Dresden for Art

If If you are coming to Germany do not overlook Dresden! Dresden’s coat of arms is a simple lion rampant of black on yellow beside vertical yellow stripes, belying its complex and deep artistic and cultural heritage.

Dresden is home to Dresden State Art Collections or Staatlichen Kunstsammlungen Dresden one of the most important art collections in the world. The collection consists of twelve museums, most of them hosted in the Zwinger building and Dresden Castle, and comprises some of the most important works of the old masters still in existence.

The complexity of Dresden will be apparent to any student of architecture. The city, it is well known, has suffered more than one destruction and renewal. Largely considered a Baroque city, the trained eye can pick out large areas of modern and post-modern influence as well as some Renaissance buildings.

The finest hotels in Dresden are, unsurprisingly, operated by the Steinberger Hotel Group www.cometogermany.com/specialoffers. The three in Dresden offer different areas and styles, but they are all top-notch.

Bauhaus in Dessau

Though you may not be aware of it, the influences of the short lived arts and design school born in Weimar are all around us. A merging of craft and art in 1919 became the first Bauhaus school and the beginning of a short but strange saga that has spread across the globe and left its mark in every major modern city. Largely credited with transforming modernism from a concept to a reality and bringing artistic experimentation to the masses in a very real way–through pottery and architecture–Bauhaus creations still reach out to us every day from each street corner and in many shop windows.

It was not until the school moved from Weimar to Dessau that the seeds of this influence would be sown. In Dessau the director of the school, while able to turn a profit and bring attention to Bauhaus architecture–as well as securing their first good contracts–eventually became regarded as a scoundrel for forcing the resignation of several popular aesthetic professors. It is in Dessau, however, that the influence of Bauhaus architecture and art, as well as a pride therein, can most strongly be felt.

Dessau, as a city, is itself a work of art. From the gothic town hall to the surreal market square, Dessau is indisputably a city dedicated to its aesthetic sensibilities. The sharp lines and harsh modernism of the Bauhaus contrast with the classic forms of the Georgian castle and other various gothic churches. Then there are the nearly indescribable buildings like the Umweltbundesamt, a multilayered and multicolored glass and wood affair that has to be seen to be believed.

Dessau is a city with a surprise around every corner.

Trier–Oldest City in Germany

There are a few cities in Germany claiming to be the oldest, but only Trier makes the claim of having been a city for the longest time. Other Germany cities making the claim of urban primogeniture have been occupied as long or longer, but none of them were actually cities in the sixteenth century. It was in the year 1473 that the University of Trier was founded, an institution of learning still in operation to this day, a landmark that goes a long way to support Trier’s claim to eldest fame.

Trier’s main attractions are its ancient Roman and medieval buildings. Having been occupied continuously since the first century BC, Trier is rich in these well preserved relics of a bygone age and visitors to Trier are not likely to pass up the largest Roman baths north of the Alps. The Porta Nigra, or black gate, is the best preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps and provides a visitor the rare opportunity to view genuine Roman towers of darkened stone. The rarest site in Trier is one that you’ll have to make serious advanced plans to see. The Trier Cathedral, worth seeing in its own right, houses a garment known as the Holy Tunic, supposedly worn by Jesus when he died. It is displayed only on irregular intervals every few decades to much pomp and circumstance, when those displays are pre-announced.

For an experience you can plan with less difficulty consider annual Brot und Spiele. Brot und Spiele, German for bread and circuses, is the largest Roman festival and is held every summer. If you’ve ever wanted to see a gladiatorial bout–and who hasn’t?–in person, Brot und Spiele is the best option. Trier pays homage to its Roman roots in the amphitheater, where theatrical shows are displayed, and in the baths where Roman life is exhibited. Trier is a city that is very proud of its heritage and is waiting to share it with you.

Eating and Sleeping in Style in Germany

The Steigenberger Hotel Group is known for innovation, luxury, fine service and grand hospitality. The Hotel Thüringer Hof is true German traditional style. Eisenach’s hotel gem, the Thüringer Hof transports its visitor back to the Middle Ages upon entering the lobby. Set in a 16th century mansion complete with an enormous chandelier, wooden stairs and luxurious carpet, this masterpiece of hospitality is genuine Thuringian warmth at its apex.
The restaurant, Galerie, will likewise not fail to impress. Upscale, modern but focusing on traditional dishes and seafood, the Galerie ranges from average to expensive and worth every Euro. If you’re planning on impressing a significant other–and shelling out for the flight to Deutschland didn’t do it–make sure to have reservations at the Galerie.

The Steigenberger Hotel Group has hotels in every area of Germany. When you’re looking for the best, look to the Steigenberger legend of excellent hotels.
Visit www.cometogermany.com/specialoffers/accomodations for more information about Steigenberger’s many hotels in Germany.

Gelnhausen - Germany’s dark secret

This charming little village nurses a dark secret upon its quaint half-timber breast. The historic and picturesque old town’s cobble stone streets seem to echo with the clop of long gone horse shoes, or it could be the sighs of women being escorted off the mortal coil.

While some towns strive to hide their dirty laundry, Gelnhausen will not let itself forget. The Hexenturm, a tower used to imprison suspected witches during a 16th century, still stands dark and foreboding–and full of the implements of inspired confession. Many adjectives can be used to describe the collection but I will use just one: impressive. Impressive in scope and magnitude, impressive how inventive people have been in creating instruments intended to separate their fellows from their inhibitions or very sanity. Just as impressive are the results of the torture. Dozens of suspected witches were mutilated, burned and drowned in the slow and lazy Kinzig River.

If you don’t mind having the tour in German, you can get a tour on Sunday afternoons from May to October. You can also arrange a tour in English for 60 Euros if you have a group of 30 or more. Sweet dreams.

Franconia–Unique Within Bavaria

Every city in Franconia is a bit of a curiosity. Originally a duchy of the Holy Roman Empire and now officially part of Bavaria, and the area immediately west, Franconia holds on to its own traditions. One of the best preserved Franconian cities is Würzburg. Established as a bishopic, Würzburg’s fortress was built above the city and across water to seclude itself from the populace and inspire authority. This location gave it the perfect vantage from which to observe the unfolding epoch.

Würzburg has seen plenty of violence come and go but much of the old city remains, shielded from the troubles by the river. Several very impressive artifacts remain. The Würzburg cathedral is not to be missed. An affair of rolling rooftops, ornate windows and spire-topped towers, the cathedral will never fail to impress. Take in the view from the Old Main Bridge and you can feel immersed in antiquity.

Dozens of noteworthy and famous artists have emerged from Würzburg to take the wow the world stage. With such inspiring scenery, turbulent history and dramatic architecture it’s no real wonder that Würzburg has been home to creative souls. Several festivals take place year round and, coupled with the host of interesting museums and gallery collections, these make Würzburg an excellent town to visit or stay in in any weather.

Fairy Tale Road–Germany

I know what you’re thinking. In your head you’re saying, “Fairy tale road. Right. It’s a theme park or a marketing ploy.” You couldn’t be farther off. I don’t know if the Märchenstrasse is called that because of how its landscape inspired the Brothers Grimm to such stories as The Pied Piper or Rumpelstilstkin but I do know that the stunning beauty of the misty valleys, forgotten villages and proud castles, while dreamy, will not allow you to become a sleeping beauty.

The Fairy Tale Road begins in the town of Hanau and winds north around 300 miles. Guidebooks will tell you that the route is best explored by car. Depending on how much time you have to dedicate to this worthwhile trek, and your energy level, I would say you ought to consider making it a long hike. The Märchenstrasse is a part of German folk consciousness. The rivers and old world settings are, in my opinion, only disturbed by the clamor of an automobile, even the purr of a German engine.

Not to miss along the Fairy Tale Road are the Towns of Marburg and Bremen. Marburg’s challenging hillsides are lined by staircase streets reminiscent of San Francisco if the city by the bay had been hobbled together by wood gnomes and populated by university students. Oh, did I mention Sleeping Beauty? Sababurg castle is the inspiration for that beloved tale, surrounded by thick wood.

Air Berlin Announces Summer Fare Sale

Air Berlin, Germany’s second largest airline, announced its summer sale available for booking as of April 24 through June 13, 2008. Air Berlin offers the only nonstop service to Düsseldorf from Los Angeles, New York, Miami and Ft Myers. Fares are based on roundtrip travel and start as low as $448* from New York, $698* from Los Angeles, $558* from Miami and $548* from Ft Myers for travel from May 19 through June 30. These fares are also valid to most of Germany’s premier cities such as Munich, Berlin, Stuttgart and Nuremberg. (*Taxes and fees from $346 are not included and total depends on final destination. Check your CRS for other rules and restrictions.)

You will also enjoy convenient connections from this centrally located airport to numerous European cities. Air Berlin’s new business class features, enhanced seat comfort, courteous and efficient service, selection of multi-course gourmet meals specially created in one of Germany’s exclusive restaurants on the Island of Sylt, individual entertainment systems and much more.

Air Berlin has consistently been recognized world-wide for its excellent service, friendliness and safety standards receiving numerous awards from industry experts such as Business Travel World and Skytrax. Air Berlin can be booked through your travel agent or for more information you can contact our service center at 866-266-5588.

Berlin has Something for Everyone

“Something for Everyone” was originally West Berlin’s travel slogan, but today it’s actually more true. There were many buildings in East Berlin near the wall that were illegally inhabited by young people. The wall came down, the kids came out and the nightlife erupted from their jubilation. Thanks to the youth culture that spawned during the first years the wall was down, Berlin has a diverse selection of nightclubs and after hours venues unrivaled in most other capitals of the world.

The town is also host to the Art Forum yearly global art fair. Many young Germans and artists from around the world continue to settle in the city and Berlin has founded itself as an significant center of youth and popular culture in the European Union. Signs of this expanding role were the 2003 announcement that the yearly Popkomm, Europe’s largest music industry convention, would be held in Berlin.

There are so many things to see and do in Berlin that staying short term just doesn’t do it justice. Staying long term in a hotel can be prohibitively expensive, and kind of misses the point of staying in a foreign country. Renting an apartment makes you part of the scene instead of part of the scenery. A rental means coming home after you leave the concert.

Aachen–Not Just the Way to Cologne

The region of Eifel in Germany has something for every kind of traveler. A good part of the area has been designated a nature preserve, probably to ensure that the round crater lakes–the product of unusual volcanic activity–and undeveloped hills in the north of the region remain unspoiled. This northern part of the Eifel is also home to several old towns notable for their half-timber construction and old castles.

One town which can give you a taste of what Germany was like in ages past is Aachen. Aachen’s history as a resort goes back to Roman times when it was a spa favored by the aristocracy. It wasn’t until the 8th century, however, that it gained great prominence as the second city and favorite residence of Charlemagne. It became a center of learning then, and remains one to this day. Charlemagne’s influence is still felt in the university and other construction, not the least of which is one of the great king’s thrones. Built of plain marble slabs, the throne is a testament to the philosophy of simplicity, glory and power that has kept the city one of the most beautiful and understated destination in Germany.

What Aachen is best known for is being a stop on the path to Cologne. Cologne is undoubtedly a vacation capital. Riding in on the train you can see how Cologne gets its nickname, Cathedral City. Dominating the skyline not by force but by delicacy, the cathedral’s spires define the view of Cologne. It is unfair to Aachen, however, to be dominated in reputation by another city. Aachen’s university attitude and amazing architectural tributes to generations past deserve just as much attention, and its slower pace of life makes it a great town in which to lodge.