Spring in Germany: Asparagus Arrives, Shopping Thrives

In this newsletter   Editor’s Choice: Asparagus Festivals of Germany
    Theme: Creative and Trendy defines Shopping in Hamburg
    Feature: Enchanting Bremen - Fairytale Feel, Maritime Charm, Boutique Shopping
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        Editor’s Choice: Asparagus Festivals of Germany   
       

Asparagus is Germany's "King of Vegetables" and its harvest from late April to the end of June is an eagerly anticipated sign of spring. The season is traditionally a time of celebration and festivals for Germany, especially along the country’s two asparagus routes: One in the southern state of Baden-Wuerttemberg from Schwetzingen to Scherzheim for 75 miles, and the second in Lower Saxony, connecting towns in a circle for 650 miles. Schwetzingen, Europe’s self proclaimed "asparagus capital" situated near Stuttgart, is known for its asparagus celebration, traditionally held every first Saturday in May. It is a huge celebration with food-stalls, a peeling competition and the crowning of the asparagus king. Europe's largest asparagus festival is held in Bruchsal, also near Stuttgart, which lies on the Upper Rhine plain. Visitors to Bruchsal can also admire the Baroque palace with its magnificent Balthasar Neumann staircase.  www.germany.travel
   
       


 
        Theme: Creative and Trendy defines Shopping in Hamburg   
       

No trip to Hamburg, Germany’s largest port city, is complete without visiting the three iconic sights of the port, the Alster Lake and Michael’s. But Hamburg has a whole world to be discovered beyond what's listed in the guide books. Noronlyco, Jil Sander, Joop! and Karl Lagerfeld hail from Hamburg, but the city on the River Elbe also has an alternative, exciting scene to enjoy away from the beaten tourist track. In concealed courtyards and unassuming side streets lay untold creative potential, lifestyle appeal and inspiration.

It doesn't take long to realise that the Schanzenviertel, Ottensen, St. Georg and Karolinenviertel districts are the places to go for a buzzing atmosphere and off-beat shopping - for example, at the Flohschanze is a popular bric-a-brac and antiques markets. Every Saturday, people flock to its stalls to haggle and hunt for bargains. Not wanting to throw things away is a philosophy shared by the Lockengeloet store, whose owners use soldering irons and welding torches to conjure up one-off items from materials that are usually consigned to the rubbish: discarded vacuum cleaners become floor lamps and VHS cases become key racks. A visit to this extraordinary shop is a ‘must’ for visitors with eclectic taste. Just steps from here at the heart of the Karolinenviertel is Groove City - a treasure trove for collectors of vinyl records.  www.hamburg-tourism.de

Individual and unconventional are words that also describe the up-and-coming talent driving Hamburg's fashion scene in its hippest districts. The Karolinenviertel, in particular, is packed with studios and showrooms where gifted designers produce exclusive collections. Emerging labels are making a name for themselves on the international stage and turning heads with their fresh ideas and imaginative products. But second-hand stores are also in vogue. Hot Dogs is one of the best places in the city to find fabulous vintage items, whether it's an original Adidas jacket from the 1980s or unworn classic sneakers from yesteryear. The coolest parts of Hamburg offer everything the style-conscious heart could desire - true to the motto "anything goes".www.hamburg-tourism.de
   
 
        Feature: Enchanting Bremen - Fairytale Feel, Maritime Charm, Boutique Shopping   
       

Bremen, the Hanseatic city on the Weser river in northern Germany, can look back on 1,200 years of history. As well as a cosmopolitan feel with numerous shops with handcrafted toys, speciality teas, boutiques and trendy stores in historical settings. Bremen's attractions include the ornate Weser Renaissance town hall (UNESCO World Heritage), the Schnoor - Bremen's oldest quarter, the quaint buildings in Boettcherstrasse, the cathedral and the statue of Roland on the historical market square. The Roland, Bremen's very own 'statue of liberty', has stood as an emblem of independence since 1404. A tour of the most notable sights does not even require a map, as 2,000 brass and steel studs guide visitors from Liebfrauenkirchhof to Boettcherstrasse via the market square and the Schnoor quarter.

The route starts with one of the city's most recognized landmarks. Between the town hall and the Church of Our Lady stands the bronze statue of the Bremen Town Musicians. The fairytale about these intrepid animals is known around the world. Since being popularized by the Brothers Grimm it is as closely associated with Bremen as the town hall and the Roland statue. It's said to be lucky to touch the donkey's legs, and anyone who does so is granted a wish. But it has to be done properly. The donkey's legs must be rubbed lightly with both hands; otherwise the wish is just wishful thinking. As far as the locals are concerned, the incorrect version using only one hand is simply a case of two donkeys shaking hands. Also on the western side of the town hall, just a stone's throw from the Bremen Town Musicians, is the entrance to the oldest wine cellar in Germany - the Ratskeller, where people have enjoyed fine wine and good food since 1409. It is the largest repository of German wines with 650 exquisite varieties. This large vaulted hall has welcomed plenty of famous characters among its columns and ornate wine barrels.

At the heart of Bremen's city center lies the Schlachte Embankment, a magnet for locals and visitors alike. They flock to this famous promenade straddling the Weser river to eat in international restaurants, to admire the ships or simply to stroll along by the water. It's the perfect place to relax. Outdoor seating for some 2,000 people and a distinct maritime flair draw almost two million people to the Schlachte every year. Not a month goes by without some exciting event taking place in the city: the Freimarkt, the oldest and third-largest funfair in Germany (Oct. 15 - 31, 2010), the music festival and maritime festival, Europe's biggest 6-day cycle race (January 13 - 18, 2011), musicals and plays, prestigious art exhibitions and last but not least the traditional Christmas market (Nov 25 - Dec 23, 2010), which also extends along the Schlachte Embankment. www.bremen-tourismus.de
   
 
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World-class Architecture and Architects in Germany
   
              Special Deals
     Berlin Wall Bike Cycle Route with Bike Tours Direct
This new bike tour follows the route of the former Berlin Wall through the heart of Berlin and along the former "No Man’s Land" that existed between West Berlin and East Germany. Although the tour starts and ends in urban Berlin, it also leads through quiet countryside along idyllic lakes and rivers and past the Baroque palaces of Potsdam. This self guided tour includes seven overnights, luggage transfers, bicycles and detailed maps for just $900 (land only). Tour dates are available until October.  www.biketoursdirect.com

Oberammergau Passion Play Package with Gate1Travel
Now is your chance to observe the once-in-a-decade world renowned performance of Oberammergau's Passion Play (from May 15 - October 3). What was first performed in 1634, by 60-70 villagers, has now risen to about 2,000 citizen-performers. There are still great package-deals by major US-tour-operators available. You will find all of these in the special offers section on the GNTO website. e www.germany.travel

Discover Germany by Car with Brendan Vacations
A self-drive vacation allows you to plan an itinerary that fits your schedule and budget. Start in Munich, where you will pick up your car upon arrival. For the balance of your vacation the choice is yours to discover the great cities of Germany at your leisure. Experience the amazing architecture, enchanting medieval villages, castles, palaces and abbeys. Your travel value includes two nights in Munich, one night in Cologne, two nights in Berlin and six days compact car rental, starting at $519 (land only), bookable until November 15, 2010. www.brendanvacations.com


         Events
     Jul 2 - 4
International Folk and World Music Festival, Rudolstadt
The 20th edition of Germany’s biggest folk, roots and world music festival in the green heart of Germany near Weimar. Three days of dancing and swinging to the sounds of more than 60 bands on 20 stages. e www.tff-rudolstadt.de (German only)

July 4
Christopher Street Day Cologne
The Christopher Street Day/Cologne Pride is the annual highlight of the gay and lesbian scene in Cologne, the second largest in Germany. On the first weekend in July half a million people celebrate and demonstrate in the city center.  www.csd-cologne.de

July 25 - Aug 28
Richard Wagner Festival, Bayreuth
The Bayreuth Wagner Festival attracts visitors from around the world with its exceptional productions of Richard Wagner's operas. Wagner's celebrated works, including the "The Ring of the Nibelung" as well as "Tristan and Isolde", are performed in alternation at the festival theater, which was built according to Wagner’s plans especially for the event. www.bayreuther-festspiele.de

July 30 - Aug 29
Fun-fair "Sommerdom", Hamburg
Hamburg’s Dom is the biggest public festival in the north of Germany. For one month the Heiligengeistfeld near the famous Reeperbahn is full of colorful boothes, nostalgic carousels and a lot of high-tech-rides. This event is a mix of both beer festival and funfair entertaining young and old.  www.hamburger-dom.de