Germany Blog

Stories, tips, and reflections about life, travel, and culture in Germany.

  • Trace The Legacy Of Frederick The Great

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    January 24, 1712 was the birth date of one of Germany’s most celebrated leaders. On that day, Frederick II –future king of Prussia, later known as Frederick the Great — was born in Berlin.

    His birth was greeted with much rejoicing by both family and the Prussian people as two previous heirs had died at young ages. As the son of the Soldier-King, Frederick William I, young Frederick naturally rebelled against his strict, aggressive father, even attempting to run away.

    However, as the saying goes, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Frederick II, upon becoming king, soon became feared and famous for his own war-like nature after a string of successful attacks on Austria and Silesia.

    But this war-hardened king also had a softer side. He was a talented musician who played the flute and composed over one hundred sonatas for his favorite instrument. He was a polyglot who spoke Spanish, French, English, Italian and Portuguese, and dabbled in ancient Latin, Greek and Hebrew.

    His love for the arts is apparent in many of the buildings that he commissioned, which are a great way for the casual traveler to appreciate his impressive legacy.

    We begin at the Berlin State Opera on the famous street of Unter den Linden and designed by the famed Georg Wenzeslaus von Knobelsdorf. Next is the Royal Library, which today is no longer royal, simply the State Library of Berlin. St. Hedwig’s Cathedral is another of his famous creations. This eye-catching building with its distinctive light blue dome is a landmark Roman Catholic Church on the Bebelplatz. And then there’s Prince Henry’s Palace, now the site of Humboldt University, the oldest in Berlin.

    But the best and finest example of what came to be known as “Frederician Rococo” style architecture is surely the masterpiece at Sanssouci Palace. You’ll have to travel a bit outside the capital city to visit this palace and garden, situated in the nearby suburb of Potsdam. (This is still easily reached from Berlin using the fabulous public transportation system. Just hop aboard tram number 7!)

    Sanssouci is the French word for “without worries.” Frederick meant this place to be a refuge and sanctuary from the rigors and responsibilities of governance. The result is a not-to-be-missed tourist attraction that features terraced gardens, wonderful fountains, and numerous fantastic “follies.” A folly is the architectural term for an extravagant garden decoration.

    At Sanssouci, you’ll see a Turkish mosque and minaret, a Chinese tea garden, a few obelisks, Roman baths and temples.

    You may find yourself believing you’ve stepped into a carefree fantasy world filled with these amazing follies, an abundance of fruit trees and hedge-lined walkways. If so, then Frederick’s greatest legacy — creating a worry-free garden that transports you to a different world — has been accomplished. ;-)

    —Marcus

  • Exploring Richard Wagner’s Fantastical Image Of Germany

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    Even 128 years after his death, the presence of the legendary Richard Wagner can still be felt throughout his native land.

    The Flying Dutchman was one of his first operas, although these days it is better known as one of the pirate ships in the Johnny Depp movies! Wagner claimed that the idea was inspired by a rather turbulent journey he took from modern-day Estonia’s capital city of Riga to that well-known British metropolis, London.

    Other aspects of the story were derived from an earlier work of Heinrich Heine. This beautiful tale of love and redemption set among the stormy seas helped establish Wagner as a promising composer.

    You can feel the essence of this opera by visiting the Semper Opera in Dresden, where the opera had its debut.

    Tannhäuser is another of Wagner’s best-known works. This magical tale was based on the singing contests of the Castle Wartburg and the romantic hero, Tannhäuser, who falls under a spell by none other than the famous goddess of love, Venus. For a glimpse of this Wagner epic, there’s no better place to visit than the site of the famous song competition, the Wartburg Castle in Eisenach. The castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was a one-time refuge for religious exile Martin Luther.

    Lohengrin is perhaps the most famous of all of Wagner’s operatic works. First of all, the opening song, the Bridal Chorus, is better known as the Wedding March, or Here Comes the Bride, played at millions of weddings around the western world.

    And if that weren’t enough, let’s not forget about the heroic saga paintings of Neuschwanstein Castle in Schwangau at the German Alps. But, we need to step back in time just a little to explain the connection.

    King Ludwig of Bavaria — who is famously, if somewhat unfairly, known as the “Mad King” — became enchanted with the works of Wagner. Since his childhood, the king had been a great fan but with his new-found powers as monarch, he was finally able to do something about it. Wagner had gotten himself into considerable trouble with debts and other issues. Once the king settled his accounts, Wagner was able to devote his time to his work again rather than dealing with political problems.

    There is no better place to see this patronage with your own eyes than at the castle of Neuschwanstein. This palace already looks as if it were plucked out of a fairy tale from its exquisite exterior, but the interior paintings match this fantastical theme to a tee. On the walls, you will see many of Wagner’s famous characters portrayed in vivid color and paint. The tales of Lohengrin and Tristan and Isolde come to life in a series of wonderful frescoes.

    Wagner’s operas can, of course, still be seen in Germany and around the world. But if you really want to experience the mythical creations of this great composer in his own country, you now have a list of where to begin.

    Happy travels! :-)

    —Marcus

  • Munich Vying To Get The Bid For The 2018 Winter Olympic Games

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    The site for the Winter Olympics of 2018 is up for bid. Munich, Germany; Annecy, France and Pyeongchang, South Korea are each in hard competition for the rights to host the event. But, unfortunately, we’ll have to wait until 6 July of 2011 to find out who the host will be of these anticipated winter games. Thank goodness everything points to Munich’s bid to host the Winter Olympic Games 2018 as the coming winner (although, that doesn’t need to mean a thing).

    Recently, Munich moved into the lead as the popular choice with the general public. By survey from a national broadcaster, 75% of the German people participating in the survey have backed Germany’s third largest city with its two venues proposed – in Munich itself and at two Bavarian mountain resorts, Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Schönau am Königssee.

    The games will be held in February of 2018, and, of course, is being organized by the International Olympic Committee. This year the committee received the lowest number of bids for the winter games since 1988. There were only three. And all three were selected as candidates in the race to win.

    Since Munich hosted the 1972 Summer Olympic Games, if Munich wins this time around, it will be the first city to host both summer and winter Olympic games and to host Olympic games twice. It will also be the first time the country has hosted Olympic games since reunification.

    Another big plus: Most of the facilities from the 1972 games still exist (and in good condition), giving Munich an additional advantage.

    If Munich doesn’t win this bid, that won’t defeat this great city. There are still plans to go forward and put in a bid for the 2022 games. :-)

    Showcasing sustainability is a vision of the Munich 2018 games. Projects have been developed which align to the strategies of the country to care for our environment. Some of these projects include a sustainable Olympic Park, green building materials, nutrition programs and compensating for international air traffic and its effect on the climate. With a total of 18 projects ongoing, Munich is showing its commitment to protecting the environment.

    Munich’s bid to host the Winter Olympic Games 2018 means forming and maintaining an international center for summer and winter sports, one that will be a legacy for generations to come. Athletes hold Germany in awe when it comes to passion for year round sports, and they also encourage a passion for sports to carry forward in the youth.

    The spectacular vision Munich possesses for a unique and unified setting for the games only adds to the prospect of an amazing year. Venues include Ice Park and Snow Park villages, with media centers, stadiums and a careful planning of training and celebration sites incorporated. The plans serve to enhance the competitive atmosphere and make convenience the word of the day.

    Besides numerous advertisements supporting Munich’s bid, one of the world’s foremost football leagues is giving huge support in bringing the winter games to Germany. Bundesliga and its many internationally famous scoring stars, such as Stefan Kießling, Dennis Aogo and Lukas Podolski, are appearing on television giving their endorsement of Germany’s bid for the Olympic Games. Such campaigns intend to bring in the support of athletes around the world.

    Yes, the world’s eyes are now on Munich, with its incredible heritage of international competition, sports celebrations and organizational excellence. It is quite possible that the Bid Committee will find it hard to resist voting Munich as the winner when July rolls around.

    And we Germans are waiting with bated breath…

    —Marcus

  • 125th Anniversary Of The Benz Patent Motor Car

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    In 1886 in Berlin, Carl Benz filed his patent for what he called “a vehicle with a gas engine drive.” This was the famous Benz Patent Motor Car, its birth a boon to the wheeled world. Now, 125 years later, it seems only appropriate to celebrate this event with banners flying and arms waving.

    Independently of each other, two of the founding fathers of Daimler AG were developing motor cars during the same time period — Carl Benz, the three-wheeled Benz Patent Motor Car and Gottlieb Daimler, the first four-wheeled vehicle. Right here was the foundation of all our present-day vehicles, trucks and buses.

    Mercedes-Benz went on to develop and manufacture diverse and enduring motor cars for the world to enjoy in comfort and safety. Models have continued to evolve through the years, bringing design to a new level.

    After these long 125 years, it is a time to commemorate this one particular vehicle’s special birthday. To celebrate, festivities are occurring around the world in many forms.

    In the Mecedes-Benz World in Stuttgart is a large event that will take place at the end of this January, 2011 with political, economic and society icons, including Dr. Angela Merkel, the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany.

    Those who have devoted their time and energies to working within the company will have the opportunity to be part of any of multiple events. At all Daimler locations throughout the world, employees will enjoy celebrations, raffles and prizes.

    The opening events will begin on 29 January 2011.

    At the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Stuttgart, attendees will enjoy an international football match, pitting the German team against Brazil. Mercedes-Benz will act as sponsor and be offering multi-media performances as well as fascinating vehicle exhibitions, including glimpses of the future of automobiles.

    The match will be held on August 10, 2011 in the converted Mercedes-Benz Arena.

    At the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, more than 160 exhibits by over 80 international and well known artists will be on display, including both modern and contemporary art and, of course, paintings featuring cars.

    The exhibition will be held from May to September 2011. Here’s more about the Mercedes-Benz Museum Stuttgart.

    A Bavarian tourism company has also teamed up with numerous car makers to offer a premium tour opportunity behind the wheel of a fabulous car, staying in top hotels and taking driving tours through forests and countrysides. It’s called the “8-day Premium Cars of Southern Germany Tour.”

    The head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, who is also chairman of the board of Daimler AG, says (and I agree) that Daimler and Benz have changed the world for the better and will continue to do so, with new brands, green technology and many business opportunities.

    Anyone can join in these celebrations taking place in Germany, and offer their enthusiastic approval of such pioneering technologies that shaped our world.

    —Marcus

  • Embrace Your Inner Fashionista At Berlin’s Fashion Week

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    That’s right, lovers of fashion and designer clothes will want to flock to the capital city of Berlin this week.

    Starting on January 18th and culminating on January 23rd, an army of fashionistas will descend on various venues throughout the city and show off the latest in chic-ness. This event has been held twice a year since its premiere in 2007.

    Fashion Week is sponsored by the very German Mercedes-Benz company, who are putting on a series of show that are certain to delight the fashion lovers of the world. If you’re hoping to make an appearance at this very trendy event, don’t leave until you’ve perused the Fashion Week web site.

    Bread and Butter will be held at the historic but now-closed Templehof Airport in Berlin’s south-central borough of Templehof-Schöneberg. This trade fair will be open for just part of the week, from January 19 to January 21. The highlights of this show will include urban and street wear for those who want to check out the latest trends.

    Find out all the latest in details and special events at, um, the Bread and Butter web site. :-)

    Unfortunately, this exclusive show is not for the general public. You’ll have to show your credentials as a wholesaler, agency or journalist before you’re allowed inside!

    TheKey.To Conspiracy is another of the week’s highlights. 2011 is putting the spotlight on eco-fashion, and this show will let you browse some of the environmentally-conscious fashions. You’ll still find trendy and chic clothes here, from urban fashion to kids wear to avant-garde.

    The difference is that each item will have a “sustainability check” that lets its viewers know that the materials, production and distribution are held to high ecological standards. And there’s no need for a special pass at this show. Just come on January 22 for Public Day and take part in all the eco-fashion fun.

    This event is also held at Templehof.

    And fashion isn’t the only fun that you’ll find in Berlin during Fashion Week. There is a flurry of other side-events happening simultaneously to ensure that not a minute of your time here is boring. Take in some relaxation with the “Sunrise Yoga with Reflection” in the morning hours on Wednesday and Thursday.

    There’s also a tribute to that 1950s fashion and rebellious icon, James Dean. Fashion Rock Night will feature the musical stylings of Iron Fist and Elf Craft from the night of Thursday, January 20 to the wee hours of the next morning.

    As you can see, from the showrooms to the after-parties, Berlin Fashion Week will not let you leave disappointed. :-)

    —Marcus