Hamburg's "Schlemmer" Summer - Affordable Fine Dining in Over 80 Hamburg Restaurants
Until August 15, Hamburg is the place to be for foodies. During the culinary event of "Schlemmer Sommer", over 80 Hamburg restaurants offer fixed-price multi course menus: A gourmet dinner for two will only set you back 59 Euros (not including beverages or tips).
Hamburg's "Schlemmer Sommer" is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy some of Hamburg's best restaurants for a fraction of the usual price. Reservations are a must.
You'll find all participating restaurants on the official Website of the Schlemmer Sommer, where you can also download a brochure with menus and addresses.
Hamburg Travel TipsReader'sVoice: Your Tips for Oktoberfest
In our Germany Travel Forum, a reader asked recently:
I am planning to go to oktoberfest this year with my family (2 kids, 10 and 13 years old). I have never been, I heard a lot about the festival, but I would appreciate some personal advice and tips, especially if I can bring my kids?
Join the conversation! Find out what other readers say and share your own thoughts in our Germany Travel Forum or in the comments section below.
Oktoberfest Resources:Summer Travel Inspirations
- Escape the City Heat: Germany's Best Nude Beaches
- By Bike, Car, or Foot: Explore the Black Forest
- Take a Road Trip: The Best Scenic Routes in Germany
- Enjoy Summer Evenings: Munich's Best Beer Gardens
- The Sport Events of Summer 2009: World Championships in Athletics, Berlin
- Visit Summer Festivals: July Events 2009
Summer Sale: Save at German Bed and Breakfast Inns
Another day, another hot deal: If you plan on staying at a German B&B this summer and want to save some Euros, head over to BedandBreakfast.com. The website celebrates the best time of the year with a sizzling summer sale, where travelers can save up to $100 on bookings made by July 6, 2009.
The deal: You'll get $50 off for a two night stay, $75 off for a three night stay and $100 off for a stay of four or more nights. Happy saving!
Berlin Celebrates Its Fashion Week Summer 2010
Attention Fashionistas: Berlin gets ready for its Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010, which kicks off this Wednesday, July 1st, in the German capital. Premiered in 2007, the Berlin Fashion Week is taking place twice a year and proves that Berlin can hold its own among international fashion cities like Milan, Paris, or New York.
Along with big-name designers such as Vivienne Westwood, Hugo Boss, and Escada, the Berlin Fashion Week is especially famous for its young up-and-coming designers. More than 30 international labels will show their creative ideas for spring/summer 2010, so find out what’s "in" at runway shows, trade fairs, exhibitions, and, of course, parties.
Information on the Berlin Fashion Week- Where: Berlin, Bebelplatz and various venues
- When: July 1 - 4, 2009
- Official Website of the Berlin Fashion Week 2010
- More Events in Germany in July
Munich Opera Festival Opens June 28, 2009
Celebrated every summer since 1876, the Munich Opera Festival offers an excellent program of opera and ballet performances throughout June and July.
The festival kicks off on Sunday, June 28th, with a special event you should not miss: the free open-air concert “Opera For All", on Marstallplatz in the heart of the city. The Bavarian State Opera will play music by Richard Wagner and Anton Bruckner, conducted by General Music Director Kent Nagano.
For more information on program and tickets, consult the official website of the Munich Opera Festival 2009.
Check out more events in Germany in July 2009 here.
Spend the Night in a German Castle Hotel
Looking for a unique hotel in Germany? How about staying in a medieval castle - many German castles and palaces have been converted into castle hotels, and it doesn't cost a king's ransom to spend the night there.
Ancient stone towers, fortified walls, four-poster beds, and antique furniture, combined with all the conveniences of today - a great adventure for families with kids and a romantic getaway for couples.
Check out my latest article about the Best Castle Hotels in Germany; for the budget-wise traveler, I also included a Castle Hostel.
Castle Lover's Paradise:
(Photo: Copyright www.castle-schoenburg.de)Tracks: Train Travel Around the World
Romantic couples, families, adventurers, budget travelers, and eco-tourists, all aboard!
My colleague, Susan Breslow Sardone, About.com Guide to Honeymoons / Romantic Travel, collected train stories from around the world for you; from practical transportation tips, and scenic rides on old-fashioned steam trains, to adventurous mountain railroading, and a journey on the world's most luxurious train - hop on and make the journey your reward!
When the Whistle Blows...
(Photo by Markus Hoppe)Munich Film Festival 2009 Opens June 26th
Next weekend, Munich kicks off its annual film fest, which is proud to be Germany's largest summer film festival. From June 26th to July 4th, over 200 films from around the world will be presented, alongside panel discussions, special events, and parties. The festival is an important industry gathering for Europe's film professionals - but also open to anybody who loves movies.
Some highlights of the Munich Film Fest 2009: the opening film, Terry Gilliam's fantastic tale "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus," starring the late Heath Ledger; a retrospective of the British cult director Stephen Frears; a film section dedicated to children's movies; and many open-air screenings.
Learn more about the festival on the Website of the Munich Film Fest.
Film Festivals in Germany (Photo: Film Fest Muenchen)Fete de La Musique in Berlin - and the Summer Begins
On June 21st, Berliners celebrate the longest day of the year and the official beginning of summer with a city-wide music festival Fete de la Musique.
With performances on over 80 open-air stages, the street festival offers everything from reggae, and jazz, to hip hop, electronic music and klezmer. The free concerts start in the early afternoon and will last long into the summer night.
You can check out the program on the official website of Fete de la Musique - or just wander the streets of Berlin and discover your own favorite concerts. There is no better way to get to know Berlin.