Discover Germany, Issue 69, December 2018

Issue 69 | December 2018

CLU ESO M R . G O L I G H T LY I S B A C K

PLUS

ALL EYES ON BERLIN BEST OF GERMAN & AUSTRIAN CULTURE FOCUS ON ZURICH DESIGN, BUSINESS, TRAVEL & MORE

T H E M AG A Z I N E P R O M OT I N G G E R M A N Y, S W I T Z E R L A N D & A U ST R I A

„A weng göttlich...“ Wolfgang Wagner und die „Werkstatt Bayreuth“

Jubiläumsausstellung zum 100. Geburtstag

Sommer 2019

Richard Wagner Museum Bayreuth www.wagnermuseum.de

Discover Germany | Contents

Contents DECEMBER 2018

12 Photo: © Christoph Köstlin

23 Photo: © Pantheon Basel

COVER FEATURE 12

Clueso Two years ago, singer and songwriter Clueso released his groundbreaking album Neuanfang. Now, he hands us a treasure trove which has been long in the making: his acoustic album Handgepäck. Discover Germany finds out more.

a company’s digitisation actually done?

Find answers in our special theme.

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SPECIAL THEMES 33

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Best of Culture Culture fans know that Germany and Austria offer some of the world’s top-notch museums and exhibitions – to get you inspired, we have collected some of the region’s best offerings in this special theme.

Ball Season – The Highlights of 2019 We believe that everyone should experience a real ball once in their lifetime, and so we have put together a guide to Austria’s next ball season.

All Eyes on Berlin There is no denying it – Berlin is the coolest German city to visit at the moment.

For first-time visitors, the abundance of things to do and see might be overwhelming. Therefore, we have handpicked some of the city’s highlights and have covered some great tips for foodies too.

Focus on Zurich – The City’s Highlights of 2019 While impressing with a medieval old town with plenty of sights, Zurich is also a must-visit for art and culture fans. In this special theme, we showcase some of the best places to visit.

Discover Business 4.0 – The Digital Future We all know the future is digital. But what does this mean for businesses and how is

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FEATURES Star Interview: Philipp Christopher Best known for his roles in GZSZ, Sex and the City or Blood Ties, German actor Philipp Christopher recently celebrated his international breakthrough in the YouTube Premium series Origin. He speaks to Discover Germany about the series and much more.

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Where Germanic Cultures Blend In the heart of Europe lies Lake Constance surrounded by the majestic Alps.

It is a place where Germanic cultures blend together. Wibke Carter explores the region for Discover Germany.

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Winterberg − A Somewhat Different Winter Sports Metropolis Situated in Germany’s beautiful Sauerland region, the winter sports destination of Winterberg impresses visitors with its cutting-edge infrastructure and breathtaking atmosphere. Discover Germany finds out more.

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Three Christmas Markets, Two Countries, One Day Lake Constance has a lot to offer during the Christmas season. With over 60 Christmas markets, travellers can enjoy the unique festive flair of Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein in one go.

Photo: © Überlingen Marketing und Tourismus GmbH

top-quality bedding, be sure to take a look at our Design section.

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Wine & Dine Our Wine & Dine section is filled with great restaurant tips, tasty sparkling wines and meat delicacies well worth a try this month.

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Culture Read our Culture section if you want to learn more about great events in Switzerland, as well as top cultural offerings in the country in 2019.

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Business Our Business section is filled with innovative mobility and logistics experts, inspiring consulting specialists, top German lawyers, as well as great architects and plastic surgeons. Furthermore, our columnist Gregor Kleinknecht discusses the protection of journalists.

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The Delights of the German Vocabulary In our monthly column, British author Adam Jacot de Boinod explores the weird and wonderful world of German vocabulary and finds some rather interesting terms.

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Culture Calendar Discover Germany’s Culture Calendar is your perfect guide to what not to miss in December.

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Barbara Geier Column This month, our columnist Barbara Geier questions the importance of December’s most omnipresent question -“So, what are you doing on the 31st?”.

REGULARS & COLUMNS 6

Dedicated to Design Whether you are searching for some outfit inspiration for the festive season, special Christmas-tree baubles, high-quality designer shoes or some

Issue 69 | December 2018 | 3

Dear Reader,

Discover Germany Issue 69, December 2018 Published 12.2018 ISSN 2051-7718 Published by Scan Magazine Ltd. Print Liquid Graphic Ltd. Executive Editor Thomas Winther Creative Director Mads E. Petersen Editor Nane Steinhoff Assistant Editor Marilena Stracke Copy-Editor Karl Batterbee Graphic Designer Mercedes Moulia Contributors Adam Jacot de Boinod Barbara Geier

Cornelia Brelowski Gregor Kleinknecht Ina Frank Jessica Holzhausen Silke Henkele Wibke Carter Cover Photo © Christoph Köstlin Sales & Key Account Managers Emma Fabritius Nørregaard Melanie von der Kammer Sophie Blecha Katrin Virtbauer Tanja Meier

Publisher: SCAN GROUP Scan Magazine Ltd. 15B Bell Yard Mews Bermondsey Street London SE1 3YT United Kingdom Phone: +44 (0)870 933 0423 Fax: +44 (0)870 933 0421

Email: info@discovergermany.com For further information please visit www.discovergermany.com

Christmas is just around the corner and this also means that New Year’s Eve is not far off either. If you’re like me or our columnist Barbara Geier (be sure to read her column this month), you’re probably dreading the omnipresent “What are your plans for the 31st” question. Leaving plans to the last minute, seems to be the annual thing to do for me. For all those people that love to do that too, our new December issue is a much-needed help. For example, if you have not yet thought about an outfit for the festive season, don’t despair, as we have collected some last-minute outfit inspirations for you in our Fashion Finds pages. And if you’re already thinking about which New Year’s resolutions to go with this year (before abandoning them only two weeks after New Year’s Eve!), we have got you covered too.

While the most common resolutions include more exercise, losing weight, eating more healthily, taking a more active approach to health, learning a new skill or hobby, spending more time on personal well-being, spending more time with family and friends, drinking less alcohol or stopping smoking, we suggest adding ‘visiting new places’ to your list. After all, travelling broadens your horizon and probably improves your well-being too. If you need travel inspiration, we suggest checking out our special themes on Zurich and Berlin. Both are great cities that have a lot on offer and both should be visited at least once in one’s lifetime. Or how about a winter sports destination of the special kind? Situated in Germany’s beautiful Sauerland region, the modern and attractive winter sports destination of Winterberg impresses visitors with its cutting-edge infrastructure and a breathtaking atmosphere.

Other topics covered in our latest magazine are great events, as well as other cultural highlights in Switzerland, top lawyers, enchanting museums and exhibitions, Austria’s glamorous ball season of 2019 and much, much more. Furthermore, we feature interviews with actor Philipp Christopher and singer and songwriter Clueso.

Having released his groundbreaking album Neuanfang two years ago, Clueso now hands us a treasure trove which has been long in the making: his acoustic album Handgepäck.

Sit back, relax and thanks for reading.

© All rights reserved. Material contained in this publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior permission of Scan Group – a trading name of Scan Magazine Ltd. This magazine contains advertorials/promotional articles.

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Nane Steinhoff, Editor

Verdandy is the new Austrian fashion label “For that good-looking feeling�

Martin Pichler and Manuel Rauner, two internationally successful models, started their designer career with the new fashion label Verdandy which is based on an interesting mix of comfortable fashion, Norse mythology and exclusive European production.

Creating the Verdanyms - high quality jeans which feel like joggers and provide comfort & versatility for every occasion.

Discover Germany | Design | Fashion Finds

Fashion Finds December is here – and this means that most people will start to plan their festive outfits for big events like the Christmas period or New Year’s Eve. We do not want this to degenerate into much stress for you so we have handpicked some gorgeous items from the DACH region’s designers to get you inspired. After all, we want you to look your absolute best throughout this crazy time of year!

EDITOR’S PICKS I PRESS IMAGES

Founded in 1973, the long-standing German brand Marc Cain has become a globally operating premium brand for ladies’ fashion – and just why can be seen in this gorgeous outfit. Faux fur coat £355, dress £178, turtleneck sweater £178, over-knee boots £489, bag £222. www.marc-cain.com

Topping up a black dress or trousers with this shiny belt by SURI FREY will turn any outfit into a festive one! A great staple to have. £22. www.surifrey.com

It is pretty much always a good time for black shoes – but especially around Christmas! And these ones by the longstanding German family business Gabor promise the highest quality that is combined with an elegant feel. £111. www.gabor.de

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Discover Germany | Design | Fashion Finds

This outfit – also by Marc Cain – demonstrates how to stylishly approach the festive period this year. Blazer £400, chiffon blouse £116, trousers £204, bag £178. www.marc-cain.com

Embellish any festive look with these gorgeous earrings by CRYSTALLIZED™ by QVC! Made with Swarovski® crystals, the design is stylish, yet timeless and will be a guaranteed eyecatcher. £49. www.qvc.de

If you want to be something of an eyecatcher this festive season, team this stylish skirt by THOM by Thomas Rath with some black tights and some elegant shoes. It will sure be an outfit to remember! Available on QVC. £66. www.thomas-rath.com

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Discover Germany | Design | Benjamin Bigot

Benjamin Bigot at work.

Photo: © Marc Uhlig

Model Oxford.

Shoe designer Benjamin Bigot.

Photo: © Marc Uhlig

Model Penny.

Model Jonathan.

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE | PHOTOS: BENJAMIN BIGOT

Custom-made designer shoes with character

Maßgeschneiderte DesignerSchuhe mit Charakter

The talented shoe designer Benjamin Bigot has always had a passion for design. In his store in Karlsruhe, but also during his many trips, Bigot personally takes measure and designs his creations entirely according to his customers’ personal wishes. The results are comfortable shoes full of individuality.

Eine Liebe für Design hatte der talentierte Schuh-Designer Benjamin Bigot schon immer. In seinem Geschäft in Karlsruhe, aber auch auf seinen diversen Reisen nimmt Bigot persönlich Maß, und entwirft ganz nach den Wünschen seines breitgefächerten Kundenstammes. Das Resultat sind hoch bequeme Schuhe voller Individualität.

Shoes can be an expression of our personality, but they should also support our spine. Original shoes, which fit comfortably like a glove – that is every customer’s desire.

Schuhe können Ausdruck unserer Persönlichkeit sein, sollten aber auch unsere Wirbelsäule individuell unterstützen. Originelle Schuhe, die zudem noch wie angegossen passen – das ist daher oft der Wunsch eines jeden Kunden.

French-born Benjamin Bigot sees those requirements as a given.

For the open-minded shoe designer, his job is a true calling. No pre-made shoes can be found in his store. “I’m taking the time to truly understand what’s important for my clients,” says Bigot.

“That also means often sitting down for a coffee and a croissant together!”

Für den gebürtigen Franzosen Benjamin Bigot sind diese Ansprüche selbstverständlich. Der sympathische Schuh-Designer ist leidenschaftlich bei der Sache. Vorgefertigte Modelle gibt es bei ihm nicht. „Ich nehme mir viel Zeit für meine Kunden“, erzählt Bigot. „Das bedeutet sich gemeinsam erstmal zum Kaffee und Croissant hinzusetzen, um herauszufinden was dem Kunden wirklich wichtig ist.“

Two months after the initial meeting, the first sample shoe can be tested, to ensure it fits perfectly. Bigot works with many different materials and when it comes to individual style, only the sky is the limit.“It always depends on the person. Some clients have an exact vision, and others prefer my suggestions,” Bigot explains.

“Sometimes, the shoe remains classic and sometimes, it is a little more extravagant, with colourful lining, for example.”

Zwei Monate später wird der erste Probeschuh getestet, damit alles exakt passt. Bigot arbeitet mit vielen unterschiedlichen Materialien und auch stilistisch sind der eigenen Individualität keine Grenzen gesetzt. „Es hängt immer vom Menschen ab. Manche Kunden haben eine genaue Vorstellung und bei anderen mache ich ein paar Vorschläge“, so Bigot. „Manchmal bleibt der Schuh klassisch und manchmal wird es zum Beispiel mit farbigem Innenfutter etwas ausgefallener.“

Original shoes which become true companions – that is what Benjamin Bigot and his team make possible in a beautiful fashion.

Originelle Schuhe, die echte Begleiter sind – das macht Benjamin Bigot mit seinem Team auf wunderbare Weise möglich. www.originelleschuhe.de

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Discover Germany | Design | Dedicated to Design

Dedicated to Design…

Decorating the tree is one of our favourite things to do at Christmas! If you still need inspiration for how to dress your tree during this year’s festive period, we have rounded up the best Christmas tree baubles for you. With these eyecatchers, you can turn your tree into something really special. Get inspired!

BY: NANE STEINHOFF I PRESS IMAGES

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1. This clear glass bauble impresses with its frosted redrose band and is sure to brighten up any tree. While it certainly looks beautiful, it can also be reused every year too, as the design is absolutely timeless! £5.50. www.giselagraham.co.uk 2. For a more playful tree decoration, choose this cute, hand-decorated porcelain bauble. Its design is inspired by the famous jewel eggs of Peter Carl Fabergé. £23. www.einrichten-design.de 3. This icicle bauble demonstrates that a great Christmas bauble does not need to be the traditional round shape associated with these items. It comes in a gorgeous pale-rose coloured glass. £19. www.printerandtailor.com 4. Also posing as a great gift idea for avocado lovers, this bauble is a welcome change to conventional Christmas decorations and will surely put a smile on your visitors’ faces. £8. www.dobbies.com 5. Beautifully decorated, this green glass bauble is embellished with seed pearls, as well as with peacock colours in blue, green, gold and purple. £5. www.thefarthing.co.uk

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Discover Germany | Design | Dithmarscher Geflügel

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE I PHOTOS: DITHMARSCHER GEFLÜGEL

Sleep heavenly, like you were on fluffy clouds

Himmlisch schlafen wie auf Wolken gebettet

Human beings spend more than a third of their lifetime sleeping. A quality duvet is therefore absolutely key to one’s everyday life. The down experts of Dithmarscher Geflügel, a traditional family business now in its fourth generation, not only ensures wonderfully comfortable duvets, but also takes ethical animal welfare aspects into account too.

Mehr als ein Drittel seiner Lebenszeit verbringt der Mensch im Schlaf. Ein hochwertiges Federbett darf da nicht fehlen. Die Daunen-Experten von Dithmarscher Geflügel, ein traditionsreiches Familienunternehmen in vierter Generation, sorgen dafür, dass man nicht nur federleicht gebettet ist, sondern dass auch ethische Tierschutzaspekte berücksichtigt werden.

The origin of the geese, their feeding method and the maturity of the down feathers – these are all criteria which matter when it comes to a quality duvet. Of course, the ethical, ecological and social outlook of the producer also plays a major role.

Herkunft der Gänse, Fütterungsart und Reifegrad der Daune – das alles sind Faktoren, die bei einem Qualitäts-Federbett ausschlaggebend sind.

Hinzu kommt natürlich die ethische, ökologische und soziale Einstellung des Herstellers.

The farm bedding manufactory of the Eskildsen family ticks all of these boxes. The raw feathers are slightly greasy after they are plucked, so first they are washed and rinsed, before they are dried, guaranteed germ-free, at 115 degrees. As the feathers are not chemically bleached, they keep their natural colour.

Die hofeigene Bettenmanufaktur der Familie Eskildsen trifft bei all diesen Punkten ins Schwarze. Oder in diesem Fall ins flauschige Weiß. Da die Rohfedern nach dem Rupf noch leicht fettig sind, werden sie als erstes gewaschen und gespült, bevor sie bei 115° garantiert keimfrei getrocknet werden. Die natürliche Farbe der Federn wird Dank des Verzichts auf chemisches Bleichen erhalten.

In the sorting machine, the feathers and downs are separated by air flow, so the light downs can be taken out unmixed.

Only top quality and guaranteed to be fairly obtained downs are used in the ticking.

“Our farm’s free-range geese are only plucked after slaughter, that’s why we have the seal ‘No live plucking’,” company director Lorenz Eskildsen explains.“The result is pure nature – warm and soft downs and feathers.”

In der Sortiermaschine werden Federn und Daunen durch Luftstrom voneinander getrennt, so dass die leichten Daunen sortenrein und unvermischt herausgenommen werden können. Ins Inlett kommt tatsächlich nur, was Qualität hat und garantiert fair gewonnen wurde. „Unsere Gänse aus bäuerlicher Freilandhaltung werden erst nach der Schlachtung gerupft, deshalb das Siegel ‚Kein Lebendrupf‘“, erklärt Firmenchef Lorenz Eskildsen. „Das Ergebnis ist Natur pur – warme und weiche Daunen und Federn.“ www.dithmarscher-gefluegel.de | www.gaensebetten.de

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Discover Germany | Design | Swiss Children’s Universe

Top middle: Bruno Faidutti, Dragons. Left: Richard Denning, Magnificent Flying Machines. Middle left: Frédéric Vuagnat, Trool Park. Middle right: François Rouzé, Room 25 Ultimate. Right: Board Game Box team at the Spiel 18 in Essen.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN I PHOTOS: BOARD GAME BOX

New games at the Spiel 18:

Spieleneuheiten auf der Spiel 18:

For the very first time, the Swiss publisher Board Game Box recently presented its newest range of games at the Spiel 18 in Essen: Dragons, Magnificent Flying Machines, Room 25, Dice Town and Trool Park. Four of the games’ developers attended the event as well.

Der Schweizer Spieleverlag Board Game Box hat erstmals auf der Spiel 18 in Essen die neuesten Spiele einem spielebegeisterten Publikum vorgestellt: Dragons, Magnificent Flying Machines, Room 25, Dice Town und Trool Park. Für vier der Spiele waren auch die Autoren anwesend.

Board Game Box founder Michael Zimmerli is especially proud of Dragons, a family-friendly card game by well-known game developer Bruno Faidutti. “Typically for Faidutti, you have to keep your head together and concentrate, otherwise you lose quickly,” explains Michael Zimmerli. As dragons, the players collect treasures. “But dragons are also hungry, so players have to find food. The player with the least food usually ends up out of the game.”

Besonders stolz ist Board Game Box Gründer Michael Zimmerli auf Dragons, ein familienfreundliches Kartenspiel des bekannten Spieleentwicklers Bruno Faidutti. „Man muss – typisch Faidutti – den Kopf beisammen halten und konzentriert spielen, sonst verliert man ganz schnell“, sagt Michael Zimmerli. Als Drachen sammeln die Spieler punktebringende Schätze. „Drachen haben natürlich auch Hunger. Also muss man vorsorgen, indem man Essen sammelt. Der Spieler mit dem wenigsten Essen ist raus.“

From treasure-hunting Von Drachen auf Schatzjagd dragons to building a funfair zum eigenen Vergnügungspark

In eight rounds, players of Trool Park by Frédéric Vuagnat erect a theme park with attractions in three different areas. An inspector visits regularly and the weather also determines its success.

Room 25 Ultimate, by French game author François Rouzé, takes players into a dystopian future, where they have to escape a deadly reality TV show. Particularly popular at the Spiel 18, was Dice Town, set in the Wild West, which many testers loved and bought directly.

Magnificent Flying Machines is a cooperation with author Richard Denning: “The game is about old airplanes before the First World War, those flying machines,” says Zimmerli. As well as speed, points are also important – and sometimes a dirty trick is needed!

Bei Trool Park von Frédéric Vuagnat müssen Spieler über acht Runden und in drei verschiedenen Themenbereichen einen Vergnügungspark errichten.

Regelmäßig kommt ein Inspektor und auch das Wetter entscheidet über den Erfolg. Room 25 Ultimate des französischen Spieleautors François Rouzé entführt in eine dystopische Zukunft, in der Spieler versuchen einer lebensbedrohlichen TV-Reality-Show zu entfliehen. Besonders beliebt war Dice Town, ein Würfelspiel im Wilden Westen, das viele Testspieler gleich gekauft haben.

Magnificent Flying Machines ist eine Kooperation mit dem Autor Richard Denning: „Es geht um die Rennen der alten Flugzeuge vor dem Ersten Weltkrieg, diese zusammengebastelten Flugmaschinen“, sagt Zimmerli. Nicht allein Schnelligkeit führt zum Sieg: Punkte sind wichtig und manchmal hilft ein schmutziger Trick. www.boardgamebox.life Issue 69 | December 2018 | 11

Discover Germany | Cover Feature | Clueso

Mr. Golightly

Clueso is back with Handgepäck Two years ago, East-German singer and songwriter Clueso parted with the old and embraced the new by releasing his groundbreaking album Neuanfang. Now, he hands us a treasure trove which has been long in the making.

TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI I PHOTOS: CHRISTOPH KÖSTLIN

With his acoustic album Handgepäck (hand luggage), Clueso brings truth to the surface in small, neat packages. It is a mature album for which the experienced musician and talented guitarist has captured significant moments and emotions from his travels. Collected over the past seven years, he has framed them in a palette of minimalist yet versatile pieces, much like Polaroids from the road.

Song nuggets In one of the songs from Neuanfang from two years ago, Clueso sings about the process of sieving memories (Erinnerungen).

Done with the process, he now presents to us the 18 little nuggets that he found along the way.

Asked about the two years in between his last album and Handgepäck, he responds: “I have always been planning to release an acoustic album and even though the recording process was my own, I hope that some members from both the old and the new band will join me for the live performances.” For the album, Clueso has brought every song to life almost entirely all by himself and consequently, the listen12 | Issue 69 | December 2018

er is immediately drawn into a very personal, authentic sphere on first listen.

Pillars of the structure Lyrics in general become a big issue with acoustic recordings, especially when these are done completely ‘old school’, with a maximum of four tracks. The reflective single Du und Ich (You and I) forms one of two pillars for the album. The song is all about perception and projection − not necessarily between lovers, but in this case on coming home from a tour and meeting the bus driver’s eye in the rear mirror. ‘What do you and I know about his life anyway?’, Clueso asks. ‘And come to think of it, what does he know about mine?’

Likewise, he wonders about his female neighbour. The atmosphere of Du und Ich reminds the listener of the Beatles’ Eleanor Rigby and drums up a pensive melancholy on coming home and finding everything as it was, yet different at the same time.

The second album pillar, Vier Jahreszeiten an einem Tag (Four seasons in one day), a Crowded House cover, addresses the familiar Clueso theme of accepting constant change; which sometimes may result in perceiving single days as entire years.

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Discover Germany | Cover Feature | Clueso

Travel sounds and the miracle of communication Naturally, Handgepäck features many ‘on the road’ sounds. Country and blues riffs pop up in brief sequences as well as some Dixie music, and even an accordion for Paris, a song recalling a post-tour trip on the eve of a relationship.

Communication, both on the microand the macro level is a big part of this travelling-themed album, as is the odd “awesome moment”, captured in a song.

But what makes authentic communication for Clueso? “You have to accept the in-between and the gaps as well as the bridges,” he says, “and if you really want to, you will always find a common level on which to communicate. For example, I remember meeting this really nice old man on a plane who wouldn’t stop talking to me in a language I didn’t recognise. However, in the end, we communicated by watching this western together, sharing a headset. That was our way of bonding and it worked! Also, when I am on stage with my buddies and the air is filled with sound, I need to be able to communicate through gestures only.”You don’t always need words to find common ground.

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The tramp and the desert While the guitar intro Aufbruch (Departure) immediately takes the listener by the hand using no words at all, the song Wüste (Desert), actually “conceived” standing on the balcony of a friend’s place in the desert, features syllables only. “It came into my head just as ‘da, da, da’ – so why should I try and explain anything with additional words?” says Clueso. And just like that, the song literally goes “da,da,da”, sung in a dreamy voice accompanied by guitar: a captured moment in time. Here, as in Landstreicher (Tramp), the sliding steel guitar dips more than just a toe into the desert sand. And when Clueso comes home to his little town of Erfurt, he has his own granddad for comfort, who “has a voice just like Johnny Cash” and offers real life wisdom: “He says, no matter where you stay or go physically, you will never feel like having fully arrived.You will always want to try out new and different things. In a way, I find that to be a reassuring thought.”

Eternity meets moment As much as life itself is a journey, it is the moment which can literally save us. For the 1974 Puhdys cover Wenn ein Mensch lebt (When a Person Lives), Clueso put some new chords to the haunting and beautiful

lyrics which embrace a 1-2-1 structure: “Almost like a mantra,” he notes. Indeed, the lines “My girlfriend is beautiful, and I lay down in her shadow” entail a spiritual quality. According to the Buddhist notion that the person passing away shows the remaining ones a glimpse of the light to come; lying down in their shadow makes complete sense. “I found much inspiration in those lyrics,” says Clueso, “and it also brought up the idea of not wanting to miss out on moments which are being handed to us.” One such moment is captured in Vor dem Abflug (Before Departure), describing how queuing at the airport is not only “already healing the wanderlust”, but also offers an in-between moment for self-reflection and alone time. “Mostly, you look around and see bored faces,” Clueso states, “but effectively, the here and now is suddenly emphasised and up for grabs.” Seizing the moment is a major part of travelling. And the little bumps, inconsistencies and irregularities are just part of the game: “That’s why you need to travel light,” he smiles,“with Handgepäck, as it were.”

Home base I have spoken to Clueso for the second time since Neuanfang. And for all the travelling and touring, I experience him as a most grounded person. Asked about where his home is, the answer shoots straight out: Erfurt. The East-German town has allowed him his jumpstart during the post-wall era and he always comes back. Even though songs like Waldrandlichter and Steine suggest blockages which had to be overcome both initially and on the way, his town and friends provide the structure that he needs and cherishes. “When I walk down the street giving a wave to people I’ve known forever, I feel that I live in the right place.”

Turns out that travelling light can also make it easier to return. And maybe, that is exactly what the bus driver thinks, looking at him in the rear mirror: ‘Ah, that must be Clueso coming home’. www.clueso.de/handgepaeck Clueso's real name is Thomas Hübner.

His stage name derives from the character Jacques Clouseau of the Pink Panther film and series.

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Discover Germany | Wine & Dine | Restaurant of the Month, Switzerland

RE STAURANT OF THE MON TH, SWI T Z E R L A N D

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN I PHOTOS: RESTAURANT NIX’S IN DER LATERNE

Locally sourced slow-food Lokale Slow-Food-Gerichte für dishes for gourmets Feinschmecker Since 2005, the so-called ‘nose-to-tail’ idea has taken centre stage in the Lucerne restaurant Nix’s in der Laterne, which means that every part of the animal is actually used. The restaurant focuses on sustainability and local produce. One of the specialities is tarte flambée in every variety possible.

Seit 2005 steht im Luzerner Restaurant Nix’s in der Laterne die ‚Nose-to-Tail‘-Idee im Mittelpunkt, das heißt das Küchenteam verwendet alle Teile vom Schnäuzli bis zum Schwanzerl. Das Restaurant setzt auf Nachhaltigkeit und lokale Produkte. Eine der Spezialtäten ist Flammkuchen in allen Variationen.

At restaurant Nix, all ingredients are fresh and come from local producers.“Our butcher can tell us on exactly which farm the animal was actually raised,” says owner Nikki Schwethelm, who as part of the service team takes care of his guests. Having lived in Lucerne since 1990, he has established a good network of suppliers. “The fish is freshly caught from the lake every morning and the vegetables come directly from the fields.”

Im Restaurant Nix sind alle Zutaten frisch und stammen von lokalen Erzeugern. „Unser Metzger kann uns genau sagen, von welchem Hof das Tier stammt“, sagt Inhaber Nikki Schwethelm, der sich als Teil des Serviceteams selbst mit um die Gäste kümmert. Seit 1990 in Luzern ansässig, hat er sich ein gutes Lieferantennetzwerk aufgebaut. „Unser Fisch kommt morgens direkt fangfrisch aus dem See und das Gemüse taufrisch vom Feld.“

Head chef Philipp Wantz not only loves cooking fish, he also makes every component from scratch. No convenience products are ever served. This makes the restaurant especially suitable for allergy sufferers: the kitchen and service team has specialised in cooking for people with allergies and food incompatibilities and knows exactly which ingredients are in which dish.

The relatively small restaurant Nix’s in der Laterne, in the historic building at the Reussteg 9, has space for up to 44 guests, while the sunny terrace at the Reuss weir has 80 seats. One of the specialities is tarte flambée.“Guests can choose their own toppings,” says Nikki Schwethelm. The classic variety with sour cream, bacon and onions, therefore, is only the base for countless mouth-watering taste combinations that the restaurant offers.

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Küchenchef Philipp Wantz ist nicht nur ein Liebhaber von Fisch. Er fertigt auch alle einzelnen Komponenten der Gerichte selbst an. ConvenienceProdukte kommen hier keine auf den Teller. Deshalb ist das Restaurant auch besonders geeignet für Allergiker: Das Küchen- und Serviceteam weiß genau, welche Zutaten in welchem Gericht enthalten sind, und ist auf das Kochen für Menschen mit Allergien und Lebensmittelunverträglichkeiten spezialisiert.

Das Restaurant Nix’s in der Laterne im historischen Haus am Reussteg 9 ist relativ klein, bietet im Innenraum Platz für 44 Gäste. Die Sonnenterrasse am Reusswehr hat 80 Plätze. Eine der Spezialitäten des Restaurants sind Flammkuchen: „Gäste können sich den Belag selbst aussuchen“, sagt Nikki Schwethelm. Der Klassiker mit Speckwürfeln und Zwiebeln ist so lediglich die Basis für unzählige, kreative Geschmackskombinationen. www.nixinderlaterne.ch

Discover Germany | Wine & Dine | Germany’s Best Sparkling Wine

Die älteste badische Sektkellerei Bereits in vierter Generation produziert die Sektkellerei Schweickert in Niefern exzellente Sekte der Spitzenklasse. Der allererste Sekt des Familienbetriebs wurde zur Silvesterfeier des Jahreswechsels 1899/1900 vom Urgroßvater ausgeschenkt.

Und bei so einem grandiosen Auftakt ließ der Erfolg nicht lange auf sich warten.

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE I FOTO: SEKTKELLEREI SCHWEICKERT

Die Sektkellerei Schweickert ist ein echter Familienbetrieb und so gibt es auch die seit jeher beliebten Klassiker, wie zum Beispiel das vollmundige Traditionscuvée Schweickert EXTRA PRIVAT SEKT Trocken, das mit zart abgestimmter Süße, Feinheit und Eleganz mit viel Körper verbindet. „Des Weiteren sind wir auf RebsortenSekte spezialisiert, die aus badischen Grundweinen hergestellt werden“, fügt Geschäftsführer Rene Schweickert hinzu. „Unsere Produkte nehmen ständig an verschiedenen Weinverkostungen teil, so zum Beispiel bei Mundus Vini oder auch bei der DLG und bekommen regelmäßig

Schweickert. Ursprünglich war dieser als limitierte Edition gedacht, aber weil die Nachfrage immer größer wurde, durfte das besondere Cuvée der vierten Generation des Hauses dann doch fest ins Sortiment.

Beziehen kann man alle Produkte direkt über die Sektkellerei Schweickert.

Medaillen für ausgezeichnete Qualitäwww.sektkellerei-schweickert.de ten.“ Kürzlich wurde auch der alkoholfreie Sekt Schweickert EXTRA ROSÉ als einRene Schweickert mit dem goldprämierten Schweickert ziger alkoholfreier Sekt EXTRA ROSÉ FREE. von der DLG mit Gold ausgezeichnet. Ohne zusätzliche Aromen bietet dieser Sekt eine wunderbare und vor Allem geschmacklich exzellente alkoholfreie Alternative. „Mein aktueller Lieblingssekt ist die Edition R in der modernen weißlackierten Flasche“, verrät

Discover Germany | Wine & Dine | Culinary Highlights for the Festive Season

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN I PHOTOS: STASTNIK

Not every salami sausage is the same: Salami ist nicht gleich Salami:

Austrian traditional business Österreichischer Traditionssupplies the proof betrieb liefert den Beweis Founded 120 years ago, Stastnik is a true Austrian traditional brand with outstanding products: the housemade salamis are produced using old recipes. Time here is an important factor, because only when rested accordingly, the salami gains the right degree of maturity and characteristic taste.

Vor 120 Jahren gegründet, ist Stastnik eine echte österreichische Traditionsmarke mit herausragenden Produkten: Die hauseigene Salami wird hier nach altem Rezept gefertigt. Zeit spielt dabei eine entscheidende Rolle, denn nur mit der notwendigen Ruhe erlangt die Salami den richtigen Reifegrad und den charakteristischen Geschmack.

Salami production is the supreme discipline of sausage making, because for a great salami one not only needs the right recipe, but also knowledge and experience. At Stastnik, all three are handed down from generation to generation. Founded 120 years ago in the lower Austrian wine region near Vienna, today, the company combines tradition and innovation.

Die Salamiherstellung gilt als die eigentliche Königsdisziplin des Wursthandwerks, denn für eine gute Salami braucht man nicht nur das richtige Rezept, sondern eben auch Können und Erfahrung. Im Traditionsbetrieb Stastnik wird das alles von Generation zu Generation weitergegeben: Vor 120 Jahren im niederösterreichischen Weinviertel in der Nähe von Wien gegründet, verbindet das Unternehmen heute Tradition mit Innovation.

Time is important for a good salami: it needs up to ten weeks to ripen. This is the only way for it to slowly get the typical coating of white sausage mould and taste without any artificial acidifying agent. The ‘signature product’ is the Stastnik Haussalami. It can be bought freshly cut at the meat counter or pre-packaged in the cooling shelf. Of course, there is also a traditional Cabanossi on offer, smoked above beech wood and juniper berries.

Zeit ist entscheidend für eine gute Salami: Sie braucht bis zu zehn Wochen, um zu reifen. Nur so bildet sich langsam und ohne künstliche Säuerungsmittel der typische Edelschimmel und Geschmack. Das ‚Signature-Product‘ des Unternehmens ist die Stastnik Haussalami. Die Salami gibt es frisch geschnitten an der Fleischtheke oder abgepackt im Kühlregal. Natürlich gehört auch eine traditionelle Cabanossi zum Angebot, sie ist über Buchenholz und Wacholderbeeren geräuchert.

Very successful, not only in Austria, are the Stastnik snack products, the Heurigenstangerln, Picknickstangerl, Kabanossistangerl and, since only recently, the Knabberstrizzis. Thanks to a revolutionary production process, the crunchy sausages do not have a skin – a tender and even tastier delight.

Sehr erfolgreich über die Grenzen Österreichs hinaus ist Stastnik mit den hüllenlosen Snackprodukten, die es als Heurigenstangerln, Picknickstangerl, Kabanossistangerl und seit kurzem auch als Knabberstrizzis am Markt gibt.

Dank einer revolutionären Herstellungstechnologie kommen diese knackigen Würstchen ganz ohne Darm und Haut aus – ein zarter und umso schmackhafterer Knabbergenuss! www.stastnik.at

18 | Issue 69 | December 2018

Discover Germany | Wine & Dine | Culinary Highlights for the Festive Season

The Radatz ‘Käsekrainer’.

Frankfurter.

The ‘Wiener Beinschinken’.

Dr. Franz Radatz.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN I PHOTOS: RADATZ

Austrian sausage specialities Österreichische fabricated according to Wurstspezialitäten gefertigt nach traditional recipes traditioneller Rezeptur The Vienna-based family business Radatz is well-known for classic meat products made according to old family recipes. Next to the traditional Viennese ham ripened on the bone, with the original Käsekrainer, a cheese sausage, Radatz offers the perfect ingredient for a barbecue with family or friends.

Das Wiener Familienunternehmen Radatz ist bekannt für klassische Fleischprodukte nach altem Familienrezept: Neben dem Wiener Beinschinken, bietet Radatz mit der Original Käsekrainer die perfekte Zutat für einen Grillabend im Familien- und Freundeskreis.

Founded 1962 in Vienna and still today family-run, Radatz puts great emphasis on freshness and an authentic taste. Among the company’s favourite products is the ‘Wiener Beinschinken’, a ham ripened on the bone. For 50 years, the secret recipe has been handed down within the family. A good ham needs intuition and finesse. At Radatz, it is therefore still handmade. Carefully selected pieces of meat, exactly the right amount of salt and the right core temperature make the ham a true Viennese delicacy.

1962 in Wien gegründet und bis heute in Familienhand werden Frische und authentischer Geschmack bei Radatz groß geschrieben. Unter den Lieblingsprodukten des Unternehmens ist der Wiener Beinschinken. Das Rezept wird seit fünfzig Jahren in der Familie weitergegeben – und das nur im Flüsterton.

Für einen guten Beinschinken braucht es viel Fingerspitzengefühl. Bei Radatz wird er deshalb noch immer in Handarbeit hergestellt. Ausgewählte Fleischteile, genau die richtige Menge Salz und eine auf den Grad genaue Kerntemperatur machen den Beinschinken zu einer echten Wiener Spezialität.

The Radatz ‘Käsekrainer’ is a typically Austrian product: “We only use the best ingredients: bacon, beef, pork and Emmentaler cheese,” explains managing director Dr. Franz Radatz.“Prepared the right way, the Käsekrainer combines the hearty taste of meat with the aroma of grilled cheese, which creates a lovely crust when barbecued.” Sausages are Radatz’ main business and the assortment is huge. From cooked to fried, from spicy to mild, there is the right product for every taste.

Die Radatz Käsekrainer ist ein typisch österreichisches Produkt. „Nur beste Zutaten kommen bei uns hinein: Speck, Rind- und Schweinefleisch und Emmentaler Käse“, erklärt Geschäftsführer Dr. Franz Radatz. „Richtig zubereitet vereint die Käsekrainer würzigen Fleischgeschmack mit dem Aroma von geschmolzenem Käse, der während des Grillvorgangs eine delikate Kruste, das ‚Käsefusserl’ bildet.“ Würste sind das Kerngeschäft von Radatz und so ist die Auswahl riesengroß. Von gekocht bis gebraten, scharf oder mild abgestimmt ist für jeden Geschmack das richtige Produkt dabei. www.radatz.at Issue 69 | December 2018 | 19

20 | Issue 69 | December 2018

Discover Germany | Star Interview | Philipp Christopher

Philipp Christopher

“You grow with every character you work on” Best known for his roles in Tödliche Gefühle, GZSZ, Sex and the City or Blood Ties, German actor Philipp Christopher recently celebrated his international breakthrough with a main role in the YouTube Premium series Origin. He speaks to Discover Germany about what makes the new series so special, his time in New York City and much more.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF I PHOTO: KATJA KUHL

Why did you choose to become an actor?

P. Christopher: As an actor, you’ve got the privilege to make it your job to understand people. When you’re working on a role, there are no prejudices. It’s our task to fully understand them – with all their good and bad characteristics. You don’t only learn much about the role, but also about yourself in this process. You therefore grow with every character you work on. At some point, a kind of ‘merging with the role’ happens and that is an incredibly strong feeling. You live a different life and understand it with all of its facets. There’s nothing more exciting for me.

You have lived in New York City for a couple of years and currently call Berlin your home. Why is Berlin your chosen home?

P. Christopher: I was born and raised in Berlin. My family lives here and I feel a close relationship with the city. It’s my home and the city offers everything you could think of. I will therefore always find my way back here; but on the other hand, I’ve always been the type of human that seeks out the new.

How did the time in New York shape you as an actor?

P. Christopher: Acting training in New York was the reason for me to fall in love with this profession. My training was based on ‘the method’ and I spent much time at the Actor’s Studio in New York. There, I gained

an entirely different understanding of acting and have developed a fascination that continues until today. Obviously, the city itself shaped me too as it simply bombards you with so much inspiration and energy.

What tips do you have for new actors that want to go abroad?

P. Christopher: Times have changed a bit and you don’t have to be in Los Angeles or New York to work internationally. The entire industry has globalised through selftapes. Additionally, Americans are much more open today when it comes to different heritages and even accents aren’t an obstacle anymore. If it’s about the training, I would always say: Yes! Get the world’s best training because training is important. The only condition is that you do it out of passion.

GZSZ, Sex and the City, Blood Ties – you have been part of many nationally and internationally successful series and cinema productions. Which role has stuck in your mind the most?

P. Christopher: I have to admit that the roles I play on stage are the ones that I remember the most and this probably is due to the longer rehearsal period. For a role in North of Providence which was performed at an off-Broadway theatre back then, I was able to intensively prepare for around three months. That’s a luxury that you rarely get during movie productions. I have gotten to know the role through and through, have lived and loved it.

You have celebrated your international breakthrough this year with the YouTube Premium series Origin. You got a role in the main cast, alongside Tom Felton, for example. What makes this series so special. What can viewers look forward to?

P. Christopher: Sci-Fi, action and a bit of horror combined with an international cast – this already makes Origin very attractive.

I’ve really fallen in love with the stories and the ‘look’, which is unrivalled in the streaming or TV world. Paul W. Anderson has directed the first two episodes and has significantly shaped the series’ look and tone. The scripts were simply excellent. Viewers can also look forward to a Berlin of the future in the middle of the season.

You have lived in South Africa for six months with your wife and son for filming Origin. What did you learn there?

P. Christopher: South Africa is a fascinating country – not only because of its nature but also because of its history. Apartheid isn’t all that long ago and is still deeply ingrained in the heads of the people. It’s a country of extremes, an exhausting but peace-loving country. Me and my family have really enjoyed the time there. If a second season of Origin is on the cards, we would definitely go back too. It has been really important to me to really get to know the country which also included the obvious poverty. Through an acquaintance from Germany, we got to know Leonard from Community KidsPot who built a kindergarten in the township of Philippi which he now manages too. He’s a wonderful person and it was an honour to meet him and his family. When he showed us Philippi’s ‘interior’, it suddenly seemed like a bubble burst in my head because I was facing a different type of reality. We have tried to support Leonard’s organisation as much as possible since then.

Issue 69 | December 2018 | 21

SPECIAL THEME: TOP EVENTS IN SWITZERLAND

Something for everyone For those who are currently on the hunt for the perfect event or event venue, we suggest checking out the following offerings in Switzerland, as the country has a vast variety of events to choose from. Read on and take a look at some of Switzerland’s must-visit events.

PHOTOS: PIXABAY

22 | Issue 69 | December 2018

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Top Events in Switzerland

Pantheon interior.

Pantheon workshop.

Special BMW exhibition (28 October 2018 – 7 April 2019).

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN I PHOTOS: PANTHEON BASEL

Classic cars

– from the early years of car manufacturing until today

Fahrzeug-Klassiker von den Ursprüngen des Autobaus bis heute

Anyone who is interested in classic cars and the history of automobility is at the right place when visiting the Pantheon Basel. It combines a museum with a garage and parking spaces for vintage cars. Car enthusiasts can rent a classic car for the first time – or buy a car right away.

Wer sich für Oldtimer und die Geschichte der Mobilität interessiert, der ist im Pantheon Basel genau richtig: Es verbindet Museum und Werkstatt mit einer Parkgarage für alte Autos. Liebhaber können hier erstmals einen Auto-Klassiker ausleihen – oder gleich ein Fahrzeug kaufen.

Walking along the ramp in the Pantheon’s circular building is like travelling through the history of transportation. It starts with a draisine from 1838, shows the pioneers from the early times of motor engineering between 1890 and 1900 and ends with more modern cars from the 1980s. “My personal favourite is a roadworthy De Dietrich from 1901,” says director Stephan Musfeld.

Visitors often enjoy the more famous classics: an Alfa Romeo 1750 Zagato from 1936, for example, or the Aston Martin DB5, the James Bond car from 1964. More cars can be seen in the adjoining parking garage, where customers currently have 50 to 60 vintage cars parked.

Wer die Rampe im Rundbau der Pantheons entlang läuft, der erlebt eine Reise durch die Geschichte der Mobilität: Sie startet mit einem Laufrad aus dem Jahr 1839, zeigt die Pioniere des Fahrzeugbaus aus der Zeit um 1890 und 1900 und endet mit neueren Autos aus den 1980er Jahren. „Mein persönlicher Liebling ist ein fahrtüchtiger De Dietrich von 1901“, sagt Leiter Stephan Musfeld. Besucher erfreuen sich vor allem an bekannten Klassikern: einem Alfa Romeo 1750 Zagato von 1936 oder am Aston Martin DB5, dem James Bond Auto von 1964. Weitere Fahrzeuge stehen in der angrenzenden Parkgarage, in der Kunden derzeit 50-60 Fahrzeuge geparkt haben.

The Pantheon Basel sells classic cars and offers a rental service – for self-drivers or those with a chauffeur. “The people visiting us can discover the history of automobility, fulfil a life-long car dream and afterwards have dinner in our restaurant,” says Stephan Musfeld. The Pantheon additionally offers an event space for up to 1,000 guests and with the in-house vintage car garage not only for repairs and storage, but also acting as a very special location for celebrations and events.

Das Pantheon Basel verkauft Oldtimer oder verleiht sie tageweise – zum Selbstfahren oder mit Chauffeur „Die Leute, die zu uns kommen, können die Geschichte der Mobilität entdecken, sich einen Autotraum erfüllen und dann in unserem eigenen Restaurant gut essen“, sagt Stephan Musfeld. Das Pantheon bietet zudem eine Eventfläche für bis zu 1.000 Gäste und mit der hauseigenen Oldtimer-Werkstatt nicht nur Reparaturen, sondern darüber hinaus eine besondere Location für Feiern und Events. www.pantheonbasel.ch Issue 69 | December 2018 | 23

AURA restaurant.

TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI I PHOTOS: TAO GROUP

Grill delights and party nights How a Zurich club is pulling out all the stops for an all-round satisfying experience.

Zurich’s international gastronomical sector has long profited from an exclusive event space that knows how to connect a unique gastronomical experience with high-quality entertainment. From gourmet grill to smoker’s delights to 360degree projections and high-end clubbing, the AURA event space has it all.

For five years now, AURA has been thriving as an address for exclusive party nights, unique events, and last but not least, for its cuisine and cigar collection.

The new concept combines a multifunctional 450-square-metre event hall with 360-degree projections, a grill restaurant and stylish cocktail bar, and an exclusive smoker’s lounge, with the pulsating AURA Club.

Gastronomer Philippe Haussener cites travelling the world as a child with his 24 | Issue 69 | December 2018

parents as a source for lifelong inspiration. “We did the sights, but we were always most interested in the cultural and culinary aspects,” he recalls. “We tried all variations of restaurants, from simple to elegant, on the market squares and at fancy hotels. The wish to create my own restaurant one day was steadily growing inside of me, and it was to be a place that would introduce a taste of the world to the city where I live.”

AURA does not only present the world to the city; it also draws visitors from all over the globe. Many guests become regulars after having indulged in the culinary delicacies from the unique 800-degree grill and the exclusive cigar selection. Only a few minutes’ walk from the tourist magnet of the Zurich parade square, AURA also benefits from its ideal central location.

“The recent re-opening of the AURA bar and smoker’s lounge, as well as multiple exciting events at both the club and the expansive event hall, has once again drawn the crowds this year and further exciting concepts and events are on the schedule for 2019,” reveals Haussener; “After this year’s events, we look at the next with much confidence. We focus on maintaining our quality and are rewarded by a high customer satisfaction.”

AURA restaurant.

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Top Events in Switzerland

Events & Delikatessen Seit fünf Jahren zieht ein Zürcher Event-Gastronom erfolgreich alle Register für ein Rundum-Erlebnis erster Klasse.

Zürichs internationale Gastronomie-Szene profitiert mit dem multifunktionalen EventRestaurant AURA seit geraumer Zeit von einem angesagten Ort für exklusive Partynächte, wo sich high-end Entertainment gekonnt mit kulinarischer Expertise verbindet. Vom Gourmet-Grill über Smoker‘s Lounge, vom 450 qm Event-Saal mit 360°-Projektionen über stylische Cocktailbar bis hin zum pulsierenden Nachtklub bietet AURA einfach alles, was das unternehmungslustige Herz begehrt.

ben, kommen als Stammgäste wieder. Als go-to Adresse für den Bankensektor und nur wenige Gehminuten vom Touristenmagnet des Zürcher Paradeplatzes entfernt, profitiert AURA nicht zuletzt von seiner idealen, zentralen Location.

Die gerade wieder eröffnete AURA Bar und Smoker‘s Lounge sind bereits ein Publikumserfolg, und so sieht Philippe Haussener auch dem neuen Jahr gelassen entgegen: „2018 ist

mit den Neueröffnungen sowie zahlreichen, aufregenden Events im Club und Eventsaal viel passiert. Wir fokussieren uns nun auf Qualitätssicherung und nebenbei immer auch auf weitere neue Konzepte – und sichern uns damit weiterhin unsere hohe Kundenzufriedenheit.“ Die exklusive Zürcher Adresse für ein gastronomisches Rundum-Erlebnis und Ausgehnächte ist hier zu finden: www.tao-group.ch

Entrepreneur Philippe Haussener hegte bereits früh den Wunsch, einmal einen international-orientierten gastronomischen Erlebnis-Ort zu erschaffen. Als Kind bereiste er mit seinen Eltern die Welt und erinnert sich, wie damals Kultur und Kulinarik ebenso zum Reiseziel gehörten, wie die gängigen Sehenswürdigkeiten: „Wir aßen in den verschiedensten Restaurants, klein, groß, einfach, elegant, auf dem Marktplatz oder in schönen Hotels. Und es reifte in mir schon bald der Wunsch, selbst einmal ein Restaurant zu führen und so den Duft – und Geschmack! – der weiten Welt in die Stadt zu holen, in der ich wohne und lebe.“ Heute bringt AURA im wahrsten Sinne die Welt nach Zürich und zieht regelmäßig Kunden auf breiter internationaler Basis an. Viele neugierige Besucher, die beispielsweise die schmackhaften Fleisch-Gerichte vom 800°-Grill und die exklusive ZigarrenAuswahl in der Smoker‘s Lounge probiert ha-

AURA Food.

AURA Eventsaal.

AURA Bar.

Issue 69 | December 2018 | 25

S P E C I A L T H E M E : S W I T Z E R L A N D ’ S T O P C U LT U R A L O F F E R I N G S 2 0 1 9

Something for everyone Heading to Switzerland soon? We have got some great culture tips for your itinerary! Check out our special theme on the country’s cultural highlights.

PHOTOS: PIXABAY

26 | Issue 69 | December 2018

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Switzerland’s Top Cultural Offerings 2019

Left: Adolf Wölfli, Vue géographique de Diesbach, 1924, lead pencil and colored pencil on paper 68 x 51 centimetres. Photo: © Collection de l’Art Brut, Lausanne. Right: Inside view of the Collection de l’Art Brut. Photo: © Caroline Smyrliadis, Collection de l’Art Brut Lausanne. Below right: Strange Knight, untitled, no date, assemblage, fabric on corrugated cardboard, 68 x 25 x 20 centimetres. Photo: © Margot Roth, Atelier de numérisation – Ville de Lausanne, Kushino Terrace, Fukuyama. Bottom right: Carlo Zinelli, untitled, 1960, watercolour on paper, 35 x 50 centimetres.

Photo: © Collection de l’Art Brut, Lausanne.

Seen from a different angle Art Brut is the art of the outcasts of society who often happen to mirror society best − as they have no interest in gaining anything from their art but pure self-expression.

TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI

The Collection de l’Art Brut in Lausanne dates back to a donation made by the French painter Jean Dubuffet in 1971. As the creator of the ‘Art Brut’ concept, he was the first to explore unlikely and as yet neglected creative ‘hubs’ such as prisons and psychiatric asylums. Today, the artworks collected by Dubuffet, counting a stunning number of 5,000 works by 133 creators, can be seen at the Lausanne collection only. Opened in 1976, the Collection de l’Art Brut is today still continuing in the line of its founder and has also become an international reference in its realm.

Cross-exploring the world for overlooked creators The museum’s own ambitions extend far beyond a specific cultural and geographical context, searching worldwide for overlooked creators and singular bodies of works that “never fail to call back into

question the paradigms of this uncontrived creation and, in this manner, to confirm Jean Dubuffet’s initial intuition”, as curator Sarah Lombardi formulates it.

Art Brut from Japan, Another Look (through to 28 April 2019) will present works by 24 contemporary creators. Lombardi, who co-curates the exhibition with Edward M. Gómez, an expert on Japanese art and culture, promises the exhibition will “broaden our vision of Japan’s culture by introducing us to works that are at once sophisticated, amusing, powerful, inventive, and dissident”.

in stunning wall graffiti works, until the hospital board allowed him to join an art and sculpture workshop. Zinelli painted recurring motifs such as wheels, animals and people in profile, embellishing his compositions with inscriptions. The works were of a highly expressive, graphic quality, and such an approach may have influenced many contemporary artists, such as Jean Michel Basquiat or Keith Haring. www.artbrut.ch

As of summer 2019, the collection will present an exhibition on Carlo Zinelli, a Veronese painter who was committed to a psychiatric clinic after entering the Second World War. Here, he started to express himself Issue 69 | December 2018 | 27

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Switzerland’s Top Cultural Offerings 2019

Cloth with cashmere pattern for the Middle East.

Batik fabric for sarong for the Far East.

Wooden printing block for batik cloth with geometrical, plant and symbolic animal motifs for the Far East.

Archivist at work: research in sample books.

Schwanden’s Mühleareal – former factory of textile printing company Peter Blumer and Jenny and today’s location of the Glarner Wirtschaftsarchiv.

How a remote mountain valley achieved a global export Looking for a cultural experience of the special kind? Then a visit to the Glarner Wirtschaftsarchiv (Glarus Archive of Economics) in Switzerland’s Schwanden is a must. Here, visitors can learn more about Glarus’ impressive transformation from a mountain valley into a true global export wonder.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF I PHOTOS: GLARNER WIRTSCHAFTSARCHIV, SCHWANDEN GL-SÜD

Situated in Schwanden, in the Canton of Glarus, the Glarner Wirtschaftsarchiv documents the region’s extraordinary industrial development over the 19th and 20th centuries based on clever textile printing procedures. Visitors can look forward to a wide range of impressive fabric patterns from former production days, as well as a surprising number of original, artfully designed block-printing models, sample books and design sketches.

Back to history What exactly was it that made Glarus stand out? Well, from the very start, Glarus’ textile printing companies were looking for markets in the Middle and in the Far East and orientated their trading activities towards international and global exports. That is the reason why the adventurous manufacturers from Glarus went on difficult and dangerous business trips to obtain original drawings from the desired markets, which were 28 | Issue 69 | December 2018

either drawn or put on fabrics by an elaborate and expensive waxing procedure there.

The people from Glarus then copied the drawings and patterns on cut wooden blocks and so were able to imprint fabrics by a more efficient, cheaper procedure.

This meant that the fabrics from Glarus could be offered significantly cheaper in countries like Indonesia despite the long transport routes. This historic form of globalisation supported, rather than replaced domestic production activities and, therefore, could well act as a prime example for present times, while outlining how today’s globalisation could avoid destroying local businesses.

The Glarner Wirtschaftsarchiv was founded to illuminate these very exciting historic developments, while encouraging young generations to think about economic and trade innovations in today’s world. That is

the reason why important documents and objects from Glarus-based textile companies Blumer and Streiff, or the electrical engineering company Therma, are stored and made accessible to research teams and to interested visitors. The current Glarnerland global exhibition shows blockprinting models, design sketches and fabrics as well as historic documents and will be expanded with new aspects and insights as they become available.

All in all, the Glarner Wirtschaftsarchiv’s aim is to promote confidence and instill courage in school classes and the local population, to innovatively approach Glarus’ future development. After all, if a remote mountain valley is able to transform into an impressive global export by the simple, available means of past times, how much could be achieved with commitment, innovation and high-quality work today? www.glarnerwirtschaftsarchiv.ch Address: Glarner Wirtschaftsarchiv Mühleareal 20 8762 Schwanden GL-Süd

ic na t s ti ien r a V ST I n A s in RT A a P M X- O

P

Between digital art, drawing and painting – pop artist Peter Zolly’s creativity crosses boundaries when he conceives his iconic visual vocabulary.

As he states: “When I show a Mercedes Benz, the picture is immediately intelligible and unambiguous, even to the non-initiated. The same happens when I mention the names Picasso or Beuys, there is no need to explain what it means.”

Using familiar shapes, objects and faces, combining, altering and reinterpreting them in his unique playful manner, Peter Zolly’s work continues to hold (pleasant) surprises for the viewer. Some titles and elements in the pictures and videos might look familiar, like the true pop artist he is, Zolly employs stereotypi-

cal images to communicate his message – on his own terms.

Founded in 2016, C.A. Contemporary is an up-and-coming contemporary art gallery representing established and emerging Austrian and international artists.

The Peter Zolly solo exhibition with paintings, objects and video art will be on display in the gallery’s premises until 31 December 2018, daily 1 to 6 pm.

Piaristengasse 36, 1080 Vienna www.cacontemporary.com Tel. : +43 681 1060 6746

Bregenz Festspiele - opera Carmen stage. Photo: © Tourism Vorarlberg

Where Germanic cultures blend In the heart of Europe lies Lake Constance surrounded by the majestic Alps, charming lakeside resorts and sprawling vineyards. It is a place where Germanic cultures blend together, yet each bordering country has managed to keep its own unique identity. Wibke Carter explores the region for Discover Germany.

TEXT & PHOTOS: WIBKE CARTER

Formed by the Rhine Glacier during the last ice age, Lake Constance is central Europe’s third-largest lake measuring no less than 63-kilometres-long by 14kilometres-wide and up to 250-metresdeep. It is the only place in the world where you can wake up in Germany, drive to Austria for lunch and make it to Switzerland in time for a cheese fondue dinner. Fortunately, I was not quite in such a rush and had four days to leisure30 | Issue 69 | December 2018

ly travel the countries surrounding the Bodensee, as it is called in German.

After a short drive from Zurich Airport, I arrived in Konstanz: with 80,000 inhabitants, the largest city in the region, yet one that nevertheless exudes a small-town feeling. Nearly everything of interest is condensed into the Old Town which escaped the bombings in World War II. “Everything was pitch black in Germany at

night during the raids,” explains historian Ralf Seifer. “But Konstanz kept the lights on and the Allied desisted from attacking it for fear of hitting neutral Switzerland.”

As a result, medieval houses, cobblestoned narrow streets and several churches are all original and very old. The spectacular setting comes to light during the annual Christmas market (end of November until 22 December) when more than 170 stalls sell sweet smelling delicacies, arts and crafts, food, and, of course, Glühwein.

Konstanz is most famous for hosting the largest religious congress of the Middle Ages from 1414 to 1418, the Council of Constance. At the time, there were three popes, two too many, and over four years,

Discover Germany | Culture Feature | Where Germanic Cultures Blend

in one of the most extraordinary gatherings in world history, Pope Martin V emerged as the chosen one. The former storehouse where the sittings took place is still standing. However, the most photographed icon of the city is Imperia, the controversial effigy of a courtesan holding a pope in one hand and a king in the other.

The next morning, I took the car ferry over to Meersburg before stopping at the Hopfengut N°20 where the Locher family has been producing the finest hops for four generations. Tettnang is one of the world’s most important hop-growing regions and the produce is highly sought-after in order to make premium craft beers. Both the onsite museum and the beer tasting were well worth the small detour.

Up until then, I had only been in Germany, but a few kilometres further, I crossed into Austria, where dinner on the historic paddle steamer Hohentwiel was a culinary tour de force. Lulled by a five-course meal with

matching wines and the sounds of live jazz, I thoroughly enjoyed the zig-zag ride across the lake long after darkness fell.

Day three began with a tour around Bregenz, known for its extravagant openair opera festival, with its elaborate productions on a stage larger than life which appears to float on the water. “For last year’s production, the stage builders began building the set starting with the middle finger of Carmen’s right hand, so for some time, people didn’t really know what was going on,” laughed guide Saskia Reinhardt. Verdi’s Rigoletto for the 2019/20 season might be a bit less provocative.

While having lunch at the waterfront, something resembling a yellow UFO (unidentified flying object) came into view: a zeppelin! Forgetting all about the need to eat, I grabbed my camera and took snapshots of this flying artifact which was a beautiful sight to behold, in its wonderful stillness. I later found out that Lake Con-

Bregenz - street scene Old Town.

Konstanz - harbour with Imperia.

stance was where the zeppelin was invented and took its maiden flight on 2 July 1900.

Gliding weightlessly myself, I took the cable car up the local Pfänder Mountain from where I could see white clouds mirrored in the blue Lake Constance framed by the distant outlines of both Germany and Switzerland.

On the last morning, I could not resist the temptations of the Thurgau wine region on the way back to the airport. I dropped in to the Weingut Forster on the Wine Trail Weinfelden, where outstanding wines have been produced for more than 125 years. My favourite, the 2016 Fortissimo Pinot Noir, would have made an excellent souvenir but I was out of luck. The wine is usually sold before it is even bottled, I was told by Benno Forster, the owner. Well, it was great as a teaser for what is on offer, just like my four days in the heart of Europe. www.bodensee.eu

Christmas Market at Oberstadt Bregenz.

Photo: © Petra Rainer, Bodensee Vorarlberg Tourismus GmbH

Hopfengut No 20 - staff member making hop wrath.

Issue 69 | December 2018 | 31

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S P E C I A L T H E M E : B E S T O F C U LT U R E – G E R M A N Y ’ S A N D A U S T R I A’ S M O S T INTERESTING MUSEUMS AND EXHIBITIONS

Get inspired Culture fans will know that Germany and Austria have some of the world’s top design, fine arts and music museums, as well as top-notch exhibitions. To get you inspired for your next trip, we therefore showcase some of the region’s top museums and exhibitions in the following special theme.

PHOTOS: PIXABAY

Issue 69 | December 2018 | 33

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Best of Culture – Germany’s and Austria’s Most Interesting Museums and Exhibitions

Left: Bayreuth festival (1981), Wolfgang Wagner, Meistersinger rehearsals. © Bayreuther Festspiele GmbH, Photo: Wilhelm Rauh. Right: Richard Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen – Die Walküre, third act, third scene. Bayreuth festival 1976 – 1980. Musical direction: Pierre Boulez. Production: Patrice Chéreau. Stage design: Richard Peduzzi. Costumes: Jacques Schmidt. Photo: Siegfried Lauterwasser (1980), © Bayreuther Festspiele GmbH. Bottom: Richard Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen – Götterdämmerung, second act, fourth scene. Bayreuth festival 1976 – 1980. Musical direction: Pierre Boulez.

Production: Patrice Chéreau. Stage design: Richard Peduzzi. Costumes: Jacques Schmidt. Photo: Siegfried Lauterwasser (1979), © Bayreuther Festspiele GmbH

A 100th birthday:

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN

The long-standing Bayreuth festival director Wolfgang Wagner in focus For almost 60 years, Richard Wagner’s grandson Wolfgang Wagner directed the Bayreuth Festival. As artistic director, stage designer and director, he significantly shaped the reception of Wagner’s work. Therefore, celebrating his 100th birthday, the Richard Wagner Museum Bayreuth dedicates to him an anniversary exhibition in 2019.

“Among opera lovers, Wolfgang Wagner was always overshadowed by his brother Wieland, but for actors in Bayreuth, he was an old-school theatre father figure,” says curator Oliver Zeidler. In fact, Wolfgang Wagner had a decisive influence on the Bayreuth Festival: he opened it up to foreign directors and gave it a solid basis by establishing the Richard Wagner Foundation in 1973.

Today, Bayreuth is a unique testimony of German opera history. In addition to the festival hall, there is a Baroque opera house and the Richard Wagner Museum.

Here, visitors often want to experience the atmosphere in Richard Wagner’s home ‘Wahnfried’. The museum, with its three buildings, is a journey through history and 34 | Issue 69 | December 2018

also covers the dark parts of Wagner’s legacy: as early as 1923, Adolf Hitler was a welcome visitor in the Siegfried Wagner house, therefore, this part of the exhibition focuses on the family’s involvement with the Nazi regime.

This made a new beginning after 1945 difficult. “From 1951, Wolfgang’s brother Wieland achieved the feat that Wagner could be staged again,” says Oliver Zeidler.

He succeeded by depoliticising the opera.

“With Wolfgang Wagner, the social reference to the present was then restored.”

Wolfgang was the sole director of the festival from 1966, but the decisive turning point came in 1976 with Patrice Chéreau’s Jahrhundertring. As social allegory of the

19th century, he put the “Ring” in the context of the criticism of capitalism and the analysis of political power structures.

“When it premiered, the production was demonised,” says Zeidler. Opera lovers handed out whistles and there were brawls at the driveway. “It calmed down in the second year, and in the third, the production already had cult status.” Today, the Jahrhundertring still influences how Wagner is shown on stage. It is therefore an important topic in the exhibition. Conversations with contemporary witnesses will also play a large part – in the exhibition and the supporting programme.

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Best of Culture – Germany’s and Austria’s Most Interesting Museums and Exhibitions

100. Geburtstag:

Der langjährige Bayreuther Festspielleiter Wolfgang Wagner im Fokus Nahezu 60 Jahre hat Richard Wagners Enkel, Wolfgang Wagner, die Bayreuther Festspiele geleitet. Als Intendant, Bühnenbildner und Regisseur hat er maßgeblich die Rezeption der Werke Wagners mitgeprägt. Zu seinem 100. Geburtstag widmet das Richard Wagner Museum Bayreuth ihm daher 2019 eine Jubiläumsausstellung. „Wolfgang Wagner stand bei Opernliebhabern oft im Schatten seines Bruders Wieland, für die Darsteller in Bayreuth war er aber ein Theatervater alten Typs“, sagt Kurator Oliver Zeidler. Tatsächlich hat Wolfgang Wagner die Bayreuther Festspiele entscheidend geprägt: Er öffnete die Festspiele für auswärtige Regisseure und stellte sie mit der Gründung der Richard-Wagner-Stiftung 1973 auch strukturell solide auf.

Analyse politischer Machtstrukturen. „Bei der Premiere wurde die Inszenierung verteufelt“, sagt Zeidler. Opernfreunde verteilten Trillerpfeifen, an der Auffahrt gab es Schlägereien. „Im zweiten Jahr hatte es sich etwas

beruhigt, im dritten war die Inszenierung bereits Kult.“ Der ‚Jahrhundertring‘ beeinflusst bis heute, wie Wagner auf der Bühne gezeigt wird. Entsprechend großen Raum nimmt das Thema in der Sonderausstellung ein. Dabei werden Gespräche mit Zeitzeugen eine große Rolle spielen – in der Ausstellung wie auch im geplanten Rahmenprogramm. www.wagnermuseum.de

Heute ist Bayreuth ein einmaliges Zeugnis deutscher Operngeschichte. Neben dem Festspielhaus stehen hier ein barockes Opernhaus und das Richard Wagner Museum. Hier wollen die Besucher vor allem die Atmosphäre in Richard Wagners Wohnhaus ‚Wahnfried‘ spüren. Das Museum mit seinen drei Gebäuden ist eine Reise durch die deutsche Geschichte und lässt dabei auch Wagners dunkles Erbe nicht außen vor: Im Siegfried Wagner-Haus war bereits ab 1923 Adolf Hitler gern gesehener Gast, deshalb widmet sich dieser Teil der Ausstellung auch den Verstrickungen der Familie in den Nationalsozialismus.

Umso schwieriger war der Neuanfang für die Festspiele nach 1945. „Wolfgangs Bruder Wieland hat ab 1951 erreicht, dass man Wagner überhaupt wieder aufführen konnte“, sagt Oliver Zeidler. Das gelang, indem er die Opern entpolitisierte. „Mit Wolfgang Wagner wurde dieser gesellschaftliche Bezug zur Gegenwart dann wieder hergestellt.“ Wolfgang leitete ab 1966 die Festspiele alleine, die entscheidende Wende aber kam 1976 mit dem ‚Jahrhundertring‘ des Regisseurs Patrice Chéreau. Als gesellschaftliche Allegorie des 19. Jahrhunderts stellt er den Ring in einen Kontext von Kapitalismuskritik und

Oben: Proteste gegen die Ringinszenierung von Patrice Chéreau 1976. © Richard Wagner Museum mit Nationalarchiv. Unten: Richard Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen – Das Rheingold, 1. Szene. Bayreuther Festspiele 1976 – 1980. Musikalische Leitung: Pierre Boulez.

Inszenierung: Patrice Chéreau. Bühnenbild: Richard Peduzzi. Kostüme: Jacques Schmidt. Foto: Jean-Marie Bottequin (1978), © Bayreuther Festspiele GmbH.

Issue 69 | December 2018 | 35

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Best of Culture – Germany’s and Austria’s Most Interesting Museums and Exhibitions

Left: Museum der Moderne Salzburg. © Museum der Moderne Salzburg, photo: Marc Haader. Middle: Oskar Kokoschka, Selbstbildnis von zwei Seiten, 1923 (self-portrait from two sides), coloured chalk lithograph, Museum der Moderne Salzburg, © Fondation Oskar Kokoschka. Image right, Vienna, 2018, photo: Hubert Auer. Right: Luigi Ghirri, Marina di Ravenna, 1986, © The Estate of Luigi Ghirri.

TEXT: SILKE HENKELE

Kokoschka and photographs Kokoschka und Photographien at the Museum der Moderne im Museum der Moderne Salzburg Salzburg Aficionados of expressionism and modern photography are delighting in two special exhibitions currently on display at the Museum der Moderne Salzburg.

Mit zwei Sonderausstellungen begeistert das Museum der Moderne Salzburg momentan die Liebhaber des Expressionismus und der modernen Photographie.

At its two venues, at the Rupertinum and on top of the Mönchsberg, the Museum der Moderne Salzburg invites its visitors to marvel at a variety of exhibitions of contemporary art and classical modernism all year round. With its singular portfolio of photographic masterpieces, the museum is the competence centre par excellence for photography in Austria. Two current special exhibitions put the spotlight on the museum’s artistic focus.

An seinen beiden Standorten - dem Rupertinum und auf dem Mönchsberg - präsentiert das Museum der Moderne Salzburg jährlich mehrere Ausstellungen zum Thema Klassische Moderne und Gegenwartskunst. Mit seinen einzigartigen Beständen an photographischen Meisterwerken ist das Museum außerdem das Kompetenzzentrum schlechthin für Photographie in Österreich. Zwei im November eröffnete Sonderausstellungen zeugen von den Schwerpunkten am Museum der Moderne Salzburg.

For the first time in many years, the graphic prints of well-known expressionist Oskar Kokoschka are put on display in an especially dedicated exhibition. Around 210 sheets trace an arc from the portraits of Kokoschka’s Dresden years right up to his later works. Here, the exhibition is focusing on the development of Kokoschka as a person and as an artist while, amongst other things, interpreting these developments against the backdrop of the apprehensiveness and inner turmoil of Vienna at the turn of the century.

Erstmals werden nach vielen Jahren wieder die druckgraphischen Arbeiten des bekannten Expressionisten Oskar Kokoschka in einer eigenen Ausstellung präsentiert. Rund 210 Blätter spannen darin einen Bogen beginnend mit den Porträts aus der Dresdner Zeit Kokoschkas hin zu seinem Spätwerk. Dabei thematisiert die Ausstellung vor allem die persönliche und künstlerische Entwicklung Kokoschkas, unter anderem auch vor dem Hintergrund der Unsicherheit und Zerrissenheit des Wiens der Jahrhundertwende.

The second special exhibition Camera Austria International honours the achievements and influences of Camera Austria, a platform led by independent artists to promote the network of international and Austrian photography. Nearly 550 photographs of international artists pay witness to Camera Austria’s development, since its beginnings in 1974 up until today.

The Museum der Moderne Salzburg – one of the best reasons to visit Salzburg!

36 | Issue 69 | December 2018

In der zweiten Sonderausstellung Camera Austria International würdigt das Museum der Moderne Salzburg die Leistungen und Einflüsse von Camera Austria, einer unabhängigen, von KünstlerInnen geleiteten Plattform für die Vernetzung von internationaler und österreichischer Photographie.

Knapp 550 Arbeiten internationaler KünstlerInnen zeugen von der Entwicklung von Camera Austria seit der Gründung im Jahre 1974 bis heute.

Das Museum der Moderne Salzburg - einer der besten Gründe für einen Besuch Salzburgs! www.museumdermoderne.at

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Best of Culture – Germany’s and Austria’s Most Interesting Museums and Exhibitions

3D printed balls made from iron and titanium, which can jump.

Exhibition Work & Production transistor radio.

3D printer at techLAB.

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE I PHOTOS: TECHNISCHES MUSEUM WIEN

Welcome to the world of technology

Willkommen in der Welt der Technik

Founded in 1909 and located in a listed Art Nouveau building, the Museum of Technology Vienna tells past and present stories of the lives and works of famous personalities through unique exhibits. The Etrich II ‘Taube’ brings the pioneer days of engine-powered flight back to life whilst the Mercedes W 196 ‘Silberpfeil’ reveals its adventures, and the court salon car of Empress Elisabeth looks back at various journeys with its famous owner.

Im denkmalgeschützten Jugendstilambiente des im Jahr 1909 gegründeten Technischen Museums Wien erzählen einzigartige Objekte aus Vergangenheit und Gegenwart vom Leben und Schaffen berühmter Persönlichkeiten. So erweckt die Etrich II ‚Taube‘ die Pionierzeit des Motorfluges zum Leben, berichtet der Mercedes W 196 ‚Silberpfeil‘ von seinen Abenteuern und blickt der Hofsalonwagen der Kaiserin Elisabeth auf zahlreiche Reisen mit seiner Besitzerin zurück.

Self-playing instruments, well-functioning steam engines, a lifelike coal mine – the exhibits of the Museum of Technology Vienna invite visitors to marvel and try everything out.

Make your own TV announcement in the TV studio, test your voice’s volume in a cabin made for screaming or observe how lightning and electrical charge can make your hair stand on end. The Museum of Technology Vienna also owns Austria’s most valuable railway collection – grand objects such as Ajax, Steinbrück and more can be admired.

Selbstspielende Musikinstrumente, funktionstüchtige Dampfmaschinen, ein naturgetreues Steinkohlebergwerk – die Exponate des Technischen Museums Wien laden zum Staunen und Ausprobieren ein. Sprechen Sie im Fernsehstudio Ihre eigene Fernsehansage, testen Sie Ihre Lautstärke in der Schreikabine oder beobachten Sie, wie Blitze und Ladungen Ihre Haare zu Berge stehen lassen. Das Technische Museum Wien besitzt die wertvollste Eisenbahnsammlung Österreichs – so können prachtvolle Großobjekte wie Ajax, Steinbrück und Co bestaunt werden.

Temporary exhibitions complete the museum’s programme. The recently-opened exhibition Work & Production puts research and innovation centre stage. It grants a look behind the mechanisms of industrial production and shows historic developments.

“At the exhibition’s techLAB, modern production technologies, such as 3D-printing, laser-engraving and laser-cutting machines, are available. Visitors can create their own products here,” says museum director Gabriele Zuna-Kratky.

The museum is, thanks to its special educational offers, a place for all ages and is particularly popular amongst kids and teenagers.

Ergänzt wird das Angebot durch aktuelle Sonderausstellungen. Die gerade eröffnete Ausstellung Arbeit & Produktion stellt Forschung und Innovation in den Mittelpunkt. Es werden Einblicke hinter die Mechanismen der industriellen Produktion geboten und historische Entwicklungen gezeigt. „Im techLAB der Ausstellung stehen moderne Fertigungstechnologien wie 3D-Drucker, Lasergravur- bzw. -schneidemaschinen zu Verfügung. BesucherInnen können hier ihre eigenen Produkte entstehen lassen“, sagt Museumsdirektorin Gabriele Zuna-Kratky.

Das Museum ist mit speziell abgestimmten Vermittlungsangeboten ein Ort für alle Altersstufen und kommt auch bei Jugendlichen und Kindern sehr gut an. www.technischesmuseum.at Issue 69 | December 2018 | 37

The only thing repeated here is great taste.

100% ED C E R T IFI L E NAB SUS TA I A CO CO

www.ritter-sport.com

SPECIAL THEME: BALL SEASON – THE HIGHLIGHTS OF 2019

All things waltz, tango and more Austria has a longstanding ball tradition and is world-renowned for its many glamourous balls. We believe that everyone should experience a real ball once in their lifetime, and so we have put together a guide to the next ball season. If you are intrigued, check out our top-picks of must-visit balls in 2019 over the following pages.

PHOTOS: PIXABAY

Issue 69 | December 2018 | 39

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Ball Season - The Highlights of 2019

Tradition with a twist:

Top left: From left to right - Minister of Justice Josef Moser, Dr. Aurelia Frick, Minister of Justice for the Principality of Liechtenstein, Prof. Dr. Fritz Wennig, President of the Association of Legal Professionals.

Bottom right: Opening: waltz formation by dance school Elmayer. Photo: © Cityfoto

The Ball of Legal Professionals On 2 March 2019, the legendary Viennese ‘Juristenball’ takes place in the historic state rooms of the Imperial Palace (Hofburg), the former residence of Austria´s emperors. This year, the motto for the spectacular event is ‘Tradition with a twist’, which aims to keep with tradition, but also to incorporate new aspects.

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE | PHOTOS: APA/LUDWIG SCHEDL

The traditional Ball of Legal Professionals was first held more than 200 years ago and has been hosted by the Association of Legal Professionals since 1956. The Hofburg Vienna is the ideal place to host this glamorous ball night and the versatile programme ensures that there is the right music and place to cater to every guest’s individual taste.

Aside from the traditional quadrille, which will be held in the main ballroom at 0.30am and 2am, star entertainer Gregor Glanz will introduce some swing to the ball with his midnight show accompanied by the Pepe Allstar Band. The classic ‘Ziehrer − Hofball Orchestra’ will play the melodies of Strauss and the other famous waltz composers to invite the guests to the dance floor.

40 | Issue 69 | December 2018

The grand ball opens with the entrance of the guests of honour, followed by the female novice dancers in their wonderful white dresses and hairpieces as well as the debutant young men in black ties, guided

by Professor Thomas Schäfer-Elmayer.

Soprano Maria Nazarova from the Vienna State Opera will sing the famous aria of the doll ‘Olympia’ from Hoffmanns Erzählungen as an homage to Jacques Offenbach (whose 200th birthday will be celebrated in 2019), continued by a presentation of Offenbach´s Can Can by the Europaballet St.Pölten.

Throughout different rooms, guests can enjoy a great variety of music: jazzy Mr.O & Co will perform in the Künstlerzimmer, the well-known Sunshine Band will pres-

ent popular music at the Zeremoniensaal, while Italian singer Aaron Paris will host the Forum, and Lou Gerstbach and her band can be heard at the Ritterstube. The ‘Heuriger’, meanwhile, will provide that lovely Viennese atmosphere with wine and traditional Viennese music.

A magnificent royal ambiance, wonderful flower arrangements, marvellous music, international guests, beautiful ball gowns and elegant suits will make this year´s elite ‘Juristenball’ one of the most unforgettable and truly fabulous nights of 2019. A fairytale event you simply cannot miss. www.juristenball.at

Fotografin: Sigrid Mayer | Model: Mayara Viscoso, Europaballett St. Pölten | Location: Theater in der Josefstadt | Make Up: Topkapi Essential

JURISTENBALL 2. März 2019 HOFBURG Vienna

Unter dem Motto „TRADITION WITH A TWIST“ erwartet Sie eine glanzvolle Ballnacht mit hochkarätigen künstlerischen Highlights in imperialem Ambiente. Kulinarische Köstlichkeiten von Motto Catering und das internationale Publikum machen den Juristenball zu einem unvergesslichen Erlebnis!

DRESSCODE | ausnahmslos bodenlanges Abendkleid, Frack, Smoking oder Galauniform

INFOS & TICKETVERKAUF | Tel. +43 1 512 2600 office@juristenball.at, www.juristenball.at

JURISTEN BALL 2019

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Ball Season - The Highlights of 2019 Waltz during the opening ceremony.

Alfons Haider dances with state secretary Karoline Edtstadler.

Photo: © Christoph Sommerer

Italian music and art at the oldest Viennese Traditional Ball Every year, the Concordia Ball, steeped in tradition, is a highlight of Vienna’s ball season. The 2019 ball, hosted by the Press Club Concordia, an organisation of Austrian journalists and writers, celebrates Italy`s cultural diversity and richness under the motto ‘Una Notte Italiana’. The Italian embassy in Vienna and ambassador Sergio Barbanti are supporting the event.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN I PHOTOS: PHILIPP ENDERS

For over 150 years now, the Concordia Ball has been part of Vienna’s cultural life, celebrating music and art with a certain ‘joie de vivre’ and ease that can be felt throughout the evening. It is the only Viennese Traditional Ball taking place in summer and attracts more than 2,000 guests each year. First celebrated in 1863, it soon became an annual highlight, to the extent that even Johann Strauß dedicated several waltzes to the Concordia.

“Over the last few years, the Concordia Ball has been very colourful and exotic.

From hot Salsa rhythms to Bollywood dances and Tango, the oldest Viennese Traditional Ball presented itself in a new robe, without renouncing its traditions,” says Deborah Grumberg, the Concordia Ball’s organiser. The 122nd Concordia Ball on 14 June 2019 will be a return to its European and classic roots. And what 42 | Issue 69 | December 2018

theme would be better suited than Italy with its rich culture and tradition?

The team, under artistic director Chris Lachmuth, and the ball’s ambassador and PR grand dame Elisabeth HimmerHirnigel, will give this ball a special and unique touch. For ten years now, Lachmuth has been the Concordia Ball’s artistic director and dance master, surprising guests with great new dance routines each year.

The opening ceremony always befits the chosen motto and combines ceremonial elements with modern dance routines. “This individually choreographed opening has become one of the Concordia Ball’s highlights,” says Press Club Concordia secretary general Astrid Zimmermann.

The ball offers great entertainment for everyone: “Among ball and dance enthusiasts, the Concordia Ball is well known

for its spaciousness, which allows those, who love to dance, to do so unhindered,” says Zimmermann. The Viennese Opera Ball orchestra and pt art orchestra will fill the ballroom with classic dance music, while Italian pop music will be played in the arcade court. The Charly Hloch Trio meanwhile, for years now, has indulged guests with jazz music at the city senate hall. Overall, the Concordia ball is a feast for all five senses in a breathtaking location – the Viennese town hall.

Grab your dancing shoes on 14 June 2019, dress in your best gown and enjoy a stunning experience in the home town of the Waltz! www.concordiaball.at Photo: © Christoph Sommerer

Discover Germany | Travel | Winterzauber Interlaken

Winterzauber Interlaken

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE

Das Rundum-Gesamterlebnis für Familien, Freunde und Winterfans Überall leuchtet es weihnachtlich und ein himmlischer Duft von Glühwein und köstlichen Schweizer Käsespezialitäten liegt in der Luft. Interlaken lässt auch zur Adventszeit keine Wünsche offen. Das Herzstück der Saison ist der einladende Weihnachtsmarkt mit der schweizweit einzigartigen Eisbahnanlage ‚Top of Europe Ice Magic Interlaken‘ vor wunderschöner Bergkulisse.

Wer träumt nicht von einer Tasse Glühwein ‚Käsebrätel‘, ‚Raclette‘ und ‚Fondue‘ im umgeben von weißen Berggipfeln? In Chalet-Restaurant. Nicht verpassen sollInterlaken ist das eine Selbstverständte man zudem den ‚Winterklassiker‘ mit lichkeit, denn auch in der Weihnachtszeit verschiedenen regionalen Spezialitäten.“ präsentiert sich der Ferienort von ihrer Bei einem Besuch im adventlichen schönsten Seite. Der Weihnachtsmarkt Interlaken gehört auf jeden Fall eine im Holzhäuschen-Charme befindet sich Fahrt mit dem ‚Weihnachtsbähnli‘ durch in bester Lage, nämlich direkt an der FlaWinterzauber Interlaken mit Weihnachtsmarkt, niermeile mit Blick auf die faszinierende Eislaufanlage und Zusatzattraktionen.

Bergwelt.

Foto: © zvg Interlaken Tourismus Kulinarisch gibt es neben den Klassikern vor allem lokale Spezialitäten, wie Marketing Managerin Jrène Küng erzählt: „Ein Muss ist auch hier der Glühwein, wahlweise rot oder weiß. TyDr Koch Mai 2018.qxp_Layout 1 05.05.18 18:38 Seite 1 pisch regional und schweizerisch sind

die Weihnachtsstraßen der Stadt dazu.

Noch mehr Erlebnis zum Weihnachtsmarkt schafft das wunderbare Adventsschiff oder ein Ausflug in die Berg- und Gletscherwelt des unvergesslichen Jungfraujochs, mit 3.454 müM Europas höchste Bergstation.

Es gibt in Interlaken viel zu erleben, zu verkosten und zu bestaunen. Also am besten die Winterstiefel einpacken und los geht‘s. www.winterzauberinterlaken.ch Weihnachtsmarkt Interlaken an der Flaniermeile Höheweg. Foto: © David Birri4TO

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HOTELBARGAINS in booming Croatian tourism partly reduced by 2/3 from € 5 Mio to 35 Mio on request.

Winterberg

A somewhat different winter sports metropolis Situated in Germany’s beautiful Sauerland region, the modern and attractive winter sports destination of Winterberg impresses visitors with its cutting-edge infrastructure and a breathtaking atmosphere.

TEXT: RALF HERMANN, TRANSLATION: NANE STEINHOFF I PHOTOS: WINTERSPORT-ARENA SAUERLAND

Winter sports in Germany’s low mountain landscape? Skiing north of the Alps?

Attractive cross-country skiing trails and winter hiking paths far away from the high mountain regions? Does it even exist? Well, actually it does! The holiday region of Winterberg in North RhineWestphalia is not only known as the St. Moritz of the low mountain ranges, the idyllic town which lies at the foot of the ‘Kahler Asten’ mountain has also developed into an internationally renowned and popular winter sports destination.

Centrally located in the Hochsauerland region, Winterberg comprises the most 44 | Issue 69 | December 2018

modern and largest, coherent ski area north of the Alps with its ski lift carousel.

This very ski region alone offers 34 attractive pistes, from easy to advanced, across seven hills. More ski areas can be found in Winterberg’s villages of Neu- and Altastenberg, Langewiese, Züschen and Niedersfeld.

The infrastructure leaves nothing to be desired in all areas of skiing. Over 500 snow guns ensure a snow guarantee on up to 120 days of operation. Other features include highly modern chair-lifts, certified ski rentals and ski schools. Winterberg also

caters for the perfect side programme after an eventful day on skis: cosy ski lodges with gastronomy, as well as the attractive city centres’ restaurants and bistros, offer diverse possibilities to round off a great day of winter sports. Those who prefer being away from the pistes, can find multifaceted and perfectly traced cross-country skiing trails in and around Winterberg which lead through beautiful landscapes with a total

Discover Germany | Travel Feature | Winterberg - A Somewhat Different Winter Sports Metropolis

length of around 100 kilometres. Additionally, certified premium winter hiking trails encourage long strolls – a real adventure when snow crunches under the shoes, the ice crystals twinkle in the sun and the clear winter air recharges one’s batteries.

Winterberg sets standards Those who want to enjoy winter sports for a few days longer in Winterberg, which counts towards the most important tourism destinations in North RhineWestphalia with over one million overnight stays per year, will be welcome in the many hotels, guest houses and holiday apartments. From hostel to luxury apartment, five-star-hotel or cosy holiday flat – the region offers a suitable ambiance for every taste, to enjoy the per-

fect holiday. “Winterberg has developed into one of Germany’s most important winter sports destinations. Here, daily guests as well as holiday guests find perfect conditions for the most beautiful time of the year. We set standards – from the piste to the cross-country skiing trail, culinary experiences and top accommodation options,” says Michael Beckmann, Winterberg’s tourism director.

But Winterberg has also many other touristic highlights to offer off-piste. You will not suffer from boredom, for example, when visiting the international bobsled and toboggan run. Every year, the world’s best bobbers and tobogganists fight for the World Cup points right here in the ice channel. Even World and Eu-

ropean championships get held in the ‘Veltins-EisArena’. Worth a trip are also the ‘Kahler Asten’ mountain, the St. Georg ski jumping hill or Winterberg’s many idyllic villages with their really cosy atmosphere. Those who like shopping should head to Winterberg’s promenade where many boutiques, small premises, cafes and restaurants invite visitors for extensive strolling and browsing with their range of offerings.

Not only a top destination for winter sports, Winterberg is always worth a trip, whatever your idea of a great holiday. So, what are you waiting for? Get enchanted this winter. www.winterberg.de

Issue 69 | December 2018 | 45

HO TE L O F TH E MONTH

Tiroler 5-Sterne-Hotel bietet Schneegarantie, ausgezeichnete Küche und Spa-Erholung Hoch gelegen in den Tiroler Alpen bietet das Hotel Cervosa in Serfaus den idealen Ausgangspunkt für Wandertouren im Sommer und Ski-Abenteuer im Winter. Erholung finden Gäste in komfortablen Zimmern und einem 3000qm großen Spa-Bereich, sowie dem hauseigenen Restaurant mit Spitzenküche.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN I FOTOS: HOTEL CERVOSA

Die Familie Westreicher gründeten das Hotel Cervosa 1959. Inzwischen leiten Hugo und Gertrude Westreicher mit ihren Kindern Hugo und Stefanie das weiterhin eigentümergeführte Hotel in der zweiten Generation. „Was unser Hotel besonders macht ist die hervorragende Lage, unsere schöne und weitläufige Wellness-Anlage und die persönliche Führung durch Familie und Team“, sagt Eigentümer Hugo Westreicher. Gestartet mit 100 Betten ist das Hotel über die Jahre stetig gewachsen, um Wohlbefinden und Komfort der Gäste zu verbessern. „Wir investieren jedes Jahr, um stets auf dem aktuellen Stand zu sein.“ 46 | Issue 69 | December 2018

In ruhiger Lage und dennoch zentral am Geschehen Die Zimmer des Luxushotels sind mit allem ausgestattet, was Gäste für Schlafkomfort, Ruhe und Entspannung brauchen. Das Haus ist in einem typischen Tiroler Chalet-Stil, die Einrichtung klassisch-modern: Für das Interieur wurden überwiegend heimische Hölzer verbaut, kombiniert mit modernen Möbeln und viel Platz. „Unheimlich schön ist die Lage des Hotels oberhalb des Ortes in freier Lage, erhaben über dem Geschehen sozusagen“, sagt Westreicher. Das garantiert Ruhe selbst in der Winter

Hochsaison: Kein Verkehrslärm, keine Aprés-Ski-Party vor der Haustür und den ganzen Tag Sonnenschein.

Ski- und Wandergebiete direkt vor der Haustür Das 5-Sterne Hotel Cervosa ist ein Hotel mit Geschichte: Der Hotel-Name selbst geht auf den ursprünglichen, rätoromanischen Namen des Ortes zurück. Die Römer entdeckten den Ort inmitten atemberaubender Berglandschaft und Wäldern und begannen hier zu siedeln.

Von Anfang an sagte ihnen das milde Klima und die vielen Sonnenstunden im Sommer zu. Noch immer kommen viele Sommerurlauber zum Wandern und Entspannen. „Wir haben im Sommer die ‚Super Sommer Card’, die es allen Gäste erlaubt, 10 Bergbahnen, Wanderbusse und geführten Wanderungen gratis zu nutzen.“

Discover Germany | Travel | Hotel of the Month

Darüber hinaus ist Serfaus aber ein erstklassiges Ziel für einen Winterurlaub: Der Ort selbst liegt auf über 1400 Metern und ist daher ein beliebter Wintersportort. Von hier führt die Komperdellbahn hinauf in das Skigebiet Masner auf 2820 Metern Höhe. Die Saison startet offiziell am 14. Dezember und bis weit ins Frühjahr ist Schnee garantiert. Mitten im Skiund Wandergebiet befindet sich auch die Cervosa Alm, die zu gemütlichen Stunden und einer stärkenden Mahlzeit einlädt.

Gourmet und Genuss im hoteleigenen Restaurant Das Fünf-Sterne-Hotel bietet Gästen einen kulinarischen Hochgenuss ihm hauseigenen Restaurant. Das Team legt großen Wert auf Qualität und Service, auf Professionalität und Leidenschaft. Der Tag startet mit einem großen Schlemmerbuffet mit frischem Brot, Gebäck und Obst.

Wer schon vor dem Abendessen nach Hause kommt, der bekommt zwischen 15 und 17 Uhr einen Zwischensnack am Vitalbuffet mit süßen und herzhaften Speisen. „Am Abend bieten wir verschiedene 5- bis 6-Gang Wahlmenüs mit regionaler und internationaler Küche“, sagt Hotelier Hugo Westreicher, sei es mit Fleisch, Fisch oder vegetarisch. Einmal die Woche

stehen dabei österreichische Spezialitäten auf dem Speisenplan, an einem anderen Abend überrascht die Küche mit einem herausragenden Haute-CuisineGaladinner – begleitet von ausgezeichneten Weinen aus dem hauseigenen Keller.

Wer nach einem anstrengenden Tag auf der Skipiste zurück ins Hotel kommt, der kann den Tag vor einem offenen Feuer in der Kaminstube ausklingen lassen. Im Sommer ist die Sonnenterrasse mit atemberaubendem Blick auf die Berge geöffnet.

Sauna-Erlebniswelt und Badevergnügen mit Aussicht Extra Erholung bietet das 3000qm große Spa: Tiroler Schwitzstube, Osmanisches Dampfbad, Laconium, Tepidarium, Kneippanlage, Steinsauna oder Maurisches Sole-Dampfbad bieten eine große Auswahl, wenn es um Entspannung geht.

Die insgesamt elf Saunen haben Temperaturen von 45 Grad Celsius bis 95 Grad Celsius, so dass für jeden die richtige Hitze dabei ist. Die Luft ist durchzogen von angenehmen Gerüchen: von einheimischen Kräutern, bis hin zu Eukalyptus, Orange und Zitrone, Düfte, die zum Entspannen anregen, den Körper beleben oder die Atemwege befreien. Abkühlung

bietet die Eisgrotte mit Kübelduschen.

Die Saunawelt ist allerdings nur Erwachsenen vorbehalten, Familien können auf Anfrage die kleinere Therme reservieren.

Schon die alten Römer wussten um die heilsame Wirkung des Wassers und so bietet die einzigartige Badewelt gleich sechs verschiedene Pools. Beim Schwimmen haben Gäste einen Ausblick auf die umliegende Bergwelt – nicht nur vom auf 30 Grad beheizten Panorama-Hallenbad, sondern vor allem im ganzjährig beheizten Infinity-Außenpool. Warum also nicht ein paar Runden im warmen Wasser drehen, während der Wasserdampf in den kalten Winterhimmel aufsteigt? In der Ferne bricht sich das Sonnenlicht im Schnee und Eis der Berge. Im Whirlpool finden angespannte Muskeln dann wieder Entspannung, während der Relaxgarten mit Biotop zum Tagträumen einlädt. www.cervosa.com Anfragen & Reservierung: info@cervosa.com Tel. +43 5476 6211 Fax + 43 5476 6736 www.facebook.com/Wellness.Hotel.Cervosa Instagram: @hotelcervosa

Issue 69 | December 2018 | 47

Christmas lights in Charlottenburg. © visitBerlin, Photo: Dagmar Schwelle

SPECIAL THEME: ALL EYES ON BERLIN

Discover the German capital There is no denying it – Berlin is the coolest city to visit at the moment. World-class culinary offerings, the best clubs and other nightlife options, an impressive history that you can learn more about on almost every street corner, unprecedented cultural institutions and a special international flair that simply needs to be felt to be believed.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF

Hackescher Markt shopping area. © visitberlin, Photo: Wolfgang Scholvien

48 | Issue 69 | December 2018

Discover Germany | Special Theme | All Eyes on Berlin

Victory Column. © visitberlin, Photo: Wolfgang Scholvien

Photo: © visumate

No matter the season, if you visit Berlin, there will be plenty to do and see. The essential sights that should not be left out are, of course, the Reichstag which houses the German parliament, the Tiergarten park, the remains of the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. But apart from these wellknown sights, there is so much more to see and explore.

For example, why not take a boat through Berlin? It is a comfortable alternative to walking through the city and the River Spree offers you a different perspective on this once-divided city. Or, if you want to do something really special, rent a kayak instead and go on your own DIY

© visitberlin, Photo: Pierre Adenis

sightseeing tour. In summer, special highlights are the many cool bathing lakes and in winter, do not miss out on the large offering of world-famous Christmas markets. A spectacle not to be missed is the Mauerpark Sunday flea market. Here, you can find everything from local designer clothes to vintage nik-naks and antiquities. Besides the flea market, it is also the location for the popular weekly outdoor singing sessions.

Berlin’s different districts are themselves well worth a visit. For example, head to the alternative Friedrichshain district for flea markets, cool cafes and trendy bars and clubs. If you are looking for a calmer atmosphere, head to Prenzlauer Berg – pop-

ular with young families due to the large amount of children’s shops, playgrounds and kid-friendly cafes. If you want to explore some nearby nature, check out Potsdam with its many beautiful lakes.

There is sure to be something for everyone in Berlin. It is a fascinating city that simply needs to be visited at least once in one’s lifetime!

Berlin has a lot to offer – for first-time visitors, the sheer abundance of things to do and see might be overwhelming.

Therefore, we have handpicked some of the city’s highlights in the following special theme.

Issue 69 | December 2018 | 49

Discover Germany | Special Theme | All Eyes on Berlin

TV tower lobby.

Rotating restaurant ‘Sphere’.

E V E NT L O CATI ON OF TH E MONTH

Observation deck.

TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI I PHOTOS: TORSTEN FRITSCHE – DIE LICHTISTEN

Above the city

Über den Dächern von Berlin

Panoramic city views and lofty heights mark Berlin’s highest and most unique event location.

Berlins weltbekanntes Wahrzeichen und wohl außergewöhnlichste Eventlocation lässt das Panorama der Stadt in luftigen Höhen genießen.

The 50-year-old Berlin TV tower, a historical reference as well as one of the most significant landmarks of the city, is a truly special address for both family functions and company celebrations.

Ob für Familienfeier oder Firmen-Events – der Berliner Fernsehturm, der vor knapp 50 Jahren erbaut wurde, ist sowohl Architektur-Ikone als auch gelebte Geschichte und somit ein ganz besonderer Ort.

Enjoy an overview of the city at 203 or 207 metres. Meet and greet with a welcoming cocktail at the bar on the upper foyer and start your TV tower event together from there.

A high-speed lift will take you and your guests into lofty heights within 40 seconds, and you will find yourself at the Bar 203 on the observation floor with a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of the city. 21 steps further up, the renowned, rotating restaurant Sphere invites you to experience Berlin’s highest ‘culinary city tour’. Enjoy both seasonal and regional cuisine in the form of a buffet or a delicious two- to four-course meal while taking in the gently changing scenery. The restaurant is bookable for up to 200 persons, while the observation platform (with bar area) is available for up to 120 guests. The bar area can also be booked exclusively. The central location at Alexanderplatz allows easy access from all parts of Berlin.

The TV tower is an unparalleled event space, serving as a meaningful link to both the past and the present.

Erleben Sie den Rundblick auf entweder 203 oder 207 Metern Höhe.

Heißen Sie Ihre Gäste mit einem hauseigenen Cocktail im oberen FoyerBereich willkommen und starten Sie dann gemeinsam in einem der Hochgeschwindigkeits-Aufzüge, die Sie in 40 Sekunden nach oben bringen.

Auf 203 Metern wartet die Aussichtsetage mit Bar und Rundumblick. Nur 21 Stufen höher geht es dann in das Restaurant ‚Sphere‘, wo wahlweise ein Buffet oder ein Zwei- bis Viergangmenü mit saisonaler und regionaler Küche angeboten werden. Weltbekannt ist der Rundblick aus dem Drehrestaurant Sphere: Dieses dreht sich ein- bis zweimal pro Stunde um sich selbst und bietet so mit seinen 60 Panoramafenstern Berlins höchste kulinarische ‚Stadtrundfahrt‘, mit langsam wechselnden 360°-Ausblicken in geselliger Runde. Das Restaurant kann für bis zu 200, die Aussichtsplattform für bis zu 120 Gäste gebucht werden; hier steht der Barbereich übrigens auch gesondert zur Verfügung. Die zentrale Lage des Turms am Alexanderplatz ermöglicht eine optimale Verkehrsanbindung an alle Berliner Bezirke.

Der Fernsehturm bietet einen unvergleichlichen Ort für Veranstaltungen, der einen Link schafft zwischen historischer Vergangenheit und gegenwärtiger Berliner Kultur. event.tv-turm.de

50 | Issue 69 | December 2018

Discover Germany | Special Theme | All Eyes on Berlin

Top: View of the special exhibition ARTEFAKTE. Photo: © HwaJa Götz, Museum für Naturkunde Berlin. Below left: Hambach Forest: the effects of lignite mining.

The picture shows acid mine drainage in the excavator tracks. Photo: © J Henry fair. Right: The effects of fertiliser on our environment. Photo: © J Henry Fair

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF

Think, act, change something

Nachdenken, handeln, etwas ändern

If you are looking for something special to do on your next trip to the German capital, you should pay a visit to Berlin’s Natural History Museum. Here, visitors can look forward to the world’s highest dinosaur skeleton, amongst many other things. Furthermore, the new special exhibition ARTEFAKTE, with pictures by J Henry Fair, encourages the viewer to think and act.

Falls Sie auf der Suche nach etwas Besonderem auf Ihrem nächsten Berlin-Trip sind, sollten Sie unbedingt im Museum für Naturkunde in Berlin vorbeischauen. Hier dürfen sich Besucher zum Beispiel auf das höchste, weltweit montierte Dinosaurierskelett freuen. Die neue Sonderausstellung ARTEFAKTE mit Bildern von J Henry Fair regt außerdem zum Nachdenken und Handeln an.

As one of the Leibniz Association’s eight research museums, Berlin’s Natural History Museum counts towards the world’s most important research institutes in the field of biological and geological evolution and biodiversity. The museum follows the tradition and goals of Charles Darwin, Alexander von Humboldt and other natural scientists, to advocate a sustainable future for humans. That is why here, science and exhibitions merge and visitors can always get an insight into the museum’s current research work.

Als eines von acht Forschungsmuseen der Leibniz-Gemeinschaft, gehört das Museum für Naturkunde Berlin zu den weltweit bedeutendsten Forschungseinrichtungen auf dem Gebiet der biologischen und erdwissenschaftlichen Evolution und Biodiversität. Das Museum sieht sich in der Tradition und im Auftrag von Charles Darwin, Alexander von Humboldt und anderen Naturforschern, sich für eine nachhaltige Zukunft des Menschen einzusetzen.

Daher wachsen Wissenschaft und Austellungen hier zusammen und Besucherinnen und Besucher erhalten einen Einblick in die aktuelle Forschungsarbeit des Museums.

There is a lot to admire in the museum: Giraffatitan brancai, the world’s highest mounted dinosaur skeleton; the first original skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus rex in Europe; the bird-like dinosaur Archaeopteryx lithographica; or the Wet Collections, with over a million animals that are preserved in alcohol.

Im Museum gibt es so einiges zu bestaunen: Giraffatitan brancai, das höchste, weltweit aufgestellte Dinosaurierskelett, das erste Original eines Tyrannosaurus rex in Europa, den Urvogel Archaeopteryx lithographica oder die Nass-Sammlung mit über einer Million in Alkohol konservierten Tieren.

On top of all this, the current special exhibition ARTEFAKTE presents large-format, aesthetically demanding images by the New York-based artist J Henry Fair, which encourage thinking and acting. On show are aerial views of industrial areas which are difficult to access, toxic waste sedimentations and coal mining sites which document the partially catastrophic effects of human activity on nature.

Die aktuelle Sonderausstellung ARTEFAKTE präsentiert zudem großformatige, ästhetisch höchst anspruchsvolle Bilder von dem in New York lebenden Künstler J Henry Fair, die zum Nachdenken und Handeln anregen. Zu sehen sind schwer zugängliche Industriegebiete, Giftmüllablagerungen und Kohleabbaugebiete aus der Vogelperspektive, die die teilweise katastrophalen Auswirkungen menschlichen Handelns auf die Natur dokumentieren. www.museumfuernaturkunde.berlin Issue 69 | December 2018 | 51

Discover Germany | Special Theme | All Eyes on Berlin

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF I PHOTOS: MUSEUM OF ILLUSIONS

All is not necessarily as it seems

Es ist nicht immer alles so, wie es scheint

‘You are the museum and the illusion’ – that is the theme of Berlin’s new Museum of Illusions. And for good reason: here, young and old visitors bring the illusion to life and therefore become part of the exhibition in which touching is explicitly permitted!

‚Das Museum und die Illusion bist du‘ - Das ist das Motto des neuen Museums der Illusionen in Berlin. Aus einem bestimmten Grund: Hier erwecken junge und alte Besucher die Illusion zum Leben und werden daher zum Teil der Ausstellung, in der Anfassen ausdrücklich erlaubt ist!

“Our visitors are allowed to experiment as the fancy takes them.

It’s about fun, creativity and about engaging in something new,” explains the managing director Michael Posch. And this can be imagined as follows: unbelievable rooms, optical and haptic illusions, as well as holograms, games and kaleidoscopes test the brain and promise a museum experience of the special kind for young and old alike.

„Unsere Besucher dürfen nach Lust und Laune experimentieren. Es geht um Spaß, Kreativität und darum, sich auf etwas Neues einzulassen“, erklärt Geschäftsführer Michael Posch. Konkret schaut das so aus: unglaubliche Räume, optische Täuschungen und haptische Illusionen, sowie Hologramme, Spiele und Kaleidoskope stellen das Gehirn auf eine Probe und versprechen ein Museumserlebnis der etwas anderen Art für Alt und Jung.

“Some illusions take you apart because you can’t believe your eyes and simply can’t grasp it,” says Posch. Whether experiencing people, dwarfs or giants that stick to the ceiling, a head without a body, or a somewhat different kind of chair, time in the museum broadens one’s horizon and exercises the brain.

Special photo points encourage visitors to take selfies and other extraordinary shots to get lasting memories. Particular highlights too, are the play areas with sustainable wooden toys, and the many impressive tangrams, 3D puzzles and riddles are fun and also train motor skills.

Five new illusions are planned for 2019 which will convey the topic of fear of heights through virtual reality. A visit to the Museum of Illusions is therefore always worth it!

52 | Issue 69 | December 2018

„Manche Illusionen nehmen einen regelrecht auseinander, weil man seinen Augen nicht mehr trauen kann und es einfach nicht begreift“, sagt Posch. Ob an der Decke klebende Menschen, Zwerge und Riesen, ein Kopf ohne Rumpf oder ein etwas anderer Stuhl: die Zeit im Museum erweitert den Horizont und fordert das Gehirn. Spezielle Foto-Punkte regen die Besucher an, Selfies und andere ungewöhnliche Aufnahmen zu machen, um bleibende Erinnerungen mitzunehmen. Als besonderes Extra gibt es Spielbereiche mit nachhaltigem Holzspielzeug und die vielen beeindruckenden Tangrams, 3D-Puzzle und Rätsel machen Spaß und trainieren die motorischen Fähigkeiten.

Für 2019 sind fünf neue Illusionen geplant, die unter anderem mittels Virtual Reality das Thema Höhenangst näher vermitteln werden. Ein Besuch im Museum der Illusion ist es also allemal wert!

www.museumderillusionen.de

Discover Germany | Special Theme | All Eyes on Berlin

Photo: © Friedrichstadt-Palast Berlin

Jungle Extravaganza Costumes.

Photo: © Robert Grischek

A declaration of love to life The VIVID Grand Show at the Friedrichstadt-Palast Berlin is truly larger than life. In a gigantic explosion of colour, the versatile and opulent show takes its audience on a lavish journey to show us the overwhelming beauty of things often overlooked. An unforgettable night at the world’s biggest theatre stage awaits!

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE

Stunning performances by an international line-up of vocal talents meet vibrant costumes and fantastic storytelling. The VIVID Grand Show at the Friedrichstadt-Palast is a glorious homage to life with all its wonders. The show tells the story of android R’eye who breaks out of her externally-controlled life and embarks on a quest to find her own true identity. With the innocent view of a child, she sees the world with new eyes and discovers how much beauty lies in things we often overlook.

The show is written and directed by Krista Monson, the first woman to do so at the Palast in almost 100 years of show history. Monson’s elaborate track record and a stunning total of three prestigious Elizabeth Sterling Haynes Awards stand as testimony to her talent, which is yet again proven in this outstanding production.

Oliver Hoppmann, the creative director at the Palast since 2015 and one of the young-

est showmakers in Europe, acts as coauthor and co-director at her side.

R’eye, alongside Glacéia Henderson and Sarah Manesse.

This fabulous cast and the talented team behind the show ensure that this stunning celebration of life will be an unforgettable event. The VIVID Grand Show is due to run for at least 12 months. www.palast.berlin

Responsible for the show’s vibrant blast of colour is none other than famous designer Philip Treacy, whose legendary headpieces are regularly worn by Queen Elizabeth II. as well as Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton, Victoria Beckham, Lady Gaga, Madonna and Oprah Winfrey, to name but a few. It should come as no surprise that he was named British Accessory Designer of the Year five times. For the VIVID Grand Show, Treacy works closely together with Paris-based fashion designer, illustrator and art director Stefano Canulli and British fashion stylist Katy England.

The international cast includes more than 100 artists from 26 nations. The German star and stage-veteran Andreas Bieber plays the Entertainer whilst DeviAnanda Dahm, winner of the German national singing contest, plays android

Artistic performance: Double Wheel of Steel. Photo: © Brinkhoff/Mögenburg

Zebra Woman. Photo: © Dennis Weinbörner

Issue 69 | December 2018 | 53

Discover Germany | Special Theme | All Eyes on Berlin

Time for Berlin…

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE

Discover the rich history of Germany’s capital in just one hour with the remarkable exhibition BerlinZEIT (BerlinTIME) at Märkisches Museum. Held in both English and German, the exhibition, with its great mix of displayed items and multimedia activities, is a fantastic destination for tourists and locals alike.

Home of BerlinZEIT is the Märkisches Museum in Berlin’s district Mitte. The red-brick building, which merges various regional architectural styles from different eras, opened its doors for the first time in 1908. Today, the museum houses some of the most important items from Berlin’s history and gives a true insight into what life in Berlin was like – from the Ice Age to present day.

“Thanks to the exhibition BerlinZEIT, guests can finally visit a place in Berlin where they can actively discover the city’s entire history with remarkable museum originals in just one hour,” says curator Dr. Peter Lummel. History comes to life through the compelling audio guide, featuring the cheeky and blunt ‘voice of the city of Berlin’, as well as Berlin rapper Romano.

“True highlights for our visitors are the reconstruction of the black plague physician, the jukebox with 80 Berlin songs from 1948 to 2018 and the construction site of the Berlin wall,” Dr. Lummel adds. “Here, visitors can share their thoughts regarding

the wall on a transparent ‘glass-wall’. Part of this spatial installation is the awardwinning audio design ‘The Berlin Wall of Sound’, which makes the wall with all its dramatic moments emotionally accessible.”

Visit BerlinZEIT and dive deep into the capital’s history – it is certainly an hour well spent. www.stadtmuseum.de/berlinzeit www.en.stadtmuseum.de/berlinzeit

Left: Construction of the Berlin wall with border guards and playing children (extract), 1961. ©, Photo: Walter Schulze (Reproduktion: Oliver Ziebe). Right: Berlin rapper Romano can be heard at ‘Sound of Berlin’ (photo) and is part of the audio guide of the exhibition. © Stadtmuseum Berlin, Photo: Michael Setzpfandt

GE N LE UIN AT HE E R

A L L O W YO U R S E L F SOME LUXURY W W W . M AT T I O L I - B A G S . D E

54 | Issue 69 | December 2018

Discover Germany | Special Theme | All Eyes on Berlin

Riccardo Muti.

Great Hall.

Konzerthaus Berlin in December.

TEXT: ANNETTE ZERPNER, TRANSLATION: NANE STEINHOFF | PHOTOS: SEBASTIAN RUNGE, TODD ROSENBERG, PHOTOGRAPHY BY COURTESY OF WWW.RICCARDOMUTIMUSIC.COM

Ten days of Vienna Philharmonic at Gendarmenmarkt’s Konzerthaus Berlin

Zehn Tage Wiener Philharmoniker im Konzerthaus Berlin am Gendarmenmarkt

In the centre of former East Berlin, visitors can find Gendarmenmarkt square – undeniably one of the capital’s most beautiful spots – with Konzerthaus Berlin occupying one side. This magnificent hall built by Schinkel in 1821 is a must-see when visiting Berlin: in summer, the grand outside staircase invites admirers to linger, while the ‘WeihnachtsZauber Gendarmenmarkt’ Christmas market attracts many visitors during Advent.

Mitten im ehemaligen Ost-Berlin liegt der Gendarmenmarkt – unbestritten der schönste Platz der Hauptstadt – mit dem Konzerthaus Berlin. Dieser prächtige Bau des Architekten Schinkel von 1821 ist ein Muss beim Berlinbesuch: Im Sommer lädt die herrschaftliche Freitreppe zum Verweilen ein, im Advent lockt der ‚WeihnachtsZauber Gendarmenmarkt‘.

From 14 to 23 December, Konzerthaus Berlin attracts even more classical music fans than usual: for ten days, the ‘Tribute to Vienna Philharmonic’ honours the world-famous orchestra, whose annual New Year’s concert is watched by more than 50 million viewers around the globe.‘Vienna in Berlin’ is a long-standing tradition at Konzerthaus since GDR times, and in fact, the ‘Wiener’ made their legendary debut there in October 1984.

Dieses Jahr übt das Konzerthaus vom 14. bis 23. Dezember auf Klassikfans zusätzliche Anziehungskraft aus: Mit der ‚Hommage an die Wiener Philharmoniker‘ ehrt man das weltberühmte Orchester, dessen Neujahrskonzert jeweils mehr als 50 Millionen Zuschauer rund um den Globus verfolgen. Wien in Berlin hat übrigens lange Tradition am Konzerthaus: Schon zu DDR-Zeiten, im Oktober 1984, gaben die ‚Wiener‘ dort ihren sagenumwobenen Einstand.

One of the tribute’s highlights is when the Vienna Philharmonic play grand classical music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Anton Bruckner under the baton of star conductor Riccardo Muti on 18 December. On 21 December, they play symphonic works by Johannes Brahms under the direction of Franz Welser-Möst. Both concerts take place in the magnificent Great Hall. Additionally, the orchestra’s top-level musicians, each of them a soloist, perform with different ensembles. The programme includes Christmas sounds with phil Blech Wien (19 December), waltzes with Wiener Ring-Ensemble (20 December), Balkan crossover with Plattform K+KVienna (20 December), the traditional Philharmonia Schrammeln Wien (22 and 23 December) and a wide variety of brilliant arrangements by the Philharmonix (22 December).

Einige Highlights der Hommage: Im prachtvollen Großen Saal spielen die Wiener Philharmoniker unter Stardirigent Riccardo Muti am 18.12. große Klassik von Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart und Anton Bruckner, am 21.12. unter Leitung von Franz Welser-Möst sinfonische Werke von Johannes Brahms.

Die hochkarätigen Musiker des Orchesters, von denen jeder ein Solist ist, treten außerdem mit verschiedenen Ensembles auf. Auf dem Programm stehen Weihnachtsklänge mit phil Blech Wien (19.12.), Walzer mit dem Wiener Ring-Ensemble (20.12.), Balkan-Crossover mit Plattform K+K Vienna (20.12.), die traditionellen Philharmonia Schrammeln Wien (22. und 23.12.) und die Philharmonix mit wilKonzerthaus Berlin den Arrangements (22.12.).

Gendarmenmarkt konzerthaus.de/hommage

10117 Berlin Ticket hotline: 030 20 30 9 2101

Issue 69 | December 2018 | 55

Markthalle Neun, Streetfood Thursday. © visitBerlin, Photo: Dagmar Schwelle

S P E C I A L T H E M E : A L L E Y E S O N B E R L I N – T H E C A P I TA L’ S C U L I N A R Y H I G H L I G H T S

Food heaven galore In Berlin, you can try food from all over the world – and the city’s local delicacies are well worth a try too. From cool street food to star-studded gourmet cuisine, Berlin has it all. Foodies will not be disappointed!

Photo: © Ricarda Spiegel

56 | Issue 69 | December 2018

Discover Germany | Special Theme | All Eyes on Berlin – The Capital’s Culinary Highlights

Kitchen team.

Photo: © Kai Heimberg

RE STAU RANT OF TH E MONTH , GERM A N Y

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE | PHOTOS: CORINNA FREI

A treat for all senses

Feines für alle Sinne

The Berlin restaurant Dae Mon at Monbijouplatz offers its guests culinary highlights from Europe with KoreanJapanese influences. Led by Stefan Reinhardt, Dae Mon was recently awarded as one of the best restaurants in Berlin by Gault Millau.

Das Berliner Restaurant Dae Mon am Monbijouplatz bietet seinen Gästen kulinarische Highlights aus Europa mit koreanischjapanischen Einflüssen. Unter der Leitung von Stefan Reinhardt wurde das Dae Mon aktuell als eines der besten Restaurants Berlins vom Gault Millau ausgezeichnet.

Great cuisine speaks for itself and that is certainly true for the restaurant Dae Mon. The exciting combination of Asian aromas with regional ingredients is often referred to as ‘open minded cuisine’ by restaurateur Stefan Reinhardt. Edamame and ramen meets fawn and beef tartare: and it really works.

Gute Kulinarik spricht für sich. So auch im Restaurant Dae Mon. Die spannende Kombination von asiatischen Aromen mit regionalen Zutaten wird von Gastronom Stefan Reinhardt gern auch als ‚open minded cuisine‘ bezeichnet. Edamame und Ramen treffen auf Hirschkalb und Beef Tatar. Und es funktioniert tatsächlich.

The open kitchen gives insights into the culinary art of head chef Raphael Schünemann. After working in various top restaurants such as Dobler’s in Mannheim and Reinstoff in Berlin, he is now developing modern cuisine with an Asian twist at the Dae Mon.

Die offene Küche lässt Einblicke in die Kochkünste von Chefkoch Raphael Schünemann zu. Nach seiner Tätigkeit in diversen Sterne-Restaurants, wie dem Dobler’s in Mannheim und dem Reinstoff in Berlin, entwickelt er nun im Dae Mon moderne Küche mit asiatischem Twist.

The menu changes four times a year.“The new dishes are created by the entire team,” says Reinhardt. “There’s an exchange of experience and the passion for new challenges. We often go out for a meal. We talk to suppliers about seasonal or new produce.

We read a lot.”

The art-filled restaurant itself exudes a casual-cool interior which never fails to be inviting and cosy. The range of guests is broad. But according to Reinhardt, they all have one thing in common: they are curious about new cuisines, love quality produce and appreciate true skills.

Die Karte wechselt dabei vier Mal im Jahr. „Die neuen Gerichte entstehen in den Köpfen des gesamten Teams“, erzählt Reinhardt. „Es findet ein Austausch aus Erfahrungen und der Lust auf Neues statt. Wir gehen viel Essen.

Wir sprechen mit den Lieferanten, was es saisonal oder gar Neues gibt. Wir lesen viel.“ Das mit Kunst ausgestattete Restaurant selbst zeigt sich von einer lässigcoolen Seite, die trotzdem einladend und gemütlich wirkt. Das Gästespektrum ist breitgefächert. Alle haben aber laut Reinhardt eins gemeinsam: Sie sind neugierig auf gute Kulinarik, lieben hochwertige Produkte und wissen Handwerk zu schätzen. www.dae-mon.com Issue 69 | December 2018 | 57

Discover Germany | Special Theme | All Eyes on Berlin – The Capital’s Culinary Highlights

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE I PHOTOS: THE BROOKLYN

Welcome to the New York Ein New Yorker Steak-Tempel steak temple in Berlin direkt in Berlin The luxurious restaurant The Brooklyn is a true American original in the heart of Berlin. Premium steaks prepared on the legendary Montague grill and a stunning selection of top whiskeys await the guests at the trendy The Brooklyn.

Das Luxus-Restaurant The Brooklyn ist ein echtes Amerikanisches Original mitten in Berlin. Steaks der Spitzenklasse, die auf dem legendären Montague Grill zubereitet werden und eine beeindruckende Auswahl an hochwertigen Whiskys erwartet die Gäste im trendigen Brooklyn.

Right in Berlin, near the Märkisches Museum, guests can enjoy a remarkable New York atmosphere, because the restaurant The Brooklyn delivers what its name promises. Led by kitchen director Andreas Peter, who worked as kitchen director for the company Feinkost Käfer at the German Bundestag for nine years, the restaurant has turned into a true insider tip – especially for steak lovers.

Im Herzen Berlins, ganz in der Nähe des Märkischen Museums, taucht man ein in eine erstaunlich originalgetreue New Yorker Atmosphäre. Das Restaurant The Brooklyn hält, was sein Name verspricht. Unter der Leitung von Küchendirektor Andreas Peter, der zuletzt neun Jahre als Küchendirektor im Deutschen Bundestag für die Firma Feinkost Käfer tätig war, hat sich das Restaurant zu einem echten Geheimtipp entwickelt – vor Allem für Steakliebhaber.

“Our guests can look forward to a great selection of master cuts such as Porterhouse, Tomahawk, T-Bone, Flancesteak and Shortribs from US prime beef. The meat is prepared at 800 degrees on the Montague grill, which has been imported from the USA,” says Andreas Peter, who is not just responsible for the kitchen but also for the service. The steaks are exclusively supplied by certified breeders in Nebraska and are only of the two highest qualities.

„Unsere Gäste dürfen sich auf eine große Auswahl an Mastercuts wie zum Beispiel Porterhouse, Tomahawk, T-Bone, Flancesteak und Shortribs vom US Prime Beef freuen. Die Zubereitung erfolgt auf einem eigens aus den USA importierten Montague Grill bei 800 Grad“, erzählt Andreas Peter, der nicht nur für die Küche, sondern auch für den Service verantwortlich ist.

Die Steaks werden ausschließlich von zertifizierten Züchtern aus Nebraska bezogen und zwar nur die mit den zwei höchsten Qualitätsstufen.

“We also have a big selection of American and Scottish whiskeys as well as American red wines from Napa Valley,” Andreas Peter adds.

„Des Weiteren haben wir eine große Auswahl an Amerikanischen und Schottischen Whiskys, sowie gereiften Amerikanischen Rotweinen aus dem Nappa Valley“, fügt Andreas Peter hinzu.

Eben ein Stückchen New York vom Feinsten.

A fine piece of New York, therefore, and right in the heart of Berlin.

58 | Issue 69 | December 2018

www.thebrooklyn.de

Discover Germany | Special Theme | All Eyes on Berlin – The Capital’s Culinary Highlights

Photo: © Caitlin Collins

Photo: © Caitlin Collins

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE | PHOTOS: ROBERT LEHMANN

A modern restaurant experience of excellency

Ein modernes Restauranterlebnis der Spitzenklasse

The Berlin-based Restaurant & Café 1687, near the Brandenburg Gate, offers modern European cuisine with French elements. The stellar team around creative head chef Tomasz Trabski pampers guests with culinary highlights and exquisite wines.

Das Berliner Restaurant & Café 1687 in der Nähe des Brandenburger Tores bietet moderne europäische Küche mit französischen Akzenten. Das exzellent eingespielte Team um den kreativen Küchenchef Tomasz Trabski verwöhnt die Gäste charmant mit kulinarischen Highlights und erlesenen Weinen.

The Restaurant & Café 1687 is as modern as the vibrant Berlin itself and is led by Tomasz Trabski. His culinary portfolio is not just wide-ranged but also on trend. The Polish-born head chef gained international experience in France, Great Britain, Ireland and Turkey and, for four years, he was responsible for the kitchen at the restaurant VINO E CULTURA in Gorlitz.

Modern wie das pulsierende Berlin selbst ist auch das Restaurant & Café 1687. Geleitet wird das Restaurant von Küchenchef Tomasz Trabski. Sein kulinarisches Portfolio ist nicht nur breitgefächert, sondern auch treffsicher. Der gebürtige Pole sammelte internationale Erfahrungen in Frankreich, Großbritannien, Irland und der Türkei und war vier Jahre lang im Görlitzer Restaurant VINO E CULTURA für die Küche verantwortlich.

For the talented chef, everything starts with fresh quality ingredients. That is why a lot of the produce comes from regional suppliers: for example, the majority of the fish is provided by the Saxon fishpond cultivation Petershain. The concept of sustainability spurs Trabski to support local suppliers and small factories.

Für den talentierten Chefkoch beginnt alles mit hochwertigen und frischen Zutaten. Daher werden viele Produkte bewusst von regionalen Lieferanten und Herstellern bezogen. So kommt ein Großteil des Fisches zum Beispiel aus der sächsischen Teichwirtschaft Petershain. Auch der Nachhaltigkeitsgedanke treibt Trabski an, lokale Lieferanten und kleine Manufakturen zu unterstützen.

The 1687 is located at the LUX, which is known for its remarkable architecture. The restaurant’s sophisticated interiors continue this exquisite style with warm light installations, quality materials and fine furnishings. In this atmosphere of well-being, guests can look forward to authentic Mediterranean-French delicacies: sophisticated, but never pretentious.

Modern cuisine merging a high standard with skilful creativity – that is the Restaurant & Café 1687.

Das 1687 liegt im LUX, welches für seine außergewöhnliche Architektur bekannt ist. Das Restaurant führt diesen edlen Stil mit hochwertigen Materialien, warmen Lichtinstallationen und feinem Mobiliar auch innen weiter. In dieser Wohlfühl-Atmosphäre können sich die Gäste auf authentisch mediterran-französische Küche freuen, die gehoben, aber nie abgehoben ist.

Moderne Cuisine mit Anspruch und gekonnter Kreativität – das ist das Restaurant & Café 1687. www.1687.berlin Issue 69 | December 2018 | 59

Winter in Zurich. Photo: © Zuerich Tourismus, swiss-image.ch/Christian Beutler

SPECIAL THEME: FOCUS ON ZURICH – THE CITY’S HIGHLIGHTS OF 2019

Switzerland’s trendsetting gem While obviously impressing with a medieval old town with plenty of sights, charming streets and shops, Zurich is also a mustvisit for art and culture fans, as well as nature enthusiasts. Unsurprisingly, Zurich is also a wonderfully trendy town – so there really is something for everyone to explore. In the following special theme, we showcase some of the best places to visit.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF

Kunstmuseum Zuerich. Photo: © Switzerland Tourism, swiss-image.ch/Andre Meier

60 | Issue 69 | December 2018

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Focus on Zurich – The City’s Highlights of 2019

Views over the wintry lake basin of Zuerich with the Alps in the background. Photo: © Switzerland Tourism, swiss-image.ch/Ivo Scholz

If you have been in Zurich before, you know how enchanting this city really is. If you have not been, 2019 might be the year you should plan a visit. As Switzerland’s largest city and a global centre for banking and finance, it is easy to forget that it is also a delightful place for tourists. With a population of around 400,000, Zurich lies at the north end of Lake Zurich in northern Switzerland. It is a relatively small city but nonetheless has a lot on offer.

For example, the picturesque lanes of the old town reflect the city’s pre-medieval history. Taking a stroll through the charming lanes while gazing at the many cute shops and impressive medieval and Renaissance architecture is an experience in itself. Top attractions like the Bahnhofstrasse, St Peter’s Church or Lake Zurich should not be left out either, of course.

Or why not head to the Limmatquai, a waterfront promenade which follows the

river towards the 17th-century town hall?

Luckily, Zurich is perfectly laid-out for sightseeing on foot.

Culture fans can go to a variety of different museums and exhibitions and nature fans should head to the Dolderbahn railway which brings them to the hilly Zurichberg district. From here, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views across Lake Zurich, the city and the mountains in the background.

After an eventful day out sightseeing and exploring, a variety of innovative and top-class restaurants and eateries of every kind are waiting for guests. And, of course, a diverse range of hotels and guesthouses for every budget rounds off Zurich’s offering.

Zurich does have it all! So what are you waiting for?

Fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Photo: © Zuerich Tourismus, swiss-image.ch

If you plan a trip to Zurich soon, be sure to read the following special theme where we have handpicked some of the city’s highlights which are all well worth a visit.

Issue 69 | December 2018 | 61

A pinch of pepper

TEXT: SILKE HENKELE I PHOTOS: METZGEREI KELLER AG

− the modern interpretation of an old craft

Consumers are more and more conscious of the quality of their food. Zurich-based traditional butcher Keller sets an example and offers a wide variety of high-quality, yummy sausages and meat products.

“My grandfather Armin Keller established our butcher’s shop in 1934 and, to some degree, we still use his recipes today,” recounts Urs Keller, manager of Keller Butchers. Aware of the timelessness of tradition, Keller Butchers stands out via a high regard of the product as well as a traditional understanding of the butcher’s trade. Keller continues: “Yes, we are proud to be a traditional enterprise. That notwithstanding, we are constantly developing new ideas and products. You may safely say that we are creative traditionalists who pass on their know-how and love of the product from generation to generation.”

Next to the high-quality meat products that Keller Butchers primarily obtains from Switzerland and partially from e.g.

Australia, Ireland, USA or South America, it is the shop’s very own specialities which makes its sales mix so particular. “We feel 62 | Issue 69 | December 2018

obliged to our long-standing tradition.

We have, however, enhanced my grandfather’s recipes to better match the zeitgeist which likes its food a little bit spicier than in the past. Our very own ‘Wiedikerli’ are known beyond Zurich’s borders and are one of our highlights. Named after the district in which Keller Butchers is located, our Wiedikerli sausages, relished in its pure version, refined with fennel or with peperoncini, or, alternatively, made from veal, are incredibly popular with our customers and are savoured by an evergrowing crowd of fans,” says Keller.

Quality speaks for itself. Meat products and sausages not only are popular with private households, but also with gastronomical premises from around Zurich.

“Restaurants, cafés, hotels and restaurant chains count amongst our many commercial customers - proof for us that our

products are highly esteemed by the professionals also,” Keller says proudly.

Yet, Keller Butchers does not want to rest on its laurels. “In 2019, we will celebrate our Wiedikerli’s 25th anniversary. We will therefore launch new creations particularly suited for summer barbecues and are already looking forward to our customers’ reactions!”

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Focus on Zurich – The City’s Highlights of 2019

Eine Prise Pfeffer

− altes Handwerk neu interpretiert Verbraucher achten heute immer mehr auf die Qualität von Lebensmitteln. Die Zürcher Traditionsmetzgerei Keller geht mit ihrem breitgefächerten Sortiment an hochwertigen und leckeren Wurst- und Fleischwaren mit gutem Beispiel voran.

Für uns Zeichen, dass die Qualität unserer Produkte auch von Profis geschätzt wird“, ist sich Keller sicher.

Sortiment der Metzgerei so besonders machen. „Wir fühlen uns der Tradition verpflichtet und so produzieren wir teilweise auch heute noch nach Rezepten meines Großvaters - allerdings haben wir diese dem Zeitgeist leicht angepasst, der es pikanter und schärfer mag als früher. Von ganz besonderer Bedeutung sind unsere ‚Wiedikerli‘, die auch über Zürichs Stadtgrenzen hinaus bekannt sind. Benannt nach dem Stadtteil, in dem sich unsere Metzgerei befindet, handelt es sich dabei um Bratwürste aus Schweinefleisch, die, pur, mit Fenchel, extra scharf mit Peperoncini oder auch in der Version aus Kalbsfleisch, von unseren Kunden sehr geschätzt werden und immer mehr Kunden begeistern“, weiß Keller.

Ausruhen möchte sich Keller aber auf diesen Lorbeeren nicht. „2019 feiert das ,Wiedikerli‘ den 25-jährigen Geburtstag. Im Frühjahr werden wir daher neue Kreationen auf den Markt bringen, die sich besonders gut zum Grillen eignen. Wir sind schon sehr gespannt auf die Reaktionen unserer Kunden!“

„Mein Großvater Armin Keller eröffnete die Metzgerei 1934 und in Teilen produzieren wir noch heute nach seinen Rezepten“, erzählt Urs Keller, Geschäftsführer der Metzgerei Keller.

Wohlwissend, dass Tradition zeitlos ist, zeichnet sich die Metzgerei durch viel Wertschätzung des Produkts und durch ein traditionelles Verständnis des Metzgerhandwerks aus.

Hierzu meint Keller: „Ja, wir sind ein traditionelles Unternehmen und darauf sind wir sehr stolz. Darüber hinaus allerdings entwickeln wir uns ständig weiter und arbeiten an neuen Produkten und Ideen. Man kann schon sagen, dass wir kreative Traditionalisten sind. Und dass wir unser Know-How und die Liebe zum Produkt von Generation zu Generation weitergeben.“ Neben hochwertigen Fleischwaren, die die Metzgerei Keller vor allem aus der Schweiz bezieht, teilweise aber auch beispielsweise aus Australien, Irland, USA oder Südamerika importiert, sind es auch die Spezialitäten, die das

www.metzgerei-keller.ch

Qualität überzeugt! Fleisch- und Wurstwaren der Metzgerei Keller sind nicht nur bei Endverbrauchern beliebt, sondern auch in der Zürcher Gastronomie. „Wir beliefern viele Restaurants oder auch Cafés, Hotels und die Systemgastronomie im Umkreis.

Issue 69 | December 2018 | 63

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Focus on Zurich – The City’s Highlights of 2019

The Salon where guests are spoiled with Mediterranean-maghrebian cuisine.

A treatment with natural cosmetics.

The Hammam.

TEXT: INA FRANK | PHOTOS: KATHARINA LÜTSCHER

Experiencing oriental bathing culture in Zurich

Orientalische Badekultur in Zürich erleben

For five years, there has been the Hammam Basar + Salon in the Zurich Seefeld. Next to the classic bathing tour, the team offers massages, cosmetic treatments and workshops.

At the Salon, guests are spoiled with culinary delights, and at the Basar, one can buy products for the home.

Seit fünf Jahren gibt es den Hammam Basar + Salon im Zürcher Seefeld. Neben dem klassischen Reinigungsrundgang werden Massagen, kosmetische Behandlungen und Workshops angeboten. Im Salon werden die Gäste kulinarisch verwöhnt und im Basar können Produkte für zu Hause gekauft werden.

The Hammam, located in the northern part of the Patumbahpark, was explicitly planned as such and built following ecological specifications, with Lis Mijnssen as the initiator and owner.

Ecology and sustainability are the basis of the whole project. The interior of the Hammam is defined by its pleasant light and subtle openings, so-called Mousharabiehs.

Der Hammam, gelegen im nördlichen Teil des Patumbahparks, wurde explizit als solcher geplant und nach ökologischen Vorgaben gebaut. Initiantin und Inhaberin ist Lis Mijnssen. Ökologie und Nachhaltigkeit bilden die Basis des gesamten Unternehmens. Die Innenräume des Hammam zeichnen sich durch angenehme Lichtstimmungen und dezente Öffnungen, sogenannte Mousharabiehs, aus.

In a traditional hammam, women and men commit themselves to their body care separately. The Zurich Hammam Basar + Salon also offers ‘mixed days’. The bathing tour starts in the warm-up room, where guests get their utensils. In the warm room, they wash themselves with a lot of water and Savon Noir, a soap made of olives, water and the ashes of cedar wood, followed by the stay in the hot room, where guests can also stimulate their circulation with a cooling footbath. Back in the warm room, the visitors scrub their skin with a gommage glove and rub their skin and hair with rhassoul, an alumina. After the thorough cleaning, the relaxation room or the roof terrace invite the guests to relax. In addition to the Hammam, massages, cosmetic treatments and workshops covering topics like natural cosmetics or nutrition are offered.

In einem traditionellen Hammam widmen sich Frauen und Männer getrennt der Reinigung und Körperpflege. Im Zürcher Hammam Basar + Salon gibt es auch gemischte Tage. Der Rundgang beginnt im Aufwärmraum, hier erhalten die Gäste ihre Utensilien. Im Warmraum waschen sie sich mit Savon Noir, einer Seife aus Oliven, Wasser und Zedernasche, und reichlich Wasser, danach folgt der Aufenthalt im Heißraum, wo mit einem kühlenden Fußbad zusätzlich Kreislauf und Durchblutung angeregt werden. Zurück im Warmraum schrubben die Gäste ihre Haut mit einem Gommage-Handschuh und tragen Rhassoul, eine Tonerde, auf Haut und Haare auf. Zum Ausruhen nach der gründlichen Reinigung laden der Ruheraum oder die Dachterrasse ein.

Ergänzend zum Hammam werden auch Massagen und kosmetische Behandlungen angeboten. Außerdem werden regelmässig kulturelle Anlässe und Workshops zu Themen, wie Naturkosmetik oder Ernährung durchgeführt.

In the Salon, the guests are spoiled with Mediterraneanmaghrebian cuisine. The dishes are vegetarian or vegan, free of gluten and lactose. Fresh, organic and seasonal ingredients are used throughout.

Im Salon werden die Gäste mit mediterran-maghrebinischer Küche verwöhnt. Die Gerichte sind vegetarisch, vegan, gluten- und laktosefrei erhältlich. Verwendet werden marktfrische, biologische und saisonale Produkte.

At the Basar, customers can find natural cosmetics, care products, bathing utensils, textiles and home accessories, with a big part of the assortment being explicitly produced for the Hammam Basar + Salon.

64 | Issue 69 | December 2018

Im Basar finden Kunden Naturkosmetik, Pflegeprodukte, Badutensilien, Textilien und Wohnaccessoires. Ein grosser Teil des Sortiments wird eigens für Hammam Basar + Salon produziert. www.hammambasar.ch

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Focus on Zurich – The City’s Highlights of 2019

Top left: The museum’s location at the Toni-Areal. Photo: © ZHdK. Below left: Pavilion Le Corbusier – from 10 May 2019. Photo: © Georg Aerni. Middle: The museum’s main building at Ausstellungsstrasse. Photo: © Museum für Gestaltung Zürich. Right: Exhibition Genesis by Sebastião Salgado. Photo: © Museum für Gestaltung Zürich

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE

Design times three

Design hoch drei

The Museum of Design Zurich is an absolute must-see for every design aficionado. Exciting exhibitions at three different venues and a comprehensive collection of Design, Graphics, Poster and Decorative Arts make this an essential port of call.

Das Museum für Gestaltung Zürich lässt jedes Design-Herz höherschlagen. Spannende Ausstellungen an drei Standorten und umfassende Sammlungen zu Design, Grafik, Plakat und Kunstgewerbe machen dieses Haus zur ersten Adresse der Schweiz.

The museum’s newly renovated main building in the city centre is an icon of modernist architecture. Here, one can find the most fascinating pieces of the collection’s 500,000 items as well as the temporary exhibitions and the Swiss Design Lounge. The latter is free of charge and shows the best Swiss furniture, which is still being produced today.

Das frisch renovierte Stammhaus im Stadtzentrum ist eine Ikone der Architekturmoderne. Hier sind die faszinierendsten Stücke der 500.000 Objekte umfassenden Sammlungen zu entdecken, aber auch Wechselausstellungen und die Swiss Design Lounge. Diese ist gratis zugänglich und zeigt die besten Schweizer Möbelstücke, die heute noch produziert werden.

“The exhibition Ideal Living is both amusing and educational,” says museum director Christian Brändle. “With icons from the Swiss Design history, we show how people with taste should have lived back then.”

The recently opened exhibition Genesis, by Sebastião Salgado, which runs until mid-2019, is a visual event: in over 30 trips, the photographer captured Earth’s overwhelming beauty. With his touching report in black and white, he also questions how we deal with our planet.

At its second location, at the Toni-Areal, the museum presents exhibitions regarding the whole range of applied arts. There are four collections stored in the archives – including the world’s largest poster collection.

From May 2019, the museum will also lead the Pavilion Le Corbusier at Zurich’s Seefeld. Temporary exhibitions, events and workshops will centre around the great architect’s versatile works. But the highlight remains the pavilion itself – the maestro’s final and most colourful construction.

„Amüsant und lehrreich zugleich ist die Ausstellung Ideales Wohnen“ erzählt Museumsdirektor Christian Brändle, „da zeigen wir mit Ikonen aus der Schweizer Designgeschichte, wie man damals hätte wohnen müssen, wenn man Geschmack gehabt hätte.“ Die kürzlich eröffnete Ausstellung Genesis von Sebastião Salgado, die bis Mitte 2019 läuft, ist ein visuelles Ereignis: In über 30 Reisen hat der Fotograf die überwältigende Schönheit unserer Erde festgehalten. Er stellt mit seiner berührenden Reportage in schwarz-weiß auch unseren Umgang mit dem Planeten in Frage.

An seinem zweiten Standort im Toni-Areal präsentiert das Museum Ausstellungen aus dem ganzen Spektrum der Angewandten Kunst. In den Archiven lagern die vier Sammlungen des Hauses – darunter die größte Plakatsammlung der Welt.

Zudem führt das Museum ab Mai 2019 den Pavillon Le Corbusier im Zürcher Seefeld. Wechselausstellungen, Veranstaltungen und Workshops thematisieren das vielfältige Werk des grossen Architekten. Das Highlight ist aber der Pavillon an sich, der farbigste und letzte Bau des Maestros. www.museum-gestaltung.ch Issue 69 | December 2018 | 65

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Focus on Zurich – The City’s Highlights of 2018

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE I PHOTOS: CLUB BELLEVUE

Cool vibes and an excellent sound system Right by Zurich Bellevue Square at Freieckgasse, one can find Club Bellevue.

With a state-of-the-art sound system by VOID and a casual party atmosphere, it is crystal clear that music takes centre stage here. It is a top location for all music lovers, but also for clubbers who just want to get carried away by the music and dance through the night.

Those who prefer a larger, more mainstream club, should perhaps keep looking, because Club Bellevue is far more unique and authentic, with a great personal vibe.

The music scene’s international artists, but particularly local stars, give intimate performances at this petite venue. Quality instead of quantity is the credo. What is most important for owner and manager Marco Ammann is that his guests can enjoy the music fully, let go and party properly.

The audience at Club Bellevue is very varied, as Ammann explains: “The club is generally for grown-ups, who appreciate great sound quality and exuberant parties.

We have a mixed audience without any 66 | Issue 69 | December 2018

dress code – people who simply want to have fun and enjoy our top service at the bar and in the lounges.”

Particularly the December programme of the fine club offers a great opportunity to party in the heart of Zurich, with additional events each Thursday night, called Disgobelle, where house-orientated disco music is played. On Saturdays, the music is always electro, but recently, Friday nights have become more open musically – “without ever being cheesy,” Ammann adds. The big New Year’s Eve party Tschau 2018 on 31 January, featuring Cesi, MiMMO and Guiseppe Russo, is another special event not to be missed.

Just letting go and dancing to the rhythm of fantastic music – that is the best way to imagine the club’s atmosphere. Not just parties, but also cultural events take place here. As a venue, Club Bellevue is a very special location with a lot of character. Regardless of whether it is for corporate events, big celebrations, live TV shows or theatre, the club is equipped with top-notch technology and the team around Marco Ammann and organisational powerhouse Jessica Makwala has a lot of experience when it comes to event management.

There are no long queues at crowded bars and also no old couches, but instead, a carefully selected retro-style without much bling. At Club Bellevue, one finds a balanced mix of chic and underground. A location that invites you to be yourself and dance to the bass until the wee hours of the morning.

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Focus on Zurich – The City’s Highlights of 2019

Lässige Vibes und exzellentes Soundsystem Direkt am Zürcher Bellevue in der Freieckgasse befindet sich der gleichnamige Club Bellevue. In chilliger Party-Atmosphäre und mit hochrangigem Soundsystem der Marke VOID steht hier ganz klar die Musik im Mittelpunkt. Eine Top-Adresse für alle Musikliebhaber, aber auch Clubber, die sich einfach mal treiben lassen und die Nacht durchtanzen wollen.

Wer eine Mainstream-geprägte Großraumdisco sucht, ist im Club Bellevue eher fehl am Platz. Denn hier geht es sehr viel persönlicher und authentischer zu. Internationale und vor allem die bekanntesten lokalen Künstler der Musik-Szene spielen hautnah im kleinen Rahmen. Qualität statt Quantität lautet die Devise. Dass die Gäste die gute Musik in vollen Zügen genießen und so richtig feiern können – das liegt dem Inhaber und Manager Marco Ammann am Herzen.

Das Publikum ist dabei sehr breitgefächert und leger wie Ammann erzählt: „Der Club ist grundsätzlich für ein erwachsenes Publikum, das gute Soundqualität und ausgelassenes Feiern schätzt. Wir haben gemischtes Publikum ohne Dresscode, das einfach Spaß haben möchte und gerne unseren guten Service an der Bar und in den Lounges genießt.“

tet und das Team um Marco Ammann und Organisationstalent Jessica Makwala hat viel Erfahrung im Bereich Event-Management.

Und immer gilt: Kein langes Warten an überfüllten Bars, aber eben auch keine alten Sofas, sondern ausgesuchter Retro-Stil ohne viel Bling-Bling. Man findet eine gekonnte Mischung aus schick und Underground. Eben ein Ort, der einlädt man selbst zu sein und bis tief in die Morgenstunden bei wummernden Bässen zu tanzen. www.club-bellevue.ch

Gerade das Dezemberprogramm vom kleinen aber feinen Club Bellevue bietet mit den zusätzlichen Donnerstagabenden eine coole Gelegenheit im Herzen Zürichs so richtig zu feiern. Das Konzept am Donnerstag heißt Disgobelle und gespielt wird Discomusik im Housebereich. Samstags ist die Musik immer im elektronischen Bereich aber neuerdings ist der Freitag im Bellevue musikalisch breit gefächert, so Ammann. Die große Silvesternacht ‚Tschau 2018‘ am 31.12. mit Cesi, MiMMO und Giuseppe Russo sollte man sich ebenfalls auf keinen Fall entgehen lassen.

Ungeniert feiern und tanzen, einfach mal los lassen und einfach mit der Musik mitgehen – so kann man sich die Atmosphäre im Club vorstellen. Nicht nur die Partynächte, sondern auch kulturelle Events finden hier statt. Als Event-Location ist Club Bellevue ebenfalls eine ganz besondere Adresse mit viel Charakter. Egal ob für Firmenevents, große Feiern, TV Live-Übertragungen oder Theater – der Club ist mit modernster Technik bestens ausgestatIssue 69 | December 2018 | 67

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Focus on Zurich – The City’s Highlights of 2018

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF I PHOTOS: FAT TONY AG

Chic entertainment - from am to pm We have got an exciting must-visit location in Zurich for you, which simply needs to be tried out: the chic Fat Tony! Situated in the hip Langstrassen quarter, the bar and small restaurant entices its guests with creative delicacies throughout the day and attracts all those that love great drinks, cool sounds and tasty snacks with an exceptional mix of great interior design and a wonderful bar concept.

Already at 8am, the Fat Tony welcomes its guests with coffee and pastries in a relaxed atmosphere, before the bar transforms into a small restaurant with a trendy tone and atmosphere over lunchtime. The restaurant part then offers fresh, daily changing menus. How about one of the dozen different pizzas, for example, which get served as large slices with thick dough crust? “The pizzas are our own creations and thus, can only be bought in the Fat Tony. This makes the pizza our so-called ‘signature dish’,” smiles Alejandro Vazquez, one of the Fat Tony’s partners. In the evening, the restaurant transforms into one of the city’s hippest bars. This means that you could spend the entire day here, if you want to! And if you still have not had enough of the Fat Tony, 68 | Issue 69 | December 2018

you can also pay a visit at the weekend, as the wonderfully served brunch offerings on Saturdays and Sundays have been a true highlight in the city for quite some time.

The Fat Tony combines exceptional interior design with a refreshing bar concept – no wonder then, that hipsters, as well as chic business people, both love to spend time here. Furthermore, with the terrace that lies directly at the Langstrasse and its equally gorgeous terrace in the back yard, the Fat Tony emits unparalleled warmth and charm.

An alternative of the very special kind After some tasty food and great drinks, we then suggest heading to the nearby Gonzo

Club which opens from Wednesday until Saturday. It poses as a great alternative to Zurich’s predominantly electro clubs and is a vessel for the many different musical styles and tastes of the various party guests. Disco, funk, boogie, hip-hop, pop or rock fans will get their money’s worth at the Gonzo. Alejandro explains: “At the moment, the new Thursday event ‘Disco Bisquit’ is very popular. It gets organised with two famous faces and offers artists like drag queens, for example, a platform outside their usual scene. Additionally, the Gonzo holds various live shows from national and international bands several times a month.”

In 2019, visitors to the Fat Tony can look forward to more lunch offerings, such as ‘Fat Tony style’ pasta variations, and new evening events which will accompany the bar operations. “This will probably include quite a few great surprises,” concludes Alejandro.

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Focus on Zurich – The City’s Highlights of 2019

Coole Unterhaltung von morgens bis abends Wir haben einen spannenden Tipp in Zürich für dich, der unbedingt ausprobiert werden sollte: das Fat Tony! Im hippen und pulsierenden Langstrassen Viertel gelegen, begrüßt die Bar mit kleinem Imbiss seine Gäste nämlich den ganzen Tag mit kreativen Leckereien und zieht mit einem aussergewöhnlichen Mix aus Interior Design und Bar Konzept all jene an, die auf gute Drinks, coole Sounds und leckere Snacks stehen.

Bereits ab 8 Uhr morgens empfängt das Fat Tony den Gast entspannt mit Kaffee und Gebäck aller Art, bevor sich die Bar über Mittag in ein schmuckes, kleines Restaurant mit cooler Atmosphäre verwandelt. Der Imbissteil bietet dann frische, täglich wechselnde Menüs an. Wie wäre es zum Beispiel mit einer der rund Dutzend verschiedenen Pizzas, die als grosse Slices mit dickem Teigboden serviert werden? „Die Pizzas sind Eigenkreationen und somit nur im Fat Tony zu haben.

So ist die Pizza sozusagen unser ‚Signature Dish‘“, lächelt Alejandro Vazquez, einer der Partner vom Fat Tony. Am Abend verwandelt sich der Imbiss dann in eine der angesagtesten Bars der ganzen Stadt. Wer möchte, kann hier also den ganzen Tag verbringen! Und wer dann noch nicht genug hat, sollte auch am Wochenende vorbeischauen, denn das

herrlich angerichtete Brunch-Angebot am Samstag und Sonntag ist schon länger ein wahres Highlight im Fat Tony.

Hier wird aussergewöhnliches Interior Design mit erfrischendem Bar Konzept verbunden – kein Wunder also, dass sowohl hippe Szenegänger als auch schicke Business Leute aus der nahegelegenen City hier gerne verweilen. Mit einer Boulevardterrasse direkt an der Langstrasse und vor allem der für das Viertel unbeschreiblichen Terrasse im Hinterhof versprüht das Fat Tony eine grosse Wärme und viel Charme.

geöffnet ist. Der Club ist eine stete Alternative zu den vorherrschenden Elektroclubs Zürichs und ist ein Gefäss für verschiedene Musikstile und Geschmäcker der Partygäste. So werden Fans von Disco, Funk, Boogie, HipHop, Pop und Rock im Gonzo auf ihre Kosten kommen. Alejandro sagt: „Gerade sehr angesagt ist der neue Donnerstagsevent ‚Disco Bisquit‘, der mit zwei bekannten Gesichtern zusammen organisiert wird und zum Beispiel Drag Queens ausserhalb ihrer eigentlicher Szene eine Auftrittsplattform bietet. Ausserdem gibt es mehrere LiveShows pro Monat von nationalen und internationalen Bands.“

Eine Alternative der Extraklasse

In 2019 dürfen sich Besucher des Fat Tony auf ein ausgebautes Mittagsangebot, wie zum Beispiel auf Pastavariationen ‚Fat Tony Style‘ und neue abendliche Events freuen, die den Barbetrieb begleiten werden. „Da werden sicher einige tolle Überraschungen dabei sein“, sagt Alejandro.

Nach einem leckeren Essen und tollen Drinks sollte es dann in den nahegelegenen Gonzo Club gehen, der von Mittwoch bis Samstag

www.fat-tony.ch www.gonzoclub.ch

Issue 69 | December 2018 | 69

Constance Christmas Market.

Three Christmas markets, two countries, one day Lake Constance has a lot to offer, especially during the Christmas season. With over 60 Christmas markets nestled all around the beautiful lake, travellers can enjoy the unique festive flair of Germany, Austria, Switzerland and even a little bit of the nearby Principality of Liechtenstein in one go. A special boat trip run by Voralberg Lines offers the unique experience of visiting three different Christmas markets in one day. Welcome to Christmas paradise!

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE | PHOTOS: MTK, DAGMAR SCHWELLE

Ever heard of the Christmas Ship? Then it is about time you find out about it and come onboard! Voralberg Lines makes it possible to really get into the festive spirit with their wonderful (and, of course, comfortably heated) ship, which takes guests from Bregenz in Austria to Lindau in Germany. The two enchanted Christmas markets of Bregenz are simply stunning, and are the prefect experience before the boat trip on the ‘MS Austria’.

The ship features an exhibition of nativity scenes and a lovingly decorated fairytale forest. New this year are the ship’s own Ice Bar and a model railway measuring ten 70 | Issue 69 | December 2018

metres. But the true highlight of the trip remains the stunning ride with the beautifully lit shores of Lake Constance as a backdrop.

The island of Lindau welcomes guests with a wonderful Christmas market right at the harbour, which is unique in the region. Under twinkling lights and with glistening mountain tops in the background, Lindau invites its visitors to indulge in homemade mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. At 14 euros per person, the boat trip is as affordable as can be and is certainly a lovely adventure to enjoy during the festive season.

Christmas markets as far as the eye can see For those who prefer to remain on land, Lake Constance has a wealth of Christmas themed treats on offer, and with it being surrounded by snowy mountain tops, it is also an ideal base for winter sports holidays. However, what makes the location so very unique is the fact that it borders Austria, Germany and Switzerland, with the Principality of Liechtenstein only a stone’s throw away so that many of the Christmas markets also feature treats from that region too.

The number one culinary speciality, which one can find at the majority of the markets around Lake Constance, is a traditional cheese dumpling. Kässpätzle, Kässpatzn, Käsknöpfle or Chäschnöpfli are just some of the different regional names for what is essentially the same thing: dumplings with lots and lots of cheese. What more do you need on a cold winter’s day?

Discover Germany | Travel Feature | Three Christmas Markets, Two Countries, One Day

Romantic castles and majestic strongholds galore When you are filled to the brim with what all the Christmas markets along the 273 kilometres of shoreline have on offer, it is time to check out the cultural side of the region around the popular lake. There are plenty of castles and palaces, which are particularly scenic when covered with a gently glistening layer of snow.

Classic highlights are the Baroque palace of the Counts of Montfort in Tettnang, the abbey and palace in Salem, the old castle in Meersburg, the ruined stronghold in Hohentwiel in the volcanic Hegau area, Arenenberg castle in Salenstein, Kisslegg castle, the stronghold Munot and the Vaduz castle in Liechtenstein, with another Christmas market at its feet. Any Vorarlberg Lines Christmas Ship. Photo: © Vorarlberg Lines Bodenseeschifffahrt, Curt Huber

Constance Christmas Market.

of those places will take you back in time and bring the history of the four-country region to life.

Dashing through the snow Whether for skiing or snowboarding, perhaps in Liechtenstein’s well-known ski area of Malbun, or for a winter wonderland walk across the mountains’ pine tree forests, the region around Lake Constance is beautifully varied and is hence perfect if you want to combine various wintery activities in just one holiday.

For a little peace and quiet after Christmas shopping or winter sports or simply to warm up again after a day in the cold, visit one of the numerous thermal baths and unwind in the healing waters whilst gazing out over the lake. There

are so many thermal baths offering different types of additional treatments, it is impossible to pick just a few. Slow food, massages and also certain fasting concepts are widespread in the spas around Lake Constance.

But if we are being honest, right now might not be the best time for a cleansing fast. There is too much good food to try and you would not want to miss it.

So, perhaps let the diet plans wait until next year and indulge in all the Christmas goodness of wonderful Lake Constance.

Chances are, you will want to come back anyway. In spring, in summer, in autumn – but especially during Christmas. www.vorarlberg-lines.at www.bodensee.eu/en

Christmas Market at Kornmarktplatz Bregenz. Photo: © Petra Rainer, Bodensee-Vorarlberg Tourismus GmbH

Ice Rank Überlingen. Photo: © Überlingen Marketing und Tourismus GmbH

Issue 69 | December 2018 | 71

Discover Germany | Business | The Future of Mobility & Logistic Innovations

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE

Left: Photo: © Mayk Azzato / www.azzato.com Right: Photo: © Michael Zellmer / www.michaelzellmer.de

Personal, exclusive, and discreet

Persönlich, exklusiv und diskret

Genuinely personalised luxury while traveling: the VIPServices at Frankfurt Airport satisfy every wish, thoroughly pampering guests with a standard of comfort and exclusivity that is hard to find anywhere else.

Ganz persönlicher Luxus auch unterwegs – der Flughafen Frankfurt lässt in Sachen VIP-Services keine Wünsche offen.

Gäste der VIP-Services Frankfurt Airport dürfen sich so richtig verwöhnen lassen, denn ein Höchstmaß an Luxus und Exklusivität ist hier selbstverständlich.

Frankfurt Airport sets new standards with its professional VIPServices, whether guests have just landed, are about to take off, or wish to spend a layover in a luxurious ambiance. “We are driven by a commitment to meet all of our guests’ wishes,” say Nicole Ebner and Thorsten Jordan, the two vice presidents tasked with VIP-Services and protocol. A VIP guest relations manager personally greets each guest and handles all travel formalities for them.

On request, it is also no problem to arrange for a tailor, masseur, hairdresser, or physician to attend to them on-site.

Der Flughafen Frankfurt setzt mit seinen professionellen VIP-Services neue Maßstäbe. Ob bei der Anreise, beim Abflug oder beim Aufenthalt in den luxuriösen Räumlichkeiten: „Unseren Gästen jeden Wunsch zu erfüllen, das ist unser Ansporn“, erklären Nicole Ebner und Thorsten Jordan, beide Vice President des VIP-Service und Protocol. Neben dem persönlichen Empfang und der Abwicklung aller Formalitäten durch persönliche VIP Guest Relations Manager wird auf Wunsch auch gern ein Schneider, Masseur, Friseur oder Arzt organisiert.

In the main VIP facility, which spans 1,300 square meters and boasts five-star furnishings and amenities, guests will find an excellently stocked bar, a cigar lounge, and a gaming lounge, among other things. Fully-equipped conference rooms with high-speed Wi-Fi are available for holding business meetings and working without distractions. Eight private suites, each in a different design, feature marble bathrooms and apron views: ideal for relaxing and unwinding.

Guests of the VIP-Services at Frankfurt Airport can also enjoy topnotch regional and international cuisine, including an outstanding selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Excellent house wines, as well as coffee and espresso-based specialties prepared with premium beans from the Kuffler roastery, round out the offering.

Relaxed travel with personalised attention is what the VIPServices at Frankfurt Airport are all about.

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In der Hauptlounge des 1.300 Quadratmeter großen VIP-Bereichs mit Ausstattung eines Fünf-Sterne-Hotels erwarten die Gäste eine bestens sortierte Bar, eine Cigar Lounge sowie eine Gaming Lounge. Für Geschäftstreffen und konzentriertes Arbeiten stehen die voll ausgestatteten Konferenzräume mit Highspeed-WLAN zur Verfügung. Acht individuell gestaltete Privatsuiten mit Marmorbädern und Blick auf das Vorfeld laden hingegen zum Entspannen ein.

Kulinarisch bieten die VIP-Services das Feinste aus regionaler und internationaler Küche sowie eine ausgezeichnete Auswahl an vegetarischen und veganen Gerichten. Exzellente Hausweine sowie Kaffee- und Espressospezialitäten aus der exklusiven Kuffler-Röstung runden das Angebot wunderbar ab.

Entspanntes Reisen mit persönlicher Betreuung – dafür stehen die VIP-Services des Frankfurt Airport. www.vip.frankfurt-airport.com

Discover Germany | Business | Germany’s Consulting Expert

Left: Marco Mauler - division manager MCG Product Compliance.

Middle: Dr. Christian Grams - director MCG. Right: MCG estimated that German exports could have been around 43 billion US dollars higher than they actually were had the non-tariff barriers that were introduced between 2010 and 2015 not existed. Photo: © Getty Images

TEXT: SILKE HENKELE I PHOTOS: MUNICH CONSULTING GROUP

How to realise success and growth in international markets

Erfolg und Wachstum in internationalen Märkten sichern mit Beratung und Know-How für technische Vertriebsfähigkeit

The globalisation process challenges many businesses to access new markets while at the same time adhering to country-specific legal requirements. The specialists from Munich Consulting Group (MCG) can help with just that.

Viele Unternehmen stehen im Zuge der Internationalisierung vor der Herausforderung, neue Märkte zu erschließen und deren gesetzliche Anforderungen einzuhalten Wie gut, dass es für solche Fälle die Spezialisten der Munich Consulting Group (MCG) gibt.

Dr. Christian Grams and Dr. Markus Schöppler established Munich Consulting Group in 2005. Today, the consulting firm employs 140 people and its approach can be described as highly professional, results-orientated and with a prevailing focus on their respective client’s issues.

Dr. Christian Grams und Dr. Markus Schöppler gründeten die Munich Consulting Group im Jahr 2005. Heute beschäftigt MCG insgesamt 140 Mitarbeiter und fällt auf durch einen Beratungsansatz, der u.a. geprägt ist von professionellem, ergebnisorientiertem Handeln und einer starken Fokussierung auf die jeweilige Problemstellung seiner Kunden.

Dr. Grams explains: “We consider ourselves primarily as partner of the industry, particularly of the automotive branch and medium-sized manufacturing businesses. Our consulting services focus on Industrial Engineering, Marketing & Sales as well as Product Compliance.” The latter, MCG has noted, figures more and more frequently on top of its clients’ agendas.

“The compliance of a product with local legal regulations becomes more complex and challenging,” explains Marco Mauler, the division manager of Product Compliance. He adds: “We are one of the few consulting agencies in Germany with the competence to consult our clients on this topic with pinpoint precision and country-specific knowledge.“ Dr. Grams adds: “We use our own methodologies and know-how which, thanks to our interdisciplinary team and an internationally functioning network of experts and market contacts, always works out the most suitable strategy.“

Dr. Grams erklärt: „Wir sehen uns vor allem als Partner der Industrie, besonders der Automotiveindustrie und des produzierenden Mittelstandes.

Unsere Beratungsschwerpunkte liegen bei den Themen Industrial Engineering, Marketing & Sales sowie Product Compliance.“ Immer häufiger steht neuerdings das Thema Product Compliance im Fokus von MCGs Kunden. „Die Einhaltung von lokalen gesetzlichen Bestimmungen, die ein Produkt erfüllen muss, wird zunehmend komplexer und anspruchsvoller“, erklärt Marco Mauler, Geschäftsbereichsleiter Product Compliance, und fügt hinzu: „Als einige der wenigen Beratungsfirmen deutschlandweit sind wir in der Lage, unsere Kunden zu diesem Thema zielgenau und vor allem länderspezifisch zu beraten.“ Dr. Grams ergänzt: „Hier greifen wir auf unsere eigene Methodik und eigenes Know-How zurück, das dank unseres interdisziplinären Teams und dem international agierenden Netzwerk aus Experten und Marktkontakten immer die passende Lösung erarbeitet.“

Munich Consulting Group − when competent advice secures success in international markets.

Munich Consulting Group - wenn kompetente Beratung den Erfolg in internationalen Märkten sichert. www.mcg-gmbh.de Issue 69 | December 2018 | 73

Discover Germany | Business | Franchise Consulting Expert

Mag. Waltraud Martius, geschäftsführende Gesellschafterin der SYNCON International Franchise Consultants.

Mag. Waltraud Martius und ihr Syncon-Team.

Franchise-Denker, Macher und Optimierer Die SYNCON International Franchise Consultants entwickeln seit mehr als 30 Jahren engagiert, vorausschauend und kompetent maßgeschneiderte Franchisesysteme. Wie funktioniert das?

TEXT: SILKE HENKELE I FOTOS: SYNCON CONSULTING GMBH

„Grundsätzlich“, so Waltraud Martius, geschäftsführende Gesellschafterin, „hebt uns unsere Spezialisierung auf Franchiseberatung klar von anderen Beratungsunternehmen ab. Wir beraten branchenneutral und ganzheitlich auf Basis unseres strategischen Beratungsansatzes ‚Fairplay Franchising‘. Unsere Consultants sind im gesamten deutschsprachigen Raum im Einsatz, ergänzt um ein professionelles Netzwerk an Kooperationspartnern. Mit über 1500 erfolgreich abgewickelten Projekten bieten wir ein umfangreiches Erfahrungswissen und haben Einblick in die unterschiedlichsten Branchen.“

Was umfasst eine Beratung der SYNCON International Franchise Consultants? „Wir beraten Unternehmen, die ein FranchiseSystem entwickeln möchten und ebenso bestehende Franchise-Systeme in den Bereichen Aufbau, Expansion und Optimierung. Konkret bedeutet dies, dass wir in enger Zusammenarbeit mit den Kunden die Strategie, das Konzept und die Umsetzung des Franchisevorhabens passgenau erarbeiten - sowohl auf nationaler als auch auf internationaler Ebene.“ Der Beratungsansatz des Teams um Waltraud Martius, die Ehrenpräsidentin

des Österreichischen Franchise-Verbandes (ÖFV) ist und ihren Ruf als Expertin und (Mit-)Autorin verschiedener Bücher rund um das Thema Franchise manifestiert hat, ist dabei als ganzheitlich zu verstehen. „Als erfolgreiches Beratungsunternehmen behalten wir die Rechte und Pflichten sowohl der Franchisegeber als auch der Franchisepartner im Fokus“, betont Martius. „Denn nur“, fährt sie fort, „wenn beide Seiten partnerschaftlich zusammenarbeiten, kann daraus eine langfristig wirtschaftlich erfolgreiche Kooperation entstehen.“ Waltraud Martius genießt den Ruf visionäre Trendsetterin der deutschsprachigen Franchisewirtschaft zu sein und ist dabei nicht nur an aktuellen Themen interessiert, sondern lotet auch die Zukunft des Franchising aus. „Die Digitalisierung bietet Franchisesystemen generell eine Menge Möglichkeiten“, weiß Martius. „Im ausgehenden Jahr 2018 haben wir das Thema ‚Digitalisierung der Franchisezentrale‘ vorangetrieben, und lagen damit genau im Trend.“ Vom Erfolg überzeugt, wird das Syncon Team das Thema Digitalisierung auch in Zukunft weiterverfolgen. Gleichzeitig wendet sich Syncon auch dem Thema professionelle Rekrutierung von Franchisepartnern, sowie dem Partnermanagement im Spannungsfeld persönlicher und digitalisierter Kommunikation verstärkt im kommenden Jahr 2019 zu. www.syncon-franchise.com

74 | Issue 69 | December 2018

Discover Germany | Business | Architect of the Month

A RC HITE C T O F THE MON TH

Living energy

Main image and top left: Active Energy Building, Vaduz, Liechtenstein. Photos: © Korner Middle left: Attic Conversion: University of Applied Arts, Vienna, Austria. Photo: © Loidold Bottom left: Building in historical context: Curhaus St. Stephan, Vienna Austria. Photo: © falkeis.architects Bottom right: Cornelia Falkeis-Senn & Anton Falkeis, falkeis2architects. Photo: © Delmonte

Vienna-based falkeis architects has created highly efficient, innovative buildings ever since they started out three decades ago. Their exhibition Active Buildings – Innovation for Architecture in Motion has by now reached international recognition, and was recently visited by 3,500 visitors in Berlin alone.

either individuals or corporations with a high interest in innovation and a curiosity for exploring new approaches in architecture to improve our living conditions.”

TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI

For the near future, falkeis architects will continue on their path with designing more self-sustainable ‘Active Buildings’ and will also busy themselves with the next venues for their travelling exhibition Active Buildings-Innovation for Architecture in Motion. Apart from the recent success in Berlin (Aedes Architecture Forum), the exhibition has so far been shown in New York (ACFNY), Los Angeles (A+D Museum) and Vienna (MAK-Museum).

Profound experience and a keen interest in the nature of urban change mark the work of the two architects Anton Falkeis & Cornelia Falkeis-Senn.“Applied trans-disciplinary research is the foundation for our work,”states architect and co-founder Anton Falkeis. The office focuses on building-integrated energy production and sustainable structures as well as the social impact of technological innovation on urban life. falkeis architects was founded in Vienna in 1988 and today consists of the main office and the two branches falkeis|architects. vaduz and falkeis2architects.building innovation lab. Broadly published and exhibited worldwide, falkeis’ realisations include such groundbreaking projects as the Active Energy Building in Vaduz; an energyautonomous structure that actually produces more energy than it consumes. Aiming

towards a contribution to improving urban living conditions, it provides highly adaptable spatial capacities while also exclusively using renewable energy. The innovative, building-integrated energy production system was developed by falkeis architects and the Vaduz project now forms the prototype for a new independent building design.

Always interested in new solutions, falkeis architects covers a broad creative spectrum from large-scale urban architecture to art projects through to object design. The Curhaus St. Stephan, the Austria Abroad exhibition at the Austrian Parliament, the Museum and Documentation Center of Austrian Resistance as well as the virtual concert hall of the Mauthausen Memorial, are just some of their equally innovative, manifold Vienna-based projects. Cornelia Falkeis-Senn explains: “Our clients are

www.falkeis.com

Issue 69 | December 2018 | 75

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Germany’s Top Beauty Experts

P L ASTIC SURGEON OF TH E MONT H

TEXT: SILKE HENKELE, TRANSLATION: BARBARA GEIER PHOTOS: SASCHA BECKER, © DR. MED. JENS KAUCZOK

Beauty through science Dr. med. Jens Kauczok is one of Germany’s leading specialists for aesthetic, plastic and reconstructive surgery. Since April 2014, he has been heading his own surgery in his hometown of Würzburg.

Based on his long-standing experience and comprehensive training at internationally renowned institutions, Jens Kauczok can offer the whole range of plastic and aesthetic surgery, including solutions for patients who have already undergone previous surgical procedures.

Describing his focus, he says: “I’m not only specialising in conventional, aesthetic surgery interventions but also in more difficult cases that are often referred to me by colleagues when the previous surgery result has not been satisfactory.”

In recent years, Jens Kauczok has perfected a method of breast augmentation, using specially coated implants that result in a natural breast shape while at the same time reducing certain risks. The specific posi76 | Issue 69 | December 2018

tioning of the implant in the body as well as the implant technology prevent implant displacement and the dreaded capsular contracture whereby internal scar tissue forms a tight capsule around the breast implant, contracting it until becomes misshapen or hard.“This technology is a major advance in making the surgery safer and contributing to the patients’ wellbeing after the breast augmentation procedure.”

Regenerative medicine, too, can bring about impressive results in aesthetic surgery: “I developed a 4D facelift process that combines three different techniques to refresh and improve the appearance of the face.”Apart from tightening the skin and muscles, smaller facial wrinkles are in addition injected with stem cells extract-

ed from body fat and volume deficits filled with autologous fat. The combination of these techniques has a rejuvenating and firming effect, without the patient’s facial features being changed. The 4D facelift avoids over-correcting of problem areas, an “unnatural” facial expression and facial features that look operated on. “After all, my patients don’t want to look different but appear fresher and younger,” stresses Jens Kauczok.

Discover Germany | Business | Plastic Surgeon of the Month

Beauty through science Dr. med. Jens Kauczok ist einer der TOP-Spezialisten in Deutschland auf dem Gebiet der Ästhetischen, Plastischen und Rekonstruktiven Chirurgie. Seit April 2014 leitet Dr. Jens Kauczok die Praxis für Plastische und Ästhetische Chirurgie in der Julius-Echter-Galerie in Würzburg, seiner Heimat.

Auf Grund seiner langjährigen Erfahrung und fundierten Ausbildung an international renommierten Zentren beherrscht Dr. Kauczok das gesamte Spektrum der Plastischen und Ästhetischen Chirurgie und kann auch Problemlösungen für voroperierte Patienten anbieten. „In meiner Praxis habe ich mich nicht nur auf klassische ästhetische Eingriffe spezialisiert, sondern übernehme, hauptsächlich auf Empfehlung von Kollegen, auch schwierigere Fälle, in denen beispielsweise das vorherige Operationsergebnis wenig zufriedenstellend war“, umreißt Dr. Kauczok kurz den Fokus seiner Tätigkeit.

Dr. Kauczok hat in den letzten Jahren eine Methode des Brustaufbaus perfektioniert. Der Einsatz von speziell beschichteten Implantaten ermöglicht eine natürliche Form der Brust bei gleichzeitiger Reduktion der Risiken. Die

besondere Positionierung des Implantats im Körper, sowie die Implantattechnologie verhindern ein ‚Verrutschen‘ des Implantats und die gefürchtete Vernarbung der Hülle, die Kapselfibrose. „Diese Technologie ist ein großer Fortschritt in der Sicherheit der Operation und dem Wohlbefinden der Patientinnen nach der Brustvergrößerung.“ Auch die Regenerative Medizin ermöglicht in der Ästhetischen Chirurgie beeindruckende Operationsergebnisse. „Bei dem von mir selbst entwickelten 4D-Facelift kombiniere ich drei verschiedene Techniken zur Auffrischung und Aufklarung des Gesichtsbilds.“ Neben der Straffung der Haut und Muskulatur werden zusätzlich kleinere Gesichtsfalten mit körpereigenen Stammzellen aus dem Fettgewebe unterspritzt und Volumendefizite mit Eigen-

fett aufgefüllt. Dies hat in Kombination einen verjüngenden und straffenden Effekt, ohne dass die Gesichtszüge des Patienten verändert werden. Das 4D-Facelift vermeidet eine Überkorrektur der Problemzonen, das Auftreten ‚unnatürlicher‘ Gesichtsmimik sowie den Anschein operierter Gesichtszüge. „Meine Patienten möchten schließlich nicht anders aussehen, sondern frischer und jünger wirken.“ www.kauczok.de Dr. Kauczok ist Facharzt für Plastische und Ästhetische Chirurgie – Fellow of the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, sowie Facharzt für Chirurgie und Handchirurgie. Er ist Mitglied der Deutschen Gesellschaft der Plastischen, Rekonstruktiven und Ästhetischen Chirurgen (DGPRAEC), der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Chirurgie (DGCH), der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Senologie (DGS), der Deutschen Herniengesellschaft (DHG), im Berufsverband der Deutschen Chirurgen (BDC) und des European Board of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (EBOPRAS).

Issue 69 | December 2018 | 77

SPECIAL THEME: GERMANY´S BEST LAWYERS – THE TOP LAW OFFICES IN GERMANY

Expert legal advice When it comes to legal advice, you only want to work with the very best. On the following pages we introduce you to the top law firms in Germany.

PHOTOS: PIXABAY

78 | Issue 69 | December 2018

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Germany´s Best Lawyers – The Top Law Offices In Germany

Dr. Alexander Hoff - lawyer at law firm Bartsch and lecturer at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.

Right on target with enthusiasm and excellence (f.l.t.r.): Dr. Alexander Hoff, Sabine Przerwok, Dr. Reinhard Möller.

TEXT: SILKE HENKELE I PHOTOS: BARTSCH RECHTSANWÄLTE

Right on target with Mit Begeisterung und Exzellenz enthusiasm and excellence zum Ziel Building projects are complex. Law firm Bartsch (in Karlsruhe, Stuttgart and Frankfurt on the Main) is a competent adviser with huge enthusiasm for legal subject matters.

Bauprojekte sind komplex. Die Kanzlei Bartsch Rechtsanwälte (Karlsruhe, Stuttgart und Frankfurt am Main) berät kompetent und mit viel Begeisterung für die Materie.

Law firm Bartsch is proof that working with legal texts can be far from as dry as it is often made out to be. “No question about it: we are professionals doing an excellent job. The atmosphere in our teams is characterised by goodwill and friendliness, which makes working in our teams and being that professional a lot of fun,” points out Dr. Alexander Hoff, founding partner of law firm Bartsch. “Our approach,” he continues, “creates a certain professional nonchalance which is noticed by our clients and which has a huge positive impact on the results of our work.”

Dass die Arbeit mit Gesetzen nicht staubtrocken sein muss, beweisen die Anwälte von Bartsch. „Für die Zusammenarbeit im Team gilt für uns neben der Professionalität ein freundschaftliches Miteinander, bei dem jeder Spaß an der Arbeit hat“, bemerkt Dr. Alexander Hoff, Gründungspartner der Kanzlei Bartsch Rechtsanwälte. „Dies“, so fährt er fort, „verschafft uns eine professionelle Leichtigkeit, die unsere Mandanten bemerken und die auch unsere Arbeitsergebnisse positiv beeinflußt.“

Construction law counts among the many of law firm Bartsch’s working areas. “The digitisation of processes, such as e.g. BIM Building Information Modeling, is one of the biggest challenges of the next few years,“ explains Dr. Hoff, and adds: “BIM offers many chances but, at the same time, also raises complex legal questions which haven’t yet been fully answered, neither by jurisprudence nor by legal science, as the subject matter is simply too novel and dynamic.“ Dr. Hoff and his team have extensively studied BIM and are therefore one of the few experts who are able to give well-founded advice.“We offer potential solutions, not objections,” Dr. Hoff underlines as the aim of his work.

It is therefore understandable that a highly qualified tax consultant specialised in big building and real estate projects has just recently joined law firm Bartsch too. With counsel as wide-ranging and well-founded as this, the success of your next project is most definitely guaranteed with Bartsch!

Bartsch Rechtsanwälte beraten auch im Baurecht. „Auch hier ist die Digitalisierung, wie beispielsweise das sog. BIM - Building Information Modeling, die Herausforderung der nächsten Jahre“, führt Dr. Hoff aus, gibt jedoch zu bedenken: „Bei allen Chancen, die BIM bietet, eröffnet diese Planungsmethode auch rechtliche Fragen, auf die Rechtsprechung und Wissenschaft noch keine abschließenden Antworten gefunden haben – die Materie ist einfach zu neu und zu dynamisch.“ Dr. Hoff und sein Team haben sich intensiv mit BIM auseinandergesetzt und gehören daher deutschlandweit zu den wenigen Experten, die hierzu beraten können. „Wir bieten Lösungswege, keine Bedenken“, formuliert Dr. Hoff das Ziel seiner Tätigkeit.

Dazu passt, dass die Kanzlei Bartsch erst vor kurzem hochqualifizierte Steuerberater ins Team geholt, die darauf spezialisiert sind, in großen Bau- und Immobilienprojekten fundiert beraten. So umfassend betreut steht dem Erfolg des nächsten Vorhabens nichts mehr im Weg! www.bartsch.law Issue 69 | December 2018 | 79

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Germany´s Best Lawyers – The Top Law Offices In Germany

TEXT: SILKE HENKELE I PHOTOS: AGENTUR 360 – WERBUNG UND MEDIEN, PHOTOGRAPHER: MATTHIAS LEO

Experience + Expertise = Success Erfahrung + Kompetenz = Erfolg Many undertakings such as M&A, sports or compliance projects are significantly influenced by legal and tax aspects. The ability to rely on a competent, broad-based partner in complex settings like these is important. The law firm Sonntag & Partner uses the example of real estate projects to show just how it works.

Viele Projekte beispielsweise aus den Bereichen Unternehmenskauf/-verkauf, Sport, oder Compliance werden maßgeblich durch rechtliche und steuerliche Aspekte beeinflusst. In solch komplexen Situationen ist es wichtig, sich auf einen kompetenten, breit aufgestellten Partner verlassen zu können. Die Kanzlei Sonntag & Partner zeigt am Beispiel Immobilien, wie das geht.

‘Clients come first’ is the motto of multidisciplinary business law firm Sonntag & Partner, which is represented at five locations in Germany. “Our clients receive one-stop advice from us,” explains Philip Wiljan, partner, practice group ‘Real Estate Management Law’ at Sonntag & Partner. “Each client has a designated contact person who ensures an efficient workflow and monitors the project. A well-established team of top qualified experts takes care of the clients’ individual concerns and specific requirements in the background,” emphasises Philip Wiljan.

Für die Teams der multidisziplinären Wirtschaftskanzlei Sonntag & Partner, die mittlerweile an fünf Standorten in Deutschland vertreten ist, stehen die Belange ihrer Mandanten an erster Stelle. „Unsere Mandanten bekommen bei uns Beratung aus einer Hand“, erklärt Philip Wiljan, Partner und Teammitglied der Practice Group Immobilienwirtschaftsrecht bei Sonntag & Partner. „Sie haben einen festen Ansprechpartner, bei dem alle Fäden zusammenlaufen. Im Hintergrund kümmert sich ein eingespieltes Team aus bestens ausgebildeten Spezialisten um die individuellen Anliegen der Mandanten und deren spezifische Anforderungen.”

Sonntag & Partner is consciously anchored regionally, operating nationally and is regularly involved in international projects.

The consultation process, however, is always solution-orientated, which is also reflected in their team structure, as Wiljan confirms: “By flexibly forming our teams according to the respective project and branch-specific needs, we provide a precise, individually fitting consulting spectrum.”

Sonntag & Partner ist bewusst regional verankert, hauptsächlich überregional tätig und regelmäßig international agierend. Der Beratungsprozess ist hierbei in allen Fällen lösungsorientiert, was sich auch innerhalb der Teamzusammensetzung zeigt, wie Wiljan bestätigt: „Die Zusammenstellung erfolgt flexibel, projektbezogen und branchenspezifisch. So können wir ein präzises und individuelles Beratungsspektrum sicherstellen.“

Medium-sized and big businesses, listed investment companies, real estate companies as well as wealthy individuals, all value Sonntag & Partner’s extensive and diversified service portfolio.

In order to ensure Sonntag & Partner’s high-profile services, the team strives to make services better each day. “In order to ensure our clients even more efficient and targeted advice, we will continue to expand our fiscal and legal advisory system for institutional investment companies in the upcoming year. The digitisation of our law firm’s internal processes as well as the increased use of legal tech products plays a decisive role,” concludes Wiljan.

80 | Issue 69 | December 2018

Das umfangreiche, breitgefächerte Serviceangebot wird nicht nur von mittelständischen Unternehmen in Anspruch genommen, sondern auch von großen, teils börsennotierten Fondsgesellschaften, Immobilienunternehmen und hochvermögenden Privatpersonen geschätzt. Dass dies auch in der Zukunft so bleibt, will jeden Tag neu erarbeitet sein. „Um unsere Mandaten noch effizienter und gezielter beraten zu können, bauen wir im kommenden Jahr unser steuerliches und rechtliches Beratungssystem für institutionelle Fondsgesellschaften weiter aus. Die Digitalisierung der Kanzleiprozesse sowie der verstärkte Einsatz von Legal-Tech-Produkten spielen dabei eine entscheidende Rolle“, führt Wiljan abschließend aus. www.sonntag-partner.de

S P E C I A L T H E M E : D I S C O V E R B U S I N E S S 4 . 0 – T H E D I G I TA L F U T U R E

Welcome to the future We all know the future is digital. But what does this mean for businesses and how is a company’s digitisation actually done? Check out the following pages and discover Business 4.0.

PHOTOS: PIXABAY

Issue 69 | December 2018 | 81

Proof of delivery.

Photo: © Fotolia

Are you safe?!

Did you know that unencrypted emails can be read? Do you trust the email file, though senders or recipients can manipulate emails and change them without leaving traces? Does your company send important business data and personal information by email? Do you send your business emails securely and verifiably?

Many businesspeople ask themselves these questions. One of the decisive factors for this was the effectiveness of the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). But why is it only now that intensive thought is being given to making digital business communication secure and verifiable? How many years have we been sending contracts and sensitive business data around the world without any additional protection? Fortunately, nothing has happened so far...

GDPR and data protection The GDPR was the trigger for a rethinking in people’s minds. IT departments, managers and CEOs now have to deal with data protection and security. Totally new terrain for many of them. The fear of hurdles in the technical implementation and the low acceptance by senders and receivers is high. However, it is necessary to deal with these issues in order to be able to behave 82 | Issue 69 | December 2018

and communicate in compliance with law.

By disregarding the regulations, companies face penalties of up to 20 million euros.

Be safe.

Email encryption is a difficult issue for many people. The fear that business partners cannot receive encrypted emails or cannot open them is especially high. Keep in mind: the right solution depends on the acceptance of your business partner. Solutions that require the recipient to click on links or ask the recipient to open an account are not suitable and too complex for daily work.

Be verifiably safe.

One way to ensure being verifiably safe is with Frama RMail. Frama RMail focuses on two things: an auditable proof of delivery for the sender (compliant with data protection regulations) as well as the recipient experience. Frama RMail works with any

TEXT & PHOTOS: FRAMA AG

email provider and does not require any technical knowledge on the recipient’s part.

Send and receive – it is as simple as that.

In addition to RMail, Frama also offers many other services related to business correspondence (letter, email, archiving) and data protection.

Email encryption.

Encrypted dispatch directly out of Outlook.

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Discover Business 4.0 – The Digital Future

Sind Sie sicher?!

Wussten Sie, dass alle unverschlüsselten Emails mitgelesen werden können?

Vertrauen Sie der Emailablage, obwohl Absender oder auch Empfänger Emails beliebig manipulieren und ohne Spuren zu hinterlassen verändern können?

Werden in Ihrem Unternehmen wichtige Geschäftsdaten und personenbezogene Informationen per Email versandt? Versenden Sie Ihre Business Emails sicher und nachweisbar?

Diese Fragen stellen sich viele Unternehmen und Geschäftsleute. Den Anstoß dazu gegeben hat u.a. das Inkrafttreten der Europäischen Datenschutzgrundverordnung DSGVO. Aber warum wird erst jetzt intensiv über Wege nachgedacht, die digitale Unternehmenskommunikation sicher und nachweisbar zu gestalten? Seit wie vielen Jahren versenden wir Verträge und sensible Geschäftsdaten einfach so durch die Weltgeschichte? Ein Glück, dass bisher nichts passiert ist…

nämlich auf einen auditfesten Zustellungsnachweis für den Absender (Datenschutzkonformität) sowie auf das Empfängererlebnis.

Frama RMail funktioniert mit jedem Email-

programm und erfordert keinerlei technische Kenntnisse beim Empfänger. Senden, empfangen, gut!

Frama bietet Ihnen neben RMail viele weitere Services rund um Geschäftskorrespondenz (Brief, Email, Archivierung) und Datenschutz.

Mit uns sind Sie sicher. www.frama.de www.frama-rmail.com

Herausforderung DSGVO und Datenschutz Die DSGVO war der Auslöser für ein Umdenken in den Köpfen. Plötzlich mussten sich IT-Abteilungen, Manager und Geschäftsführer mit dem Thema Datenschutz und Datensicherheit auseinandersetzen. Völliges Neuland für viele. Die Angst vor Hürden in der technischen Umsetzung und der geringen Akzeptanz bei Sendern und Empfängern ist hoch. Doch die Auseinandersetzung mit diesen Themen ist notwendig, um gesetzeskonform auftreten und kommunizieren zu können. Bei Missachtung der Vorschriften drohen Unternehmen empfindliche Strafen bis zu 20 Millionen Euro.

Sichere Antwortfunktion.

Empfangsbestätigung.

Verschlüsselung.

Aber sicher!

Emailverschlüsselung ist für viele ein Brief mit sieben Siegeln. Insbesondere die Angst, dass Geschäftspartner verschlüsselte Emails nicht empfangen können oder diese nicht öffnen können oder wollen ist hoch. Bedenken Sie: die richtige Lösung steht und fällt mit der Akzeptanz beim Geschäftspartner. Lösungen, die vom Empfänger das Klicken auf Links verlangen, oder den Empfänger zur Eröffnung eines Kontos zwingen sind nicht geeignet und zu komplex für die tägliche Arbeit.

Nachweisbar sicher!

Eine sehr empfehlenswerte Lösung heißt Frama RMail. Diese fokussiert auf zwei Dinge, Issue 69 | December 2018 | 83

Zurich city police at work with digital solutions from ELO.

Digitisation affects companies of all sizes and industries.

Würth Elektronik GmbH, part of the worldwide Würth Group, has been relying on ECM solutions from ELO for 20 years.

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE I PHOTOS: ELO DIGITAL OFFICE

Nothing is more constant than change ELO Digital Office is one of the few companies that recognised the signs of digital transformation very early on. In times where the world did not believe in a paperless way of working, this German company chose to specialise in precisely that.

Today, 20 years later, ELO is one of the leading experts in digitisation as well as efficient and visionary business processes.

ELO Digital Office is a pioneer of the paperless office because it foresaw the digital transformation even before the Internet began to play a major role and when paper still dominated the office world. This wealth of experience and a broad global network are of the highest value to its customers.

It should come as no surprise that today, ELO Digital Office successfully sells its products in over 40 different countries, has around 580 employees and is active in 21 locations including Jakarta, Boston, and Sydney.

“In the beginning, it was mainly about archiving and retrieving documents,” recalls CEO Karl Heinz Mosbach.“We developed the basic idea a lot further and now also offer solutions for specialist departments.

Many of our products are best practice solutions and, therefore, even better tailored to business requirements: we devel84 | Issue 69 | December 2018

op standard solutions for specific application needs – such as the digital personnel file and invoice and contract management – which help people to work faster and more efficiently.”

On top of this, a number of intelligent components were added in recent years, such as tools to improve mobile working or for collaboration. Information exchange and intelligent data analysis are also important aspects, enabling customers to evaluate and view company data in graphical interfaces at the touch of a button. This increases transparency in the workplace and shows where there is optimisation potential by identifying weak spots and helping to prevent errors.

“We offer a wide range of solutions,” Mosbach adds. “We would like to support companies in all areas of digitisation from start to finish.”

Whether it is a global corporation, the administration of Zurich, or a roofing company in Vienna, according to Mosbach, digitisation is relevant for companies of all sizes. Companies that deal with large volumes of documents that are processed manually particularly benefit from ELO solutions and their great potential for optimising work processes.

“The fundamental requirement for digitisation is a corporate culture that is open to change,”explains Mosbach.“If you want to improve something, you need change.

And that requires a collective effort.”

ELO Digital Office is a strong partner, which actively supports its customers along this path.

Karl Heinz Mosbach, CEO ELO Digital Office GmbH.

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Discover Business 4.0 – The Digital Future

Nichts ist beständiger als der Wandel ELO Digital Office gehört zu den wenigen Firmen, die die Zeichen des digitalen Wandels bereits sehr früh erkannt haben. In Zeiten, in denen die Welt noch nicht an das papierlose Büro glaubte, setzte das deutsche Unternehmen auf genau diese Zukunft. Heute, 20 Jahre später, gehört ELO zu den führenden Experten in Sachen Digitalisierung sowie effiziente und zukunftsweisende Geschäftsprozesse.

„Wir haben heute ein sehr breites Spektrum an Lösungen“, fügt Mosbach hinzu. „Wir wollen die Unternehmen in allen Belangen, die im Zuge der Digitalisierung relevant werden, von Anfang bis Ende unterstützen.“

nehmen anbieten. Viele unserer Produkte sind Best-Practice-Lösungen und dementsprechend noch stärker auf Unternehmensbedürfnisse zugeschnitten: Wir erstellen Standardlösungen für die Fachbereiche – wie zum Beispiel die digitale Personalakte, das Rechnungs- oder Vertragsmanagement –, die dabei helfen, digital effizienter und schneller zu arbeiten.“

Egal, ob es sich um einen global agierenden Großkonzern, eine Verwaltung wie die der Stadt Zürich oder eine Dachdeckerfirma in Wien handelt, prinzipiell ist Digitalisierung heute ein Thema, das Unternehmen aller Größenordnungen und Branchen betrifft, so Mosbach. Vor allem aber Firmen, die mit einer Vielzahl an Dokumenten und deren manueller Bearbeitung zu tun haben, bietet ELO ein großes Potential zur Optimierung der Arbeitsprozesse.

ELO Digital Office ist ein Pionier des papierlosen Büros, denn das Unternehmen sah den digitalen Wandel bereits voraus, als das Internet noch keine konkrete Rolle spielte und Berge von Drucklisten die Bürowelt dominierten. Dieser Erfahrungsschatz und ein globales Netzwerk sind für den Kundenstamm von größtem Wert.

Es ist daher auch keine Überraschung, dass ELO Digital Office mittlerweile alle Produkte erfolgreich in über 40 verschiedenen Ländern vertreibt und mit circa 580 Mitarbeitern an 21 Standorten, wie zum Bespiel in Jakarta, Boston oder Sydney, aktiv ist. „Am Anfang ging es im Wesentlichen um das Archivieren und Wiederfinden von Dokumenten“, erinnert sich Geschäftsführer Karl Heinz Mosbach. „Dann hat sich das Thema detaillierter weiterentwickelt, so dass wir mittlerweile auch Lösungen für die einzelnen Fachabteilungen der UnterDie öffentliche Verwaltung, wie die Stadt Zürich, für die ELO 10.000 Arbeitsplätze ausgestattet hat.

Hinzugekommen ist in den letzten Jahren eine Vielzahl an intelligenten Komponenten, die zum Beispiel das mobile Arbeiten oder die Zusammenarbeit verbessern. Informationsaustausch und intelligente Datenanalyse sind weitere wichtige Aspekte, mit denen Kunden auf Knopfdruck grundlegende Informationen ihrer Unternehmen auswerten und grafisch darstellen lassen können. Dies steigert die Transparenz im Unternehmen und zeigt Optimierungspotenzial – so können Schwachstellen erkannt und Fehler vermieden werden.

„Die Grundvoraussetzung der Digitalisierung ist, dass die Unternehmenskultur offen für Veränderungen sein muss“, erklärt Mosbach. „Denn wenn man etwas verbessern will, braucht es Veränderungen. Und diese müssen von allen getragen werden.“ ELO Digital Office ist ein starker Partner, der seinen Kunden beim Wandel tatkräftig zur Seite steht. www.elo.com

Digitalisierung aus Stuttgart: die ELO Firmenzentrale.

Der Mittelstand, wie diese Wiener Dachdeckerfirma, die mit ELO ihre Prozesse digitalisiert und automatisiert hat.

Issue 69 | December 2018 | 85

Discover Germany | Business | Solicitor Column

Don’t shoot the messenger TEXT & PHOTO: GREGOR KLEINKNECHT

A few columns ago, I looked at the risks that lawyers take with their life and livelihood in some parts of the world, simply by going about their profession. Today, I want to look at another profession that can find itself - quite literally - in the line of fire: journalists. A free press is one of the pillars of a functioning liberal democracy and individual journalists are those who secure and defend that press freedom for us. The publication at the beginning of November of In Extremis, the biography of iconic war correspondent Marie Colvin, reminds us of those who perhaps take the most extreme risks.

Jamal Khashoggi perhaps represents those around the world who work against the odds to fight repression in a more mundane but equally important way.

Mr Khashoggi’s unacceptable fate rightly drew severe criticism from around the world, including in an act of self-serving cynicism that is hard to trump from two politicians who have made it their favourite pastime to insult journalists and to portray them as enemies of the people in one case, or simply have them routinely arrested and locked up as supposed terrorists in the other case. Unfortunately, Mr Khashoggi is not alone: according to Reporters Without Borders, an independent representative organisation defending and promoting freedom of information, 63 journalists have been killed so far this year in connection with their journalistic work.

Pen International holds an annual World Press Freedom Day to draw attention to the dangers they face.

86 | Issue 69 | December 2018

So what does the law do to protect journalists? Actually, surprisingly little that is specific to the important role they play in society. In countries in which journalists routinely face censorship, political and economic pressure, the abuse of defamation laws, as well as intimidation, physical attacks, detention and imprisonment, the rule of law is unfortunately normally also in a precarious state and the law is often the very tool used to repress journalists. But we don’t need to look far to find problems: journalists routinely face threats right here in Europe. In January 2015, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted the Resolution on protection of the safety of journalists and of media freedom in Europe. In April 2016, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe adopted a recommendation on protection of journalism and safety of journalists and other media actors, indicating as alarming and unacceptable the level of current threats to journalists and media actors in Europe. In his 2017 report State of Democracy, Human Rights and the Rule of Law, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe assessed the level of protection of journalists and other media actors in member states against specific criteria. He identified a trend that saw a decline in protections for journalists in recent years and warned that this trend continues. Given its role, the Council of Europe focuses on the protection of journalists on a human rights level. Further afield, the International Committee of the Red Cross focuses on the protection of journalists and media professionals in times of armed conflict.

So what can we do? Leading by example, and enshrining in English law specific protections for journalists acting in their professional capacity, would be a start on a wider societal and political level. On an individual level, we can all support organisations, such as those mentioned above, who represent journalists in danger and defend their rights.

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

Zeitlose Architektur aus Hamburg Handmade in Germany

SOVA Bett. Design: Bernhard MĂźller

more-moebel.de

Discover Germany | Culture | Language Column

TEXT: ADAM JACOT DE BOINOD | PHOTO: DREAMSTIME

On some rather interesting metaphors – The delights of the German and French vocabulary In this column, author Adam Jacot de Boinod explores the weird and wonderful world of German and French vocabulary, and discovers some rather interesting terms. Let us take a look at what he has found.

German is highly imaginative in her adoption of phrases from their literal definition to be given a whole new metaphorical sense: - sternhagelvoll: completely drunk (literally, full of stars and hail) - Katzenjammer: a very severe hangover (literally, the noise made by mating cats) - leben wie die Maden im Speck: to live the life of Riley (literally, to live like a maggot in bacon) - eine Kröte schlucken: to make a concession grudgingly (literally, to swallow a toad) - Schnee von gestern: water under the bridge (literally, yesterday’s snow) - Mein Rad hat eine Acht: a buckled wheel (literally, my bike has an eight) 88 | Issue 69 | December 2018

- ein Gesicht wie 37 Tage Regenwetter haben: a long face (literally, to have a face like 37 days of rain) - Ich verstehe nur Wortsalat: I don’t understand a thing you are saying (literally, all I hear is word salad) - dastehen wie ein begossener Pudel: to look depressed (literally, to stand there like a soaked poodle) - ins Fettnäpfchen treten: to drop a brick (literally to step into a bowl of fat) - Bären aufbinden: to tell false tales (literally, to tie a bear onto someone) Words don’t necessarily keep the same meaning. Simple descriptive words such as ‘rain’ or ‘water’ are clear and necessary enough to be unlikely to change. Other more complex words have often come on

quite a journey since they were first coined.

The following owe their origins to French: - chauffer: to heat; then meant the driver of an early steam-powered car and subsequently a chauffeur - prestige: a conjuror’s trick: the sense of illusion gave way to that of glamour that then was interpreted more narrowly as social standing or wealth - accolade: derives from ‘accoler’ (to embrace) because knighthoods were initially conferred with an embrace - jargon: comes from the old French word ‘jargoun’, ‘twittering’ from the sound made by birds that is incomprehensible to others Adam Jacot de Boinod worked on the first series of the BBC panel game QI for Stephen Fry. He is a British author having written three books about unusual words with Penguin Press.

Discover Germany | Culture | Culture Calendar

Griupe Acrobatiwue de Tanger at Salzburg’s Winter Festival. Photo: © Richard Haughton

Culture Calendar It is the last month of the year and once again it is packed with wonderful events around art, music and, of course, Christmas markets. December promises to be busy and finishes with great New Year’s Eve parties with which to kiss 2018 goodbye in style. Fireworks, mulled wine, gingerbread and hopefully some snow – bring it on, December!

Christmas Market, Munich (27 November – 24 December) One of the most traditional and famous German Christmas markets, the Christkindl Markt in Munich, starts each year at the end of November. Various differently themed locations from the romantic and nostalgic Square of the Stars, to the Kripperlmarkt, where you can find Christmas crib rarities, this market sure has it all. The heart of it is certainly the big

Christmas tree, decorated with an impressive 3,000 candles. www.muenchen.de/int/en/events/christmasmarket.html

Winter Festival, Salzburg (28 November – 6 January 2019) The beautiful ‘Winterfest’ is firmly established in the international world of modern circus. It

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE

should come as no surprise that it is the biggest festival for contemporary circus artistry in the German-speaking regions. Only the very top of the circus scene are invited to perform here. A magical journey of acrobatics, poetry and fairy-tales awaits visitors in the Volksgarten. www.salzburg.info/en/events/highlights/ winterfest

Advent Singing, Salzburg (30 November – 16 December) Advent Singing, the German equivalent to Christmas Carols, is a must-do during the festive season. In Salzburg, the tradition of singing together has been taking place for over 70 Issue 69 | December 2018 | 89

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Dresdner Stollenfest. Photo: © Schutzverband Dresdner Stollen e. V., Max Bachmann

years now. Folk music, small vocal ensembles and Alpine melodies make this a uniquely Salzburg experience. www.salzburg.info/en/salzburg/advent/salzburgadvent-singing

candles. Of course, both markets capture the uniquely Bernese character and with the smell of chestnuts lingering in the air, what could be a nicer way to spend the run-up to Christmas? www.weihnachtsmarktbern.ch

German Comic Con, Dortmund (1 – 2 December) The German Comic Con has been running for four years and is a huge event comparable in scale to the legendary Comic Cons in San Diego and New York. International stars from different genres and sectors in comic, film and TV are expected to make an appearance. If you love comics or are a super fan of a particular show, you simply cannot miss this. www.germancomiccon.com/en/dortmund

ChocolART, Tübingen (4 – 9 December) This is the biggest chocolate festival in Germany and a tasty highlight not to be missed.

The chocolate-filled programme includes fine chocolate tastings, creative praline courses, artful cocoa painting, inspirational readings and chocolate lectures. The city’s restaurants often get creative too and offer chocolate-inspired menus. But what are the so-called chocolate theatre and the chocolate illumination? Well, you simply have to find out for yourself! www.chocolart.de

Christmas Market, Bern (1 – 24 December) Not just one but two Christmas markets await guests in Bern during December. One market is dedicated to artisan products as well as handmade designer crafts and the other one is all about traditional items such as knitwear and 90 | Issue 69 | December 2018

Zeughausmesse, Berlin (6 – 9 December) This fair for commercial decorative art takes place at the German History Museum Berlin and presents over 90 artists and designers who showcase and sell their works on 1,600

square metres. The exhibition has also been described as the shop window for Berlin and Brandenburg’s applied arts. www.zeughausmesse.de

Pferd & Jagd (Horse & Hunting fair), Hanover (6 – 9 December) The Pferd & Jagd is Europe’s biggest exhibition for equestrian sports, hunting, dog training and fishing. Held each year in Hanover, it showcases a wide range of quality products by over 800 exhibitors from over 20 countries. Almost 100,000 people come to Lower-Saxony’s capital for this event each year. www.pferd-und-jagd-messe.de

Dresdner Stollenfest, Dresden (8 December) The legendary Stollen festival in Dresden, with the incredible baking of a massive Stollen weighing several tonnes, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The oversized Stollen is paraded around the city centre before guests can buy delicious pieces of the fresh treat. All profits go to a selected charity and with the

Discover Germany | Culture | Culture Calendar anniversary edition, this Stollenfest promises to be extra special. www.dresdnerstollen.com/de/stollenfest

42nd Zürcher Silvesterlauf Marathon, Zurich (16 December) This is a marathon of a special kind. The Zürcher Silvesterlauf (New Year’s Marathon) brings young and old together. You can choose to run in traditional running outfits or go the symbolic extra mile and do the marathon wearing fancy dress. Zurich, with all its Christmas lights, is a magical and often snow-covered backdrop and it should come as no surprise that this is an absolute crowd favourite every year. www.silvesterlauf.ch/home

Louis Lewandowski Festival, Berlin (20 – 23 December) This special choir festival is named after German-Jewish composer Louis Lewandowski and is dedicated to the music of Jewish composers who emigrated from Germany. It is organised by the Association of Friends and

Circa Tsuica at Salzburg’s Winter Festival. Photo: © JL Besnard

ChocolART. Photo: © Alexander Gonschior

Issue 69 | December 2018 | 91

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German Comic Con. Photo: © German Comic Con

Sponsors of the Synagogue Ensemble Berlin.

The concerts take place in various locations across the city and invite attendees to enjoy choir music at its best. www.louis-lewandowski-festival.de

New Year`s Eve Party, Berlin (31 December) Ever wanted to attend one of Europe’s biggest street parties? New Year’s Eve in Berlin is your chance to do just that. Located between the Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column, this massive free party attracts around one million people – tourists and locals alike – every year.

Live concerts, top DJs, laser shows and spectacular fireworks ensure an unforgettable night. www.berlin.de/en

New Year’s Eve Trail, Vienna (31 December) Berlin or Vienna? Either one of them offers a party to remember. The Austrian capital also turns into a big street party on 31 December with a show of waltzes, operetta, rock, pop and, of course, world-class DJs. The famous New Year’s Eve Trail features many stalls along the way and goes through the vibrant city centre, the City Hall Square and Vienna’s legendary Prater. www.wien-event.at/events/silvesterpfad/newyears-eve-trail 92 | Issue 69 | December 2018

Zeughausmesse. Photo: © Birgitta Aßhauer

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New Year’s Eve Trail Vienna. Photo: © stadtwienmarketing, Sebastian Toth

Issue 69 | December 2018 | 93

Discover Germany | Culture | Barbara Geier Column

“So, what are you doing on the 31st?”

TEXT & PHOTO: BARBARA GEIER

Do you like New Year’s Eve as much as I do? The question, “So, what are you doing on the 31st?”, is right at the top of my list of questions not to ask me. Why is it important, what’s the big deal? I just don’t know. Admittedly, I used to fret about this most important evening of the year a lot when I was younger; what to do and if to say yes to a party or no because maybe something better might still be waiting round the corner. However, at some point, I decided to simply treat this evening like any other, to stop stressing and instead, just to take it as it comes.

This means that often I don’t do anything at all (incredibly liberating!) but just stay at home. Or that I decide to go for a nice, relaxed dinner with my sister and a friend, just to find out that the restaurant where we booked operates – due to the ‘special occasion’ – only with big round tables, randomly seating people together. And the last thing I needed at the end of the year is to have to engage in forced small talk (this was meant to be relaxed!) with a couple and their 18-year-old daughter when all I wanted was just to have a good old natter with people I’ve known all my life. You will not be surprised that after that particular New Year’s Eve a couple of years back, I stayed at home again the following year …

Anyway, enough about my boring ways of welcoming the new year. Let’s take a look at how Germans, in general, like to celebrate ‘Silvester’, as 31 December is called in Germany. While I will not be able to provide you with the ultimate description of a German Silvester, I can definitely list a few components that in one way or the other belong to New Year’s Eve in Germany and/or are important for a lot of Germans when seeing out the year: 94 | Issue 69 | December 2018

Silvester is a popular time for private parties. Invite your friends, put a buffet on and get in a silly mood. Carnival decorations such as paper streamers, confetti or little party hats are not uncommon. A bit old-fashioned but still a quite popular thing to do is ‘Bleigießen’ (literally, lead pouring), a New Year’s custom in German-speaking countries. Lead gets melted over a flame, poured into cold water and one’s future can then be told from the shapes formed in the water. After a few glasses of bubbly, fantasising about oddly shaped little things can actually be quite funny and lead to all kinds of weird and wonderful conversations. And yes, also Silvester-negators like me, have done it.

Next point: drinks. Arguably the most important ingredient for a proper New Year celebration is ‘Sekt’, Champagne’s cheaper sibling. If you go out on the street just before midnight in order to see the fireworks, it’s paramount to have a couple or more at hand to be opened. Which leads me to the next topic: unlike in some other countries where it’s forbidden, Germans can buy their own ‘Böller’, as they are known, and get cracking. And they do so in large quantities which is not without controversy. In recent years, I have heard Germans describe the streets of their cities as ‘war zones’ because of the noise level and reckless handling of fireworks. I tend to agree since I had a hole burned in my sleeve once after the remains of a firecracker or whatever it was ended up on me. But that’s another story.

However, one thing that virtually every German agrees on is that New Year is not New Year without Dinner For One. The line “The same procedure as every year, James” from the 14-minute British stage sketch from the 1920s has become

a familiar catchphrase since it was introduced to German TV in 1963. The blackand-white English-language version with English comedian Freddie Frinton and his partner May Warden is broadcast repeatedly on 31 December each year and has become iconic. Which is somewhat bizarre, since the sketch is virtually unknown in the English-speaking world, including the UK. Germans are always surprised to hear that, since they find the whole thing “so English”.

Anyway, to round this off: should you spend New Year’s Eve in Germany, be prepared to watch an English sketch, get a glass of Sekt when the countdown starts and then simply shout the words ‘Prost Neujahr!’ (Cheers to the New Year) once the clock strikes 12, along with everyone else. That’ll do.

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.

Restaurant Dae Mon • Monbijouplatz 11, 10178 Berlin • +49 30 26 30 48 11 www.dae-mon.com • facebook.com/daemonberlin • instagram.com/daemonberlin