Discover Germany, Issue 44, November 2016

Issue 44 | November 2016

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Discover Germany | Contents

Contents NOVEMBER 2016

24 Photo: © Martin Lugger

96 Photo: © Jungfrau Region; swiss-image.ch/ Christof Sonderegger

COVER FEATURE 24 Benjamin Karl Four-time world champion, three-time overall World Cup winner, silver medal in the 2010 Winter Olympics, Olympic bronze medal in Sochi; the list goes on. The Austrian alpine snowboarder Benjamin Karl talks to Discover Germany about his future aspirations, his love for winter and much more.

SPECIAL THEMES 12 Dazzling Design for 2017 Whether you are looking for a new, fabulous fashion item for your wardrobe or an exciting furniture piece to brighten up your home, take a look at the following pages to find out what Switzerland’s designers have to offer in 2017.

30 Children’s Universe With Christmas around the corner, we have a look at great children’s gift items and much more for the little ones in your life.

56 Wellness & More During the cold season, it is important to pamper yourself to the fullest. Thus, read our special theme on wellness to find out where you can relax to the max.

78 Lucerne City Special The city of Lucerne annually attracts many visitors. No wonder – the Swiss city boasts an exceptional location directly on the shores of Lake Lucerne and much, much more.

84 Christmas Time in Germany To get you into Christmas mood, we have put together a special theme about world-

famous Christmas markets, exciting Christmas decorations and much more.

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102 MEDICA & COMPAMED Find out about the trending topics in the medical sector. Our special theme looks at two high-profile trade fairs for this.

Photo: © VJZ

REGULARS & COLUMNS

FEATURES 41 Product of the Month KOAWACH, based in Germany, produces drinking chocolate with a special twist: guarana – a natural caffeine – and different mixtures of spices.

42 This Month’s Top Hotels In the Park Hyatt Vienna, history meets elegant understatement, while DAS. GOLDBERG, situated in the middle of the Austrian Alps offers an outstanding wellness area and panoramic views.

For those seeking a special conference environment, the Hotel Schillingshof in Germany’s Ammergau Alps will be their best bet.

72 9 November 1989

– A Date to Remember 27 years ago, over the course of the 9 November and the following nights and days, the Berlin wall fell. For this special event’s anniversary, Thomas Schroers reproduces the events of these historic days.

100 Star Interview: Henri Junghänel Henri Junghänel, who won the gold medal in the 50-metre rifle prone event at the Summer Olympics 2016 in Rio, talks to Discover Germany about his life as an athlete and more.

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Dedicated to Design This month’s design section boasts stylish looks, as well as interior design ideas for the winter time and much more.

76 Film Column On 9 November 1989, the Berlin Wall fell.

Good Bye, Lenin! (2003) brilliantly recounts the events. Have a read of Sonja Irani’s film review.

102 Business Innovative trade fairs, a top architect and a great estate agent fill this month’s business section. Our columnist Gregor Kleinknecht talks about the interesting topic of image rights.

123 Culture Calendar Discover Germany’s culture calendar is your perfect guide to what not to miss in November.

126 Barbara Geier This month, our columnist Barbara Geier talks about how spectacular German Christmas markets really are.

Issue 44 | November 2016 | 3

Discover Germany | xxxxxx | xxxxxxxx

Dear Reader,

Discover Germany Issue 44, November 2016 Published 11.2016 ISSN 2051-7718 Published by Scan Magazine Ltd. Print Liquid Graphic Ltd. Executive Editor Thomas Winther Creative Director Mads E. Petersen Editor Nane Steinhoff Copy-Editor Isa Hemphrey Graphic Designer Mercedes Moulia Feature Writer Thomas Schroers Contributors Barbara Geier Cornelia Brelowski Dorina Reichhold Elisabeth Doehne Emmie Collinge Gregor Kleinknecht

Ina Frank Jessica Holzhausen Malin Norman Marilena Stracke Monique Amend Nadine Carstens Ricarda Nieswandt Silke Henkele Sonja Irani Cover Photo © Martin Lugger Sales & Key Account Managers Emma Fabritius Nørregaard Laura Hummer Noura Draoui Sophie Blecha Freya Plakolb Publisher: SCAN GROUP Scan Magazine Ltd. 15B Bell Yard Mews Bermondsey Street London SE1 3YT United Kingdom Phone: +44 (0)870 933 0423 Fax: +44 (0)870 933 0421

Our cover star, Benjamin Karl, an Austrian snowboarder with seven World Cup victories, will probably also inspire you to get out and try some snowboarding. Furthermore, we have put together some great themes about what to do and visit in the DACH region in Christmas time. Whether you want to go to one of the famous Christmas markets in Germany or head to some wintery travel destinations, be further inspired by our special themes in this month’s Discover Germany issue.

On another note, there are other reasons to celebrate this month.

For example, on 9 November 1989, a momentous event happened that many of our close relatives still can recount with vivid tales – the fall of the Berlin Wall. After years of separation, West and East Germany finally became one country again. Our writer Thomas Schroers thus thought that this would be a great opportunity to write about this historic moment in more detail. But, of course, this is not all that can be found in our November issue.

Thanks for reading,

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

© 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.

4 | Issue 44 | November 2016

We are quickly approaching the festive season and it’s officially time to get into that Christmas mood! If you still can’t cope with the darker and colder days, do not despair – we have got you covered with some tips on how to lighten up the winter. As you will be spending more time indoors, we have given you some inspiration on how to re-decorate your home with stylish interior design items as part of our ‘Dedicated to Design’ section. Add a candle, a good book and some ‘Spekulatius’ from a nearby store (‘Spekulatius’ describes a type of spiced shortcrust biscuit that is loved all over Germany for Christmas) and you will surely lose those dreaded winter blues.

Nane Steinhoff

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Discover Germany | Design | Fashion Finds

Fashion Finds Winter is here, but that does not mean that we should hide away in our warm homes. Let’s be honest - there is nothing quite like a Sunday walk in winter. Inhaling the crisp air while looking forward to a hot chocolate is an experience that makes winter special. Thus, we have picked out some fashion items to keep you warm on your next outdoor winter adventure.

EDITOR’S PICKS | PRESS IMAGES

With this stylish vest from German brand Betty Barclay you will definitely keep warm while looking absolutely fabulous on your walk through nature.

Style with a cosy jumper for extra warmth. Gilet £60. www.bettybarclay.com

6 | Issue 44 | November 2016

Discover Germany | Design | Fashion Finds

A dark coat has always been a wardrobe essential. This marled coat

by Betty Barclay with its exceptional pattern is a real eye catcher. £200. www.bettybarclay.com

The ‘Grit’ backpack by Liebeskind is sure to fit in everything you need on a walk so that your hands are free for more important things. £163. www.liebeskind-berlin.com

There is nothing worse than getting cold fingers when trying to enjoy the great outdoors. These comfy gloves by German brand Marc Cain will definitely prevent this. £POA. www.marc-cain.com

Comfortable and waterproof shoes are essential for a walk.

These pretty ankle boots are sure to be both, while also complementing almost every outfit. £86. www.goertz.de

Issue 44 | November 2016 | 7

Discover Germany | Design | Dedicated to Design

Dedicated to Design…

Animal prints became popular in fashion in the late 1960s. Today the style has gone much further and has transcended fashion to become a household design, which means it is sometimes hard to see the possibilities of this style. That is exactly why we have assembled five wonderful items that represent this unique style.

TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS I PHOTOS: PRESS IMAGES

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1. Here is something truly amazing. Those who say wallpapers are out of style need to seriously reconsider.

German company Rasch has designed a beautiful collection called African Queen II. Featuring a fine fur texture, the patchwork design will transform your living room into an eye-catching phenomenon. It is highly wash-resistant and completely peelable, although you probably will not ever peel it off again. £P.o.a. www.rasch-tapeten.de

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2. An animal print favourite is the pillow. Here we have a seat cushion for you to relax on. Not only is the zebra design irresistible, due to its anti-stain treatment, it will also resist dirt and spots. Additionally, the cover can be washed separately. Finally, the filling can be adapted to your needs. Want to sink in? Take some of it out. £125. www.hock-dich-hin.de 3. The wild animals pillow by amirior is a true trailblazer.

Fantastic attention to detail, interesting imagery and well-tempered colouring make it a special addition to any living room. £30. www.amirior.de 4. Similarly to the wallpaper, these tiles will change your whole environment. Called Salto, the tile is based on cream white and adorned in a bold zebra optic.

Kerateam designed this tile especially for bathrooms, but there is no question that the modern design will look great in your kitchen as well. One tile: £16. www.kerateam.de

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5. Moving on to the bedroom with another unusual animal print, this bed linen features a leopard print with denim blue colouring. An item for enthusiasts, this specific design will not work in any bedroom, but maybe yours is the special place that it desires. £34. www.tom-tailor.com

8 | Issue 44 | November 2016

Discover Germany | Design | Alfred Apelt GmbH

Nurturing our nesting instinct with fine fabrics With a venerable history behind them, Germany’s high-tech textile design company Apelt has been translating precision-crafted textiles into luxurious and modern home furnishings since the middle of the century and tapping into a market that values authentic, long-lasting goods.

TEXT: EMMIE COLLINGE I PHOTOS: ALFRED APELT GMBH

The small-scale soft furnishings company, which founder Alfred Apelt brought to life with a train carriage full of yarn in 1951, looks very different to today’s stateof-the-art weaving mill in Oberkirch, Baden-Württemberg. Under the founder’s capable management, the company expanded rapidly and kept pace with global advancements in the field of textiles, becoming an early adopter of modern techniques for weaving, crocheting, textile production and design.

Now run by the third generation of the Apelt family, it has continued to distinguish itself by staying reactive to trends and progress across the industry, guaranteeing that not only their production methods stay on the pulse of time but also their designs.“We scout the globe for budding trends before choosing the themes for our new collections – ‘Easy Elegance’ or ‘Loft Style’, for example,” says owner Donata Apelt-Ihling. “Then we determine

colour schemes and patterns on which to base our designs.”

Alongside the in-house team of their core designers, Apelt also rely on a team of trusted freelancers that are able to “capture the brand’s vision”. They launch four collections annually, with two seasonal ones as well as the ‘Decorative Fabrics’ and plush UNIQUE one-off collections. From curtains to cushions, tablecloths to textile accessories, Apelt’s modern approach appears to have successfully cottoned on to consumers’ growing pursuit of quality, where the concept of ‘Made in Germany’ is cherished for its long-lasting nature, craftsmanship and authenticity.

boasting meticulously curated imagery of aspirational interiors – all of which are built around their latest products.

Every year the brand creates metres upon metres of fabric that add warmth and charm to homes, gently nurturing that common ‘nesting instinct’ with an intangible sense of wellness from cheerful and contemporary designs. Testament to their hard work, they have once again been awarded the highly coveted Iconic Award Interior Innovation 2016. As the fourth generation joins the family business, it looks like Apelt will continue to weave and print a thriving tale with ultra-soft and super-fine textiles. www.apelt.com

Since the millennium, Apelt-Ihling explains, the brand has adopted an ever more forward-thinking approach to cement their presence on the global scene.

Their social media channels, she explains, are now a hotbed of interior inspiration, Issue 44 | November 2016 | 9

Discover Germany | Design | Xi Wine Systems

Wining and lighting:

Xi Rack systems will put your selection into the limelight Promising large capacities within a small space, the Xi Rack wine systems allow perfect storage conditions for all types of bottles, with 360-degree wine presentation.

TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI I PHOTOS: XI WINE SYSTEMS

All wine enthusiasts have been there: bottles stocked in piles on shelves or in coolers, their labels hidden. Even in organised cellars, sometimes an array of bottle bottoms 10 | Issue 44 | November 2016

and corks is all you see, making the right timing or even finding the right bottle difficult, if not impossible. Here, the unique design of Xi Rack systems comes in.

Be it for a private home or restaurant selections, the simple but effective crossedbottlenecks design of the modular systems provides the best storage conditions and pleasing aesthetics on top. The labels are fully visible and the bottles rest at an optimal tilt, which allows the cork to stay moist and leaves the depot resting in the angle of the bottle base. This way you or your guests may enjoy your wine immediately, without

Discover Germany | Design | Xi Wine Systems

having to wait for the sediments to settle.

Decanting becomes as easy as pie.

There is also a cooling version of the Xi Rack: the ‘Xi Cool’ wine fridge. Extremely high performing and designed as a modular system, these cabinets are equally powerful for both individual purposes and the gastronomical sector. The entire wine menu at a glance. The internationally patented interior as well as the dimmable LED lighting set the right stage for the presentation of your wine selection. Only Xi Cool allows the cooling of double magnum bottles of up to five litres in a space-saving and professional way.

The modular system allows growing with your needs, from small wine selections to representative shop interiors, or for those who envision a large selection without actually having sufficient space. 208 bottles from 16 types of wine can be comfortably stored in one single unit. The system is easily expandable and grows with the stock. Due to the versatile accessories, wine cases or larger bottles, as well as rare specialties, will find their optimal spot.

COVINI-GmbH have patented their innovative design and founded Xi Wine Systems in 2010. The name stems from the family name ‘Collini’ and the word ‘Vino’.

Ever since, the product line was increased and the flexible, top-notch design for all sizes today finds a warm welcome both on the national and international level.

After a promising start on the market, the following year marked the creations of the individual pullout sizes ‘Cuvée’, ‘Doppelmagnum’, ‘Gusto’, ‘Stock’ and ‘Select’. Following the motto “only move the wine you will drink”, these elements allow extracting a single bottle from the rack without moving the others. By the end of 2011, the cooling system Xi Cool was developed copying the exact measures of the Xi Rack. Thus all pullout and resting elements are compatible with each system.

Flexible, individual and expandable, the racks are made of galvanised, powdercoated massive steel, suitable even for moist cellars. Built in a few simple steps with no tools needed, the racks feature heightadjustable feet to match uneven floors.

The development of the Xi Shop System followed quickly on receiving the patent rights, parallel to the Xi Rack design development. The special characteristic of the Xi Shop System is the fact that the bottle holders can be clipped into almost any sales rack on the market. The same system became the base for the Xi Grand.

That way, 2010 marked the “year of birth” for the first ever system to incorporate storage facilities for bottles of all sizes, from piccolo to a 30-litre Melchizedek.

A family enterprise rooted deeply in their home area of Western Austria, the

A new invention for 2016/2017 is already being planned: the ‘Xi Coun-

ter’ or ‘vintner's counter’, the Xi Rack at bar table level.

The idea of storing wine with crossed bottlenecks was the start. Multiplied through variety, this groundbreaking idea quickly became ‘X’ separate ideas for racks, shop interiors and coolers, all adaptable and combinable with each other. Thus, one principle lead to multiple ideas for presentation and storage. The love for a good wine, combined with the technical skills of an expert, have merged an ingenious and sophisticated design.

Xi Wine System’s customers – winemakers, wine lovers, traders and restaurant owners alike – find their individual needs being met, with or without cooling.

Connoisseurs themselves, the Collini family are committed to optimising the experience of enjoying wine, in presenting the best solutions possible. As Lothar Collini says: “The true connoisseur is acknowledged by the way the wine gets treated. Xi Wine Systems are the right partner for that.” www.xi-weinregal.com

Wetted cork.

Air bubble in bottle shoulder.

Adjustable inclination angle.

The depot rests in the angle of the bottle base.

The optimal angle and the full visibility of the labels allow a quick find at first glance and provide the best storage conditions.

Issue 44 | November 2016 | 11

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Dazzling Design for 2017

Photo: © Flickr.com, Associated Fabrication

Photo: © Flickr.com, Kari

SPECIAL THEME: DAZZLING DESIGN FOR 2017

Switzerland’s finest pieces Whether you are looking for a new, fabulous fashion item for your wardrobe or an exciting furniture piece to brighten up your home, take a look at the following pages to find out what Switzerland’s designers have to offer.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF

Photo: © Flickr.com, tambra

12 | Issue 44 | November 2016

Photo: © Flickr.com, Stephanie Echeveste

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Dazzling Design for 2017

Little Bags.

Photo: © P. Gutenberg

Pure Bag Miel.

Photo: © M. Chan

Designed with passion Michèle Chan (left) and Sandra Haldi (right).

Swiss label Atelier S&R designs sophisticated affordable products of high quality.

Founders Michèle Chan and Sandra Haldi are designers as well as curators, who have set out to bring young design to a larger audience.

matching charger Pure Power for mobile or tablet. All items are available in three different shades.

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE

Atelier S&R is a remarkable platform for fresh up-and-coming designers. With their tasteful range of products on offer you will certainly find your next favourite item amongst their collection.

In 2009, Michèle Chan and Sandra Haldi started organising pop-up events and design markets. During these events young artists from Switzerland were able to showcase and sell their designs. Haldi remembers: “Over the years more and more labels took part in the events and the next logical step was to open a label.”

Atelier S&R was born.

Today, Chan and Haldi pick emerging designers who value quality and innovation and feature their work on their website. The products, which can range from accessories to bags and other everyday objects, are often handcrafted in small workshops in Switzerland, Europe or even Japan.

Aside from being a platform for young creatives, Atelier S&R also designs and produces its own collection.

Both Chan and Haldi share a passion for design, quality and uniqueness. “Our

designs are simple and elegant without bling. It is important to us that our products are long lasting and timeless.

All items are made of high-quality Italian leather and they are produced by small manufacturers,” says Haldi.

www.ateliersr.ch

Chan adds: “For us, sustainability means that a product is designed and produced with love and care.”

The Pure Bag Nature builds the heart of their collection. As a true all-rounder, the leather bag can easily fit a laptop during the day, or pass as a classy handbag in the evening. Thanks to its adjustable strap it can be worn over one shoulder or slung across the body. “We love how the light leather darkens over time and develops a great patina,” Haldi explains.

The elegant Little Bag is a wonderful companion to the Pure Bag. Also part of the collection is the casual Pure Tote Bag, and the beautiful laptop case with its

Pure Tote Bag in black.

Photo: © P. Gutenberg

Issue 44 | November 2016 | 13

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Dazzling Design for 2017

Bordeaux & Beige Pompom blanketscarf. Photo: © Lipika Bajaj Kruger

Nitra pashmina scarf.

Photo: © Brendan De Clerq

La Frange Cape – Poncho.

Photo: © Brendan De Clerq

The handmade tale of perfect imperfections

Traditional crafts for modern lives Marking a cultural shift in our consumer-centric society, the desire for hand-made artisanal goods is part of a lifestyle trend running on sustainability and integrity; one that Zurich-based Bombay Birds have embraced with their unique and luxurious home and lifestyle wares, where contemporary designs meet traditional crafts.

TEXT: EMMIE COLLINGE I PHOTOS: © 2014 BOMBAY BIRDS GMBH

Calling on a cadre of talented craftspeople in Rajasthan and a handful of northern regions, Bombay Birds design and produce a continually expanding collection including intricately patterned quilts and plush throws to cushions, classic pyjama sets and eye-catching jewellery.

A quick glance at the website reveals sophisticated pashmina shawls with the tagline “all Pashmina is cashmere but not all cashmere is Pashmina” – words that should not be taken lightly, as founder and designer Lipika Bajaj Kruger is someone who knows her fabrics.

Hailing from Bombay (now Mumbai), India, Lipika moved to Zurich in 2011 and was struck by the absence of highquality handmade design products from her home, a niche she immediately wanted to fill: “I travelled to remote parts 14 | Issue 44 | November 2016

of Rajasthan and Kashmir for inspiration, learning about our rich Indian heritage of handicrafts. I was surprised to see the scale and diversity of the art emerging from these regions.”

Now producing handcrafted creations from premium fabrics, the Bombay Birds collection is characterised by careful stitching and bold, masterful block printing destined for the global market.

Bucking the trend for mass production is a bold step in today’s society, but Lipika argues eloquently that: “the beauty comes from the human element of imperfections.”

Judging by the company’s success, it seems like her chosen route is a wise one.

Lipika, who considers herself an amateur computer graphics designer and photographer, now collaborates with

artisans from four Indian provinces each boasting their own“signature craft forms”: pashmina scarves and digital printed silk from Kashmir; block printed fabrics, handmade quilts and jewellery from Rajasthan; woollen blankets from Punjab; and knitted scarves from Nepal. Lipika designs in-house – often taking cues from her photography – before sourcing artisans, relaying the designs and awaiting the products.

Unlike firms that produce on an industrial scale, Lipika has tapped into a hotbed of craft-driven creativity, and she is aware of the stimulus she is creating:“It was a shock to see these art forms dying out as younger generations didn’t, understandably, follow their forefathers, making me determined to help save this heritage, so I brought my designs and their craftsmanship together; as they say, the rest is in the making.”

Showroom open by appointment.

A special offer - 10 per cent discount code valid until 30 November for Discover Germany readers: DISCOVER10 www.bombaybirds.com

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Dazzling Design for 2017

A singular vision for design For founder Nicholas Andina, his self-titled label is an outlet for his artisanal skills and his passion for design. All by himself he is producing unique furniture items out of untreated steel that are bound to stand the test of time.

Initially after his studies, Nicholas Andina worked as a metal constructor and metal construction draftsman. However, although the artisanal work in these professions was interesting, he wanted to explore his abilities and techniques in more creative, artistic ways. At the time he began designing and constructing furniture for himself and friends and, in 2015, he decided to concentrate fully on his passion to form andina.

The keyword to understanding Andina’s furniture is steel.“It’s the material I know the best and it’s interesting, because it can be processed in many ways, which enables one to produce furniture sustainably and in turn offer a qualitative product,” explains Andina. In his creations he uses untreated steel, which gives the pieces a unique, industrial design.

In many cases, Andina collaborates with clients or other craftsmen and artists. Ideas do not necessarily have to be his own, but of course he is infusing the final piece with the andina style. “After sketches and drawings, I start with a prototype, first in a smaller format and then in the normal size, which I take home and test. Once I’m satisfied with the result the process begins again for the final piece.”The production process

itself solely takes place in Switzerland and is made by Nicholas Andina himself from start to finish. That is why every item is unique, a unicum and unmistakably andina. www.a-maker.ch Photo: © Peter Hauser

Photo: © Peter Hauser

Nicholas Andina, maker.

Photo: Ludovic Stefanicki

Manifold unity: SOUZE textile art Textile artist Susanne Schlaepfer creates eye candy accessories by ingeniously combining designs and materials to colourful scarves and her trademark reversible silk foulards.

TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI | PHOTOS: AMANDA NIKOLIC

The designer finds inspiration at textile fairs, the hunt for the perfect materials and patterns being an actual part of her creative process. Whether silk or finest handspun cashmere, for SOUZE design, haptic features and exclusive quality will always win the day. Back in Zurich, her ‘trouvailles’ are then artfully combined to unique and vivacious designs, with an expert eye on the mixing of patterns and materials.

Bold prints are combined with monocoloured materials or fine allover prints, creating eye candy and neck charmers at the same time. The reversible foulards show different effects with every new folding, the little SOUZE something lies in the surprising variations and the featured mix of colours and patterns.

TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS

Susanne Schlaepfer’ latest find is ‘Moussar’ cashmere scarves with fine oriental artisan embroideries, detected on a trip to Oman.

A trained fashion designer and textile artist, Susanne Schlaepfer started out with designing dresses as well as textile sculptures. With the opening of her Moitié Carrélumières.

own shop in Zurich in 2010, she started designing scarves and foulards only, following her motto of concentrating on the variations of a theme: “I am focusing on the diversity found within one single field of design: the scarf.”

Ranging from square to rectangle to triangle in shape, SOUZE scarves can be combined with both business outfit and evening dress, in a trendy or classic style. Find out where to get your unique exclusive item through a click on the website. www.souze.ch Moitié CarréSchilf (reed).

Issue 44 | November 2016 | 15

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Dazzling Design for 2017

Fine fabrics for modern gentleman KAPPNAHT is different. Here is a unique label, a one-woman enterprise, which follows a simple, effective workflow in order to create the perfect shirt for the modern man. With great passion and an eye for outstanding quality, designer Eva Dyckerhoff is able to develop her pieces individually and together with handcrafting, local sewers.

time,” explains Dyckerhoff, who presents a complete collection of blouses, all hand made from the same high-quality materials as her men’s shirts. www.kappnaht.ch

TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS I PHOTOS: KAPPNAHT

For Eva Dyckerhoff, the most important aspect of a KAPPNAHT shirt is represented by the very name of her label, which describes the high-quality flat-fell seam. In that regard, it is the tangible quality that is valued, and Dyckerhoff uses only the best materials on the market to achieve it. All of her fabrics are produced locally in Switzerland, resulting in singular raw materials, which formulate the basis for the end customer’s longlasting comfort.

When designing a man’s shirt, Dyckerhoff invariably starts together with the client. “Actually, the essential elements of a man’s shirt always stay the same, while of course the fabrics and details can be chosen individually,” says Dyckerhoff. Hence, visitors to her shop in Gottlieben, Switzerland, at Lake Constance, are able to customise their shirt in every aspect from colour to collar 16 | Issue 44 | November 2016

and cuffs. Personally, Dyckerhoff puts an emphasis on classic cuts in white or light blue, striped or chequered, which are consequently highlighted by premium buttons and further applications.

Long before she founded KAPPNAHT in Switzerland, sewing and tailoring was a great passion in Dyckerhoff’s life. Nevertheless, it took around 24 years of working for a bank before she was able to turn it into a full-time occupation. Along with a consistent university education of tailoring techniques, it was her accumulated financial knowledge that informed the start of KAPPNAHT. In addition to her development of customised men’s shirts, Dyckerhoff specialises in women’s blouses. “In terms of style, my female customers are timeless and sustainable and KAPPNAHT blouses are made to be worn for a long

Unique items from a passion for handcrafts Inspired by his own enthusiasm for craftsmanship, Swiss designer Fabian Zwicker found vulpes in ligno in order to create a stage for his artisanal works. In that regard, he is doing everything, from first layout to the final product, himself.

Through this unique process he is developing items that are bound to be admired by furniture lovers.

TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS I PHOTOS: VULPES IN LIGNO

“To perform a craft well for its own sake, is something immensely gratifying for myself,” explains Zwicker, who is naturally curious about the art of crafts and design. Even before vulpes in ligno, when he was working as an arborist, he possessed an interest for the way objects and furniture take form. “I spent a lot of time working with trees and studying their design,” says Zwicker. “From this fascination with the organism, grew an affinity for the material wood.”

The fascination sustained and soon Zwicker not only crafted his first furniture, but dove into art education studies. Here he discovered the history of form in art and architecture and henceforth decided to find his own unique form or creative voice that would allow him to create convenient, beautiful furniture, which he could otherwise not afford.

From one of his first table tops, which featured a fox built from various cubes, vulpes in ligno was born. In reference to the scientific term for trees, the name roughly translates into ‘the fox in the tree’ or ‘the wooden fox’.

coaster alea, which is shaped similarly to the stool.

All of these items, which can be individualised regarding colour and timber, are crafted by Zwicker himself and are therefore unique. In the future, Zwicker will further develop his cube technique and certainly aim to expand his product line of timeless unicums. www.vulpesinligno.ch

Naturally, Zwicker chose wood as his main material. “Wood is not only a natural resource, it lives. It can be used sustainably and its possible applications are endless. As a primary construction element in furniture and architecture it is able to fill rooms with warmth and comfort.”

At the moment, there are three items in Zwicker’s collection. The stool alea (Latin for cube), which is a versatile item in the shape of three equable rhombs.

The foldable desk vulpes, featuring the aforementioned fox and crafted out of 12 different timbers, and the decorative Issue 44 | November 2016 | 17

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Dazzling Design for 2017

Contemporary designs from an independent source A classic start up, STANDFEST has gone from working in a garage to creating innovative furniture in their own workshop. Following ideals of quality, value and sustainability, the three designers not only built exquisite furniture, but have also developed a unique company while staying true to their individual roots.

TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS I PHOTOS: STANDFEST BFT

Before STANDFEST became a company and business, there were two pieces of pallet furniture that Tobias Theuer had designed by himself. Upon noticing these while visiting, Benares Haberthür wondered whether the designs could be developed professionally. An idea was born and when the two approached friend and carpenter Florian Janz for help, he joined immediately. Together they are able to manage whatever challenges their business faces. Tobias, as product designer, is the creative force. Benares, who has an economic background, is taking care of finances and marketing and Florian is of course bringing the necessary know how with regard to production.

18 | Issue 44 | November 2016

Initial production started out in a friend’s garage and was subsequently moved into a fully functional workshop.

Here products are developed, which not only have a timeless design but practical convenience. “Our designs have a high quality and one is supposed to feel, that we are thinking in the long term,” explains Benares.

At the moment the STANDFEST collection is still based around pallets. “Of course, wood is one of the most important ingredients to our life. It is a natural resource and will continue to play a huge role in the future.” Because of the use of wood, each furniture, due to its vein, is

unique and although the idea of using pallets is not new, STANDFEST is taking it to the next level. “All our functional parts, surfaces and design elements are of the highest quality and sophisticatedly constructed.”

Always looking for new challenges, the three entrepreneurs are producing their furniture with local partners to be as sustainable as possible. In addition, they have designed their website and corporate identity independently. “We wanted to create our own, implement our own ideas, be creative and define our company ourselves.” At the moment, STANDFEST is developing a new product that will not be concerned with pallets as much. “We have many ideas and concepts in our heads and drawers, which are all waiting to become a reality.” www.standfest-bft.ch

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Dazzling Design for 2017

Timepieces inspired by architecture, design and the vastness of space When two watchmakers team up with architects and designers, creative products are the result. Pierre and Danuta Junod love to work with aspiring young talents and renowned personalities who come up with outstanding design ideas for watches. Together with his wife Danuta, Pierre Junod turns these design concepts into modern objects – all handmade in their Swiss workshop.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN I PHOTOS: PIERRE JUNOD

“Watchmaking is our passion,” says Pierre Junod. Piece by piece they create timeless designs and high quality, using only the best materials produced in Biel and the surrounding areas. The Swiss region is famous for watchmaking. “I have been fascinated by manufacturing watches ever since I was a child,” Pierre Junod says about learning the craft in his family’s workshop. In 1994, he finally founded his own business in Biel, where he now works with his wife Danuta.

Both watchmakers enjoy working with designers and architects who had little or no experience in watch design. They bring in new ideas and perspectives, simply unique creations, Pierre Junod says.

One example is the watch created by Lella and Massimo Vignelli, two NewYork-based

industrial designers. Here, flexibility is key.

Rings in various colours can be put on and around the watch’s body and therefore make it wearable with many different outfits. Lella Vignelli once explained the watch design they developed: “Our basic concept was to transform the watch into a weightless object. To achieve this effect, we designed a frame that covers the case and expands the glass of the face into a subtly coloured interchangeable halo.”

watches,” Pierre Junod says, who finds the idea alone fascinating. “These meteorites are about 4.7 billion years old.”

Pierre and Danuta Junod have recently opened an online shop with international shipping and started to share their passion on social media. Those who want to meet the watchmakers in person and learn about their craft are always welcome to the manufacturers’ workshop. www.pierrejunod.ch

But Pierre and Danuta Junod also create their own watch models – the Atelier Line. In their most recent design they used meteorite stone for the clock face, which looks completely different than anything else found on Earth. The outer space brought unto the wrist, so to say. It was not easy to find the right material: “At the moment we have meteorite stones for 50 Issue 44 | November 2016 | 19

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Dazzling Design for 2017

Soft leather accessories that are built to last A quality leather bag or backpack by the Swiss label format will accompany you for many years.

TEXT: NADINE CARSTENS | PHOTO: FORMAT

Sometimes it is not easy to find a robust, yet chic, leather piece that endures time without wearing out. Brigitte Hürzeler, the founder and creative force behind the Swiss label format, wants to offer handcrafted products that are built to last and have the potential to become your favourite leather accessory. Since 1995, she has produced and sold handbags, backpacks, reversible belts, wallets and purses that stand out due to an individual, classy style and high quality.

“I made the first leather bag by myself, because I could not find an affordable piece in the colour I had in mind,”Hürzeler remembers. So she went to a direct sale to buy some leftover leather and was impressed by the soft and supple haptics.

“That is something I lay emphasis on even today: to only use the best leather.”

Customers who decide to buy a format product, get a fine accessory that is also very practical. The Backside Shopper, for example, is a handbag that can be quickly turned into a backpack. In the daytime you can use it as a backpack and, if you want to go out in the evening, you also have a chic handbag.

Hürzeler’s collections for women and men are available in the format shops in Basel and Zurich, in the workshop in Schönenwerd and in selected Swiss boutiques. Soon, the leather products will also be offered online on the format website. www.format-aarau.ch The Backside Shopper is a handbag that can be quickly turned into a backpack.

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Dazzling Design for 2017

Carmen Keiser: ‘Art is a response’ Carmen Keiser is a freelance artist who explores colours and patterns from her studio in Zug, Switzerland. Here, the former textile designer explains why her contemporary art changes every time someone different is looking at it.

TEXT: SONJA IRANI I PHOTOS: CARMEN KEISER

“I always had the dream to paint completely freely,” Keiser says. However, the textile design graduate spent the first 18 years of her career providing highend fashion and interior designers with new patterns for print and fabrics. Finally, in 2002, she took the plunge and went from textile design to full-time painting.

Nowadays, the artist gets her inspiration from the endless combination possibilities of different colours.“I like to play the game of letting various colour nuances interact.

I also analyse my themes in detail. It’s almost as if I am scientifically researching the process of creating an image, which I then bring alive with acrylic paint, a wooden panel, ink or paper on canvas.”

The finished results can be seen in several prestigious galleries and art exhibitions.

“Every observer of my paintings has a different opinion about what makes them special,” explains the artist. “When people look at them, they notice a response; they feel some kind of connection.” If you like to keep this response with you every day, you can buy Keiser’s paintings from the exhibiting galleries or directly from the artist’s studio.

From 24 November until summer / spring next year, Keiser’s art objects can be seen at Zurich’s Living Sculptures – a gallery for three-dimensional Swiss art. The one event that Keiser is looking forward to the most, however, is her individual exhibition that will take place at Zug’s Carla Renggli gallery in March 2018.“This exhibition will show my complete artistic portfolio from the moment I first started out as an artist,” she rejoices. www.carmenkeiser.ch

In addition to her paintings, Keiser has been creating rotatable cards since 1990.

“Everything that you can see on the cards, I have designed, sketched, painted, embroidered or even digitally developed myself.” The collection of the cards, which is expanded every year, can be bought through Keiser’s website or from museums, galleries, book shops and highend stationary stores.

Issue 44 | November 2016 | 21

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Dazzling Design for 2017

Bracelet.

Necklace banner.

Pearls hand.

Necklace.

Stylish, elegant and artistic The collections of handmade freshwater pearl jewellery from Christy Art Zimmer are elegant and simple, with a noticeable artistic aura. Under brand Christy’s Pearls, the traditional art of genuine pearl making is combined into unique designs with a modern and chic look.

TEXT: MALIN NORMAN I PHOTOS: CHRISTY ART ZIMMER

Based in Basel, Switzerland and originally from Shanghai in China, creative artist and jewellery designer Christy Peng started working with pearls back in 2011. She is now a skilled expert in the cultivation, geography and characteristics in pearls, and manages to transform the traditional craft of pearl making into modern-day handmade necklaces, brooches, bracelets and earrings.

The innovative range of jewellery is inspired by art and nature. Pieces 22 | Issue 44 | November 2016

are elegantly crafted with classic and tasteful flavours of gold, silver and naturally grown pearls, with a modern yet feminine twist of original styles, colours and shapes. Amongst new highend pearl designs are, for example, the Silver Blue Irregular-shaped Pearl Necklace, the Rice-pearl Choker, the Exotic Irregular-shaped Necklace, and the Chocolate Pearl Necklace. The collections have been well received by customers, for instance at the design exhibition Blickfang Basel 2016.

Peng explains that nowadays most jewellery brands in the market offer massproduced items. “This is very different from our concept. For instance, we use a lot of irregular-shaped freshwater pearls in our creations as they are unique, like individual human beings. We hope that our customers appreciate an elegant flavour in their lifestyle.”

The Christy Art Zimmer creative atelier in Basel is open to the public and shows how pearl jewellery is designed, from selecting raw materials until the final handmade crafts. Visitors will also find displays of Peng’s stunning paintings in oil, watercolour and Chinese ink. www.christyartzimmer.com @christy_art_zimmer

ef fe c t- e n e r g y | w w w.ef fe c t- e n e r g y.c o m

Discover Germany | Cover Feature | Benjamin Karl

24 | Issue 44 | November 2016

Discover Germany | Cover Feature | Benjamin Karl

Benjamin Karl A boy and his board Four-time world champion, three-time overall World Cup winner, silver medal in the 2010 Winter Olympics, Olympic bronze medal in Sochi; the list goes on. The Austrian alpine snowboarder Benjamin Karl can look back on an exciting career.

He talks to Discover Germany about how it all started, his future aspirations, his love for winter and much more.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF

The 31-year-old snowboarder discovered his love for snow and the great outdoors when his mother – a ski instructor – put him on skis when he was only two. “I couldn’t talk back then but I wanted to ski all day long without eating or drinking breaks,” Karl laughs. “At the age of ten, I then wrote down my athletic goals in life: world champion, Olympic champion and the world’s fastest boarder. I did think about becoming a skier for a short while, but my heart was already beating for snowboarding.”

The love for winter

Photo: © Martin Lugger

The determining factors for his decision to become a snowboarder were, and still are, the feeling of speed as well as the special feeling he gets when standing on a mountain ridge. “Up until today, these forces excite me. In autumn, when the first snowboarding day of the year is only one night away, I’m still so nervous that I can’t sleep,” Karl smiles. “I simply love winter. I will give you an example: it just snowed, you still enjoy a coffee in your warm living room and then, after putting on warm clothes, you step outside. The clear air fills your lungs and you just feel unbelievably good. The snow crunches under your boots and you simply know that this day will be awesome. The feeling you get on the board later on in untouched deep powder snow or on the freshly prepared slope is the icing on the cake.”

Knowing what he wanted at an early age, Karl also took the appropriate measures to get the best possible training. This included choosing a school that would fit his snowboarding needs. We wanted to know if it was hard for him to combine school and professional snowboarding training: “My mother and my later mentor and sports teacher at the secondary sport school St. Pölten played a significant role with this. My mum let me grow up without many limits and restrictions and thus, she also let me choose the school myself. We knew that the boarding school in St. Pölten had Erik Wöll who had an own snowboard team and fostered talents.

That’s how I made my decision. After all I wanted to become a snowboarder and wanted to go where I could get the best possible training.”

What Karl would learn in school was always of secondary importance for him, even when he switched to Schladming’s skiing school later on. “I wanted to only go there because of their athletic possibilities. Due to the early support from Erik and the perfect interplay of school and sport in Schladming, it was never hard for me to combine school and snowboarding.”

Hard-earned success Through his ambition and the professional training he received, Karl quickly became Issue 44 | November 2016 | 25

Discover Germany | Cover Feature | Benjamin Karl

Photo: © Philip Platzer

a world-famous athlete. Besides winning the World Championship title in 2009, twice in 2011 and in 2013, he also won the overall World Cup for three times, as well as an Olympic silver medal in 2010 and an Olympic bronze medal in Sochi in 2014 for parallel slalom. Despite this success, Karl still has more goals. “I want to become Olympic champion, the first snowboarder with five World Cup medals and I also want to win the overall World Cup a few 26 | Issue 44 | November 2016

more times. Sounds quite modest, doesn’t it?” he laughs.

Having grown up in Wilhelmsburg and Schladming, Karl now mostly lives in Lienz in East Tyrol with his family. “Home is Austria for me. Of course, I’m deeply rooted in Lower Austria and, of course, it is always something special to come home to Wilhelmsburg.” In his free time, Karl likes to mountain bike, take his motorcycle

for a ride and to rock climb. To relax, he loves to spend time with his family. “Free time means doing absolutely nothing for me – no sport, no business. It’s great to have some time to do something with my family. It’s simply the best and most relaxing thing that I can imagine.”

“It feels amazing” At the moment, Karl is preparing for the upcoming snowboarding season.

Discover Germany | Cover Feature | Benjamin Karl

We wanted to know how a normal day in the preparation phase looks like for him. “It might sound boring, but it feels amazing,“ he says.

Karl wakes up around 7am and has breakfast, then he goes to the service room where his boards are waiting for him. Now, the day can begin. “Hundreds of young ski racers try to be the first on the slope – it’s awesome to see this ambition and the twinkle in the eyes of the children,” says Karl. Karl usually spends three hours in the snow and then his team analyses everything to be able to further develop his skills. After that, he has a small nap and lunch to foster the regeneration before more running, balance training and a talk with his coach to further analyse his rides from the morning. “When I’m lucky, he doesn’t have much to say. After that - a short

meeting, dinner, film and sleeping,” he says.

What can we expect from Karl this year? “I have cast my eyes on winning the overall World Cup and, of course, my fifth World Championship title at the World Cup in March in Sierra Nevada. I don’t directly expect to achieve these goals. After all, a goal is something that one would like to achieve.”Having achieved so much already at only 31 years old, we also wanted to know what wishes, dreams and plans Karl has for the future. “Because I already achieved so much, people often ask me how long I will continue to drive. That’s a bit annoying but I do believe that this isn’t a decision of the age but more of the success and, at the moment, I’m one of the most successful snowboarders in history.

My overall goal is, however, to become THE most successful one,” he smiles.

Photo: © Philip Platzer

Issue 44 | November 2016 | 27

Discover Germany | Interview | Aurora Energy Research Ltd. Manuel Koehler.

Feddersen.

Forecasting our future from Berlin Without a doubt, energy is one of the major topics shaping our lives. Understanding it is immensely important and this is what the company Aurora Energy Research is doing on a daily basis. In our interview, CEO and co-founder Dr. John Feddersen and managing director for Germany, Dr. Manuel Koehler, talk about their company, their new location in Berlin and post-Brexit considerations.

TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS | PHOTOS: AURORA ENERGY RESEARCH LTD

You moved to Berlin in July. What have been the driving forces and thoughts behind this change?

Feddersen: In deciding on location, we had two clear objectives. We wanted a location our creative young team would really enjoy, and we wanted to be close to our clients.

In the UK, this trade-off didn’t really exist when we set up Aurora. We’re based in the heart of Oxford, which is a great place to live, surrounded by the university so excellent for recruiting, and only an hour by train to Central London.

28 | Issue 44 | November 2016

The location decision in Germany was more complicated. Energy companies are spread across Germany, the finance industry is concentrated in Frankfurt, and the government is in Berlin.

Despite this complexity, Berlin really stood out among other locations. First, being a hub for the government and technology, all of our clients spend time in Berlin regularly so it feels very central despite the decentralised nature of the German economy. Second, Berlin is a magnet for creative people, and our team members overwhelmingly wanted to be there. We’ve also found recruiting relatively easy in

Berlin – we’re yet to find a creative young person who saw relocating to Berlin as a negative! Finally, there were a number of other smaller benefits that added up: rent is low, especially by UK standards (central Berlin real estate is cheaper than in a small English city like Oxford); Berlin is a prestigious location outside Germany; Tegel airport is an easy-accessible gateway to the rest of Europe.

How did Aurora Energy Research initially come into existence?

Feddersen: Aurora was founded in March 2013. Energy markets were becoming increasingly complicated, driven by rapid change in both technology and government’s role.

Not everyone realised the major changes or their broader implications. Decisions, like the Energiewende in Germany and Electricity Market Reform in the

Discover Germany | Interview | Aurora Energy Research Ltd.

UK, were being made with huge longterm consequences for society and the environment.

In this example, we found that phasing out coal is a relatively cost effective approach to reducing carbon emissions.

energy market, and it may also precipitate substantial reform of the European carbon pricing system.

We wanted to help improve these decisions.

Aurora was founded by a group of Oxford University professors and economists, including myself, to bring independent datadriven intelligence to decision makers during this transformational period.

Let’s talk about the Brexit. What changes in your business, if any, do you expect as a result?

Looking ahead, what is going to be important for Aurora?

When providing consultancy services, what can the client expect from you and how do you start such a project?

Koehler: What differentiates Aurora from other consultants is that we are also energy specialists. We bring deep understanding of the market and fit-for-purpose models that take years to develop.

For example, one of our clients wanted to understand the implications if Germany decides to phase-out its coal fleet and how this compares to other climate policy options.

We reviewed the political debate to define how alternative options to meet Germany’s climate targets could look like (say, by introducing a higher carbon price).

Then we defined metrics that can be compared across scenarios and projected these with our market models.

Feddersen: For our business, Brexit creates substantial uncertainty. So far we’re still seeing very good business conditions in the UK, but the government and Bank of England have implemented a number of measures to stimulate activity since Brexit which may not be sustainable. I think we’ll know more in the first half of 2017.

Having said this, we’re very pleased to now have a substantial presence in Berlin.

In particular, this brings market access to all of Europe as well as the ability to seamlessly hire from a Europe-wide talent pool. Neither of these is guaranteed in post-Brexit UK. Does the Brexit have an impact on energy developments in the UK, Germany or Europe?

Feddersen: Energy market implications of Brexit are complicated. It’s a little too early to say much confidently. Two observations are that Brexit should slow down the integration of the European

Koehler: The most exciting next step for Aurora concerns the trend towards flexible, distributed energy.

In the past, investments in the electricity system tended to be expensive, and using established technologies. Through rapid improvements in solar and battery technology we’re now seeing an enormous amount of new investment in small, flexible, and locally distributed energy.

For example, we are seeing batteries, solar on rooftops and micro-CHP as ways to improve the performance of the energy system.

This booming market is fiendishly complex to model compared to traditional energy modelling. However, our approach in this space is absolutely cutting edge and we’re helping a number of market participants make sensible investment decisions that will shape the energy market over the coming decades. www.auroraer.com

Berlin City West.

Photo: © Berlin Partner-Wuestenhagen

Brandenburger Tor. Photo: © Berlin Partner Fritsch-Foto

Issue 44 | November 2016 | 29

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Children’s Universe

Photo: © Flickr.com, Sergiu Bacioiu

SPECIAL THEME: CHILDREN’S UNIVERSE

Germany’s great products for babies and children From cute clothing pieces for your newborn to great products and little helpers for the everyday life with children, check out this month’s special theme and find out what Germany has to offer in this special field.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF

Photo: © Flickr.com, TownePost Network

30 | Issue 44 | November 2016

Photo: © Flickr.com, Caroline

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Children’s Universe

Personalised, maritime gifts for kids Founded in 2006 by designer Constanze Samson, Hansekind offers maritime birth and baptism presents and other lovely furniture and accessories for children.

calendars made of wood and coat racks for kids, which can both be configured and ordered online,” Samson reveals.

TEXT: INA FRANK I PHOTOS: BENGT LANGE, BILDWERK

www.hansekind.de The idea to found Hansekind came to Constanze Samson’s mind when she was expecting her first child. “I was searching vainly for nice and high-quality layette,” she remembers. Having just finished her design studies, she started developing her own product line. Products that proved impractical or that might even threaten children’s health have no chance of getting into her product range. Besides, most products can be personalised and are therefore popular as presents. Now Hansekind has two shops in Hamburg, its own online shop and is sold at wholesale.

One of the shops is located in the Levantehaus. Levante means ‘towards the sunrise’, a motto that Samson also takes up for her label Hansekind.

Samson sets value on knowing her suppliers and their working conditions in

person. All products are fairly produced in Europe and Turkey. Thus, transportation routes are short and environmental friendly, which is “another positive effect”, Samson adds.

Christmas is approaching – and, of course, Hansekind will offer presents that make children’s eyes shine. “Customers can look forward to customisable Advent

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Children’s Universe

Jungle dreams under EIKE canopies.

FIONA bunk beds provide enough space for siblings and visitors.

FIONA bunk bed: Space-saving solutions meet secure environment.

PAIDI kid’s furniture literally rises to ‘growing’ needs 80 years ago, the first PAIDI cot saw the light of day and immediately conquered the nurseries of Germany. It was the first ever bed for small children that went into serial production and the wood manufacturer in Hafenlohr quickly became one of Germany’s leading brands.

Expanding towards play, loft and bunk beds programmes, as well as working spaces for pupils of all ages, PAIDI is nowadays an all-round specialist for babies’ and children’s living environments.

TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI I PHOTOS: PAIDI MOEBEL GMBH

Today, PAIDI stands for intelligent and upgradable children’s furniture, available in complete programmes for each age group. PAIDI furniture grows along with the children, as all items are expandable, combinable and sustainable at the same time. Their customer group are those parents and grandparents who look for high quality and security met by a timeless, sustainable design.

The first little PAIDI bed with removable railings left the premises of the original manufacturing plant more than 77 years ago. During the following decades, innovative high-quality products quickly allowed PAIDI to reach the top of the market. Continuous increase in demand 32 | Issue 44 | November 2016

led to enlargements of the factory premises in 1953, when the site was moved to the border of Hafenlohr village by the Main river, on a 6,000-squaremetre-large area.

Due to the powerful brand and its popularity, PAIDI have stayed at the top of the market for a long time. In 1997, Udo Groene and Peter Beyer took over the management of the PAIDI Ltd, at a point when resources seemed to dwindle.

New impulses and fresh momentum were asked for and quickly met by a new concept that combined traditional expertise with changing customer demands, while never losing sight of the strong PAIDI quality values.

Continuously developing new product ideas, thus setting high innovation standards, future-orientated thinking makes up the firm’s policy until today. As managing director Udo Groene states: “To make the little ones feel good in their living surroundings we have to develop our furniture from their perspective.” A father of three himself, he believes that furniture should hold for the entire span of a childhood. Therefore, all components of each programme can be combined with each other, as well as with some from other product worlds. A five-year availability warranty speaks for itself.

The success story of the Franconian manufacturer started with just one children’s bed – today however, the

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Children’s Universe

company provides child-oriented living environments for any age, enriching the life of the little ones for many years. Babies and small children are invited into lightfilled, friendly worlds, with high quality being a given and the ecological standards confirmed by the Blue Angel label, an ecoseal with a long tradition.

As toddlers grow into small persons, the need to try out their capabilities grows along with their body size. Here, the play, loft and bunk beds of the ‘Kidsworld’ programme literally come into play. Adventure-themed beds turn any children’s room into a playground, meeting the urge for explorative movement.

With PAIDI furniture, inviting design meets a child’s needs; the FIONA bunk bed for example provides easy access through a heightened bed surface so the literal ‘jump’ out of bed is being made easy for the little ones. The baby furniture alone allows multiple variations. If in adaptable white or with colourful accents, modern or classic, all items are secure and stable with ergonomic features. For example, the AIRWELL Comfort spring frames of all PAIDI Baby beds feature four different height variations. The eco-friendly varnish is a given.

Little scholars will find a strong companion with PAIDI. All desks and chairs fulfill ergonomic requirements, thereby avoiding wrong posture or back problems caused by growing spines. PAIDI youth desks are easily recognisable by the trademark crank handle on the side. Fully height-adjustable and tiltable to 19 degrees to 22 degrees; the desks adjust to a child’s ’growing’ needs. From a split desk top, complete with cable duct and mobile phone holder for the teenagers, to a ’classic’ desk for the children’s room, a suitable workplace can be created for all ages. Thanks to the

five-year replacement warranty, the child’s desk through the years can easily grow into a teenager’s desk.

Following their concept of continuous innovation, the latest PAIDI baby room design was recently shown at the international child and youth ‘Kind & Jugend’ trade fair in Cologne. Furthermore, a new programme featuring play, loft and bunk beds as well as more innovative desk designs was presented at this year’s Hausmesse Süd interior fair.

Even at times of low birth rates, PAIDI furniture can face the future with optimism, as sustainable, secure and timeless furniture will always be in need and asked for by parents and grandparents who want only the best for their offspring. www.paidi.de

Round features, warm colours and high-quality wood make up YLVIE baby rooms.

TABLO Pupil’s desk won the German Design Award Special 2017.

Design meets technical innovation with the tiltable split top desk JARO.

YLVIE teenager’s version.

Issue 44 | November 2016 | 33

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Children’s Universe

Rainer Brang’s children – the inspiration for Hörbert.

Music and stories make children smile – especially with the right player Many children love to dance to a tune or sit silently while a story is played. With this in mind, Hörbert is the ideal portable player for children. Built of wood with large colourful buttons it allows children from a very young age to navigate through nine playlists without their parents’ help.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN I COPYRIGHT: WINZKI GMBH & CO. KG, PHOTOS: RUEDIGER SCHESTAG

Hörbert’s origin lies in personal experience of developer Rainer Brang, who once tried to buy a music player for his son after the family had first experimented with their stereo system that was highly impractical because they often had to run to change CDs. But soon the young father discovered that there were no products on the market suitable for small children that met his high expectations. Therefore, he started a DIY project and developed Hörbert: a player with a wooden casket and colourful buttons that are used to control nine playlists stored on a digital memory card.

“I had this idea, because our then two and a half-year-old son could not read yet, but 34 | Issue 44 | November 2016

listening and zapping between titles was no problem at all.”

What started out as a fun project for his own children and those of neighbours and relatives, soon could no longer be handled by Rainer Brang alone. After a further 14 months of development a new business was born. Five years later, the personal touch and fun aspect still exist, even though the company now counts 15 people, most are parents themselves. A flexible work schedule allows employees to combine work and private life and “this greatly influences atmosphere and motivation”, says Brang. “Only this

morning an employee brought a cake to our joint breakfast – shaped like Hörbert!”

When buying Hörbert, the first audio files are already installed so that children can start listening without delay. “We got in contact with small publishing houses to find the right high-quality content matching the overall high-quality demands of our company,” says Brang. Today the company has sold more than 7,000 Hörbert players and gets a great deal of direct feedback.

“We are very lucky; which other firm gets pictures sent of happy children with the company’s product?”

Families often listen to the pre-installed titles for months before children start asking for new stories parents then can install themselves. Hörbert can therefore grow with its young owners. www.hoerbert.com

BRUDER Spielwaren GmbH + Co. KG Postfach 190164 · 90730 Fürth/Germany Telefon: + 49 (0)911 / 7 52 09-0 Telefax: + 49 (0)911 / 7 52 09-10 / 29 vertrieb@bruder.de www.bruder.de

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Children’s Universe

Switching from bike trailer to buggy in a few easy steps No matter if used as baby jogger, stroller or bike trailer: Qeridoo’s sports cart for children excites parents and children alike. Adjustable and easy to handle, it supports a healthy lifestyle for parents who enjoy being outdoors – on bike, skates or foot.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN I PHOTOS: QERIDOO

While the product once started out as bike trailer, parents now often use it as replacement for a traditional pram – especially when parents are active and like to go for a run, a long walk or hike.

Recently, Qeridoo’s developers have put their focus on drawbar, wheel and coupling not only to enhance the technology but also to make it more flexible. Unlike many competitors, where people have to pay extra for a wheel, Qeridoo includes the combined wheel for both buggy and jogger mode and the drawbar in their set.

"With the new handlebar it is easy to change the usage from bike trailer to jogging and running mode,” says founder and manager Nikolai Boldt. Like the cart itself the wheel is multifunctional and can be used in pram or jogger mode. The 36 | Issue 44 | November 2016

wheel is air-filled and has car tyre valves, so no matter which mode it runs smoothly even on rough surfaces. With the press of just one button the wheel gains directional stability, which is important when used as a jogger. “Many athletes have confirmed that they feel no difference when using the air-filled buggy wheel, compared to standard jogger sets,” says Boldt. The wheel can also very easily be stored in the trailer, the drawbar beneath it, when the trailer is attached to a bike.

The top design, the Kidgoo, comes with disc brakes, which makes it suitable for very fast runners, steep slopes and inline skating. With comfy seats and seatbelts, older children are kept safe while mum and dad are on tour. But it is also possible to attach a Qeridoo infant carrier or Maxi-

Cosi, making the Kidgoo suitable even for transporting infants. Qeridoo products are all made of high-quality materials and have undergone the required and additional safety tests before being released to the market.

For the Qeridoo team, service does not stop with delivering the product: “We support a healthy lifestyle and have engaged sports scientist Verena Wiechers, head of an academy for prenatal and postnatal training, to develop our ‘Mama WORKOUT with Qeridoo’ training routine,” says Qeridoo manager Boldt. www.qeridoo.de

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Children’s Universe

Heart-warming and absolutely adorable Munich-based Habibi Plush has conquered hearts around the world with their microwavable bedtime warmers. Whether it is cute stuffed animals, heatable slippers or cosy body warmers, young and old alike will love their new winter companion.

offers body warmers for neck, back and much more to help relieve pain from sore joints and muscles. Cosy slippers and comfortable booties for cold winter days round off Habibi Plush’s portfolio.

TEXT: TINA AWTANI, NANE STEINHOFF | PHOTOS: HABIBI PLUSH

Eleven years ago, Susanne Spachtholz sold traditional millet-filled warming cushions from a stall on Munich’s Christmas Market. A little girl passed by and asked about stuffed animals. “That sparked the idea and we started creating classic teddy bears,” the company founder recalls. On a vacation to Dubai, Spachtholz picked up the Arabic word habibi, which means ‘friend’ and thus found the perfect name for the fluffy companions.

most adorable faces add warmth to tiny bellies and help the little ones to find sweet dreams.“Just put them into the microwave for 90 seconds or heat them in the oven for ten minutes and a wonderful relaxing scent of lavender, jasmine, lemongrass and vanilla makes the Habibis ready to be cuddled, caressed and loved,” Spachtholz explains. An original Habibi stays warm for up to one and a half hours and then comfortably remains at body temperature.

Today Habibi Plush is an internationally renowned and growing family business, which relies on traditional values and high quality. Every single product is certified and repeatedly tested in compliance with European standards, making Habibi Plush safe to use for children under the age of 36 months.

However, not only the small ones enjoy their Habibis. The WELLNESS collection

No wonder the Habibi Plush product family conquered the hearts of many over the years. “We often receive photos from children in hospitals with a Habibi on their side, saying how much comfort they find in the presence of their warm little friends. On another occasion we received a letter from a woman who gave a Habibi cat to her mother who suffers from dementia. The cat appears to have a very calming effect on the old lady, who keeps it on her lap stroking the warm animal for hours.” www.habibi-plush.de

Cute penguins, rainbow-coloured dragons, sweet unicorns or sea turtles with the Issue 44 | November 2016 | 37

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Children’s Universe

Unique, personalised gifts for all occasions

TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI I PHOTOS: FINLIX

With FINLIX, each order means getting an individual, unique product. For a personalised present you can choose between 100 lovingly fashioned designs and add your own text. From a squinting fish to a chubby owl and a little pirate; if soccer fan, horse lover or grill master, there is something for everyone. In case the favourite animal is missing from the collection, FINLIX will be happy to create a new design according to your wishes.

FINLIX started out in 2009 with creating personalised products around food and drink-based themes. The collection ranges from crockery sets with plates, bowls and cups on to bread, salad and granola boxes.

High-quality thermos flasks and drinking bottles are also much in demand. The Ger-

man online shop quickly inspired other internet platforms and retail stores to include FINLIX items in their own product range.

For the team of four with a full agenda, the steady growth promises a big future.

FINLIX clients are those who appreciate high-quality, environmentally

friendly products that are completely free of chemical toxins. Their melamine dishes are produced in Germany. From christening gift to fancy plates for the happy bridal couple to a unique apron for the hobby chef, their designs speak to all age groups. Personalised flask and lunch box sets make for proud kindergarten and school kids.

New enchanting designs and products are constantly in the making, a frequent browsing of the FINLIX website might spark the perfect idea for your next unique gift.

Margarete Steiff GmbH | Richard-Steiff-Straße 4 | 89537 Giengen/Brenz

www.finlix.de

Giant sized and cuddly

“For children only the best is good enough” 38 | Issue 44 | November 2016

www.steiff.com

Unblocking a baby’s nose ensures a good night’s sleep for the whole family Meet Olaf, the elephant with the green dungarees, a red cap and a trunk, namesake of a great tool for babies and toddlers.

OLAF, the elefantastic nasal aspirator, unblocks the nose, helping toddlers to breathe, feed and sleep easily.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN I PHOTOS: OLAF NASENSAUGER

“Small children breathe solely through their noses and often struggle with breathing when the nose is blocked,” explains Edith Binder, a registered German naturopath and owner of Binder marketing.

Small so that it fits into every handbag, the battery-powered Olaf nasal aspirator unblocks noses gently and quickly even when mother and baby are out and about. Babies often become irritated when nasal secretion is removed with a tissue. “When babies have nasal congestion they don’t feed well and don’t sleep well. Mothers-to-be should therefore consider buying Olaf as part of the basic equipment before the child is born,” says Edith Binder. Paediatricians and midwives also endorse the device.

While newborns in particular get used to the nasal aspirator very easily, older children might need some encouragement. Edith Binder has also written a children’s book telling the story of an elephant family. Father Olaf is suddenly confronted with a problem: the baby elephant’s trunk is congested. What to do? This enchanting story helps children to become familiar with the nasal aspirator. www.olaf-nasensauger.de

Mit sigikid um die Welt ! kuschelige Spielwaren trendige Kindermode

&

sigikid.com

DESIGN ZUM GLÜCKLICH SEIN! SCHÖNES FÜR BABYS UND KLEINKINDER

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Children’s Universe

Couture fashion for children Dresses in milky pastels or striped shirts with pirate patches made of fairly traded organic cotton – Lia Bach proves that children’s fashion can be both couture and sturdy.

With customers in Europe and the USA, the label has gained international recognition thanks to limited couture collections for boys and girls whose clothes are not just wearable and on trend, but also washable.

A very popular garment of the Lia Bach store is a sporty dirndl that is available for 99 to 119 euros. Made of fine material, the dirndl can be worn for years because of its high quality in fabric and construction.

“We exclusively use the finest Fair Trade fabrics which have a GOTS [Global Organic Textile Standard] certificate,” says the designer Julia Sterzenbach. At the tender age of 13, she had already established her label Lia Bach and pursued a successful career in the world of children’s fashion. As a teen, she enhanced her drawing skills at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich. Later, she studied fashion design at ESMOD, the

MEIN

international University of Art for Fashion, in Munich and Paris.

Now at 26, Sterzenbach is a successful designer who has not just had her own fashion store in Bavaria’s capital since 2013,

Lia Bach’s collections are both couture and sturdy.

TEXT: NADINE CARSTENS | PHOTOS: LIA BACH

but who is also a regular guest at fashion shows such as the Vienna Petite Fashion Week. “When designing my collections, I draw inspiration from nature and artists such as Monet or Da Vinci,”she explains. As a result, she creates playful, fairy tale clothes that are the trademark of Lia Bach. www.liabach.com

A sporty dirndl for girls.

TELLER Keiner wie meiner

With more than 140 designs, the online-shop www.mein-teller.de will help you create a personalised present to help make someone feel special this Christmas. Choose from personalised plates, lunch boxes, water bottles, bibs and aprons to create a unique gift.

MEIN Quality 2016 Made in Germany 40 |TELLER Issue 44 | November

www.mein-teller.de

Discover Germany | Wine & Dine | Product of the Month, Germany

Heiko Butz (left) and Daniel Duarte (right). Photo: © Saskia Uppenkamp

PRODUCT OF THE MONTH, GERMANY

Tasting Christmas in a cup of hot drinking chocolate Winter time and the festive season are a perfect opportunity to cuddle in front of a fireplace or the television, a cup of hot chocolate in hand with the smell of sweet cocoa wavering through the room. KOAWACH, based in Germany, produces drinking chocolate with a special twist: guarana – a natural caffeine – and different mixtures of spices.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN I PHOTOS: KOAWACH

Indeed, one can drink chocolate pure with only the creamy taste of cocoa on the tongue. This is of course what KOAWACH has in store. But especially in winter time a mixture of cocoa, cardamom and cinnamon not only ads additional warmth, but it tastes like Christmas in a cup. Vanilla and some exotic chilli tastes are also part of KOAWACH’s eight cocoa products.

It was an idea that started out in two students’ kitchen, where Heiko Butz and Daniel Duarte, the KOAWACH founders, experimented to combine cocoa powder with guarana, a plant from Brazil that has become famous for its stimulating

properties. Its seeds contain twice as much caffeine than coffee beans. Armed only with a camping stove and cups, both students sold their guarana-enriched drinking chocolate at Cologne University. Only one and a half years later koawach moved into a more professional production facility and widened its distribution to shops and cafés all over Germany, Switzerland and Austria. In 2015, KOAWACH participated in the German version of Dragon’s Den, Die Höhle der Löwen, where the start-up gained further support and funding.

KOAWACH not only tastes great but also only uses fair trade, organic and vegan

ingredients, all from Latin America, where Daniel Duarte has his origin. At the age of 18, he had moved from Colombia to Germany. “We want to make the world a bit more sustainable, fair and of course tastier,” both founders say. This also means that they are working closely together with their Latin American partners to enhance production but also the living conditions of workers and their families. In the future, KOAWACH plans that the complete production should be done directly on site so that there is more money for sustainable development in the particular region.

Thinking of Christmas, why not buy a chocolate drink that not only tastes good and gives energy but one where consumers can be sure they are not enjoying it at the expense of workers and the environment? www.koawach.de Issue 44 | November 2016 | 41

Discover Germany | Wine & Dine | Hotel of the Month, Austria

Café Am Hof.

Living Room.

HOTEL OF THE MONTH, AUSTRIA

Grand Salon.

History meets elegant understatement The Park Hyatt Vienna opened its doors in June 2014 as the first Hyatt Hotel in Austria. Welcoming both private and business travellers, the hotel embellishes its landmarked ambiance with contemporary architecture. In that, the atmosphere reflects the well-known, subtle charm of the Park Hyatt brand while displaying classy, Viennese traits. As impressive as its appearance are its various services and offerings for all interests imaginable.

Dekker, general manager of Park Hyatt Vienna. “The Park Hyatt brand focuses on creating rare, intimate and unforgettable experiences for guests, so we are eager to welcome guests to discover what Park Hyatt and Vienna are all about.”

TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS I PHOTOS: PARK HYATT VIENNA

Rooms and services

Located in the ‘Golden Quarter’ of the Austrian capital, the Park Hyatt’s building is more than 100 years old. Originally the headquarters of an Austrian Hungarian Monarchy Bank, it is part of Vienna’s first district, which is protected as a UNESCO world heritage. Steps away from the city’s exclusive shopping districts, the hotel is the perfect gateway to explore the large fashion houses at the Kohlmarkt.

42 | Issue 44 | November 2016

Furthermore, it represents an ideal starting point for a visit to Vienna’s sights, including the St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg and many other historical architecture and museums.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to bring the Park Hyatt brand to a city like Vienna, which is rich in culture, art, history and sophistication,” explains Monique

In its entirety the hotel holds 143 luxurious and lavish rooms, ranging from 35 to 170 square metres. Included in these are 35 extensive, comfortable suites. Elegantly designed, the rooms create a historical atmosphere with an unmistakeable Viennese charm. Entering your suite or room, many details will reveal themselves only to the attentive guest. Light-filled and equipped with the latest technology, the rooms and studios just beneath the

Discover Germany | Wine & Dine | Hotel of the Month, Austria

roof offer a beautiful view over the city of Vienna.

In and around the hotel, the Park Hyatt offers various recreational outlets with appeal to both guests and residents of the city. Included in these offerings is the restored The Bank Brasserie & Bar, the Lounge, the whisky and cigar lounge Living Room and the Café Am Hof, a Viennese coffeehouse, featuring a spacious outdoor terrace during the summer months.

Culinary highlights All of the venues focus on a different culinary theme, which in convergence form a unique, specific identity. Looking for Brassiere classics? The Bank Brasserie & Bar, located in the former cashier hall will meet your desires. Here you begin the day with an extensive buffet breakfast and enjoy seasonal, freshly prepared international and local dishes for lunch and dinner. In addition, the internationally distinguished expert Reinhard Pohorec assumes responsibility for the new concept of The Bank Bar. Firstly, the bar commemorates the building’s history through sensory and optical associations.

Secondly, it collaborates closely with the brasseries kitchen. “The bar team uses only the best products and ingredients, partly from the kitchen – partly from the perfumery,” explains Pohorec.

place in these impressionable facilities.

Once more, the hotel uses state-of-the-art technology in equipping the conference rooms, giving its guests as many possibilities as they need.

In line with the Viennese coffeehouse tradition, the Café Am Hof, which is located on the ground floor of the hotel, fulfils a coffee enthusiast’s dreams while giving you the space to observe the world pass by in the streets.

Wellness for body and mind

Contrasting the bright open space of the Café Am Hof, the Living Room highlights darker materials. With wooden panels around the room and large carpets, the cigar and whisky lounge is a place of retreat, peacefulness and stimulating luxury. Here you can enjoy sips from a collection of rare single malts and smoke fine cigars, just like you would at home.

Meeting in the best possible way In addition, the Park Hyatt Vienna has 800-square-metre-large, multi-functional conference and meeting facilities, which offer the perfect surrounding for your event. Business meetings, weddings, gala dinners or product launches can all take

Once you have finished your day of work or your extensive visit to Vienna, the best way to relax is at the Arany Spa, which is accessible for non-hotel guests too. Offering a wide selection of exclusive body treatments and massages, a 15-metre indoor swimming pool and a fitness centre featuring the advanced technology line Artis from Technogym, the recreational area stretches out over 1,000 square metres. Architecturally stimulating, the Arany Spa and its six treatment rooms and wet area, including sauna, steam bath and more are designed in clear shapes, making use of thoughtful lighting and colours. Like all other spaces of the Park Hyatt Vienna, this Spa is a place you will not visit only once. Its quality is distinctively Park Hyatt and together with the Viennese environment, its attraction is irresistible. www.parkhyattvienna.com

The Bank Brasserie.

The Bank Bar.

Park Suite.

Issue 44 | November 2016 | 43

Discover Germany | Wine & Dine | Conference Hotel of the Month, Germany

Conference room.

Comfortable room.

CONFERENCE HOTEL OF THE MONTH, GERMANY

Meetings with foresight in the Bavarian Alps One can enjoy a marvellous view onto the ‘Blue Land’ and the ‘Pfaffenwinkel’ in this unique panoramic position 900 metres above sea level in the Ammergau Alps.

The four-star nature resort and conference hotel Schillingshof is situated directly at the local ‘Hörnle’ mountain’s chairlift – only a one-hour drive away from Munich and half an hour from Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

TEXT: HOTEL SCHILLINGSHOF GMBH, TRANSLATION: NANE STEINHOFF I PHOTOS: HOTEL SCHILLINGSHOF GMBH

The idyllically situated hotel in Upper Bavaria is the perfect location for seminars and conferences. Thus, in the category ‘event’, the Schillingshof is part of the top 20 of ‘Top250 Germany’s best conference hotels’. Here, the guests live in one of the 131 modern, alpine-style rooms in which a pleasant ambiance is brought about through the use of loden, natural wood and warm colours.

The spatial design of the ten light-flooded meeting rooms and nine group rooms cater for a relaxing working ambiance - WLAN, modern presentation devices, balconies and terraces with views onto the magnificent surroundings included. Up to 160 people can profit from flexible combination possibilities during large events.

A special feature is the top modern rhetoric studio in HD quality, which 44 | Issue 44 | November 2016

perfectly supports the recording and analysation of meetings, talks and selling situations. Even vocal and acting training can be carried out in this room with good illumination and a mobile mixing console.

A bowling alley with a billiard table and table football is available for fun times for the entire team. In the 10,000-squaremetre-large garden, framework activities such as archery, biathlon or snowshoe hiking are very popular. Even open air conferences with team tasks, pauses and barbeques can be planned in the hotel park.

After an action-filled seminar day, one can relax in the panorama pool, in the herbal or light sauna, on the infrared loungers, during a massage or in the large fitness room. Cosy evenings in the fireplace bar, the beer lounge or in the separate, Mediterranean wine lounge where one

can enjoy wine delicacies and Italian, Spanish and Bavarian tapas round off an exciting day. A culinary highlight is the ‘Ammergauer Landhaus breakfast’ with a large selection of regional products. During coffee breaks, a varied selection of sweet, as well as savoury snacks are available.

Seasonal, regional and international dishes are served for lunch and dinner.

All in all, holding meetings in the Schillingshof is an exceptional experience – not only because of the excellent and friendly conference support on site. www.hotel-schillingshof.com tagung@hotel-schillingshof.com Swimming pool.

IM NEUEN GLANZ IN NEW SPLENDOUR

Entdecken Sie unser komplett renoviertes Hotel mit neuem Bar-Lounge-Restaurantbereich, zeitlos eleganten Zimmern mit jeglichem Komfort und unsere modernen Veranstaltungsräume für unvergessliche Events.

Wir freuen uns auf Sie.

Discover our completely renovated hotel with its new bar-lounge-restaurant area, timelessly elegant rooms with every possible comfort and our modern conference rooms for unforgettable events.

We look forward to your visit.

STEIGENBERGER HOTEL BAD HOMBURG Kaiser-Friedrich-Promenade 69–75 61348 Bad Homburg Deutschland Tel.: +49 6172 181-0 bad-homburg@steigenberger.de www.bad-homburg.steigenberger.de

Discover Germany | Wine & Dine | Best Hotel in Austria

BEST HOTEL IN AUSTRIA

Spa holidays with close connection to nature, history and local traditions What makes the hotel DAS.GOLDBERG in the middle of the Austrian Alps so special is not only the new, outstanding wellness and spa area, but also the panoramic view. Even when entering the lobby, large windows open up towards the mountains. The hotel combines old local traditions and history with modern facilities – in its interior and the rather personal atmosphere.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN I PHOTOS: DAS.GOLDBERG

The family-run hotel DAS.GOLDBERG is situated in the small Austrian village of Bad Hofgastein near Salzburg. Located on a high plateau overlooking the village and vale it offers a panoramic view towards the glacier, Alpine mountains and the High Tauern National Park. The vale is not only famous for the surrounding Alpine landscape, but also for its history. For centuries gold and silver mines brought wealth to the region that during the middle 46 | Issue 44 | November 2016

ages was also one of the main trading routes between Italy and Germany. In the early 20th century, Bad Hofgastein became famous for its thermal spas. A tradition the hotel DAS.GOLDBERG relates to and honours with its own luxurious spa.

The healing powers of salt and hot steam The hotel’s new steam bath called GOLD. STOLLEN is as relaxing as the innermost

of a mountain, far away from stress and noise. 420,000 kilogrammes of wellness and relaxation, one could say. That is the weight of stones brought in from the nearby High Tauern to furbish the Caledarium, combined with large tree trunks. Both remind of the Gasteiner Heilstollen, a salt cave that had been used for regeneration and relaxation even when the region still lived from mining and not tourism. Even then it was known that warmth and moist air is good for muscle relaxation and the respiratory tract.

The GOLD.STOLLEN – Stollen is the German word for tunnel – indeed looks like one. Hidden alcoves between rough rocks, stone floors and soft lighting like one would expect from a miner’s lantern

Discover Germany | Wine & Dine | Best Hotel in Austria

create a rather special atmosphere that lets guests forget they are indeed inside a hotel and not a mountain.

The GOLD.STOLLEN is only one of the innovations and new ideas the hotel owners Georg and Vera Seer brought into the Spa area in 2016. Only recently, the relaxation room has been refurbished as well. The hotel has even created three spa suites, that allow wellness and relaxation in the guest’s own rooms: two smaller suites of 60 square metres each and a larger one with 90 square metres.

According to the chosen size, they contain every luxury possible, from a bathtub for two people to a sauna, from a library to a cosy room with open fireplace. It is the ideal place for people who would simply like to forget their everyday stress or have a romantic holiday for two. For an extra romantic touch far away from everyone else, the hotel also has a spa chalet with private wellness area.

The hotel spa’s outdoor area is another breath-taking feature. Relaxing on the

outside terrace, guests have a fantastic view over the valley and towards the mountains. There is not only an infinity outdoor pool, but also an artificial lake surrounded by natural stones and green pastures. In total there are 220 square metres of water areas – inside and outside.

Refurbishment honours nature, landscape and regional traditions Nature and modern hotel service go hand in hand in the hotel DAS.GOLDBERG. Rooms, reception area and spa were completely refurbished and, in parts, newly constructed in July 2013; keeping the surrounding Alpine landscape in mind. At this time the hotel also gained its new name DAS.GOLDBERG, reminding of the region’s gold mining tradition. No wonder the colour can be found all over the hotel’s interior.

The original building – a smaller hotel – had been in ownership of Georg Seer’s parents since 1982 and Georg and Vera Seer, who took on the refurbishment, had

entered the business in 1997. Today the hotel has 64 modern studios and suites, gastronomies, its own coffee roastery and a small bread manufactory. The aim was to create more comfort for guests without losing the personal ambience and the connection to the region.

The hotel’s interior and exterior play with a combination of wood, stone, glass and iron, to get an authentic feel, while custom-made furniture and bright accent colours used for fabrics enhance the modern style. Natural fibres were key: wood and rough stone adorn the hotel rooms’ walls and floors, a large bed is the centrepiece of a room that speaks of tranquillity and warmth. A large freestanding bathtub invites you to relax with a glass of wine or a cup of tea after a long day hiking through the mountains or skiing in winter – the hotel lies at the main ski slope after all. www.dasgoldberg.at

Issue 44 | November 2016 | 47

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Austrian Wedding Special

Photo: © Flickr.com, Antonio Delgado

SPECIAL THEME: AUSTRIAN WEDDING SPECIAL

Offering everything for the perfect wedding Austria might not be the first country one thinks of when planning their wedding. However, the country has a great deal to offer.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF

Photo: © Flickr.com, Shane T. McCoy/ US Marshals

48 | Issue 44 | November 2016

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Austrian Wedding Special

Photo: © Flickr.com, babe_kats

Photo: © Flickr.com, babe_kats

Whether one seeks to get married in pure, rural nature in front of a magnificent mountain scenery, on a lake or in the city in a luxurious hotel, couples will find it all in Austria.

So, if you decide to have a wedding here, be sure to know all the local customs that are associated with a wedding. For example, Austrian brides tend to spend their last night as an unmarried woman in their parents’ house where she is woken up by a loud noise like fireworks very early in the morning. This noise not only wakes her up for the special day, it is also said to expel evil spirits.

Another tradition is to kidnap the bride.

This is normally done by best friends.

Photo: © Flickr.com, Monday Morning Flower and Balloon Co.

After kidnapping the bride, they take her from bar to bar and the husband has to pay every bill after that. Furthermore, sawing tree trunks is still a popular custom throughout Austria – especially in rural regions. After the wedding in church, a tree is placed on the road which the couple want to pass. They then have to cut it through together to get to a happy future.

Last but not least, one tends to see cans on the wedding car in Austria. The loud noise this brings about is said to expel evil spirits, as well as to call attention to the newly married couple.

In our special theme, we give you some more great ideas to celebrate your special

day. Whether you are still looking for a beautiful dress or need help with planning it all, be sure to read our following pages.

AUSTRIA’S TOP WEDDING LOCATIONS - Salzkammergut: Breath-taking lakes and a magnificent mountain scenery.

- Lake Neusiedl: a great combination of event locations and nature.

- Vienna: The capital offers an abundance of great hotels and event locations for one’s special day.

- Vorarlberg: Those who seek a country wedding, will find their best bet in this region.

Issue 44 | November 2016 | 49

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Austrian Wedding Special

Photo: © Zopf-Photography

Just say ‘JA’

Photo: © Hillinger-Perfahl OG

If you are looking for a truly unique wedding location, why not consider Austria’s Salzkammergut? With clear lakes, high mountains and green meadows, the resort area near Salzburg certainly offers a beautiful backdrop. Even better: wedding planner Gabi Socher and her team of dedicated service professionals will take care of everything. All you need to do is sit back, relax and say yes.

TEXT: SONJA IRANI | PHOTOS: SAGJA-IM-SALZKAMMERGUT

As one of the first wedding planners in Austria, Gabi Socher has led more than 450 wedding couples to the altar since 1999. Throughout those years she has found out about many great, sometimes even hidden wedding locations, wedding activities and service professionals in the Salzkammergut region. This led to the foundation of the ‘sagJA-imSalzkammergut’ (translation: ‘say yes in the Salzkammergut region’) project – a professional network of various wedding 50 | Issue 44 | November 2016

service providers such as restaurants, graphic designers, florists, musicians or photographers. “We list all of these on our joint website, so all our clients have to do is to pick their favourites,” says wedding expert Gabi Socher and continues to share some of her best tips for your perfect day.

On planning your wedding: You do not have to do anything (except for saying yes, of course), but you are allowed to do everything. You can opt for

an informal ceremony in the countryside or a very lavish and stylish wedding with many beautiful details such as a welcome letter, a musician line-up, a candy table, a fire artist, a show bar keeper etc. The possibilities here in the Salzkammergut are literally limitless. However, any wedding requires a great deal of planning.

Allow yourself the luxury of getting a professional to organise your special day.

If you are free of those worries, you can truly enjoy every aspect of the day and will have more time for the most emotional moments and your guests.

On choosing the location: Choose your wedding location carefully because you will always remember this special place when you come back to visit in the future. You should pick a location

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Austrian Wedding Special

that represents something special to both of you. Lakes and mountains are very simple and calm. They are perfect spots to relax and refocus on what really matters in life. Austria’s Salzkammergut offers plenty of those spots as the region is characterised by a very unique lake and mountain landscape.You will find a wealth of beautiful wedding locations here – from castles and mansions to stylish festival halls in old factories, estates or mountain lodges. There is something for every taste, budget and need.

On choosing the season: Most couples would like to get married in the summer with May remaining the most popular month. However, a wedding in the so-called ‘off season’ (spring, autumn and winter) has its charm, too. In the off-season, everything is more relaxed and the prices are lower. Plus, autumn, winter and spring all come with their own distinctive beauty features. In autumn,

there is a special kind of light. Spring will grace us with the soft green of the fresh leaves and the beautiful blossoming of various plants. Finally, the beautiful white snow landscape in winter will make you feel like you have stepped into a winter wonderland. These seasonal particularities all create a very special atmosphere and guarantee beautiful, unique wedding photos. To get your perfect shots, why not book a professional such as Dayle Ann Calvin, an award-winning photographer from LA now based in the region, through the ‘sagJA-im-Salzkammergut’ website?

On following wedding trends: Due to the changes in our society, the significance of a wedding has changed, too. Today, a wedding is an important social gathering because friends and family often come together from all over the world.

People take time off and look forward to celebrate this special milestone with the bride and groom. That is why sagJA-im-

Salzkammergut weddings always include lots of love, laughter, joy and hospitality. www.sagja-im-salzkammergut.at/en Example wedding weekend in the Salzkammergut region: - Thursday: Arrival, sightseeing, shopping and spa.

- Friday: Warm-up party with traditional folk music (in Dirndl and leather trousers for those who like to dress in traditional clothes), food and drink delicacies from the region and an afterparty in a stylish bar.

- Saturday: The main ceremony in a romantic church or on a green meadow followed by a panoramic lake tour by boat plus an elegant dinner and wedding party in a castle.

- Sunday: Wedding brunch on a lakeside terrace or cableway ride up to the mountain to take in the beautiful panoramic view from above

Photo: © Fotowagner

Photo: © Dayle Ann Clavin Photography Photo: © Zopf-Photography

Issue 44 | November 2016 | 51

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Austrian Wedding Special

Wedding at Schlumberger.

Photo: © pedagrafie

Sekt production in historic arches.

Photo: © Schlumberger

Discover the sparkling richness of Schlumberger A wedding without the right drink to clink glasses with is unimaginable. Austrian brand Schlumberger has perfected this drink in a variety of ways. Offering a wide array of sparkling wines, the company is established at home and way beyond and can look back on a long and successful history. Today, Schlumberger is not only able to provide the perfect Sekt (sparkling wine), but is also enchanting visitors with its one-of-a-kind visitor centre and event location, Kellerwelten.

TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS I PHOTOS: SCHLUMBERGER

Looking at this incredible history, one is immediately assured that there are experts at work. More than 175 years ago, the first beverage was produced in Schlumberger’s cellars in accordance with the Méthode Traditionnelle, which is synonymous with the French Champagne method. However, while the French can call their beverage Champagne, the Austrians are not allowed to do so as their Sekt is not based on wine from the Champagne region. In 52 | Issue 44 | November 2016

fact, Schlumberger Sekt is a true Austrian product, using local grapes and wine, which is processed in Vienna and Bad Vöslau and poured into bottles manufactured in Austria. Not without pride, this is why Schlumberger is able to label all its bottles with the lettering Austrian Sekt.

200 years ago The story of the brand began in 1841 in Stuttgart, Germany, where Robert Alwin

Schlumberger was born. After the death of his father he was forced to break away from his studies and become a merchant.

In this profession he travelled to France, where he was employed at a Champagne winery. During his time there he was able to go from cellarer to production manager, but when he fell in love with his now wife he relocated to Austria to be with her.

This is where an unparalleled success story begins. In Austria, Schlumberger founded his own company, producing his own Sekt, and when he was able to get one of his products on the wine list for the Queen and King, he become purveyor to the Royal Household. The rest, as they say, is history. Generations came and went, but Schlumberger Sekt stayed the same and today the affirmation for the

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Austrian Wedding Special

Austrian tradition and production method is stronger than ever.

Unique diversity Overall, Schlumberger Sekt has four main product lines. The classic line features timeless sparkles, including Sparkling Brut, Rose Brut and Chardonnay. In the so-called Lifestyle line, Schlumberger offers young and modern customers WHITE Secco, ROSÉ Secco and GOLD Secco, all of which come with sensual, fruity, invigorating tastes. The latest innovation is the product line ON ICE, which attracts new customers and new occasions for sparkling wine and the Schlumberger brand. Then there are the Prestige Cuvées, a line of exclusive, original tastes called the Schlumberger DOM. Finally, the Schlumberger Vintage Specialities offer tastes that go beyond the usual and feature grapes such as Brut Nature, Sauvignon Blanc, Gruener Veltliner or Blanc de Noir. One thing is certain: no sparkling wine resembles the other. This is why all of them can be savoured and bought at the Schlumberger Kellerwelten.

Kellerwelten

al gathering, the facilities allow room for up to 120 people. Naturally, this lush ambiance is also perfectly suitable for your most precious days – the Schlumberger Kellerwelten makes a wonderful wedding location. Celebrate your moment in a mystical and romantic atmosphere and rely on Schlumberger’s experience in planning and organising an unforgettable day.

á-vis the Vienna Opera house, you are able to personalise the label and create the perfect gift. Naturally, at the Boutique & Bar, you are also invited to taste, feel and experience the unique sparkle that is a Schlumberger Sekt in its broad variety. www.schlumberger.at

Personalise your Sekt bottle

Opening hours and additional information:

If you would like to make a Schlumberger Sekt present for a good friend or family member, there is nothing more exciting than the branded bottle. At the Kellerwelten, online and at Schlumberger’s second Vienna location, the elegant Boutique & Bar in the Palais Todesco vis-

- Schlumberger Kellerwelten: Wed 11am-9.30pm; Thu-Sat. 11am-6pm; Heiligenstädter Straße 39, 1190 Vienna

Personalise your Schlumberger bottle.

Photo: © Bill Lorenz

- Schlumberger Boutique&Bar at K.u.K Hoflieferanten: Mon-Sun. 11am-11pm; Kärntner Straße 51, 1010 Vienna (vis-ávis the Vienna Opera house)

Private or corporate events at Schlumberger Kellerwelten.

Photo: © Schlumberger

Part museum, part event location, the Schlumberger Kellerwelten is a one-ofa-kind behind-the-scenes look at the company and an elegant visitors centre at the same time. Located in the historic arch of the factory, it allows visitors to take part in a narrated Sekt tasting as well as a guided tour through the impressive 300-year-old cellars. Throughout this tour, visitors get to delve into the exquisite production techniques of the Méthode Traditionnelle and discover its secrets.

Furthermore, the Schlumberger Kellerwelten is open for your event. Whether you are planning a private or profession-

Schlumberger since 1842 – Austria’s answer to Champagne.

Photo: © Schlumberger Unique diversity of Schlumberger. Photo: © Schlumberger

Issue 44 | November 2016 | 53

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Austrian Wedding Special

Bristol at night. Photo: Hotel Bristol Vienna

The Hotel Bristol in Vienna offers a perfect setting for weddings.

Photo: Maria Tsakiri; Dress: Niely Hoetsch and Solaine Piccoli

The Hotel Bristol in Vienna offers a perfect setting for weddings. Photo: Hotel Bristol Vienna

Celebrating a romantic winter wedding Whether you prefer a small celebration with your loved ones or a glittering wedding ball, the Hotel Bristol, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Vienna, offers the perfect setting to celebrate your special day.

guests can get punch, hot mulled wine, and champagne: “Bridal couples also have the chance to exclusively rent this special location for aperitifs or hors d’oeuvres.”

TEXT: NADINE CARSTENS

Which couple does not dream of celebrating their wedding at a magical, glamourous place? With its historic ambience and Viennese charm, the fivestar hotel is the ideal place to say “I do”.

When it opened in 1892, the Bristol Vienna was known for being the most modern hotel of Vienna. By naming the hotel after the British town Bristol, the hoteliers wanted to attract international guests.

As it turned out, not just guests from all over the world appreciated the luxurious hotel and its excellent restaurant, but also famous artists, businessmen, and politicians. “Theodore Roosevelt, Nellie Melba, Giacomo Puccini, and Bertha von Suttner are some of the prominent figures who resided here,” says Simone Dulies, general manager of the Hotel Bristol Vienna. “Today, the Prince of Wales Suite still remembers Edward VIII, Prince of Wales, who stayed at the hotel in 1936.”

54 | Issue 44 | November 2016

Located right next to the State Opera, the Hotel Bristol Vienna is still famous for its hospitality and personalised service.

Therefore, the hotel team does everything to arrange a wonderful wedding ceremony, celebration, and banquet. Additionally, the hotel offers an ideal accommodation for wedding guests, as well as a suite for styling and wedding preparations. Of course, the hotel team accompanies and assists bridal couples and their guests when required. “Since our teams for kitchen, events, and service are from our own house, they cooperate excellently.”

Usually, weddings are booked between 12 to three months before the celebration.

“Since the Bristol Vienna is open all year round, we are flexible and able to arrange spontaneous celebrations, too,” Dulies states. “Whatever you require, whether it is music, child care, or a photographer, we promise to organise a perfect wedding.”

Contact for your wedding: Rebecca Willmann Rebecca.willmann@luxurycollection.com +43 1 515 16 531 www.bristolvienna.com

Choosing from three themes Couples even have the chance to choose from three different themes for their setting: Royal, Swinging Twenties, or a Romantic Winter Wedding. As Dulies explains, the hotel is going to offer a stand in the winter garden during the Advent season, where

The Prince of Wales Suite.

Photo: Hotel Bristol Vienna

Burgruine Aggstein

3642 Aggsbach Dorf | Austria | www.ruineaggstein.at

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Wellness & More

Photo: © Flickr.com, spahotelsonnenhof

SPECIAL THEME: WELLNESS & MORE

Wellness trends 2017 Wellness trends rapidly change from year to year. So, what can we look forward to in 2017? We have handpicked the top trends to look out for.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF

Photo: © Flickr.com, Ken Hawkins

56 | Issue 44 | November 2016

Photo: © Flickr.com, Matt Madd

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Wellness & More

Photo: © Flickr.com, with wind

1. Sound wellness To calm your mind and for deep relaxation, definitely try a sound bath. This wellness trend is said to decrease stress response and will help with “deep mental and physical relaxation”, according to psychiatry professional Dr. Helen Lavretsky.

2. Seaweed While kale was the main superfood of last year, this year it is all about seaweed.

Already a staple in Asian cuisine, the underwater plant is one of the most nutrient-dense foods in the world and is said to have awesome skin-care benefits. It also tastes quite good.

3. Matcha Matcha is an antioxidant-rich, Japanese green tea in powder form that is most commonly whisked into hot water or milk.

However, it can also be used to bake, cook or can be enjoyed as a cold drink. While being tasty and super healthy, we would

not be surprised if it showed up in beauty products soon.

Photo: © Flickr.com, City of Overland Park

4. Slowing down Meditation and slowing down in general is becoming increasingly popular – especially in large and busy cities. Clearing the mind with meditation is said to reduce stress and insomnia, for example. For the ultimately relaxing wellness experience, we have handpicked some great wellness hotels and much more on the following pages.

Keeping fit in the office: - Ask your boss for a standing workstation.

- Get a body tracking device to inspire yourself to move around more.

- Move around the office as much as possible.

- Do not skip breakfast and drink lots of water.

- Do desk workouts: squeeze the muscles in your core tightly for one minute, then release and repeat throughout the day.

Issue 44 | November 2016 | 57

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Wellness & More

Badeparadies Schwarzwald

Experience.More.Holiday.

With tropical temperatures, crystal-clear turquoise water and true Caribbean vibes (minus the long-haul flights), BADEPARADIES SCHWARZWALD in Germany’s Titisee is an alluringly attractive, year-round island paradise in the middle of the Black Forest that raises the bar for water parks and wellness within Europe.

TEXT: EMMIE COLLINGE I PHOTOS: BADEPARADIES SCHWARZWALD

First opened in 2010, BADEPARADIES SCHWARZWALD is thriving under the management of Jochen Brugger, seeing it put the Black Forest on the map as a blissful getaway location. From its exhilarating slides to sensuous saunas, it is impossible not to be captivated by the thrills of this German water park, which is why it regularly tops the list of the region’s most popular destinations.

However, if you fancy your holiday kicks, the BADEPARADIES SCHWARZWALD covers the whole spectrum from relaxed to wild times down the slides. Right next 58 | Issue 44 | November 2016

door to the wellness zone, the Galaxy Schwarzwald will clearly be the calling card for adrenaline-hungry escapades and unbeatable experiences. With more than 25 attractions including 22 state-of-theart water slides and a spectacular wave pool, every generation is likely to glean some thrills here. Plus, it is also home to the notorious Monster Halfpipe, the world’s biggest steel halfpipe to tackle on your rubber ring. When the time come to kick back, the tranquil Galaxy Relax and idyllic outdoor Galaxy Garden with sun loungers, hammocks and bamboo huts await, where visitors can breathe in the

invigorating Black Forest air as the kids expend their energy creatively on the wooden boat-shaped playground.

With 200 genuine palm trees, the spectacular Palm Oasis (16 years plus) returns visitors to a stress-free holiday mood, promising uninterrupted relaxation and a chance to re-set the batteries. When you are not languishing in the welcoming 33-degreeCelsius water, you can recline on one of the many Jacuzzi beds or indulge in a fruity cocktail at the pool’s bar. Going hand in hand with the luxe getaway theme, the adult-only Wellness Oasis is another calming diversion, consisting of four lavishly themed saunas to raise your body temperature, with visitors torn between the spectacular ‘panoramic sauna’, ‘birch-infused sauna’, soothing ‘waterfall sauna’, and the exhilarating ‘fire sauna’, where the mercury rises to a steamy 85 degrees Celsius.

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Wellness & More

Testament to the huge investment of more than 35 million euros that is being driven into the region, BADEPARADIES SCHWARZWALD has cemented its position as a veritable tourist hotspot with more than 700,000 annual visitors – an increase of 25 per cent in the past four years, and earning the water park the coveted visitors award from Parkscout.de as Germany’s Best Water Park 2016.

Pool. Yet while undeniably popular, the innovative water park shows no signs of resting on its laurels and its water park credentials continue to grow with the addition of more high-tech slides, including the hotly anticipated Galaxy Racer that will open in a brand new building come spring 2017 and pit four speed-hungry racers on mats against each other.

“We’re still carrying out a number of expansions,” explains Brugger, managing director and member of the board,“striving to continually improve the quality, extent and diversity of our facilities to make sure that our guests keep returning.”

Despite only being six years old, the BADEPARADIES SCHWARZWALD has already expanded to include the thrilling Galaxy Schwarzwald zone, as well as the new SPA and mineral-boosting Vital

Confirming its crown as the jewel of Black Forest, the BADEPARADIES SCHWARZWALD also launches Galaxy Fun in 2017, a space dedicated to families.

“The latest expansion has been a work-inprogress since Easter,” continues Brugger.

“Once it’s complete there’ll be more than 5,000 square metres dedicated to the glassencased Palais Vital, our ultimate spa and wellness zone. On three floors, we’ll have several pools with exclusive poolside bars,

at least seven additional saunas of various types as well as a high-end wellness area with beauty and massage treatments to choose from.”

Given the water park’s unspoilt surroundings of the Black Forest, it is fortunate that the roof terraces, floor-toceiling windows and removable sunroof on the Palm Oasis mean that the panoramic views can be enjoyed from virtually any position in the park. Brugger concludes: “The works we’re doing at the moment are because we’d naturally like to continue to meet the spiralling expectations of our guests, many of whom come regularly. We’ll soon be one of the biggest destinations of this sort in Germany, which we believe will add huge value to the region and draw even more guests.” www.badeparadies-schwarzwald.de

Issue 44 | November 2016 | 59

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Wellness & More

Everything for the mind, body and soul Fancy leaving the everyday routine behind while pampering yourself with exceptional wellness offerings? Only 25 kilometres from Salzburg, the Tennis Wellness Garden in Bavaria’s Waging am See offers just that, plus great restaurants, sun terraces with panoramic views over the beautiful landscape and probably the most popular tennis camp in Germany.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF | PHOTOS: TENNIS WELLNESSGARTEN WAGING AM SEE

“People that visit us can look forward to relaxation and activity at the same time,” the resort’s owner and tennis star Sepp Baumgartner smiles and adds: “People, who look for sport, wellness and culinary adventures during their holidays, will find their perfect destination here.” What exactly this means at the Tennis Wellness Garden becomes clear when entering its vast premises. Immediately, one is greeted by friendly employees and a calm, relaxing ambiance. The spa and wellness area is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is 60 | Issue 44 | November 2016

connected to a modern hotel and tennis facilities of the highest quality.

Relax to the max A comprehensive sauna landscape with eight saunas invites visitors to a topclass spa day. Whether one wants a facial, a pleasant massage, special wellness treatments with high-quality ingredients, a meditation with a singing bowl or a bath with aromatic fragrance essences in the floating Soft Pack recliner, the Tennis Wellness Garden offers it all and more.

Rest and reading rooms, heated beds, swimming ponds that are surrounded by 500 different trees, plants and flowers or by candles at night, as well as a Japanese Zen garden with a cosy tea house are further relaxation places. Located directly next to the extensive garden, two restaurants pamper visitors with a sundeck, beer garden, sumptuous breakfast offerings and regional and international delicacies.

After a relaxing day, the modern Wellness Garden Hotel, which opened its gates in 2014, offers everything from elegant rooms to suites that all follow the motto ”escape the everyday routine and inhale relaxation”. In total, 15 modern, lovingly decorated rooms are available – each one a generously sized oasis with a private character. Highlights in the hotel are surely the fully integrated, glazed showers

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Wellness & More

and bathrooms, the big terraces with heated beds, as well as the garden rooms with direct access to the swimming pond.

Or how about a romantic room with a whirlpool and panoramic views across the picturesque, surrounding landscape?

Training with the world champion For the active ones out there, right next to the wellness garden and the hotel one can find probably the most famous tennis camp in Germany. Located in the prealpine landscapes, the beautiful location is not the only reason why tennis enthusiasts from all over the world flock to the area.

Beginners to professional tennis players can experience a rather rare opportunity here: personal training sessions with none other than Sepp Baumgartner, the German champion of tennis instructors with four trainer licences, the European Senior Champion, the World Champion of Ski and Tennis combination and the International German Champion.

Through week-long, half-day or fullday courses, courses for children, tennis weekends, tennis enthusiasts of all levels can substantially increase their know-how, gain physical fitness and improve their tactics and techniques.

Sepp Baumgartner’s training camp is known for its high learning factor and its philosophy to create high-quality and intensive training with fun. The team of trainers is equipped with comprehensive tournament experience and at the start of the training, a competent analysis of the tennis skills of every individual guest is conducted to take individual needs into account. Based on this, a special training concept is developed, which fosters individual strengths in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Visitors can look forward to four hall courts with ball-collecting machines, eight sandy outdoor courts and a speed measurement machine. Sepp Baumgartner also relies on

video analysis and even offers a special course for improving mental strength.

Apart from the courses, which are offered all year around, small group trainings or individual lessons can also be given to improve condition, technique and tactics.

Of course, the courts can also be used for fun games in the visitors’ free time. After an exhausting tennis training session, what better way to relax is there than to head to the nearby wellness garden? www.wellnessgarten.de Special offers: - For every booked wellness treatment, a day in the Wellness Garden is included for free.

- For tennis camp participants, the entry to the Wellness Garden is free and discount is offered on special massages.

- Gift vouchers for wellness days, the restaurants or overnight stays can be bought online.

Issue 44 | November 2016 | 61

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Wellness & More Exterior view of Hotel Pabst.

Hotel Pabst offers a diverse wellness programme.

Aerial photograph of Juist.

Hotel Pabst

Going on a wellness retreat, slowing down, and enjoying an excellent cuisine With its diverse spa and wellness offers, the family-run Hotel Pabst on the car-free island of Juist is the perfect spot for a relaxing vacation.

TEXT: NADINE CARSTENS | PHOTOS: HOTEL PABST

A wellness retreat can have wondrous effects, especially when long days at the office have worn you out. Everyone who seeks deep relaxation should head to the four-star superior Hotel Pabst on the East Frisian island of Juist. Here, guests have the chance to choose from various wellness programmes that promise regeneration.

Located between the city centre and the white sandy beach, Hotel Pabst is also ideal for tourists who simply want to take advantage of the beautiful setting.

Since the only transport possibilities on Juist are horse-drawn carriages, one cannot help but slow down on this island.

The area is great for running, participating in other sport and leisure activities, or strolling through the city centre. In 62 | Issue 44 | November 2016

addition, animal lovers have the chance to watch seals lazing around on the banks of Juist. However, as a member of the fourstar classified Wellness Stars hotels and also as a classified Thalasso Hotel, Hotel Pabst is first of all a place for people who want to de-stress and unwind by treating their body, mind and soul with a wellness package.

Find your inner peace Start your day with a HotStone massage or a bath, for example. Guests may also choose from a wide range of cosmetic treatments that will make them feel rejuvenated. Furthermore, they can soak their troubles away at the hotel’s sauna and go swimming in the indoor pool that grants a stunning view over the dunes.

Alternatively, guests can experience the healing power of the North Sea through regional treatments with salt, algae, or North Sea mud. This so-called Thalasso therapy is said to provide your skin with minerals and sooth neurodermatitis, as well as rheumatism and backache.

Established more than 130 years ago, the family-run Hotel Pabst has kept its modern country style and homely ambience for four generations. Today, Johannes. J. Pabst is the owner of the hotel, which offers 56 individually furnished rooms and suites. An extensive breakfast buffet and seasonal, fresh dishes are among the culinary delights all guests can enjoy. During the Christmas season, they will even have the chance to attend a cocktail course and to glance over the head chef’s shoulder when he prepares the Christmas goose. www.hotelpabst.de

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Wellness & More Aerial view.

Wellness.

Guestroom.

A healthy mix of spa treats and activity within powerful surroundings Situated in the middle of the unique Southern Black Forest natural park at an altitude of 1,000 metres, the Vier Jahreszeiten am Schluchsee spa hotel offers everything you need to switch off and forget about the rest of the world. Here you will find the peace, tranquility and treatments that allow you to fully relax as well as the natural surroundings for active recreation.

TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI I PHOTOS: VJZ

The rooms offer stunning views on the Black Forest and the setting allows for an ideal mix between sport and recreation, beauty and wellness programmes. The culinary variety ranges from gourmet cuisine to traditional Black Forest dishes on to Mediterranean treats.

Recreation is the main theme at the beauty pavilion. Apart from enjoying a vast bathing and sauna landscape, guests can pick from a multitude of treatments, ranging from medical baths to massages to spa packages of all kinds. The Ayurveda centre, with its team consisting of a doctor and therapists from Sri Lanka, indulges you with a range of authentic treatments and wholesome meals based on Ayurvedic recipes.

In terms of active relaxation, wonderful Black Forest hiking trails start right in front of the hotel. Varied accompanied hikes

are on offer around the area through the hotel's own guide, while mountain bike trails are also to be found in close vicinity.

rope garden excursions, as well as snow Olympics during winter times.

At the Vier Jahreszeiten am Schluchsee, you can fully enjoy your recreational time out or family holiday feeling safe and provided for, while taking in the stunning natural setting of the Schluchsee, surrounded by the powerful energy of the Black Forest. www.vjz.de

Yoga and back strengthening fitness are part of the regular wellness programme as well as Qigong, aqua aerobics and Nordic walking amidst the wonderful panoramas of the Black Forest and Schluchsee lake.

There is the 27-hole Obere Alp golf course and tennis players get their money's worth all year round on five outdoor and four indoor courts.

Ayurveda treatment.

Family holidays are supported by the multiple, award-winning range of activities the Vier Jahreszeiten am Schluchsee has to offer. The Spatzenclub kindergarten provides for day programmes while sports tournaments for indoor hockey, table tennis, football or basketball are tempting the kids to get active. Outside offers include nature exploring trips and high Issue 44 | November 2016 | 63

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Wellness & More

Pleasantly lost in paradise:

Therme Erding is the world’s biggest thermal spa Therme Erding spans across 18.5 hectares, counts about 4,000 visitors daily and may well be called the biggest spa world of its kind. Five theme parks create inviting environments for guests of all age groups and the widespread layout allows a pleasant way of getting lost in relaxation.

TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI I PHOTOS: THERME ERDING

The gigantic layout features the slide paradise Galaxy Erding, the thermal pool Therme itself, the VitalOase as a combined textile sauna and wellness centre, the wave bath and the VitalTherme & Saunen, a combined thermal bath and sauna park.

Test drillings in the early ‘80s brought up sulfurous water and unwittingly created a win-win situation far from crude oil.

64 | Issue 44 | November 2016

Shortly after the drillings ended, the first mini thermal bath was created by founder and architect Josef Wund and his son and entrepreneur Jörg Wund, while the city of Erding also since benefits from the thermal water, using it for its district heating system.

A groundbreaking day for Therme Erding, then consisting of a small thermal bath

with an adjacent sauna area, was in November 1998 with the opening to follow in less than a year's time. By and by the facilities were enlarged, first in small steps up until 2007, then with one gigantic stroke as the Galaxy Erding water slide park was opened along with the expansion of the thermal bath and sauna area, doubling the total expanse of Therme Erding from seven to 14.5 hectares.

The sauna area today features 30 saunas. includes textile and textile-free zones and is the largest in Europe. The textile-free sauna area, accessible from the age of 16, features the major part of the saunas 25 to choose from in total. Two steam baths

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Wellness & More

and various other ‘wellness’ attractions guarantee deep relaxation in calming surroundings. The glass roof of the main building can be opened in good weather, a 34-degree warm water pool spans across 1,200 square metres completed with a pool bar, whirlpools, bubble loungers and neck jets, as well as an outdoor pool.

The main sauna building also features a meditation pool and a ladies-only area. Connected with the old sauna area through the Palazzo Veneziano, a leisurely stroll takes one to the sauna garden featuring two extra saunas.

The VitalOase, also for visitors over 16, features a thermal pool, sulfur healing spring, textile saunas, quiet areas and a restaurant. Three health pools allow swimming in mineral-enriched waters, using Dead Sea salt, iodine, selenium and calcium.

The thermal bath itself takes up 27,500 square metres with one third being indoors and two thirds forming the outside thermal gardens. The glass dome

spanning over its entire width can be opened in summer to 50 per cent and inside, the 1,450-square-metre-large thermal pool, grotto, pool bar, waterfall, bio sauna and Kneipp parkour, a small children's area and a restaurant are all assembled under one roof. The thermal garden outside features an outdoor pool, beach volleyball, a beach bar and an outside slide amongst other attractions.

In total, the flashy Galaxy water park today features 26 slides, five of which are suitable for small children under the age of six. The “slide paradise” was built under a 25-metre-high metal dome which, like the glass dome, can be opened in summer.

It features the world's longest tyre slide amongst multiple other attractions. But it does not stop here. Galaxy 2.0 is already in the planning, which will add new slides.

An exclusive Royal Day Spa Wellness area was opened in 2009. Since the opening of Therme Erding, more than 100 million euros have been invested and more than 600 jobs were created. In 2014, a large

new hotel, designed after the ship HMS Victory, was opened adjacent to the wave pool. Apart from 128 theme rooms up to 50 square metres in size, the Hotel Victory features two conference rooms, two restaurants and a bar. The adjacent gigantic wave pool area provides ample space for relaxation and bathing. Five different stages of wave activity, bubble loungers, a “crazy river” and a pool bar invite to a fun stay.

As co-founder Jörg Wund states: “We offer a unique and diverse product world through which we are reaching all kinds of target groups from five to 85. The thermal baths attract the health tourists, the sauna world speaks to wellness customers and the Galaxy slides of course draw the families in. With the theme based accommodation on top, this place has regular guests returning up to 100 times a year, spending most of their leisure time in one of our paradises. Holidays on the beach with healthy thermal bath water on top – right in the middle of Bavaria!” www.therme-erding.de

Jörg Wund Portrait.

Issue 44 | November 2016 | 65

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Wellness & More

Wellness and East Frisian cuisine within idyllic surroundings A beautiful natural setting in the holiday region of East Frisia, not far from the North Sea coast, marks the Wellness and Garden hotel Ringhotel Köhlers Forsthaus near Aurich. The park-like surroundings include a lake and the hotel is situated right at the edge of the woods.

Monday treat, complete with three-course menu and breakfast buffet. For these, guests can indulge in the comforts of the Superior or Deluxe rooms for just a minimal surcharge.

TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI | PHOTOS: GÜNTER STANDL

Apart from the enticing environment, wellbeing is a major theme indoors at Köhlers Forsthaus. Their highly recommended World of Wellness (Wohlfühl-Welt) features a 180-square-metre ’sauna world’ with various types of sauna, a saltwater steam spa, salt cave, aroma shower, a large sauna garden and a bathing complex.

Culinary treats of the award-winning regional cuisine include traditional fish and game dishes using seasonal products and fresh herbs from the proprietary garden. Accommodation offers a range from cosy standard rooms to luxurious executive suite. Conference and seminar rooms are also available as well as a grand hall and an outdoor lounge with enough space for up to 100 guests.

During a stay at Köhlers Forsthaus hotel, guests of all ages will find something exciting to do. The nearby bathing lake of 66 | Issue 44 | November 2016

Tannenhausen “prolongs” summer with its wakeboard facility and the picturesque city of Aurich features Germany's biggest skate park. For those who want to keep their fitness routine during their stay, a free use option at a nearby sports centre and a jogging track through the woods provide ample indoor and outdoor activity options. Golfers will find a 27-hole course at the oldest golf club of East Frisia in Wiesmoor.

Vintage car and motorcycle enthusiasts will enjoy the hotel's unique highlight, the Route 66 L.A. (Landkreis Aurich).

Explore the area through a guided tour on the tracks of Frisian tribal chiefs in turn with unique culinary stops, or explore the surroundings with a theme tour “on your own wheels”.

Special offers include winter wellness packages and an economic Sunday to

The design of the Wellness World depicts the natural surroundings with its wind and wave-shaped outlines while wooden floors provide a visual and sensual link between house and the nearby forest. East Frisia stands for nature - and nature has the healing influence that guests enjoy during their stay at Köhlers Forsthaus. www.koehlers-forsthaus.de

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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Aesthetics & Beauty Experts Austria

Photo: © Flickr.com, tommerton 2010

SPECIAL THEME: AESTHETICS & BEAUTY EXPERTS AUSTRIA

Masters of perfection The aesthetic medicine and cosmetic surgery industry is booming all over the world offering almost unlimited possibilities.

According to the ISAPS International Study on Aesthetic/Cosmetic Procedures, eyelid surgery, liposuction and Botox were the most-liked procedures in 2015.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF

Photo: © Flickr.com, Mainstream via Aveda Corporation

68 | Issue 44 | November 2016

The same study reveals that over 20 million procedures were undertaken in 2014 worldwide. In Austria, approximately 50,000 annual cosmetic operations are undertaken according the ÖGPÄRC. There are good reasons to choose Austria for an aesthetic procedure as bodies like the ÖGPÄRC or the Austrian Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine (AACSM) cater for transparency, objective information and safe and efficient treatment forms. On the following pages Discover Germany finds out about some of the quality Austrian plastic surgeons the country has to offer.

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Aesthetics & Beauty Experts Austria

Dr. Balogh’s surgery.

Dr. Balogh performing treatment.

Univ.-Doz. Dr. Brigitta Balogh.

Univ.-Doz. Dr. Brigitta Balogh

Rejuvenation for skin and body Dr. Brigitta Balogh, a renowned Vienna-based plastic surgeon, is an experienced and recognised specialist for plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery.

Among the most sensitive procedures are skin peelings, hydaluronic and Botox treatments.

TEXT: ELISABETH DOEHNE I PHOTOS: UNIV.-DOZ. DR. BRIGITTA BALOGH

The appearance you present to the world has far-reaching implications; not only does it affect how others perceive you, but it can literally change how you feel about yourself. In addition to plastic and surgical procedures, Dr. Balogh’s signature beauty treatments include skin and wrinkle therapy with peelings, medical needling, lifting, hyaluronic fillers (for wrinkles and lips), Botox for wrinkles and migraine, PRP (vampire lifting) and Aptos-lifting.

“I place great emphasis on providing information and educating my patients on their choices and specialised treatments.

This is done with information sheets, educational resources and personalised

sketches. The patient also sees pictures of other anonymous patients who underwent the same procedure. This thorough and individualised process makes sure that the patient is educated and informed about the procedure, the healing process and proper care of scars to make the best choices,” explains Dr. Balogh.

Patients find comfort in the trust they develop while working with the renowned and highly touted cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Balogh. Her practice offers a level of care and patient satisfaction that can only be achieved through oneon-one, patient-to-doctor dialogue. Dr. Balogh’s goal is to bring the vision of

the patient from conception, through maturation, and into reality.

In recovering patients’ skin and their youthful appearance after a summer of strong sunlight, the Austrian plastic surgeon recommends to do a procedure involving the body’s own material. This PRP lift, or ‘vampire lift’, has become very popular. Luckily, the only connection to vampires is the fact that it involves use of a product made from your own blood. It is a three-dimensional procedure that both lifts and reshapes, preperably in the face but it can be used on other parts of the body with wrinkles or decreased volume, and even on the head to counter hair loss.

The treatment will leave the skin more elastic, fresh and smooth. The basic idea is to take a sample of your blood, process it into something called ‘platelet rich plasma’, or PRP, and then inject it into facial wrinkles. www.drbalogh.at Issue 44 | November 2016 | 69

Dermaroller treatment.

Treatment room.

Consultation room.

‘Beauty has many faces’ These days, most women and men who undergo beauty treatments prefer a discreet and very targeted improvement of their looks. The areas that they want “optimised” should look beautiful and aesthetic, but never “done”. This is great news for Dr. Veith Moser and Dr. Shirin Milani who run the Moser Milani Med Spa in Vienna.

TEXT: SONJA IRANI I PHOTOS: MED SPA

“I believe that my main strength is to see each person as a whole,” says Dr. Shirin Milani who, like her business partner Dr. Veith Moser, is a specialised doctor in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. “I always follow a holistic approach when I have a consultation with my patients. To me, having just a few wrinkles is not a reason to undergo plastic surgery and I advise my patients to think the same way. It’s the harmonious 70 | Issue 44 | November 2016

arrangement of all the single factors, which make a face look ‘beautiful’.”

Moser Milani Med Spa – a revolutionary idea “Our main goal is to enhance our patients’ quality of life,” continues Dr. Milani.

“Our modern tools of contemporary medicine and especially those based on reconstructive surgery open up a lot of possibilities. We can now restore parts

of the body that have been destroyed or damaged by accidents, burns or tumours.

Consequently, a patient’s quality of life is restored, too.”

Reconstructive surgery is also the basis for the aesthetic beauty treatments that Dr. Moser and Dr. Milani offer in their so-called Moser Milani Med Spa – a unique, holistic care centre that offers convenient one-day beauty operations under local anaesthesia or twilight sleep.

Furthermore, the patients can indulge in high-quality cosmetic treatments, which range from a simple manicure to a medical peeling, book the newest state-of-theart laser treatments or make use of the in-house hairdressing salon and makeup artists. “We wanted to create a space

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Aesthetics & Beauty Experts Austria

in which the patient can fully rely on the expert knowledge of the doctors, but also relax from the daily grind by enjoying a massage, beauty or wellness treatment,” explains Dr. Milani.“After all, these kind of things make a person ‘beautiful’, too.”

Current treatment trends – thermage, femilift and co.

One of the most popular treatments at the Moser Milani Med Spa is the so-called thermage. “This is a treatment that allows a face or body lift without any operation or downtime,” explains Dr. Milani. “In just one session, the thermage tightens skin, gives some contours to the face and optimises the skin structure.”

Another very unique treatment at the Moser Milani Med Spa is MIRADry. It helps patients who suffer from excessive sweating as well as those who no longer want to use deodorants with harmful aluminium. The perspiration and scent glands are destroyed with microwaves

under local anaesthetic. “After just one treatment, the patients sweat about 83 per cent less,” says Dr. Milani. “A nice side effect: the amount of armpit hair is reduced, too.”

Brand new is the so-called FemiLift – a treatment that the Moser Milani Med Spa exclusively offers as the only surgery in Austria. “Not only does this treatment lead to a rejuvenation and tightening of the vagina, it also helps women in the menopause or after chemotherapy, if they suffer from vaginal dryness or urinary inconsistence after giving birth,” explains Dr. Milani about the various benefits of the FemiLift.

Less is more “When it comes to current trends, there is also a noticeable downwards trend regarding surgeries, especially regarding the face,” reveals Dr. Milani. “Rather than big one-off operations, an increasing number of patients wants to do a little

bit at a time as a sort of prevention.”

This means a little dosage of Botox every once in a while, a filler here and there or a regular thermage treatment. Dr. Milani explains that the only face operation that has stayed the same in terms of popularity is the upper lid lift treatment.

This is also the reason why the thermage is currently one the most popular treatments at the Moser Milani Med Spa. “After just one hour of treatment, the area of choice is noticeably tighter,” says Dr. Milani.“In general, the new generation of fillers offers a lot of possibilities – if you know how to use them efficiently and effectively. We can correct noses without surgery or can shape chins with fillers.

Small humps or a slightly crooked nose can be easily fixed with hyaluronic acid in just five minutes. Many operations are thus no longer needed.” www.medspa.at www.milani.at

Dr. Shirin Milani.

Venus clam massage.

Reception.

Thermage.

Waiting room.

Issue 44 | November 2016 | 71

Photo: © Raphael Thiemard

9 November 1989 – a date to remember It was a long time coming. 27 years ago, over the course of the 9 November and the following nights and days, the Berlin Wall, which separated the East of the city from the West came down. It was a world-changing event, not only influencing the city itself, but the whole country and the whole of Europe. The images went around the world and for the anniversary we are reproducing the events of these historic days.

TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS

Photo: © Matthias Liffers

72 | Issue 44 | November 2016

Discover Germany | Culture | A Date To Remember

Photo: © Raphael Thiemard

A vague foreshadowing of the fall of the Berlin Wall and the consequent reunification of Germany was already in the air in the weeks ahead of November 1989. Already two months’ earlier, rallies in the German Democratic Republic (GDR) demanded more freedom to travel.

Coinciding with this atmosphere of uproar was the so-called ‘Republikflucht’, a term that described the flight of many people from the GDR to the West by way of the newly opened borders to Austria.

Photo: © Raphael Thiemard

Photo: © Websenat

Furthermore, Walter Momper, the mayor of West Berlin at the time, knew about the upcoming change from conversations with his East Berlin counterpart Erhard Krack as early as 29 October. Therefore, he tried to pave the way for an opening of the wall in December. At the same time, after intense, long discussions and public protests, the central committee of the Socialist Issue 44 | November 2016 | 73

Photo: © Raphael Thiemard Photo: © Jorbasa Fotografie

Photo: © Michael Pollak

Unity Party of Germany decided to find a regulation for people’s constant departure from the GDR on the 7 November.

9 November: Morning The day begins around nine. In the interior ministry of the GDR, respective officers and members of the Ministry of State Security come together to develop the new regulation. It is decided that the GDR should not be dissolved, but that citizens should be able to get a permit to leave the state. However, if they would get a permit to leave, this would mean that they could never return to the GDR. During the morning the new regulation was presented to the central committee, which at the time is in session to determine the root causes of the crisis in the Socialist party and the state.

74 | Issue 44 | November 2016

9 November: Noon Over the course of the day, the draft for the regulation is refined further and further. At around four in the afternoon, the general secretary of the Socialist party, Egon Krenz, holds the final draft in his hands.

Simultaneous to these developments Helmut Kohl, chancellor of West Germany, arrived for a visit in Poland. After reading the draft to the central committee, Krenz hands the related press release to speaker Günter Schabowski.

9 November: Evening An international press conference with Schabowski starts at 6pm and at exactly 6:53pm, he is asked about when the new regulation will come into effect. In hindsight, his answer to the question is the moment that would define the

following nights and days. This is what Schabowski said: “To my knowledge… this is immediately, without delay.”

His words are translated into breaking news and distributed as fast as possible.

Associated Press promptly titles: “GDR opens borders”. The German Press Agency states at 7:41pm: “The GDR border is open”. And at 8:15pm the longstanding news programme Tagesschau runs the story all over West Germany.

The news spread like a wildfire. While the presenter of the Tagesschau was still speaking, 80 people from East Berlin had gathered at multiple checkpoints around the city. Although the guards are instructed to send the people away, nobody leaves and by 9:30pm over 500

Discover Germany | Culture | A Date To Remember

citizens have arrived at the Bornholmer Street checkpoint.

But not only the citizens of Berlin deal with the news. Chancellor Kohl hears them in Poland. US President Bush talks about them in a special press conference.

The governments in London and Paris receive them. Everybody is surprised, but delighted.

The wall falls In the following hours everything happens at once. At 11pm, several thousand people press on to the checkpoints.

People are crammed into each other and the situation is quite dangerous. Finally, the guards run completely out of options and resort to their last solution. Opening the border.

The people are ecstatic. They stream through the checkpoints, basically overrunning them and are greeted by happy West Berliners on the other side.

Throughout the night this happens all over the city. People are dancing on the wall, chiselling away at it with hammers.

A huge party takes place at the West Berlin Kurfürstendamm.

After this night it took quite a while until everything was in order and freedom was realised for everybody. Almost a year would pass until the Federal Republic of Germany would officially be found.

Nevertheless, it was the evening and night of the 9 November, on which many people first filled their lungs with the delicious air of freedom. It was life and world changing.

It was one hell of a night.

Photo: © Raphael Thiemard

Photo: © Romantikgeist

Photo: © Raphael Thiemard

Issue 44 | November 2016 | 75

Discover Germany |

Culture | Film Column

Good Bye, Lenin! Photo: © X Verleih

The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.

Photo: © Sonja Irani

Film review: Good Bye, Lenin!

On 9 November 1989, the fall of the Berlin Wall ended 40 years of a divided Germany. Good Bye, Lenin! (2003) brilliantly recounts the events surrounding this major German milestone from the people’s point of view…

TEXT: SONJA IRANI

The story: a divided family In October 1989, Alex (Daniel Brühl) lives in a typical East Berlin ‘Plattenbau’ (prefab estate) with his mum (Katrin Saß) and sister (Maria Simon). Alex’s father had left the family in 1978 by fleeing to West Germany.

Since then, Alex’s mum has become a rigid supporter of East Germany’s German Democratic Republic (GDR ).

Alex’s socialist mother then falls into a coma and awakens eight months later. By now, the Berlin Wall has come down and capitalism has fully taken over East Berlin.

To protect his fragile mum, Alex decides to maintain the illusion that the GDR is still very much alive.

The location: a divided city In Berlin, there are still plenty of traces from the GDR. The most insightful to me is the DDR Museum. Furthermore, the German History Museum provides a good overview of the country’s turbulent history including the times of division.

Free to visit are the remains of the Berlin Wall along the so-called East Side 76 | Issue 44 | November 2016

Gallery, the Berlin Wall Memorial and Documentation Centre at Bernauer Straße 119 and Berlin’s famous Checkpoint Charlie.

Good Bye, Lenin! is available on DVD with English subtitles. www.visitberlin.de/en/see/berlins-locationsof-world-history/the-gdr www.ddr-museum.de/en www.dhm.de/en www.berliner-mauer-gedenkstaette.de/en

If you would like to step back in time into Alex’ ‘Plattenbau’ apartment, head to the fully preserved GDR Museum Flat at Hellersdorfer Straße 179 every Sunday between 2pm and 4 pm.

The final verdict: A must-see for history buffs Despite being quite light-hearted in many scenes, Good Bye, Lenin! opened up a chapter in German history that impacted both East and West Germans deeply until this day. Many would argue that it was a real challenge to reunify the two totally opposite political systems. After all, both had their pros and cons.

Why not discover this fascinating part of Germany’s history yourself? Berlin certainly is a great place to start.

***** 5 out of 5 stars

Good Bye, Lenin! Photo: © X Verleih

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Sonja Irani is a marketing translator, travel journalist and ex London expat now living back in Germany. Her second home is the cinema. If you don't find her there she is probably travelling the world in order to trace her favourite film settings while trying to stay on a budget. On her blog www.filmfantravel.com, she combines these two passions to share her best tips for film-inspired budget travel.

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Discover Germany | Special Theme | Lucerne City Special

SPECIAL THEME: LUCERNE CITY SPECIAL

The city with the lake and the mountains The city of Lucerne is situated in central Switzerland and annually attracts many visitors. It seems no wonder that when one looks at this exceptional location. Situated directly on the shores of Lake Lucerne, one can enjoy magnificent views of the Pilatus and Rigi mountains of the Swiss Alps.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF

Shopping in Lucerne.

Photo: © Luzern Tourismus, swiss-image.ch/ Elge Kenneweg

78 | Issue 44 | November 2016

Photo: © Luzern Tourismus/ AURA Fotoagentur

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Lucerne City Special

Photo: © Luzern Tourismus, swiss-image.ch

Photo: © Luzern Tourismus, swiss-image.ch/ Elge Kenneweg

Photo: © Luzern Tourismus/ AURA Fotoagentur

With a population of around 81,000 people, Lucerne is the most populous town in Central Switzerland and is a hotspot for economics, transportation, culture and media. Numerous museums and galleries, enchanting boutiques, welcoming hotels or great restaurants are just some of the many reasons why Lucerne is a favoured holiday destination in all seasons.

An abundance of historic sights makes Lucerne well worth a visit. One of the city’s most famous landmarks is the romantic Chapel Bridge, a wooden

bridge that was first erected in the 14th century and is Europe’s oldest covered bridge. Further sights that should not be missed are the twin needle towers of the Church of St. Leodegar. Here, one can enjoy magnificent views across the lake and the mountain panorama. The Lion Monument, which is a famous carving

by Bertel Thorvaldsen, can be found in a small park just off the Loewenplatz.

Visitors should also definitely head to Lucerne’s Old Town, which boasts several half-timbered structures with painted fronts and much more.

Find out on the following pages what more there is to see, enjoy and explore in the great city of Lucerne.

EVENTS IN NOVEMBER Lucerne Blues Festival (5 to 13 November): A number of venues around the town host world-class blues acts.

Lucerne Festival at the Piano (19 – 27 November): This piano festival focuses on keyboard-based talent - legendary masters, precocious talent, celebrated virtuosos and keyboard philosophers all make their way to the city.

Issue 44 | November 2016 | 79

Rathaus Brauerei arcades and terrace.

Master brewer Reinhard Knispel.

Rathaus Brauerei “Braui” restaurant.

Stadtkeller with “Ländler” band.

Local heroes, drawing international crowds:

Lucerne’s Stadtkeller & Rathaus Brauerei To the delight of both local and international guests, the Lucerne-based Stadtkeller combines solid, traditional Swiss cuisine with good music in a down-to-earth atmosphere.

TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI I PHOTOS: STADTKELLER LUZERN

With fondue specialties, fried potato ‘Röstis’ and the ‘Chügeli’ meat paté on the menu, a Swiss Folklore Show regularly draws crowds of international customers during the summer months. Come winter, the Stadtkeller belongs to music lovers who appreciate jazz as well as Swiss rock, pop and blues. Stadtkeller also proudly provides one of the main venues for the yearly Carnival season.

The listed building is situated at the heart of Lucerne's Old Town. The stone mansion with its 16th century gothic architecture forms a symbol of local history and already featured a restaurant in 1876. Operations director Lorena Sossai is intrigued by the fact that so many different people, both tourists and citizens of all ages, enjoy the traditional venue every day. She states: 80 | Issue 44 | November 2016

“After five years of working here, it still motivates me to see guests leaving our space with a smile on their face.”

The special attraction of the space is no doubt an inter-city underground ‘beer pipeline’ through the Old Town district, running a total length of 140 metres, from the Rathaus Brauerei brewing kettles to the fermentation and storage cellars through to the Stadtkeller. The homebrew uses water from the oldest wells in town, brewing both the Rathaus and the Stadtkeller beers according to the strict Bavarian Purity Law of 1516.

The Gambrinus Gastronomie AG, in charge of the Stadtkeller management, has recently also taken over the historical Rathaus Brauerei restaurant. Also called

the ‘Braui’, the space forms another traditional venue strongly appreciated by both the locals and international visitors.

After a refurbishing phase of two months, the grand re-opening will be marked by an open-house day of both venues. The ‘Braui’ restaurant will continue its tradition of brewery-based gastronomy using local Swiss produce for its regional cuisine.

Not only the beer pipeline connects the two venues, but also their philosophy and hospitality.

Those who have enjoyed a visit are happy to return! www.stadtkeller.ch www.rathausbrauerei.ch Fondue specialties and Stadtkeller beer – a perfect combination.

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Lucerne City Special

The Swiss solution to sartorial woes Sartorial savviness and a kinship with the more fashion-conscious side of a city are essential traits for a successful fashion tour guide. Fortunately, Lucerne’s Rahel Röllin, who runs the stylish city’s ModeKultTour has these qualities in abundance.

TEXT: EMMIE COLLINGE I PHOTOS: BRUNO RUBATSCHER, COPYRIGHT: RAHEL ROELLIN

“I was often approached about my style,” she laughs,“and asked where I’d bought my outfits, so I used to just lead people to these small shops where I’d found the pieces.”

Over time, the marketing and communication expert realised her impromptu tours were becoming a hit with female friends and even women from further afield.

ModeKultTour started under the premise that it is hard to find the best shops and fashion buys in cities that are flooded with high-street chains. The concept is simple: a personalised shopping experience meets a fashion tour of a city’s best boutiques, seeing small groups guided to cherry-picked locations and given an exclusive closed-doors shopping experience – complete with experts, fashion tips and

Prosecco. Röllin continues in reference to her home city: “Lucerne has a lot of really exciting fashion boutiques, but they tend to be off the beaten track.”

Now in its fifth year, the concept of ModeKultTour has been rolled out in Zurich and Winterthur, marrying the

experience of high-end fashion tourism with an exclusive consumer experience in some of Switzerland’s most thriving cities with regard to well-designed women’s fashion. Röllin concludes: “I’ve always been a fan of things with soul, lovingly curated and designed, be it clothes, furniture or unusual fabrics. You can really sense the passion behind a product. That’s why I’ve always been so drawn to it, particularly small collections and Swiss-made items.” www.modekulttour.ch

Lucerne’s chocolate fairy tale Once upon a time there was Max – a chocolate-loving boy. His dad Patrik König and his late granddad – also passionate chocolate enthusiasts – finally brought their dream of a chocolate atelier in Lucerne to life on 27 September 2009. The date is not incidental: it is the birthday of Max’s granddad and the name ‘Max Chocolatier’ is a homage to son Max. A beautiful family story, is it not?

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF I PHOTOS: MAX CHOCOLATIER

Since then, Max Chocolatier have conjured up enchanting, handmade chocolate creations that are made out of natural, regional and high-quality ingredients.

Annually, seven tonnes of chocolate from Felchlin – one of the world’s best chocolate suppliers – are processed here by hand. Numerous flavours and packaging possibilities line their portfolio of tasty truffles, chocolate bars and more.

“Each Max Chocolatier creation tells its own story and is coated with finest Swiss chocolate and combined with juicy raspberry or fiery chilli – to name just a few,” smiles Ramona Odermatt, brand and communications manager.

Their product range perfectly harmonises with the four seasons and puts special emphasis on seasonal circumstances. Thus, one can also look forward to a thrilling winter collection which incorporates a sensuous, festive and beautifully wrapped Christmas collection that can be bought from November until the end of December. If you are searching for another gift idea, Max Chocolatier also offers tailor-made truffles and chocolate bars for their customers. Tasting sessions with a tour through the 88-square-metre atelier can also be booked.

Truffle Raspberry Branchli.

Truffle Crudo 70%.

www.maxchocolatier.com Issue 44 | November 2016 | 81

BE SMART - BOOK ONLINE. In the web shop of Zermatt Bergbahnen AG

 All-in Web one shop  Ski : pass es  Eve nts  Ski renta l  Ski cour ses

matterhornparadise.ch/webshop Enjoy the runs on up to 360 kilometres of pistes with a spectacular backdrop of mountains between Zermatt and Breuil-Cervinia. Thanks to our web shop you can book your holidays in Zermatt from the comfort of your home and get on the piste without waiting in line. Furthermore, web shop customers benefit from limited special offers for even more fun on the slopes in the Matterhorn ski paradise.

Discover Germany | Culture | Top Winter Destination, Germany

Snow shoe hiking.

Photo: Wolfgang Ehn

Photo: Š Alpenwelt Karwendel

Cross-country skiing.

Photo: Wolfgang Ehn

T O P W I N T E R D E S T I N AT I O N , G E R M A N Y

A wondrous Winter Wonderland With its magnificent mountain range, Alpenwelt Karwendel in Upper Bavaria is the perfect destination for memorable winter holidays off the beaten tourist track TEXT: DORINA REICHHOLD

There is something magical about winter time in the Bavarian Alps. Seeing the mighty mountains covered in snow underneath a deep blue sky and breathing in the clear and crispy cold air makes body and mind calm down and rest. Alpenwelt Karwendel is located in a unique destination in southernmost Bavaria off the beaten tourist track. It is unspoiled by mass tourism and instead offers unique, family-owned accommodations and a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. It is the perfect destination to completely unwind and get new energy. Nevertheless, it offers plenty of activities for everyone to choose their personal favourites and plan their perfect holiday.

In the winter time, the air is filled with the cheerful voices of guests skiing, sleighing or maybe even trying out a biathlon. Every now and then you can hear the bells ringing on a horse-drawn sleigh and the sound of

families with children enjoying their time together in the snow. Some guests seek to enjoy the breath-taking winter landscape in perfect silence and go for long hiking trips out in the nature with special snow shoes. Winter time transforms the Alpenwelt Karwendel into a very special place with a wondrous atmosphere. The snow-covered landscape radiates peace and tranquillity. Traditional alpine huts are dotted all over the mountain range. Many of them are open in the winter time and provide a warm and welcoming place to stay and rest for a while before continuing to explore the magnificent mountains.

After spending an active day outside in the cold, clear air, plenty of cosy and quaint taverns welcome guests to spend their evenings in a cheerful atmosphere. Mulled wine and a traditional, hearty Bavarian meal will warm up everyone. The Advent season in the Alpenwelt Karwendel comes

with plenty of different activities. Various concerts and Christmas markets create a festive atmosphere, accompanied by a fairy tale winter scenery. In February, the carnival season is an absolute highlight in the region and is celebrated by natives and guests alike, with many parades and parties. The magical radiance of the region yet again inspires and makes for a terrific holiday destination. www.alpenwelt-karwendel.de Isar. Photo: Wolfgang Ehn

Maria Rast chapel.

Photo: Christoph Schober

Issue 44 | November 2016 | 83

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Christmas Time in Germany

Photo: Š Birgit-FfM

SPECIAL THEME: MAGICAL CHRISTMAS TIME IN GERMANY

Germany: Country of Christmas markets Christmas markets are a German thing, that much is certain. Mostly beginning in November, the last part of each year in Germany is dedicated to these festive gatherings. Visit a big city and you will not get around it, visit a small city and it will be the centrepiece. But what is it about these winter wonderland installations that makes them so very irresistible for 270 million visitors a year?

TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS

Photo: Š Hiroyuki Takeda

84 | Issue 44 | November 2016

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Christmas Time in Germany

Photo: Š Doris Meta Franz

Let us go back in time to trace this phenomenon. It was in the 14th century that it became common to allow craftsmen and toy manufacturers to display their goods during Christmas time. Before, this privilege was held by grocery traders only, who supplied the people with vital products by way of organising markets.

After the concept of the market was opened up to other goods, the custom became a tradition that was repeated year after year. In fact, one of the first documented markets is the Santa Claus market of Munich in 1310. However, while these markets always took place during the winter time, it was not until the first half of the 20th century that they were actively connected more closely with pre-Christmas customs.

The typical Christmas market From the beginning, the markets took providing sustenance seriously. Roasted chestnuts, almonds and nuts accompanied the different food on display. This has not

really changed. Whether festive pastries like speculoos, printen and lebkuchen or your warm classic like a bratwurst or potato fritter, the Christmas markets do not hold back.

Most current Christmas markets consist of various wooden stalls. In order to achieve a historic feel and atmosphere, organisers try to find locations with such backgrounds, often in the city centre, in front of historic buildings or around churches. While many aspects of a Christmas market are not defined and change from one place to another, one can be sure to find a large Christmas tree and festive lighting. Making for a beautiful contrast with the winter darkness, this surely is one of the main appeals of visiting a market.

What to do at a Christmas market There are actually some statistics on this. 79 per cent of the Christmas market pocket money is spent on food, 64 per

cent on hot wine punch, 44 per cent on decorative items and 31 per cent on Christmas presents. This underlines one of the most important aspects about the markets. Christmas markets are much more an event to socialise, to have a bite or drink and to get together with friends, than a shopping experience.

To have a drink means to drink around 50 million litres of hot wine punch for Germans. To give you an idea of the amount of food that is produced for the markets, 82,000 tonnes of lebkuchen were produced in 2014. One of the most famous culinary items on the market menus is the Christmas stollen from Dresden. Its history is almost as long as the idea of a market, as it was first documented in 1474.

If you want to see the largest tree of any Christmas market, Dortmund’s market is your choice. Being 45 metres high, this is one impressive tree. The angel on top Issue 44 | November 2016 | 85

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Christmas Time in Germany

Photo: © Max Pfandl Photo: © Landeshauptstadt Stuttgart

of it weighs in at 200 kilogrammes and its lighting amounts to the incredible number of 48,000 individual lamps.

Significant Christmas markets In Germany, there are 34 large and 2,200 small markets. Each of them has a significance to the city or village it takes place in and specific, regional differences.

For these reasons it is hard to point to particular markets when describing importance. All of them are important because they are part of larger tradition and culture.

However, when Cologne has the most visitors on its Christmas markets, one can definitely say that the city is worth visiting during December. We can also point to the market in Aachen’s city centre where a single market, as opposed to the multiple ones in Cologne, attracts more than 1.5 million visitors a year. In the end, it depends on your taste. Read the forthcoming pages, do some further research and you will find your perfect Christmas market experience.

86 | Issue 44 | November 2016

Photo: © Riessdo

CULINARY TREATS TO TRY AT A GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKET: - ‘Mutzen’: Tasty butter dough treats from the Rhineland.

- In Dresden, try a ‘Stollen’: a yeastbased pastry with raisins and icing sugar.

- Thuringian ‘Rostbratwurst’.

- ‘Schupfnudeln’: Thick, German noodles, served with Sauerkraut.

- In Frankfurt, try a tasty cup of apple ‘Gluehwein’.

- Stuttgart’s ‘Hutzelbrot’: Dried fruits in a baked, sweet, dark bread dough.

- Luebeck’s ‘Marzipan-bread’.

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Christmas Time in Germany

Photo: © Romana Dombrowksi

Advent in Münster – a winter’s tale When the Prinzipalmarkt glows golden, Advent wreaths in arcades sparkle, the smell of Glühwein and roasted almonds moves through the streets and the boutiques are decorated with a festive touch, the city of Münster enters its most beautiful time. Five Christmas markets open their doors and transform Münster’s old town into a winter’s tale.

TEXT: STADT MUENSTER I TRANSLATION: THOMAS SCHROERS | PHOTOS: AIRKLICK

Only a minute’s walk apart from each other, the markets are tucked away in the old town like pearls on a necklace and invite visitors for a comfortable Christmas stroll.

Beneath the romantic lights, within the inner yard of the town hall and around it, lies the oldest and largest Christmas market. Here, booths and stalls with decorative, artful assortments and plenty of culinary offerings can be found. At the bottom of the impressive St. Lamberti Church and surrounded by historic gabled houses, the Lichtermarkt St. Lamberti with its blue pointed roofs and 20-metre-high light tree makes for a glamorous setting.

Furthermore, in the cosy Christmas village around the monument of the Münster Kiepenkerl, quaint booths combine gusto and tradition. Especially family friendly, the Aegidii Christmas Market

presents a beautiful crib and a six-metrehigh, richly decorated wooden pyramid, which lights up children’s eyes. Finally, in front of the medieval buildings of the Überwasserkirche, with a wonderful view towards the lightened doors of the cathedral, the Giebelhüüskes market opens its doors with a great deal of craftsmanship and special culinary treats on display.

baked goods and much more, transformed into an idyllic children’s Christmas market every Friday and Saturday.

Münster’s winter’s tale will begin on 21 November and run until 23 December. The different Christmas markets are open 11am to 8pm Sunday to Thursday and 11am to 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Additional information can be found online. www.tourismus.muenster.de www.facebook.com/muenstermarketing www.instagram.com/exploremuenster #adventinmuenster #exploremuenster

In the many churches, one can also find personal, meditative moments.

Additionally, the accompanying cultural Advent events include concerts and exciting exhibitions in Münster’s museums. Further insights into the city’s history and traditions are provided by guided Advent tours.

A new highlight for this year is the children’s market at the old fish market. The elegant new buildings with the vista of the Lamberti church are, through tales, carols, Issue 44 | November 2016 | 87

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Christmas Time in Germany

The Christmas market in Altรถtting.

Culinary delights at the Christmas market.

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Christmas carol singing in the Basilica of St. Anna.

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Christmas Time in Germany

Christmas

The nativity set in front of the Basilica of St. Anna.

– the loveliest time in Altötting From 25 November to 18 December, the charming Bavarian small town Altötting invites visitors to see its wonderful Christmas market.

TEXT: NADINE CARSTENS | PHOTOS: H.HEINE/ VERKEHRSBÜRO ALTÖTTING

As soon as you enter the Christkindlmarkt in Altötting, you will be captured by the festive atmosphere immediately. Located on the Baroque Kapellplatz square, the Christmas market offers a magnificent setting that attracts thousands of visitors.

Advent is known for being the most beautiful time of the year in the Bavarian small town, since the Christmas market presents a great mixture between handcrafted goods, culinary delights and musical entertainment.

Christmas concert in the Basilica of St. Anna. While actress Senta Berger is the narrator of the event, international soloists of the renowned Tölzer Knabenchor will perform. Furthermore, South Tyrolean singer Oswald Sattler will perform several times in the Stiftspfarrkirche. In addition, there are going to be numerous other firstrate concerts with local ensembles where sacred works will be presented.

During the Advent season, the music programme is an important element in Altötting. To name an example, the Christmas carol singing in Alpine style has a tradition of more than 50 years.

This year, this event will take place on 26 and 30 November, as well as on 3, 7, and 10 December, at 7pm in the Basilica of St. Anna. On 11 December, visitors also have the chance to enjoy a top-class

Another programme item that enjoyed great popularity in the past years is the festive Advent concert by the Altöttinger Kapellsingknaben und Mädchenkantorei (Altötting boys’ and girls’ choir) scheduled for 4 December in the Basilica of St. Anna. Established in 2003, the group follows the tradition of the Altöttinger Singknaben which goes back to the 15th century.

Enchanting concerts and guided tours through the town

Those who want to learn more about the history of Altötting as a place of pilgrimage, can participate at guided tours that take place throughout Advent at 2pm on Saturdays, and 2.30pm on Sundays and last one hour. The historic churches will also be visited.

When visiting the Christmas market, one should of course stop by at the 80 stalls that offer delicious yuletide treats and a great range of handcrafted goods. So if you are looking for some Christmas presents, you will certainly find some nice surprises here. Last, but not least, the daily 5pm visit from Saint Nicholas is another highlight no child should miss. www.altoetting.de www.christkindlmarkt-altoetting.de

The Christmas market in Altötting.

Issue 44 | November 2016 | 89

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Christmas Time in Germany

Bad Homburg’s enchanted Christmas You may have been to Frankfurt am Main. But have you heard of its charming little neighbour Bad Homburg? Well, you should! Just minutes away from downtown Frankfurt lies a multifaceted jewel with a great deal to offer.

Landgraves strolled down the paths at the well-kept gardens. Take a museum tour and enjoy a hot chocolate in the charming castle café.

TEXT: SILKE HENKELE I PHOTOS: WWW.BAD-HOMBURG-TOURISMUS.DE

Bad Homburg may not be as big as Frankfurt am Main, but nestled within the beautiful countryside of the Taunus Mountains, with the UNESCO World Heritage Site LIMES and its Saalburg Castle right at its backyard, Bad Homburg not only is a historic gem but also a modern spa town that beautifully links old tradition and modernity.

Celebrities in Bad Homburg Bad Homburg’s charm has never eluded the rich, famous and beautiful. In the olden days, Bad Homburg was visited regularly

by European gentry and crowned heads in search of divertissement and respite from their busy lives. The German emperors 90 | Issue 44 | November 2016

paid regular visits to the spa town they had elected as summer residence.

Famous poets like Hölderlin, Goethe, Gogol, Eliot, Stephenson or Oscar Wilde were regular visitors and the famous Russian writer Fjodor Dostojewksi even used a game of roulette played in Bad Homburg’s famous casino as material for his opus ‘The Gambler’.

Things to do Climb the top of Bad Homburg castle’s White Tower and overlook the old town, the Taunus hills and get a glimpse of Frankfurt’s impressive skyline. Soak in the spirit of former times when Kings and

The sweeping Kurpark, laid out in 1854 by the grand landscape gardener Peter Josef Lenné, and its mineral springs are an invitation to spend some pleasant and relaxing strolls through historic Bad Homburg. The impressive KaiserWilhelms-Bad, built in 1890, had already been visited by Prince Albert and former Reichskanzler (Reich Chancellor) Otto von Bismarck. Today it is home to the luxury Kur-Royal Day Spa, an ideal place to pass an idle spa day in perfect relaxation.

Quaint cafés and restaurants certainly meet the tastes of even the most critical gourmets. Small and charming little specialist shops as well as big brands like Boss, Baldessarini or Michael Kors are

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Christmas Time in Germany

sure to grant shopaholics fabulous good catches. Those who are more inclined towards the arts can expect a diverse programme from fine art galleries and exhibitions to theatre or vibrant concerts at unique settings. Classical or jazzy tunes, swing, pop or rock music? Bad Homburgs cultural calendar is bursting with musical events of all genres. Within ‘Bad Homburg’s summer’ special there is a magical highlight taking place each year.

At the Klassiknacht in Weiß (White Night of Classic), people all clad in white, gather in the candle-lit Kurpark and celebrate the warm, mellow nights of summer with champagne, canapés, nibbles and classical music in front of the Kaiser-Wilhelms-Bad. The highlights of 2017 In 2017, a couple of very special attractions are awaiting Bad Homburg’s visitors.

Like every two years, international artists exhibit their artworks in the Kurpark and other open-air places from May to October. The Poesie & Literaturfestival (Festival for Poetry and Literature) invites the visitor to a variety of readings held by

some of the most prestigious players of the German theatre, film and writer’s scene.

Christmas in Bad Homburg While the spa town is vibrant in the warm months from April until October, the rather chilly season lets you experience the cosy charm of winter in Bad Homburg.

The pre-Christmas period starts at the beginning of November with the so-called Stadl, a rustic wooden chalet set up in front of the Kurhaus, where you may enjoy a hearty meal, pretzels as well as one (or two) pints of tasty beer.

Test your skating or Bavarian curling skills in one of the regions’ most romantic ice rinks, which is set up right in the centre of the Kurpark between the impressive Kaiser-Wilhelms-Bad and the Casino.

at home or enjoy the famous German Glühwein (mulled wine) in an enchanted Christmassy surrounding. A path of lights leads you from one attraction to the other. Feel the spirit of Christmas while wandering through the town of Bad Homburg. What an excellent backdrop for a perfect winter day out. If you would rather spend those crispy winter nights indoors, Bad Homburg invites you to a variety of literary readings, Christmasthemed concerts, ballet performances of Swan Lake and Nutcracker, as well as performances of The Wizard of Oz or the celebration of an Irish Christmas.

Can you think of a better way to celebrate the festive season? www.bad-homburg-tourismus.de/en

The traditionalists will be glad to hear of the Romantic Christmas market, which is located around Bad Homburg’s castle and the White Tower. At lovingly decorated, Christmas-themed stalls you may buy beautiful presents for your loved ones

Issue 44 | November 2016 | 91

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Christmas Time in Germany

Left: Ramesses the Great - Divine Ruler on the Nile. Photo: © Badisches Landesmuseum Karlsruhe. Top right: Coloured Tile with Representation of a Shasu-Bedouin. Photo: © Hannover, Museum August Kestner, Christian Tepper. Right: Egyptianised Trademark of Karlsruhe: seven-metre pyramid on Karlsruhe’s Market Square. Photo: © KTG Karlsruhe Tourismus GmbH

Ancient Egypt in Karlsruhe Imagine a desert. Now imagine a river that flows slowly through that desert.

Imagine picturesque boats on that river. Got it? Good. Now add a multitude of temples and a variety of eye-catching tombs to this mental picture.

TEXT: SILKE HENKELE

Now imagine Karlsruhe, a picturesque city in Baden-Württemberg and the most southern federal state of Germany.

Karlsruhe lies surrounded by lush hills and forests and the foundation stone of the city was laid in 1715 by Charles III William, Margrave of Baden-Durlach, as his residence. On first sight, Karlsruhe and Ancient Egypt do not seem to have much in common. Or do they?

marks the tomb of margrave Charles III William, our founding father.” Further reminiscences to Ancient Egypt can be found in Karlsruhe’s very own Botanical Garden and its four sphinxes or on the Rondellplatz with its obelisk. Yet, this is not all Karlsruhe has to offer as Halmich points out: “Karlsruhe is surrounded by a beautiful countryside that invites to fabulous days out. Karlsruhe’s many palaces are always worth a visit, and a variety of museums, churches and many other distinctive sights complete our impressive variety of attractions.”

“Karlsruhe,” explains Yvonne Halmich, press officer of Karlsruhe Tourism, “feels particularly connected to Ancient Egypt.

One of our landmarks is a pyramid that

As of 17 December 2016, this already very unique range of attractions will receive its latest addition as the Landesmuseum Karlsruhe will open its gate to an exhibition

We are pretty sure that you are thinking about Egypt and its highly advanced ancient culture.

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entirely dedicated to Ramesses II., third king of the 19th dynasty. Some of the most impressive constructions ever built in Ancient Egypt were commissioned by him; the Temple of Abu-Simbel amongst them. This latest exhibition, among others, boasts a multitude of highlights, among them the reconstruction of Pi-Ramesses, the governmental seat founded by Ramesses II. Be sure to prepare yourself for this unique experience as Karlsruhe Tourismus GmbH offers its visiting groups a very special deal: a one-night stay in a threestar-hotel including breakfast, plus a guided tour through Karlsruhe and the Ramesses II. Exhibition, plus a threecourse meal of Baden specialties will cost only 99 euros per person. Be quick, as this offer will go fast. Beautiful Karlsruhe and Ancient Egypt have never been easier to explore. www.karlsruhe-tourismus.de/en

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Christmas Time in Germany

Atmospheric Christmas market and shopping experiences for everyone’s taste Especially during the Christmas season, Düsseldorf sparkles in bright lights and a festive atmosphere. It is the perfect place not only to enjoy a glass of mulled wine with friends but also to go shopping. Throughout the city, more than 210 stalls decorated with love and passion sell traditional craft from filigree glass to figurines from the Ore Mountains.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN I PHOTOS: DUESSELDORF TOURISMUS

Düsseldorf in December is a small winter fairyland with its own special flair. The streets are illuminated with lights, sparkling like fairies in the dusk, the smell of cinnamon and pralines pervade the air.

The nostalgic Christmas market turns the city into a special place for adults and children alike.

The city offers the perfect opportunity to combine Christmas shopping with a special seasonal experience, a place to enjoy traditional crafts, foods and drinks, mulled wine and punch for example, German bratwurst or tasty sweets. From 17 November to 23 December the traditional Christmas market opens its doors weekdays between

11am and 8pm with seasonal market stalls at different points in the city. At weekends the market closes at 9pm.

The historic crafts market at the front of the Düsseldorf city hall displays traditional craftsmanship, while the ‘Engelchenmarkt’ creates a divine atmosphere embodied in angel figurines adorning the stalls. Every street and place has its own individual decoration reminding for example of historic places in the city. The stalls on the Flinger Straße look like old town houses once built by merchants. Only a short distance away is another Christmas market on the Schadowplatz, directly in front of the Kö-Bogen shopping centre that in re-

cent years has made Düsseldorf even more interesting as shopping destination. Here traditional wooden huts form a symbiosis with modern architecture created by the famous architect Daniel Libeskind. The highlight is an ice-skating ring with fantastic view towards the Hofgarten.

For those looking for a special shopping experience, focusing on high-class brands and designer wear, the Königsallee – called Kö by locals – is still the best destination in the entire region. Closer to the Rhine river, in the old city centre, many young local designers have their boutiques.

This year, special tours are introducing tourists to the best the city has to offer during the Christmas season. Like the seasonal hotel package, the tour can be booked directly online via the Düsseldorf tourist office. www.duesseldorf-tourismus.de/ christmas-market Issue 44 | November 2016 | 93

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Christmas Time in Germany

Original 'Santa' mould from the 19th century.

Have a beautiful Christmas Almost without warning it is that time of the year when we start embellishing our houses with our favourite Christmas-themed accessories. Ino Schaller papier mâché manufacture specialises in the manufacturing of decorative figurines for the festive seasons and may be the answer to all ‘deco-holics’ and collectors out there, who cannot wait to decorate their homes with the proper seasonal accessories.

TEXT: SILKE HENKELE I PHOTOS: INO SCHALLER

Based in Neustadt near Coburg, Ino Schaller is a long-established family business that was founded in 1894 by Carl Schaller, the great-grandfather of current owner Thomas Schaller, who runs the business in the fourth generation.

“Contrary to our competitors’products, our figurines are entirely ‘Made in Germany’ and thus a guarantor for the highest level of craftsmanship,” stresses Schaller. “All of our products are hand-cast and painted by highly qualified artists.”

Family ties are strong within the Schaller family and, as reminiscence to said founder Carl Schaller, all Santas produced today are still cast in the original moulds.

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Some are even still designed in the same way as their 19th century predecessors.

It is attention to small details that make Ino Schaller’s figurines so popular. The lovingly handcrafted figurines are partially decorated with natural products like goose quills or fur, and enhanced by precious materials like Swarovski crystals, which gives them a particularly original touch.

Love for detail, superb craftsmanship as well as the adoring design not only make the figurines highly sought after collectibles, but the family business an important and successful global player.

Ino Schaller’s figurines travel widely and are sold in France, Switzerland, Russia,

or even Canada and Australia. “Our main market is the US American market,” observes Schaller. Luxury department stores like Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and similar big names count among Ino Schaller’s customers and speak of the high regard that is also shown internationally towards Ino Schaller’s products.

So, if you are still looking for the right Christmas mood, look out for Ino Schaller’s figurines. They are sure to grant you and your loved ones a very merry Christmas! www.inoschaller.de/en

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Christmas Time in Germany

Cute bears for all lovers of teddies What does the perfect Christmas tree look like? Opinions on this are often divided.

Some like it stylish and modern, others enjoy the famous mix of the most beautiful balls and precious heirlooms. The company Hubrig from Zschorlau has taken up a completely new trend.

TEXT: HUBRIG VOLKSKUNST GMBH, TRANSLATION: THOMAS SCHROERS I PHOTOS: HUBRIG VOLKSKUNST GMBH

Hubrig’s original clips for trees transform any festively decorated branch and any Christmas tree into a real eye-catcher.

While previously only blown-glass birdies sat on the fir tree, now fly agarics and bears also find their place next to wooden birds and squirrels, bringing unique colour into the tree.

Traditional Hubrig tree decorations have been available for some time now.

All of the company’s wooden figures come with a clip and in the typical Hubrig design and quality, as the Zschorlau company stands for colourful and perfect artisanal handicrafts.

But back to the bears and the brand new Hubiduu collection, which teddy bear enthusiasts will love. The story began

with a fumigation bear. At the heart of the series is the Weihnachtsklaus, which this year entered the market at 22 centimetres in size. He is joined by a bear family and all of the animals wear red Christmas hats. They hold stars or toys, sitting in front of the Christmas tree and enjoying their presents.

Noticing the appeal of their cute bears, the Zschorlau craftsmen developed the Hubiduu collection further. They are certain that the new tree clips in bear shapes will find admirers quickly. Like the winter, flower and lampion children, the bears will be a collector’s item in no time. www.hubrig-volkskunst.de

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Top Winter Destinations, Switzerland

Photo: © Jungfrau Region; swiss-image.ch/ Christof Sonderegger

Magical Christmas time in Switzerland If you are heading to Switzerland this winter, be sure to search the following pages where we have picked some exciting winter destinations to visit.

Photo: © Switzerland Tourism; swiss-image.ch/Christof Sonderegger

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Photo: © Lenk Simmental Tourismus; swiss-image.ch/Paul Geiser

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Top Winter Destinations, Switzerland

Magical Christmas in rose city The picturesque town of Rapperswil-Jona is always worth a visit, but for Christmas it is even more exciting. This time of the year, with the beautiful Christmas market right at Lake Zurich, the town adds just another mesmerising feature to its full plate of enchanting attractions.

TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS

With records dating back to pre-historic times, Rapperswil-Jona, which unites the municipalities of Rapperswil and Jona, looks back on a long history. Celts, Romans and many more left their mark on the city. One particular historic aspect is the development of the name rose city.

As it became very important to identify yourself in medieval times, the noble family Von Rapperswil decided more than 1,000 years ago to pick a crest with a rose on it. Today, their choice is still represented in the city crest of Rapperswil-Jona, and roses are ubiquitous all year round.

Apart from exploring the many stories the city is steeped in, during the festive season visitors are invited specifically to

head to the Christkindlimärt in the scenic old town, taking place 9-18 December. More than 230 stalls make for an attractive and diverse offering. Here you can bathe in the warm Christmas lights, which have a long tradition in the town. Thousands of little lamps illuminate the streets in colourful and artistic variations, immediately evoking that pre-Christmas mood. Additionally, you can listen to the sounds of carols and marvel at the hand-carved figurines of the Christmas oasis. Finally, with Lake Zurich as a natural backdrop, the scenery is rounded off in an atmospheric and extraordinary way. www.vvrj.ch www.christkindlimaert.ch

Photo: © Verkehrsverein Rapperswil-Jona, Florian Edelhoff

Photo: © Verkehrsverein Rapperswil-Jona, Muriel Mathys

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Discover Germany | Special Theme |

Top Winter Destinations, Switzerland

Gravity snow park.

Snow girlfriends.

Moonlight descent.

Sports and treats: Relish in special events with the Zermatt mountain railway corporation The Zermatt Bergbahnen AG is the biggest mountain railway enterprise in Switzerland. With its multiple offers it attracts sports enthusiasts as well as tourists from all over the world.

TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI | PHOTOS: ZERMATT BERGBAHNEN

The corporation, founded in 2002, merges the latest technology with the highest security standards to ensure transport to snow reliable heights.

The snow reliable Matterhorn glacier paradise at over 3,000 metres of altitude provides for one of the largest and bestmaintained ski resorts in the world. Apart from 360 kilometres of perfectly prepared slopes, the company offers a range of special treats.

The early mornings for example have a special appeal around Zermatt. With the ‘First Track’ offer you can practise your first skiing glides exclusively on untouched slopes while enjoying the first sun rays of the day. After a guided descent you will be happy to indulge in the rich breakfast 98 | Issue 44 | November 2016

buffet offered at the Matterhorn glacier paradise restaurant.

The ‘Moonlight Descent’ will take you into the snowy world of the Rothorn mountain, preceded by a strengthening traditional dinner in cosy surroundings.

The romantically moonlit slopes and the refreshing night air will make this guided descent an unforgettable experience.

glowing in the evening sun. While you take in the view of the Matterhorn from your gondola, a delicious cheese fondue accompanied by a drop of Valais wine will add to your comfort.

While in Zermatt, the attractive gastronomy scene should not be ignored.

As communications manager Valérie Perren states: “Guests always wonder what temptation to give into first: sports or culinary treat? A few more kilometres on the slopes or rather indulge in the offers of a mountain restaurant complete with sun terrace and view of the Matterhorn?”

For those who appreciate a touch of glamour, the VIP gondola of the Matterhorn express delights the senses. Glide by the Matterhorn while enjoying a complimentary bottle of Moët & Chandon. This treat is the perfect gift to yourself and others.

In the evenings the rustic or, in true Swiss slang, ‘urchig’ restaurants invite to dishes like the original Valais dried meat or fondue specialties. Or, if the fancy takes you, why not enjoy a gourmet menu awarded with Gault Millau points and Guide Michelin stars? You deserve it!

The ’Gondola Fondue’ event will take you into a mountainous panorama with peaks

www.matterhornparadise.ch

«ALL THE MAGIC OF THE UPPER ENGADINE AT YOUR DOORSTEP» There is nowhere like Suvretta House for experiencing the sparkling mountain lakes and snow-capped peaks of the Upper Engadine from close up. Enjoy the ambience of five-star luxury in an elegant resort hotel in magnificent natural parkland. The Suvretta Sports and Pleasure Club awaits you, as well as ski and snowboard pistes, cross-country ski trails and toboggan runs – all within easy reach. The hotel’s own ski lift brings you directly to the valley station of the chair lift, giving access to the extensive Corviglia skiing area.

For more information: Tel. +41 (0)81 836 36 36 info@suvrettahouse.ch www.suvrettahouse.ch

Discover Germany | Culture | Star Interview

100 | Issue 44 | November 2016

Discover Germany | Culture | Star Interview

Henri Junghänel Germany’s Olympic sharp shooter Henri Junghänel, who won the gold medal in the 50-metre rifle prone event at the Summer Olympics 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, talks to Discover Germany about his life as an athlete, his win in Brazil and his plans for the future.

TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS I PHOTO: BENJAMIN GRAMSCH

Many boys want to become professional soccer players or Formula 1 drivers.

How did you get to sport shooting?

You have been doing this for almost 20 years. Looking back, what do you remember most about this time period?

In my hometown of Breuberg, a historical market takes place every two years. My club, the SV Rai-Breitenbach, has a little five-metre shooting gallery there for shooting at apple targets with a crossbow. I did that when I was nine and immediately enjoyed it a lot, dragging money out of my parent’s pockets in order to continue. A year later I became a member of the club and have been ever since.

Of course, the Olympic games and win of the gold medal will stay with me forever, as this was the highest goal all along.

However, it would be a shame to reduce my career to this one success. I spend so many hours with my home club and basically grew up there. That’s why many of my companions over the years have become real friends and I’m very happy remembering this time. The same holds true for the three years I, thanks to the sport, was able to spend at the University of Kentucky, where the excitement for the sport itself was incredible.

Shooting is a unique sport. What characterises sport shooting for you?

Which aspects fascinate you the most?

In contrast to other sports, shooting is less about physical fitness. Much more important are concentration and body control.

It’s especially fascinating that there are no golden rules for many aspects of it. There are many ways to become a successful shooter. The Chinese, for example, have a totally different philosophy regarding their position while shooting than we Germans do. When you analyse your own mistakes in great detail, you are able to optimise your technique and find your own way of doing it.

Talking about the Olympic games, could you recall the memories of that day?

Luckily I wasn’t as nervous as expected and had a good sleep the night before.

The competition began at 9am, so there wasn’t much free time before getting to the event location. At the location we routinely checked our rifle and got into our clothing.

Prior to the start I like to talk about everyday things with coaches and teammates, to relax and avoid building up tension.

Once the competition has started, the technical aspects are automatic. No

thoughts enter my mind, as the process must happen without thinking.

In the final it was already certain that I would win a medal, which took a huge load off my mind. At this point I had already exceeded my personal goals, and from then on it couldn’t have worked out better. When I had finally won the gold medal, I was just absolutely thrilled.

You have studied engineering and will start working in that field. Is there any kind of correlation between the sport of shooting and studying a technical subject?

Both shooting and engineering are about understanding complicated technical processes and improving them. Knowledge about statics is helpful when thinking about your shooting position; on the other hand, sport teaches you to be concentrated on the point and also to deal with setbacks in a good way, which of course helps while studying.

Will you hang up your rifle once you’ve started working or will shooting continue to be a part of your future?

Preparing for the Olympics and writing my thesis at the same time took an immense effort, so at the moment I’m very happy to focus on my professional career first. Nevertheless, the sport will continue to be a hobby for me. Whether there is the opportunity to take part in the games again and combine that with my professional goals, only time can tell.

Issue 44 | November 2016 | 101

S P E C I A L T H E M E : M E D I C A & C O M PA M E D 2 0 1 6

Trending topics in the medical sector In November, two high-profile trade fairs return with a total of more than 5,000 exhibitors. Featuring companies from both of them in a special theme, Discover Germany takes a look at their trending topics.

TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS | PHOTOS: MESSE DUESSELDORF

While both the MEDICA and the COMPAMED are concerned with the medical industry, different focus points are set with regard to topics. For the former, important themes include laboratory technology, diagnosis, clinical chemistry and diagnostics, featuring exhibitors with products for hygiene and disinfection, laboratory technology and diagnostics.

Also, the fair dives into the topic of education and training for physicians with education institutions, publishers of trade literature and specialist journals and various associations providing helpful information. COMPAMED is primarily concerned with the technological aspects of the medical market. One exciting topic for the fair are Lab-on-a-chip systems, the small all-rounders of modern medical technology. Furthermore, the fair puts its emphasis on product design and testing, laboratory and production devices, the use of 3D printing and much more.

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Discover Germany | Special Theme | MEDICA & COMPAMED 2016

RUFUS, the intelligent running coach.

You run hands-free behind Rufus.

RUFUS – your personal running coach If you want to improve your fitness by running and find your optimum pace, you should get to know RUFUS – an electrically driven vehicle that offers an outdoor training programme customised to your fitness level.

TEXT: NADINE CARSTENS | PHOTOS: RUNFUN GMBH

Dr. Erwin Prassler has been an amateur triathlete for 15 years. Nevertheless, he used to be one of those runners who has difficulty estimating their own limits and power. “Without the help of a trainer, I tend to run too fast and end up feeling exhausted quite quickly,” Dr. Prassler says.

One day, he came up with an idea while running with his daughter’s pram. Why not fit the pram with a couple of electric motors? He wanted to control these motors so that he could run with a steady pulse and at a pace his body was ready for.

And so the idea for RUFUS was born.

In 2014, Dr. Prassler established the company runfun GmbH to develop the first prototypes. Now his invention is about to be established on the market.

The electrically driven vehicle with automatic cruise control will therefore be presented at the COMPAMED trade fair in

Düsseldorf (hall 5, B15). Visitors will have the chance to learn more about RUFUS’ many benefits: “All the fitness trackers and apps, which are on the market today, just provide distorted results and only inform runners when they are doing something wrong,” Dr. Prassler explains.

“In comparison, RUFUS offers an active exercise control: Before you are about to overstrain yourself, the electric coach slows you down by reducing its pace. When you do not strain yourself enough, it increases the speed up.” This way, runners are able to safely improve their fitness since their heart rate stays within an optimal range.

runners will be able to optimally prepare for competitions. The vehicle moves by itself without it being necessary to push or steer it, while the runner is connected to it by a safety tether.

Soon, RUFUS will be available in the online shop of runfun GmbH, Dr. Prassler says. “Customers also have the chance to download training programmes. We also want to establish a network of rental stations where runners can test RUFUS for a certain period of time.” www.runfun.com

Make continual gains RUFUS is therefore perfect for runners at any fitness level, as it supports beginners to smoothly get into running while also helping experienced runners to step up their training. In addition, professional

Turn it on, choose your exercise programme and start running.

Issue 44 | November 2016 | 103

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Lucerne City Special

Modern healthcare beds and furniture ‘Made in Germany’ – when long tradition meets innovation The Stiegelmeyer-Group develops and builds innovative, high-quality healthcare furniture. With more than a century of experience, the expert for hospital and private nursing furniture develops innovative concepts that make life for patients, elderly people and nursing staff easier and more comfortable.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN I PHOTOS: STIEGELMEYER-GROUP

The Stiegelmeyer-Group is an international corporation with headquarters in Germany and is affiliated with companies in South Africa, Poland, France, the Netherlands and Finland, who also works together with diverse distributors worldwide.

The company focuses on four branches: Clinic, Care, Homecare and Assist – the latter means consulting services and maintenance of products.

retirement homes and of course for those nursing old and ill people at home,” says Georgios Kampisiulis Kemmler, head of the managing board. To improve the quality of life and health of its users is key when it comes to healthcare furniture. “This also means we develop and manufacture all core components in-house. And our service still keeps the right spare parts ready 15 years after a model is redrawn from the market.”

Stiegelmeyer develops beds and furniture in close contact with customers. “We work very hard to find the best solutions for the everyday challenges in hospitals,

With more than 115 years of experience, the company knows what nursing staff need and what patients want. In the healthcare field, Stiegelmeyer from the

104 | Issue 44 | November 2016

very beginning has played a pioneering role. Of course, in more than a century hospital and nursing beds have changed a great deal – especially when it comes to comfort, safety, hygiene and durability – and lately through digital technology.

Steel beds replaced wooden beds and sectioned mattress bases heightened the comfort, while electric motors provide height adjustability. Today it has also become important that hospital beds can be machine-washed and the design should also allow thorough cleaning by hand, especially since multi-resistant germs have become a problem in healthcare. “Since the 1970s Stiegelmeyer has made a lot of innovations in this area,” says Georgios Kampisiulis Kemmler.“Another innovation are modern sensors and communication systems that create a secure connection between those lying in the bed and those responsible for their care.”

Discover Germany | Special Theme | MEDICA & COMPAMED 2016

it can optionally be fitted with colourful fabric Softcovers to make it look less like a normal care bed. This design feature creates a more homelike atmosphere in the resident’s room and leads to an improved sense of well-being.

To give a few examples: Puro for instance is “more than just a bed” for hospitals. It combines usefulness with innovative technology. The hospital bed not only has an appealing design, but also many technical and functional details. Soft lowering MultiFlex+ safety sides can be used as a mobilisation support, the handset is easy to operate and the flat design with its concealed cables allows easy cleaning. The bed supports care staff during their work because the headboard and footboard are both easy to remove to allow quick access to patients.

For care staff and residents in nursing or retirement homes, the Venta bed is the ideal support. While providing functional support

Considering that not only are people are getting older but that we live in an ageing society, technology like Stiegelmeyer’s will become even more important, for example to relieve nursing staff and family members caring for older relatives. One example here is the Vertica bed, which has a slightly different approach than the abovementioned Stiegelmeyer products.

It is not only a bed but has features that allow the movement patients safely into an upright sitting and standing position following natural human movements in the process. This makes life for care staff and patients far easier. When patients have to be mobilised after being bedridden for some time, they need a lot of support. Something that is difficult to handle for patients and nurses supporting them, normally putting

a lot of strain on both their bodies. Vertica provides a safe alternative. “Nursing staff is exposed to a lot of work pressure and heavy loads on a daily basis. Our beds support them in the best way possible,” says Georgios Kampisiulis Kemmler. In this case the bed helps to mobilise people and creates a good balance between mobility and safety.

Another important factor is the digitalisation. Stiegelmeyer’s affiliate company Burmeier for example has developed the CCS – the Care Communication System for care at home. A communication module installed directly at the bed and connected via smartphone app allows older or ill people to get in touch with people responsible for their care very easily. If necessary, the system also signals if a person leaves the bed. This new system creates greater security, especially when people are cared for at home when family members or nurses cannot and need not be around 24/7. www.stiegelmeyer.com

Issue 44 | November 2016 | 105

Discover Germany | Special Theme | MEDICA & COMPAMED 2016

Computerised individual solutions for orthopaedic and sports insoles It was a disillusionment born out of sports injuries and botched rehab attempts with second-rate insoles that propelled Marcel Herzog to establish the Orthema Group, a leading world player in the field of orthotic insole production.

high-level sports, kitting out the German football team with custom-made insoles as well as big names in tennis, athletics and other sports.

TEXT: EMMIE COLLINGE I PHOTOS: ORTHEMA

Somewhat of a polymath, Herzog, who is educated in sports science, looked past the limits of technology and saw opportunity.

“I was looking for solutions,” explains the affable Herzog from the company’s headquarters in Rotkreuz. “I wanted to eliminate muscular pain by correcting gaits, but I was also looking for ways to optimise power transfer for elite athletes.”

on-hand orthotic expert, who uses the software to carry out in-depth analysis on the client’s weight-bearing and nonweight-bearing gait, streamlining it into one tailor-made solution. Once the insole material is chosen, Orthema’s CNC milling machine hooks up to the system and grinds the exact foot profile.

The emergence of new technologies in early ‘90s America inspired Herzog to pursue avenues that would be quicker, more efficient and more productive than conventional methods. After enlisting the help of Swiss engineers to launch the first machine in 1993, Orthema was officially founded in 1999.

The ingenious bit of kit that promises the sensation of “walking on clouds” is the brainchild of keen skier Herzog, who explains how the system was intended for top athletes and the military but attracted resounding attention after its launch. “We were quickly approached by the orthopedic industry, which saw the advantages it would bring to patients.”

Keeping pace with technology even today, the device takes a 3D measurement analysis of your foot, relying on more than 500 sensors. The data is relayed to the

Today the company has a presence in more than 50 countries and, while it serves the public daily, the Orthema machines still play an instrumental role in

106 | Issue 44 | November 2016

The team designs and produces everything in Switzerland.“The machines are nothing without a competent user though,” adds Herzog. “But that’s exactly why we also vet our clients for the requisite expertise, so that all the components fall into place.”

The brand, he explains, will also soon be available for franchising abroad.

But while the genesis for Herzog’s lifework was primarily to cure injury-plagued athletes, he is clearly proud of how his creations continue to tread a reliable and durable path around the world, eliminating pain and improving people’s souls. www.orthema.com

Marcel Herzog.

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Ask information and concept: Ask Askfor for formore more more information information about aboutprices prices pricesabout andfranchise franchise concept: concept: Ask for more about information prices and franchise concept Ask for information about prices and franchise concept: Ask Ask formore for more more information information about about prices prices and and franchise franchise concept: concept: ORTHEMA Fon: +41 04 34 Email: sales@orthema.com ORTHEMA Group Group Fon: +4141 41798 798 Email: sales@orthema.com ORTHEMA ORTHEMA Group Group Fon: Fon: +41 +41 41 79804 0434 34 Email: Email:sales@orthema.com sales@orthema.com CH CH – 6343 Switzerland Fax: +41 41 798 04 35 Web: www.orthema.com –ORTHEMA Fax: +41 41 04 Web: www.orthema.com CH CH ––6343 6343 6343Switzerland Switzerland Switzerland Fax: Fax: +41 41 798 04 35 Web: Web: www.orthema.com www.orthema.com ORTHEMA Group Group Fon: Fon: +41+41 41798 41 798798 0435 04 34 34 Email: Email: sales@orthema.com sales@orthema.com ORTHEMA Group Fon: +41 41 798 04 34 Email: sales@orthema.com CH –6343 6343 – 6343 Switzerland Switzerland Fax: Fax: +41+41 41798 41 798798 0435 04 35 35 Web: Web: www.orthema.com www.orthema.com CH –CH Switzerland Fax: +41 41 04 Web: www.orthema.com

Discover Germany | Special Theme | MEDICA & COMPAMED 2016

Activate your movement

TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS I PHOTOS: MOVE IT GMBH

After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2006 and struggling with the news for two years, Dr. Oliver Kromat desired more control over the main symptoms. In 2009 he founded move it, a company that develops and produces systems that enable professional movement training at home.

Researching the tremor and the symptoms of reduced mobility, move it found that there are two ways to work on them.

First through passive movement of the respective body part and secondly by generating waves (1-20Hz) that move through that body part. With these ideas in mind, three systems were developed.

The fingerwave, which moves your fingers, the handtwist, which works with forearm, wrist and hands and the armshake, which is training the whole arm.

All of the systems significantly loosen the muscles, which has a positive effect on the Parkinson’s tremor and on increasing mobility. Not restricted to Parkinson’s, the systems also help stroke patients, arthrosis and other movement disorders.

In 2015, move it revised the armshake and fingerwave. The new version of fingerwave was developed within the central innovation programme for the mittelstand together with the Ruhr University Bochum. Its advantages include an active/passive mode, allowing the patient to witness the success of training immediately. Due to its easy handling, the system is even more suitable for home use and training without additional help. fingerwave.

The new armshake is not only making a difference with regard to diseases. It relaxes the muscles and is able to work on cramps that occur in everyday life. In fact, it even stimulates the neck and can solve headache problems that originate in the neck and often stem from sitting at a desk for longer periods at work or at home.

At MEDICA you can find move it in Hall 4, Booth B44 www.move-it-med.com armshake.

armshake.

Providing winning healing solutions The success of NAWA Heilmittel GmbH is based on their scientifically backed concept of supporting the body’s self-healing abilities when it comes to wound treatment and prevention.

and sensible way, NAWA strives to make life and sports life easier through providing the latest innovations while exercising a strict and continuous quality control.

TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI I PHOTOS: NORBERT BERGLER

www.nawa.com As managing director Thomas Riesinger states: “NAWA’s intelligent healing products understand the nature of wounds.” With expertise that goes back more than 25 years, NAWA provide the right solutions for treating acute as well as chronic injuries. They started out with a bang through cooperating with the German national soccer team in 1990, who won that year’s World Cup. Ever since, the NAWA team have continuously engaged in scientific research on wound healing and tissue repair, in close cooperation with partners such as the Friedrich-Alexander-University ErlangenNuremberg or as part of the ‘High Tech Program for Bavaria, Master projects medical technology’ grant project. Thus, 108 | Issue 44 | November 2016

NAWA products are always in line with the latest state of scientific knowledge. Safe, doping free and universally applicable for all age groups, the company’s remedies are being trusted by doctors, physiotherapists and other medical specialists as well as sportsmen and women and multinational clubs and companies.

Private persons also draw benefit from NAWA research. For example, the latest stretch mark treatment product of the StriaSan line derives from their recent collagen synthesis research results and both prevents and controls skin and tissue marks during pregnancy as well as boosting its recovery after childbirth.

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S P E C I A L T H E M E : B I O & L A B O R AT O R Y T E C H N O L O G Y

Technological innovations for the bio and pharma industry In today’s technological environment, staying on top of all the new developments becomes increasingly difficult. On the following pages, Discover Germany presents three diverse companies whose innovations are driving forces in the market.

BMG Labtech specialises in high-performance microplate readers. Sulfotools develops the sustainable Clean Peptide Technology and Pharma Test produces testing equipment for the pharmaceutical industry.

TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS | PHOTOS: FLICKR.COM, GEORGE PIMENTEL

110 | Issue 44 | November 2016

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Bio & Laboratory Technology

PHERAstar FSX multi-mode microplate reader.

Pipetting a low-volume microplate for measurement.

A synonym for precision, speed and flexibility BMG Labtech is at the forefront of technology, offering microplate readers for life science applications and high-throughput screening. The German company is on a steady course of growth due to continuous development of innovative and unique technologies over the past 25 years.

TEXT & PHOTOS: BMG LABTECH GMBH

Founded in 1990, BMG Labtech is a specialist for high-performance microplate readers for all assay needs. The company’s microplate readers are used in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry and in academic research organisations all over the world. BMG Labtech’s readers are equipped with different, optical detection technologies and are used in a multitude of applications e.g. food assays, microbial growth, cellular analysis, drug discovery and assay development.

Over the years, BMG Labtech has become one of the world’s leading manufacturers of microplate readers with subsidiaries in Australia, France, Japan, UK, and the USA. In response to the global demand for BMG Labtech’s products and technologies made in Germany, the company invests 4.5 million euros in headquarters site

expansion. A new company building provides the additional capacity required for the company's anticipated business growth over the longer term. The new building is designed to double the manufacturing area and provide new space for research and development and the planned job growth.

BMG Labtech offers various instruments ranging from single-mode, absorbance detection readers to multi-mode microplate readers with up to eight detection modes. All microplate readers are conceived, developed, assembled, and tested entirely at the company’s headquarters in Germany. By focusing on the needs of the scientific community, the company’s microplate readers are developed to combine highest speed and flexibility without compromising sensitivity.

BMG Labtech’s multi-mode microplate

CLARIOstar microplate reader.

readers combine three different detection technologies: filters, spectrometer, and unique LVF monochromators™. The linear variable filter (LVF) monochromator™ was engineered especially for the CLARIOstar microplate reader. Compared to conventional monochromators, BMG Labtech’s innovative monochromator system offers continuously adjustable bandwidth for highest flexibility, highest light transmission for filter-like performance and broader bandwidths for the best sensitivity.

The company’s latest device is the PHERAstar FSX, the new reference multi-mode microplate reader for highthroughput screening applications. In order to maximise efficiency, screening facilities must constantly strive to increase throughput and minimise sample expenditure, while controlling costs. To meet these requirements, the PHERAstar FSX was specifically conceived for the fastest read times, the best sensitivity and unmatched flexibility in all plate formats up to 3,456 wells. www.bmglabtech.com Issue 44 | November 2016 | 111

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Bio & Laboratory Technology

Peptide chemistry goes green Over the last 30 odd years, environmentalism has become one of the most pressing issues for mankind. The topic has found its way into mainstream discussions and anyone asking for environmentally friendly products is no longer frowned upon as a naïve freak.

Little did chemists Christina Uth and Sascha Knauer know about the journey they were going to embark on when they met at university. Yet, by 2015, their research endeavours had been met with huge success. Their project Sulfotools, founded in March 2016, had won numerous awards, among them the second place in the Science4Life Venture Cup 2015, the StartGreen Award, and it had been listed among the 50 most successful start-ups of 2015. So what is this product that brought Uth and Knauer, both managing directors at Sulfotools GmbH, this huge amount of success?

“We were aware of the challenges that the state-of-the-art peptide manufacturing poses to the environment,” says Uth.“Every year tens of thousands of tons of hazardous

organic solvents are required for this production process.”

What started with a random experiment yielded an innovative technology called Clean Peptide Technology (CPT) for the manufacturing of synthetic peptides, which are in high demand in chemical, pharmaceutical as well as cosmetic industries.

“CPT is based on water-soluble protecting groups and thus uses water

Fluorescence picture of the Smoc protection group in water.

TEXT: SILKE HENKELE I PHOTOS: SULFOTOOLS GMBH

instead of highly risky organic solvents for the production of peptides,” explains Uth. “We offer cost savings of up to 40 per cent and moreover can reduce the amount of hazardous waste. CPT thereby decreases CO2-emissions and, ultimately, produces solvent-free end products at the same or even higher quality.”

The peptide market is constantly growing, rendering production costs an ever more important issue. This makes CPT the ideal technology as it decreases production costs while at the same time being eco-friendlier. www.sulfotools.de

Team Sulfotools.

Air – is not just nothing The breathtaking temporary exhibition in Technorama Winterthur

Media partners

www.technorama.ch

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Bio & Laboratory Technology

Strong partnerships for pharmaceutical testing At the beginning of 2016, Pharma Test Apparatebau AG announced the acquisition of the company J&M Analytik AG. For the experts in the field of high-quality testing equipment for the pharmaceutical industry, this is only one of many partnerships, enabling sustainable growth and ongoing innovative developments.

TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS I PHOTOS: PHARMA TEST APPARATEBAU AG

The story of Pharma Test begins in 1979. Founded as a family enterprise, its development and consequent production of test devices and systems for Quality Control in the pharmaceutical sector have continuously been able to match the requirements of producers worldwide.

Offering a complete product range from physical testing instruments to fully automated, analytical systems, the devices are able to test tablets, capsules, suppositories, ampoules and other solid dosage formats. In all of that, quality comes first for Pharma Test, which is proud of its ‘Made in Germany’ label.

In line with the company’s organic growth strategy, the acquisition of

J&M Analytik enables Pharma Test to expand its options for the analytical test systems. A German manufacturer and developer of fibre optic diode-array spectrometer systems, J&M Analytic are just the right innovative partner for the future. Naturally, this is a two-way street, as J&M Analytic will profit from Pharma Test’s global operations and be able to deliver its own solutions on this scale as well.

Björn Fähler, CEO of Pharma Test, explains: “J&M has been on the cutting edge of fibre optic technology for years, with extensive expertise in laboratory and process analytics.” This expertise will enable Pharma Test to add a deeper

understanding of optical systems and analytical technologies to its portfolio.

“Now, by joining the Pharma Test team, we are able to expand our horizons and contribute to our growth on a much greater scale,” says Harald Nitsche, CEO of J&M Analytic. After the process of acquisition, J&M Analytic has remained a distinct company and thus become a member of the Pharma Test company group.

For Pharma Test, this group or network of various companies facilitates the necessary strength to not only respond to the innovations made by international pharmaceutical producers, but to also develop innovative solutions themselves.

In that regard, partnerships like the one with J&M Analytic are no coincidence, but an integral part of Pharma Test’s strategic developments. www.pharma-test.de www.j-m.de Issue 44 | November 2016 | 113

Discover Germany | Special Theme | GET Nord

SPECIAL THEME: GET NORD

Northern Europe’s industrial forum Taking place in one of Germany’s most exciting cities, Hamburg, the GET Nord trade fair invites people from all backgrounds to get inspired by diverse exhibitors for electrical engineering, sanitation, heating and air conditioning.

TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS | PHOTOS: NICOLAS MAACK

114 | Issue 44 | November 2016

Discover Germany | Special Theme | GET Nord

Bachmann Group - Innovative electric expertise Bachmann Group is a highly innovative, German mid-sized company that develops, manufactures and markets electronic components and systems, from power socket outlets to independent workplaces and data centre equipment.

companies and partnerships and employs more than 700 people worldwide. www.bachmann.com

TEXT: ELISABETH DOEHNE I PHOTOS: BACHMANN GMBH & CO. KG

data centres and industry, and integrated “All of our products are characterised by an systems. extremely high design standard, innovative “Our company’s business goals are functionality and a strong customer focus. to bring technological innovations to Also, our courteous customer service is life; simultaneously we strive to meet our centred around our customer’s needs and customer’s high expectations and needs. offers competent advice,” explains the For this reason, we consider it important company’s spokeswoman. to contribute with our solutions to Life Alongside the highly innovative power Quality - people should feel comfortable management solutions offered by the with our technology, they should contribute BlueNet product family, technological to the good of life, while being functional product highlights include the multiand affordable,”states the company. functional work surface connection Founded in 1947, Bachmann has panels, some of which have won various become a company with a global presence international design prizes. Bachmann’s in the electrical engineering industry. Today, corporate philosophy is to make the future of Bachmann operates production sites and electric systems more functional and more development and quality management tasteful – and the company emphasises investing in progressive products such as 2_0_subscribe_DG:Layout 1 22/3/16 14:06 centres Page in 1 Germany, Romania and China as well as numerous international sales power management, energy efficiency for

Visit Bachmann Group at GET Nord Fair (17-19 Nov. 2016) Hall B5, Booth B5.100

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Gesundheitszentrum Glantal in Meisenheim.

BDC, Mannheim.

Gesundheitszentrum Glantal in Meisenheim.

ARCHITECT OF THE MONTH, GERMANY

Patientenzimmer, Siloah.

Oststadt-Heidhaus Klinikum Hannover.

Sustainable architecture for modern health Sometimes, hospitals or similar social facilities seem to have been built under the premise to look similar and functional. a|sh architekten does not follow this trend. Their buildings are modern, unique and inspired by humans and the idea of sustainability.

TEXT: SILKE HENKELE I PHOTOS: a|sh architekten

Originally based in Ludwigshafen, the architect’s office a|sh architekten was established in 1930. Specialised on the planning of social facilities from an early stage, a|sh today is one of Germany’s biggest and most long-established architecture’s offices. The company is present in eight German cities, among them Frankfurt am Main as well as Germany’s capital Berlin thus facilitating 116 | Issue 44 | November 2016

a unique closeness to its customers and projects.

A perfect team and award-winning architecture a|sh is convinced that only by providing a broad variety of knowledge as an inhouse solution can they be confident to offer their customers the high-quality service that can be expected from them.

Consequently, the team at a|sh offers a wide spectrum of knowledge. It employs architects, interior designers, designing and industrial engineers, project leaders, as well as sustainability experts. As each project requires a unique set of knowledge, the composition of the teams may vary thus making sure that each project and each customer works with the most fitting partners.

While being involved in various kinds of projects, like for example the ongoing renovation of Rhineland-Palatinate’s parliament in Mainz, a|sh have specialised in the construction of social infrastructure projects such as hospitals or health care

Discover Germany | Business | Architect of the Month, Germany

buildings, residential facilities for the disabled, schools, or similar social institutions.

This engagement has won the team a considerable number of awards and recognition, among them and most recent various first prizes for planning and architectural competitions in 2015 and 2014 or the AIT Healthcare Application Award II in 2012. In addition, two of the facilities built by a|sh have been gold-certified by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen (German Sustainable Building Council).

Spaces for humans and sustainable social construction The construction of structures for real human beings is a dear aim for the team at a|sh. By getting in dialogue with their customers, by presenting them with a variety of drafts and possibilities the team makes sure to find an optimal solution to their customers’ demands and needs - solutions that their customers are content and happy with in the present as well as in the future.

Yet, what exactly are the projects a|sh have engaged in recently? Take for example the Gesundheitszentrum Glantal (Health Centre Glantal) in Meisenheim, one of the gold-certified facilities mentioned above, which has been admitted to a programme called ‘Health and Care 2020’, initiated by the government of RhinelandPalatinate. The Health Centre, apart from friendly colours, comprises a multitude of welcoming, bright courtyards that make

patients forget that they are in a hospital.

Another fine example is the SiloahOststadt-Heidehaus Klinik in Hannover where light and bright courtyards and planted façades give the hospital a warm and welcoming touch.

The Zentrum für seelische Gesundheit (Centre for Emotional Health) in Neuss adds a fine touch to a|sh’s impressive array of projects. Here, small and light courtyards are integrated into the patients’ living quarters. The ground floors offer a variety of varyingly planned gardens thus ultimately contributing to the well-being of the patients.

A book on social architecture a|sh are out to spread their ideas of social architecture. How can we as architects help the patients to feel at ease in a hospital? How can we help the patients to feel less disorientated in a hospital surrounding? These were questions Professor Linus Hofrichter (holder of the professorship for hospital planning at the University of Applied Sciences Gießen) and Dr. Martin Köhne wanted to answer.

Based on the above described project in Neuss, Hofrichter and Dr. Köhne edited a book titled Architektur und Gestaltung trifft Psychiatrie (Architecture and Design meets Psychiatry), which comprises of a variety of articles where they examine the relationship between architecture and social planning.

“Our book documents extraordinarily well what it takes to create a particular atmosphere within a building,” says Hofrichter. “We are particularly thankful for the input of a number of experts from different specialist fields who have contributed to this book. We are thus able to show the kind of consideration and cooperation it takes to create a safe and welcoming atmosphere in social structures.”

Ieoh Ming Pei, one of the most influential contemporary architects, once said that light is the key to architecture – a maxim that a|sh have internalised to perfection. a|sh’s facilities distinguished themselves through a display of features that show whose needs stood at the centre of planning: the needs of human beings. a|sh’s facilities are proof that functionality does not need to look functional.

For more information about the book Architektur und Gestaltung trifft Psychiatrie and to order it, please contact the following email address info@psychiatrie-neuss.de www.a-sh.de info@a-sh.de

Rhineland-Palatinate’s parliament Mainz.

Infopoint in psychiatry Neuss.

Issue 44 | November 2016 | 117

Discover Germany | Business | Top Estate Agent, Austria

Vienna office.

118 | Issue 44 | November 2016

Vienna office.

Discover Germany | Business | Top Estate Agent, Austria

Markus Arnold.

Prague Office.

T O P E S TAT E A G E N T, A U S T R I A

Talk less, get more The demand for direct property investments has recently reached an all-time high.

No wonder, as in times of financial insecurity, high-quality properties combine attractive potential returns and maximum security. It pays off extra if you have a reliable business partner at your side who lives and works by the motto “less talking, more doing”.

successful one. So far, Arnold has handled over 300 investment deals with a sales volume of more than 1.3 billion euros.

TEXT: SONJA IRANI I PHOTOS: ARNOLD INVESTMENTS

It was not long until Arnold Investments expanded to include cities in neighbouring countries that are just as impressive as Vienna when it comes to grand, historical buildings from the turn of the 19th to the 20th century. Today, Arnold Investments has offices in Vienna, Prague, Bratislava and Budapest. These historic cities offer plenty of beautiful, prestigious buildings and are thus perfectly suited for Arnold’s comprehensive portfolio of imposing investment properties.

Vienna-based Arnold Investments is such a partner. Following the company’s credo “less talking, more doing” at all times, the team of internationally renowned property sales experts focuses on providing high-quality property sales support without making too much of a fuss. Managing director Markus Arnold founded the estate agency and specialised in professional property investments back in 2009. However, even before this point, the name Arnold was well-known among professional property investors.

“During my years as an employed estate agent, I have gone through all stages

of property selling and was involved in many exciting deals,” remembers Arnold.

But although these were tremendous experiences, there was a point at which the Austrian property expert just wanted to do “his own thing”. “I realised the potential of the niche market investment property when I was the manager of the investment department at a large, listed real estate group. It was also clear to me that the investment clients we serve today required a special kind of service. This was something I was very curious about and wanted to specialise in. So I just jumped in at the deep end and founded my own business.”The jump turned out to be a very

Grand outlooks from Vienna and beyond

“Nowadays every kind of property investment is interesting,” he explains.

“This is because there is a constant threat about the devaluation of currency. Grand and impressive properties from the turn of Issue 44 | November 2016 | 119

Discover Germany | Business | Top Estate Agent, Austria

the 19th century are a very special kind of asset though. Investing in these is a lot of fun – not only today, but for generations to come.” Arnold continues that the most secure location of making a property investment is Vienna, while Budapest provides the greatest upside. “So it's just a question of which city you prefer. In my opinion, you will benefit from investing in any of these locations – given that you go through a well-informed, professional consultation process beforehand.”

Core advantage: specialisation A well-informed, professional consultation? That is certainly something you can expect to receive at Arnold Investments.

The company believes that there can be no expertise without focus. After all, a famous saying tells us that a so-called “Jack of all trades”, one who tries to do everything, never succeeds at doing anything right.

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Thus, specialisation is key.“That is why we wholeheartedly concentrate on our core competence: property investments,” says Arnold and adds that only highly specialised and committed experts with an excellent market knowledge work at Arnold Investments.

40 experts in four countries take care of every need “Our services are very comprehensive, both when it comes to the time we invest as well as our employee’s capabilities,” explains the agency’s director. “We have 40 experts in four countries, who concentrate a 100 per cent on the task of selling an investment property. They carry out the preliminary legal examination of the property, draft a rough estimate of the technical due diligence, process the offers, research market data and supply all service providers needed to ensure

a smooth management process for the property.” Professional judgement, a personal service and discretion when handling deals are all self-evident to Arnold’s team. This means that the company’s clients, which include wealthy private individuals as well as foundations and institutional investors from all around the world, can completely rely on the team when they are looking for the perfect property to invest in.

Trust is everything However well organised the property sales processes are, the real estate experts at Arnold Investments emphasise that property is not their most valuable asset.

Instead, it is the trust of their clients. As trust is closely connected to personality, any enquiries coming in are handled personally by the company’s in-house investment specialists. The rule here is less

Discover Germany | Business | Top Estate Agent, Austria

is more. There should be less hierarchy and more personality.

“We never push or urge our clients,” explains Arnold further. “This is not what we have to do in order to make a good deal.

Sometimes we even reject special kinds of requests from the vendor if they are just too ridiculous.” Instead, Arnold and his team strategically plan and think through all selling and marketing activities. The aim of Arnold Investments is to build long-lasting personal relationships with the clients instead of getting through a quick sale. Since many of the agency’s clients are“repeat offenders”this approach seems to be working really well, continues the director.

New buyers from overseas “Wealthy, private clients have become more courageous,” replies Arnold when asked about the current trends in his industry.

“An increasing number of them is prepared to not only invest in a secure residential property, but also in commercial real estate.

Furthermore, the market becomes more international and the money comes from far away.” The local market operators still prevail of course, but in recent years Arnold Investments has also seen an increasing number of Asian, Arabian and American investors. “Given the current financial uncertainty, properties are still seen as the most secure investment everywhere in the world,” concludes Arnold.

Investing in the future So what kind of investments are the investment specialists planning to set up themselves?“Next year, we will open a new office branch in Berlin,”reveals Arnold. On 1 November, the office in Vienna will also receive a commercial department, which exclusively handles the organisation of institutional investors and their financial assets. “Generally speaking, our main target is to remain a prime European estate agent regarding property investments for family offices and foundations. The most important aspect is, however, to increase the volume of our transactions and at the same time deliver a constantly high service to our clients.” www.arnold.investments Issue 44 | November 2016 | 121

Discover Germany | Business | Solicitor Column

Picture perfect?

TEXT & PHOTO: GREGOR KLEINKNECHT

Once upon a time, it was celebrities who worried about their image being reproduced without their knowledge and consent. Today, in the social network age, we are effectively all celebrities and our image is spread around the world at the push of a button to friends and their friends and the friends of their friends on global sites such as Facebook and Instagram.

There has been the odd high-profile case when I made it into the newspapers, looking lawyerly outside the Royal Courts of Justice, and the "look, Daddy is in the newspaper" comments were flattering more than anything else. I was less sure about it when my image appeared on the front cover of a book about contract law – it would have been nice of them to ask first. But what can you do if a less than advantageous photo of you after a late and strenuous party night appears on social media, or you are Rihanna and your image appears on T-shirts sold by a high street store without your consent? Who has what rights in photographs?

to use that content. Instagram's terms, for example, state: "Instagram does not claim ownership of any Content that you post on or through the Service. Instead, you hereby grant to Instagram a non-exclusive, fully paid and royalty-free, transferable, sub-licensable, worldwide license to use the Content that you post on or through the Service". In other words, while the user retains ownership of his/her content, Instagram gets a free hand at using it. At one level, this licence is necessary for the proper functioning of the site, allowing Instagram to reproduce and display the user's photos on others' feeds, but the licence terms are much wider than that. copyright, data protection and in advertising and press complaints codes.

To state the obvious first, a photo is protected by copyright, provided that it is original (the standard for originality is low), and a few other criteria are met. The photographer is normally the first owner of copyright in a photo. The owner of the copyright can then grant a licence to others to use the photographs on defined terms, for example, to a newspaper or blogger.

When other users post unflattering pictures of you on their feed and tag your name against the photo, there is in practise little an individual can do. Facebook, to pick another example, does not remove photos that do not violate its Statement of Rights and Responsibilities. Unless a photo is "threatening, or pornographic; incites violence; or contains nudity or graphic or gratuitous violence", or otherwise infringes its Statement of Rights and Responsibilities, Facebook is unlikely to interfere and only the user who uploaded the photo in the first place can delete it. In this scenario, the options are: (1) remove the tag so the photo does not appear on your own Facebook page, (2) send a message to the person who uploaded the photo requesting that they take it down, (3) if the photo is abusive – report it.

Next, what about social media? Photos are the life blood of social network sites.

When first joining these sites, the user will be required to accept terms and conditions dealing inter alia with the user's (or, rather, the network's) rights in photos and other content. These terms typically provide that the user retains copyright in the content he or she uploads but grants the site a license

In contrast to countries such as Germany, English law has no image or publicity rights law as such that would enable individuals to control reproduction of their image or likeness. Until Parliament fixes this gap in the law, there are nevertheless workarounds available in the law of trademark infringement, passing off, breach of confidence, defamation,

is a German Rechtsanwalt and English solicitor, and a partner at Hunters Solicitors, a leading law firm in Central London.

122 | Issue 44 | November 2016

Rihanna, for example, was able to rely on the common-law tort of passing off in her recent successful case against Arcadia, in which the Court of Appeal upheld a ban on Topshop selling T-shirts with her image (despite Arcadia having obtained a license from the photographer) by arguing that people would wrongly think that she was endorsing Topshop. Given the cost of proceedings, that option will be limited to the rich and famous. You and I will simply have to avoid the camera when we are not looking our best or ask nicely for the photo to be removed.

Gregor Kleinknecht LM MCIArb

Hunters Solicitors, 9 New Square, Lincoln’s Inn, London WC2A 3QN, E-mail: gjk@hunters-solicitors.co.uk www.hunters-solicitors.co.uk

Discover Germany | Culture | Culture Calendar

Fairy Tale Days of Berlin. Photo: © Fairy Tale Days of Berlin

Culture Calendar Save the date as there are plenty of great events scheduled for the weeks to come. From music festivals and exciting exhibitions to fantastic sport events and social highlights, Discover Germany’s Culture Calendar is your perfect guide to what not to miss in November.

TEXT: MONIQUE AMEND

Fairy Tale Days of Berlin (3 – 20 November) This year’s theme of Berlin’s Fairy Tale Days ‘Sleeping Beauty awakes …!’ is dedicated to the vast variety of female characters in fairy tales and stories. Queens, princesses, fairies, Valkyries, pixies, magicians, witches, maids or

farmer’s daughters – during the festival these magical female figures of literature, art and politics will be traced back and linked to today’s super women. www.maerchenland-ev.de/berliner_ maerchentage/vorschau_maerchentage.html

Procession of the Weinhueter, Perchtoldsdorf (6 November) The village of Perchtoldsdorf celebrates Austria’s biggest wine growers’ festival. It is a centuries-old tradition of the vintners to express their gratitude for a rich harvest. Part of the celebrations is a large procession. www.perchtoldsdorf.at/the_weinhueter Buch Wien, Vienna (9 – 13 November) The opening of this year’s international book fair in Vienna will be celebrated with the long night of books. With more than 300 items on the Issue 44 | November 2016 | 123

Discover Germany | Culture | Culture Calendar

Plaza Culinaria. Photo: © Kaeflein

Family & Home. Photo: © messe-stuttgart.de

Vinifera. Photo: © vinifera.ch City of stars St. Gallen. Photo: © ostschweiz.ch

agenda, the Buch Wien is a highly anticipated literary event. The celebrated and current books of the fall season will be the centre of attention, as well as their authors. www.buchwien.at Affordable Art Fair, Hamburg (10 – 13 November) National and international galleries showcase their huge array of contemporary art. Young and new talents will be presented right next to famous and well-known names in an inspiring atmosphere. Original paintings, prints, sculptures and photographs all priced under 7,500 euros will make art lovers very happy. www.affordableartfair.com/hamburg Plaza Culinaria, Freiburg (11 – 13 September) The culinary event and consumer goods exhibition Plaza Culinaria delights with an exciting mixture of information and entertainment. Starred chefs will demonstrate their talent and reveal some of their cooking and baking secrets. A highlight will be the Christmas bakery for children where the small ones get to make their favourite cookies. www.plaza-culinaria.de 124 | Issue 44 | November 2016

Toy Bazaar, Bern (12 – 13 September) From tin toys and model railways and aircrafts, toy cars and dolls or other collectables – the Toy Bazaar in Bern does not only light up children’s eyes. On more than 4,000 square metres, the bazaar offers real rarities that can rarely be found anywhere else and is therefore the biggest and most popular toy exhibition in Switzerland. www.spielzeugboerse-bern.ch

Euroantik, Innsbruck (18 – 20 November)

Family & Home, Stuttgart (12 – 20 November) Professional advice, numerous product presentations and many ideas and offers for the styling of one’s own four walls can be expected at the Family & Home in Stuttgart, which is southern Germany’s biggest shopping fair. The main offers will be for leisure and decoration, health and wellness, kitchen and household and building and modernising. www.messe-stuttgart.de/familie

European Theatre Night, throughout Austria (19 November) During the European Theatre Night, several theatres and venues throughout Austria will open their doors to visitors. There will be plays, talks with artists and performers, workshops, children’s theatres and you can even take a look backstage of the facilities and the costumes and make-up rooms. www.europaeische-theaternacht.at

Vinifera Wine fair, Biel (12 – 20 November) Take advice from wine experts at the Vinifera Wine Fair in Biel and taste all kinds of different wines. The international wine fair offers a wide range of various wine products that you can buy on the spot. www.vinifera.ch

City of Stars, St. Gallen (24 November – 24 December 2016) The end of November is also the beginning of the Advent season and many Christmas markets open their doors to visitors to enjoy a cup of hot mulled wine and ginger bread.

During this time St. Gallen develops into the

Visit Austria’s biggest fair for art and antiques and find your personal little treasure. Every year, the fair includes a special exhibition like a military bazaar, an antique car sales exhibition or an art gallery of chosen artists. The ‘Schmankerlmarket’ offers regional and international delights for the visitors. www.euroantik.at

Discover Germany | Culture | Culture Calendar ‘Swiss city of stars’ with more than 700 stars twinkling throughout the old town. www.sternenstadt.ch Essen Motor Show (26 November – 4 December) The Essen Motor Show is regarded as Europe’s most prominent exhibition for sport series vehicles, tuning, motor sports and classic cars. A varied programme with special exhibitions, live action in the DMAX- motor sport arena and famous motor sportsmen will delight the visitors. www.essen-motorshow.de/car-exhibition

European Theatre Night. Photo: © Pat Kwasi

Onion Market in Bern. Photo: © Bern Tourism

Onion Market, Bern (28 November) The Onion Market, or ‘Zibelemaerit’ as the Bernese would call it, is a traditional festival, where farmers from the surrounding area bring over 50 tonnes of onions woven into braids to the city. Onion tarts and onion soup are offered in all the restaurants and the colourful market stalls sell ceramic pots, vegetables, traditional market goodies and mementos. www.bern.com/en/city-of-bern/events-bern/ top-events/onion-market Art at the Affordable Art Fair.

Photo: © Affenfaust Galerie, affordableartfair.com/hamburg

Euroantik. Photo: © euroantik.at

Issue 44 | November 2016 | 125

Discover Germany | Culture | Barbara Geier

Christmas market culture TEXT & PHOTO: BARBARA GEIER

Germans like a superlative. Nowhere does that become more evident than when the country gets out its Christmas markets every year. From the oldest, the biggest, the most romantic, the tallest and the smallest – it seems being spectacular in one way or the other is an important feature of Christmas markets.

Why? Well, because Christmas markets are big business in Germany, there are loads and hence a lot of choice for punters.

For many Germans, a day or weekend trip revolving around a Christmas market visit is a popular seasonal activity. So if you want to stand out, what better way than throwing in some kind of record? In Dresden, for instance, they bake the biggest Stollen imaginable as the centrepiece of the yearly Dresden Stollen Festival. The giant cake weighs several tonnes and is taken in a parade to the city’s Striezelmarkt Christmas market where it is cut into thousands of pieces and sold. If you’re not into massive cakes, but like your Christmas trees tall, you might want to think about Dortmund where visitors are lured with the prospect of seeing the alleged “tallest Christmas tree in the whole word” at 45 metres. It is made up of 1,700 individual trees strictly speaking… but let’s not nitpick. It’s the superlative that counts!

126 | Issue 44 | November 2016

Or – here’s another record – how about the world’s biggest nativity scene made of natural roots? Yes, only in Germany, and more precisely in a small town called Waldbreitbach. The nativity scene features 1,000 roots, all collected by hand, 40 wooden figures and 85 animal figures, and is even listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Another small town, Gengenbach in the Black Forest, had a big idea 20 years ago. Each year, the 24 windows of the historic town hall create the world’s biggest Advent calendar house. More than twice as many visitors come to Gengenbach to see this particular attraction in the run-up to Christmas than when it was started in 1996.

If you have read this far, you probably wouldn’t be surprised if I continued with more superlatives and the largest Advent wreath or the tallest candle to feature on a Christmas market, but enough of the records. Got to admit: I don’t really need anything spectacular when I visit a Christmas market. Living in another country, it’s simply part of the ‘going home for Christmas’ routine and I’m quite happy to go, as every year, to my utterly unspectacular but still very nice ‘local’; a Christmas market that features only a few rows of stalls selling food, drinks and handicrafts but

is nevertheless very cosy and perfect to catch up with friends over a hot drink and a Bratwurst. In a nutshell, what a Christmas market should be like; with or without superlatives.

Barbara Geier is a London-based freelance writer, translator and communications consultant. She is also the face behind www.germanyiswunderbar.com, a German travel and tourism guide and blog that was set up together with UK travel writer Andrew Eames in 2010.

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