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June 2013 |
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Chill out Germany: Weimar, a cultural summer stage
With its generous parks, open squares and narrow alleys, delightful Weimar has a particular charm in summer when the former stomping ground of Goethe, Schiller and Bach turns into an ideal open-air stage. We like the sound of concerts on a floating stage, garden art in the old town or jam sessions on the street terraces of Weimar’s many cafés and bars. Weimar Summer in July and August includes a number of highlights such as an international festival of Yiddish culture, and the Weimar Master Classes, bringing together over 200 young musicians, soloists and orchestras from all over the world.
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Chill out Germany: Tropical beauty in SouthWest Germany
Now look at this picture and tell us where it is. No, not some far flung tropical island but a sunset on Lake Constance’s monastic island Reichenau, a UNESCO world heritage site. The lake is bordered by Germany, Austria, and Switzerland and, without being too biased, is an extremely beautiful part of the world. Relaxation comes inbuilt, ‘Germany’s Riviera’ is perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying views of the Alps. Visitors shouldn’t miss the sub-tropical gardens on the island of Mainau or stroll around the lively old university town of
Constance featuring great summer concerts, classical as well as the famous ‘Rock am See’ open-air festival. More information on SouthWest Germany and Lake Constance
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Chill out Germany: Frankfurt's stress-relieving greens
Many of Frankfurt’s summer visitors are unable to see the wood for the gleaming towers….and yet this is a particularly green city, with 48 beautiful parks (including the magnificent 29-hectare Palmengarten) and gardens as well as a flourishing 75-kilometre-long green belt that encloses the city. And right at the heart of the metropolis are the verdant banks of the Main river (left), where tourists and workers come together to sit in the sun – or the shade – over a picnic or a good book, and a bit of somnolent riverside soothing to balance the fast pace of modern life.
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Chill out Germany: Leipzig's festivals by the waterside
Midsummer in Leipzig and the city’s getting hot, so the city fathers have devised the Water Festival
(16-18 August), with all kinds of races on the network of waterways, from serious to hilarious, from homemade rafts to rubber ducks. It’s a great excuse to explore the likes of Route 1, Leipzig’s 11km watery meander lined by magnificent late-19th century villas and parks, out to Lake Cospuden (left). Alternatively, if you like your water to have a soundtrack, the Highfield Festival (the biggest Indie festival in eastern Germany) takes place at much the same time, on the shores of Lake Störmthal, a few kilometres out of town. And Leipzig remains easy access from the UK, thanks to direct flights from Ryanair.
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Chill out Germany: Hanover's spectacular royal gardens
This summer, the re-opened Herrenhausen castle, a former royal summer residence destroyed by Allied bombs in the Second World War, is the place to be. It is surrounded by one of the most beautiful gardens in Europe, created over 300 years ago by Princess Sophie, and rich with elaborately trimmed hedges, magnificent sculptures and water features. In summer, castle and gardens provide a beautiful backdrop for special events, including an Art Festival, a Cabaret Festival, a Shakespearean musical, and five evenings of International Fireworks, where glorious pyrotechnics are perfectly harmonised to music.
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Chill out Germany: Regensburg’s riverside favourite
Summer is best enjoyed at the water's edge - even in a city. Elegant Regensburg sits right on the Danube, and visitors should not miss the Historische Wurstkuchl by the waterside. This sausage kitchen has stood here for more than 500 years. The menu is simple and delightful: sausages, made according to a secret recipe, accompanied by sauerkraut and sweet mustard. Plus a cool beer. The perfect place to kick back and watch the world and the Danube river traffic go by. Regensburg Tourism's two-night
Discover Regensburg package includes lunch in the historic restaurant.
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Chill out Germany: Closer to heaven in Baiersbronn
Anywhere offering Himmelsliegen (‘heaven sun loungers’, pictured), gets extra chill-out points from us. Hiking paradise Baiersbronn in the Black Forest provides them for relaxation at the most elevated point of its hiking trails. Seek out the one providing magnificent views over the Huzenbacher See, an enchanted forest lake covered in lilies. In addition, hikers can always take advantage of Baiersbronn's relaxing hiking huts such as the log cabin run by hotel/restaurant Traube Tonbach, providing meals and cakes. Another great option is the Panoramastüble tavern with its fantastic views.
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Chill out Germany: Rhine and Moselle riverboat specials
There is no better place to be in the heat of a summer’s day than on the water, enjoying the cooling breeze. Fortunately, Romantic Germany has a huge choice of boat trips on offer thanks to the region’s two rivers of liquid history, the Rhine and the Moselle, lined as they are with vineyards and castles. Both rivers offer dozens of ports with all manner of themed cruises, from cruises with music, cruises on paddlesteamers (left), nostalgic cruises, and cruises for special events, such as the Rhine in Flames fireworks spectacular, when selected sections of riverbank explode into breathtaking technicolour on selected summer evenings.
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Picture credits
Weimar: Weimar Tourismus. SouthWest Germany: Tourismus-Marketing GmbH Baden-Württemberg. Frankfurt: Tourismus + Congress GmbH Frankfurt am Main. Leipzig: LTM-Schmidt. Hanover: Christoph Maier Pyrophotos. Regensburg: Regensburg Tourismus. Baiersbronn: Baiersbronn Tourismus. Rhine paddlesteamer: Deutsche Zentrale für Tourismus e.V.
Masthead left to right, T top, B bottom: Black Forest gone blue, Achim Mende. Brandenburger Hof hotel. Schloss Lübbenau (T). Bundesliga, GNTB (B). Ski lift at Fichtelberg, Oberwiesenthal Tourism (T). Martin Luther (B). Chilled gnome, DZT (T). Rügen cliffs, GNTB (B). Cherry cake, pa (B). Berlin S-Bahn
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