery Hundsdorfer has won countless awards and accolades. At the heart of this success is a deep love for nature and the cultural good of wine. TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS I PHOTOS: WEINGUT HUNDSDORFER
Early efforts of wine growing in the city of Neckenmarkt can be traced back to the 14th century. However, it was not until the 1980s that Anton Hundsdorfer restructured his family’s agricultural business, located in town, solely around wine. In doing so, the winery Hundsdorfer was born and while it first focused on the sales of grapes, it has since become its own bottled brand. From an economic point of view, a great deal has changed over time. Specific advertisement and visibility on different media has become a key to national and international market presence. Nevertheless, for Anton Hundsdorfer, his wife Elisabeth and their two sons, the most important aspect of their work is a responsible relationship with the vineyards’ nature and en26 | Issue 39 | June 2016
vironment. “Only through conscious work in and with nature, one can identify with it and its product,” explains Hundsdorfer. Certainly, their vineyard’s terroir has much to offer.The soil contains orthogneiss, mica slate, loess and loam, as well as chalk, which enables the winegrowers to create a manifold ensemble of wines. These wines excite enthusiasts and critics evenhandedly. Hundsdorfer wines have been state champions of the Burgenland seven times, are two-time national champions and Falstaff type champions as well. The winery itself was rated highest during the Burgenland state awards and for a long time the most difficult competition, the SALON Österreichischer Wein, has featured various Hundsdorfer vintages.
www.hundsdorfer.at
Premium Estates of Austria Organic – dynamic – familiar in rhythm with nature The character, quality and scale of Premium Estates of Austria’s portfolio is unmatched. Their brands are among the finest and most recognised among Austrian wine. TEXT: ELISABETH DOEHNE
Premium Estates of Austria has been in the business of curating wine since 2004. The company acts as an interface between the producers and the trade without influencing the production and manufacture. The quality of their featured Austrian wineries is unique; each wine is true to its terroir. “All of these talented brands are highly regarded as pioneers and ideal representatives of the Austrian beverage and delicacy culture,”explains Stefanie Lobner, the director of Premium Estates of Austria. Winery profiles Alois Gölles cultivates his orchards on the sunny countryside hills around Austria’s Riegersburg Castle in Southeastern Styria. For four generations, his family business has been associated with high-quality brandies and, increasingly, handcrafted vinegar. Gernot Heinrich’s wine estate, located in Gols, Neusiedlersee in the beautiful
Burgenland, embodies a distinct tradition, purity and innovation that mark his wines; he grows both red grapes (Zweigelt, Blaufraenkisch and St. Laurent) and white grapes (Chardonnay, Weissburgunder, Neuburger as well as a bit of Welschriesling). He converted to biodynamic viticulture in 2006. Fred Loimer, relentless “quality specialist”, visionary and aficionado, manages a total of 70 hectares of vineyards – all certified by respect-BIODYN – on some of the best sites around Langenlois (Spiegel, Steinmassl, Seeberg, Loiserberg, Dechant). Year after year, he impresses with his benchmark Grüner Veltliners and Riesling, but also his sparkling wines, the orange wines and the Pinot Noirs.
Main Image: Alois Gölles, Willi Sattler, Fritz Wieninger, Gernot Heinrich, Stefanie Lobner, Fred Loimer (left to right). ©Anna Stöcherr Top left: Heinrich, vineyard. ©Heinrich Below left: Heinricht GmbH, Salzberg. © Klaus Gaggl Bottom right: Heinrich, biodynamic soil. © Roland Unger
Sauvignon Blanc, but also Morillon, the region’s equivalent to Chardonnay. Organic viticulture, meticulous handwork in the vineyard, and selective handpicking make up the excellent Sattlerhof aroma. Fritz Wieninger’s nearly 100-year-old winery, located in Stammersdorf, Vienna, has been producing high-quality wines for almost a century. The grapes are cultivated on the Bisamberg and Vienna’s famous vineyard site, the Nussberg and produced according to biodynamic principles. “As a forerunner of high-quality wines from Vienna, it means a lot to me to create wines that the Viennese can be proud of,” Fritz Wieninger says. His Gemischter Satz is served from New York to Tokyo. www.premiumestates.at info@premiumestates.at
Willi Sattler, the Styrian pioneer, cultivates wine on three of the best vineyards on the steep hills of south Styria. His aromatic and complex wines include an excellent Issue 39 | June 2016 | 27
Discover Germany | Wine & Dine | Finest Whisky
Finest Whisky
Exotic whiskies from Taiwan conquer the German market There are many countries where one might expect a whisky distillery: Scotland, Ireland, even Japan is famous for the malty drink. Not so Taiwan, even though the high-quality and award-winning Taiwanese whisky brand Kavalan started to conquer the international market in 2005 – for example in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN I PHOTOS: KAVALAN
Kavalan might not be a household name yet, but quite a success story hides behind its name – as well as whiskies with fruity, mild taste and a special character. The brand name Kavalan refers to the traditional title of the Yilan province and its indigenous inhabitants. The Kavalan founder Tian-Tsai Lee, president of the Taiwanese food giant King Car Group, chose this place about a one-hour drive from Taiwan’s capital Taipeh for his new business, due to the region’s many natural springs with outstanding water quality. For Lee, a dream came true in 2002 when the state monopoly on spirits was 28 | Issue 39 | June 2016
abolished, which allowed him to open his own distillery a few years later. With Ian Chang he hired a chemist who had become a master blender in Scotland and Kavalan has also been working with the British whisky expert Dr. Jim Swan. On 11 March 2006, the first New Make saw the light of day. One of the most challenging tasks is the climate: with temperatures 15 degrees Celsius above the Scottish annual average, whisky cannot be stored for 12 years or longer. Like the temperature, Kavalan’s Angels’ Share per annum lies way above that of Irish or Scottish whiskies. The cli-
mate can be an advantage, as was proven at the Burns Night blind tasting 2010 when Kavalan won even though the whisky had matured in the barrel for less than three years. Today Kavalan has 11 different whiskies in their assortment, many of them multi-award-winning. “Kavalan’s biggest success was the World Whiskies Award for the Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique,” says Silvia Engelhardt who works for the German subsidiary King Car Germany. Kavalan Solist Fino, another award winner and the distillery’s pride that matures in old Sherry casks, has gained 97 out of 100 points in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible. The newest whisky available since April is the Solist Peaty Cask, which had matured in old Islay barrels and is the first Kavalan with a peaty taste added to that of tropical fruits so typical for Kavalan whiskies. www.kavalan.eu www.facebook.com/kavalanEU
Discover Germany | Wine & Dine | Weinbau Ross and Hopfa
Sustainable viticulture In the Zellertal, one of the driest regions of Germany, wine has been part of the landscape for more than 1,200 years. The Roß winery continues this tradition and puts a special emphasis on sustainability and resource protection. TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS I PHOTOS: WEINBAU ROß
As a vintner, Alexander Roß has no daily routine. Every day is different and to him this is the beauty of being independent. For that reason, the decision to continue his parent’s winery was a clear and easy one, one which he would make again in a second. “I knew then and today even more, which amounts of work this would curl up, but never mind,”says Roß. For him and his family, growing wine is not a job, but a vocation. Located on the Zellertal’s south side, the lime-marl soil of the Roß vineyard allows various popular and lesser known types of grapes to grow. In the current assortment
you will find Riesling, Pinot noir, Chardonnay, Portugais bleu and many more. Following Alexander Roß’s mantra “not too much”, the family works to preserve their grounds and winegrowing for generations to come. Many ideas go into the efforts of resource protection. In terms of energy, the winery Roß utilises a photovoltaic system, which converts solar energy. With regard to packaging, no plastic materials are used. And, of course, the cultivation of the grapes is done in the same thoughtful way. www.weinbau-ross.de
Hop with a twist From the Hallertau region of Bavaria comes a liquor that reverses the cordial’s sweet and unpleasant image. The family-owned company Hopfa - Bavarian for hop - reinterprets the classic cordial, giving it a fresh spin with manifold flavours. TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS I PHOTOS: HOPFA
You may think a cordial is old fashioned, a grandmother’s drink without any taste. With Hopfa you have to rethink these perceptions, because this liquor is not going to be sweet or unvaried. Rather it is going to soak your receptors in an appealing, tasteful way. Hopfa was first produced in 1997. Pharmacist Dr. Kurt Berndl knew about the various qualities of hops and in combining the regional product with his profession’s traditional art, he was able to create his first cordial. Since then Hopfa has also developed an orange, cocoa and mocha liquor, all of which are handmade and make use of the Hallertau aroma hop. In order to carve out the hop’s diverse flavours, its bittern is carefully extracted. Only then can you relish in the natural aromas and the respective flavourings.
Because of Hopfa’s manufacturing, the different liquors open up various mixing possibilities. A classic treat is the orange liquor, served on ice with a piece of orange in it. Furthermore, the cordial can be in-
cluded in James Bond’s favourite drink, a Vesper Martini with five parts vodka, two parts gin, one part cordial and a slice of lemon peel. Continuously searching for ideas, Hopfa will present an all-new flavour for its 20year anniversary next year. In the meantime, they are always inviting customers to try out their own creative mixing ideas. www.hopfa.com
Issue 39 | June 2016 | 29
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Best of Bavaria
Destination of the Month Germany
Main image: Evening ambiance in Quedlinburg. Photo: Juergen Meusel From top right: Market place in Eisleben with Luther memorial. Photo: Raymond Faure Nasserwieser pond in the Upper Harz water management. Photo: Raymond Faure Underneath the abbey church St. Servatii. Photo: HTV, M. Gloger The ‘crooked house’ in Wernigerode. Photo: Wernigerode Tourismus GmbH Martin Luther’s birth house. Photo: Raymond Faure The Harz Mountains’ narrow-gauge railway with the Brocken in the background. Photo: Harzer Schmalspurbahnen GmbH
The Harz Mountains – a hidden treasure in the heart of Germany The Harz Mountains offer a vast array of adventures at any time of the year and thus delight every age group unlike any other region. Nature enthusiasts come across mesmerisingly beautiful wilderness in unspoilt forests, deep valleys, wild rivers and blossoming mountain meadows on over 9,000 kilometres of signposted hiking trails. TEXT: HARZ MOUNTAINS TOURIST BOARD; TRANSLATION: NANE STEINHOFF
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Especially popular is the Harz Mountains’ ‘Hexen-Stieg’, which is featured in the ‘Top Trails of Germany’ and has been awarded the certificate ‘Qualitätsweg Wanderbares Deutschland’, testament to its appeal to hikers. On approximately 100 kilometres, the path connects the towns Osterode in the southwest with Thale in the northeast.
Discover Germany | Culture | Destination of the Month
the Harz Mountains’ different climbing facilities require stamina and agility in around ten metres of height and cater for the one or other adrenaline kick. However, a complete picture of the Harz Mountains can only be seen after exploring its culture and history. The picturesque half-timbered cities, the numerous relics of historic mining, the spiritual places and the traditional narrow-gauge railway are the things that breathe life into the impressive mountain panorama. Wernigerode – half-timbered dreams and rail nostalgia In the picturesque alleys of Wernigerode, which is called the ‘colourful city in the Harz Mountains’, visitors can gaze at real testimonies of half-timbered traditions. Some of the grand buildings from six centuries especially attract attention. The ‘Krummelsche Haus’, with its elaborately carved wood façade is probably the city’s most beautiful baroque house. Built in the middle of the 18th century, the city’s smallest house only measures 4.20 metres to the eaves and is only three metres wide. In the High Parish churchyard’s romantic corner stands the ‘crooked house’. Here, the former Mühl-trench undercut the foundation walls so that the house tilted. The distinctive town hall dominates the market place, which was first mentioned in 1277. Above the stony ground floor, towers the brightly red half-timbered façade with its pointy turrets. All year round, couples from near and far choose to marry in this historic ambiance.
Thereby, it shows a multifaceted interplay of the Harz Mountains’ natural landscape. Adventurous outdoor experiences like mountain biking and rock climbing primarily attract younger visitors. Around 70 signposted mountain bike routes in all difficulty levels, as well as the bike parks in Hahnenklee, at the Wurmberg in Braunlage and in Thale promise the ultimate downhill kick. The partly jagged rock formations of the Oker and Steinbach valley invite for pristine climbing experiences. But also
the time-honoured steam locomotives leave Wernigerode’s train station. The 25 steam locomotives are one of the last, big steam adventures worldwide. Apart from the Brocken, the romantic Selke valley and the Südharz belong to the stations of the 1,404-kilometre-long rail network. This year, the narrow-gauge railways celebrate the anniversary ’25 years of full steam in freedom’ with traditional station festivals. After the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961, the passenger transport to the Brocken could only be resumed in September 1991 – after the German reunification. Discover a globally unique mining region – on foot or with tailwind On over 200 square kilometres, the UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘Mine Rammelsberg, old town of Goslar and Upper Harz water management’ spreads celestially and subterraneously – one of Europe’s largest and oldest mining regions for silver, copper, lead and zinc. In the Middle Ages, the heart of European finance was found here and important architectural
High above the city, the Castle Wernigerode® sits enthroned and is already visible from a distance. In the past, it secured the way of German emperors to their hunting trips in the Harz Mountains. Today, the fairy tale castle attracts numerous visitors and enthrals with impressive exhibitions about the art and culture history of the 19th century. One can see the 1,141-metre-high ‘Brocken’ mountain from many city corners on clear days. Thus, the ride with a nostalgic train of the Harz Mountains’ narrow-gauge railway to the highest peak of the Harz Mountains is a special highlight for many visitors. It puffs and hisses when Issue 39 | June 2016 | 31
Discover Germany | Culture Special Theme | Destination | Bestofofthe Bavaria Month
Gallery delights visitors with the most comprehensive, coherent collection of graphics by the German-American painter and graphic artist. Numerous young artists and artisans followed and have set up their ateliers and workshops. Anniversary of Reformation 2017 – On the trails of history in Eisleben
buildings developed – from simple miner homes to imperial palaces. Kilometrelong tunnel systems and the world’s largest, pre-industrial energy network – the Upper Harz water management – still coin the natural landscape of the Harz Mountains today. One of Europe’s most innovative monastery museums awaits visitors in the Cistercian museum of monastery Walkenried, which was the mining industry’s ‘operation centre’ in past times. Creative exhibitions and acoustic, visual stagings give a glimpse into the everyday life of the monks as pioneers and economic managers of the medieval mining industry. Prefer a helmet or rucksack? The world heritage sites can best be explored on a hike or a cycling tour. The most relaxed and emission-free way to explore the region is on an eBike or eMotorbike. Thereby, exciting routes lead towards the historic mining ponds and alongside trenches and old pits amidst impressive nature. 32 | Issue 39 | June 2016
Fascinating Middle Ages meet expressive art in Quedlinburg Quedlinburg, which is over 1,000 years old and lies at the Harz Mountains’ north-eastern border, invites visitors with its 2,069 half-timbered houses, Romanesque buildings, as well as art nouveau villas and villas from the years of rapid industrial expansion to past epochs. Thereby, history and culture seem more vivid than ever – a city caught between past and future. Every year, the UNESCO world heritage city attracts young and old music enthusiasts and artists from near and far to Quedlinburg’s music summer. Ambitious classical compositions and theatrical dramas fill the old walls with life in this time. The staging of Umberto Eco’s novel The Name of the Rose transforms the abbey church St. Servatii into a monastery from the 14th century so that it becomes a mystical backdrop for one of the mostread Middle Ages thrillers. Quedlinburg’s young art scene offers a contrast to this. In the centre, the Lyonel-Feininger-
In 1517, Dr. Martin Luther set up the Protestant Reformation when he nailed the Ninety-Five theses to the Castle Church in Wittenberg. Until today, this influences our life, our customs and even our politics and the education system – whether we belong to the catholic, the evangelic or no religion. In 2017, numerous church and cultural events will remember the Reformation’s 500-year-anniversary. A main focus of the festivities is the Luther town of Eisleben in the easterly Harz foreland. As ‘authentic locations of the Reformation of outstanding universal significance’, the local Luthermemorials have been UNESCO World Heritage sites since 1996. Luther’s birth house in Eisleben traces stations of his life and gives insights into the reformer’s origins. The new exhibition in Luther’s last residence deals with Luther’s last days and hours in Eisleben and with his dealings with death. www.harzinfo.de info@harzinfo.de Main image: Castle Wernigerode®. Photo: Frank Schneidereit From top right: Exhibition in the Cistercian museum of monastery Walkenried. Photo: HTV, M. Gloger Hiker at a water wheel in the Upper Harz water management. Photo: HTV, M. Gloger Wernigeröde’s town hall with well. Photo: Wernigerode Tourismus GmbH
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Best of Bavaria
Culture and Congress Centre of the Month Austria
Feeling all the nuances In the city of Feldkirch in Austria, there is a place like no other. It is a place where one cannot help but feel and see between the lines of everyday life. Through its magnificent architecture and its stimulating event series Zwischentoene (Nuances), the Montforthaus makes for an extraordinary, sensual experience. In June, the Montforthaus is Discover Germany’s culture and congress centre of the month.
where up to 600 meals can be prepared at the same time. It includes a small auditorium with space for 270 people and a large one where 1,100 to 3,000 visitors can find space. Finally, it features a foyer with a 15-metre-high ceiling.
TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS
Open for everybody
A building like this cannot be imagined out of nowhere, it needs a history and a specific location that relates past and present into something new. For Feldkirch, the Montforthaus is the third congress building at the exact same spot. The original edifice called Tonhalle, a cinema and festival hall, was rebuilt into the first Montforthaus in the 1970s. Rooted deeply in the architectural style of the time, it was envisioned as a very self-contained and efficient structure. It was not until 2007 that plans for a new Montforthaus 34 | Issue 39 | June 2016
were finalised. Naturally, the new building needed to be up to date, modern and contemporary in all its components and themes. A plan was made and after two years of building and roughly 535,000 working hours, the new structure was completed at the end of 2014. To give an idea of the sheer size of the operation, the current Montforthaus has 37,000 square metres of useful area. Around 3,700 light spots are incorporated and there is a 250-square-metre kitchen,
Nevertheless, numbers tell only part of the story. A whole different chapter is opened when examining the unique architecture of the structure, which is both startling but also sensible to the surrounding city. Planned by the architecture offices Hascher Jehle and Mitiska + Waeger, the convincing result sets new standards with regard to design. People who approach the Montforthaus will observe equally attractive visuals from all directions, as the building does not include a classic backside. In
Discover Germany | Culture | Culture and Congress Centre of the Month
order to highlight the old city wall, the architects created new pathways around it. Furthermore, the structure fits seamlessly into the historic centre of Feldkirch because the adjacent environment was reorganised. It is also the natural stone facade that underlines the sculptural impression of the building and makes it an exciting addition to the cityscape and an interesting correspondent to the Feldkirch castle. In its interior the Montforthaus is bright and open, making perfect use of the 1,200-square-metre window surface. Naturally, the heart of the building is the aforementioned main hall. Architecturally, it is showcased perfectly with walls made out of pear wood that are visible from outside the culture centre as well. As it adheres to the latest ecological standards, the multifunctional house is built as a green building. A sustainable energy concept, using ground water for production of warmth and cold and a
state-of-the-art photovoltaic system on the roof, is in place. Possibilities to be explored Not even with the most precise descriptions could one explain the endless qualities that the Montforthaus bears. The event series Monforter Zwischentoene takes place to present the many possibilities that the location offers. Zwischentoene is scheduled three times a year and always focuses on a specific topic. The next event, called Pause, will examine the topic breaks and quietude and will again try to show how technological progress and emotional worlds can be related. In that respect, the Montforthaus atrium will be transformed into a garden ambience. A concert, where the musicians are playing among the audience, will be held in this atmosphere and during the show video installations will support the emotional gravity of it. In short, the concept of a concert is reinterpreted and presented in an environment that supports this kind of innovative creativity.
Pause will commence from 20 June to 2 July and the programme for the event is filled with an extensive array of fascinating showings. It will be an event by the Montforthaus for the visitors and also for the Montforthaus itself. More than anything, the building itself will be the artistic communicator. Facilitating space and possibilities, shape shifting from a mere structure into an artwork and underlining the numerous themes of the topic.
www.montforthausfeldkirch.com www.montforter-zwischentoene.at
Main image: © David Matthiessen From top left: Room of silence installation. © Magdalena Tuertscher © Petra Rainer Concert in the main hall. © Lisa Mathis Artworks on the glass front. © Magdalena Tuertscher. Montforthaus main hall. © David Matthiessen © David Matthiessen © Friedrich Boehringer
Issue 39 | June 2016 | 35
Discover Germany | Wine and Dine | Design Guide 2016
Special Theme
Best of Bavaria
Bavaria
– the multifaceted holiday paradise Each year, the largest German state attracts millions of visitors with its beautiful landscape and its diverse cultural offerings. Whether one seeks adventure, relaxation or a tour of discovery, Bavaria offers experiences to suit every taste. TEXT: BAYERN TOURISM MARKETING GMBH, TRANSLATION: NANE STEINHOFF
36 | Issue 39 | June 2016
The diversity of Bavaria’s nature is unparalleled: the lush green of the vast meadows, fields and forests, glistening lakes and rivers and the towering mountains create a breathtaking scenery.
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Best of Bavaria
the Karwendel or in the Berchtesgadener Land – the possibilities are endless. Water lovers can sail, surf, raft or swim on the many Bavarian lakes and rivers, such as the Franconian Lakes. Even in Upper Bavaria, one can find various swimming possibilities with the ‘Fünfseenland‘, the picturesque Königs Lake or the Chiemsee – the ‘Bavarian Ocean’. Avid cyclists also find many activities in Bavaria, including the Zoigl cycling path in Upper Palatinate that takes cyclists on a Zoigl beer discovery journey. Across 115 kilometres, the path connects former and active communal breweries which serve Zoigl beer and guarantee a convivial stop.
Main Photo: Neuschwanstein Castle. © www.bayern.by Top right: Zoigl beer tavern. © www.bayern.by, Daniela Haug Middle right: The rococo pilgrimage church Wieskirche. © www.bayern.by, Jörg Lutz Bottom right: © www.bayern.by, Stefan Eisend
Cultural experiences in Bavaria In Bavaria’s cities, one can always discover something new, whether in charming, historic small towns or in vibrant, modern cities. Thus, important museums like the ‘Pinakotheken‘ (picture galleries) or the German Museum in Munich attract culture enthusiasts from all over the world. Bavaria’s castles also are internationally renowned: the buildings of King Ludwig II, Neuschwanstein Castle, Linderhof Castle and the Herrenchiemsee are architectural miracles. Additionally, the seven UNESCO world heritage sites count towards Bavaria’s endless cultural sights: the historic old towns from Bamberg and Regensburg, the rococo pilgrimage church Wieskirche in the Pfaffenwinkel, the baroque Wuerzburg Residence, Bayreuth’s margrave opera house, the Roman limes parts which run through Franconia and the prehistoric pile dwellings around the Alps.
Being active in Bavarian nature Bavaria’s mountain panorama invites visitors to relax and enjoy the spectacular views, but the Bavarian mountains are also the perfect backdrop for sport activities. Hikers and climbers enjoy steep mountain tours or hilly hiking paths and winter sport enthusiasts find well-developed pistes, toboggan runs or cross-country skiing trails. Whether on Germany’s highest peak, the Zugspitze, in the Allgaeu Alps,
The Bavarian character can be found in many cultural highlights, such as the Brass Wiesn Festival in Eching near Munich. Here, musicians and guests celebrate traditional Bavarian brass band music, which fuses with contemporary, international influences. This shows how the world-famous Bavarian cosiness and a creative spirit of innovation simply belong together. www.bayern.by Issue 39 | June 2016 | 37
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Best of Bavaria
Combining tradition and modernity In Nuremberg, which is located in the north of Bavaria, interesting history and modernity intertwine. As a former free Imperial City and one of the European centres during the Renaissance, the city has managed to develop into a modern trade and service hub with international trade fairs. Despite this, it has not lost the special charm of a historically grown city. TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF
Impressive medieval architecture, redroofed buildings and cosy alleys form a pristine backdrop for long walks, shopping trips or exciting events. It feels like in Nuremberg one can discover something around each corner. “Surveys and visitor feedback reveal that especially sights like the Imperial Castle or the Germanic National Museum are very popular, followed by the impressive architecture and Nuremberg’s special flair with its outstanding shopping opportunities,” notes Yvonne Coulin, CEO of Nuremberg Convention and Tourist Office. All eyes on Emperor Karl IV In the second half of 2016, Nuremberg will entirely devote itself to Emperor Karl IV. 38 | Issue 39 | June 2016
As he coined the city significantly in the past and is one of the most important multifaceted rulers of Bohemian and German history, Bavaria and the Czech Republic decided to bring a joint exhibition to life for Karl IV’s 700th birthday. From October 2016 until March 2017, a national exhibition in the Germanisches Nationalmuseum will critically appraise his personality as a ruler and will deal with his significance for the residence cities of Prague and Nuremberg. It will present aspects of his life and reign during the eventful 14th century as well as showcase his artistic representation. A thematic focus will be put on how Germans and Bohemians saw Karl IV and it will become visible that
both have rather different perceptions even today. Around 140 exhibits, including panel paintings and book illustrations, sculptures, textiles, goldsmiths’ work, decorative art, manuscripts, documents, weapons, coins, as well as objects from the fields of archaeology or climate research, will present a new and exciting side to the Emperor and his century. Interesting film sequences and listening stations round off the programme. Visitors can also still find traces of the Emperor in the old town of Nuremberg today. Why not head to the main market at the Frauenkirche church, which was donated by Karl IV? Every day at 12pm, one
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Best of Bavaria
can gaze at the so-called ‘Männleinlaufen’ at the gothic church. The ‘Männlein’ are the seven electors which successively take a bow in front of a statue of Karl IV. This act recalls the Emperor’s royal decree of the ‘Golden Bull’ – the most important Imperial Act of the Middle Ages which was discussed in Nuremberg in 1356. The act also determined the modalities of a king election and defined that the newly elected ruler should hold his first court meeting in Nuremberg. Right next to Nuremberg’s town hall, also on the main market, visitors can also visit the ‘Schöner Brunnen’ (‘beautiful fountain’), the construction of which was initiated by Karl IV. A special ambiance perfect for events The special flair of Nuremberg’s old buildings and historic past poses as the perfect backdrop for a variety of events. A highlight of the year is the ‘Blaue Nacht’ (‘blue night’) where the city’s architecture is put in the limelight in a rather special way. 130,000 visitors flocked to Nuremberg this year, to gaze at the city’s historic buildings which were illuminated with blue light and several artistic light installations. Furthermore, music fans can look forward to Europe’s largest classical
music open air festival, the Klassik Open Air in the Luitpoldhain park (24 July and 6 August), where visitors can enjoy great music while drinking a glass of wine in the park. Germany’s biggest music festival with free entry is also found in Nuremberg. The Bardentreffen celebrates world music and this year, from 29 until 31 July, the focus is put on music from island nations from all over the globe.
the beautiful architecture and interesting history, make Nuremberg such a great travel destination,”concludes Yvonne Coulin. tourismus.nuernberg.de Main image and below: The Kaiser castle. © Uwe Niklas. Left Bottom: Main market. © Christine Dierenbach, Stadt Nürnberg Top right: © Haus der Bayerischen Geschichte Middle right: Germanic national museum and the Street of Human Rights. © Uwe Niklas Bottom right: The Kaiser castle. © Uwe Niklas
The Old Town Festival (15 – 26 September) will further attract many visitors and the well-known music festival Rock im Park (3 – 5 June) is another of Nuremberg’s highlights. Or why not flock to the Norisring for the thrilling DTM race (24 – 26 June)? For hot summer days, the city beach in the middle of Nuremberg’s old town will come in handy. Until 24 July, visitors can enjoy a cocktail at one of the beach bars here, play a round of beach volleyball, dip their toes in the large pool or simply relax. Of course, the world-renowned Christmas market ‘Christkindlesmarkt’ should also be mentioned. Held from 25 November until 24 December this year, the ‘Christkindlesmarkt’ is one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany. “These and many more events, alongside
Issue 39 | June 2016 | 39
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Best of Bavaria
Passau: A host of delights on three rivers Known as the ‘City on Three Rivers’, Passau will be bringing its exclusive culinary specialities to the fore. As part of the ‘Beer in Bavaria’ concept at the Bavarian State Exhibition 2016 in nearby Aldersbach, Passau is taking steps to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Bavarian State Purity Law. TEXT: PASSAU TOURISMUS E.V., TRANSLATION: EMMIE COLLINGE
With its four breweries and their centuries-old heritage, what better way is there to show diversity that garners admiration from locals and tourists alike than with beer. However, it may come as a surprise to many that Passau also has intricate ties to wine production, which go back as far as 1358. Still going strong today, Passau’s own wine is known as the Stiftswein, exclusive to the historical wine tavern, the Heilig-Geist-Stiftschenke. But, of course, as food and drink are nothing 40 | Issue 39 | June 2016
without one another, local cuisine will be celebrated in abundance this year, with everything from ‘Weißwurst to go’ via catfish from the Donau to Passau’s special gold-capped pralines. Nestled on the border of Austria and Germany, Passau has a wealth of sights as well as a spectacular natural wonder. This is where the three rivers conjoin, having entered the city from the west, south and north to create a river triangle
of the Danube, Inn and Ilz, before flowing eastwards as the Danube towards the Black Sea. As a consequence of two major city fires in the 17th century, the city oozes southern flair as the Italian baroque style dominated its renovation. As the mother church of St. Stephen’s Church in Vienna, Passau’s impressive St. Stephan’s Cathedral is home to the world’s largest cathedral organ, comprised of 17,974 pipes, 233 stops and five separate parts. Its awe-inspiring notes can regularly be enjoyed at the Cathedral’s daily organ concerts at noon (May – October). Perched high above the River Inn, the baroque abbey complex, the Mariahilf, as well as one of Europe’s largest-preserved fortresses, the Veste Oberhaus, overlook
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Best of Bavaria
20th and 21st century artworks. A visit to the so-called ‘Artists’ Alley’ on Höllgasse will reveal many more galleries and ateliers, where visitors can frequently see artists at work.
Main Photo: Passau. © Passau Tourismus Top left: © Passau Tourismusr Middle left: © Passau Tourismus Bottom left: Hiking in Passau. © Passau Tourismus Top right: Passau’s Cathedral. © Passau Tourismusr Middle right: Passau’s ‘Residenzplatz’. © Tourismusverband Ostbayern e.V Bottom right: © Tourismusverband Ostbayern e.V
Passau is an ideal city to explore on boat, be it on the local boat company’s ‘Three Rivers’ Sightseeing Boat Tour, or a gala tour through the Bavarian and Upper Austrian Danube valley. Passau is also an important landing and departure point for many cruise ships, heading downstream via Vienna towards Budapest or upstream via Nuremberg towards Amsterdam. With so much to offer active holidaymakers too, Passau is at the intersection of many national and international long-distance cycling routes, including the bordercrossing Danube Cycle Route, the Inn Cycle Path to Switzerland’s Maloja as well as the Tauern Cycle Path to Krimml in Austria’s Salzburg region, making it a real paradise for riders. For hikers, the options are just as vast, with many paths directly in the city as well as those offering immediate access to the long-distance hiking routes like the Goldsteig, Donausteig and the Danube Panorama Path.
the rivers and the old town. The fortress, now home to the Oberhaus Museum, contains a wealth of exhibitions on the city’s history and culture. Even more insight into the city’s history and art can be discovered at the Roman Museum Kastell Boiotro, which exhibits fascinating archaeological finds from the area. There is also the Museum of the Treasure of the Cathedral and the Diocese with its precious displays hailing from the days when Passau was the capital of the largest diocese of the Holy Roman Empire. For a taste of even more culture, the Glass Museum Passau displays invaluable European glass objects from the baroque period right through to contemporary glass works, while the Museum of Modern Art has popular temporary exhibitions of
Passau also boasts a packed calendar of events, with countless festivals, fairs, markets and many other types of events. From 17 June to 7 August, it will host the European Weeks Culture Festival and the Night of Arts on 15 July. For shopping, there are large malls as well as delightful pedestrian areas lined with speciality shops and boutiques offering intricately handcrafted products. Providing refreshment from the culture and shopping, there are innumerable restaurants, taverns and cafés serving seasonal cuisine. Come summer, the terraces, beer and wine gardens are thriving with guests. In terms of accommodation, the city offers the full spectrum from campsites to four-star hotels. Easily reached by motorway or international rail connections, Passau is also within driving distance of the following airports: Munich, Nuremberg, Salzburg and Linz. www.tourism.passau.de Issue 39 | June 2016 | 41
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Best of Bavaria
Pristinely Bavarian with Mediterranean flair Freising combines ancient traditions with a Mediterranean way of life. TEXT: TOURISMUSAMT FREISING, TRANSLATION: NANE STEINHOFF
As the oldest town on the Isar, Freising is classified as the heart of Old Bavaria. Impressive baroque and playful rococo buildings, as well as gothic town houses witness the wealth of past days and the high quality of life of the tradition-steeped but also young at heart university city in Munich’s north. Dreamy alleys invite for strolling, while the cafés on rosedotted market squares combine Bavarian traditions with Mediterranean joie de vivre. The town’s landmark is the Domberg with its Marien cathedral which towers high above the old town. The interior of the church was equipped with magnificent baroque décor by the famous Asam brothers. This place also enjoys international renown as a place of learning – not only because Cardinal Ratzinger, the emeritus Pope Benedikt
XVI., previously studied and lectured here. The mystical beasts’ pillar in the cathedral’s Romanesque crypt and the Prince Bishop residence are further popular attractions. The St. Georg parish church’s tower watches over the city centre. The approximately 1,000-year-old, former monastery Neustift and its abbey St. Peter and Paul – one of Bavaria’s most renowned rococo churches – lie only a few minutes away.
A romantic town with much to offer Barely any other city in Germany has maintained its romantic atmosphere of the late Middle Ages as much as Rothenburg. The well-preserved town in the Franconian region of Bavaria is the perfect getaway from the stress of everyday life. TEXT: MONIQUE AMEND
Around 1400, Rothenburg belonged to the Holy Roman Empire’s biggest towns and has kept its unique medieval appearance until today. An evening tour guided by the original nightwatchman of Rothenburg, whose job it was to keep the town and its people safe at night, will show you the beauty of the city. You will discover the well-preserved and accessible town wall, as well as towers, gates and bastions, while enjoying the charm of the historic city with its winding alleys, little shops and gorgeous patrician houses. The local Medieval Crime & Justice Museum gives visitors an insight on the numerous instruments of torture used in the Middle Ages. But if you are in need of harmony, you can visit the German Christ42 | Issue 39 | June 2016
mas museum and the Christmas village of Kaethe Wohlfahrt which are both open all year round and sell the biggest variety of traditional German Christmas decoration. Of course Rothenburg also offers a variety of culinary delicacies: ‘Taste of the Tauber’ is a merger of the city’s leading restaurateurs that serve typical local dishes. During an additional wine-tasting you can also learn about the Franconian wines grown in the area. www.tourismus.rothenburg.de Top: The Ploenlein. © Rothenburg Tourismus Service, W. Pfitzinger Middle: The nightwatchman of Rothenburg. © Rothenburg Tourismus Service, P. Frischmuth Bottom: Panorama of Rothenburg. © Rothenburg Tourismus Service, W. Pfitzinger
The Weihenstephan hill combines tradition and modernity like no other. Here, one can find the campus, the university city’s scientific centre, which is embellished with art from contemporary sculptors. A bit further, the world’s oldest brewery and the university’s show gardens are situated. All in all, Freising is the right place to get to know Bavarian traditions in a future-oriented town. www.tourismus.freising.de Left and Middle: © Touristinformation Freising/G. Standl Right: © Touristinformation Freising / M. Meinhard
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Best of Bavaria
A giant playground for the whole family With just under 25,000 residents, the Bavarian town of Zirndorf may be small population-wise. But the leisure possibilities in the founding city of PLAYMOBIL are certainly big. TEXT: SONJA IRANI I PHOTOS: ZIMA ZIRNDORF MARKETING EG
Popular recreation facilities for families include the large outdoor swimming pool Bibert Bad as well as the Kletterwald ropes course with 14 themed courses. Furthermore, the Franconian town close to Nuremberg and Fürth is famous for the children’s toys brand PLAYMOBIL, which is still headquartered in Zirndorf. The PLAYMOBIL fun park a few steps from the town centre offers various attractions for children and grown-ups to become more active.
Zirndorf Marketing. Meanwhile, history lovers should head to the Museum of Zirndorf, which provides a good overview of the development of the local toy production industry and the important role that Zirndorf played during the Thirty Years’ War. “We also offer different themed tours for adults and children, for example Zirndorf in the year 1632 when the nobleman Albrecht von Wallenstein fought the Swedish King Gustav Adolf right here in our town,” adds Bischoff.
Just as much fun, and also close by to Zirndorf’s main market square, is the brand new Carrera World. “Aside from countless Carrera tracks, we exhibit different racing cars. At the moment, that’s a Formula 1 Red Bull design replica in its original size,” says Nadine Bischoff of
Various public festivities further add to the fact that you will not get bored here. How about, for example, a guided tour through Zirndorf’s brewery? Afterwards, you can taste the town’s very own beer brand Zirndorfer in the beer garden, which was reopened in May. Furthermore,
the annual Zirndorf Night of Music will be held for the eighth time this year. And if you would like to see a traditional German market, the next one will be at the end of June during the town’s popular city and brewery festival. Need a bit of peace and quiet after all those days of partying, sightseeing and discovering? Just escape to the surrounding nature and enjoy the delights of the Franconian countryside on the countless hiking and cycling paths. www.zirndorf-marketing.de
Issue 39 | June 2016 | 43
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Best of Bavaria
Gunzenhausen – the holiday spot in the ‘Fränkische Seenland’ The city of Gunzenhausen is located right in the middle of the holiday region of the ‘Fränkische Seenland’. Situated marvellously at the Altmuehlsee, the town with its medieval towers, impressive buildings and a beautiful marketplace invites you to stay.
company and entertainment or solitude and reflection. Culinary delights, long walks and bike tours let you recover from a busy business life and gain new strength.
TEXT: STADTVERWALTUNG GUNZENHAUSEN, TRANSLATION: MONIQUE AMEND
The local enterprises range from small and medium-sized companies to big firms, which are active on the international stage. Global market leaders, so called ‘Hidden Champions’, can also be found in Gunzenhausen.
PHOTOS: STADTVERWALTUNG GUNZENHAUSEN
Gunzenhausen is the only Bavarian city that is crossed by the Rhaetian Limes, an ancient border defence or delimiting system used by the Romans. Here, cultural heritage meets tradition as well as visions and opportunities for the future. Rural villages, gentle hills and spacious green areas, forests, meadows with scattered fruit trees, ponds and lakes characterise the city’s surroundings. Furthermore, the appealing location of Gunzenhausen, people’s capacity for enthusiasm and the good infrastructure offer various and future-oriented jobs in a dynamic business location. The people living in the heart of Franconia – in the ‘Metropolregion Nuernberg’ – 44 | Issue 39 | June 2016
are aware of their traditions and history. Cosy hotels, restaurants and pubs offer their guests regional delicacies. Whether Franconian parish fairs, theatres, concerts or sports events – everyone, either living or spending a holiday here, will find
www.gunzenhausen.de www.gunzenhausen.info
Special Theme
Basel City Special
The cultural capital of Switzerland With an outstanding variety of sights and museums, the city of Basel celebrates its cultural heritage. This attracts many visitors to discover the city and its beautiful surroundings in the three-state area. TEXT: MONIQUE AMEND
Basel is located in the very north of Switzerland and is home to around 175,000 people. The surrounding area is filled with blooming cherry trees in the spring and, because of its location right in the three-state area, it is only a short trip to see Germany’s Black Forest and the French countryside. The residents enjoy their picturesque city as well as many tourists every year. The river Rhine crosses the city and is a great meeting and leisure point in the summer, which contributes to Basel’s romantic character. The diverse offering of cultural sights makes the third biggest Swiss city quite unique. There are many historical landmarks in Basel, among
them the great marketplace with the richly ornamented town hall made out of red sandstone or the late Romantic Gothic Cathedral. The old town is characterised by a great mixture of small boutiques, antique book stores and modern buildings designed by well-known international architects. Basel and its people are aware of their traditions and celebrate them but, at the same time, they keep an open mind for innovations and foreign customs. The numerous parks and botanical gardens as well as the bank of the Rhine provide some room to relax. Small boats on the river make it possible to discover the city from a different perspective.
With almost 40 museums, Basel has the highest density of museums in the whole country and therefore can really call itself the cultural capital. The Museum of Cultures houses the biggest collection of European and non-European cultures on the continent. The Museum of Art is one of the oldest, public art collections that includes the biggest collection of Holbein pieces. The museum dedicated to Swiss painter and sculptor Jean Tinguely shows many of his metal sculptures and his general work. Numerous galleries and small theatres contribute to the city’s cultural entertainment programme, too. Main Photo: Early morning on the Rhine in Basel. © Switzerland Tourism, Andreas Zimmermann. From top left: On the market square. © Switzerland Tourism, Gian Marco Castelberg & Maurice Haas. The Museum Tinguely. © Switzerland Tourism, Serge Haseboehler. Evening mood at the Rhine. © Switzerland Tourism, Andreas Gerth. View over the city from the two towers of the cathedral. © Switzerland Tourism, Christof Schuerpf.
Issue 39 | June 2016 | 45
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Best of Bavaria
Left: Restaurant Rubino. Right: The invino wine bar.
When palates are holistically happy In the old town of Basel, one can find an exceptional restaurant which impresses with a modern, yet homely ambiance and great culinary delights and tasty wines. Here, host Beat Rubitschung and chef de cuisine Manuela Buser have one ultimate goal: satisfied and contented guests.
taurant Rubino are primarily from smaller wineries and many are even imported by Rubitschung himself. He adds: “I’m simply not interested in mainstream wines.”
TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF I PHOTOS: RESTAURANT RUBINO GMBH
For conscious connoisseurs
“When great food perfectly harmonises with a good wine, when they celebrate a wedding in the palate so to speak, then something big happens which you can perhaps call art. Then I’m happy,” smiles Beat Rubitschung, owner of restaurant Rubino in Basel. The many guests who choose to get pampered in his restaurant point to the fact that the wine and the food celebrate many weddings here: those who do not reserve a place, have difficulty finding a spare table. 46 | Issue 39 | June 2016
What exactly makes the Rubino so special? First of all, the Rubino team put their hearts and souls into their work. A seasoned team caters to every customer’s wish and Beat Rubitschung is a born restaurateur. While he worked in the IT industry before, he decided to pursue his real passions at the age of 50: great food and special wines of the most diverse origins. He says: “Everybody can sell good and expensive wines. I, however, want to offer my guests good and affordable wines.” Thus, the wines at res-
While the experienced chef de cuisine Manuela Buser caters for high-quality delicacies, Rubitschung is responsible for the choice of wine. “It’s easy to find a suitable wine for classical dishes but for more unusual food, such as white carrot mousse with vanilla, it is quite a challenge,” notes Buser. Luckily, Rubitschung is always able to find the right, diligently chosen and unusual red or white wine. The food served at the Rubino is also rather special. Overall, the cuisine at restaurant
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Basel City Special
Rubino features refined Mediterranean delicacies and hearty Swiss dishes. This healthy, creative cuisine is usually prepared with fresh herbs, as well as seasonal and regional ingredients from organic production and menus vary according to the season. Buser even gets the vegetables from the same farmer, which provides the Rubino with fresh supplies a few times a week. Besides offering ever-changing tasty lunch and dinner menus, the restaurant’s speciality is its ‘surprise menu’ which consists of two to five courses featuring meat, fish and also vegetarian dishes. Guests can simply choose their preferred ingredient and the kitchen will create a special menu for them. This guarantees an evening full of tasty surprises. Nurturing the passion for wine Only a few steps away from the Rubino, lies the invino wine bar – another project from Rubitschung. In an exceptional ambiance which reminds one of a modern, French wine cellar, guests can explore a variety of fine wines. “At the invino we cultivate our passion for wines. We constantly look for special ones, be it in terms of origin, type of grape, wine-growers, vinification or cultivation methods,” notes Rubitschung. While offering a choice of five red and five white wines, the invino also serves fine bread, carefully selected olive oils and Basel’s own water. If guests want some tangy cheese or cold meats to accompany their wines, the hosts are happy to fulfil these wishes too. What makes the choice of wines so special at the invino is that the wine bar changes its offering every five to six weeks. Before doing so, the invino team tastes a selection of new wines with their guests. The wines that find most admirers will then be served at the invino. For those who want to participate in this the next time, simply sign up online or directly at the wine bar.
a rather special place. Divided into two adjacent areas, the long restaurant looks out on the museum’s courtyard and the light-flooded bar is the perfect place for a nice glass of wine in the evening. In summer, guests can also sit in the museum’s Mediterranean courtyard. In the Bistro, one can enjoy a coffee in the morning, a delicious lunch which is influenced by regional and Mediterranean cuisine and is made with seasonal, sustainably produced ingredients, an aperitif or a dinner with friends. How about a creamy zucchini soup, a bouillabaisse with rouille mayonnaise and baguette or a crepe with spinach, fried egg and cheese sauce? www.rubino-basel.ch invino-basel.ch bistrokunstmuseumbasel.ch hauswein.ch
Not only for culture enthusiasts Last but not least, the Bistro Kunstmuseum in the heart of Basel welcomes guests to meet people and to pamper their palates with exceptional Bistro cuisine in a minimal, modern and elegant ambiance. Situated in the inner courtyard of the Kunstmuseum, host Esther Sidler and leaseholder Rubitschung have created
From top right: The invino wine bar. Bistro Kunstmuseum.
Issue 39 | June 2016 | 47
A passion for deliciousness Not far from the city of Basel lies one of the most unique places in Switzerland. With its qualitative cuisine, its incredible scenery and its sensational wine cellar, the country guesthouse and vinothek Farnsburg offers visitors a singular culinary experience. TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS I PHOTOS: LANDGASTHOF FARNSBURG
For wine expert Jürg Richter, the liquid gold has always been a family affair. In fact, his passion for the exquisite drink is planted in his genes. Six generations in the past, during the 18th century, his greatgreat-great-great-grandfather was the founder of one of the largest wine-trading businesses in middle and northern Europe. Richter himself rejuvenated the family’s long-standing tradition in the 1980s, when he was treated to a magnificent old Sauternes that enflamed his fervour. From that moment on a strong fascination grabbed hold of Richter, so much so that 48 | Issue 39 | June 2016
he began to visit tastings and conduct his own. “The beauty of a passion is that you can enjoy wine together with friends, which bestows one with many unforgettable moments,“ he says. Over the decades, he has nurtured his passion and acquired endless rare bottles, sometimes even buying complete wine cellars. Culinary and visual delights At the court estate Farnsburg, Richter was able to combine his love for wine with his wife’s own dedication to the country guesthouse and restaurant. Susanne Richter runs the guesthouse, which has its origins in the
14th century. Susanne’s brother Markus Dettwiler delivers the delicious meat right from the farm section of the estate. Because of the family’s devotion to it, the court estate is nowadays famous not only for its extensive wine cellar, but also for its outstanding culinary qualities. In that respect, critics took notice of the Farnsburg farm a long time ago and, in the year 2013, it was named the best Swiss agriculture business with regard to biodiversity. In addition to the culinary delights, the Farnsburgs‘ surroundings offer a beautiful landscape which can be observed from the sun terrace of the guesthouse. On days with high visibility, one can look as far as the famous Bernese Alps and marvel at Eiger mountain. Of course, in order to enjoy the treasures of the vinothek, the guesthouse also includes four hotel rooms where guests can go to sleep in a comfortable atmosphere after their evening.
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Basel City Special
huge mark ups. As a real enthusiast Richter wants guests to taste his wines and pay a price that is reasonable for the quality that they receive. Favourites When asked about his favorite wine, Richter explains that “every person who loves wine has a particular relationship with it and as different as the enthusiasts are so different are the favourite wines“. For him, the process of defining his favourite wine leads to its beginnings in Bordeaux. “No wine region in the world is that rich in tradition and produces such a diversity and quality. Therefore, my favorite wines come from Bordeaux and especially from the Sauternes region.“ Although he admits that there are always various favourites, his current one is a Château Suduiraut from the year 1929. Another one that is dear to his heart is in fact the oldest wine in his cellar, a Rüdesheimer Apostelwein, which dates back to 1727.
Down in the cellar Jürg Richter’s vinothek at the Farnsburg includes some 5,000 different wines.“Such a great array of wines needs to be presented in a tasteful way,“ explains Richter. “The interested guest is invited to climb down into the wine cellar himself, to calmly look around in the seven different thematically sorted cellars until he has found the suitable bottle(s), all of which we offer at extremely attractive prices.“ The Farnsburg team further includes professional sommelier Norman Weissbach, who has his own longtime experience with wine and gives help and advice in extraordinary concerns or questions about specific bottles.
Main Photo: Outside the Farnsburg guesthouse. From top right: Roast with crackling. One of four hotel rooms. A table on the Farnsburg terrace. Sommelier Norman Weissbach and Susanne Richter, manager of the Farnsburg guesthouse. Pigs in front of the Farnsburg farm. Liquid Gold wine cellar. Sommelier Norman Weissbach with a guest. Europe wine cellar. Inside the Farnsburg restaurant.
In the end, an attraction to wine can be defined in terms of two variables. On the one hand, a wine changes from one tasting to the next, making the degustation process never ending. On the other hand, there are thousands of wines that even an enthusiast has never tasted. A passion for wine does not just start or stop, it is a life-long continuation. The court guesthouse and vinothek Farnsburg celebrates this passion and, with its tasteful cuisine and stunning view, gives it the proper environment to flourish. www.landgasthof-farnsburg.ch www.weinkeller-farnsburg.ch www.farnsburg.ch
The seven cellars of the vinothek each offer an extensive collection of quality wines. There is a cellar for Sauternes, for Bordeaux, for the whole of Europe, for new world wines from Australia, California and South Africa, for rarities, for trouvailles and for everyday wines. In terms of pricing, wines in Richter’s cellar do not receive Issue 39 | June 2016 | 49
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Basel City Special
Making architecture accessible to a broad public Established in 1984, the S AM Swiss Architecture Museum is the leading institution in the mediation of contemporary architecture in Switzerland. TEXT: NADINE CARSTENS, SWISS ARCHITECTURE MUSEUM I PHOTOS: SWISS ARCHITECTURE MUSEUM, CHRISTIAN KAHL
Located in Basel, right in the centre of Swiss cultural and architectural discourse, the S AM Swiss Architecture Museum is surrounded by outstanding classic modernist and contemporary structures. It is the perfect place for facilitating crossborder connections and international exchange, linking professional discourse with a wider audience. By showing up to four temporary exhibitions every year, S AM has specialised in the key programme elements ‘interdisciplinary’ and ‘history and the present’. Not only professionals like architects, engineers and planners are attracted to this programme, which includes a variety of events, but also visitors without an architectural background. “What makes architecture so special is that everyone is
confronted with it, whereas different kinds of art are usually presented in certain spatial institutions, for example a gallery or a concert hall,”says the new director Andreas Ruby. Therefore, he and his team want to address a broader public in future:“I would like to show more easily accessible forms of exhibitions that convey their subject matter in a sensory and multilayered way,”
Off to Roman antiquity Augusta Raurica is a real historical treasure trove. It is the best-preserved ancient theatre north of the Alps, the largest late antique silver treasure and the longest accessible wastewater channel from the Roman period. TEXT: AUGUSTA RAURICA I PHOTOS: SUSANNE SCHENKER
A visit to Augusta Raurica is not just about looking at things. Participation is everything – and experiencing what it would have been like to live in antiquity. Bake bread in a wood-fired oven, make pottery like the Romans did or have a picnic at the amphitheatre – there are many
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ways to experience the past. The huge variety of activities and the wonderful surroundings make the site a unique destination for an unforgettable day out. The largest Roman festival in Switzerland should also not be missed. At the annual Roman festival (Saturday, 27
Ruby explains.“I am interested in the art of presenting exhibitions without any fear of being popular, playful or humorous.” Until the end of September visitors can see an exhibition dedicated to the Swiss architect André M. Studer, who has a special significance in post-war Swiss architecture. Whereas this exhibition was curated by the former director Hubertus Adam, Ruby will open his first exhibition in November. www.sam-basel.org Left: Exterior view of the S AM Swiss Architecture Museum. Middle: André M. Studer: Haus Hubert Studer, Bärgiswil. Right: Lassalle-Haus, Bad Schönbrunn.
Left: Milling grain at Augusta Raurica. Middle: Augusta Raurica’s theatre in summer. Right: Augusta Raurica’s Roman festival.
August, 10am–7pm and Sunday, 28 August, 10am–5pm) over 700 participants breathe life into the venerable monuments of the ancient Roman town. Gladiator fights, chariot racing for families, dance performances and over 30 activities in which all ages can take part, make this an unforgettable occasion. Add food and drink to suit every taste – including unfamiliar Roman delicacies – and the excursion to the ancient world becomes an all-round success for everyone. Why not join us? www.augusta-raurica.ch
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Basel City Special
Contemporary Swiss art with paintings at centre point Galerie Carzaniga, based in Basel, is one of the most renowned art galleries in Switzerland. It focuses on showcasing 20th century Swiss art, such as works of Gruppe Rot-Blau, Gruppe 33, abstract expressionism, informal art and contemporary art from Switzerland, Germany and Italy. TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN
“It is our main endeavour to cultivate and continuously showcase traditional painting,” says Arnaldo Carzaniga, commenting on the Basel art museum that shows a likewise appreciation for Swiss, and in particular Basel, artists in exhibiting their works. “This is the basis that allows us – as an art gallery – to try out new things and support young, aspiring artists,” adds business partner Markus Rück. Carzaniga and Rück run the gallery together with their third partner Philipp Hediger. Galerie Carzaniga will participate in the Art Basel 2016, showing works of Mark Tobey (1890-1976) and Julius Bissier (18931965) who were both based in Basel. But while Bissier’s rather poetic soft watercolour
and tempera pieces are famous for their experimentation with Asian calligraphy and Western typography, Tobey’s fine-lined compositions and use of auratic colour effects was representative of lyrical abstraction. A third artist currently showcased at Galerie Carzaniga is Lorenz Spring, born in 1964.“Spring has a profound knowledge
Go electronic in Basel Located in the heart of Basel’s new cultural hotspot Dreispitz area, the so-called HeK (House of Electronic Arts Basel) has established itself as a worldwide unique art space dedicated to all digital culture and the new art forms of the information age. TEXT: SONJA IRANI
“At our art space, you can experience many different attractions connected to contemporary art that explores new technologies,” says Lukas Zitzer, press and public relations at HeK. There are, for example Christina Kubisch’s ‘Electrical Walks Basel’ headphones. These allow you to search the Dreispitz area for electromagnetic vibrations and transform them into sound. “We also show four to five changing exhibitions per year. In scope of our education programme you can learn how to create your own animated GIF’s, for example, or visit one of our concerts of contemporary electro-acoustic music.” Special events at the HeK include the so-called ‘Family Sundays’ when families with children from the age of seven can
discover the exhibitions together or the annual Oslo Night, which this year takes place on 17 September. “More than 4,000 visitors regularly attend the festival, which features a varied programme including special exhibitions, concerts, workshops and much more,” explains Zitzer.
of the Pop Art that emerged in the 1950s and 1960s, but uses completely different motives in his own collages, sculptures or drawings,” says Carzaniga. Often enough they have a direct link to Switzerland and Swiss landscapes. www.carzaniga.ch Left: Julius Bissier (1893–1965); A.23.Mai 64 M, 1963; egg oil tempera on self-primed cotton; 22.5 x 28.6cm. © Galerie Carzaniga I Photo: Serge Hasenböhler Middle: Mark Tobey (1890–1976); Without title, 1955; tempera on carton; 53.5 x 42 cm; signed, dated bottom right: Tobey 55. © Galerie Carzaniga I Photo: Serge Hasenböhler Right: Lorenz Spring (1964); Schneeschmelze in den Flimser Bergen, 2016; oil on canvas; 90 x 110 cm. © Galerie Carzaniga Photo: Lorenz Spring.
Plenty of reasons then to visit Basel. However, Zitzer knows even more. “Just a few steps from our location, you’ll find the Schaulager is a unique mix of a museum, art storage depot and art research centre. If the weather is nice, I also highly recommend the Rhine harbour for a stroll. You’ll find countless cosy bars here where you can take a break and just watch the world go by.” www.hek.ch From left: Exhibition Ryoji Ikeda (2014) in HeK. Works: Ryoji Ikeda, data. tron [3K version], 2014 and data.scan [n°1-9], 2009. Photo: Franz Wamhof, ©: HeK Photo: Kathrin Schulthess, © Christoph Merian Stiftung
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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Best of Bavaria
Main Photo: © Brigitte Faessler Top Right: © Brigitte Faessler Middle: © World Choir Games 2014 Bottom Right: © Phil Monkton
Male voices revive the music from the past – and make a step into the world of modern music They look as if they had stepped out of a time machine, travelling in from the 1950s: knickerbockers, braces and corduroy jackets. The choir Männerstimmen – German for ‘male voices’ – from Basel plays with choral music’s old-fashioned image. But indeed all choristers are young men who want to open the world of classical music to others. TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN
“Männerstimmen Basel wants to interpret traditional music in modern ways and subsequently inspire and enthuse a wider audience normally not interested in this kind of music,” says choirmaster and conductor Oliver Rudin. In 2008, former singers from the Knabenkantorei Basel, a boys’ choir, had founded Männerstimmen and until today “we aim to continue the tradition of male choirs” that has existed over centuries, says Rudin. The idea for the outfit was born while watching the Swiss-French movie Les Choristes. The 2004 movie is set in a boarding school for difficult boys in 1949 when a teacher forms a choir out of 52 | Issue 39 | June 2016
some unruly boys, thus giving them an inspiration for life. “But in contrast to the movie, the voices of our choir are already really good – and they normally behave quite well during rehearsals,” says Rudin. Thanks to the enthusiasm of 30 male voices and the two conductors Oliver Rudin and David Rossel, Männerstimmen Basel has won international music prizes at prestigious festivals like a gold medal at the World Choir Games 2012 in Cincinnati/USA or recently the first price at the Cornwall International Male Choral Festival, the biggest European festival for male choirs. They have quite a wide repertoire ranging from music from the
Renaissance or Romantic, to traditional folk songs or contemporary pieces. “Some of the contemporary pieces were originally composed for our choir,” recounts Oliver Rudin. Among the composers were for example the Swiss musician Gion Antoni Derungs and Xavier Hagen. In 2015, the choir published its third CD Volkhorn. But Männerstimmen is more than just a choir:“Our collaboration is quite particular: Every choir member not only contributes to the choir’s success because he sings, but also in taking on various other tasks,”Rudin explains the special work relationship and atmosphere based more on friendship than simple work performance. “One works as a carpenter and fabricates wooden music cases, another is as graphic designer responsible for our visual appearance, the next is a lawyer and works out our contracts… thus every one of us shoulders important responsibilities.” www.maennerstimmen.ch
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Basel City Special
The musical heartbeat of Basel The Collegium Musicum Basel (CMB) is the oldest continuously existing professional symphony orchestra of the city which attracts international classical music fans. A vast range of concerts ensure there is something for everyone.
on attending one of CMB’s wonderful concerts. Tickets can be booked online. www.collegiummusicumbasel.ch
TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE I PHOTOS: JEAN JACQUES SCHAFFNER
With its 150-year-old music academy and the world-famous Schola Cantorum Basiliensis, Basel’s rich orchestra scene boasts an incredible amount of talent. The Collegium Musicum Basel, which celebrates its 65th birthday this year, contributes to Basel’s musical landscape through a continuous artistic dialogue with music tradition and a healthy curiosity for contemporary forms. The award-winning conductor and musical director Kevin Griffith successfully leads his 60 professional musicians, who perform works from Viennese classics to the late Romantic period and music of the early 20th century. The upcoming season, starting this September, will include classical mas-
terpieces by Mozart, Beethoven, Vivaldi, Tchaikovsky, Wagner, Verdi and Gustav Mahler. Dutch pianist Ronald Brautigam and violinist Giuliano Carmignola will pay a musical visit and opera fans should not miss Verdi’s Requiem. CMB spokesperson Hanne Sieber adds: “Choral works and special contemporary pieces are also part of our programme. Renowned international soloists with different musical backgrounds perform during the concerts as well.” Adding a bit of spice, CMB also introduces more unusual composers such as Johann Baptist Vanhal and Benjamin Yusupov with his Viola – Tango – Rock Concerto. Classical music fans and those who are curious do not want to miss out
Based in Basel, celebrated in the world “The Basel Chamber Orchestra under its current Principal Guest Conductor Giovanni Antonini manages to re-interpret Beethoven in the most elegant and blissfully swinging way when it comes to rhythm. This truly sounds like the future,” rejoiced Peter Hagmann in an article published in the Neue Züricher Zeitung. He was referring to the Beethoven Cycle, which the orchestra and the Italian baroque specialist Antonini developed over the course of ten years. TEXT: SONJA IRANI
An explanation of what makes the orchestra, which also performs and records all of Joseph Haydn’s 107 symphonies between now and 2032, so special is delivered by Matthias Müller, violinist and marketing coordinator at the Basel Chamber Orchestra: “We passionately specialise in historical instruments and interpretations that always match the musical era a piece originates from, for example baroque. We started working in this way 15 years ago. Even though it’s more common nowadays, it’s still something that’s pretty unique.” All this has led to the Basel Chamber Orchestra becoming one of the most
sought-after chamber orchestras on the international stage. For 2017, there is even a Far East tour on their schedule. At home in Basel, opportunities to listen to concerts with famous guest musicians
and conductors such as Alison Balsom or Renaud Capuçon include the so-called subscription concerts. These will start again this September. In addition, the orchestra members are passionately committed to promoting musical education in younger generations. For example, many of the orchestra’s musicians go to schools and perform so-called kids concerts, which sees the children actively joining in and being able to ask questions. www.kammerorchesterbasel.ch Basel Chamber Orchestra under its Principal Guest Conductor Giovanni Antonini in the KKL Lucerne. © Christian Dancker
Basel Chamber Orchestra. © Heike Kandalowski
Issue 39 | June 2016 | 53
All the world is a stage Perhaps when you were a child you dreamed about becoming a cherished actress or actor; about the Oscar you would win and the mesmerised audience who watched your every move on screen or stage. Some children have the opportunity to live that dream. TEXT: SILKE HENKELE I PHOTOS: FERNANDO PATALLO, © MONICA WOHLWEND
The Basler Kindertheater (Children Theatre of Basel) was founded in 1970. Back then it was the first Swiss children’s theatre in existence and also counted among the European-wide pioneers of these kinds of theatres. Since then, many visitors have enjoyed the inspiring productions enacted entirely by children. Each season the theatre offers four differing productions. From September to June the audience may enjoy between 25 to 27 performances per production, with performances taking place three times a week (Wednesday and weekends). The productions mainly encompass fairy tales, and at the moment the last production shown in season 2015/2016 is Puss in Boots, the well-known fairy 54 | Issue 39 | June 2016
tale about the smart feline written by the Brothers Grimm. One production comprises of 18 to 26 children aged between four and 16 years old, who are carefully chosen by Mónica Wohlwend and her team. “We are not necessarily looking for children with acting skills,” says Wohlwend, director of the Basler Kindertheater. “We are mainly looking for children who demonstrate a joy for playing and a passion for acting.” If a production allows, all children coming to an audition will be given a role. During their time at the theatre, especially educated drama teachers and Wohlwend and her team are looking after the children. “Many people think that because our plays
From top left: Stage designer George Steiner. Mónica Wohlwend, director of the Basler Kindertheater. Puss in Boots.
are enacted by amateurs, our productions are amateurish. This is a misapprehension. Our productions are professionally planned and carried out. Our stage design is done by George Steiner, a professional who also works for film productions,” stresses Wohlwend. The productions are intended for children and grown-ups alike and not merely parents or relatives of the actors can be found in the audience. Many visitors know about the quality of the productions and count the performances among a valuable addition to Basel’s vivid cultural life. “The Basler Kindertheater is open to everyone,” stresses Wohlwend. “And our theatre and our team will remain to play an important part in Basel’s cultural landscape.” The stage is set for the Basler Kindertheater and its charming productions. Why not plan a family visit to Basel and take a look for yourself? www.baslerkindertheater.ch
Schwarzbubenland – The perfect holiday for everyone
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Schwarzbubenland, the local holiday area of the Swiss city of Basel, is also referred to as the ‘pearl of Northwest Switzerland’. With its impressive landscape formed by hills, gorges and valleys, it attracts holidaymakers of all kinds. TEXT: INA FRANK
There is much on offer, particularly for sporty visitors. One can discover the many hiking trails or scale the peaks with a bike. Also climbing, skiing and sleighing, Nordic Walking or swimming are popular sports in the area. History enthusiasts can go to see the workshops where old handicraft is still maintained. Moreover, one can explore the region by visiting the many castles, ruins and monasteries, which are partly still actively used.“Culture enthusiasts do not get a raw deal: a visit to the museum for jukeboxes in Seewen or the architecture path around the world-famous Goetheanum in Dornach is well worth it,” says Franziska Müller-Stebler, manager of the association Forum Schwarzbubenland. After an eventful day, one can recharge their batteries in a comfortable hotel, hostel or a straw bed on a farm and enjoy the culinary delights from the region. This summer, guests can look forward to exciting events. The Regional Music Days Erschwil will be opened by the AC/ DC tribute band live/wire in May. A good time to visit for culture enthusiasts will be June, when the Dancing and Music Summer takes place in the Dornach theatre. In August, there will be the summer night festival at the castle Rotberg and other open-air events. Schwarzbubenland, a region for sporty Top: Youth hostel Rotberg and relaxed holidaymakers, for young and Mariastein. © Roland Zumbühl old alike. Middle: Castle Gilgenberg. www.schwarzbubenland.info
© Wolfgang Zanger Bottom: Monastery Mariastein. © Franz Baumann
Building automation from a holistic point of view by SAUTER. SAUTER provides products, systems and services for integrated building management to secure investments in the long term and reduce operating costs. SAUTER accompanies your building projects from your initial idea to the day-today running. www.sauter-controls.com
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Discover Germany | Feature | Footbal Fever
Main Photo: FIFA Fan Fest Berlin. © visitBerlin, ArGe Fanfest Berlin Below: Berlin Fan Mile. © SpreePIX Berlin From top left: Berlin Fan Mile. © SpreePIX Berlin FIFA Fan Fest Berlin. © visitBerlin, ArGe Fanfest Berlin Berlin Fan Mile. © SpreePIX Berlin Berlin Fan Mile. © SpreePIX Berlin
Football fever The upcoming European football championship is not only a sports competition, but most of all a cheerful time to celebrate one’s nationality. Especially in Germany, these four weeks create a happy and unique atmosphere while the whole country is wrapped in black, red and gold. TEXT: MONIQUE AMEND
Football is by far the most popular type of sport in Germany and has a long tradition. In the 1870s, football found its way from the British Isles to the continent and fascinated large parts of the population very quickly. In 1900, the German Football Association was established together with the annual tournament of the German championship, the equivalent to the English Premier League and, a few years later, the first official national football team. Being an exclusive sport only played by the upper class and pupils of grammar schools in the beginning, football became 56 | Issue 39 | June 2016
a popular sport for all classes across the whole country by the 1920s. The enthusiasm kept on growing until today and the German Football Association currently counts more than 25,000 clubs and almost seven million members. Football as therapy But football seems to be more than just a sport for Germans nowadays. It is an accepted way to show some sort of patriotism and national pride. The World Cup of 1954 in Switzerland serves as an example for this phenomenon. Nobody expected
to beat the red-hot favourites from Hungary in the final of the tournament. The surprising victory of the German team is called the ‘wonder of Bern’ even today and gave the population a new sense of life and self-esteem after the Nazi dic-
Discover Germany | Feature | Footbal Fever
tatorship and the war. The players were celebrated as national heroes and became legends with successors from different generations, like Franz Beckenbauer and Lothar Matthaeus, who fulfilled their glorious legacy in the following decades. The successfully hosted World Cup in 1974 was highlighted by the second title of being the football world champion. And the victory in the 1990’s world tournament was another great celebration after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the upcoming reunification – simply the cherry on the cake of a good year. These and especially the World Cup of 2006, that was hosted again in their own country, were a boost for Germany’s solidarity and self-confidence. At that time, the German national team did not reach the final, but the atmosphere during the tournament and the nationwide evoked football fever were good consolation prizes and the event is still celebrated as the German summer fairy tale. Apart from that, it brought another phenomenon, the so-called ‘public viewing’.
Public viewing Since it is much more fun to rail against the referees or cheer for the own team together in a big crowd, cities and towns across the country created opportunities to watch the games on big screens in big public open spaces, mostly market or festival venues. An example is the fan mile in the middle of Berlin: usually a heavily travelled street between the Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Victory Column, it is closed for traffic during these occasions. The fan mile is 1.8 kilometres long and 40 metres wide, which corresponds to the size of 14 football fields. Around half a million spectators join there regularly to watch the games on huge screens. Even the big stadiums of the top German Premier League clubs are open to experience the tournament in a real football atmosphere. However, all the people who are not into big and loud crowds will find a spot in their favourite café, bar or beer garden to follow the sports event. It is not only watching
that has become the nation’s favourite activity during the championships, but also the decorating of houses and even cars. In 2006, every German spent around 70 euros on memorabilia in the style of Germany’s national team. From jerseys and face paint, to whistles, scarfs and flags - you can get everything your heart desires. The whole country is wrapped in black, red and gold and the theme can be found anywhere. Butcheries and bakeries offer various creations of world champion breads, cakes and sausages. Passing a playground, chants of “Neuer, Mueller and Schweinsteiger – Goal!” will fill the air when the children replay the last games imitating their idols. It is that time when Germany suddenly consists of 80 million professional trainers and referees who all know how to play and win the tournament. The national football team can be sure to have the whole country’s support when they fight for the European championship in France this year. Issue 39 | June 2016 | 57
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Interior Architecture
Special Theme
Interior Architecture
The universe of interior architecture Rooms have the ability to move us, capturing and engaging each of our senses with their stylish and welcoming character enriching and inspiring our lives. Be it our own homes, workplaces, nurseries and schools, shopping malls, cafés, museums, cinemas or gyms; we spend more than 80 per cent of our time indoors.
materials. On the contrary, work carried out by interior designers must meet certain social and cultural obligations – along with our vision for a sustainable future.
TEXT: VERA SCHMITZ, BDIA PRESIDENT, TRANSLATION: EMMIE COLLINGE
Social responsibility
And if the quality of our stay is enhanced in a natural and appealing manner by the space’s orientation, usability, use of materials, colours, lighting and acoustics, then our time is rendered even more satisfying. The individual at the core This is where the art of interior design comes into the equation. While we tend to think primarily about architects when considering buildings, the idea of a classic high-rise architect is more of a citybased concept. With houses designed 58 | Issue 39 | June 2016
as cubes and volumes, their facades set the stage for an urban public space, taking what is essentially a sculptural approach. Conversely, interior designers base their concepts on what is inside; on the structure and materials present and on the individuals who will use and enliven the space. These two vastly different perspectives can – and should – complement one another to ensure that any scale building works optimally and enriches our world. It soon becomes clear that interior design has little to do with fancy loft apartments or selecting pretty
Research and trends create a foundation, which needs to be constantly reviewed. The anticipated changes in our demographic have altered the demands put on our free time, living situations and workplaces. Today, the nomadic, globalised and media-savvy Generation Y expect apposite living spaces, whose formulas perhaps only partially exist so far. People are getting older, living longer and looking for accessibility and barrier-free spaces; a decentralised infrastructure. The challenges of the turnaround in energy policy also impact significantly on the built environment, particularly when it comes
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Interior Architecture
to valuing and reclassifying current constructions. New concepts need to simplify the process for humans to understand and implement energy efficiency, environmental consciousness, and living comfort as interrelated entities. More than just precisely identifying habits, processes and patterns of movement, our profession can ‘materialise’ these, transferring them into a complex environment. A propos complexity: the reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone National Park affected the entire ecosystem. As the wolf reduced the number of deer, fewer saplings were eaten, the forests stabilised on their own and insects and birds multiplied. Beavers found large trees, and their dams and ponds impacted positively on biodiversity. Soil erosion declined massively and entire river courses changed. We have a dream: space as the ‘third educator’, provided to every child at nurseries and schools at the highest quality. A cascade of positive experience, from early personal development right through to self-determined and interested adolescents, will lead to a strong and tolerant society. Space as language While good rooms can be chance, the majority of rooms are meticulously planned and created. Much more than trendy
decorations, interior design solutions, often seemingly quiet and unspectacular, create interior treasure troves that unobtrusively and unswervingly permeate our lives. These rooms deserve our attention and respect, leaving lasting impressions on us. The magical scent of a chapel, the tantalising coolness of a shady house in the heat of summer, the vibrations of your first airplane take-off, the comforting sounds of entering your own home – subconsciously and comprehensively, we experience and judge rooms and materials, even beyond rational criteria.“Rooms work like language,” explains Professor Axel Büther, an expert in perception research. “Perception of space follows the principle of probability, which can be easily observed in the learning process of children. From using things and discovering opportunities for interaction, action routines develop, so that we hardly notice that there is a process of appropriation in our perception of space. A quick glance is usually sufficient to orientate us to recognise the potential for action and make a judgment.” Individual solutions for any budget All building projects should unite the diverse competences of architects and interior designers, letting creativity flow between tradition and innovation. As part of an education in interior design, the
issues of complexity and differentiation are dealt with, particularly in regards to quality and sustainability. Consequently, as specialists they are able to glean the best possible solution for every commission and guarantee optimal use of the space – regardless of budget. At your next business meeting, social event or stroll, open your eyes to the universe of interior design and allow your senses to be awoken. The BDIA Bund Deutscher Innenarchitekten (Association of German Interior Architects/Designers) has been promoting and strengthening the profession for 60 years by defining, designing and implementing interiors with a high quality – with the individual, their needs and quality of life at the core. With more than 2,000 members, the BDIA is Europe’s largest association of interior architects/designers. www.bdia.de Main image: Library in office space by Reuter Schoger, Berlin From top left: Private house by Berschneider + Berschneider, Pilsach Training academy by DESIGN IN ARCHITEKTUR, Darmstadt Bank by bkp kolde kollegen GmbH, Düsseldorf From bottom left: Private house by qbus innenarchitektur, Hannover Private house by Ecker Architekten, Heidelberg Hair salon by studio lot, Altötting Sachsenring school by Raum und Bau GmbH, Dresden All images are from the current BDIA interior architecture handbooks.
Issue 39 | June 2016 | 59
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Interior Architecture
Plan2Plus An innovative design concept, sustainable and holistic Munich’s Plan2Plus architects and interior designers are known for their articulate design language that has been creating trend-setting interior design for over 20 years. We took a closer look at one of their latest projects – the Design and Boutique Hotel Schwanen’s new extension. TEXT: PLAN2PLUS I PHOTOS: PLAN2PLUS
Regardless of where you are from, whether it is Paris, Zurich or Milan, everyone has a place where they‘re at home. Being ‘home’ means being among people who warmly welcome you, who are there for you and who’ll do everything to make you happy. Home is a place that gives you peace, beyond the reach of hurry and stress, a place 60 | Issue 39 | June 2016
that transcends the moment and stands for values such as stability, familiarity and attachment. In this sense, the hotel designed by Plan2Plus is true to its new slogan »Schwanen. Überraschend. Anders.« A holistic concept was developed by Plan2Plus to consistently express these
core values of the Schwanen brand in the hotel’s new extension. Regional roots, openness to the wider world and a strong recognition value were considered; core competences that are actively lived daily at the Hotel Schwanen. Plan2Plus created a solid identity, resulting from the interaction of the new brand and interior and exterior architecture. The overall corporate design, corporate interior and corporate architecture concept was to create a new building in Metzingen’s historic town centre with a trend-setting
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Interior Architecture
architectural language that meets the expectations and demands of a target group with a strong appreciation of design. To be surprisingly different, it depends on the details.
From the beginning, sustainability and holistic design was a major part in the whole planning process, with geothermal energy and thermo-active structural elements used for heating or cooling, depending on seasonal requirements.
The rooms’ depth and spaciousness, an impression created through floor-to-ceiling elements and large open spaces, convinces all the Hotel Schwanen’s guests. This effect is supported by intelligent lighting control and the play of light and shadow. Floral images of endangered plants from the surrounding biosphere unfurl through the rooms in three dimensions. It gives them timeless modernity, touch with nature and a sense of home. Cut pattern structures are related to natural, haptical surfaces. The powerful Plan2Plus simplicity of all of the design concept elements, as well as refined details, high quality materials and carefully chosen colours create an atmospheric space.
All this perfectly describes the Hotel Schwanen - for decades the epitome of outstanding hospitality. The Schwanen reflects the world of the Swabian Alb region and its surrounding biosphere, whether in the ingredients in the restaurant’s dishes, which are sourced from the region’s farmers, or in the use of regional materials in the hotel’s design.
Haptic, olfactory, auditive, visual - all senses are always considered.
Coming home to the Schwanen, you will experience and enjoy Swabian history and tradition as well as contemporary modernity.
When standing in front of it, the exceptionally designed hotel roof reminds one of a starting swan. This, together with a green building façade that is vertically planted, lets every guest see, feel and experience the Swan brand. Consistently following the Plan2Plus design concept ‘less is more’ and ‘reduce to the max’. An intelligent and variable light control allows a wide variety of lighting scenarios and lighting scenes, staging both – exterior and interior. The lighting effects can follow the flow of day and night by changing the light color and intensity. The architecture by Plan2Plus was also one of the first buildings in Baden-Wurttemberg whose facade, in keeping with its ‘garden house’ corporate architectural concept, was planted with a ‘living’ vertical garden that changes with the seasons. The used plants enrich their surroundings aesthetically and ecologically as they clean the air, provide oxygen and pose as an exceptional eyecatcher.
Plan2Plus reinterpreted the concept of tradition in the Schwanen hotel, where modernity meets Swabian craftsmanship and international flair meets regional values. This conceptual approach is unique in the region and meets guests’ highest expectations and standards.
Above: Company owners. Ralf Peter Knobloch
Ursula Regina Foerster
www.plan2plus.de The challenge: urban, innovative, representative, tradition based, sustainable, individual, interactive, emotional, authentic, accentuated. Dictum Development of an innovative and communicative design concept consisting of corporate design, corporate interior design and corporate architecture, continues the brand as well as the values of the traditional Hotel Schwanen in Schlossstrasse Metzingen strategically in the new building. It reflects the company’s culture, core competencies and international customer base. The overall concept was to create a new building in Metzingen’s historic town centre with a forward-looking architectural and interior design language that meets the expectations and demands of a target group with a strong appreciation of design. Philosophy The design concept complies with the Plan2Plus Bauhaus-influenced design philosophy - clear, distinctive interior designs and architectural concepts combined with reduced and highquality materials. Architectural concept I interior design concept I marketing concept Home, a small word with endless meanings, is exactly how to describe the unique feeling that the Hotel Schwanen offers its guests.
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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Interior Architecture
Main photo: Rondellapotheke, new salesroom. Photo: Studio Holger Knauf Right: Swarovski landscaping, bicycle stand. Photo: Thomas Schüpping
Sensing spaces: where architecture meets the soul
reginadahmeningenhoven’s team create interior architecture for the 21st century Shaping a new world through innovative design with “a love for wisdom” is architect Dr. Regina Dahmen-Ingenhoven’s declared mission. Dipping into the “zeitgeist” and meeting whatever needs exist at the present moment is what the architect and artist describes as the source of ingenuity. Her projects aim at creating “rooms that help to heal” and this humane aspect of her work is being followed by her team as well. The reginadahmeningenhoven team consists of three architects, two interior and one graphic designer as well as a communications manager and a producer. TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI I PHOTOS: THOMAS SCHUEPPING, STUDIO HOLGER KNAUFF
A most important area of expertise at Dahmen-Ingenhoven is the health and well-being sector.“My buildings are like human beings,” she says, “and especially when it comes to medical buildings they should be happy, supportive and give hope and strength.” Making people feel good is the office motto and reginadahmeningenhoven projects aim to heal. Just like in nature where a reliable order nur62 | Issue 39 | June 2016
tures the process of growth and healing, the reginadahmeningenhoven buildings and interiors want to create a connection with that underlying power which strives for unity. Dahmen-Ingenhoven is of the firm opinion that people deserve to be surrounded by the architecture which serves them best, whatever situation they find themselves in. Translated into architecture it means creating spaces like for
example the Lanserhof medical spa which triggered the following comment of a visitor: “This is what it looks like when Petrus opens the gates of heaven.” Reminding of writer E.M. Forster’s idea of a house-friendly approach, as opposed to the other way round, a“beautiful”house for reginadahmeningenhoven means a house with history, a soul and a story or two to tell. If asked to renovate an old building, reginadahmeningenhoven will set to work with a humble approach of creating a unity between the old and the new. Recently, the ‘Rondell-Apotheke’ in Munich won the Finest Interior Award. This project shows how reginadahmeningenhoven apply their philosophy of humane design to interior spaces, with the new salesroom resembling a happy underwater
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Interior Architecture
world. reginadahmeningenhoven chose the design because the water element itself contains healing powers. The place visually embraces you, calms you down and at the same time allows breathing space. The formerly biggest item in the room, the sorting robot, was put in the basement to allow more space and the blue hues of the interior create a feeling of ease. What Dahmen-Ingenhoven calls the “fun factor” is definitely always present. A common theme of friendly colours, animal prints and dreamy designs, an overall sense of visual harmony and lightness weave themselves throughout all reginadahmeningenhoven projects. As DahmenIngenhoven herself states: “If young or old - I want no one to feel afraid!” An unflinching vision of the Earth as a profoundly positive place and the wish of making dreams come true while telling a good story are two powerful motivators for Regina Dahmen-Ingenhoven. “I want my spaces to trigger positive feelings,” she states. This may also be behind the fact that, apart from brand oriented projects like the ‘Swarovski veil’, reginadahmeningenhoven also stand for numerous projects in the health sector, where “positive feelings” are most wanted. Therapeutic architecture like the aforementioned Lanserhof treatment centre near Innsbruck, shows rooms that heal instead of representing. What is being presented here on 1,500 square metres, is an attachment to nature itself. A minimalist design allows the stunning
views of the surrounding mountains to fully hit their healing potential. Once the intelligent ‘spaceship’ design of the entry space has embraced the visitor like a futuristic cocoon, the harmonious interior of the rooms, the soft adjustable lighting and expansive views further help to calm the senses and support the healing qualities of the place. Harmoniously embedded into the mountainous scenery, the medicinal spa promises not only a retreat but a sensual journey back to oneself. Health and well-being should also be mirrored in the design of a children’s day nursery and following the motto “Every snowflake has its own shape”, reginadahmeningenhoven have recently created a space for the Swarovski company where children feel individually protected and at home. The newly built construction in Watten, Austria features friendly colours and a
big influx of softened light. On 600 square metres with specially designed play furniture, the children will find enough space to let their fantasy thrive and blossom. Apart from the health sector, private housing and fashion brand architecture are two additional important pillars of reginadahmeningenhoven’s vision for creating magical spaces. Providing close cooperation, they like to work with clients who are looking for both creative quality and future-oriented housing and‘brandscaping’. Let the magic begin! www.drdi.de Above: Irma Mahnel shop, mirror wall and fitting room. Photo: Studio Holger Knauf Bottom from left: Swarovski veil and grinding hall. Photo: Studio Holger Knauf Lanserhof, shiatsu room. Photo: Studio Holger Knauf Lanserhof, shower. Photo: Studio Holger Knauf Portrait: Regina Dahmen-Ingenhoven. Photo: Thomas Schüpping
Issue 39 | June 2016 | 63
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Interior Architecture
Giving new life to historic and modern office buildings while honouring existing structures Freetech is a Munich-based executive planning office that focuses on interior design and building redevelopment. Founded in 1999, the young and dynamic team of 23 architects and interior designers plans and develops individual and high-quality offices and medical practices. But their heart truly lies in refurbishing old buildings. TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN I PHOTOS: BUERO MONACO
Freetech just recently revitalised an old building on Munich’s famous Viktualienmarkt. About 1,000 square metres of historic structure have been transformed into a modern design, while taking into account that the building is partly listed. That concerns not only the façade, which includes design elements of different historical epochs, but also the entrance hall.“The building once belonged to a steel merchant and therefore steel and concrete were also used for the build,” says Freetech’s managing director Jörg Fricke, on one of the challenges of the build. Before starting with the interior construction, Freetech had to take measures to ensure the construction was 64 | Issue 39 | June 2016
compliant with modern fire protection regulations. “It is important for us to respect not only history but also the surroundings,” emphasises Fricke. In this case, the rather famous Viktualienmarkt has been where early 19th century vendors have sold highquality food from fish to wines or local specialities. The market is also a frequently visited tourist destination. The first tenant to move in was LaSalle Investment Management, one of the world’s leading investment managers focusing on real estates. Proof not only for the quality of the build, but also that the
Main image: Reception area with a Corian-counter. Top: Corridor area in front of conference zone. Middle: Wall covering in the waiting area. Bottom: Cafeteria.
house at the Viktualienmarkt lies in a prime location. “A sophisticated interior design was important for us – unpretentious and unagitated,” says Fricke. “The materials shall speak for themselves.” Freetech for example used a modern approach to traditional herringbone parquet, creating a bridge from the past to the future. It is not only old buildings that attract Freetech’s attention. Often enough buildings barely 30 to 50 years old have become run down or no longer meet modern office and technology standards and desperately need revitalisation. Interior design is always a team effort – that is something Freetech puts great emphasis on. Not one designer’s personal vanity should dictate how an office’s interior looks like, but understatement and high quality that appeals to those working in it. www.freetech.de
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Interior Architecture
Visionary interior design It is common knowledge that the environment we live and work in influences our wellbeing. Interior designer Bianka Wenk merges functionality with aesthetics to create beautiful interiors that inspire their residents. TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE I PHOTOS: BIANKA WENK
Designing spaces has always fascinated Bianka Wenk, who began drawing when she was a child. “I realised very early on that you can create a space and communicate a vision with just a few simple lines on a piece of paper,” explains Wenk. She went on to train as a carpenter, where she learned how to transform a vision into reality. Wenk adds: “Afterwards, it was the logical next step for me to become an interior designer. I cannot think of any other profession, where one has to solve complex technical problems as well as finding architectural design solutions during all stages, from the first sketches to the final realisation of a project.” Today, Wenk works holistically within the fields of urban development, architec-
ture and interior design. From the preservation of historical buildings and city projects such as town halls, to stores and private homes or even luxurious customised campervans, Wenk thrives on every challenge. She has recently specialised in dental practices, visually merging the often
scary-looking dental equipment with the background so that patients experience an anxiety-free visit to the dentist. Dedicated to finding the best solutions for a range of different interior design challenges, Wenk recognises the opportunity to create the perfect environment wherever it takes her. www.bianka-wenk.de Left: Dental centre. Right: Mansion.
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Special Theme
Architecture & Photography
Taking a step further when creating a new interior:
Turning grand designs into outstanding pictures It is something special the photographers of K+W Fotografie and the furniture and kitchen designer holzrausch have created. Not a simple working relationship, but a true co-operation based on mutual understanding and friendship. For years now the photographers have been capturing in pictures what the designers and carpenters at holzrausch have created with their hands and minds. TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN I PHOTOS: K+W FOTOGRAFIE FOR HOLZRAUSCH PLANUNG GMBH
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Maybe the key factor is that they have the same attitude to work, the same understanding of design and how it should be portrayed in pictures. But maybe it is simply because they got along so well from the very beginning. When master carpenters Tobias Petri and Sven Petzold, heads of holzrausch, and photographers Marc Winkel-Blackmore and Thomas Koy met, they soon laid the basis for a cooperation that would last for years. One creating spaces, the other capturing them in photography. holzrausch – as one of the partners in this hugely successful cooperation – stands with heart and soul for true craftsmanship, proven through quality work and their orientation not only on form but also on function. The
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Architecture & Photography
design philosophy is easily put into a few words: “Craftsmanship, reduction to the essential and love for detail”. Or, to put it differently, holzrausch plans, designs and builds furniture and interiors, which allow architecture to unfold its full potential through a dialogue with the space. Materials are key features in design From the very beginning, Tobias Petri and Sven Petzold have put great emphasis on the use of quality materials. “Each combination of materials lends a special character to our work – every product is unique and takes into account not only the architecture but also the homeowner’s wishes and personality.” It takes a great deal of time and effort to choose the right materials that will later determine the look and feeling of a room. Natural and sleek components play a significant role in holzrausch designs: wood, glass, natural stone or concrete, steel or glass. “What is important is that the materials age well and even after many years still reveal their original quality.” Not sought but found: When two solo photographers became a team To put the used materials and the overall design in the right light is the task of photographers Marc Winkel-Blackmore
and Thomas Koy. Both had already worked as photographers for some time when they first met through mutual friends. In 2005, they started their cooperation that now operates under the name K + W. “At this point we both had become quite fed up with working as ‘One-Man-Shows’ and doing everything alone – acquisition, location scouting, taking pictures, image editing not to mention the endless hours driving around in the car,” says Thomas Koy.“And on the other hand I had realised that I was really good at some things but had weaknesses in others.” Something easily mended when working in a team. Both photographers have quite an interesting biography and career: Thomas Koy, a German and Swiss national, was born in Paris, but grew up in Munich. In 1997, he moved to Berlin where he first completed several internships and worked as freelance assistant for Sheila Metzner, Stefan Indlekofer and others. In 2000, he started his own business and since 2006 has concentrated on photography full time – at the beginning solely working in the field of photojournalism and portrait photography. Marc Winkel-Blackmore was born in Düren in 1970 and at the age of 14 bought his first camera. He is a self-taught photographer who studied
holzrausch founders Tobias Petri and Sven Petzold have known each other since their teenage years and since then have become close friends. What started with brainstorming and discussing design ideas soon led them to found their own business. In 1998, they moved into their own cabinetmaker workshop in Forstern, a small community about 35 kilometres east of Munich. Today their main focus lies in designing and building high-quality and bespoke kitchens and interiors, and that all over Europe. “holzrausch’s interior and furniture design is always the continuity of the existing architecture – spatial extensions in the true sense of the word,” says Birgit Lehner, responsible for communications at holzrausch. The Issue 39 | June 2016 | 67
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Architecture & Photography
Different temperaments but a joint result
Blackmore is more reserved, thinks things through thoroughly first and then comes up with ideas completely different to those of his colleague. In short, their temperaments and characters balance each other, which is exactly what makes their joint projects so successful. From the very beginning they advertised themselves as what they are: a unique team in a business where teamwork is a rarity.
In putting both their knowledge and expertise together Marc Winkel-Blackmore and Thomas Koy hoped to gain new and regular clients who liked the idea of mixing architecture and portrait photography with corporate imagery. “From the very beginning we liked working together and we both had nothing to lose since we both already had our own businesses,”says Koy. While Thomas Koy is quite spirited, likes to talk and brainstorm, works fast and has an abundance of ideas, Marc Winkel-
Maybe this is why it simply ‘clicked’ when Marc Winkel-Blackmore and Thomas Koy first worked together as a team for holzrausch GmbH. Why teamwork is so important for them is something the carpenters understand quite well. “Teamwork plays a key role at holzrausch as well,” says holzrausch spokesperson Birgit Lehner. “As a joke we often say our team consists of architects, interior designers, wood technicians, surface
economics in Cologne before finally turning his passion into a profession. Since 1995 he has worked as freelance art photographer and has exhibited his work in Cologne and Berlin. During that time Marc Winkel-Blackmore also started working as photographer of architecture, a field he had trained in under H. G. Esch.
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technicians, master carpenters and apprentices, or in other words: possessed people in love with detail, aesthetes, adventurers, lunatics obsessed with materials, and of course also those with their feet on the ground.” For holzrausch, finding intelligent solutions is key and developing new ideas is a team effort that needs different personalities with different visions. “Having different perspectives is critical in our field,” says Lehner. “And that is exactly what we see when working with K+W; because they work in a team they see things from different angles, one might focus on a long shot, while the others sees the detail. And that is exactly what we need.” Modern kitchen design photographed in the right light holzrausch’s main expertise as a designer and planning office lies in modern kitchen
design, often big bold blocks of metal, stone and wood that structure the room and capture the light falling in through the windows – no matter if dark or light materials have been used. It is not an easy task to photograph something like that so clients can actually see and appreciate all the design elements in pictures. There is not only the room in itself and the special mood and atmosphere the design has created, but also often tiny elements that transform a good design into something really special. Thomas Koy had worked for holzrausch for a few years already when he first took Marc Winkel-Blackmore to the set, then posing as Koy’s assistant. holzrausch was only Koy’s client and had only booked him, but both photographers had already discovered how much they enjoyed working together. “Even then Marc Winkel-Blackmore set a new standard. He took some pictures on location that were really good, things I would not have seen since I am not an architecture photographer,” says Thomas Koy. The holzrausch founders Tobias Petri und Sven Petzold also liked what they saw and from that point on K+W worked as team of photographers for a team of carpenters. It simply fits. For the photographers it played a role that holzrausch at that point was a fast growing business: It allowed them to grow alongside, to grow as a team and business. “Architecture photography for us has become the perfect form of aesthetic expression, the camera is the tool we use to turn ideas into pictures.” Using mostly natural light gives their pictures a natural feel many customers appreciate. Like holzrausch: “Over the years we have developed a natural working relationship with K+W that does not need many words. The quality of their pictures speaks for itself,” says Birgit Lehner.
www.kundw.org www.holzrausch.de
Issue 39 | June 2016 | 69
Main image: Booster station, Amsterdam. Left: Jan Böhmermann, Stern magazine. Right: Gütersloh private home, Beckmann architects.
In character: Frank Schoepgens provides the right situation for architecture and people photography A dancer, frozen in one position for a nanosecond - and the vast space he may fill with his movements within the next minute; these two aspects in combination are what makes a photographic portrait a piece of ingenuity. TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI I PHOTOS: FRANK SCHOEPGENS PHOTOGRAPHY
When it comes to photography, Frank Schoepgens says: “Artistic expression and technical professionalism are only the base. It is at least equally important to create a relaxed and comfortable working atmosphere, both as a service provider and business partner.”The certain plus lies within the connection between subject and photographer, reminding of the Mike Leigh feature film Secrets and Lies, where the whole beginning sequence shows the photographer’s expertise of putting his clients at ease. It is a mixture of respect 70 | Issue 39 | June 2016
and empathy that creates the necessary situation for a portrait to succeed. Frank Schoepgens knows how to provide space for a person. The result are portraits that seem more sensed than photographed: a character in its surroundings, respectfully depicted in its essence. “Sometimes, you have to wait for an hour for the right light conditions, sometimes you have just about 20 minutes to do the perfect shot,” says Schoepgens. Client photography for the direct customer requires both
professionalism and a knack for putting them at ease. To sense what a client wants is equally important to who they are; the core of a personality will come out when they feel accepted and relaxed in the respective situation. An artist himself, Schoepgens’ expertise in portraying people from the art world works for both film and photo portraits alike. The exact same qualities also apply to business portraits and architecture. His clients spread the word after having experienced a satisfying creative process. “People often approach me through recommendation,” Schoepgens states,“my goal, apart from providing an excellent product, is to create a good working atmosphere and an uncomplicated followup of the job.” He works both for direct
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Architecture & Photography
clients and for agencies and magazines, providing not only people and architecture photography but lately also image films. Schoepgens architecture photography means more than finding a good angle and perfect lighting. The building is depicted not just as a single entity, but embedded within surroundings and purpose. Thereby, it is being connected with both its physical and functional situation. The character of both the building and its setting is caught in the photograph, with the dynamic angles of futurist buildings enhanced at the same time. Schoepgens has the patience for waiting for just the right light and often, with buildings situated near water, that element is also enfolded in the creative process. However, with architecture, the angle rules and the Schoepgens’ photographs never lack in showing the right one. In his photographs, even the angle underlines the function and aesthetics of a building, while the right lighting and an eye for the surroundings are the cherry on top, as it were. The photographer started out about 20 years ago. Ever since studying at the Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts where he graduated in 2003, photography was his declared passion. After returning from a seven-year stay in Barcelona, Schoepgens has established himself as an architecture and people photographer with a new emphasis on
image films. “It makes sense for a client to get both his photographs and films from the same source,” says Schoepgens. Apart from making the business transaction easier, combining the two provides a continuous line of artistic portrayal, a style which marks the customer’s personality. Image films are high on Schoepgens’ agenda for this year and he has already created some successful material, as shown on his website. Gentle editing provides for a pace pleasing to the eye, on which the personality and their work can unfold; just like a book’s pages being turned, each cut offers a new angle on the depicted subject. The image film tells a story and provides both a base for and a path to success. It is therefore one of the most powerful modern tools of
communication for a business. If provided together with the photographic portrait, a nicely rounded portfolio is created which will help the brand or person’s expertise and qualities to be communicated easily. Professional technique, an artistic eye and an uncomplicated working atmosphere for both the team and the client form the threefold structure on which Schoepgens photography is thriving. It is the key to success, both for the photographer and the client. www.schoepgens.com From top: Safet Mistele, Stern magazine. Hotel, Amsterdam. Apartment house, Amsterdam. Carolin Kebekus, WDR (west German broadcasting).
Issue 39 | June 2016 | 71
Special Theme
June Exhibitors in Germany
Top technological exhibitions in Germany Exhibitions are a great opportunity to present innovative ideas and to establish important business contacts. Since Germany is not only the land of poets and thinkers but also of tinkerers, numerous fairs take place all over the country. TEXT: MONIQUE AMEND
The Messe Erfurt opens its gates for Rapid.Tech, an international specialised exhibition for additive manufacturing taking place from 14-16 June. This fair is an important platform for developers, researchers and constructing engineers of the 3D printing industry. The use of this kind of technology is increasing rapidly and ranges from prototyping to series production. The fair combines theory and 72 | Issue 39 | June 2016
practice with numerous exhibitors as well as expert discussions and informative lectures. In the last few years, the optics business has developed into one of the most important German industries in terms of growth and future prospects. Optatec 2016 (7-9 June) in Frankfurt brings all the current market leaders together. Optical
technologies, components and systems can be found in many areas of work and private life without even being noticed by its user. Optatec 2016 has developed into a world-class industry event and keeps on growing in the same way as the industry itself. In the development and use of renewable energy, Germany continues to be in a leading position. The demand for power generated from photovoltaics is rising in particular. Intersolar Europe (21-24 June) takes place for the 25th time in Munich and is the world’s leading exhibition for the solar industry and its partners. The
Discover Germany | Special Theme | June Exhibitors in Germany
Main image: Optatec. © optatec-messe.de Top left: Rapid.Tech. © rapidtech.de Top right: Uniti Expo. © UNITI-Kraftstoff GmbH Middle: Intersolar. © Solar Promotion GmbH Bottom: ANGA COM. © angacom.de
focus will be on photovoltaics, energy storage, renewable heating and products and solutions for smart renewable energy. The fact that cars are Germany’s favourite ‘toys’ is not really astonishing if you think of the country’s successful automobile industry. It is no surprise that the UNITI expo (14-16 June) – a European trade fair for the retail petroleum and car wash industries – has established itself there. It is an opportunity for exhibitors and visitors to build and strengthen business relationships with customers as well as professionals, focusing on themes like payment and logistics, car wash and car care and oil companies and fuel retailers. Cologne, one of Germany’s important media locations, is the host for the ANGA COM (7-9 June), a leading business platform for broadband operators and content providers. Furthermore, the accompanying congress with the motto ‘Where Broadband Meets Content’ addresses the broadband and media industries as well as other organisations of the telecommunications industry. For web-based business solutions, why not head to the tools fair in Berlin where visitors can gaze at new products and technologies from various exhibitors? Issue 39 | June 2016 | 73
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Optatec
What is responsible for sharp pictures in cinema? German technology Innolite GmbH, based in Aachen, is an expert in producing machines used to fabricate plastic and metal optics by means of ultra-precise diamond turning. Innolite, as a Fraunhofer spin-off, today works closely together with local and international research facilities and other experts in this field. One outstanding example for machines developed here is the ILCentric, used for lathe centring of mounted lenses.
ing machineries that allow the fabrication of high-quality optic lens systems is one of Innolite’s specialities.
initial and today’s core business is on the one hand ultra-precision mould making for replicating plastic optics, on the other hand direct manufacturing of metal optics. Innolite closely cooperates not only with the Arburg, the world leading manufacturer of injection moulding machines, but also with the IKV, the Institute of Plastics Processing at RWTH Aachen. After an already successful start, in 2011 Innolite started developing and constructing its first ultra-precision machines.
A start-up with close connection to Germany’s best technical university
Clustering experts for the usage of light and laser technology
Innolite GmbH was founded in 2008 as a Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology spin-off. The institute itself has more than 30 years of experience in all fields of production technology. Innolite in contrast has specialised even further: The
Only recently, Innolite moved to the Innovation Center Digital Photonic Production, a part of the Photonics Cluster at the RWTH Aachen. The Innovation Center unites 25 industry and five science partners specialised in researching and devel-
TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN
Every projector – either digital or analogue – needs lenses to project pictures onto the broad screen. Manufacturing them is a tricky process that needs high-end machinery. Lenses for cinema projectors are only one example of ILCentric’s multiple areas of application. A bit less spectacular but none the less important are, for example, medical technology, metrology or sensor technology that need optical lenses as much as more traditional instruments like microscopes or binoculars. Develop74 | Issue 39 | June 2016
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Optatec
Main image: © iStock, Hakan Yesil Top right: ILCentric. © Innolite GmbH Bottom from left: Structured freeform surface, ultrasonic-assisted diamond turning of steel. © Innolite GmbH Lens assembly. © Innolite GmbH Innovation Center, digital photonic production. © Innolite GmbH
oping procedures to generate, form and use light especially for tools used in industrial processes and production. In comparison to other methods light or laser beams is far more precise and easier to operate. An Innolite machine currently in focus because of its innovative technology is the ILCentric, a compact ultra-precision machine with aerostatic bearings and a perfect centring solution for mounted lenses. Those working with equipment relying on the precise fitting of lenses will know that the performance of complex lens systems relies on the correct position of lenses in the system – in this case speaking about a micrometre range. Normally inaccuracies might occur when lenses are glued or fixed into place and thus later need to be corrected by machining the mounts of the lenses with respect to the optical axis.
great deal of time and often enough one cannot even tell how precise the lens will fit in in the end. The second possibility is using mechanical chucks – here the setup effort is quite high as well.
In cooperation with Opto Alignment Technology, Innolite has developed its novel machine, the ILCentric, for an easier and more precise centre turning operation. ILCentric is able to measure the optical axis and, on basis of the so gained data, it machines the socket that holds the lenses with great precision. The machine replaces the mechanical chucks with computer software supported through highly dynamic axes. In comparison to simple centring lathes, the ILCentric reduces the handling time even further. But the functionality does not stop with the adjustment. ILCentric offers every other functionality of high-precision lathes and is widely applicable and cost effective. Innolite therefore offers a fully automatic solution for centring lenses – effective, precise and fast. ILCentric is not a Prism Awards Finalist for nothing. The machine is only one example for the innovative machinery developed here. Innolite not only offers clients flexible solutions and especially tailored ultraprecise moulds for either plastic injection moulding or hot embossing processes, but upon request also produces small series in their own production hall. www.innolite.de
Solutions for adjusting lenses When not using the innovative ILCentric, there are other, older methods to adjust lenses: One means gluing or fixing in the lenses by hand, which need not only precision, but years of experience. That makes the process quite insecure and requires a Issue 39 | June 2016 | 75
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Rapid. Tech
Just when you thought…. …you have seen it all, innovations are introduced to the market that entirely revolutionise design and production processes alike. 3D printers are one of these. TEXT: SILKE HENKELE
Founded in 1994, it did not take Stratasys’ founder Scott Crump long to become one of the leaders in the field of 3D printing and additive construction. Today, Stratasys is a company that comprises many different enterprises under one roof, therefore offering an unbeatable array of expertise, knowledge and insight. As a step towards the expansion of this expertise, Stratasys acquired MakerBot, one of the leading specialists in the production of 3D printers, thus securing additional valuable knowledge in this visionary field of 3D technology and prototyping. Support of creative processes. The advantages of the use of 3D prototyping are easily explained. 3D prototypes are easily printed; this makes their production 76 | Issue 39 | June 2016
and therefore the realisation of new design ideas extremely convenient and flexible. This exceptionally comfortable manner of prototyping entails the decrease of research costs and, subsequently, a much faster product launch. At the same time construction processes are enhanced and communication processes with potential buyers become considerably easier. “We are aware,” says Andreas Langfeld, general manager at MakerBot, “that our customers’ primary aim is efficiency and the saving of time and costs. MakerBot is the answer to these requirements.” 3D printers by MakerBot are used by a variety of differing customers employed in fields as diverse as the automotive and
aerospace, the medical and dental branch as well as in the field of consumer goods and electronics. Here it is engineers, designers, or end-consumers working for example in industrial enterprises or research centres who trust the quality of Stratasys’/MakerBot’s products. Yet, it is not only already accomplished designers or engineers who see the advantages of MakerBot’s printers. The printers are increasingly used in the field of industrial training by teachers and instructors alike. By working with MakerBot’s 3D printers, trainees have the incomparable advantage of being able to actively develop their problem-solving abilities and to quickly see their ideas realised. This manner of work and teaching helps them to become more creative, much faster and more goal-oriented in their future line of work. The above described customers’ groups’ high demands are met by MakerBot’s
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Rapid. Tech Main image: Andreas Langfeld, general manager at MakerBot. © René Mueller Photographie Above from left: MakerBot Smart Extruder+ for MakerBot Replicator and MakerBot Replicator Mini. Product portfolio, MakerBot desktop 3D printer fifth generation. © MakerBot Education handbook: MakerBot in the Classroom. © MakerBot Bottom: Product portfolio, MakerBot 3D printer. © MakerBot
extensive ‘Replicator’ product range, which encompasses desktop and experimental 3D printers as well as 3D scanners. These appliances offer a supreme advantage: the brainstorming process is in need of an extensive amount of prototypes and prototypes printed on printers by MakerBot are cost efficient and of an unparalleled quality. MakerBot’s product range is complemented by Stratasys’ printers, which offer a threefold printer series that mirrors the individual steps of a design process. So depending on a user’s needs or the stage of the creative process he or she is in or the type of material that is used, Stratasys’ printers will further support creative processes as well as enhance the 3D print production processes. Investments in the future of prototyping Stratasys and MakerBot are aware not only of their customers’ high demands, but also of their changing needs. “By constantly reassessing our printers and functionalities we enable our customers
to be more creative. Differing design ideas can conveniently and easily be tried out and creative processes consequently become more swift,” offers Langfeld. A position as unique as Stratasys’ and MakerBots’ demands a continuing high level of motivation, ambition, and research. The teams of Stratasys and MakerBot are therefore in the constant process of critically assessing their products. The teams are on the continuous look out for new ideas, possibilities for improvements and new trends in design and production. While 2015 saw a surge of new products and solutions, 2016 proves to be an even more innovative and successful year as a great deal of investments made in 2015 are finally paying out. Not only was MakerBot awarded the ‘INDUSTRIEPREIS 2016’ (an award that is given to companies who show an outstanding level of progressiveness), it also widened its range of products. One of these innovations is the MakerBot Smart Extruder+, another milestone that
will further strengthen the company’s leading position on the market for highqualitative prototyping. The MakerBot Smart Extruder+ is engineered and tested to enhance its reliability, provide better performance and extend its lifetime. Through its enhanced possibility for high-volume prototyping, this innovation provides an additional creative impulse for the process of product design. MakerBot’s future strategic aims are firmly set: “There is no reason,” resumes Langfeld, “why Stratasys as the market leader in 3D printing and prototyping should not also become the leader in the market of additive manufacturing.” With this kind of forward thinking Stratasys and MakerBot are certain to remain the most important partners whenever an idea needs to be turned into a successful product. www.stratasys.com www.eu.makerbot.com
Issue 39 | June 2016 | 77
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Intersolar
Energy revolution made in Germany VARTA Storage GmbH, which is based in Nördlingen just a short distance to the headquarters of its parent company VARTA Microbattery GmbH in Ellwangen, is one of the leading manufacturers for renewable energy storage systems worldwide. In light of the ever more crucial question of how we generate our energy in the future, the company’s mission is clear: giving more people access to energy that is self-generated, green and long lasting. TEXT: SONJA IRANI I PHOTOS: VARTA STORAGE GMBH
“The so-called energy transition, which describes swapping nuclear energy for 100 per cent renewable energy, is an important topic today and will be even more significant in the years to come,” says Herbert Schein, CEO of VARTA Storage. “It’s time to rethink: A solar system that only feeds energy back into the public power grid is no longer a profitable option. More and more people would like to also use their self-generated power. A combination of a solar panel system and an energy storage system is therefore the ideal solution.” The VARTA storage system optimises your energy consumption and consequently 78 | Issue 39 | June 2016
reduces your electricity costs. As Schein continues: “Our VARTA energy storage solutions store self-generated energy and release it again any time at your request. In addition, our modular design makes it possible to adjust the storage capacity of our products to your own individual energy needs.” It has never been easier, more efficient or more flexible to manage the energy supply in your own home. In contrast to most other energy storage manufacturers, VARTA Storage’s products also come as practical all-in-one solutions, already including the power inverter as well as energy and battery management
systems. For VARTA’s customers, this is a big plus in terms of comfort and security, for example against the risk of power outages. Of course, VARTA Storage as well as VARTA Microbattery also stand for internationally recognised high-quality German Engineering. “We invest a lot of time and money into research and development, so we are always one step ahead,” says Schein about the business group that has branches on every continent. To learn more, visit the VARTA at global trade fairs such as Intersolar Europe in Munich from 22 to 24 of June, Intersolar North America in San Francisco from 11 to 14 of July or SolarPower International in Las Vegas from 12 to 15 of September. www.varta-storage.com
From top left: Herbert Schein, CEO VARTA Microbattery/ VARTA Storage GmbH. VARTA Storage Team Intersolar. Storage GmbH’s headquarters in Nördlingen. Product colours.
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Uniti Expo
A brush with perfection AQUA BRUSH is a specialist manufacturer of washing and drying material for tunnel car washes, gantry car washes, commercial vehicle washes and special machines. TEXT: AQUA BRUSH, TRANSLATION: EMMIE COLLINGE I PHOTOS: AQUA BRUSH
Providing real added value, the German brand strive to develop and innovate their chosen materials and fastening systems for customers, rendering them an industryleading company. Their innovations include the patented multi-function system as well as the Easyclick fastening mat, which enables their PREMIUM products to be installed without the need for tools. The PREMIUM product collection: AQUA Pe is a monofilament polyethylene brush, primarily used for commercial vehicle washes of lorries and buses. Given the brush’s fine bristles, an excellent washing performance is achieved. However, these have largely disappeared from use in car washes due to ‘abrasion’ during the washing process and the post-wash residual holograms left on the vehicle’s paintwork. Following a very precise and complex manufacturing process, AQUA BRUSH developed the AQUA Foam, a specific
foam material they have employed to make an outstanding washing brush, capable of gently removing virtually all dirt from a vehicle’s paintwork and resulting in minimal abrasion. Within their latest generation of textile washing materials known as ‘AQUA Felt’, AQUA BRUSH have created an innovative new development. Enabled by novel manufacturing techniques and the further development of fasteners, the brand have succeeded in creating a unique textile washing material. The new AQUA Felt is produced without a stabilising fabric, leading to its pleasing touch and longevity through meticulously developed components. Such progress boosts the washing performance, minimises the risk of abrasion and generates a significantly quieter washing cycling. Designed for tunnel vehicle washes, the premium AQUA Wool has set itself
apart from its competitors. Coming with AQUA Brush’s patented multi-functional fasteners, this exclusive, extremely hardwearing polyester fabric results in an incredibly gentle and almost silent cleaning process. The multi-function system enables this product to be fastened onto various points across the entire length of the tunnel wash, therefore boosting its longevity. Moreover, this washing material can handle frequent 60-degree washes in a regular commercial machine, which is a further advantage. When talk in the industry turns to effective post-wash drying in tunnel washes, the AQUA Dry drying material is never far from anyone’s lips. The standard in many tunnel washes already, AQUA Dry boasts a moisture retention system that results in a highly efficient final drying step. Painstakingly developed fibers are able to capture moisture as micro-pearls while simultaneously polishing the paintwork. With highly approachable experts within their field, the team at AQUA Brush are available to meet any requests. www.aqua-brush.de Issue 39 | June 2016 | 79
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Intersolar and ANGA COM
Let the sun shine In order to make the most of charging your devices with environmentally friendly solar energy, it is worthwhile to take a closer look at solar energy specialists – such as Berlin start-up Sonnenrepublik GmbH. TEXT: SONJA IRANI I PHOTOS: SONNENREPUBLIK
In the last three to four years, socalled ‘portable power banks’, a special storage case for electrical energy, rapidly conquered the market of mobile IT devices. Closely connected to this trend is Energy Harvesting. “This is a process by which energy is derived from surrounding, external sources such as solar power, light or heat,”explains physicist Dr. Oliver Lang, who founded the Sonnenrepublik together with marketing expert Andreas Guba in 2012. “It is our mission to make this form of environment-friendly energy available to more people around the world.” As such, Sonnenrepublik’s core portfolio is comprised of highly efficient, ultralight solar modules of six to 350 watts. Furthermore, the company also
develops customer-specific solar solutions in any area that requires maximum energy on minimum surfaces. This could be completely self-sufficient systems as well as subcomponents such as Sonnenrepublik’s own solar module brand Clicc, batteries, electronics, cases etc. Another important, current project is the only German solar street.“It’s all about the integration of solar cells and electronics
From left: The three different cork versions of Wing6. The opened Wing6 with powerbooster cable. The Surf12 module with connected power bank.
into a complex matric, which not only withstands the forces of a motorway, but also works in an energy efficient way and includes additional sensors, light and digital technology,” explains Lang. “Plus, it still remains affordable.” www.sonnenrepublik.de
Opticum Multimedia GmbH – your expert and importer for the latest multimedia technology.
Opticum DOCA Mobile Power Banks Power on the go? Opticum Power Banks will recharge almost every device from laptop to smartphone or camera. Available with several mAh and in different colours.
Contact Details: Opticum Multimedia GmbH | www.powerbanken.de | www.opticum-gmbh.de | Tel: +49 33701 33 88 70
Discover Germany | Special Theme | tools
EsPresto AG Individualised business IT solutions
Main image: CEO Maya Biersack. Top middle: CEO Peter Biersack. Top left: Services. Bottom: EsPresto AG employees.
The Berlin-based IT service provider EsPresto AG offers individualised software and web applications that are reliable, intuitive and easy-to-use business solutions.
and marketing and sales experts,” says the company spokesman.
TEXT: ELISABETH DOEHNE I PHOTOS: ESPRESTO AG
Services and applications
“We are an ISO-certified service provider in the field of individual web development. With our expertise in agile software development and a 30-employee team with experienced developers, for more than 15 years we have been realising webbased software solutions and providing quality IT services,” explains a spokesman for the company. The advantages of individualised software solutions are the seamless integration of new and existing IT environments, something that standard software often struggles with. Moreover, customised solutions can be better synced and equipped with all features, requirements and frameworks. For this reason, the firm’s agile development process guarantees a close cooperation and feedback between their IT specialists and clients.
reaction times,” describes the firm. As an independent software development company, EsPresto is not committed to any software provider and therefore their work is database and platform-independent. They can choose the best technology base for the project in close cooperation with their customers, and rely on proven and future-proof technologies for quality products. EsPresto AG embraces the notion that both people and know-how are at the heart of their services. “We believe that reliable employees are our most important asset. Our team consists of experienced software developers, project managers,
The company’s success is built on superior web services, expertise and flexibility. EsPresto has worked and developed digital strategies and IT solutions for Fleurop AG, Roland Berger, and Oskar Böttcher GmbH & Co. KG, among others. “For our customers we develop advanced web applications such as portal solutions and shop systems, order management systems, integration solutions and database applications. We cover all aspects of advanced software projects – from requirements analysis, programming and software adaptation to operation, maintenance and support. In addition to customer-oriented project consultation, we perform design modifications and train users in handling the developed software,” states the firm.
Agile partnership and software development
EsPresto will be part of the Connexpo tools fair in Berlin (15 and 16 June) and will be welcoming visitors. Free tickets are available (via email).
“We maintain a transparent, agile and close partnership with all of our clients. We also place strong emphasis on individual contact, open communication and short
www.espresto.de info@espresto.com Issue 39 | June 2016 | 81
Special Theme
AUTOMATICA 2016
AUTOMATICA 2016:
A new era of smart robotics and automation With a robot density of 292 units per 10,000 workers, the German economy is among the most automated locations worldwide and ranked number one in Europe according to recent robot statistics (IFR). AUTOMATICA, from 21-24 June 2016 in Munich, is the world’s largest robot trade fair and one of the leading technology platforms for automation. TEXT & PHOTOS: MESSE MÜNCHEN GMBH
It is the place to be for decision-makers, manufacturers and developers, providers and users of robotics and automation. Up to 825 companies are going to display their solutions for the optimisation of production processes and professional service robotics in six exhibition halls. Highlighted topics will be humanrobot collaboration, Industry 4.0 and professional service robotics. One trade fair – many industry sectors AUTOMATICA offers a birds-eye view of technological development drivers in the automation sector: robotics, machine vision, integrated assembly solutions and professional service robotics are core exhibition areas. Robots, which are mobile and collaborate with people, are indispensable in a networked production world that can react flexibly and are fully automated to changing needs. Industry 4.0 and the resulting applications are a chance to establish Europe as a technology leader and pioneer. AUTOMATICA shows the complete spectrum of products, systems and solutions for almost every automation project and therefore appeals to users from the most diverse sectors of production 82 | Issue 39 | June 2016
such as automotive and metalworking industry, medical, pharmaceutical, food and plastics industry. The breakthrough of smart robots The exhibition area ‘Professional Service Robotics’ in Hall B4 will once more be a source of inspiration. Robots have left their protective cage and now work closely with people. Regardless of whether mining or agriculture, construction, forestry or cargo handling, whether in soil or underwater, in the air or in space: service robots relieve people not only of dangerous work, but also provide better quality of life. Industry 4.0 Parallel to AUTOMATICA, the new platform IT2Industry will take place in Hall B4. It will demonstrate the link between automation and information technology and focus on digital transformation in production, new opportunities for users and suppliers of robotics and automation as well as ‘Industry 4.0 in Practice’. STARTUP WORLD STARTUP WORLD is the new marketplace of innovation at AUTOMATICA. With the
STARTUP WORLD Market, the STARTUP WORLD Award, and the STARTUP WORLD Stage, it is set to offer a unique matchmaking platform for thriving startup companies, investors, and other industry entities while showcasing product innovations in automation and service robotics. One Stop – Four Shows The trade fairs AUTOMATICA and IT2Industry, as well as the guest events Intersolar Europe and electrical energy storage (ees), will take place overlapping on the grounds of Messe München. Visitors can visit all four trade fairs using their respective admission ticket. Intersolar Europe is the leading trade fair for the solar industry and its partners. In parallel, ees Europe, Europe’s largest trade fair for batteries and energy storage systems, takes place annually. www.automatica-munich.com
AUTOMATICA 21 – 24 June, 2016 Messe München, East Entrance Exhibition Space: A4, A5, A6, B4, B5, B6 (66,000 square metres) AUTOMATICA 2014 – Key Facts: - 34,493 trade visitors from more than 100 countries - 32 per cent international visitors - 724 exhibitors from 42 countries
Discover Germany | Special Theme | AUTOMATICA 2016
Giving robots vision The initial ideas of EnShape GmbH were first developed eight years ago. Yet it was not until the founders designed their 3D sensor technologies’ unique selling proposition, that the business was formed. In 2016, EnShape will take the next step and show the world its future. TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS
Before EnShape, the status quo of 3D sensor systems fell into two categories. There were either devices with the ability to do fast measurements with low accuracy, or the capability to be very precise but slow. Here the company began developments and consequently designed a new system that combines speed - ten measurements per second is possible - and precision and is perfectly suitable for industry application. “Basically our 3D sensors give robots eyes,” says CEO Dr. Martin Schaffer, who leads EnShape together with fellow physicist Dr. Marcus Große. These eyes are needed in the companies’ two main target markets. On the one hand, there is inline quality assurance, where the product line ‘Inspect’ can be used for reliable and consistent quality management.
On the other hand, EnShape’s ‘Detect’ product line is focused on random Pick and Place operations, where its sensor technology is applied to make robots pick objects flexibly and accelerate the whole operation process. In practice, an integrated ‘Detect’ 3D sensor is the perfect fit for automatic product handling, for example intralogistics, as it helps to increase the throughput in warehouse commissioning systems for inbound and outbound delivery. Essentially, the Jenabased innovator has developed the final piece of a fully automated flow of goods, where the EnShape powered robot is able to assort a package of different items with maximum precision and speed.
Main image: Small and powerful the EnShape Detect 20. © Manuel Neunkirchen Top left: EnShape Detect Pick & Place Sensors. © Manuel Neunkirchen Below left: Automatic consignment with EnShape 3D sensor technology. © Enshape GmbH Bottom right: EnShape Detect 40 Random Bin Picking. © Manuel Neunkirchen
display a fully functioning High Throughput Pick and Place operation, including a robot with an installed ‘Detect’ sensor and a pick cell. “In 2016 we are making an additional effort to show how fast this actually works,” explains Schaffer. Currently, EnShape is already a member of a number of system integrators’ portfolios. With the company’s public exhibits throughout the year, this number is sure to go up. www.enshape.de
At this month’s AUTOMATICA fair and at the Vision fair in November, EnShape will Issue 39 | June 2016 | 83
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Interior Architecture
Main image: ATOS ScanBox programme operation at Opel. © Alexander Heimann. Top: © GOM Bottom: ScanBox Series 7. © GOM
Improving automated quality control GOM mbH has been a forerunner in the field of precise industrial 3D metrology since its foundation in 1990. At the AUTOMATICA 2016, the Braunschweig-based company will introduce some of their new optical measurement technology milestones. TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF I PHOTOS: GOM
Optical measuring technology and fullfield surface measurement systems have become standard tools within most industries as they provide invaluable data and results for quality control in modern product development and production process chains. In Braunschweig, in GOM’s headquarters, more than 100 engineers, mathematicians and scientists shape the measuring technology of the present and the future to improve product quality and to speed up product development and manufacturing processes. Gesellschaft für Optische Messtechnik (GOM) is a global manufacturer that develops, produces and distributes machines, software and systems for industrial and automated optical 3D coordinate measuring technology and 3D testing, based on 84 | Issue 39 | June 2016
the latest research results and innovative technologies. With more than 60 international sites and an employee network of more than 1,000 metrology specialists, GOM is able to offer profound advice, as well as professional support and service to operators on-site. Its measuring systems are used in product development, quality assurance or material and component testing at various international companies from the automotive, aviation, aerospace and consumer goods industries, as well as research institutions or universities. Companies using the GOM systems include Daimler, Volkswagen, Rolls-Royce, Bosch, Samsung and ZF. New milestones in optical 3D metrology One of the company’s most impressive products is the ATOS ScanBox, a
standalone measuring cell, which describes a standardised solution for automated quality control. It delivers automated full-field 3D measurement of small to large parts, comprehensive result visualisations and complete reporting. The ATOS ScanBox extends the conventional automated measurement routines, which are already established in tactile coordinate measurement rooms. With the ATOS ScanBox, GOM has combined their knowledge of automated metrology with non-contact and fullfield 3D geometry inspection into turnkey measuring machines for different applications and part sizes, from plastic gears to complete car bodies. As it does not have to be installed permanently, it is also flexible in regards of its operation site. Furthermore, the ATOS ScanBox comes with all required hardware, software, safety devices and documentation as well as with worldwide customer services. The measurement and inspection processes up to comprehensive reportings are ful-
Discover Germany | Special Theme | AUTOMATICA 2016
ly automated within the ATOS ScanBox, meaning even shop floor workers can operate the entire measuring and inspection processes via an industrial user interface. For programming the standard software solution, the Virtual Measuring Room (VMR) simulates the real measuring cell environment, including all components and kinematics. The new software feature ‘Auto Teaching’ even simplifies this programming process.
ATOS measuring head by introducing new robotic kinematics. GOM’s eight-axis kinematics allow maximum flexibility in positioning the ATOS sensor. As a result of these eight degrees of freedom, the components can be measured from any perspective. While ATOS ScanBox Series 7 is equipped with one linear axis, Series 8 consists of a double-robot setup.
Furthermore, GOM has expanded its ATOS ScanBox series. Comprising of all of the former ScanBox’s great features, Series 7 and 8 are additionally suitable for the inspection of large and heavy parts, such as car sheet metal parts or complete car bodies. The new optical measuring machines can be set up and taken into operation flexibly at different locations in press shops and body plants – without permanent fixing. In contrast to conventional systems for the measurement of large components, which consist of heavy robots mounted on long rails, the new ATOS ScanBox systems extend the working range of the
The car manufacturer Opel was able to significantly improve its quality assurance and more than halve its measurement times by moving from tactile measurement to the ATOS ScanBox in their Ruesselsheim plant’s press tool production. Here, an automated optical 3D coordinate measuring machine has been used since 2015. This allows an inspection of large sheet metal parts for all new models fully automated for the first time. Contrary to a customised measurement cell, the ATOS ScanBox comes with all the elements required for fully automated full-field measuring, inspection and reporting. As a re-
Case study: automated quality control at Opel
sult, Opel does not have to worry about any additional planning or investments – all that is needed for operating the measuring cell on site is the floor space. One aspect especially important to Opel is that with GOM, the company is cooperating with one single partner for design, setup, training courses and support. All in all, the ATOS ScanBox manages to reduce product development times, measuring times and programming efforts, to speed up production ramp-up and ensures Opel’s car body engineering quality assurance and, according to the automobile manufacturer, the system meets the specific requirements regarding precision, time and cost savings, and, above all, easy handling. “The measuring procedure has been accelerated by more than 80 per cent. In addition, programming efforts have been reduced from one week with the tactile measuring machine to half a day,”confirms Dirk Kissinger, project manager for car body measuring technology at Opel. www.gom.com
Top: ATOS ScanBox series, spectrum of components. © GOM Bottom left: GOM Inspect Professional report, car body inspection. © GOM Bottom right: ATOS ScanBox in production area. © richterfoto
Issue 39 | June 2016 | 85
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Interior Architecture
Main image: Providing the assembly, manufacture, and machine maintenance, the expert team of Monteco Industriemontagen GmbH particularly focuses on industrial robots. Top right: The timber industry is one field Monteco Industriemontagen works for. Middle right: Steel and aluminium production. Bottom right: The paper industry is one field Monteco Industriemontagen works for.
Monteco – a reliable partner for industrial assemblies Based in Rosenheim in Upper Bavaria, Monteco Industriemontagen offers industrial assemblies and expert staff on a high-quality level. Working in many different countries, the company operates in fields such as robotics, mining, medical technology, as well as intralogistics and the automotive industry. From 21 to 24 June, Monteco will attend the AUTOMATICA in Munich. TEXT: NADINE CARSTENS | PHOTOS: FOTOLIA
Nowadays, production processes have to be automated more and more; in order to cut costs, increase productivity and improve quality, industries often depend on robotics. Providing the assembly, manufacture, and machine maintenance, the expert team of Monteco Industriemontagen GmbH particularly focuses on industrial robots. “We help our customers to launch automated machines, but also to maintain or repair them,” Bernhard Hochmayr, marketing director and general manager at Monteco, explains. Additionally, the company works on engineering more special purpose machines, so that the team is able to perfectly meet custom86 | Issue 39 | June 2016
ers’ demands. As a company specialised in the field of engine building and plant construction, Monteco will also attend the upcoming AUTOMATICA in Munich from 21 to 24 June. Robotics is just one branch covered by Monteco. The company also has customers in fields such as mining, medical technology, intralogistics and the automotive industry. Although Monteco Industriemontagen GmbH was just established in 2015, managing director Bruno Steiner and his team already look back at 12 years of experience. Before starting the company based in Rosenheim
in Upper Bavaria, Steiner successfully established the companies Interjobs and Monteco Industriemontagen in Austria. Expanding to Germany was just another step towards an international orientation, since Steiner is known for having an international network with numerous experts in the field of installation services. Today, there are more than 140 employees working for Monteco at their three headquarters in Germany and Austria. Competent experts on demand In order to guarantee a constant highquality service, Monteco puts great emphasis in regularly offering on-the-job trainings to their employees. Therefore, the company is able to provide experts such as industrial mechanics, electrical consultants, process and commissioning engineers, as well as supervisors and claim managers to a great range of projects all over the world. “If companies are temporarily looking for competent
Discover Germany | Special Theme | AUTOMATICA 2016
experts or executives, we can quickly allocate some of our staff who have the necessary know-how,” Hochmayr says.“As an advantage, our customers do not first have to elaborately train new employees. Instead, they have the chance to focus on their real tasks.” According to Hochmayr, assignments in conflict areas are possible as well. “We have established a global presence and already worked in Canada, Australia, but also in Mozambique or Cairo to name a few examples.” As a reliable partner, Monteco professionally advises customers during every process, starting with the planning phase and continuing with assembling and launching engines or plants. Another service of Steiner and his team is to conduct the dismantling and disposal of existing engine modules, for example if a factory requires space for a new production line. Whether assembly works have to be prepared or conducted right on the spot, Monteco always helps customers to professionally implement projects on schedule and eco-friendly. Offering a total service package “What distinguishes Monteco from many other companies in this industry is that we are able to offer many different services at once and that we cover a great range of fields – customers can rely on us as a sole partner if they need any kind of highquality assembly solution,” Hochmayr explains. Inspections are therefore also part of the services offered by Monteco. This can be important if there is, for example, a firm in the timber or paper industry that faces continuously increasing requirements in the market and thus depends on manufacturing equipment guaranteeing a high productivity. In steel or aluminium production, failure rates or dwell times can be detrimental in times of globalisation too. Monteco then offers support and manages downtimes, whether they were planned or not. Also, the company helps customers to maintain or repair equipment according to the valid manufacturers’ instructions. By providing experts to different countries as well, Monteco also services equipment of end customers.
Even if firms plan to relocate their production line to a different place, Steiner and his team make sure that no problems occur during this process. By taking stock on the spot, going through the various steps of the procedure and precisely planning the re-launch of the machinery, Monteco helps to avoid any kinds of risk.
From top right: Intralogistics is one field Monteco Industriemontagen works for. Medical technology is one field Monteco Industriemontagen works for Medizintechnik. The automotive industry is one field Monteco Industriemontagen works for.
People, who are interested in working for the company, are invited to send an application: “We are always looking for talented new employees such as industrial mechanics, technicians or programmable logic controller engineers,”Hochmayr adds. www.monteco-industriemontagen.com Issue 39 | June 2016 | 87
Innovation made in Germany For the third time, more than 1,000 decision makers from the German small and medium business sector meet for the Deutsche Mittelstands-Summit. The summit conference will take place on the 24 June in Essen and promises an eventful day with various panel discussions, presentations and the TOP 100 award, which is handed out to outstanding innovative companies.
From top left Compamedia CEO Joachim Schuble. © Compamedia GmbH Scientific Director of TOP 100 Dr. Nikolaus Franke. © Compamedia GmbH Mittelstands Summit Logo. © Compamedia GmbH TOP 100 Award. © Compamedia GmbH TOP 100 mentor Ranga Yogeshwar. © Compamedia GmbH TOP Consultant mentor Christian Wulff. © Laurence Chaperone TOP Consultant Award. © Compamedia GmbH
TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS I PHOTOS: COMPAMEDIA GMBH, LAURENCE CHAPERONE
The German company compamedia GmbH has been in the business of promoting its home countries small and medium-sized enterprises for a while. Since its inception in 1993, compamedia has devoted itself to various projects concerning this topic, most prominently the nationwide business comparison TOP 100, with which it is trying to find the most innovative companies in the country. After 20 years of TOP 100 experience, compamedia found the Deutsche Mittelstands-Summit three years ago to give innovators just another platform to present themselves and communicate with each other. The summit programme For this year’s summit, the organisers have developed an eclectic day-long 88 | Issue 39 | June 2016
programme, that explores topics of creativity, current business trends and of course the main theme of innovation. Among the agenda highlights is a keynote speech by trend scientist Matthias Horx entitled ‘The economy of tomorrow’. In his presentation he will explore current social megatrends and their influences on the business world. Following the speech, the summit will commence with a panel discussion about business model innovation. Thus participants Matthias Stotz (CEO of Junghans), Dirk Graber (Founder/CEO of Mister Spex), Alexander Schwarz (General Manager of Airbnb) and our current cover star Ranga Yogeshwar will discuss the potential benefits of deliberate innovation in terms of business strategy. During other parts of the summit, participants will
find out about employee trust, longterm financing and public relations. Furthermore, an innovation work shop lead by Prof. Dr. Nikolaus Franke from the Vienna Business School invites people to join together in intensive dialogue and information exchange. Awarding innovation All of the above will take place at the architecturally unique SANAA building on the UNESCO world heritage ZecheZollverein. From here, the event will head over to the Colosseum Theater Essen for the vespertine gala. Moderated by journalist Judith Rakers, the evening’s natural highlights are the awards for TOP 100 and TOP CONSULTANT. For that reason, Rakers will be joined by Yogeshwar, who is the mentor for
Discover Germany | Feature | Third German Mittelstands-Summit
TOP 100 and former German federal president Christian Wulff, who is the TOP CONSULTANT patron. Both of whom will award the respective prizes themselves. TOP CONSULTANT is another effort by compamedia to find the best in business, namely the consulting business. Similar to the TOP 100, consulting firms are benchmarked with needs of small and medium-sized businesses in mind. For consultants, participating in the benchmarking process bears various advantages. Certainly, the scientific approach of compamedia and its directors is able to provide consulting firms with interesting insights into their company. Former federal president and mentor Christian Wulff is certain about the project’s value for consultants and businesses alike: “The scientific sound standing award with the ‘Top Consultant’-seal creates public awareness and transparency on both counts.” The TOP 100 is scientifically based as well. Aforementioned Prof. Dr. Nikolaus Franke is the scientific director of the project, that looks at all aspects of the innovation process. All participating companies are divided into three employee size groups and screened thoroughly before they are presented to the jury, which will decide whether or not a company is an innovator of the year. Ranga Yogeshwar, who is the third mentor of the TOP 100, is always excited about the opportunity to meet new, creative people from the industry. “As a scientist I am very interested which ideas German companies have and which creative concepts they are working on,” explains Yogeshwar. “Furthermore I want to give something back to these mediumsized businesses: recognition.” Last year’s winners In 2015, the innovators of the year included the company HAECKER Automation, which has developed micro and nano components, that are up to ten times thinner than a human hair. Another awarded business was Insiders Technologies GmbH, which was a top innovator for the second time and is finding intelligent software solutions for
new forms of customer communication. Finally, the Schreiner Group GmbH & Co. KG, which got the top prize for companies with more than 250 employees, produces special and functional labels. The different business sectors of these three companies resemble the diverse field of TOP 100 participants very well. At the third Deutsche MittelstandsSummit all of this diversity will be present again. Once more, it is going to be a trend setting event and moreover a celebration of the innovation potential which German businesses continue to display. Issue 39 | June 2016 | 89
Top Innovative Companies
Top from left: The Ipsen Pharma GmbH management team welcomes the renewed challenge for the 2016 TOP 100 award. Joachim Koops and medical & regulatory director Dr. Martin Gerwe accept the 2015 Top 100 award. Joachim Koops, managing director for Ipsen Pharma GmbH since 2003. Ettlingen-based Ipsen Pharma GmbH distribute their products in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Germany
Come together:
Ipsen Pharma GmbH envisions a mutual approach within the health sector For Germany’s Ipsen Pharma GmbH, innovation means integration: “Our vision of the future is a health system for which everybody involved is pulling together,” states general manager Joachim Koops. An inspirational firm culture and reaching out to the patient for firsthand feedback, form the innovative company policy which won Ipsen Pharma the German TOP 100 award in 2015. TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI I PHOTOS: IPSEN PHARMA GMBH
“Small steps can inspire meaningful change” is the company’s motto, which for the staff means annual inspirational treats ranging from mountain hikes to keynote speeches by trend analysts. But “small steps” also means finding alternatives to cost-intensive new drugs, such as implementing a new information strategy or varying dosage forms. “Improving the well-being of patients doesn’t necessarily mean launching a new product,” says medical director Dr. Martin Gerwe. A successful example is Ipsen Pharma’s involvement in a recent study on movement disorder for a clinic in Zwickau. Based on the outcome of the study, a new training concept was developed by a team of experts, helping doctors to apply 90 | Issue 39 | June 2016
an existing neurological drug in a more targeted and therefore more effective way. The new concept quickly won international recognition. Ettlingen-based Ipsen Pharma GmbH, subsidiary to the international Ipsen group, has steadily grown into a mid-sized firm over the past 35 years. With six core products on the market, the company has lately started distributing to clients in Austria and Switzerland as well as covering the German market. During challenging times within the pharmaceutical sector, the “David amongst the Goliaths” have found their own remedy for survival and growth. Apart from embracing challenge and innovation, the firm’s success is
largely due to their close-to-the-patient policy and inspired company culture. By receiving the TOP 100 award in the field of “innovative climate”, Ipsen Pharma GmbH has officially become part of the innovative elite of Germany’s small firm sector. The company wants to keep walking the path of innovation fueled by curiosity, always open to change, together with patients and prescribers, co-workers and business partners. And the next challenges are lying ahead – Ipsen has re-submitted an application for the TOP 100 award in 2016 and new launches are expected in the field of oncology. As Joachim Koops formulates: “We’d like to share our dream for the future, to tackle and see it through together: An integrative health system in which everyone enjoys togetherness as a rule – not as an exception - for the patients’ benefit.” www.ipsen-pharma.de
Discover Germany | Business | Top Innovative Companies
Left: Individual solutions for functional oils and fats. © Walter Rau AG Right: CSC Manager Bernd Brinkmann (left), CEO Franz te Baay (right). © Walter Rau AG
Sustainable innovation for 100 years The Neuss-based Walter Rau AG was already founded in the 19th century. Much time has passed since then, but for the oil and fat specialist goals of innovation, sustainable resourcing and their unique solution-based approach have stayed the same. Critics have taken notice of the company’s efforts as well, as the renowned TOP 100 award for innovation has been given to the Walter Rau AG two times already. TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS I PHOTOS: WALTER RAU AG, COMPAMEDIA GMBH
For Walter Rau AG innovation is not a singular thought but a grand vision, which relates to all aspects of the company’s business and future. In order to foster this kind of innovative process, the oil and fat specialist installed a special Customer Solutions Center (CSC) in its operational structure three years ago. The CSC, under the direction of Bernd Brinkmann, unites experts from the fields of marketing, research and development, application engineering and quality management. In practice the CSC is closely concerned with developing customer relationships
into active partnerships.“The ‘seller meets buyer’ situation has become a meeting of experts, who look for solutions together,” explains chairman Franz te Baay. Although vegetable oils and fats are often standardised products, there are many applications where specific products are needed. Through extensive research and development, the use of state-of-the-art technology and the aforementioned inclusion of customer input, the creation of individual solutions is one of the main strengths of Walter Rau AG.
Furthermore, Walter Rau AG is actively engaging in topics of sustainability and sustainable raw materials. The company is a member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and is only buying raw materials from other members. Walter Rau AG is also making use of sal fat, an alternative to palm oil that is more expensive, but buying it assures about 6,000 local Indian collectors a steady income. Additionally, there is a partnership with the centre for sustainable business management (Zentrum für nachhaltige Unternehmensführung), an institute by the University of Witten/Herdecke, that supports companies with applicationoriented advice. www.walterrauag.de From bottom left: Sal fat, a sustainable raw material in support of local Indian collectors. © Walter Rau AG Top Innovator 2015. © Compamedia GmbH Modern Technologies. © Walter Rau AG
Issue 39 | June 2016 | 91
Discover Germany | Business | Solicitor Column
Magical Mittelstand TEXT & PHOTO: GREGOR KLEINKNECHT
and thereby inspire commitment and loyalty in their staff. At the same time, they can be highly innovative and many are technology leaders in their field, active on the global stage. At its heart, the recipe for success is simple: invest in human capital, focus on innovative products and personalised service, and take the long view.
The German Mittelstand is so much more than the backbone of the German economy and guarantor of its continued economic success, as which it is normally described. It is a concept and a way of doing business that is not adequately reflected by an English translation of the term Mittelstand into ‘small and medium-size enterprises’. In fact, most German companies form part of this club, well over 90 per cent. They are typically founder/owner-managed companies with strong local roots that plan for the long term. They nurture a sense of social responsibility; they value their employees, provide job security 92 | Issue 39 | June 2016
Not surprisingly, many of our clients here at Hunters are German Mittelstand companies doing business in the UK, or setting out to do so. They span everything from engineering, through to software development and life sciences. Doing business in the UK may start with testing the market through a commercial agency or distribution agreement with a local partner; it may develop into a joint venture for R&D or manufacturing; or it may involve taking the plunge at the deep end and acquiring an established UK business lock, stock and barrel, or setting up a local subsidiary. Understanding different local business and legal cultures from the outset is essential for success. It is tempting these days to rely on the European Union harmonising more and more areas of business law, but local rules and regulations remain important with a significant number of differences still existing, for example, between English and German business law – and that is before we hit such topics as employment or taxation. Take commercial agency as an example: yes, national laws may have been harmonised by the Council Directive of 18 December 1986 on the coordination of the laws of the Member States relating to self-employed commercial agents (86/653/EEC), but member states had
a margin of appreciation in transposing the directive into national law. Further differences then arise in the way local courts interpret and apply that national law and, all of a sudden, the way in which a commercial agency can be terminated in the UK. The consequences which flow from that termination can turn out to be quite different from the way in which the same situation would unfold in Germany. Despite the uncertainties of the impending referendum on the UK’s membership of the European Union, for the time being (and no doubt in the long term), the UK continues to attract significant foreign inward investment. The UK has always been very good at supporting and incentivising such investors through a network of local enterprise partnerships and organisations such as London & Partners. The German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce will also always be at hand to assist. The UK may not have a Mittelstand in the same way Germany does, but attracting those companies to invest in the UK is a very good way of getting a slice of the action.
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
ef fe c t- e n e r g y | w w w.ef fe c t- e n e r g y.c o m
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 June. TEXT: INA FRANK
Freilichtspiele (open air theatre), Schwäbisch Hall (29 May – 26 August) When thinking of theatre, one usually has a picture of a stage with curtains in mind. However, in Schwäbisch Hall the venue is different: the performances take place on the church’s stairs. The motto of this year’s edition is ‘Rebels and insurgents’ and visitors can look forward to Shakespeare’s Much Ado About 94 | Issue 39 | June 2016
Nothing or Jesus Christ Superstar amongst many others. www.freilichtspiele-hall.de Rock am Ring/Rock im Park, Mendig and Nuremberg (3 – 5 June) The annual partner festivals bring the big names of the international music scene to Germany. This year, the line-up features renowned bands
like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Black Sabbath and Volbeat. www.rock-am-ring.com www.rock-im-park.com Yodeling festival of the canton Bern, Steffisburg (3 – 5 June) This festival makes Swiss traditions come alive. About 2,500 yodellers, alphorn blowers and
Discover Germany | Culture | Culture Calendar
flag-wavers will come to Steffisburg to show off their skills. Furthermore, many culinary treats and the big parade on Sunday await visitors. www.jodlerfest2016.ch Bacon Festival of Gailtal, Hermagor (4 – 5 June) A festival for meat lovers: for a whole weekend, visitors can buy the original bacon from the Carinthian Gailtal region and try delicious dishes like ‘Frigga’, a bacon and cheese omelette. Additionally, a guided tour in a bacon production site is offered and folk music, dances and children events round off the programme. www.speckfest.at ‘aufhOHRchen’ folk music festival, Lilienfeld (9 – 12 June) ‘aufhOHRchen’ committed itself to keeping the musical traditions of Lower Austria alive. The diverse programme catches the fancy of all ages, as there are school projects, choir contests, street music shows and much more. www.aufhohrchen.at Tour de Suisse, various locations throughout Switzerland (11 – 19 June) Big cycling races do not only take place in France – also in Switzerland one can experience top-
class sport. Featuring flat and mountain stages, as well as professionals and hobby sportsmen, there is surely something for everyone and excitement is guaranteed. www.tourdesuisse.ch/en Art Basel (16 – 19 June) Since 1970, the Art Basel exhibition brings together the international art world in Switzerland. 20th and 21st century artworks from renowned artists and newcomers alike will be shown. The programme is divided into different sectors, like ‘Parcours’ which presents site-specific art in Basel’s neighbourhoods. www.artbasel.com/basel Summer solstice, regions of Wachau and Nibelungengau (17 – 25 June) The burning of solstice fires is a more than 400-year-old tradition in the Danube region of Lower Austria. Thousands of lights floating on
Main image: Open air theatre in Schwäbisch Hall. © Freilichtspiele Schwäbisch Hall, Jürgen Weller Fotografie From top right: Film Festival Munich. © Bernhard Schmidt Tour de Suisse. © Tour de Suisse ‘aufhOHRchen’ folk music festival. © Volkskultur Niederösterreich,Helmut Lackinger Some gourmet trail participants. © Saastal Marketing AG Rock im Park. © Pfannmueller
Issue 39 | June 2016 | 95
Discover Germany | Culture | Culture Calendar
the Danube in little boats, vineyards illuminated by torches and impressive fireworks – the spectacle is worth a visit for many reasons and can best be watched from a boat. www.donau.com/de/sonnenwende Kiel Week Regatta (18 – 26 June) The tension of a sailing race combined with an entertaining programme – that is the Kiel Week Regatta. Visitors can watch a windjammer parade, explore navy ships, indulge in German and international culinary delights at the many market stalls or watch cabaret, music and theatre performances. www.kieler-woche.de 96 | Issue 39 | June 2016
Gourmet Trail, Saas-Fee (19 June) Are you looking for a slightly different holiday experience? Why not combine an extensive hike with a tasty gourmet menu? The gourmet trail accosts sporty holidaymakers and epicures alike. After an ‘amuse-bouche’ at the valley station, it goes upwards with the mountain railway, followed by the hike with its picturesque alpine scenery and many culinary treats. www.saas-fee.ch/en/sommerevents/gourmet-trail Blues’n’Jazz, Rapperswil-Jona (23 – 26 June) When thinking about music festivals, the picture of tents and ankle-deep mud usually comes to mind. In the Swiss town of Rapperswil-Jona in
turn, you can enjoy about 20 jazz and blues concerts against the beautiful backdrop of the old town centre. www.bluesnjazz.ch Film Festival Munich (23 June – 2 July) Being one of the most significant film festivals in Europe, the film festival in Munich attracts film makers and fans alike by showing the diversity of the medium ‘film’ in all its facets. www.filmfest-muenchen.de/en Harley Days, Hamburg (24 – 26 June) Europe’s biggest city biker event is coming back to Hamburg. Many different types of the famous
Discover Germany | Culture | Culture Calendar
World Bodypainting Festival, Wörthersee (27 June – 3 July) Art does not have to be limited to paper or canvasses as display areas. Watching body painting artists at work lets visitors discover an exciting new way of art. An installation art award, many market stalls, concerts and the beach zone make it an event that serves nearly every taste. www.bodypainting-festival.com/en
Main image: Kiel Week Regatta. © Landeshauptstadt Kiel/Thomas Eisenkrätzer From top right: A general impression of the Art Basel exhibition. © Art Basel Harley Days in Hamburg. © Hamburg Harley Days Comic Con. © Frog Photography, Caroline Charruyer
Harley Davidson will be presented and visitors can try riding them. Fire shows, the big parade on Sunday and international bands on stage offer an exciting programme throughout the weekend. www.hamburgharleydays.de Comic Con, Stuttgart (25 – 26 June) The very first comic convention of Germany will take place in Stuttgart this June. Visitors can look forward to comic publishers, cartoonists, anime, cosplay and much more on an area of 30,000 square metres. Furthermore, many Hollywood stars will be around for interviews, autograph sessions and photos. www.comiccon.de/en Issue 39 | June 2016 | 97
Discover Germany | Culture | Barbara Geier
All work and lots of play TEXT & PHOTO: BARBARA GEIER
Why is it that Germans are always on holidays but still run one of the most efficient economies there is? Have you ever asked yourself that question? I sometimes do. Because in my position, as someone living in the UK, and mostly working in a UK-Germany context (allow me one very quick aside here: Brexit is really not a good idea from my point of view) with many professional German contacts on a daily basis, I’m often confronted with the amount of holidays German employees have in general plus the many bank holidays Germany enjoys. The latter accumulate during the months of May and June in particular. At least, that’s how it feels when every year, around certain times, you get German out-of-office messages galore, indicating that everyone (only slightly exaggerating here) is using the so-called ‘Brückentage’ that lie between a bank holiday and a day that would be a day off anyway, such as Saturday. The expression ‘bridge days’ obviously, doesn’t exist in English, simply because it’s not needed. Bank Holidays are always on Mondays – at least the major ones in May and August – which automatically creates a long weekend. Two German bank holidays where I always make sure not to have any urgent business with Germans are Ascension (Christi Himmelfahrt) in May and Corpus Christi (Fronleichnam) in June. Both always fall on a Thursday so it’s a veritable Brückentage 98 | Issue 39 | June 2016
bonanza. Many bank holidays, you might have guessed based on the two examples given, are religious, respectively catholic ones, and who cares that the majority of people couldn’t care less about that anymore. And just in case you’re curious now how many bank holidays there are altogether, I’m afraid there’s no blanket answer because things are bit more diversified because of the country’s federal nature. Which means that, for example, at the top-end federal states such as Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Saarland and Brandenburg get 12, while Bremen, Hamburg, Berlin, Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony at the bottom get nine (and I’m not adding the word ‘only’ here). Coming back to my initial question of German productivity and why the country is always high up in tables that compare output, working hours and holidays of different nations. Well, I guess, the simple answer would be they simply work more in less time (sigh of relief, finally the word efficiency comes in and we can tick off that stereotype). Why? Because they want to get out of the office as early as possible to get on with the rest of their life.Yes, indeed, the culture of sitting at your desk for the sake of it is far less prevalent than it is in other countries. If you’re done, you’re done. No need to take part in presenteeism. Friday afternoon in particular is a day where you shouldn’t try to get hold of someone in an office because employees get to their desks early, at 8am or even before that, and start
leaving around lunch time, because hey, there’s a weekend ahead and lots to do! So, should you think about moving to Germany and want to make the most of all those holidays, choose your federal state wisely (rule of thumb: the further west and south, the more catholic, the more bank holidays) and, of course, become very efficient. Oh, and you might also want to carefully consider then how you vote on 23 June.
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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