Around Germany

The tradition of Christmas markets in Germany is very much alive. The ancient medieval cities, with their historic squares, the imposing gothic churches, the monuments that recall an significant and glorious past, are the perfect scenario for a period of celebration, lights and colors, which introduces to the upcoming Christmas. There are hundreds of Christmas markets in Germany; in all major and small towns, from north to south, the Weihnachtsmarkt are prepared according to different variations for each region, with craft and food specialties, different customs and specific traditions. We would like to give you some advice on some of those which take place in major German cities.

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In comparison, Harry Potter’s Hogwarts castle seems a prison of the Inquisition. Yes, because thinking of the castles you see in fairytales, those with a happy ending, laces and hearts, you can only imagine the Neuschwanstein castle, a symbol of Bavaria. And although it seems so ancient, the Neuschwanstein Castle is only about 140 years old. Standing on a rock not far from Füssen, its construction begun in 1869 and was never completed; it was built by Ludwig II – as a result of one of his fickle dreams – who was a King loved by his subjects and hated from German political and economic parties.

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A 360-degree view of art from all times and all places. This is the historic leitmotif that makes the art fair in Cologne a must for connoisseurs and lovers of ancient art, modern art, and applied design. For the 2011 edition, over 110 art galleries have been selected to participate in an event that also launches a special section this year, “Works on paper”, that complements the cultural offer of the event.

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The German equivalent of the Public Equipment Forum, is Kommunale, held October 19^th to 20^th at the Nuremberg Fair. Great news for the 2011 edition is the emphasis on digital technologies and the presence during the conference of IT managers and CIO (Chief Information Officer) of major companies in the world of technology as well as representatives from the e-government universe of German Lands.

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From October 20th to 23rd, in Essen, a city in North Rhine-Westphalia, in the spaces of the Fair, will be held one of the most important European events for the world of board games: Spiel. No electronics and no special effects: Spiel is only tables and playing cards, old-fashioned strategies applied to new concepts, rounds where to build strength, power and success. In short, things for children aged 15 to 99 years.

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The Frankfurt Book Fair, from October 12 to 16, is one of the most important European events for the world of publishing. In the days of the exhibition, at the Frankfurt Book Fair on Ludwig-Erhard-Anlage, you will find publishers, agents, authors, and booksellers, there to present to the public and to exchange new ideas and trends about the world of books and movies. There will be more than 7,300 exhibitors from more than 100 countries who will present their products to an estimated audience of more than 300 000 people.

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On October 2nd, Cologne will hosts the 15th edition of the so called ‘experience marathon’, the third most popular marathon in Germany, which runs over a distance of 42 classic km around the historical centre. Meanwhile, on Friday, September 30th, and Saturday, October 1st, at the Rheinpark am Staatenhaus, the Cologne Marathon Expo will take place, a leading trade fair dedicated to sports and leisure. The Marathon Expo is one of the most important European events for sports and fitness.

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At the Exhibition Center of Berlin, on October 8 and 9 there will be the 13th edition of NUMISMATA, International Coin Fair, a leading event for coin collectors. As stated in the press release presenting the event, NUMISMATA is a response to the crisis and global recession: indeed, for two days the dark clouds of financial crisis that pervade Europe and the world are driven away by the presence of unique and rare numismatic pieces, with continuous transactions between exhibitors (all spaces have been occupied by hundreds of stands) and visitors, in an event that combines culture, history and business. At the same time, still at the Exhibition Center at the foot of the Radio tower, will be held the International Stamp Fair Berlin, dedicated to stamps.

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There are more than two and a half million visitors every year flocking to the great outdoors Wilhelma Zoo in Stuttgart: all in a row to admire more than 1000 animal species and over 6000 plant species in the botanical gardens. The park is open all year, just at different times depending on the season. The entrance for a couple with children is 30 Euros, but the show that you can attend is well worth the ticket price.

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More than a hundred locations open to the public from 7 pm to 2 am. Not only museums but also clubs and spaces where to listen to music of all genres. This is the Long Night of Museums, which will be held on October 15 in Munich (Lange Nacht der Münchner Museen.) The program also includes a long… afternoon, from 2 to 6 pm, with initiatives, shows, tours and concerts mainly dedicated to children.

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