Discover Germany, Issue 26, May 2015

Issue 26 | May 2015

PLUSDESIGN HUB

SWITZERLANDBIG WINE SPECIAL

FOCUS ON GOLFFASHION, CULTURE

& LIFESTYLE

MARTIN KAYMERFROM ROOKIE TO RECORD BREAKER

2_1_DiscoverGermany_May 2015_Issue26:Scan Magazine 1 27/4/15 21:41 Page 1

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52 36

Discover Germany | Contents

Photo: Park Hotel Vitznau

Issue 26 | May 2015 | 3

Photo: Austrian Wine Marketing Board

COVER FEATURE6 Martin Kaymer

Currently one of the world’s best golfers,the charming Martin Kaymer talks toour editor Tina Awtani about life as aprofessional sportsman, the upcomingOpen Championship in St. Andrews andmore.

SPECIAL THEMES19 Design Hub Switzerland

With the designmesse.ch taking place inZurich this month, it is time to take acloser look at the Swiss design scene.You’ll be surprised what’s in store for2015.

40 BigWine Special

Discover the beautiful vineyards of Austria,Germany and Switzerland and meet theaward-winning vintners behind the finelabels.

65 Great Spa &Wellness Destinations

Ready to take some time out? Great placesto stay featuring amazing spa and well-ness facilities.

FEATURES80 A Beautiful Game

A keen golfer herself, our editor explainswhat makes golf such a wonderful sport.

100 Unusual, noteworthy, curious orinspiring

Interesting facts about traditions and cus-toms in Germany gathered by the GermanNational Tourist Board.

REGULARS & COLUMNS10 Design

Cool gadgets worth taking for a spin.

12 Fashion

Shades of macaroons are the inspirationfor theThomas Rath Spring/Summer 2015collection.

Hotels of the Month

30 The German five-star superior hotelVILAVITA Rosenpark near the city of Marburgcombines personal service, culinary diver-sity and elegant comfort with modernwellness and conference facilities.

32 The award-winning CERVO MountainBoutique Resort is the ultimate SwissAlpine retreat in the elegant area of Zer-matt right below the iconic Matterhorn

34 Restaurant of the Month

Berlin’s HORVÁTH, the unpretentiousMichelin-starred restaurant offers rustic,fresh, modern and exciting food. InspiredbyAustrian flavours and produce, chef Se-bastian Frank’s menu has quickly gained aculinary reputation in Germany’s capital.

36 Wine & Dine

Find out where to go for irresistible cuisineteamed with great wines and a most wel-coming ambience.

70 Culture

We present Salzburg,Wörgl and the Ger-man city of Karlsruhe, all having a lot to of-fer!

78 Attraction of the Month

Experience the beauty and primeval natureof water up-close at the SwissAare Gorge:Meiringen’s natural wonder.

84 Business

Our legal expert Gregor Kleinknecht takesa closer look at sport arbitration. A selec-tion of top boarding schools, plus exquisitereal estate experts.

93 Barbara Geier

Our columnist Barbara Geier gets carriedaway with a snap of her fingers.

102 Culture Calendar

Save the date! Discover Germany’s CultureCalendar is your perfect guide on what notto miss in May.

ContentsMAY 2015

© Österreich Werbung. Photo: Niederstrasser

80


4 | Issue 26 | May 2015

Dear Reader,Welcome to our May 2015 issue. Given themany bank holidays, plus the perfectweather conditions, it is the ideal time toplay a round of golf (or two). So, who elsecould have been more suitable for thismonth’s cover than the magnificent MartinKaymer?Themaster of the fairways grantedus an interview and I must confess, that hegot me a little star struck.The first Germanplayer ever to win the USOpen chats about

the ups and downs of life as a professional sportsman, his deeplyrooted passion for football and his aspirations regarding the up-coming Open Championship in Scottish St. Andrews. If that isn’tenough to get you on the fairway, keep reading as we explain thebeauty of the game and how to get started in case you’ve never hita golf ball before.

Our big 2015 Wine Special brings together the best of German,Austrian and Swiss winemaking. From young upcoming vintnersto old established vineyards, it couldn’t be any more diverse. Readabout Riesling, Pinot and their peers and get to know the peoplewho turn grapes into the most enjoyable wines.

To our regular readers it may be no secret that I and my team sharea big passion for beautiful design and this month we decided to fo-cus on design made in Switzerland. Inspired by the design-messe.ch, we have taken a closer look at the design hub Switzer-land and its unparalleled creative potential.

Then we are turning to Austria, featuring Europe’s oldest restau-rant, Salzburg’s hottest nightclub,Vienna’s finest real estate expertsand much more. Also in this issue you find top boarding schoolsand award-winning wellness destinations.There is certainly some-thing that sparks your inspiration in this very diverse issue. How-ever, I truly recommend a round of golf!

Enjoy the magazine!

Tina Awtani

Discover Germany

Issue 26, May 2015

Published 01.05.2014

ISSN 2051-7718

Published by

Scan Magazine Ltd.

Design & Print

Liquid Graphic Ltd.

Executive Editor

Thomas Winther

Creative Director

Mads E. Petersen

Editor

Tina Awtani

Art Director

Svetlana Slizova

Feature Writer

Nane Steinhoff

Copy-Editor

Emmie Collinge

Contributors

Elisabeth Doehne

Barbara Geier

Meryem Hauer

Jessica Holzhausen

Julika Hüther

Sonja Irani

Gregor Kleinknecht

Dorina Reichhold

Marilena Stracke

Sales & Key Account Managers

Emma Fabritius Nørregaard

Laura Hummer

Antonietta Cutarelli

Noura Draoui

Stefan Cameron

Advertising

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Discover Germanyis published by:

SCAN GROUPScan Magazine Ltd.15B Bell Yard MewsBermondsey StreetLondon SE1 3TYUnited Kingdom

Phone +44 (0)870 933 [email protected]

For further information, please visitwww.discovergermany.com

© All rights reserved. Material containedin this publication may not be reproduced,in whole or in part, without priorpermission of Scan Magazine Ltd.

This magazine containsadvertorials/promotional articles


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Standing 1.84 metres tall, sun-tanned andfeaturing 76 kilos of a perfectly tonedphysique, Kaymer comes across casual andremarkably polite. With a very boy-next-door attitude, it’s just the occasional cheekysmile that gives a hint to the superstarlooming beneath the surface.

Kaymer grew up in the North Rhine-West-phalian town ofMettmann, just east of Düs-seldorf. Excelling at football and golf as ayoungster, he had tomake a tough decisionat an early stage in his life about which ca-reer path to follow. After permanentlyswapping the football shoes for the golf bag,he has been unstoppable ever since beingtaken under the wing of coach GünterKessler. Just two years after turning pro, hewas named ‘Rookie of the Year EuropeanTour’ at the Sir Henry Cotton Award cere-mony in 2007. But just as his career was onthe way up, the golfer was confronted withthe toughest private challenge of his life ashis beloved mother lost the battle againstcancer in 2008, leaving the young sportsmandevastated.Today, he constantly carries withhim the symbol of a sunflower, her favouriteflower, as homage to the most special per-

son in his life.His father,Horst, and brotherPhilip, who have just joined the MartinKaymer management team, support thefairway star wherever and whenever theycan.“My family and friends are themost im-portant people in my life. Family backingand good friendships are extremely impor-tant factors in life and I am really happythat I can strongly rely on both,”he explains.

“I know how to deal with failure”

Winning his first Major in 2010, the USPGA Championship, was a milestone inhis career. In 2011, he was named ‘Break-through of theYear’ at the Laureus SportsAward and he made to the top of theworld’s best golfers.The only other Germanplayer to ever have made it to number oneon the PGA leader board was BernhardLanger.The following year brought Kaymerhis second Ryder Cup triumph, but it was in2014 when he really hit the epitome offame by becoming the first German playerever to win the US Open Championship atPinehurst, North Carolina. But that’s with-out evenmentioning his victory at the pres-tigious PGATour Players Championship inthe same year shortly afterwards.And while

others believe that failure is not an option,he has a slightly different view.“Of course,I could say that every missed Cut was dis-pensable, but I am convinced that onelearns from experience. That’s why I notonly appreciate success, but I know to dealwith failure, because it is simply part of thelife of a sportsman.” For the 7th time,Kaymer has just been named PGA Player ofthe Year, but he remains humble. “Everyaward is a great honour. It shows that youdid something right over the season,” hesays. For him, a professional sports careerbrings with it far more than just health ben-efits.“I haven’t just gained huge experienceon a sporting level, but this career has alsoenhanced my personality in the form ofpositive development. I grew up and thesport made me a better person,more inde-pendent and more adult,” the charmingchap explains.And besides those benefits?Well, he’s already scooped millions in prizemoney so far.

“Michael Schumacher is one of mygreatest sport idols ever”

Although he spends most of his time train-ing in Scottsdale, Arizona, Kaymer has a

Martin KaymerFrom rookie to record breakerMartin Kaymer is currently Germany’s most successful golfer. Previously number oneon the official PGA Official World Golf Ranking board, the 30-year-old athlete is cel-ebrating his 10th anniversary this year as an elite professional player.

TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTOS: HUGO BOSS AG

6 | Issue 26 | May 2015

Discover Germany | Cover Feature | Martin Kaymer



Issue 26 | May 2015 | 7


8 | Issue 26 | May 2015


pad in Düsseldorf, where he loves to spendtime during professional breaks. And, ofcourse, he still has a special place in hisheart for football. "Football is my secondbiggest passion and I am definitely a big fanof German football and the national team.On a club level, I’ve been a fan of 1. FC Kölnsince childhood,”he admits.When not busyteeing off at some high profile golf compe-tition across the globe – so far he travelledabout 60,000 kilometres – Martin is not thetype to take things slow. “It is all aboutsport. Not always golf, but other disciplinessuch as fitness, pilates, taekwondo – I tryout different things and like to explore newsports. For the first time since I was a boy,I went skiing again this winter and it was alot of fun.” When asked about his rolemodels, he does not have to think twice.“Michael Schumacher is one of my greatestsporting idols ever.What he did for his ca-reer and the world of German sports is ex-tremely impressive and will last for eternity.In Golf – and especially from a Germanpoint of view – Bernhard Langer is an out-standing golfer, from whom I always ap-preciate tips and advice. He made a hugeimpact on the golf scene,“ Martin says.

2015 will bring further excitement, he re-veals.“So far it has been a great journey andI am looking forward to what will hopefullybe a successful season,”he says. His Ger-man fans will get the chance to watch himlive at the BMW International Open inMu-nich (23–28 June). But the highlight of thisseason – and one which every golfer is ea-gerly anticipating – is certainly the OpenChampionship (13–19 July).“Winning theOpen in St. Andrews would be incredible.It is the only European Major, plus it takesplace on one of my favourite courses.Thereis nothing more one could possibly ask for.Of course, it would be superb to join in forthe race for the title, but it all depends on alot of factors.There are so many great pro-fessionals and we all have exactly the samething in mind,“ Martin says.

We will keep our fingers crossed for“our”wonderboy!


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10 | Issue 26 | May 2015

Discover Germany | Design | Dedicated to Design

Get the little ones moving and spoil them rotten withthe original Porsche pedal car. Driving forward andbackwards, the fun vehicle is suitable for drivers upto a height of 160cm. £500. www.porsche.com

Berlin-based former students Elias Atahi and PascalBlum are the founders of Unu. Eco-friendly and silent,the cool scooters are made to explore urban life tothe fullest. However, semi-rural surroundings alsomake a great destination for an Unu. From £1,200.www.unumotors.com

Safety first, but not without style! German Melon Hel-mets® – Brand of Intelligent Mobility GmbH is respon-sible for the Red Dot Award 2014 winning design fortheir range of funky bike and scooter helmets. £49.99.www.melon-helmets.com

German Niesmann+Bischoff GmbH came up with thismotorhome, which scooped an honourable mentionat the Red Dot Awards 2014. “With design elementsadopted from automotive design, such as the radiatorgrille and matt-silver paintwork, the Arto 2014 appealsto a younger, design-conscious target group,” the jurysays. P.o.a. www.niesmann-bischoff.com

Dedicated to Design...The time of year is finally upon us when life is no longer confined to the indoors. All of a sudden balconies becomea blank canvas for keen city gardeners. Cafes and pubs with outdoor seating areas in the countryside turn intoappealing weekend destinations. Time to swap the spinning class for a real bike ride and jog along a hiking pathinstead of touring the treadmill. We’ve handpicked a few outstanding design items ready to be taken for a spin.

EDITOR'S PICKS

2 1

5

3A classic Red Dot Award hero is the Bulin30 limited edition alpine rucksack. Designed in-houseby Hans-Thomas Langowski and Philipp Ziegler, it is light, functional and long-lasting. £145.www.vaude.com

4


The success story began with black spice shakers, which representedthe first items Robert Manners created after setting up his design la-bel rmi-design in 2013. His girlfriend's interior design studies in-spired him to give his own creativity a go.He explains: “Over the lastfew years I developed a strong interest in design, architecture andphotography.” The brand’s items captivate customers aestheticallywith their high quality materials and outstanding craftsmanship.rmi-design works in cooperation with local workshops and artisanswhenever possible, and one of their partners is a small, family-owned wood turnery.

The concept behind the Wire-Lights was to create a modern in-terpretation of the classic fabric-covered lampshade.Now available infour different shapes, they represent a new minimalist design with adistinctive yet simple form. The Wire-Lights have also inspired thecompany’s Muse Side Table. A hexagon-shaped table made fromwire, it has been finished with a wooden tabletop, combining sim-plicity with the soundness of a natural material. In the pendant lightPUREWood,Manners realised his unique idea to use different woodsas the materials for bulb sockets, creating an eye-catching item.

”Inspiration is everywhere if you keep your eyes open,” explainsManners. ”Most of the time ideas spring up spontaneously.” rmi-de-sign products are available online and through partner stores invarious German cities where customers can touch and experience theproducts prior to making their perfect purchase.

www.wire-lights.de

rmi-design creates pristine lighting solutions using a combi-nation of wire and wood.

TEXT: DORINA REICHHOLD | PHOTOS: RMI-DESIGN

Distinguished designsin a simple form

Left:Wire Lights

Below:PURE Wood (left)

Muse Side Table (middle)

Portrait:Robert Manners


Discover Germany | Design | Fashion Finds

April showers bring May flowers,and in the world of fashion Maybrings beautiful new catwalk col-lections into the stores. Germandesigner Thomas Rath came upwith a wonderful range of delicatelooks in his spring/summer 2015collection. Famous for his semi-couture creations, the designerstunned the audience with his“Le Jardin Versailles” collection,celebrating the French savoir vivrewith subtle shades of macaroons.

EDITOR’S PICKS | PHOTOS: PRESS IMAGES

FashionFinds

A perfect silhouette - edgy yet feminine - this look is made tolast forever. Timeless and classy, this outfit can be worn fromoffice to dinner and season after season. Coat PUPPA £720,dress TRIS £566, shoes BUDA 3 £280.www.thomas-rath.comPhoto: Ralf Juergens

12 | Issue 26 | May 2015


Award-winning German jewellery designer Barbara Schulte-Hengesbach is renowned for her signature statement pieces.This architecturally styled ring band is embedded with pearls,moonstones and mandarin garnets. Available in various mate-rials. Ring Arkade. P.o.a.www.schulte-hengesbach.com

Nude shade pumps shouldn’t be missing from any wardrobe.They’re a staple item that literally goes with anything and every-thing, so investing in a high quality pair is highly recommend-able. The Duchess of Cambridge is a fan, just like AngelinaJolie and many other style icons. £108.www.kennel-schmenger.com

Pale pink is more than just another gorgeous pastel shade;it is the epitome of elegance. The Melina bucket bag fromJoop’s S/S15 collection makes a great companion for anylady. £290.www.joop.com

Discover Germany | Design | Fashion Finds

Gorgeous runway look in soft nudes. Materials suchas organza, cloque and cotton are cut to perfection andblended with striking little details. Sweater GIOCONDA£230, skirt DUE £336, bag T-PETIT £643, shoes BALL 1£266. www.thomas-rath.comPhoto: Ralf Juergens

Issue 26 | May 2015 | 13


14 | Issue 26 | May 2015

Editors from the most prestigious fashionmagazines love the premium online de-signer boutique as much as the style savvycustomers who hail from far beyond theSwiss borders. A hand-picked selection ofthe latest street styles and designer collec-tions from the catwalks of Milan, Paris,NewYork and London come straight intothe captivating online store established byMonikaWildi. From young upcoming fash-ion heroes such as hip new label CarmenCita Jones Jewelry to established nationaland international top designer brands suchas See by Chloé, Fashionvestis.com offersunrivalled insight into the latest styles aswell as great advice on how to make a cat-walk piece work in daily life. Finding theperfect outfit is easy and receiving it gift-wrapped by courier makes the whole shop-ping experience even more enjoyable.Should an item not meet expectations, ano-fuss returns policy allows total ease ofmind. But FashionVestis.com is muchmore

than just an online store, as the latest trendsand news from the fashion world are beau-tifully visualised in the form of glossycelebrity and street style images, plus thesleek presentation of weekly featured looksis highly inspiring.

“The idea was sparked when we did nothave an online fashion shopping portal inSwitzerland. Cool designer brands werehard to get hold of and needed to be or-dered from abroad.Together with my busi-ness partner Alain Nydegger, I decided toclose that gap,“ Wildi recalls. The style ex-pert has always been passionate aboutfashion, images and copywriting. “Com-bining the advantages of traditional tradeand e-commerce in the form of an aes-thetic platform in the style of a high-endmagazine was the core concept,” she ex-plains. ForWildi, fashion is a very personalbusiness and nothing inspires her morethan the comments and praise from satis-

fied and returning customers, who enjoycompliments on their new styles thanks toFashionVestis.com.

“We have a few surprises for our customersin 2015, such as a total revamp of our onlinepresence in order to enhance user friendli-ness. And in summer we will broaden ourinternational designer brand portfolio withnew creations by Carven from Paris, Josephfrom London and By Malene Birger fromDenmark,”Wildi reveals.

www.fashionvestis.com

Swiss online portal FashionVestis.com has conquered the virtual world of fashionwith its vibrant mix of top labels, catwalk news and industry trends from around theworld.

TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTOS: PRESS IMAGES

Designer fashion to inspire

Convenience at the click of a button

Top, from left: IRO, Paul&Joe, Tara Jarmon

Below: Monika Wildi


Schweizer Designer E-Boutique

Look: IRO Paris – beiFashionVestis.com


16 | Issue 26 | May 2015

Elegant, elaborate, unusual, quirky – somany different words spring to mind whentaking a stroll around elastique, one ofZurich’s finest vintage furniture stores.Renowned for its diverse stock, elastique isconsidered the city’s best address for findingremarkable pieces of interior furnishings.Specialising in designer furniture, primarilyfrom the middle of the 20th century, elas-tique also presents various unique itemssuch as cinema seats or even a large robotmade of polyester.The collection is remark-ably diverse, never failing to mesmerizethose who pop in for interior inspiration.

Elastiquewas founded byGeorgeKüng,whohas successfully turned his passion for col-lecting unique items into his profession.Hail-

ing from theNorth of Switzerland,he initiallyworked as a journalist and multimedia pro-ducer before opening his first vintage designstore in 1998. One year later, he foundedelastique in Zurich. In 2004 the impressiveshowroom was expanded to encompassmore than 300 squaremetres and since 2014elastique has shared its showroomwithMc-Connell Hairdressing.Born from a friendshipbetween Küng and Lee McConnell, cus-tomers love the unusual combination of hair-dressing and furniture in one place.

Clearly passionate about his work, Küngworks relentlessly to improve the shop andits offerings, using his own taste is the cri-teria for the objects he purchases: "I find itdifficult to sell what I do not personally

like." He sees himself as a hunter, alwayson the lookout for as-yet-undiscoveredtreasures and for the most impressive tro-phies. Küng is convinced that every singleitem, which once sold well, will sell wellagain in the future.

Most of his stock is found in Switzerland,which he cites as a great place to find hid-den treasures in pristine condition. Küng'sadvice for his customers is to trust theirown taste and to experiment with unusualtrends and styles. In comparison to his earlydays, his customer base has widened andthis is due in part to the overwhelmingtrend for vintage items, seen in adverts,music videos and photo shoots. Anyonelooking for that one piece of distinctive fur-niture to transform their home into some-thing unique would certainly be in the rightplace at elastique.

www.elastique.ch

Zurich’s vintage furniture store elastique mesmerises its customers with itsextraordinary interior design selection.

TEXT: DORINA REICHHOLD | PHOTOS: ELASTIQUE

Giving hidden treasures a new lease of life

Discover Germany | Design | Elastique


Issue 26 | May 2015 | 17

Available in a selection of colours, it canalso be bought in three distinct varieties.Whether one seeks a dressing gown sur-rogate made of terry cloth, a normal dressfor everyday life or a silky option for yourhome, meditation, yoga, tai chi or otherrelaxation exercises, the dress is tailor-made for every customer.THE BRILLIANTDRESS is sealed between the legs andopen on the sides, which can be tied withribbons.

“Through its design and soft fabric, thedress drapes alongside the body and flat-

ters every figure. It lets you discover a newphysical feeling; you feel beautiful and youstart to respect and love your body. Itdoesn’t constrain and gives your bodyfreedom. As soon as they put the dresson, our customers are relaxed and nolonger feel physically or mentally re-stricted,” explains designer and ownerSonnia Geiger. According to her, cus-tomers appreciate the high quality, thelong durability and the wearing comfort.“The feedback of many customers is: ‘Ifonly I could have got one earlier,”she sayssmiling.

Sonnia G. SA (Ltd.)’s motto of ‘beauty inthe shape and beauty in the creation’ isclearly reflected in THE BRILLIANTDRESS.“On the one hand, this means out-standing design and aesthetics but it alsorefers to sensible and sustainable produc-tion,” she explains. Consequently, the com-pany exclusively produces its products inSwitzerland due to the high productionstandards and good working conditions.“Furthermore, our dresses last a lifetime,which makes them ecologically sensible.Our dresses are meant to enhance the well-being of the wearer,”Sonnia Geiger adds.THE BRILLIANT DRESS is made-to-order as Sonnia Geiger places great valueon the fact that“a dress is exclusively pro-duced for a customer and thus obtains aspecific vibe.”Available for purchase on-line, Geiger concludes:“Our vision is thateveryone has THE BRILLIANT DRESS intheir wardrobe, wears it regularly and thustakes time out for themselves.”

www.thebrilliantdress.ch

THE BRILLIANT DRESS, designed and produced by Zurich-based family businessSonnia G. SA (Ltd.), is a striking, luxurious, tailor-made dress for males and femalesalike. With its unique and round design, the item reconciles the wearer with them-self and their body, while boosting strength and self-confidence.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF | PHOTOS: SONNIA G. SA (LTD.)

Discover Germany | Design | Go Brilliant

Go Brilliant


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Issue 26 | May 2015 | 19

Over three days, designmesse.ch offers apresentation and sales platform for creativenewcomers as well as established designersand manufacturers from the world of fur-niture and product design. Not only sup-porting the design scene, visitors are pre-sented with a hugely diverse range ofinnovative design objects.

Whether you’re looking for something veryparticular or a made-to-measure piece, thefourth designmesse.ch is the place to be.With decorative design products, prototypes,small run or batch run products as well asspecial one-offs, the products will inspireyou to create stylish and individual interiorswith lifestyle ideas for inside and out.

A glance at the list of exhibitors presentsthe broad colour palette of design: hall 9 isdedicated to lighting,which bestows a spe-cial atmos-phere on your living space, withfloor lamps, spherical lamps and even cof-fee-scented lamps. Functions are enhanced,such as a television stand, which automat-ically immerses the screen into the furnitureonce switched off, or the modular andmul-tifunctional shelving unit calledVARIO thatgrows alongside your book collection, dou-bles as a wardrobe and simply leans againstthe wall. Design items created with un-usual or recycled materials have extraordi-nary appeal, such as bowls from window-pane oysters, leftover material fromawnings that is given a new lease of life in

humorous lighting, and tables and benchesfrom ancient wine barrels.

Hailing from Greece and now with Swissdistribution, the manufacturer COCO-MAT uses wool, caoutchouc natural rubber,seaweed, laven-der and eucalyptus leavesfor its high quality mattresses. Objects toenrich balconies and gardens are on showtoo; think lightweight side tables for insideor out, adorned with fine objects reflectingclassic table decorations.

This is a just an appetizer to what lies aheadat designmesse.ch 2015, where a strollthrough the trade fair hall will present evenmore po-tential for your office, home andgarden. What’s more, a host of events willaccompany the fair such as special shows,discussions and lec-tures on the topic of‘the design of craftsmanship’, led by theHaus der Farbe.

www.designmesse.ch

Running for three days from 8 to 10 May, designmesse.ch is the prime opportunityfor a springtime visit to Zurich. From newcomers to established names, designers,manufacturers and dealers from Switzerland and beyond will present exclusive fur-niture designs and exceptional home accessories. All the design products on showcan be bought or ordered directly at the trade fair to give your home, terrace or of-fice a little spring spruce-up. Furthermore, any springtime fatigue will be washedaway with the great series of events happening alongside the main trade fair.

TEXT: DESIGNMESSE.CH | TRANSLATION: EMMIE COLLINGE | PHOTOS: PRESS IMAGES/PASCAL MEIER

designmesse.ch 2015Designer pieces for creative inspirationin the office, home or garden

Special Theme

Design HubSwitzerland

Main image: COCO-MAT


20 | Issue 26 | May 2015

With a vintage aesthetic, beautiful woodentexture and a timeless, creative and inter-esting design, PANNELLO is an exclusivephoto frame made in Switzerland.“PAN-NELLO is an unique product, which iscompletely new to the photographic mar-ket. My wife and I tried to create somethingfor people looking for something specialfor their home,” explains Stephan deGasperi. The photo frame is sustainablyproduced from recycled wood and individ-ual photographs are printed directly onto aceramic tile. Customers can simply uploadtheir desired photos online, choose the size

of the frame and get an individual productmade in Switzerland delivered to theirdoorstep.

Located in Luzern, the nelloFACTORY ex-clusively uses Swiss wood waste for their

From banker to home accessory designer – Stephan de Gasperi decided to turnhis career around after reaching an emotional dead-end in his former profession.Today, his company nelloFACTORY produces the PANNELLO, a bespoke, sus-tainable, hand-made wooden home accessory, which is sure to enhance every wall.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF | PHOTOS: CLAUDIA MAMONE PHOTOGRAPHY

Stunning, bespoke andabsolute unique: PANNELLO

Portrait: Stephan de Gasperi


Issue 26 | May 2015 | 21

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Desigh Hub Switzerland

products so that old residential houses,company buildings and barns are reborn aspicture frames.“We believe that old woodshouldn’t simply be binned and that’s whywe seek to make it into beautiful home ac-cessories,” Stephan de Gasperi says. “Wecut the wood to the desired size and ag-glutinate it.We sand and treat the old woodso that it looks its best before we fill theframes with ceramic material. When the

ceramic hardens, we grind it and directlyprint the customer’s individual picture ontothe frame, ensuring excellent quality thanksto UV printing,” he explains. Every singlestep is exclusively done by hand so that thepicture frame is 100% hand-made and in-dividual.The combination results in a beau-tiful Swiss-made shabby chic style. No twoframes are the same due to individualcolours and wood structures.

nelloFACTORY uses UV-LED direct print-ing, which prints ink directly onto the ma-terial. It dries with ultraviolet light so thatthe object immediately dries and staysdust-free.“We can print directly onto vari-ous materials, such as metal, wood, glass orplastic inA2 format and up to a thickness of150mm with our flatbed printer,” deGasperi outlines. This creates a lot of po-tential for things like a relief print with a 3Dor gloss effect.

Besides offering their frames in ten differ-ent sizes and forms, nelloFACTORY alsoboast exceptional customer service. Goingthe extra mile for realising every customer’swish, nelloFACTORY helps clients to ac-cessorise entire walls with their PAN-NELLO frames. One can simply email themeasurements of their ownwall to Stephande Gasperi and he will design an individualPANNELLO wall proposal for each client.“I try to fill the whole wall with several dif-ferent frame sizes so that the wall becomesa real eye-catcher. Today, many people arealready overwhelmed by selecting photosfor their walls because of the sheer vol-umes of photos taken by digital cameras.That’s why we also offer our help when itcomes to photo selection. We try to findthe best and most suitable pictures for acustomer’s wall or picture frame,”he con-tinues. His wife, Claudia Mamone, is a pro-fessional photographer and has masses ofprofessional experience when it comes tochoosing the ideal pictures for a display.

The Swiss couple came up with the idea ofnelloFACTORY in 2013. Having previouslyworked as a team leader at a leading bank,Stephan de Gasperi soon realised that the

profession wasn’t leaving him fulfilled.Thus, he took some leave from the bankand went travelling with his family for tenweeks.“We got inspired during our travelsafter seeing similar products. And evenwhile travelling, we decided how we couldimplement this idea and knew that wewanted to choose this path. I then quit myold job and started to puzzle over the prod-uct until I found the right ‘ingredients’andprocedures for the production of PAN-NELLO,” he recalls.

A new interesting product is in the pipeline,which will soon be available for online pur-chase. The PANNELLO with children’sbook illustrations represents a true unicum.“The creative illustrations will be painteddirectly onto the PANNELLO,”Stephan deGasperi explains.Also available will be printversions, which can be bought directly inthe online shop. A further novelty atnelloFACTORY will be their photo framesfrom South Africa, produced with the helpof LUNA Designs. These frames differ incolour as well as form, and are truly indi-vidual items. Finished images from differ-ent photographers alongside frames willsoon be on offer too.

www.nellofactory.ch

Mian image:PANNELLO

Left:PANNELLO (top & 2nd)

LUNA Design frame (3rd & 4th)

Below:Children’s book illustration by Sabine Marie Körfgen


22 | Issue 26 | May 2015

Looking for that impossible-to-find, elegantyet rustic dining table?That nightstand thatjust has to match the bed? The bookshelfthat hugs your walls so perfectly? Some-thing original, modern, beautiful – made ofquality materials? Look no further. Variox,the young Swiss company, specializes inmaking – andmatching – people’s furnitureto their individual lifestyle and taste. Theirgoal is to help people transform a space inwhich they live, to one that they love.

Spaces that you love

“We specialize in designing daily basics,objects and appliances that match our cus-

tomer’s unique lives: modern, timeless fur-niture and aesthetic pieces of art. Every-thing we do is custom-built. All productsincorporate high quality materials and arevery durable,” explain the Swiss start-up.Their business idea goes back to 2011,when the young trio, Reto Steiger, DominicSteiger and Marco Wagner founded theircompany in Luzern. Since the 100% Swiss-made furniture company began,Variox hashelped numerous customers to design andaccentuate their living spaces.“CreateYourOwn World,” their philosophy, extends toboth customers and the team itself. Bylaunching their own business, the Swiss

entrepreneurs were able to focus on whatthey do best: conceptualizing and design-ing living spaces.Dominic Steiger, the mas-

Quality custom furniture is durable enough to last for generations, while remainingelegant and timeless. The Swiss start-up VARIOX GmbH builds furniture and appli-ances that are functional and centred around unique designs and individual lifestyles.

TEXT: ELISABETH DOEHNE | PHOTOS: VARIOS

VARIOXCreate your own world

Main image: xPad stand for iPad

Below: The Swiss Trio - Reto Steiger,Dominic Steiger, Marco Wagner (left to right)

Opposite page, top:Red oak xPad with Swarovski crystals (left)

Customized shelving system (middle)Custom table from the xGlow collection (right)

Opposite page, bottom:xCatch Collection (left)Wild on the wall (right)


Issue 26 | May 2015 | 23


ter carpenter, works closely with customersand knows exactly how to put abstractideas into real-world objects.

Custom-made in Switzerland

When it comes to interior design, one sizedoes not always fit all. That is why forVar-iox, individualized designs are both a chal-lenge and a passion. In the past, the com-pany has worked with a number of clientsand in different environments. In fact, theirdesigns are perfect for private homes andapartments, as well as for companies andoffice spaces.

Variox online store

Their web-based store features the Varioxcollection, art pieces, andmany examples oftheir past work. From customized storageto customized tables, as well as seating andother objects, all their designs are both con-temporary and timeless. And in additionto the broad range of styles that customerscan already chose from, a new collection ison its way.

Made to measure

All ideas and designs can easily be opti-mized to blend into different homes andsettings. For instance, the x-series, whichfeatures objects from modern coffee tablesto book shelves, can be custom-measuredand installed.Their philosophy of“made tomeasure”means that they are more thanwilling to custom-size all furniture,kitchens, shelves, and even stands for tradefairs.Who wouldn’t want their furniture tomatch their personal taste?

Quality without compromiseThe material, and in particular the wood, ischaracterized by its high quality and sus-tainability. Reto Steiger explains:“Wemakeevery effort to meet our quality expecta-tions. Our solid wood panels are producedexclusively in Switzerland. The timber ispicked, sorted and collected by experiencedprofessionals. It is evaluated according tospecific guidelines.The wood parts then gothrough several checks before we start pro-cessing them.”

Mood-cube

One example of the start-up’s dedication tofunctionality is the product “mood-cubes.”These versatile, elegant and stylish“cubes”can be used in a number of ways. And theycome in a number of colours too – from tra-ditional dark or light wood tomore eccentricversions. Variox builds the wooden case ofthe cube, and the product can easily be or-dered through the company’s online shop.

COSYROOMS – urbanized wildernessIn addition to their own products, Varioxalso offers unique game trophies by theartist MarenWürl.These objects of art, em-bellished with Swarovski elements, show-case both exquisite craftsmanship and in-spiration.Their exceptional look is finishedoff with steel, wood or stone. These piecesof art have a distinctly modern look, andthey combine the urban with the rusticlifestyle.

Creating beautiful art and atmospheres

The benefits of working with VARIOX areobvious. The young team is inspired andpassionate about creating beautiful piecesof high end, yet basic custom furniture. Allproducts are “made in Switzerland,” andare characterized by their longevity anddurability, classic designs, high-quality ma-terials and superb Swiss craftsmanship.

www.variox.ch


24 | Issue 26 | May 2015

Computers accompany us at work and inour recreational time. We often put themunder the table or in a corner, simply be-cause we seek to hide them. Let’s face it:they aren’t pretty, and nor do they suit therest of the furnishings.Mood Food, a com-pany from Switzerland’s Taeuffelen, hasfound an answer to this problem with thecreation of the Mood Cube. “We believethat a powerful device deserves a fittingappearance, a look that harmonicallyblends in with its surroundings and which

even enhances these aesthetically. This isthe idea behind the Mood Cube. It is acomputer that impresses users with its el-egant design, as well as its performance.Wewant to change the world a little bit aes-thetically,” explains Fabian Bigler, one ofthe two founders and owners of MoodFood GmbH.TheMood Cube allows com-puters to optically fit their surroundings sothat stylistic inconsistencies, which damagethe coherent overall picture, are a thing ofthe past.

A design object full of powerThe quadratic casings are made of yourchoice of wood or stainless steel and arebuilt by Mood Food’s Swiss partners.Whether acacia, smoke-dried oak, antiqueoak or walnut pattern, the Mood Cube canalso be individualised without a problem.Customised to their customers’ needs en-tirely by hand, the business also constantlyexperiments with further materials. Howdoes a Mood Cube made of gilded steel,porcelain, leather or cement sound? “Weare flexible and always open for new ex-periments.With the different wood types orthe steel housing, we are able to offer acomputer for almost every roomwhich op-tically suits the furnishings and thereforedoesn’t spoil the overall picture,” FabianBigler says.The computers have above-av-

Much more than a regular computer, the Mood Cube will enhance every home. Thebeautiful and unique design ensures that the common urge to hide the usually dullcomputer will soon be a thing of the past. Not only does it double as an extraor-dinary design object, the Mood Cube also boasts impressive technology.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF | PHOTOS: STEFAN TSCHANZ

The Mood Cube- simply impressive


Issue 26 | May 2015 | 25


erage computing power – thanks to highquality technical components from presti-gious manufacturers such as Asus or Intel.“From the hard-drive to the ventilation andDVD drive, we carefully assemble variouscomponents and build them into the case,which then gets specifically manufacturedin Switzerland for our customers,”FabianBigler adds.

Established in 2006, the small companyconsists of the two friends Stefan Tschanzand Fabian Bigler, who founded the busi-ness together as partners. Having met bychance as flatmates in a temporary flatshare in Bern around ten years ago, thegood friendship has transformed into afruitful business partnership.None of themhad any classical training as designer ortechnician.“What we have is the interest inaesthetics, our creativity and our experi-ence. Paramount is probably also ourfriendship. New ideas (useful, as well ascompletely unrealistic ones) often developwhen good friends have a glass of wine to-gether or let their ideas flow free until lateat night,”Fabian Bigler says. StefanTschanzdeveloped the design and found partnersfor the manufacturing of the shell. He is thecreative and technical head of the MoodCube.As a creative all-rounder, he workedas a bus driver, photographer, consultantand much more and therefore brings a lotof life experience into the business. Andbecause opposites attract, Fabian Bigler isthe perfect match for StefanTschanz:“I pri-marily arrange the entire administration inthe background because I’m a professionalaccountant. Stefan had an idea and everyidea needs somebody who deals with thenumbers. Therefore, the foundation ofMood Food GmbH was a logical conse-quence.”

Focussing on creativity, flexibility and ex-perimenting, the small company doesn’thave amanagement team telling themwhatto do to be as efficient as possible or to gen-erate as much revenue as possible.“We alsodon’t have any shareholders in the back-ground speculating on dividends and stockquotations. After all, freedom is the bestfriend of creativity. We simply do what weenjoy,”Fabian Bigler explains. He adds:“Asindependent entrepreneurs we have thefreedom to spend our time experimenting

and trying new things, such as inventingcomputers made of leather or concrete.Theaesthetic is especially important to us.That’swhy it’s not enough for a computer to solelyperform well.We want it to also be beauti-ful and that it becomes part of the interiorfurnishings.”Either the technical perform-ance or the exceptional design stands at thefore in many products, but both are impor-tant for the unique Mood Cube.

www.mood-cube.ch


26 | Issue 26 | May 2015

Having just celebrated their 10th an-niversary in 2014, Colombo La Familiamoved from Zurich’s Hürlimann Arealinto the iconic Redbox house in Zollikonon Lake Zurich. A team of 14 familymembers now await visitors on over 1,000square metres of exhibition space, a veri-table treasure chest for the design savvy. Ifone is passionate about designer furni-ture, a stroll through the store will mostlikely be one of the most inspiring walksin Switzerland, showcasing jaw-droppingobjects of desire. From fabulous furnitureitems to perfect lighting solutions, andfrom luxuriously soft furnishings to iconicobjects d’art, over 1,000 national and in-ternational top brands and artists are rep-resented.

At Colombo La Familia, style is priority andliving comfort is a must. From Bauhausclassics via contemporary Swiss chalet styleto the latest Italian award-winning top de-

sign, the portfolio caters for all needs. Forthose who just discovered their passion fordesigner items to those with a very specificindustry know-how and preferencescheme, the Colombo La Familia familymembers always find the perfect match.

Over the past decade, countless holidayand private homes have been equipped bythe Swiss experts, alongside commercialpremises such as offices and shops as wellas restaurants and hotels. No challenge istoo demanding for the Colombo La Fa-milia interior design masters and an im-pressive list of references leaves no doubtthat clients never leave the store withoutbeing 100 per cent satisfied.

What makes Colombo La Familia so great?Founder Ivano Colombo puts it in a nut-shell: “We are different.”

www.colombo-lafamiglia.ch

Interior design is taken to new heights by Ivano Colombo, Karin Bollinger and Pe-ter Kern, whose design concept store leaves no room for desire and has becomea household name far beyond the Zurich borders.

TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTOS: COLOMBO LA FAMILIA

The home of interior designColombo La Familia on Lake Zurich

Above:Redbox building in Zollikon

Portrait: IvanoColombo

Main image:Furniture by Baxter, Andrew Martin, Miinu and Tom Dixon

From top:Max Capitonne bed by Twils

Ink side table and Bruce sofa by ZanottaFurniture by Flexform, Piure und Jov

Outdoor collection by Manutti



Issue 26 | May 2015 | 27

Having learnt to use a wide variety of mate-rials to perfection during his training as aboatbuilder, Stutz founded MS Know HowGmbH twelve years ago in Zurich, and hasbeen running the company and developingproducts ever since. Fascinated by glassbricks – and particularly by their effect onpeople – Stutz decided to design building el-ements with similar qualities: being translu-cent, adding colour, and changing with theincidence of natural and electric light.

During his training, he discovered the vari-ability of epoxy resin, which is lighter and

muchmore flexible than glass while still be-ing highly resistant. Colouring the resin byhand, Stutz uses it as a filling material forbearing and non-bearing elements such assteel grids, and wooden and plastic grates,which are available in many differentshapes.

The result is a range of interior design ele-ments that are individually designed to thecustomer's specifications in terms of colourand form, and that can be used for a limit-less number of purposes, from partitioningwalls, floor elements, ceiling panels and

doors to staircase steps, company logos,decorative covers for posts and rotating el-ements. It is not surprising that Stutz hasrecently started producing furniture andlighting elements, and has designed every-thing from hotel bar panellings to toilet in-stallations at a restaurant.

The diversity of the product is also reflectedin one of Stutz’s newest product rangescalled Comix – pictures à la carte.“Whetheryou are old or young, comics and their sto-ries accompany us for a lifetime and theircharacters become role models and com-panions,” says Stutz. He lets them takepride of place at home or at the office,where they spread both colour and joy.

Stutz stages three-dimensional comic fig-urines in coloured epoxy resin, which hethen encases in a steel frame, creating morethan just a picture. As the little heroes ap-pear to break through the resin, the com-position becomes as dynamic as the char-acters seen on screen or in comic books.

www.msknowhow.ch

Martin Stutz’s highly variable, patented building elements for interior design play withnatural light and induce colour into our uniform living and working spaces. The num-ber of possible applications is infinite, and many shops, restaurants, hotels andhomes have already been transformed into inspiring and constantly changing spaces.

TEXT: JULIKA HÜTHER | PHOTOS: PRESS IMAGES


MS Know How GmbHInterior design as fresh as paint

Portrait: Martin Stutz


28 | Issue 26 | May 2015

Named after the classic nursery rhyme, theLALILU beds do not necessarily make onesleepy. Designed to be played on, aroundand under, the sleek loft beds are made ofsustainable Finnish certified and non-toxicwood, which is crafted to perfection inSwitzerland. Available in vibrant colourslike bright orange, Indian red, princess pink,navigator blue, frog green, or in more sub-tle options such as charcoal, dark brown orwhite, LALILU easily blends into every in-terior style. And it gets even better as theassembly time is just ten minutes.

“It started with a sketch for my own littlerascals in 2011,”the father of three recallsand he adds: “We simply couldn’t find abed that matched our aesthetic standards.”The prototype quickly gained popularityamongst friends, who spread the word andsoon LALILU turned into a sought-after

design item. All efforts paid off and theLALILU loft bed by DESIGNTEIL scoopedthe prestigious Red Dot Award 2014. Al-most 5,000 design objects entered the com-petition, of which only a fraction receivedthe coveted seal of approval. The jurystated:“LALILU fascinates with its simpleand clear design that immediately encour-ages one to play. Further convincing fea-tures are the high-quality materials as wellas the sustainable production method.”

Recently presented at Blickfang Basel de-sign fair and shortly to be exhibited atZurich’s designmesse.ch in May, theLALILU loft beds are now available to awider audience.“DESIGNTEIL will shortlybe available via the Best of Swiss onlineportal and we are expanding our partner-carpentry network in Germany in order tokeep up with international demand for our

high quality beds,”Bob Klenk explains. Bignews for 2015 include the expansion of theproduct range and LALILU fans will soonbe able to add a matching desk to the beds.With lots of fun guaranteed for little ex-plorers, it may even look great in the livingroom.

www.designteil.ch

Swiss designer and DESIGNTEIL founder Bob Klenk has developed the perfect fur-niture solution for children’s rooms. Highly functional, extremely durable, sustain-able and beautiful to look at, the award-winning LALILU loft beds bring a sparkleto the eyes of kids and parents alike.

TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTOS: DESIGNTEIL

Designer furniture full of fun

Portrait: Bob Klenk. Photo: Tina Sturzenegger



Issue 26 | May 2015 | 29

Opened in 2014 by a small team of fourpeople,‘BENZIN & KOFFEIN’ is the reali-sation of their long-term passion.The cafébar’s ambience has been influenced by the‘Benzin’[fuel], whereas the ‘Koffein’[caf-feine] stands for the diverse coffee range onoffer.A shop in the back sells coffee, coffeepreparation equipment, motorcycle acces-sories and lifestyle products. Guests canalso look forward to special events, such asconcerts, ride outs and cuppings. Despitethe exciting café bar concept, coffee re-mains the true focus at BENZIN & KOF-FEIN as the venue offers a wide range of in-teresting speciality coffee creations. “Weknow our products inside-out. The coffee

comes from our own roast house (‘Gipfel-stürmer Kaffee’) and the majority of ourfood offers are homemade. Additionally,the shop’s products are used in the dailyoperations of the café bar and in our dailyroutines,”Simone Ernst, founder and oper-ator, explains.

“Thanks to our roast house, we are per-sonally responsible for the selection of thegreen coffee. We roast it to perfection andare able to present it to our guests in all itsdiversity in the café bar. We offer varioussingle origin coffees as espresso or as filterpreparations with the help of AeroPress,Kalita,V60,Woodneck, Chemex or Syphon.

We like to share our enthusiasm and coffeeknowledge by chatting to other coffee en-thusiasts,” she adds. When Simone Ernstand Denise Morf first envisioned BENZIN& KOFFEIN, they hoped to present thecoffee from the roast house as directly aspossible to their guests. In the café, theyhighlight the diversity of the coffee vari-eties, of preparation ways and terroir, aswell as sharing and passing on their ex-citement about speciality coffees.

Besides offering coffee, prepared in a vari-ety of ways, they also present a small andexquisite selection of predominantly re-gional beers and wines, spirits, homemadebaked goods, hot and cold bagel sand-wiches, as well as cold meat and cheeseplatters.

www.benzinundkoffein.ch

Zurich’s café bar BENZIN & KOFFEIN is more than a regular coffee shop. Combiningtheir passion for motorbikes with a devotion to speciality coffee, the small venueenraptures guests with a timeless and international atmosphere, its wide range ofexciting special events, competent and honest customer advice, a concept storeand its own coffee roastery.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF | PHOTOS: DENISE MORF / SIMONE ERNST


The coffee revolution

Main image: Café bar in front and shop in the back

Above from left:Speciality coffee also means preparation variety

The shop with a wide range of lifestyle products and coffeepreparation equipment.

The café bar’s menu provides a lot of background informationabout their products


30 | Issue 26 | May 2015

“Right in the heart of Germany, our 5-starsuperior hotel combines personal service,culinary diversity and elegant comfort withmodern wellness and conference facilities,”says Simon Hunger,managing director. He

Just north of Frankfurt/Main in the beautiful town of Marburg and surrounded byUNESCOWorld Heritage highlights, the prestigious VILA VITA Rosenpark hotel of-fers everything the discerning traveller could possibly ask for.

TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTOS: VILA VITA ROSENPARK

VILA VITA RosenparkA treat for all senses

Hotelof the Month

Germany


Issue 26 | May 2015 | 31

Discover Germany | Hotel of the Month | Germany

continues, “It is the best hotel in the re-gion. The architecture alone, defined by agroup of several buildings, allows us to ful-fil even the most individual demands thatgroups or individual travellers could possi-bly ask for.”

Luxurious ambience and impeccableguest services

178 beautifully decorated rooms and suitesare designed in subtle colour schemes andelegant cherry wood furniture.A calm am-bience is tastefully blended with the latesttechnological amenities such as Wi-Fi andflat screen TVs. Featuring a rooftop terracewith spectacular views and marble bath-rooms, the Presidential Suite is as good asit gets. TheVILAVITA Rosenpark attracts avariety of guests, all of whom appreciate theluxurious ambience and impeccable guestservices.“Our guests range from the MICE[Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Ex-hibitions] segment to local businesses aswell as private guests. The large corpora-tions situated aroundMarburg are particu-larly appreciative of our services and facil-ities. Others simply wish to take some timeout and get away from daily stress, so theybook a stay in our luxury hotel away fromthe hustle and bustle of a metropolis,”Si-mon Hunger explains.

Made for connoisseurs

Culinary needs are catered for in the hotel’srestaurants, the elegant Rosenkavalier andthe more casual Zirbelstube. Head chefBoris Frackenpohl makes sure that his ever-changing menu always brings out the bestin the fresh seasonal ingredients. Duringsummer, the terrace is ideal for al frescodining and, for those who just can’t getenough of Frackenpohl’s delicious cre-ations, regular cooking classes are held bythe master himself. Beverages are in thehands of Steffen Müller, the master of thehotel bar and wine cellar, which houses1,200 fine bottles under its vaulted sand-stone ceilings.Müller’s cocktail courses area top tip amongst insiders. Managing di-rector Simon Hunger puts it in a nutshell,“Given the gastronomic variety of VILAVITA in and aroundMarburg, guests are of-fered plenty of options, which are ab-solutely unique in Germany.”

Best for body and soul

As the VILA VITA Rosenpark is literally atreat for all senses, it’s no surprise that anunrivalled spa and wellness centre is part ofthe package too. With an area of 1,000square metres with old Roman-style saunasand pool, this oasis of calm is adjacent tothe beauty garden, where an array of pam-pering treatments and massages are avail-able, perfect for recharging the batteriesand leaving any stress behind.Those after amore active holiday can make use of thegym or step outside and swing a club at oneof theVILAVITA partner golf courses, hikethe hills or kayak down on the river Lahn.

Top-notch conference facilities

Given its great strategic location, theVILAVITA Conference Centre has become ahousehold name for corporate and privateevents. State-of-the-art equipment and re-markably flexible spaces allow them to hostfunctions for up to 180 seated guests, turn-ing exciting business conventions as well asromantic weddings into pleasurable mem-ories. Private or corporate – VILA VITARosenpark is well worth a visit!

Ensuring ultimate guest satisfaction is the toppriority atVILAVITARosenpark andno effortis spared in order to guarantee that everythingis absolutely perfect. “Planning is currentlyunderway regarding the product‘Rosenpark’.The brand as well as the product are subjectto further enhancement tomeet current stan-dards and future demands of our discerningguests,”Simon Hunger reveals.

www.rosenpark.com


32 | Issue 26 | May 2015

Established in 2009, the architecturally out-standing complex made of eight chaletsbetween Zermatt village centre and the ad-joining forest, lays just a ten-minute walkaway from the village centre. With the skilift literally at its doorstep, the CERVOMountain Boutique Resort couldn’t offer abetter location for the perfect holiday.

Hotel owner Daniel F. Lauber graduatedfrom the prestigious Swiss Hotel Manage-ment School in Lucerne, before gainingfurther expertise at five-star hotels in hishome country and the United States. To-gether with his wife and chef Seraina, hetransformed and extended the family skichalet to what is today. It is considered oneof the finest resorts in the Swiss Alps.“Weoffer five-star service standard in a mostcomfortable and personal atmosphere.We

whole-heartedly prefer personality to dis-tance,” Lauber explains. From the ClassicRoom to the lavish Owner`s Lodge, there isan ideal option for every traveller. Allchalets feature a relaxation zone with a fire-place, a private wellness area with outdoorJacuzzi, sauna and steam room as well as aterrace with breath-taking panoramicviews.

Following the motto ‘the way to a man'sheart is through his stomach’, the culinarytreats are simply irresistible. The 14 GaultMillau points rated CERVORestaurant withits stunning terrace, just got a completemakeover and offers the perfect backdropfor après-ski, lunch, dinner, private or cor-porate events.With the 750g côte de boeufhouse specialty on the menu, the CERVOrestaurant attracts tourists as well as locals

in the summer and winter season. In De-cember 2014 the Restaurant Ferdinand wasadded, offering casual mountain dining ex-periences in form of raclette, fondue andtable BBQ. Ingredients are sourced locallywhenever possible and a welcomingAlpineambience blends neatly with top notchcontemporary design.

The CERVOMountain Boutique Resort hasbeen named Swiss Hotel of the Year in2014, scooped theMilestone SwissTourismaward as well as multipleTripAdvisorTrav-ellers Choice awards. As a member of De-sign Hotels™ andWhite Line Hotels®, thehotel is recommended by Zermatt Tourismand proud partner of the Zermatt Un-plugged festival.

www.cervo.ch

Young, relaxed, yet most exclusive, the award-winning CERVOMountain BoutiqueResort is the ultimate Swiss Alpine retreat in the elegant area of Zermatt right be-low the iconic Matterhorn.

TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTOS: CERVO MOUNTAIN BOUTIQUE RESORT

Luxury lodge with greatpersonality

Hotelof the Month

Switzerland

Main image: Cervo sun terraceFrom top:

The new Restaurant FerdinandSignature Spa Suite

Master Bath Owner`s Lodge


Discover Germany | Wine&Dine | TIAN

Established in 2011 as the original TIANrestaurant, the charm of Vienna’s BelleÉpoque style pairs with an urban-elegantlifestyle at this location in the heart of theAustrian capital. Since opening, TIAN hasbecome known as a hotspot and trendset-ter when it comes to high quality gourmetvegetarian cuisine. As the first vegetarianrestaurant, it has been awarded threetoques by Gault Millau, and is also one ofonly four vegetarian Michelin-starredrestaurants worldwide.

Head chef Paul Ivic is not only an ex-ceptionally creative perfectionist, but also aproponent of biodynamic agriculture and acritic of bioengineered and industrially pro-

duced food.Consequently,TIAN exclusivelyuses a broad range of high quality, sustain-able, regional and seasonal ingredientsalongside rare vegetables, crops and fruit.

“Our motto of ‘experience taste’ standsfor what we want to offer our guests: a sen-sual wow-experience, whereby they won’tmiss meat or fish on their plates. My pas-sion is a highly creative and healthy cuisinethat tastes good and is true eye-candy forour guests,”Paul Ivic explains. Guests canchoose between light lunch menus orTIAN’s experience taste dinner menus fromTuesday to Saturday.

www.taste-tian.com/en/restaurant/at/vienna

Full of delights for the senses, Vienna’s TIAN restaurant serves the finest vegetar-ian dishes made with superb ingredients. Given its joyous and highly creative pas-sion for experimentation, TIAN is sure to convince every meat-lover to ‘go veggie’– at least for a day.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF | PHOTOS: JUERGEN HAMMERSCHMID / ISABELL ABEL

Refreshingly different dining

OLSKI&

the SCARF- two pieces, a complete outfit,

on any occasion, in any season!

www. tucholsk i .at

From top: TIAN restaurant in ViennaIndian summer

Expedition mars


34 | Issue 26 | May 2015

Authenticity always wins – and this is es-pecially true in Berlin’s eclectic dining cul-ture. Kreuzberg’s offbeat cultural pulse andbohemian atmosphere present the perfectbackdrop for this charming restaurant thatoverlooks a narrow canal. The intensity ofHORVÁTH’s aromas, the first-class menuand fine wines set an amiable contrast tothe lively and urban‘Kiez’.

Award-winning concept and philosophy

Owners Sebastian Frank and his partnerJeannine Kessler take pride in running theHORVÁTH,where they’ve pioneered a cre-

ative and post-modern concept of breakingdown traditional Austrian flavours. Theirphilosophy is to promote an emancipatedand exciting kitchen: “Each individual in-gredient has the right to be the‘star’of anycomposition; whether fish, meat, or veg-etables. Even onions or celery can elevateand greatly impact on the taste of a dish.“

HORVÁTH is currently one of Berlin's bestrestaurants, with the awards to prove it.Since 2011, the kitchen has been awarded17 Gault Millau points and received 1 starin the Guide MICHELIN, the hallmarks of

fine dining quality and restaurants aroundthe world. Local, regional and internationalfood critics have praised the restaurant’sunique dishes and cooking styles.

HORVÁTH, the unpretentious Michelin-starred restaurant in Berlin-Kreuzberg, of-fers rustic, fresh, modern and exciting food. Inspired by Austrian flavours and pro-duce, chef Sebastian Frank’s menu has quickly gained a culinary reputation in Ger-many’s capital.

TEXT: ELISABETH DOEHNE | PHOTOS: HORVÁTH

World-class dining in Berlin

Portrait: Sebastian Frank, head chef and owner

Restaurantof the Month

Germany


Issue 26 | May 2015 | 35

Discover Germany | Restaurant of the Month | Horváth

Unpretentious and authentic diningAs dark wood panels line the inside, ambi-ent lighting shines throughout the intimatedining room and bar.The rustic, warm andcomfortable interior complements themodern, fresh and creative atmosphere ofthe kitchen. For diners, this inviting atmos-phere offers stunning aesthetics withoutthe highbrow nature of other upscalerestaurants.

HORVÁTH’s kitchen strives to create sim-ple and elegant food made from fresh, lo-cally sourced ingredients, re-interpretingAustrian culinary traditions with a moderntouch. Sebastian Frank and his small teamfocus on using a variety of colours and tex-tures on each plate, to satiate the eyes asmuch as the taste buds.

Austrian talent in BerlinA native of Austria, Sebastian Frank hasworked in some of its finest andmost pres-tigious restaurants. From 2003 to 2006, heworked at the "Steirereck" in Vienna,named one of the top 50 "Best Restaurantsin theWorld."The young talent also cookedas sous-chef at the "Interalpen HotelTyrol."

In 2010, Frank settled in Berlin. As headchef of HORVÁTH, he was genuinely sur-prised by the positive response and criticalappraise that his work generated. In 2011,he was awarded the first star – and alsonamed the most promising chef of the year.In 2014, he and his partner became jointowners of the restaurant.

The history of HORVÁTH,however, extendsback to the 1980s, when the restaurantopened its doors under the name EXIL andlocals and visitors flocked here. The Britishmusic star David Bowie was a regular guest.Later, Austrian businessman OswaldWiener, father of the chef SarahWiener, tookover the restaurant. In 2005, two Austrianchefs founded HORVÁTH, and subse-quently employed Sebastian Frank as theirhead chef. Within a few years, Frank hadmade his culinary mark and turned therestaurant into a magnet for all those insearch of authentic Austrian cuisine.

Regional and classic identity

The imaginative and approachable foodhas its roots in the character of classic Aus-

trian fare. All produce and cooking meth-ods are in line with traditional Austrianflavours and authentic preparation meth-ods.The chef plays to regionalism by offer-ing locally sourced ingredients as well asseasonal menus. Looking ahead, his goal isto establish an even stronger Austrian-in-spired kitchen that resonates with guestsand critics alike.

Diners have the choice between the tradi-tional or the innovative menu. Instead ofluxurious dining, HORVÁTH offers con-trasts, aromas, and creativity in a comfort-able environment. In this warm and so-phisticated space, the young chef serves uphearty classics and dishes with surprisingflavour combinations.There is also a vege-tarian menu, and guest can choose be-tween a four and ten-course fixed pricemenu. HORVÁTH is open for dinner (6-11pm) fromWednesdays to Sundays.

www.restaurant-horvath.de

Main image: Blueberry Verjus

Left: Modern, authentic Austrian food

Below: The iniviting dining room &the warm and comfortable bar


36 | Issue 26 | May 2015

The two words ‘wine and dine’ reach newheights at Park HotelVitznau, as diners aretreated to an indulgent fine-dining experi-ence.The first of the two restaurants, focus,is reached by a glass-walled walkway thatlines the wine cellars, casting a remarkableview onto the selection of first-class winesfrom all over the world, considered an ap-petizer of what to expect in the restaurantitself.

Nature, water, the surrounding mountainsand the hotel’s own lake view combine toinspire the kitchen philosophy of head chefNenadMlinarevic.This is a philosophy that

not only influences the dishes but has alsoinspired the avant-garde architecture of therooms: warm colours and the use of differ-ent materials create an inviting atmosphere.The connection to nature can also be foundin his choice of ingredients. Placing valueon using regional produce, regardless ofwhether it is light snacks or multi-coursemenus, the head chef assiduously followsthe seasons,making it possible for guests toenjoy filigree and harmonic new creationsthroughout the year.With 17 Gault Millaupoints and two Michelin stars, it is one ofthe best restaurants that Switzerland has tooffer.

What can be seen on the way towards therestaurant focus is only a fraction of theextensive treasure-filled vaults.The six cel-lars, which are filled with about 32,000 bot-tles of world-class wine, are worth a total ofabout 26 million CHF. Yet the figures dolittle to capture the uniqueness of the winecellars, as each cellar’s design is a portrayalof the wines stored in it. French wines, forexample, are stored in stone shelves, whilewines from the NewWorld are stored in ablue overseas container further down thecellar. Wines from other parts of the oldworld – Italy, Germany, Spain or Switzer-land – can be found on the opposite side inwooden shelves.

Hidden behind the invaluable champagnesare the true treasures, as some wines notonly have an outstanding taste but also anoutstanding age.The oldest wine shelved isfrom the year 1811 and is enclosed in a

Two gourmet restaurants adorned with Michelin stars, six cellars full of world-classwines and a terrace with a magnificent view towards Lake Lucerne – the Park Ho-tel Vitznau is a culinary hotspot set in a breathtakingly beautiful landscape, just ashort boat trip from Lucerne.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN | PHOTOS: PARK HOTEL VITZNAU

A place for tastePark HotelVitznau presents award-winningcuisine and world-class wines

Discover Germany | Wine&Dine | Park Hotel Vitznau


Issue 26 | May 2015 | 37

Wine&Dine | Park Hotel Vitznau

golden casket of the Château d’Yquem.Every wine needs the right dish and viceversa.The second restaurant, a glass pavil-ion called PRISMA,makes for a casual andmore relaxed fine dining experience with a180-degree panoramic view over the lakeand mountain range.With 16 Gault Millaupoints, it was recently awarded its firstMichelin star. Start with a duet of oysterand salmon with apple, lemon and water-cress before tucking into Swiss calf cheeksstewed in Madeira accompanied by wintertruffle and mountain potatoes.

Head chef Christian Nickel and the teamaround chef de cuisine PatrickMahler invitediners on a tasteful trip through everythingcontemporary cuisine has to offer. Like Ne-nadMlinarevic, PRISMA’s head chef Chris-tian Nickel uses local produce when avail-able, such as a delectable selection of localcheeses.

Particularly in the upcoming summermonths, the connection between appreci-ating the food and landscape becomesmore intertwined as the lake terrace opens.From April onwards, guests can enjoy aluxurious brunch every Sunday from 11:30am on the lake terrace or in focus. Brunchis served in small portions directly at thetable, which avoids the stress and mess ofa buffet brunch. On workdays and week-ends, the hotel also provides breakfast be-tween 7 and 11 am, which can be enjoyedon the terrace or in the restaurant focusdepending on the weather.

Next to the boat bridge stands a historicaland somewhat nostalgic pavilion thatflanks the stunning terrace. Sweet and saltytreats accompany cold drinks while the wa-ter ripples and gurgles in the bronze ‘bulland bear’fountain.White sails can be seenon the far side of the lake while the water

itself glistens in the sunlight.On summery Sundays the ParkHotel Vitznau offers exclusivebarbecue specialities at thepavilion.

Originally founded in 1903, thePark Hotel has only recently re-opened after an extensive reno-vation programme. Today,thanks to its stunning sceneryand historical ambiance, it hascreated an indescribable at-mosphere – one best experi-enced for oneself!

www.parkhotel-vitznau.ch


38 | Issue 26 | May 2015

Some say that the image of German wineswas irreparably damaged by the bland,largely semi-sweet wines of the 1970s andearly 80s. The inexpensive off-dry‘Liebfraumilch’and the like were supposedto seduce customers but were made fromsecond-rate grape varieties grown in fertilesoils, which were actually more suited forgrowing potatoes.Today, it is no secret thatmost German wines are high quality andversatile. However, recent marketingseems to have failed to bring that notionacross.

According to statistics, the UK primarilyimports wines from France, Italy, the USA,Australia, Spain, Chile and New Zealand.Imports from Germany only account for asmall number. In 2012, Germany had amere 2.2 per cent off-trade market share ofthe UK wine market volume, according toNielsen statistics. Iris Ellmann, founder andmanaging director of The WineBarn, anaward-winning merchant of German winebased in Hampshire, has made it her goalto fundamentally change the UK’s percep-tion of German wines.

A true wine enthusiast and connoisseur,Iris Ellmann has been an inspiration forthe UK wine trade for 15 years. Winningthe IWC ‘UK Specialist Merchant of theYear – Germany 2012’, she was also nom-inated for ‘Specialist Retailer of the Year2012 – Germany’ at the Decanter WorldWine Awards. Established in 2000, TheWineBarn has made a name for itself forfinding and importing the very best ofmodern German wines and special vin-tages from exclusive winemakers. Locatedin a cosy converted barn in Hampshire,The WineBarn wants to “re-educate” themarket.“German wines are misrepresentedin the UK and we want to expand the po-sitioning of German wines – quality-wise,not quantity-wise. We want to bring Ger-man wines back onto the market so thatthey become firmly established in the UK,”Iris Ellmann explains.

TheWineBarn impresses its clients with itsthoroughly personal touch and their exclu-sive handpicked portfolio of wines. Ap-

Ever wondered why German wines are most commonly found lurking somewherealmost out of sight on the UK’s supermarket shelves? Well, German wines have fre-quently been misrepresented and underrated throughout UK history. Somehow, theislanders picked up the wrong image of German wines and the common notion ofoverly sweet and cheap wines from Germany didn’t suit the islanders’ palates andtheir fondness for drinks that err more on the dry, elegant side of things took prece-dence. Even today Brits still seem hesitant when it comes to approaching Germanwines. Is this because of the taste, their pure inexperience, ignorance, football oreven history?

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF | PHOTOS: THE WINEBARN

The Riesling revolutionary

Discover Germany | Wine&Dine | The Riesling Revolutionary


Issue 26 | May 2015 | 39

Discover Germany | Wine&Dine | The Riesling Revolutionary

pealing to private clients, Michelin-starredrestaurants, hotels and retailers alike, Ell-mann explains the importance of keeping it“small and exclusive to ensure that we canfully back every single producer.” TheWineBarn’s 2015 portfolio is an excellentselection, ranging from entry level to out-standing Grand Cru wines. Whether oneseeks a dry Riesling, a full bodied PinotNoir, a special bottle of sparkling or a deli-cious sweet wine, Iris Ellmann and herteam have something for every taste.

In celebration of their 15-year trade an-niversary in 2015,TheWineBarn held theirannual tasting event on 9 March in Lon-don’s magnificent Vintners’ Hall. With ahandpicked portfolio of 16 excellent wine-makers from almost every German regionpresent, their exclusive wines were intro-duced over the course of the evening toThe WineBarn’s trade and private clients.Visitors were able to chat to winemakersand taste around 120 different wines in arelaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Exclusive portfolio

One of the winemakers present at the tast-ing event was the Allendorf family from

the Rheingau. As one of the oldest wine-growing families in the world, they beganproducing wine in 1773. Today, their topvineyards yield clear Rieslings and PinotNoirs, which have impressive density andcharacter.“We make the soil tastable,”Ul-richAllendorf explained.“This event is per-fect for our special wines to find their wayinto top gastronomy. Iris is somebody whotruly understands German winemakingculture. She lives viniculture,”he added.

Other wineries expressed similar thoughts:“Iris is THE German wine specialist in theUK.No one knows the German wine scenequite like her,”says Nik Weis from the St.Urbans-Hof winery. Producing Riesling inall its facets from dry to noble sweet, thefamily-run estate’s wines are a lot of funand constantly impress connoisseurs withtheir elegance, distinctive playfulness andauthentic tastes. “German wines are be-coming more and more popular and ourmagnificent wine culture increasingly ap-peals to wine enthusiasts,” Nik Weis ex-plains.

Iris’s aim to change the outdated percep-tions of German wine is clearly proving to

be a successful campaign.“She has openedmy palate to German wines,” ShaunTraynor, an Irish writer, commented duringthe tasting.And we are almost certain thathe won’t be the last islander to utter simi-lar feelings about German wines in years tocome.

www.thewinebarn.co.uk

Above:The WineBarn’s annual wine tasting event in 2015

Below:Angela Kaiser, Iris Ellmann, Vanessa Beech (left to right)


40 | Issue 26 | May 2015

DiversityGermany’s 13 wine-growing areas, knownasAnbaugebiete, are home to an enormousdiversity of grapes and there are few placeson earth that can rival the wine productionin Palatine or Rhine-Hesse, where up to100 varieties are grown. German wine-makers have a veritable reservoir of grape

varieties from which to choose, amongstwhich you’ll find ‘internationals’ such asCabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah,Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Theclassics, think Riesling or Pinot varieties,naturally play a huge role, and Germanyeven boasts the world’s largest wine-grow-ing areas for Riesling and Pinot Blanc

Dating back 2,000 years, Germany’s wine history may well be equal in length toother European countries but it is remarkably distinctive. Like Goethe, viticultureis an inherent and very current part of the culture. And as is typical for the Germanculture of quality time, a glass of wine is often enjoyed directly from the winemakerin their wine taverns, wineries or wine stalls, or at one of the many wine festivals.International wine critics and authors praise the quality and versatility of Germanwine. In fact, it would be rare to find a dish that doesn’t team superbly with winefrom a German wine cellar.

TEXT & PHOTOS: DEUTSCHES WEININSTITUT GMBH | TRANSLATION: EMMIE COLLINGE

Wine from German soil- experience, culture and taste

BigWineSpecialGermany


Issue 26 | May 2015 | 41

Discover Germany | Big Wine Special | Germany

(Weißburgunder). Italy is the only countryto produce more Pinot Gris (Grauburgun-der) than German winemakers, and whenit comes to Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder),Germany ranks third in the world.

Climate, terroir and watercoursesAs a trademark for German winemakers,think delicate and elegant white wines.Given their location in the far north of theworld’s wine-growing regions, the condi-tions are optimal. Within these Germanproduction regions, the grapes are able tomature for a very long time, thus enhanc-ing their flavour. Despite having a compar-atively lower alcohol content, the wines doboast a much fuller flavour that is accom-panied by the playful interplay of fresh fruitacidity and the typical aroma of the variety.This longmaturation period is also tasted inthe red wines.

Germans wine are particularly distinctivedue to the terroir, or the soil, in which thegrapes grow. Any lover of German winesknows about how the lay of the land, therock formations and the soil affect the taste,like the slate of the Middle Rhine and theMosel, to the keuper in Franconia or thevolcanic soil of the Kaiserstuhl. Often, thevineyard’s designation is merely for orien-tation, as certain terroir characteristics canbe associated with them. This mainly ap-plies to high quality wines in particular.The origins of German wine are frequentlyassociated with the names of rivers, as wineproduction happens in the river valleys,which boast a very balanced climate thanksto the compensatory effect of the water.The spectacular steep slopes along theMosel, Rhine and Neckar rivers are con-sidered some of the most special sightswithin Germany’s cultural landscape.

Wine tourism

Germany’s wine regions are amongst someof the most popular holiday destinations.Home to scenic vineyards, river valleys andan undulating landscape, these picture-per-fect villages and terraced vineyards go handin hand with an advanced, diverse culinaryheritage and welcoming people.Holidayingat a vineyard has become a trend,with hos-pitality and event listings becoming ever

more extensive year on year. Many offercosy guest apartments or homes. They’vecreated stylish vinotheques and these evo-lutions are linking the traditional nature ofwine growing with a new world of experi-ences, in which young families with chil-dren can also feel at home.

Families, friends and wine cellars

It is often the case that German wine es-tates have been run by the same family forgenerations. But it’s also these places,where inheritance reigns and thegrapevines were equally divided amongstthe offspring, where the establishment hasin fact shrunk to such an extent that run-ning their own wine cellar is no longerprofitable. This prompts the tradition ofwinemaking cooperatives in which experi-enced cellar masters prepare first-ratewines with their members’ grapes. Otherwine growers without their own vinifica-tion facilities or commercialisation passtheir carefully cultivated grapes and winesinto the hands of the cellar masters whothen ensure that these German wines aremade available on the global market.

Wine at its prime

Younger consumers, who are drawn tolively wines, trendy dry seccos or Blanc deNoirs, which tend to be offered in particu-lar by young winemakers, have long dis-covered the fantastic quality of Germanwines.Wine is very much on trend,makingit an exciting topic of conversation. Goodwinemakers are known, opinions areswapped and friends are invited to cookand eat together. Some producers even en-joy ‘cult status’amongst their fans. Count-less bloggers and wine aficionados take tothe Internet, using social media to debateproduction and quality. Themes such assustainability and organic cultivation arestirring upmore andmore interest amongstproducers and consumers. And so that itwon’t get boring for lovers of wine, theGerman wine regions present an inex-haustible supply of places and wines to dis-cover, and each year brings with it new en-joyment.

www.deutscheweine.dewww.germanwines.de


42 | Issue 26 | May 2015

The name says it all: the family name ofWeinreich literally means “rich in wines”and couldn’t be more suitable for a familywith a winemaking tradition. Furthermore,the family’s vineyard lies in an area knownasWonnegau,which translates into the dis-trict of delight.“In an area like this and car-rying a name like ours, it was clear that theright thing to do was to dedicate my life towinemaking – like my parents did,” saysvineyard owner Marc Weinreich.

The Rheinhessen area is famous for itswine-growing traditions that were estab-lished during the Middle Ages under theinfluence of the church.Today, vintners cul-tivate about 26,500 hectares of vineyards,mainly growing Riesling grapes, but alsoPinot and a small quantity of other grapevarieties.The region’s climate is influencedby two main factors: the Rhine river andtheir south facing slopes that are ideal forgrowing vines.

When Marc Weinreich took over the fam-ily vineyard six years ago, he set about re-structuring it completely. Even though ayounger generation is now in charge, tra-ditional techniques that date back genera-tions are still carefully preserved:Weinreichwines are organic wines, the grapes arepicked by hand to guarantee only the bestgrapes are used for winemaking. A naturalapproach is essential for Marc Weinreich:“Our wines take in and display what thevineyard locations around Bechtheim haveto offer,”explains the winemaker.“The na-tive soil conditions allow us to create wineswith a unique character.”These are winesthat not only reflect the winemaker’s skillsbut also let wine lovers taste their origin.The assortment is exquisite: A small rangeconcentrates on the essentials such as Ries-

Situated in Bechtheim in the famous wine-growing region of Rheinhessen, theWein-reich vineyard has had its focus on organic viticulture since the young vintner MarcWeinreich took over the company from his parents in 2009. FromRiesling wines to Sil-vaner, Weinreich wines have a characteristic taste originating from the natural soil andthe winemaker’s skills.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN | PHOTOS: PRESS IMAGES

Weinreich WinesOrganic Riesling with a uniqueand individual character


Issue 26 | May 2015 | 43


ling, Silvaner and Pinot wines. While so-called “Gutsweine” are their basic wines,focusing on the grape variety’s characteralone, the“Ortsweine”convince wine afi-cionados with their mineral taste and au-thenticity. The top wines produced byMarcWeinreich are the“Lagenweine”with theirunique taste of minerals, influenced by thesoil they have grown on, the terroir ofBechtheim’s best sites.

The grapes used for Gutsweine, such asthe cuvee of Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc,are ripened on locations around Bechtheim,where the soil consists of loess clay andlime marl. Treating the grapes gently is es-sential to ensure high quality alongsidetheir fermentation with natural yeast for

many weeks. Describing the result of thisdedicated pursuit is almost akin to a wed-ding dance on the tongue, smelling of hon-eydew melon but with a crisper taste.

The Rheinhessen Riesling wines are themost famous ones.One of the Ortsweine isthe 2013 Bechtheimer Riesling, a dry winegrown on the best locations aroundBechtheim,which gives them ripeness anda mineral taste.Harvested by hand and fol-lowed by a lengthy maceration time, thearomas find their way into the juice laterfermented with natural yeast. The Rieslinghas a beautiful, deep-yellow colour and aprofoundly spicy but fruity note.

Two of the best Lagenweine also includetheir Riesling wines: the Geyersberg 2013and the Hasensprung 2013. Loess clay andlime marl soil make the Geyersberg one ofthe best locations in all of Rheinhessen.The grapes for the Geyersberg Rieslingwere harvested by hand when extremelyripe, selected in various steps and onlylightly squeezed before maceration. Thewine then ripened in wooden barrels formany weeks before being bottled at theend of June.The taste is reminiscent of thelimestone soil combined with filigree acid-ity – a rather multi-layered Riesling. Theprocess used for the Hasensprung Riesling

was similar, but here growth was not onlyinfluenced by clay soil but also by thesouth-facing terraces and a lot of sunlight.Starting with the aromas of peach andhoney, with along a mineral taste furtherback in the throat, the wine is like headingstraight towards the sun.

Marc Weinreich is a prime example of theyounger winemakers currently working inthe Rheinhessen region. Their work cre-ates a new dynamic and makes tasting theregion’s wines evenmore interesting.Manyhave taken over businesses that have beenfamily-run for generations but they’ve nowdecided to give their wines an individualandmodern handwriting style.MarcWein-reich’s new approach has already earnedhim applause from wine connoisseurs. In2014 Gault Millau honoured the vineyardwith the second grape, citing that: “MarcWeinreich deserves the highest respect forwhat he has achieved in the last few years.”

www.weinreich-wein.de/EN

Portrait: Marc Weinreich

Below: Bechtheimer Riesling (left)

Geyersberg (middle)

Hasensprung (right)


44 | Issue 26 | May 2015

Born into a wine-growing family, ChristinePröstler studiedViticulture andOenology inGeisenheim, before gathering further ex-pertise in South Africa and New Zealand.She then worked for some of the country’smost prestigious wineries, such as theStaatlicher HofkellerWürzburg, before de-ciding to embark on her own venture. Fran-conia, one of Germany’s most iconic wine-growing areas, is both her home and herinspiration.Together with partnerAlexanderWeber, she established the innovative win-ery in the village of Retzbach. Her parentsalready owned the vineyards here, but hadalways opted to sell the grapes to the localcooperative instead of bothering with pro-duction. Christine Pröstler took her chanceand the premises now feature a proper win-ery, including a vinotheque, all of which liveup to the latest industry standards.

The vineyard covers an area of six hectaresof shell limestone grounds, offering optimalconditions for the production of three dif-ferent types of wine: the clear and fruity-noted estate wines; the dry and mineral-rich Retzbacher wines; and thirdly, theBenediktusberg wines, which are definedby their strength and complexity.

2012 brought the first harvest and the resultwas considered quite an achievement. ForChristine Pröstler and her team,outstandingquality is their top priority, resulting in ex-cellent Gault Millau and Eichelmann wineguide ratings. She has already been awardedthe title“Young vintner of the year 2013/2014”by the German Agricultural Society (DLG).

“Tome,wine is a product of nature and per-fectly represents joie de vivre, enjoyment

and unsullied harmony with the naturalsurroundings.My team and I are dedicatedto bringing out the best in the grapes andeach year we face new challenges.You haveto be flexible and every tank of wine needsto be treated independently with great careand attention,”Christine Pröstler explains.“What I stand for and believe in are clearwines and fruity notes; wines that are bot-tled without any distractions from theircontents,”the young vintner concludes.

www.cproestlerweine.de

Christine Pröstler is one of the latest additions to the German wine-producing so-ciety. Based in the beautiful Franconian countryside near Würzburg, the award-win-ning vintner has already become a household name amongst industry experts andis definitely a label to bear in mind.

TEXT: MERYEM HAUER | PHOTOS: WEINGUT CHRISTINE PRÖSTLER

New, innovative andsuccessful

Portrait: Christine Pröstler



Issue 26 | May 2015 | 45

Under the leadership of Stefanie Weeg-mueller-Scherr and her sister GabrieleWeegmueller, their love for extraordinarytypes of wines and traditional winemakingmethods has made the winery a rather fa-mous address for wine enthusiasts.The his-tory of theWeegmuellers, an old noble fam-ily from Zurich, goes back centuries.Emigrating from Switzerland to RhinelandPalatinate in 1657, the family began produc-ing wine in 1685 before moving to Haardt,the ‘sunny terrace of Germany’, in 1737.Since then, theWeegmuellers have been lo-cated on ‘the balcony of Palatinate’, whoseexceptionally warm climate is perfect forgrowing unique vines and even almonds,lemons and figs. More than 90 per cent ofWeegmueller’s 14 hectares of prime vine-yards belong to the top classified locations in

the Palatinate with excellent soil conditions.“We call Palatinate ‘the Tuscany of Ger-many’,” winery owner Stefanie Weeg-mueller-Scherr laughs. The trained wine-maker has worked in the profession since1984, a time when no other women werefound in the male-dominated industry. Shehas not only mastered the technical aspectsof winemaking, but brings heart and sensu-ality to her work. Putting special emphasison working in conformity with nature, eco-logical awareness and a willingness to un-derstand natural processes form the basis forthe production of their high-quality wines.

The wines of the winery, which has been inthe family’s hands for 11 generations, havefine fruity nuances, lightness, density, com-plexity and elegance. Focusing primarily on

producing white and dry wines, Rieslingdominates their white wine range.Also onoffer are Pinot Gris, Gewuerztraminer, Syl-vaner, Rieslaner, Mueller Thurgau andKerner.With a love for extraordinary typesof wines, Stefanie Weegmueller-Scherr re-cently began planting Gruener Veltliner, awine that is rather rare in Germany. Herwillingness to strive for the unusual haspaid off; theVeltliner quickly achieved suc-cess on an international level.And theVelt-liner isn’t the only success – Weegmuellerwinery has already scooped an impressiveamount of regional, national and interna-tional awards. Following the philosophythat‘tradition means to keep the fire burn-ing,’ the vineyard constantly tries to furtherdevelop their quality and aspirations.“Weknow that new and upcoming wine grow-ers are springing up like mushrooms allover Palatinate, but we continually try toliven up the gusto of Palatinate,”StefanieWeegmueller-Scherr concludes.

www.weegmueller.de

With 325 years of exceptional viticultural family traditions, the award-winningWeegmueller winery has consistently impressed palates with their exquisite winecreations from the Mittelhaardt in Rhineland Palatinate.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF | PHOTOS: KARL HOFFMANN / STEFANIE WIDMAYER / KARL JOTTER


Portrait: Stefanie Weegmueller-Scherr

Liven up the gusto of Palatinate


46 | Issue 26 | May 2015

“We are committed to sustainable viticul-ture and traditional winemaking,”says Ste-fan Braunewell, graduate engineer in vini-culture and oenology. “We are playfulcraftsmen, almost artisans,”he adds.That’swhy each of Braunewell’s wines is distinct,created with unrivalled love for detail; be itorange, unfiltered, red,white, sweet or first-class sparkling wines.The majority of their

wine-growing area is planted with Bur-gundy, pinot noir, pinot gris and Germany’sfamous Riesling grape.“All of our wines arecertified by leading wine guides and com-petitions,” the winemaker explains.

Located close to Frankfurt, the estate ishome to some prime locations, such as theTeufelspfad, where the climatic differences

can be tasted. From the slopes that are highin lime content, the wines are fresh andtense, whereas the centre of the slope ischaracterised by a deep marl soil andwarmer temperatures so that the wines be-come powerful and elegant. “We love toplay with these differences,” ChristianBraunewell says.“It’s beautiful to work onthe perfect expression every year anew.Wewant to delight people with our wines andourselves too, producing great products andthe wine’s details.” Representing the coolNorth of Rhinehessen, their wines are ter-roir typical,mature and fruity with vibratingacidity and limestone groove.

www.weingut-braunewell.de

Family values, cross-generational expertise, nature, tradition and a shared visionof premium wines have long been the principles that the family-run Braunewell win-ery stands for. Even today, the two generations of the Braunewell vintners bank onclose-to-nature vineyard management and natural winemaking in this historicwine-growing municipality of Essenheim in the Selz valley.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF | PHOTOS: WEINGUT BRAUNEWELL


Wine production in harmony with nature

Main image: Vineyards in the Teufelspfad

Right: Braunewell brothers

Far right: Braunewell Teufelspfad 2013 Pinot Gris


Wine experiences, Events & Incentives

Herrgottsgarten · Berges-Kitzer & Schneider GbR · Augustinerstraße 31 · D-55116 Mainz · www.herrgottsgarten.de

Enjoy Wine experiences from the treasure chest Rhine Valley and heart of Rhinehessen. Taste the famous Riesling wines in its own region. Exclusive, customised services and packages.Only 30 minutes from Frankfurt Airport.

Wine tours

Wine tasting at full moon

Wine & gourmet picnic

Wine & chocolate

gBer·ten ottsgargrHer GbR Schneider &es-Kitzer g D·31 ugustinerstraße A·R .herwww·Mainz D-55116 ten.deottsgargrr


Wine experiences for a day, a weekend or awhole week in Germany’s biggest andmostbeautiful wine-growing region – the com-pany ‘Herrgottsgarten’ create the exquisitecombination of culture and wine, far re-moved from stressful working hours.“Wetake a lot of care in selecting our cooperat-ing partners, such as vintners, gastronomyand accommodation providers,” AnkeSchneider, one of the two founders andjoint owner, explains.Whether a customerdesires a full moon wine tasting, a drivethrough Rhinehessen and Rheingau on thenostalgia bus, dinner in a vineyard, a clas-

sic grape harvest or cooking course, Her-rgottsgarten is sure to satisfy everyone’s in-dividual wish.

Having been awarded the 2014 Best ofWine Tourism Award of The Great WineCapitals, the company focuses on personal,warm and considerate planning for all theirwine experiences and trips. Customers eachreceive a personal contact person who caresfor their wellbeing.“Wewant our customersto feel like they’re in ‘Herrgottsgarten’, inparadise,”Anke Schneider says.“Our cus-tomers don’t need to plan a thing and weseek to guarantee happy and carefree hours

for our clients, far removed from stressfuleveryday life,”she adds.

www.herrgottsgarten.de

Looking for exclusive company events, customised trips and incentives, as well asunique fringe events for conferences and congresses that will bring employees andcustomers closer together? Just 30 minutes from the business hub of Frankfurt andnear Mainz and Wiesbaden, two dedicated women organise wonderful wine ex-periences in the beautiful and historic landscape of Rhine-Hesse and Rheingau withan exceptional sense for detail.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF | PHOTOS: DIETH + SCHROEDER / HERRGOTTSGARTEN

Above: Experience the best viewsin Rhine-Hesse and Rheingau from the nostalgia bus.

Enhancing business relations through exceptional wine events


48 | Issue 26 | May 2015

The vineyard Heinrich Eser is situated inOestrich-Winkel, a small village in thewine-producing region of Rheingau. Stemmingfrom thewine-growing traditions thatmonksinitially established in the Rheingau duringthe Middle Ages, it wasn’t until 1917 thatLeonard Eser bought the Doosberg, a vine-yard that had formerly belonged to theMainzdiocesan chapter.This purchase laid the foun-dations for a long family tradition,which sawHeinrich Eser take over the vineyard fromhis father in 1947. Today, the vineyard isnamed after him,honouring the qualitywineshe began producing in themiddle of the lastcentury.His two sons,Helmut and Felix,nowrun the family business and have since en-larged the vineyard to encompass 12 hectares.

These days, three generations and fiveEser families live on the vineyard andwhile everyone has his or her own jobalongside the winemaking, everyone lendsa hand when needed – especially duringthe harvest or with wine tastings. Just lastyear, Tobias Eser followed in his fatherHelmut’s footsteps and he now managesthe family business with wife Michaela.They both want to honour the family’s tra-ditions while trying out new approachesand techniques in winemaking. “With aguiding touch let nature take its course,”isa sentence that describes their work. Thevintner duo strive to create top qualitywines that contain an individual characterand taste.

Michaela and Tobias Eser are both fullytrained winemakers, having gained valu-able expertise from their time spent work-ing for other wine-makers in order to ob-tain vital insight into different techniques.“We want to find our own way in wine-making without shaking the foundationsour wines are built on,”explains MichaelaEser.While taking over and enlarging bot-tle sales, they will also develop new prod-uct lines throughout 2015 and introducenew work processes to lead their family’scraft into the future.

As one big family living and working onthe vineyard, Heinrich Eser wines con-nect generations. The family’s dedicationgives a remarkable nature to the wines,rendering them not only suitable for fam-ily meals but also for special events andcelebrations.

www.heinrich-eser.de

Since the beginning of the 20th century, the vineyard Heinrich Eser has stood forcrisp Rieslings and handpicked red wines. Today, the fourth generation of Eser vint-ners work on its steep Rheingau slopes to produce top quality wines, combininglong family traditions with new approaches in winemaking.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN | PHOTOS: VINEYARD HEINRICH ESER

Heinrich Eser winemakersLeading a traditional, family-ownedwinery into an inspiring future

Main image: Vineyard Heinrich Eser in Oestrich-Winkel. Right: Heinrich Eser Riesling Wines (top). The whole family helps duringthe harvest on the vineyard (middle). Wines maturing in big barrels (below).



Issue 26 | May 2015 | 49

In 2012 the young winemaker JohannesKopp took over the family business, locatednear the spa town of Baden-Baden in thestate of Baden-Württemberg. Set in thefoothills of the Black Forest, he is now incharge of 20 remarkably diverse hectares,which are largely characterised by siliceousrich rocks of red porphyry, which give thewines a very special note due to their rich-ness in minerals. The perfect and rathermild microclimate in the area, includingplenty of sunshine during the summermonths and barely any frost in winter, addsto the high quality of the grapes.

Kopp winery specialises in Riesling, PinotNoir, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. Relying

on traditional wine-making techniques, alltheir red wines are openly mash fermentedbefore being allowed to develop their fullpotential in authentic French barriques for18 months.

The latest addition to the Kopp collection isthe Feigenwäldchen, exclusively producedsince 2009 on the grounds of the Fremers-bergmonastery by Johannes Kopp.Tomakethe most of the ancient Riesling vineyards,which are surrounded byMediterranean figtrees, a lot of expertise is demanded, butKopp’s efforts are already paying off. Theterraces are considered amongst the bestGermanwine-growing areas, often dubbedthe‘pearl of Baden’and home to the Baden

Grand Crus. Feigenwäldchen wines are ex-clusively available as a limited edition.

2013 marked a special year for the Koppwinery as the corporate identity was re-defined, simplifying the identification forcustomers of their unique Basic,Terroir andLagen wines, each named after a specialvineyard. Today, the high quality producehas become a household name amongstwine connoisseurs, and the German Han-delsblatt just voted Kopp amongst the topyoung German vintners. Alongside an im-pressive three Red Grapes on the GaultMillau rating, the 2010 Spätburgunder Salso scooped third prize at the German RedWine Awards.

Germany’s most significant wine guide, theGault Millau 2015, says: “The new pro-ducer’s own quality classification is accom-panied by a tremendous increase in quality.The wonderfully balanced white Bur-gundies are complemented by the sensitiveRieslings from the Fremersberg monastery.The multifarious variety of the finest 2012Lagen Pinot Noirs is outstanding.”

www.weingut-kopp.com

Featuring three red berries on the Gault Millau rankings, Kopp winery is one ofBaden’s finest vineyards and renowned for producing outstanding Riesling aswell as award-winning Burgundies.

TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTOS: KOPP WINERY


Finest Feigenwäldchen from thehome of the Baden Grand Crus


50 | Issue 26 | May 2015

Since 2010 the Petershof winery has beenrun by the 13th generation of the family,with Stefan and Johanna Kuhn now suc-cessfully maintaining the estate as a beau-tiful home for quality wines. Over the lastfive years the vineyard, located in Alzey-Schafhausen, been carefully modernisedwhile upholding strict respect for the tradi-tional spirit of this historic estate.

The terroir surrounding Petershof is char-acterised by a high lime content, whichboth heats up easily and stores sufficientwater. All the vineyards are situated in amagnificent south-facing setting and thesun helps to develop the outstanding grapeflavours. As a result of these ideal condi-tions, classic wines (Riesling, Chardonnay,Pinot Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noirand Merlot) as well as certain Rhine-Hes-sian specialties (Scheurebe,Huxelrebe, Sil-vaner, Rivaner and Pinot Meunier) form

the basis of their portfolio. The life of awinemaker is indeed a full-time job, as thegrapes are very sensitive to environmentalinfluences and need careful treatment aswell as a natural level of nutrients.The fer-mentation processes are individually tai-lored to the grape varieties to ensure theirfull potential.

Since taking over responsibility for the es-tate, Stefan Kuhn and his family have en-hanced the production facilities.With newstainless steel tanks, the wines’ matura-tion process is temperature controlled. Forthe final touches, wooden and barriquebarrels are used to create a unique taste.The Petershof winery manufactures au-thentic Rhine-Hessian wines, with whiteswines characterised by their full-bodiedand fruity taste, while the red wines havea fruity-toned note with a delicate andsmooth finish.

The annual Hoffest attracts wine-loversfrom all over Germany and Stefan Kuhnregularly updates the winery’s blog withtheir latest news. Visitors are alwayswarmly welcomed at their wine tastingsessions and participating in a tourthrough their vineyards is a popular pas-time. The Petershof is conveniently locatedthirty minutes from Frankfurt and justforty-five minutes from the Rhine-Main-area. It is also possible to order a samplepackage of selected wines for personalwine tastings at home.

“Tradition is not to preserve the ashes, butto pass on the flame.”(attributed to GustavMahler)

www.petershof-wein.dewww.petershof-blog.de

Almost four hundred years of family traditions form the basis for this exceptionalwinery. Since 1650 the Petershof in Alzey-Schafhausen has been the home of typ-ical Rhine-Hessian wines. The knowledge about the soil, the ideal climate as wellas a natural passion for wine has been passed on from one generation to the next.

TEXT: MERYEM HAUER | PHOTOS: PETERSHOF WINERY

Every future needs a past

Portrait: Stefan Kuhn


Issue 26 | May 2015 | 51


Since Jörg Lanius took over the 200-yearold family winery in 1991, it has not onlyincreased in size, but also gained an excel-lent reputation. Having worked inTuscany,South Africa and New Zealand, Laniuscombines expertise with dedication. Thegently sloping vineyards of Bernstein,Oels-berg and Goldemund are the pillars of thewinery and Lanius treats them as such.

He explains: “Top sites, classified by theGermanAssociation of QualityWine Grow-ing Estates (VDP), reduced harvests and first-class grapes are the foundation of our hand-made premiumwines.The grape is processedgently and the wine is given enough time todevelop its taste and aroma in the cellar.”

This results in particularly authenticwines with longevity.The winery is home tothe Riesling, often referred to as the Queenof the grape varieties.“It is the only varietythat brings out the finer nuances, from thedry Gutsriesling to the noble sweet selec-tion,” Lanius adds. A historic speciality inthe region is the Pinot Noir and Laniusproduces the Pinot Noir rosé and PinotNoir red wine.

The collaboration with great localrestaurants such as the Weinhaus Weilernot only strengthens the regional wineculture, but also offers visitors a wonder-ful variety of wine-related events. For La-nius and his family winemaking is not just

an occupation, it is atrue calling.

www.lanius-knab.de

In the heart of the idyllic Rhine Gorge world heritage site, viniculture has been a tra-dition for 2000 years. Here the lush vineyards of the Lanius-Knab winery can befound producing premium wines such as Riesling and Pinot Noir.

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE | PHOTOS: ©PIELMEDIA

Lanius-KnabWinery

A family business for four generations,Weinhaus Weiler is located in the pictur-esque town of Oberwesel, right in the cen-tre of the world heritage site. The historichalf-timbered house overlooks the scenicRhine and gives an instant sense of tran-quillity and rest. Ten rooms offer moderncomfort within the traditional atmosphere.

Owners Trudel and Klaus Weiler arepassionate hosts, heartily welcoming theirguests to theWeinhaus, where selected re-gional premiumwines and traditional culi-nary art awaits.“We are deeply rooted in theregion,”explainsTrudelWeiler.“It is impor-tant for us to source quality produce fromregional suppliers and prepare it gently to

maintain all the flavours.”While the menu is primarily seasonal, a

few famous dishes such as Sauerbraten canbe tasted all year round.The wine selectionis representative of the best vintners in thevalley and the Weilers are happy to give

personal recommendations.“We offer littlewine tastings so that guests can find theirown favourite wine. Our partner Lanius-Knab winery is certainly very popular andour guests love the tour of their wine cel-lars,“ addsWeiler.

In 2010 Weinhaus Weiler was awardedthe prestigious title Host of the Year inRhineland-Palatinate and in 2014 and 2015they received TripAdvisor’s Travellers’Choice Award.

www.weinhaus-weiler.de

In the enchanted region of the Rhine Gorge, hospitality is much more than just aword; it is a way of life. At Weinhaus Weiler, the hotel, restaurant and wine tavern,guests can look forward to a heartfelt service, traditional cuisine and an out-standing wine selection.

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE | PHOTOS: WEINHAUS WEILER

Award-winning hospitality at WeinhausWeiler

Portrait: Joerg Lanius


52 | Issue 26 | May 2015

The fascination of wine - up close!Whether as a wine connoisseur, wine loveror pleasure seeker, a personal guided tourthrough vineyards and wine cellars alongwith a wine tasting, or perhaps an excellentafternoon snack of cold cuts in the wine-maker's own “Heurigen” wine tavern, isalways a remarkable and authentic experi-ence.Wineries inAustria are – in contrast tothose in many other countries – usuallysmall operations and nearly always family-run enterprises. That is why a visit to ourwinemakers is so individual and unique.

Wine with leisure activities included

The unbeatable combination of wine andgood food, leisure time,culture and relaxationis a necessary – andwelcome–diversion fromeveryday life.Now,many wine regions offerpackage deals for that perfect wine holiday.For wine explorers who prefer to plan theirown trips, the travel platform from the

AWMB – winetravelsinaustria.com – com-prises optimal features for the seamlessplanning of an individual journey. Wine-makers, wines, hotels, restaurants andevents can be easily matched to suit theplanned holiday dates and incorporatedinto an individual holiday route.

Wide range of offers in Austria's wineregions

Those who are fans of culture can enjoy, forexample, a wine culture journey inNiederösterreich (Lower Austria), with itspicturesque wine regions along the Danuberiver including magnificently impressivemonastery churches like Melk, Göttweigand Klosterneuburg. For friends of natureand sport enthusiasts who like to enjoywine after a bike ride or round of surfing,the Neusiedler See is the absolute high-light. In Southern Austria, the Südburgen-land and Steiermark regions are havens for

relaxation. In these areas, wine is enjoyednot only with a delicious “Brettljause”– aplatter of cold meats – but also as a re-freshing and soothing cosmetics product.And in Vienna, the steep up-and-downhiking trails – especially on the Nussbergand Kahlenberg vineyard hills – providebreathtaking views of the capital below,and beyond.TheVienna Basin, south of thecity, presents great hiking opportunities,and these can be rounded off with a culi-nary exploration at a traditional “Heurigen”wine tavern.

Austria's wine roads are ready for spring.And at winetravelsinaustria.com, the all-inclusive journey of discovery to wine guar-antees you’ll find and plan the best experi-ence possible.

www.austrianwine.com

The wine regions are often just a short trip away, offering not only a wide range ofexcellent wines and tasty specialties, but also a complete experience that unitesrelaxation and wellness with exercise and fun. With the online platform winetrav-elsinaustria.com from the Austrian Wine Marketing Board (AWMB), a site rich intravel recommendations and routes, there is nothing to stand in the way of an ex-citing journey of discovery through Austria's wine and pleasure landscape.

TEXT: AUSTRIANWINEMARKETINGBOARD (ÖSTERREICHWEINMARKETINGGMBH) | PHOTOS: ÖWM/WIRZ, DIETER STEINBACH

Discover AustrianWine

BigWineSpecialAustria

Portrait: Willi Klinger, Director ÖWM


Issue 26 | May 2015 | 53

Discover Germany | Big Wine Special | Austria

This family-run business, located inHöflein, mainly focuses on the indigenousgrape varieties of the region: Grüner Velt-liner, Zweigelt and Blaufränkisch.They arepassionate about their artisanal wines thatcan be best described on a spectrum of lightfruity whites to deep luscious reds, and aswines that always reflect their origin in theCarnuntum.The internationally successfulwines are complex and harmonious andhave scooped several awards and prizes.The Syrah wine,which embodies the wine-maker’s passion, is notably high in demand.

As the perfect complement to the win-ery, theArtners run two restaurants in cen-

tralVienna, which both specialise in tradi-tional and regional dishes. At the tavern inHöflein, guests are welcome to try goats’cheese specialities, which team perfectlywith their wine assortment.

Christoph Artner, the youngest of foursiblings, is responsible for marketing andexports. He created the idea of combininghis passion for wine with his love for a punklifestyle, which led to the slogan: Do whatwe wanna do, drink what we wanna drink!Together with business partners GeraldTravnicek andMario Galowsky, he developsthe wines Rotten, Daydreamer, PortugueseLove, T.F.A. (Time For Action) and Rosy

Cheekwith the label of Punk’s FinestWines.Each wine comes with its own soundtrackand can be listened to on the website.

www.artner.co.atwww.punksfinest.com

The vineyard Artner covers an area of 35 hectares of prime wine-growing land inthe Carnuntum region of Austria. As the ancient Romans knew all too well, thesenutritious lime and loess soils combined with the climatic influences of LakeNeusiedl and the Danube provide the optimal conditions for viticulture.

TEXT: MERYEM HAUER | PHOTOS: VINEYARD ARTNER

A passion for wine

Weddings between grapevines, birthdayparties amid barrique barrels, or Christmasparties in the wine cellar; Leo Hillinger spe-cialises in offering exclusive and individualevents.“We don’t offer ready-made pack-ages off the shelf, as wewant to individuallyand exclusively tailorevery event to our cus-tomer’s wishes. We con-vey the unique feeling thateach event is a unicumand isn’t carried out a sec-ond time,” Leo Hillinger,owner and manager, ex-plains enthusiastically.

Offering an all-round service for theircustomers’ events, 75 employees seek toguide their guests throughout the entire cel-ebration. Since 2004, visitors have beenwel-comed to stop at the premises seven days aweek, 365 days a year.“Our event options are

eclectic and varied.Whether onewants to ar-rive at the event with a helicopter or dreamsof an idyllic picnic in the vineyards – every-thing is possible,”explains Leo Hillinger.

The competent Hillinger events teamalso assist their customers with the organi-sation of the programme of events and thecatering. With the latest multimedia tech-nology in the barrique area and the tastinglounge, no wish goes unfulfilled. “Goodwine belongs to every celebration – andthat’s why Hillinger is the right place to be,”Leo Hillinger adds.

www.leo-hillinger.com

The Austrian Winery Leo Hillinger not only impresses with its exclusive and tastefulwines, it also boasts an exceptional location in the middle of the Jois vineyards witha view over Lake Neusiedl, making it the perfect event location. These features andmore are combined with a modern ambience and the special lifestyle of Leo Hillinger.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF | PHOTOS: WOLFGANG PRUMMER

More than exclusive wine

Portrait: Hannes, Christoph and Peter Artner

Below: HILL Lounge; the event room and tasting area


54 | Issue 26 | May 2015

The oldest restaurant in central EuropeFine dining between tradition and modernity

If the walls could talk they would tell manystories from the past centuries. Since firstbeing referenced in a document from theyear 803, St. Peter Stiftskeller is the oldestrestaurant in Central Europe. But it is cer-tainly not frozen in time nor stuck in his-tory, as it is constantly reinventing itself inorder to provide its guests with the bestservice and fine dining creations of thehighest quality. Tradition and modernityare united in a truly unique Austrian gem.

Situated in the heart of Salzburg's old towncentre, surrounded by stunningly beautifularchitecture, St. Peter Stiftskeller is an im-portant part of the city’s urban image. From

housing French soldiers during theNapoleonicWars to being looted at the endof the First World War, it is also a true wit-ness to Salzburg’s lengthy history. The

restaurant is set amongst old monasterywalls, radiating an atmosphere of venera-bility and comfort at the same time.

Having always been famous for its hospi-tality, St. Peter Stiftskeller is constantlycoming up with innovations and new ideasfor the menu, whilst maintaining its dis-tinctively high standards and the comfortits guests are used to.Nearly every day seesnew dishes being tried out, ensuring thatregulars are presented different options oneach visit. Head chef Andreas Krebs has apassion for carefully selecting seasonal andlocally sourced produce, with which hemasterfully creates classical, traditionaldishes, such asTafelspitz and Cordon Bleu,with an innovative twist.The local ingredi-ents are complemented by a selection of in-ternational produce, such as Irish Herefordbeef. One dish definitely not to be missed

For more than 1,200 years, St. Peter Stiftskeller has been the place to be in Salzburgfor wining, dining and creating memories while celebrating special occasions.

TEXT: DORINA REICHHOLD | PHOTOS: ST. PETER STIFTSKELLER


Issue 26 | May 2015 | 55


when in Salzburg is the iconic SalzburgerNockerl, a sweet soufflé, which is a verita-ble classic of Austrian cuisine, and a dessertthat certainly appears on St. PeterStiftskeller’s menu and comes highly rec-ommended by the staff. To accompany thefood, there’s a considered choice of carefullychosen high quality wines, many of whichare from local Austrian producers.

Ever since Claus Haslauer and his wifeVeronika Kirchmair-Haslauer became thehosts of St. Peter Stiftskeller in 1992, theyhave worked ceaselessly to restore therestaurant’s historic interior whilst simul-taneously adding modern comfort and in-novations. The restaurant itself is made upof a total of 11 rooms, all meticulously re-stored, and an arcade court. Combined,they offer seating for up to 540 guests.While each room has a different theme, all

of them possess an unrivalled elegance andshow genuine attention for detail. In thesummer time, an additional 200 people canbe seated outside. Each of the rooms at St.Peter Stiftskeller can be booked exclusivelyfor private events.Varying in size and shape,the rooms therefore offer the ideal condi-tions for many different occasions, be it anintimate family dinner, business matters orlarge birthday celebrations.

St. Peter Stiftskeller is not only famous forits hospitality and its food, which easily ri-val the world’s best restaurants, but alsofor its broad spectrum of guests; it is a placefor everyone, locals as well as tourists, gour-met-seekers as well as businessmen.Whilecelebrities flock here during the SalzburgFestival, it’s a popular choice all year aroundfor those in the limelight.Operatic sopranoAnna Netrebko celebrated her engagementhere and designer Karl Lagerfeld took 250of his guests to the restaurant for dinner be-fore the start of a fashion show.

The restaurant is the perfect place for thosewho are looking for an extraordinary locationto host amemorable evening for their guests– after all, special occasions need an excep-tional location.Whether booking the wholerestaurant or one of the rooms, the staff at St.Peter Stiftskeller will make sure you receiveimpeccable service and unbeatable comfort.Highly experienced, the staff provide all theircustomers with their special know-how onhow to host the perfect celebration.

In 2015, Claus Haslauer and VeronikaKirchmair-Haslauer have big plans for therestaurant, as they prepare to give the gar-den a makeover, adding a new bar to theoutside area.Time never stands still in thisremarkable venue. On your next visit toSalzburg, or to celebrate your next specialoccasion in style, don’t miss a meal at theSt. Peter Stiftskeller, the oldest restaurant inCentral Europe. Take the opportunity toadd your own tale to the history of this his-toric venue, giving the walls yet more to talkabout.

www.stpeter-stiftskeller.atwww.haslauer.at


56 | Issue 26 | May 2015

“Especially important is the sincerity of whatI do. I want everything to be inherently con-sistent; I don’t want to tell fairy-tales. Every-thing that I sell withmywine is genuine.Thismeans I keep my freedom and the decisionsare ours.Wedon’t get controlledbyothers andwe know what we do.We produce wines forpeople who can distinguish between ‘good’and‘very good’,”explains Reinhold Krutzler,winemaker and owner of KrutzlerWinery.

Reinhold Krutzler is a qualified cellar mas-ter, having gained expertise through stintsat international wineries. Committed withhis heart and soul to South Burgenland’sauthentic wines, Reinhold adopted his fa-ther’s pioneering spirit and thereby spear-headed a crusade for top-quality Austrianwines.“Wine became a big part of my lifethrough my father’s passion.With full ded-ication I went to viticulture school and thusgrew into my profession to bring joy towine lovers,”Reinhold Krutzler says.

Already in its fifth generation, the winery’sexclusive vineyards are located in Deutsch-Schützen and on the Eisenberg in SouthBurgenland – known by many as‘the wineidyll’due to its gently undulating hills andcalm, tranquil ambience.Here, one can find180 hectares of Blaufränkisch vines thatare“exceptionally earthy, rich in minerals,aromatic, clear and fruity. They have a fas-cinating tannin structure, which primarilygrow on slate ground with strongly ferrousclay and are therefore unique in Austria,”explains Reinhold Krutzler.

Krutzler’s wines can be described as pro-found and versatile.“Each of our wines dis-tinguishes itself through its elegance, sup-pleness and particularly fine minerality.Wetry to strengthen the unique texture, deli-cate fruit and regionally typical finesse ineach individual wine. The bold, tannicstructure of our top wines still needs sometime to combine perfectly with the fruit

flavours in the bottle and with extendedaging, they will please the palate,” Rein-hold Krutzler continues.

“Even today, we feel obliged to follow theindependent route that we took in 1966with the production of quality wines whenthis was still the exception inAustria,”Rein-hold Krutzler concludes.

www.krutzler.at

Krutzler Winery presents a wide range of high-quality wines made from grapesripened on the Eisenberg on their 12 hectares of vineyards. The exceptional climate,beautiful mineral-rich soils and the focus on the interplay of premium fruit and con-sistent vineyard management have helped Krutzler Winery to impress countlesstaste buds since 1966.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF | PHOTOS: MANFRED KLIMEK/ HERBERT LEHMANN

Deeply rooted family business

Portrait: Reinhold Krutzler. Photo: Manfred Klimek

Main image and top: Eisenberg

Above: Eisenberg’s special slate groundinfluences the wine’s taste (middle)

Bottles of Perwolff (bottom)



Issue 26 | May 2015 | 57

Discover Germany | Discover Germany | Big Wine Special | Austria

Committed to close-to-nature viniculturefor decades, Biohof Heideboden decidedto exclusively work organically in the newmillennium.“Even though the cultivation ismuch more complex than conventionalwinegrowing, we don’t compromise whenit comes to quality,” Gottfried Tschida,owner of the family business, says. BiohofHeideboden’s vineyards are located in theSeewinkel – the eastern part of NeusiedlNational Park. Here, the vines enjoy themost hours of sun in Austria and the soilsare rich in humus and microorganisms.“Through this,” explains Tschida, “ourgrapevines can nourish themselves in a

closed eco-system withthe other plants. Theenvironmental condi-tions are ideal for culti-vation of organic wines.We also favour humanresources over ma-chines. Our grapes areall picked by hand,”headds.

Biohof Heidebo-den’s range of wines of-fers a light and fruitySauvignon Blanc, awell-balanced Riesling

and the red wine portfolio is comprised offull-bodied Zweigelt, Merlot and Syrah.However, their flagship is the Cassiopeia -a composition of Cabernet, Syrah, Merlot,Blaufraenkisch and Zweigelt. “A healthycreation full of charm and harmony,”Got-tfried Tschida explains.“Our wines are anexpression of the positive cohabitation ofhuman, vines and nature; hence our winescontribute to your mind and physical well-

being,” he concludes.

www.biohof-heideboden.at

Already in its fourth generation since 1915, the family Tschida’s Biohof Heidebodenhas long been dedicated to Austrian organic winemaking. Believing that a healthyand natural product demands an intact eco-system, Biohof Heideboden puts spe-cial emphasis on working in harmony with the landscape and its climatic conditions.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF | PHOTOS: BIOHOF HEIDEBODEN

Healthy and natural

Living in harmony with nature, the sizeand structure of the winery has been de-signed to enable vintner Christoph Edel-bauer to personally supervise and influ-ence each step of the cultivation process.“Each grape is harvested by hand,”Christoph Edelbauer explains. “The mostimportant thing for us is to respect ourvineyards and guarantee that we preservetheir quality for future generations. That’swhy we apply maximum consideration inall aspects of our work, whether it’s vinecultivation, packaging solutions or throughresource utilisation,”he adds.

A true vintner by passion, his familybusiness is located in Austria’s Kamptal.Therefore, it is not surprising that the win-

ery’s main grape varieties are GruenerVelt-liner and Riesling. However, ChristophEdelbauer has a special affection for a dif-ferent type of wine. “As a vintner fromKamptal, it’s natural for me to love theVelt-

liner and Riesling, but my true lifeblood be-longs to the Pinot Noir,”he reveals.“I believeit fits perfectly in this region and benefitsfrom the cool temperatures and the signif-icant day and night fluctuations.”Kamptal’smicroclimate and its specific soil conditionsshape the resulting wine, forming a distinc-tive character.“Mywine is a unique taste ad-venture and offers satisfaction to the palate.It should simply and unalterably reflect theclimatic conditions over the course of theyear,”the vintner concludes.

www.weingut-edelbauer.at

Christoph Edelbauer winery banks on complete sustainability to produce its highquality and exceptionally tasty organic wines.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF | PHOTOS: MARCEL KOEHLER

Pure passion for Pinot

Below: Ladybird (left). Red wine mash (middle). A bottle of Pinot Noir (right)

Left: Biohof Heideboden’s vineyard

Portrait: Gottfried Tschida


58 | Issue 26 | May 2015

The current present of Swiss Wine Promo-tion and its director are presently doingeverything in their power to create a well-known presence for Swiss wine at homeand abroad. Nestled between the far largerwine-producing countries of Germany,Aus-tria, Italia and France, there’s a host of un-expected treasure to be discovered in thissmall country when it comes to wine. Theprimary varieties of Chasselas and Pinot noirare produced to form the ideal wines, pos-sessing their own distinct characters. In theAlpine valleys, rare indigenous grape vari-eties are grown, such as Petite Arvine, Cor-nalin, Completer or Bondola,which presenta welcome break to the global monotony.

The month of May sees countless winecellars throw open their doors to public

tastings, which lends itself perfectly to acomplete discovery of Swiss wines(www.offeneweinkeller.ch). For thosewho’d like to taste wines from the lengthand breadth of Switzerland in one go,you’ll have to wait patiently until the endof summer when Mémoire & Friendsopens in Zurich on the final Monday inAugust. With over 150 exhibitors from allcorners of the country, this is a vast pres-entation of Swiss Wines (www.memoire-and-friends.ch). At Prowein in Düsseldorf,which takes place a day earlier, a smaller se-lection of Swiss wines can be enjoyed as anappetizer (www.swisswine-at-prowein.ch).

Set up in 2002 by four wine journalists,the renowned association, Mémoire desVins Suisses, plays a pioneering role

within the Swiss wine scene and countsthe elite from within the world of Swisswine production among its members,alongside journalists and professionalsfrom the wine world. The Mémoire,which maintains a veritable treasure troveof a room, home to a complete collectionof now around 20,000 wines from all ofSwitzerland, some of which are over tenyears old, is open to the public once ayear. The objective behind these exclu-sive tasting sessions is to highlight theunder-appreciated potential of aging, andtherefore the nobility of great Swisswines.

www.swisswine.chwww.swiss-wine-connection.chwww.mdvs.ch

The well-known citation from the former president of Swiss Wine Promotion: ‘Levin suisse n’existe pas’, or in English, ‘Swiss wine doesn’t exist’, might sound likea rather surprising statement from the president of an organisation whose sole goalit is to promote Swiss wines, but it was in fact meant it in a completely different con-text; Swiss wine certainly exists –just not in the minds of the consumers.

TEXT: ANDREAS KELLER | PHOTOS: HANS-PETER SIFFERT | EMMIE COLLINGE

Swiss wine doesn’t exist

BigWineSpecialSwitzerland


Issue 26 | May 2015 | 59

Seven hectares of vineyards with an inno-vative approach to viniculture have madetheir mark on international wine connois-seurs. Numerous awards, such as the GaultMillau 2013, the Grand Prix DuVine Suisseor the Transform Award 2013, are testa-ment to their high quality. A real trendset-ter in wine pressing, vintner Erich Meierbanks on the established grape varieties,which thrive in Lake Zurich’s microclimate.As the only wine-presser in the area, ErichMeier prides himself onmanually vinifying,processing and pressing all of his producedgrapes in his own wine press cellar.

Established in 1793, Erich Meier seeks togive his wines a clear signature - from thevine and the vinification to the pressingand the marketing. “In doing so, I con-stantly measure up to my standards re-garding quality, character and innovation. Iwant to remain independent and open withmy wine style, I want to explore boundariesand set new standards,” Erich Meier ex-plains. The natural features of Lake Zurich,such as its dry northerly wind, long hours ofsun and an optimal, chalky soil compositiongive the wines their distinctively fresh,fruity and strong character.“Made from na-

ture, refined in the cellar, sustainable overyears”– this is Erich Meier’s motto.

www.erichmeier.ch

The innovative winery Erich Meier relies on a big portion of perfectionism and exper-imentation to produce its exclusive, hand-made wines, impressing every palate withtheir characterful nuances. In its fifth generation, the family business in Switzerland‘sUetikon am See puts a special emphasis on sustainability and organic viniculture.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF | PHOTOS: LORENZ RICHARD

Discover Germany | Big Wine Special | Switzerland

Authentic wines of top international quality

Portrait: Erich Meier

Main image:Pinot Noir – end of October before harvesting

Above: View from vineyard across the village, lake andmountains (top)

Erich Meier pruning in winter (bottom)


60 | Issue 26 | May 2015

As the eldest son of one of Switzerland’sbest-known winemaking families, it is onlyto be expected that Pierre-Alain Mathierwould choose a prime location for his ownvineyards – and this certainly applies forDomaines des Virets, which he bought in

1995.The Domaines desVirets is situated inthe middle of the terraced vineyards of St.Léonard in the heart of theValais.The Do-maines des Virets vineyards profit from achalky soil condition and direct sunlight,which results in excellent wines.Two grape

Domaines des ViretsUnique wines from the SwissValaisIn the middle of the Alps lies one of Europe’s unique winemaking regions: the SwissValais, home to more than 5,000 hectares of prime vine-growing soil. Here, qualitywines are not only defined by their outstanding taste but also by their unique char-acter – just like those grown by Pierre-Alain Mathier on the Domaines des Virets.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN | PHOTOS: HANS-PETER SIFFERT / WEINWELTFOTO.CH


Issue 26 | May 2015 | 61


varieties were originally cultivated here:Chasselas and Pinot Noir. And now someHeida vines have been added to the vine-yard as well. The vineyard is consideredamong the region’s very best and the vinesgrown here are between 15 and 48 yearsold.

“For me acquiring this vineyard was a com-mitment to the winemaking tradition ofmy family and a declaration of love towardsmy geographical home,”says Pierre-AlainMathier.“This is something I want to passon to my descendants.”Pierre-Alain Math-ier’s family have lived in Salgesch, just a fewkilometres away from the Domaines desVirets, since the 14th century and beganproducing wines almost immediately.Hav-ing worked in London andNewYork beforemoving to Zurich about 20 years ago,wherehe lives now with his family, Mathier ex-plains that buying the vineyard has notonly allowed him to honour his family tra-ditions but also to pursue his otherpassions.

A wine region formed by ice andearth shifts

With about 5,000 hectares of vine-yards theValais is an important wineregion, where more than 40 winespecialities are made.Notably,manyvintners have turned away frommass-market wines recently andnow exclusively concentrate on pro-ducing high quality wines, admit-tedly with a decrease in quantity butwith a significant increase in quality.

With a landscape formed by retreat-ing glaciers since the Ice Age, theancient geological history not onlymade its mark on the scenery butnow has a veritable influence on thetaste of the wines grown on this soil.

Wines made of grapes grown on bestpossible soils

Under the watchful eye of the oenologistIwan Imboden, the grapes grown on thevineyards of the Domaines desVirets evolveinto two excellent wines: a Fendant and aPinot Noir. The Pinot Noir is an elegantand smooth wine with a taste perfectly fit-ting to accompany red meat, fish and Brie.It is ready to be enjoyed two to four yearsafter harvest. The Fendant, made from theChasselas grapes, is not only aromatic buthas a soft bitterness that makes it perfect foran aperitif or as a tasteful addition to fish,shellfish and cheese dishes.


62 | Issue 26 | May 2015

New techniques guarantee interestingwinesThe Domaines des Virets wines have theappeal of being wines made by a youngergeneration of experimental vintners, whoeach have a clear vision of a wine’s char-acter even before the grapes are filled intobarrels or steel tanks to be fermented. Forexample, the Chasselas grapes are pressedand the juice is cooled down until all thegrapes have been brought in from thevineyard. Only after that does the fer-mentation start, resulting in a yellowcolouring, reminiscent of cut straw, and alingering flavour, which is an aftertaste ofthe soil on which the grapes have grown.The Fendant de St. Léonard, as the wine istitled, also surprised wine connoisseursduring a tasting. Unique and wholly un-expected from a Chasselas with its inten-

sity and aromatic nature, they were as-tonished by the taste.

Unlike other vineyards, the Domaines desVirets does not open its doors to the pub-lic. Instead, the wines produced by Do-maines desVirets – such as the before men-tioned Fendant de St. Léonard as well asthe Pinot Noir de St. Léonard and the bar-rique ripened Pinot Noir Réserve de St.Léonard – can be bought at about 870Coop stores. As Coop is the market leaderfor quality wines in Switzerland, this is anunusual but fortunate cooperation. Thisyear, Domaines desVirets is celebrating the20th anniversary of their exclusive cooper-ation with Coop and is therefore launchinga newwine into the market: The Heida willbe available from summer 2015 onwards.The vines were only recently added to the

vineyard of Domaines des Virets, makingthe new Heida even more special.

www.lesvinsduvalais.ch


Issue 26 | May 2015 | 63

The Swiss winery started out as a hobby forSina Gubler-Möhr’s parents Fortunat andMagda Möhr-Niggli, who slowly turnedtheir inherited agricultural farm into a wineestate.With the help of friends and family,their dream came true, as the winery be-came their main occupation in the 1990s.

Sina and husband Matthias Gubler-Möhrjoined the business after gathering experi-ence abroad.With knowledge gained fromseveral years of work in Italy, France, Chileand California, they were perfectlyequipped to expand the parental wineryfurther. Matthias Gubler-Möhr explainstheir philosophy:“Our home is Maienfeld,in the Bündner Herrschaft. It is importantto us that you can taste where our wines arefrom. Our main challenge is to combine

traditional techniques with modern knowl-edge. That way we can make the most ofthe vine and the grape. The experience wehave gained helps us to ensure wemeet in-ternational standards.”

The famous PinotNoir, a fruity and complexred wine, is the most popular of the region,though not the easiest to produce. A wel-come challenge for the winery, this is onethey havemastered beautifully.Their flagshipwine is the PILGRIMPinot Noir,with a del-icate spiciness merged with a blue almostblack fruitiness. There is a hint of wooden,slightly roasted flavours such as mocha, co-conut and even cedar.On the palate thewineis full-bodiedwith delicate yet persistent tan-nins and a round finish.“This wine reflectsour expertise perfectly,” says Gubler-Möhr.

Award-winning chef Andreas Caminada,whose restaurant has three Michelin starsand 19 Gault Millau points, has recentlydiscovered the PILGRIM, marking a ma-jor coup for the winery. During a promo-tional Swiss Air flight from Zurich to NewYork, passengers indulged in Caminada’sfreshly prepared haute cuisine on a trayinstead of in his castle restaurant. High upin the air, the PILGRIM accompanied themeal, which made the vintners rightfullyproud.

As there is always more to explore, thewinemaking family is covering newgrounds with the white wine varietyViog-nier, which traditionally grows furthersouth. Gubler-Möhr smiles: “We see ourestate as a small gem, where we can tryeverything the way we would like to.”Asuccessful method that is reaping rewardsfor the company.

www.moehr-niggli.ch

Passion and dedication are the most important ingredients when it comes to mak-ing quality wine. Sina and Matthias Gubler-Möhr cannot imagine a life without pro-ducing wines, something you can certainly taste.

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE | PHOTOS: THOMAS KNELLWOLF PHOTOGRAPHY


Möhr-Niggli wineryPortrait: Sina and Matthias Gubler-Möhr


64 | Issue 26 | May 2015


Its red and white wine creations are char-acterised by great vivacity, spicy elegance,remarkable richness and an extraordinaryhigh quality,made possible by the vintner’scommitment and adherence to extremelystrict rules. Château de Châtagneréaz is amember of theAssociation Clos, Domaines& Château. “It is a group that federatesmany of the most historical estates of theCanton deVaud region.We share the samecommitment to the production of highquality wines and have all agreed to workin accordance to strict rules – stricter thanwhat is mandatory by law,” explains thevinter Pierre-Olivier Dion-Labrie.“We be-lieve in producing the best grapes possible

in order to make the best wine possible,”headds. By producing their grapes in a healthyand safe environment to give the mostcomplexity to the final product, theChâteau aims to respect and enhance theecosystem’s natural balance.

These efforts, combined with nearbyLake Geneva’s mild climate, the significantdrops in temperature and varying altitudes,give the estate a series of ‘tools’ to producedifferent wines that can be blended, eachcomplementing the other with its particu-lar character. Particularly famous for theirwhite wines, the estate believes that theystart offering their best after a few years ofcellaring. “They then become full-bodied

wines with com-plexnotesofhoney,peach and evensaffron,” concludesDiob-Labrie.

www.chatagnereaz.chwww.c-d-c.ch

Since the year 996, the vineyards of the magnificent winery Château de Châtagn-eréaz have stretched across Switzerland’s La Côte Mont-sur-Rolle wine-growingarea, set high above Lake Geneva.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF | PHOTOS: PHILIPPE KRAUER/ REGIS COLOMBO

A millennium of excellence

“All associates of our cooperative compe-tently process their parcels of land as a sidejob,” Markus Burgener, manager of St.Jodern’s wine-growing cooperative, ex-plains. Founded in 1979, the concept andthe goal behind the project was to collec-tively market the wines, while preservingthe tradition of theVisperterminen and theVisperValley.

Seeking to protect theAlpine vinicultureas well as constantly improving quality andguaranteeing typicity of their wines, the St.Jodern Kellerei still grows the famousHeida grape. Flourishing on steep slopes at

a high altitude, this white grape variety im-presses wine drinkers with its fresh, pun-gent and full-body character.“Our specialsoil condition, consisting of black slate,

moraine and minerals, expresses itself in afruity undertone combined with mineralnuances,”Markus Burgener says.

TheVisperterminen is not only a specialsight because of its altitude, but also be-cause of its terraced vineyards and tradi-tional dry stone walls. As the highest vine-yard in Europe, it boasts the ideal climaticconditions for viniculture, as it is also theregion in Switzerland with the least rainfall.The combination of these features alongwith the Foehn wind and the special min-eral soil creates the ideal conditions for thegrapes to ripen.

www.jodernkellerei.ch

A cooperative with over 500 members, the St. Jodern Kellerei still produces itswines according to traditions that date back centuries. The special soil conditionsof Europe’s highest vineyard in Switzerland’s Visperterminen, as well as their ex-clusive reliance on working by hand, guarantee that St. Jodern Kellerei’s wines re-main distinctive and exclusive.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF | PHOTOS: ST. JODERN KELLEREI / REMY STEINEGGER

The highest vineyard in Europe

Below: Visperterminen ‘Rieben’ vineyard (left) . Degustation room (right)

Above: Winery Château de Châtagneréaz


Issue 26 | May 2015 | 65

While individuals have spent years happilybooking into relaxing hotels with lavishspas, saunas, pools, beauty and gym facili-ties, corporations now appear to be jump-ing on the train to total relaxation too. Pam-pering time is no longer restricted to privateindividuals, as companies have discovereda way to keep their workforce happier andhealthier through wellness.

Let’s take a look at the US, where corpo-rate wellness programmes and the pro-

motion of healthy lifestyles amongst em-ployees is on the rise. According to a sur-vey conducted by the US non-profit or-ganisation The National Business Groupon Health together with financial expertsFidelity Investments, American employ-ers are investing strongly in growing cor-porate wellness and health-focussed pro-grammes for their employees. Over twothirds of employers now offer some formof corporate wellness programme, worthan average €652 per employee compared

to €404 five years ago. Amongst the mostpopular workplace wellness programmesof 2015, expect to see biometric screenings,health risk assessments and physical ac-tivity programmes. Massage vouchers,beauty treatments, etc. for the workforcemembers are no longer considered justfringe benefits, but important tools to en-hance physical and mental wellbeing. Ona larger scale, corporate off-sites in luxuri-ous wellness hotels are gaining popularitytoo. So next time you enter a spa area,don’t be surprised if your colleague turnsup right next to you followed by your boss,all clad in fluffy white hotel robes withmatching slippers. And if the companyyou work for is not as forward-thinkingand health-conscious as the Americansyet, it may be time to drop the HR de-partment a little hint. On the followingpages we present a wonderful selection ofhotels, which are perfect for a wellnesstrip – regardless of whether it’s private orcorporate.

Spa and wellness hotels have rapidly gained popularity over recent years, leadingthe trend for healthier lifestyles and being at ease with body and soul.

TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTO: RUZAIMY

WellnessThe new corporate treat

Special Theme

Great Spa &Wellness

Destinations


66 | Issue 26 | May 2015

Today as it celebrates its fifth anniversary,the revitalised andmodernised hotel on thelake presents 102modern rooms and suites,an award-winning kitchen and six seminarand conference rooms, each flooded withnatural light. Alongside its exclusive Bade-haus and propriety boat jetty, the hotel alsoboasts a generous 900m² wellness area andthe newly launched arteprevent® healthcentre, which has the‘art of prevention’ forsustainable health at its core.

The lake exudes an attitude of endless free-dom, radiating wellness, comfort and hos-

pitality, which is more than reflected in theinimitable style of the Seehotel Am Kaiser-strand. Discover this for yourself this Juneas you take advantage of their generous

anniversary offer of two nights for a dis-counted price.Air-conditioned and floodedwith light, the rooms and suites for guestsare characterised by their subtle colourpalette, clean lines and first-rate materials,which create a relaxing ambiance whereguests feel at home. Gazing out from thehotel, guests are enraptured with the spec-tacular views over the local mountain, the‘Pfänder’, Lake Constance and the sur-rounding peaks.

Taste and enjoyment are central to Restau-rantWellenstein.Assiduously following theseasons and opting for locally sourced pro-duce from the local area, exquisite regionaland international cuisine awaits. Culinaryhighlights can also be enjoyed in the Bade-haus, the Gastgarten and the Barista Bar.The Badehaus, built in a stilt-style of archi-tecture, is considered one of the most

Enjoying an exclusive location on the Austrian banks of Lake Constance, the SEN-TIDO Seehotel Am Kaiserstrand stands at the entrance to the city of Bregenz onwhat has long been considered Austria’s most beautiful beach, just like EmperorKarl I described it almost a century ago.

TEXT & PHOTOS: SEEHOTEL AM KAISERSTRAND | TRANSLATION: EMMIE COLLINGE

Fascination: Lake Constance


Issue 26 | May 2015 | 67

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Great Spa & Wellness Destinations

renowned showpieces of Voralberg’s folk-loric wooden architecture. It offers the idealplatform on which to spend a sunny day onthe lake, or to celebrate an exclusive eventwith up to 120 people in good weather. Arefuge for sun-seekers and those seeking achange, the walkway from the banks ofLake Constance to the Badehaus stretches42 metres and provides wonderful views.

Come summer, a further highlight comes inthe form of the mooring jetty, ‘Am Kaiser-stand’, which is a regular departure pointfor boat trips around the lake and to theBregenzer Festspielen. Charter trips for upto 1,000 people can be booked all yearround and are a popular choice for specialoccasions.

Thanks to the high standard of service atthe Seehotel Am Kaisterstrand and yourchoice of catering for the event, the sixmodern seminar and group rooms, eachequipped with the latest technology, are aharmonious place to work. Two seminarrooms can be combined to fit 85 people,and four break-out spaces, each with ca-pacity for 20-30 people, guarantee suffi-cient space for discussions, strategy settingand thought-swapping.

When it comes to wellness, there’s amplespace and time here for you to indulge yourbody from head to toe. Not only are therevarious saunas overlooking Lake Con-stance, a steam room, a Physiotherm in-frared cabin, six treatment rooms and a re-laxation area on the terrace with a lakeview, the professional masseuses and beau-ticians are on hand to provide individualconsultations and the opportunity to let goof any stress. The health-boosting conceptof arteprevent® was launched in the See-hotel’s wellness area at the beginning ofthis year. Focusing on the regeneration ofthe digestive tract, arteprevent® is based onthe most up-to-date nutritional scienceknowledge. Doctor of Medicine AlexWitasek, president of the International So-ciety of MAYR PHYSICIANS, developedthe holistic concept of ‘arteprevent® - themodern art of healthcare’after years of ex-perience in the field. While guests enjoythe invigorating fresh air and majesticviews, the therapists and doctor take care ofyour health check-up, individually prepar-ing a bespoke, sustainable and therapeuticprogramme. By uniting competent medi-cines, efficient treatment methods, healthyand appetising nutrition and the hotel’suncompromising holiday atmosphere, theSentido Seehotel Am Kaiserstrand guar-antees unique added value for a healthylife.

Close to civilisation, but yet far removedfrom daily life, alone or as a couple, profes-sionally or privately as a holidaymaker onLake Constance, the Seehotel am Kaiser-strandwill satisfy your demands.Treat your-

self this June to a spontaneous 2-night breakfor the reduced price of €268 per person,rather than €342.Relax in a Comfort doubleroom overlooking the lake, and enjoy thewelcomingmineral water, a substantial andtasty breakfast and a 3-course eveningmealin the award-winning Restaurant Wellen-stein. The price also includes a boat trip inthe Bregenz bay, access to the Spa &Well-ness area with heated indoor pool, a host ofsaunas and the cardio room. Alongsideparking, free WiFi access in all rooms, pub-lic spaces as well as in the Badehaus, the ho-tel also rents the welcome luxury of abathing basket with towels, bath shoes andbathing gown. For a trip in June 2015, usethe code Seehotel-06-2015 to activate thediscounted rate of €268 per person.

www-seehotel-kaiserstrand.at


68 | Issue 26 | May 2015

Those who seek complete solitude will findtheir perfect location on Juist, where theonly transport possibilities are horse-drawncarriages. Just a few steps away from thewhite sandy beach in the middle of Juist’sholiday life, lies Hotel Pabst. A moderncountry-style retreat nestled between thecity centre and the dunes, it is not only aclassified four-star superior hotel andmem-ber of the four-star classifiedWellness Stars

hotels, but also a classified Thalasso Hotel.With its diverse wellness offers, the hotelinduces total relaxation whatever the sea-son. Guests can expect to enjoy the sunglistening on the waves while taking longwalks along the wide beach as they feelthe fine sand beneath their toes.The area isgreat for running, strolling through the citycentre, as well as participating in othersport and leisure opportunities. A closer

look at the seal banksand mudflats is anotherpopular activity. “Wewelcome many guests,and they often gathertheir whole family here,who are often spreadacross the globe for var-ious reasons. They wantto have a beautiful timetogether,”explains hotelowner Johannes J. Pabst.Rich in tradition, thefamily-operated busi-ness has kept its charmand homely ambiencefor four generations,with 56 cosy individualrooms and suites, all de-signed in fresh Frisianblue and maritimethemes.

At Hotel Pabst unwind-ing and relaxing are toppriorities and what bet-ter way is there to treatone’s body, mind andsoul than by taking ad-

vantage of a great wellness package?Guests may choose from HotStone orAyurveda massages, baths, or a wide rangeof cosmetic treatments. They can explorethe healing power of the North Seathrough regional treatments with salt, algaeor North Sea mud. An extensive selectionof saunas is combined with an indoor pool,granting a stunning view over the dunes.Awhirlpool and dune garden are two moreexamples of the many intriguing features.With head chef Ruediger Wanke responsi-ble for the culinary pleasures, an extensivebreakfast buffet and seasonal, fresh dishesare sure to impress every taste bud. Aftertucking into the house specialty of turbot,guests can indulge in a Sea Buckthorn Fizzat the hotel bar.

www.hotelpabst.de

A rare gem of unspoilt nature, the car-free East Frisian island of Juist is locatedamidst the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Wadden Sea National Park. Offer-ing exclusive solitude, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and a four-star superior hotel, it is the ideal location for an escape from our busy everyday lives.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF | PHOTOS: W. PFISTERER

Main image: Aerial photograph of Juist

Top: The hotel in the dunes


Hotel Pabst130 years of exclusivefamily holidays


Issue 26 | May 2015 | 69


Berlin-based architects Johanne and Ger-not Nalbach have constantly converted andextended the family-operated hotel andhave achieved an architecturally pleasingdesign in harmony with its rustic setting.Today, the thatched half-timbered barn andthe Dutch clinker farmhouse have seen theaddition of the ‘Badescheune’ with swim-ming pool and fireplace, the ‘Wohlfühlhaus’offering beauty treatments, the hotel parkwith its own sandy beach and jetty as wellas tennis courts.Alongside the cosy‘Gänse-bar’ and the children’s ‘Kinderhotel’, the‘Bootshaus’, used primarily for festivals andevents, is yet another popular example ofthe hotel’s wide range of offerings.

“You won’t feel like you’re in a hotel, morelike you’re in a cottage with friends,” ex-plains Thomas Niederberghaus, journalistfromDIE ZEIT/ZEITREISEN.The expansiveviews across the lake and the stunningscenery come hand in hand with greatsporting facilities, extensive wellness andmassage offers, a generous sauna landscapeand a love for architectural details with theuse of wood or straw. 26 rooms, suites andsmall holiday chalets provide relaxation andfamily holidays. An exceptional restaurantwith a rich breakfast buffet, high qualitylocal produce and freshly caught fish fromthe lake leave no wish unfulfilled. It’s there-fore no wonder that GEO Saison called the

Seehotel amNeuklostersee one of Europe’stop 100 hotels.

www.seehotel-neuklostersee.de

Set in the Sternberger Lakeland national park and directly on the banks of a mag-nificent lake, one can find the Seehotel am Neuklostersee. Cats roam through thegrass, sheep graze on the fields and a relaxing rural idyll is sure to remove anystress from everyday life.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF | PHOTOS: NALBACH ARCHITEKTEN GMBH

Unwind in anAstrid Lindgren idyll

Choose between one of the twelve mod-ern and spacious suites with cooking fa-cilities and maisonettes or a room for twoto six people, as each one creates the per-fect space for a little break from everydaylife. “Every house needs to be its ownworld and has to be an answer to its sur-roundings,” says architect Johanne Nal-bach. This idea is reflected in the hotel’sinterior design, as it refers back to the lo-cation’s history.

The tranquil haven is located directlybeside the lake in the picturesque nature ofthe Mecklenburg Lake District. Ideal forspending harmonious days with the whole

family, the hotel boasts almost unrivalledfamily friendliness – and not only becauseof the ‘Kinderspielhaus’, sandbox or theswings. After indulging in fresh local pro-duce at the hotel’s restaurant, one can en-

joy the small wellness area with Finnishsauna and sauna garden, an old barn forevents, a hotel park, a small bathing beachwith landing stage, a wine cellar, as well asa lawn in the paradise-esque chateau park.The hotel’s surroundings also offer variousbiking and hiking paths as well as golfingopportunities.With good accessibility fromBerlin and Hamburg, one can quickly es-cape the city buzz and enjoy some idyllicdays in the countryside.

www.kavaliershaus-finckenersee.de

From a classic residence of the count’s family and village school to a hotel – theKavaliershaus Suitehotel am Finckener See is a historical gem that has been re-stored and extended with an exceptional love for detail by Berlin-based architectsJohanne and Gernot Nalbach. They have created a classy, inviting ambience forcouples, groups, families and individuals alike.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF | PHOTOS: NALBACH ARCHITEKTEN GMBH

Relaxation, celebrations and conferences in pure nature


70 | Issue 26 | May 2015

For its unique image as the ‘fan-shapedcity’, Karlsruhe has its founder, the Mar-grave KarlWilhelm to thank, whose palacemarked the centre of the city exactly 300years ago. For those with an interest in cul-ture, Karlsruhe has opportunities and of-ferings in abundance. There’s a rich tapes-try of museums, including the Baden StateMuseum in the Palace and the State ArtGallery with its impressive collection. Avisit to the ZKM | Centre for Media andArtwill be a memorable one. Known as theGerman ‘Centre Pompidou’, the ZKM isthe world’s first interactive museum that in-vites visitors to participate and be amazed.

Uniting urban flair with its stunning natu-ral landscape, Karlsruhe is a city that offersboth lively shopping streets and one ofSouthern Germany’s largest indoor shop-ping centres with boundless pleasure forconsumers, as well as a host of green oasesjust a matter of minutes away that boastspace to stroll and while away the sunnydays. Given the city’s proximity to theRhine, discovering the region by boatcomes highly recommended.

For fans of culinary finesse Karlsruhe is un-questionably worth exploring. Therenowned Baden cuisine boasts a multi-

tude of local specialities, characterised bytheir high quality and use of regional pro-duce.

Countless highlights andmore than 500events over 100 days

In 2015 Karlsruhe is set to become a truetourist magnet. With over 500 eventsplanned, Baden-Wurttemberg’s secondbiggest city will be celebrating its 300thbirthday over the course of three months.Lasting 15 weeks, the‘Festivalsommer’willkick off on 17 June, the exact same day onwhich the foundation stone was laid forthe Palace in the Hardtwald forest, andKarlsruhe’s own history began. As thePalace was central in the founding of thecity, it is also at the core of the city’s birth-day celebrations. Both the opening concertas well as the grand finale on 26 September2015 will be held there. Celebrations willspan the city centre, the 27 city districts aswell as the city’s museums and institutions.

“Karlsruhe is very inexpensive, pleasant and friendly,” remarked the composer RichardWagner to his wifeMinna in a letter from 1861. His observations are ones that still drawguests to the city, whosemild climate certainly adds to its appeal. Not only does Karl-sruhe rank as the warmest and sunniest city in Germany, but its residents arerenowned for their friendliness and warm-hearted nature.

TEXT & PHOTOS: KARLSRUHE TOURISMUS | TRANSLATION: EMMIE COLLINGE

KarlsruheA summer of festivals for the city’s 300th birthday

Main image: Karlsruhe - shaped like a fan

Discover Germany | Xxx | Xxxx


Issue 26 | May 2015 | 71

Major regional exhibition Baden-Württemberg: Karl Wilhelm 1679-1738(9 May – 18 October) Baden StateMuseum in Karlsruhe PalaceBrimming with energy, attractive andcharming sum him up perfectly - KarlWil-helm of Baden-Durlach, the founder ofKarlsruhe. Beginning on 9 May 2015, themajor regional exhibition ‘Karl Wilhelm1679 – 1938’paints a fascinating portrait ofhis dazzling personality with first-rate ex-hibits, some of which have never been seenin public before.

Major regional exhibition Baden-Württemberg: The master collector –Caroline Louise of Baden (30 May– 6 September) State Art Gallery

Caroline Louise of Baden (1723-1783) wasa masterful collector. Enterprising andmulti-talented, this educated Margravinesought contacts across the entire Europeancontinent and skilfully dealt her wayaround the international art market toform her extensive Mahlery Cabinet, whichcounts more than 200 paintings. For thevery first time these remarkable worksfrom her Cabinet, which are housed in mu-seums and private collections around the

world, will be reunited for one completeexhibition.

GLOBALE (21 June 2015 – Mid April2016) ZKM, Centre for Art and Media

This 300-day mixed media art exhibitionshows the diversity and richness that em-bodies contemporary art production world-wide. Skilfully compiled by curators from allcorners of the globe and various culturalfields, the GLOBALE exhibition presentshow art and science are gradually becom-ingmore intertwined by the introduction ofnew technologies to open a new dimensionfor the future – a Renaissance 2.0.

FriedrichWeinbrenner(27 June – 04 October) State Art Gallery

For the City’s 300th jubilee celebrations,the State Art Gallery is hosting a fasci-nating exhibition on the works ofFriedrich Weinbrenner (1766-1826). Thisfamous architect and city planner, knownfor his style of classicism, has had an un-paralleled impact on the city of Karl-sruhe. Included in the exhibition areoriginal sketches from collections in Ger-many and America alongside historic andcurrent photographs, newly created

models and sophisticated computer vi-sualisations.

The KTG Karlsruhe Tourismus GmbH hasthe solution for those with an interest inculture, offering one ticket that encom-passes all four highlights. From 17 June un-til 6 September 2015 the KULTURmalVIER[the ‘Culture x 4’ ticket] allows visitors en-try to these four museums over the courseof two days at a price of just 21 Euros perperson. This culture ticket can be obtainedat any of the participatingmuseums or fromthe Karlsruhe Tourist Information.

www.karlsruhe-tourismus.de/en

Above: Botanic Garden (left). The Staatliche Kunsthalle (middle). Museum's night at the ZKM (right top). Karlsruhe Castle (right above). Ettlinger Tor in the city centre (bottom)


72 | Issue 26 | May 2015

Nowadays it is rare to find a small placewith such a harmonious interaction be-tween its landscape and architecture, artand culture, tradition andmodernity, like inSalzburg. Climbing the Kapuzinerberg orMönchsberg for stunning views of the city,strolling through the old alleyways, visitingthe monasteries or simply inhaling thepanorama along the river - Salzburg bringshistory to life, while its modernity keeps itfresh. Founded in the late 7th century,Salzburg was ruled in the 19th century byan independent Catholic archbishop. Cen-turies of salt trade resulted in wealth andprosperity, an income that has allowed theinhabitants to build a city rich in cultureand architecture. Salzburg's flamboyantGothic art attracted many craftsmen and

artists before the city became even betterknown through the work of the Italian ar-chitectsVincenzo Scamozzi and Santini So-lari, to whom the centre owes much of itsBaroque appearance.

Art galleries, exhibitions and museums arein abundance. An evening at the theatre, aconcert or a dance performance allows aglimpse into the city’s rich cultural land-scape. Some of Salzburg’s most famous res-idents include musicians and composerslike Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, MichaelHaydn, Georg Trakl, Stefan Zweig, ArturoToscanini and Hugo von Hofmannsthal toname but a few. They strongly influencedthe city's cultural scene. Highlights of theseason include the Easter andWhitsun Fes-

tival, the Dialogs at the Mozarteum, theMarionette Theater, the Jazz Festival, TheSound of Music, ballet performances,Salzburg Street Theater and romanticPalace Concerts.The entire city is a stage tobe discovered, featuring cosy little cafes,beautiful beer gardens and top-notch gour-met restaurants along the way. Don’t missout on trying the “Salzburger Nocken”, ameringue-type dessert.

Salzburg is the fourth-largest city in Austria and the capital of the federal state ofSalzburg. Internationally renowned for its baroque architecture, the city on the riverSalzbach has one of the best-preserved historic town centres north of the Alps. Of-fering a range of extraordinary attractions, Salzburg is full of stunning art galleriesand famous museums. From splendid shopping facilities to bustling street per-formances, Salzburg has everything a visitor could ask for, plus an irresistible ar-ray of culinary pleasures.

TEXT: DARIA KOCHER | PHOTOS: AUSTRIA.INFO

Main image:Salzburg City © Österreich Werbung. Photo: Weinhaeupl W.

Below: Getreidegasse in the City of Salzburg© Österreich Werbung. Photo: Diejun

Welcome to Salzburg

City SpecialSalzburg


Begeben Sie sich auf eine Geschmackserlebnisreise der besonderen Art...

Indulge in a sensational meal to enrapture all your senses...

Dienstag - Samstag: 18:30 - 21:30

Salzburger Festspiele: täglich 18:30 - 24:00

Um Reservierung wird gebeten.

Tuesday - Saturday: 18:30 - 21:30

Salzburg festival: daily 18:30 - 24:00

Reservation is recommended.

Austria 5020 Salzburg Söllheimerstraße 16 TEL +43 (0) 664 45 40 232 [email protected] www.senns.restaurant

Salzburg Gusswerk

SENNS RESTAURANT


74 | Issue 26 | May 2015

“The Half Moon is often called the club forlocals, people born and living in Salzburg, asit is one of the most beautiful clubs inSalzburg’s historic quarter and something ofa nightly landmark,” says club managerMartin Sönmezay. The reason for that isquite simple, he continues:“In 1972 the oldbaking ovens were demolished in the placethat was once Salzburg’s oldest bakery.The600-year-old vaults turned into Salzburg’sfirst discotheque.”The iconic Half Moonclub rapidly became legendary, and almostevery single city resident has played a role inthis.Two generations of then teenagers, nowadults, grew up partying in this nightclub.Celebrities were regulars and being let in bythe bouncer was considered a privilege.

In 2007 the club re-opened after a completerevamp, keeping the attractiveness of theold vaults while creating a state-of-the-artclub atmosphere.Having celebrated its 40thanniversary in 2012, many things havechanged since its doors opened for the veryfirst time – among others, the music.Today,contemporary house music and electrobeats are played in the club every Saturday,while each Friday sees party-savvy peopledancing the night away to a mixture ofdisco sounds, house, RnB and hip-hop.

While the music might have changed,some things never do:“The bouncer is stillthere and you have to pass him before youcan reach the hotspot where the wildest

and best parties in town are celebrated,”says Martin Sönmezay. In the last eightyears a younger generation have takenover the dance floors at the Half Moon, arebirth of a destination dedicated to allthose who like to burn the candle at bothends, determined not to go to bed untilthe sun is high in the sky. Open Fridaysand Saturdays from 10 pm to 5am, the HalfMoon has a great listing of events through-out the whole year.

www.halfmoon.at

Welcome to Salzburg’s oldest club and disco. For over 40 years, the Half Moon hasbeen the city’s top location for dance, drinks and music in the historic town cen-tre. Situated in the vaults of a former bakery, it combines a classic atmosphere withcontemporary music and unique events.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN | PHOTOS: HALF MOON

Half MoonSalzburg’s number one night-time destination


RESTAURANT MIRABELLA wide selection of tasty wines and the love for the native cuisine will make every visit to the Restaurant Mirabell a unique experience. �e restaurant pampers its guests with Austrian and international delicacies. �e inviting ambiance of the restaurant and its romantic Mirabell Terrace o�er unforgettable culinary moments.

Restaurant MirabellAuerspergstrasse 4 5020 Salzburg, Austria

restaurantmirabell.at facebook.com/sheratonsalzburghotel

RESTAURANT GOLDENER HIRSCHDiscover authentic Austrian cuisine at its best. �e Gourmet Restaurant Goldener Hirsch o�ers an ambiance with Salzburg charm and award-winning cuisine as well as a selection of �ne local and international wines.

Restaurant Goldener HirschGetreidegasse 375020 Salzburg, Austria

goldenerhirsch.comfacebook.com/goldenerhirschsalzburg

for cultural vacation family run

Near the design outlet free bikesbusiness trip near airport spaa getaway for just the two of you

Your hotel sightseeing

sound of music in Salzburgwhirlpool in the room suitesHotel HimmelreichHalf board direct bus available

near city center Water beds pool

Natural swimming great breakfast buffet

Honeymoon incomparable location

modern rooms free WifiOnline booking wonderful garden

Hotel****

Family Hasenöhrl and SchätzlHimmelreichstr. 34, 5071 Wals / Sbg.

Tel.: +43 (0) 622 [email protected]

www.hotel-himmelreich.at

H


76 | Issue 26 | May 2015

Nestled amongst breath-taking mountain-ous scenery in the centre of the interna-tionally renowned InnValley cycleway liesWörgl. Take a two-wheeled detour downthe shop-lined Bahnhofstraße, where ex-clusive and artisanal boutiques standalongside familiar chain stores on Tyrol’ssecond-longest shopping street. Comesummer, the many cafes and restaurantshold enduring appeal. If you’re looking toreally dive into liberation, then a visit toWave –Wörgl’s waterworld – is a must. InTyrol’s finest concentrated sole bath, visitorsreach new depths of relaxation. In theSauna Residence of the Romans, one ofthe world’s biggest saunas awaits andguests are spoilt by the sauna ceremoniesavailable. For fans of action, put your brav-ery to the test on the L2 – the world’s firstdouble-looping water flume.

Spring also heralds the start of the events’season in the city centre of Wörgl. Local

and international exhibitors enter thescene for three days in May to showcasetoday’s cycling world, and cyclists andartists from around the world demonstratejust how far bikes have come. Alongsidethe traditional Möslalmmountain bike raceand the Mountainbike Marathon, the in-augural E-bike European Championshipswill be held during the eldoRADo bike fes-tival. In June and JulyWörgl will enrapturevisitors with its fusion of tradition and in-novation: Lederhosen meets Dirndl at theopening procession of the Breznsuppnfest[Pretzel Soup Festival] on 21 June, as thelongest pretzel inTyrol is marched into thecity centre.While the CoverMe Festival on27 June turns the city rock’n’roll, 11 Julymarks the highlight of the spring and sum-mer events calendar with the 33rdWörglerStadtfest [City Festival]. Every Saturday,the farmers’market, whose appeal has longspread far beyond the city limits, is worthvisiting for anyone who appreciates re-

gional, diverse and fresh produce. Tasteand enjoyment reign as the city centrecomes alive with visitors and locals aliketaking a satisfied stroll.

From the ground-breaking idea of Freigeld[Free Money], championed during Ger-many’s economically tough times afterWorldWar II, to the innumerable projects ofvarying sizes which are currently being un-dertaken in this metropolis of energy today,Wörgl has long been a progressive city.

www.energiemetropole.at.

Spring is for festivals and flâneuring

Don’t miss the best Wörgl events of thewarmer months:

8 May Night shopping

8 -10 May eldoRADo bike festival. Art in public

spaces with 20 years ARTirol

23 - 24 May Mini-Weekend

21 June Breznsuppnfest

(Pretzel Soup Festival)

27 June CoverMe Festival

11 July 33. Wörgler Stadtfest

(33rd Wörgl City Festival)

18 - 21 July Inline European Championships

Home to Tyrol’s second-longest shopping street, countless green areas, playparks, sporting facilities and relaxing spots, as well as Tyrol’s largest water world:Wörgl, the metropolis of energy and crucial waymark on the Inn Cycle Path, is al-ways worth a visit.

TEXT & PHOTOS: WÖRGL STADTMARKETING | TRANSLATION: EMMIE COLINGE

Main image: Brezensuppenfest. Right: Farmer's market (top). Nightshopping (below)


Discover Germany | Residenz Alexado | Tyrol

Residenz Alexado puts special emphasison fulfilling individual wishes. The offersrange from bespoke nutritional plans, ananti-aging beauty spa with holistic medicalchecks and a cosy Finnish sauna with out-door dipping pond, detox programs, vita-min therapy, as well as shuttles to hikingpaths or the golf course.

The in-house Beauty Farm offers a widerange of health and beauty treatments ledby a medical doctor. Non-surgical facelifts,hormone regulation and collagen regula-tion with stem cells are just some high-lights of the services. Discrete yet welcom-ing, clients who need to shine in the publiceye will find a great retreat here while en-

joying the proximity to nature and com-bining the treatments with hiking, skiingand golfing.

Residenz Alexado was built in accordancewith the laws of Feng Shui, blended withgreen technologies. The architecture anddesign with natural materials are in har-mony with each other and enhance one’swellbeing. "We want you to feel pampered,relaxed and leave recharged to go on withyour life quest when you leave,” says theowner. Considered an insider tip by celebri-ties and high-paced CEOs, it's all aboutbringing out the best in you at the palaisambience of Hotel Residenz Alexado.

www.alexado.at

In the midst of Austria's Tyrol lies the exclusive Residenz Alexado, a boutique lux-ury hotel with exceptional architecture, a peaceful atmosphere and an unusualrange of offers. Four interestingly decorated, elegant and romantic double roomsand one deluxe suite are sure to excite any relaxation seeker.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF | PHOTOS: TOMASZ ZAJAC

A touch of Alice in Wonderland

The best you, you can be.

It’s all about who you are,what you have to o�er, andwhat makes you unique.

Let’s find it out.

www.markuspuettmann.de20 min. apart Frankfurt Main Airport

P Above: Residenz Alexado and its garden (left). Dining room (right)


78 | Issue 26 | May 2015

With its source in the Grimsel region, theAare winds its way through the wild moun-tainous HasliValley.Over the course of mil-lennia, it carved its route through the rocksof the flat valley bottom betweenMeiringenand Innert-kirchen. What exists now is a1.4 kilometre gorge, up to 200 metres deep.This natural wonder can be explored ef-fortlessly along hiking paths and throughtunnels. Open daily from spring until laterin the year, it is an appealing desti-nationwhatever the weather, as it presents anever-changing atmosphere depending onthe conditions.

The Aare Gorge: a worthwhile visit foreveryone

The gorge hike takes approximately 40minutes, and while a round-circuit is pos-sible, another viable alternative to take thetrain in one direction fromMeiringen or In-

nertkirchen. Starting from the western en-trance, the natural wonder is wheelchair-accessible for the first two-thirds.

Spoil your palate

Located at the western entrance, theAareschlucht Restaurant has a cosy terraceand large play area. Proud of its richly di-verse cuisine, the kitchen dishes up count-less regional specialities.At the eastern en-trance, the Aarebis-tro serves light snacks.

The best way to arrive

Meiringen is easily reached on public trans-port from Interlaken and Luzern. The AareGorge is reachable in 30 minutes on foot ortake a short train ride there on the Meirin-gen-Innertkirchen train. For tour buses, thereis a large park-ing area at the western en-trance and groups of 10 ormore benefit fromthe group tariff. The eastern entrance is on

the road from the Grimsel and Susten pass,just 1km west of Innertkirchen, with goodopportunities for drop-offs and pick-ups.

At home in the HasliValley

Mysterious nature and tales of mystery arewoven into the Hasli Valley so why notcombine a visit to the Aare Gorge with atrip to the famous Reichenbach Falls andfunicular or the open-air Ballenberg mu-seum? A video on the Aare Gorge home-page gives a real taste of this spectacularlandscape.

A mystical adventure

Open daily (8:30-17:30) from early springuntil late October, the Aare Gorge also of-fers exclusive evening visits this summer(17:30 to 22:00, Thursday - Saturday) fromthe west entrance.

www.aareschlucht.ch

Experience the beauty and primeval nature of water up-close at this fascinating sitein Switzerland, the water castle of Europe. Having eroded its way to create the AareGorge, let the river Aare enrapture you on a visit to the Hasli Valley.

TEXT: AARESCHLUCHT [AARE GORGE] | PHOTOS: DAVID BIRRI | TRANSLATION: EMMIE COLLINGE

The Aare GorgeMeiringen’s natural wonder

For definite opening times, dates andprices, please check the website.

Attractionof the Month

Switzerland



80 | Issue 26 | May 2015

As a game that originated in Scotland, itmost probably began as a pastime for shep-herds, choosing to use their sticks to hitsome stones across the raw landscape. In1457, the sport was declared illegal, as itwas considered a distraction for youngmenfrom their military training, and it wasn’tuntil almost half a century later that keengolfer King James IV lifted the ban.The old-est and most iconic golf club in the world isStAndrews Links,where keen players havebeen hitting the ball for 600 years. Often

dubbed ‘the home of golf’, it is consideredthe one and only course that a real golferhas to play at least once in his or her life.

While golf was rather elitist during the pastcenturies and strictly limited to the upperclasses, today it has become a widely ac-cessible sport. Over 700 golf courses arespread across Germany alone, counting al-most 640,000 members in 2014. Switzer-land features almost 100 courses and Aus-tria is home to just over 150. A golf course

consists of 18 fairways, each starting at thetee and finishing on the putting green,where the ball needs to be navigated intothe hole. Every stroke with the golf clubcounts. Each fairway is given a stroke al-lowance, a so-called par, usually betweenthree and five. A good golfer like MartinKaymer would not need more; in fact, hisaverage is about 6 points below par to com-plete a course, while a struggling beginnercould easily count up to 15 strokes on a parthree hole.A player’s level is defined by hishandicap.Many clubs require a handicap of28, meaning a capability of being able toplay a course within 28 strokes above par.This needs to be proven in the form of acard produced by one’s home club.

As easy as it sounds, a handicap of 28 isquite a challenge for a novice to the sport.It takes months, sometimes years, of train-

To many, golf is nothing more than a pensioner’s pastime; they do not consider itas a sport nor have any idea how extremely challenging it can be. But let me justsay, these people couldn’t be more wrong. Golf is nerve-wracking, golf is ex-hausting and it is a constant battle against oneself. However, it does come with cer-tain benefits – think stunning natural surroundings, splendid clubhouses and a gooddeal of real social networking.

TEXT: TINA AWTANI | PHOTOS: PRESS IMAGES

A beautiful game

Special Theme

The Beautyof Golf


Issue 26 | May 2015 | 81

ing with a qualified pro (teacher) and a lotof perseverance. Hitting the tiny white ballis harder than it looks; often the surround-ing grass takes off from the ground instead.So it feels all the better when a shot goesperfectly well.Mastering golf is tough; ballsget lost in sand bunkers, roughs,water haz-ards and even out of bounds. One mayhave played perfectly well until hole num-ber 17 and then all of a sudden the scoregoes down, or you’re about to play thegame of your life and the ball simply dis-appears into the woods. Full concentrationis required, as golf mainly takes place ‘be-tween the ears’. The moment the minddrifts, so does the golf ball.

An average golf course has the length ofabout 6 kilometres, but beginners tend towalk twice the distance due to uninten-tionally playing off-course. It’s hot in sum-mer, freezing in winter and sometimes itjust pours with rain. There is no badweather for golfers, just the wrong cloth-ing. Pulling along a heavy 30lb trolley with

a golf bag containing 14 clubs, balls andfurther equipment, does not make thingseasier.

But believe me when I say that there isnothing more rewarding than successfullychallenging your own capabilities time andtime again. Intrigued? Starting is easy. Justpay a visit to a local club and take a tastersession. Pros by nature are really friendlyand happy to help you with any queries.Oh, and when you see the older lads play-ing next time, take a closer look, as theirgame is pretty perfect due to decades oftraining!

Main image:St Andrews in Scotland - The Home of Golf, where the Open

Championship 2015 will take place 16 - 19 July 2015.© St Andrews Links Trust

Right from top:© Golf & Country Club Fleesensee

Golfing near Going (Tyrol). © Österreich Werbung.Photo: Niederstrasser

© Österreich Werbung. Photo: Himsl

© Bayerisches Staatsbad Bad Kissingen GmbH

Discover Germany | Special Theme | The Beauty of Golf


82 | Issue 26 | May 2015

Since opening in 2011 on the shores of oneof Austria’s most beautiful lakes, the Golf-club amAttersee has rapidly developed intoa centre of attraction and insider tipamongst many golf enthusiasts. The re-markable location is home to a drivingrange, extensive training area and 18 varieddoglegs – classic In and Out routing –which pose as a challenge while offering adelightful and unforgettable golf experi-ence for all abilities.“We aim for our gueststo be holistically satisfied and to leave witha desire to return,” says Andreas Hagara,managing director.The holistic concept in-cludes a wide variety of tourism-related of-fers to suit every guest, whether one wantsto indulge in culinary delights in one of themany nearby restaurants, experience cul-tural events, or visit cities such asMunich or

Vienna (2-hour drive) or Salzburg (30-minute drive).

Small changes – big impact: this is themotto of the golf club’s 2015 season.To sat-isfy the wishes and demands of the players,as well as to sensibly implement reactionsand experiences from the game operations,small changes are planned for this year. Forexample,Tee 14 will be brought forward sothat the tee shot becomes easier and that a140-metre stroke across the biotope is nolonger necessary. The drive landing zoneswill also be expanded onto tracks three andfive and numerous simplifying measuresthrough changes of cutting patterns arealso planned. These adjustments seek tocontribute to the continuous improvementof the golf course and create increased golf-

ing pleasure through the overall facilita-tion of golfing.“We are very family-friendlyand thoroughly support the sport’s youthwork.We believe that golf is one of the fewsports that whole families can play together.Even people with different playing abili-ties and skills can play together too,”An-dreas Hagara explains.Visitors planning agolf vacation here will certainly be greetedby a friendly, competent and experiencedteam that aspires to leave no wish unful-filled.

www.golfamattersee.at

The family-friendly Golfclub am Attersee not only impresses with its magnificentlakeside setting and Höllen mountain range scenery, the 18-hole golf course offersthe finest personal and individual support. With breath-taking views across the lakeAttersee, it’s ideally located for touristic excursions too.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF | PHOTOS: GCA GOLFCLUB AM ATTERSEE

The best greenabove the prettiest blue


Issue 26 | May 2015 | 83

May 27, 1995: Bernd Hauck, the then presi-dent of the golf club that was later renamedGolfpark Schloss Wilkendorf, opened theSandy Lyle championship course with thetraditional golden golf ball. Sandy Lyle, bornin England in 1958 but playing for the Scot-tish team, had been the first Brit to win theprestigious master golf tournament in Au-gusta, USA, earning him the Green Jacket.He is one of the“Big Five”, a group of world-class golfers all born around the same time,who made European golfers competitive inthe Ryder Cup.The golf course inWilkendorfwas named after this famous golfer – andnot by chance either: Sandy Lyle was in-volved in the development of the course de-signed by Scotsman Ross McMurray.

But they weren’t the only Scots involved inshaping the Golfpark Schloss Wilkendorf,as today’s head greenkeeper Gordon Smithhas his origins there as well.After being in-volved in conceptualising and building thegreen, he was then persuaded to stay.Today,the Sandy Lyle course is one of the most fa-mous in Berlin and Brandenburg. In 2010 itwas even nominated the sixth best golfcourse in all of Germany.

Seasonal cuisine with a view over theSandy Lyle golf course

To take the Scottish connection even fur-ther, the Golfpark Schloss Wilkendorf de-cided to rename their only public café andrestaurant in 2014 and it is now proudly

called“Zum wilden Schotten”or“The wildScotsman”. Sitting here offers a splendidview on the 18-hole Sandy Lyle champi-onship course.The kitchen style, describedby the head chef and staff as‘sophisticatedbut not aloof,’ presents an array of appe-tizing German cuisine, spiced with an in-ternational touch. The dishes vary accord-ing to the seasons; in spring, for example,the restaurant traditionally serves aspara-gus dishes.

Celebrating the anniversary

From 25 to 31 May the Golfpark SchlossWilkendorf celebrates its anniversary for afull week, with a big golf tournament tak-ing place on the 30th of May followed byevening celebrations. On the followingSunday the club will open its doors to thepublic.

www.resort-schloss-wilkendorf.com

This year marks a significant anniversary for the Golfpark Schloss Wilkendorf, whichis situated about 45 kilometres east of Berlin’s city centre, as it heralds 20 yearssince the popular Sandy Lyle course and subsequent golf park were founded.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN | PHOTOS: PRESS IMAGES

Discover Germany | Special Theme | The Beauty of Golf

20 years of Golfpark Schloss WilkendorfThe golf club on Berlin’s doorstep


84 | Issue 26 | May 2015

Discover Germany | Business | Solicitor Column

Yes, you read that heading correctly. Mostlawyers would regard the prospect of re-solving a dispute within a day of it arisingas entirely delusional but this is not thatunusual – in sports law. If the right of anathlete to compete in the Olympic Gamesis challenged, that dispute needs to be re-solved before the next round of the com-petition, not months after the Olympicshave ended and the tracks are long sincedeserted. So how are sporting disputes re-solved, in sports as diverse as athletics, For-mula 1 racing and football? And how canthe procedure be so quick?

The answer is simple: arbitration and alter-native dispute resolution. All sports aregoverned in some form or other by regula-tions, whether at national or internationallevel. And these regulations will usually re-quire athletes, teams and governing bodiesto agree to submit their disputes to arbitra-tion. Likewise, sports related contracts willusually contain such a written arbitrationclause. Sports arbitration has the advan-tage that it delivers quick, cost effective andbinding decisions through an independentpanel of typically either one or three expertsin a private dispute resolution process.Take an example: pursuant to the Olympiccharter, all disputes in connection with theOlympic Games must be submitted to theCourt forArbitration in Sport (CAS) with itspermanent seat in Lausanne, Switzerland.Ad hoc divisions of CAS are set up in cur-rent Olympic host cities. CAS deals witharound 400 new cases every year. Thesecases can range from commercial disputes

about sponsorship contracts to disciplinarychallenges in doping cases. All Olympic In-ternational Federations have recognised thejurisdiction of CAS for at least some dis-putes. Likewise, all signatories to the 2009World Anti-doping Code (including theOlympic International Federations andNa-tional Olympic Committees) have recog-nised the jurisdiction of CAS for anti-dop-ing rule violations. Decisions of CAS can beappealed to the Swiss Federal Tribunal.Very occasionally, this system breaks down:such as when (in simplified terms) Ger-man speed skater Claudia Pechstein ex-hausted the procedures before CAS, lost asubsequent appeal to the Swiss FederalCourt, but then nevertheless proceeded tomake a further application to the Germannational courts that rendered a decisionwhich was arguably not only incompatiblewith the prior decisions rendered by CASand by the Swiss courts but also contrary tothe rules to which Ms Pechstein had sub-mitted as an athlete.

In Formula 1, FIA and the racing teams es-tablished a similar dispute resolution sys-tem, requiring arbitration before a bodyknown as the Contract Recognition Board.In football, the FIFA laws and regulationsestablish the Players' Status Committeeand the Dispute Resolution Chamber toadjudicate on disputes. Decisions of theseFIFA bodies may be appealed to CAS. Inthe UK, Sports Resolutions provides sports-specific arbitration and mediation servicesand operates the National Anti-DopingPanel.

The good news for all those amongst uswho are not professional athletes, is that ar-bitration and mediation are also availablefor ordinary day-to-day civil and commer-cial disputes through a wide range of serv-ice providers. Give it a try and save your-self a lot of time and money.

Gregor Kleinknecht LLM MCIArb

is a German Rechtsanwalt and English solicitor,

and a partner at Hunters Solicitors, a leading law

firm in Lincoln’s Inn.

Hunters Solicitors, 9 New Square,

Lincoln’s Inn, London WC2A 3QN,

E-mail: [email protected]

www.hunters-solicitors.co.uk

Sporting ChanceDispute resolution in a dayTEXT & PHOTO: GREGOR KLEINKNECHT


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86 | Issue 26 | May 2015

After WWII, everything was in short sup-ply—including hope for a better future foryoung people. This was the reason whyFriedrich Duke of Schleswig-Holstein de-cided to establish the charitable StiftungLouisenlund in 1949.The reformist educa-tor Kurt Hahn was involved in the school’sfoundation and based Stiftung Louisen-lund’s principles on the experiences of thewar:“Give the children the opportunity todiscover themselves. Practice imagination.”Today, Stiftung Louisenlund has evolved

into one of Germany’s largest and mostrenowned boarding schools with partnerschools on six continents.

“We seek to develop personalities and pro-mote talents.Action-oriented learning andexperiential work enable teaching aims andeducational objectives to be challenged andshaped. Thereby students actively acquireand develop knowledge. Self-organisedand self-effective learning form the foun-dation for this,”SvenMeier, Head of Com-

munications, explains.“At Louisenlund weare not only aiming for high academic per-formance and profound knowledge in ourstudents; the sense of community, com-panionship and consideration for others aswell as a readiness to adopt responsibilityare of particular importance to our stu-dents,” Meier adds.

Since its foundation, Stiftung Louisenlundhas stood for exceptional, first-rate educa-tion. Offering the possibility to choose be-tween the GermanAbitur and the Interna-tional Baccalaureate (IB), 356 pupils,including 52 from abroad, currently attendthe half-day primary school, the full-day‘Gymnasium’or board at Stiftung Louisen-lund’s high quality boarding school, whichhas a relaxed and homely ambience.“Louisenlund offers the English-languageIB, as well as the GermanAbitur. Because of

Preserving values, taking responsibility, and shaping the future are the key concernsof the international school Louisenlund, the only boarding school in Northern Ger-many. Set amidst beautiful surroundings, Louisenlund offers a thoroughly interna-tional character and education of the highest quality. Located on the Schlei, a nar-row inlet of the Baltic Sea, the school is committed to forming open-minded,committed and responsible citizens.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF | PHOTOS: SVEN MEIER / MEDIENGILDE LOUISENLUND

International education at its best


Issue 26 | May 2015 | 87

Discover Germany | International School of the Month | Germany

the large number of Anglophonic teachersand the Round Square network, Louisen-lund enjoys a good reputation worldwide.The standard is very high and the gradua-tion grades are very good at the same time,”Meier explains. The IB Diploma is an aca-demic qualification,which enables studentsto study all over the world upon successfulcompletion. Stiftung Louisenlund hasmany native speakers teaching their ownlanguage (Spanish, English, Chinese and

Russian), which enables students to learnthrough total immersion in each language.Another significant highlight is the excep-tionally good relationship between stu-dents and staff that stems from the smalllearning groups. “Particular talents andweaknesses can be specifically fosteredthrough this,”says Meier.

Located in one of the most beautiful areasof Schleswig-Holstein, Stiftung Louisen-lund has a lot more to offer than just an ex-ceptional approach to academia. Housedin a large white castle, it is surrounded byextensive green spaces, rivers and lakes.With the sea nearby, it is no wonder thatsailing is a particularly important part of theschool’s extracurricular activities.Other op-tional or mandatory offers include music,politics, rugby, the student body’s own stu-dent business (LundAG), fashion and de-sign, park archaeology, senior care, debat-ing society, tennis, pottery making andhockey.

Learn, achieve, live

For almost 50 years Stiftung Louisenlundhas been part of Round Square, a world-wide partnership of private schools withsimilar pedagogical principles. As proudorganisers of the Round Square Interna-tional Conference in 2016, Louisenlund hasthe opportunity to showcase its remark-ably international character. The affiliationto the network enables a wide range of in-tercultural possibilities and internationalencounters through exchanges or world-wide participation in numerous projectsand conferences. Through such events,Round Square’s – and therefore alsoStiftung Louisenlund’s – pedagogicIDEALS can be experienced by the stu-dents. These consist of Internationalism(worldwide non-bureaucratic students’ex-

change between partner schools), Democ-racy (increase and confirmation of demo-cratic values through enhanced student re-sponsibilities), Environment (environmentand future as part of the educational focus),Adventure (promotion of personal devel-opment), Leadership (creating personalqualities through responsibility, positiveawareness, fairness and justice) and Service(assuming responsibility in society in whichreal projects are planned and realised).

The bilingual nature of the school is an im-portant requirement for these global activ-ities and the associated holistic and inter-national educational approach to fosteropen-minded competences.“Through thenumerous encounters, students experiencewhat internationalism in everyday lifemeans from very early on,” CatherineDonovan, Round Square representative ofStiftung Louisenlund, says.

According to Marie-Alix Duchess ofSchleswig-Holstein, honorary member ofStiftung Louisenlund’s board of trustees,“the aspiration of Stiftung Louisenlund isto understand the world of today and tohelp shape the future with new ideas re-sponsibly”. Besides the educational possi-bilities and the broad range of extracurric-ular activities, everyday life at the boardingschool is a time to remember for other rea-sons: international projects, the linguisticdiversity on the campus and above all, theexceptional team spirit of Louisenlund’scommunity.

www.louisenlund.de

InternationalSchool

of the MonthGermany

Main image:Louisenlund Castle

Below:Castle grounds with Schlei (left & middle)

Sundial (right)


88 | Issue 26 | May 2015

“Our ultimate aim is to fully develop eachstudent’s potential in every possible area:intellectual, physical, social,moral and spir-itual.We value enthusiasm, hard work, per-sistence and resilience and firmly believethere is always ‘more in you than youthink’,”begins Clemens Gehrig, headmas-ter of Stiftung Theresianum Ingenbohl.

Established in 1860, the Theresianum In-genbohl is situated in a beautiful historicmonastery and has since developed intoone of Switzerland’s top schools for girls af-

ter several decades of expanding the facil-ities and educational offers. Today, theschool is a Christian institute open for stu-dents from all confessions.“Our Christianprinciples mean that we seek to build aculture of encounter, and that we encour-age openness, tolerance and respect for ourfellow people and the environment,”Clemens Gehrig says.

StiftungTheresianum Ingenbohl’s elevatedlocation offers a magnificent view over thesurrounding forests,Alpine peaks and Lake

Lucerne.The stunning natural scenery, to-gether with its close proximity to Brunnen’strain station and village centre, render itthe optimal starting point for excursions,various activities and numerous sportingoptions. Offering a high-quality boardingschool, a secondary school, the more voca-tional ‘Fachmittelschule’ and an academi-cally orientated, bilingual English-German

The Stiftung Theresianum Ingenbohl is a private boarding school for young womenfrom 12 to 19 seeking to foster their self-confidence, independence, social com-petence and self-awareness. With a special focus on developing a culture of en-counter, the school in Switzerland’s Brunnen aims to fulfil the needs of girls throughits special take on education.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF | PHOTOS: THERESIANUM INGENBOHL

TopBoardingSchools

Stiftung Theresianum IngenbohlPromoting women’s self-confidence

Portrait: Clemens Gehrig, Headmaster.


Issue 26 | May 2015 | 89

Discover Germany | Top Boarding Schools | Switzerland

‘Gymnasium’, the education of girls is theschools’main focus, although the‘Fachmit-telschule‘ also takes on around 30 boys.The overall number of students is approx-imately 410 individuals.“Studies and sta-tistics show that young women from gen-der-segregated schools enter the jobmarket with more self-confidence. In addi-tion, they choose from a broader spectrumof vocational routes than their colleaguesfrommixed-gender schools.Women have adifferent way of learning, they feel morecomfortable and perform better when theyare among themselves,“ Clemens Gehrigexplains.

Excellent educational offers are combinedwith an exceptional and relaxed living andlearning atmosphere around the campus.Seeking to encourage their students to be-come independent, creative, proactive and

able to work in a team, theTheresianum In-genbohl not only sets high performancerequirements but also evaluates personaland social competences. In order to estab-lish an enjoyable learning ambience, theschool integrated a subject called ‘wellbe-ing’, in which students gain the skills for alife of enjoyment, self-efficiency, personaleffectiveness, flow and mindfulness. Basedon the concept of ‘Schulfach Glück’ by Dr.Ernst Fritz-Schubert (Heidelberg), theTheresianum is the first school in Switzer-land to aim for such a holistic education oftheir students.

Boarding atTheresianum

Creating practical and pedagogical precon-ditions for a successful graduation, There-sianum Ingenbohl‘s boarding school offersindividual support from qualified staff.Ac-tive and supervised learning and recre-ational activities and a structured daily rou-tine go hand in hand with a holisticassistance approach towards students. Agenerous leisure area with numerous recre-ational opportunities, such as an indoorswimming pool, outdoor facilities, sportshall, fitness room and the idyllic countrysetting complete with forests, lakes andmountains can be explored. Students in-terested in music can take lessons at Brun-nen’s Music School.Various sport facilitiesare right on their doorstep in Brunnen andSchwyz.

“Ensuring participation in community lifeand the individual progress of our stu-

dents are key aspects of our tasks,”Clemens Gehrig explains. “The youngerstudents get introduced to the boardingschool life and are led to independence.The higher grades lead more independentlives and, while guided and overseen bytheir housemistresses, are expected to findtheir own balance between study, personalleisure time and organised activities,” headds. The communal life in the boardingschool positively contributes to the devel-opment of the young women. Offering 50single or 35 twin rooms with Wi-Fi, theTheresianum Ingenbohl maintains a con-genial ambience and puts a special em-phasis on relationship building, reliableagreements and a happy and beneficialliving and learning atmosphere.The mod-ern and homely rooms with wardrobe,wash basin, desk and shelf spaces offerthe students retreat for individual devel-opment. Numerous communal spaces arethere for making new friends, for playing,relaxing or debating.“We strongly empha-size communication with parents to bestdevelop their daughter’s progress,“Clemens Gehrig says. Theresianum In-genbohl stands for constant quality de-velopment and advancement of standards.Students are sure to find a homely atmos-phere and high-quality teaching here,which will help them to achieve their per-sonal future goals. “We look forward towelcoming you on a personal tour of ourcampus,”Clemens Gehrig concludes.

www.theresianum.ch


90 | Issue 26 | May 2015

Nestled in the middle of unspoilt Alpinescenery near Lucerne, the Stiftsschule En-gelberg offers a wide range of sport andleisure activities, such as hiking, skiing orgolfing. However, it isn’t just the spectacularsurroundings that draw students to thisschool. The boarding school itself is a primeexample of historic architecture, as the whitemonastery building boast impressive stuccodecorations and its homely atmosphere iscontainedwithin numerous single rooms forboarders withmodern facilities.An excellentinfrastructure for sports include sports halls, aclimbing wall, an indoor swimming pool, afitness room, sports grounds and a tenniscourt. Drama courses in a dedicated theatrehall, music and vocal ensembles, as well asmusical instrument lessons are also on offer.Just as the Benedictine monasteries coinededucation and culture in Europe, Stiftss-

chule Engelberg is constantly developing itseducational programme so that studentsare prepared to actively take part in shap-ing the development of this world.Offeringan exceptional education, students attainthe dual qualification of a bilingual (Ger-man and English) Swiss Matura as well asthe globally recognised International Bac-calaureate (IB).

“As a small school (130 students, 60 board-ers) we are able to individually support ourstudents.A clear daily structure with a goodrhythm of fixed work and leisure time givesfreedom in which students can do theirbest. The school’s pastoral care supportsand helps students, as well as teachers,withpersonal questions or decisions. Further-more, we put special emphasis on collectivecelebrations and culture,” explains Pater

Guido Muff, member of the school pas-toral team.“We are committed to the Chris-tian-humanistic anthropology and considerourselves a temporary learning and livingcommunity.We believe that education andupbringing form a whole, which is morethan a mere qualification,“ he adds. Stiftss-chule Engelberg encourages students todevelop into self-confident, socially com-petent, value-orientated and independentpersonalities.“They are expected to learn toconstructively deal with their weaknessesand use their strengths and skills for thegood of the community,“ Pater GuidoMuffsays. A glance at the boarding school’salumni page is proof that the school fostersindividual talents while leading studentsto a successful future.

www.stiftsschule-engelberg.ch

A Christian day and boarding school, Stiftsschule Engelberg has operated underthe trusteeship of the Benedictine monastery since 1120. Besides offering excep-tional education, the school’s location in Switzerland’s renowned mountain resortof Engelberg offers a wide range of leisure activities and magnificent naturalbeauty.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF | PHOTOS: PRESS IMAGES

Abbey school since 1120Main image:

Markus L‘Hoste

Above:

The boarding school’s reception.Photo: Roger Landolt (top)

Concert of the ‘Stiftschor‘.Photo: Markus L’Hoste (middle)

Photo: Roger Landolt (right)

Discover Germany | Top Boarding Schools | Switzerland


Issue 26 | May 2015 | 91

“At our boarding school, traditions are heldhigh, but innovations are embraced too,”says Gordon Kämmerling, CEO of theboarding school and the two integratedschools housed within the same grounds.This is reflected in the high academic stan-dards at both the Realschule [secondaryschool] and the Gymnasium [academic-fo-cused secondary school]. The teachersmaintain a close relationship with theboarding school staff and aim to unite edu-cation and the personal development oftheir students as much as possible. Withsmall classes of up to 25 pupils, the focus onsupporting individual students and havingbilingual classes is just a small part of whatsets these schools apart from other educa-

tional institutions. Other offers include vo-cational preparation, a partnership withbusinesses including internships, languageholidays, exchange programmes with Israel,France and England as well as participa-tion in language, maths and geographycompetitions.The schools present state-of-the-art equipment, including a dedicatedinformation technology room, a PC pool,so-called ‘active boards’, which are elec-tronic blackboards, Wi-Fi in the entireboarding school and high speed DSL.“Ourcampus offers many possibilities,”continuesKämmerling.“In terms of leisure time, thisincludes a gymnasium, a sports groundwithadditional activities such as tennis, climbinglessons, pole walking,martial arts andmore.

The indoor riding arena and the paddockgive students the possibility to bring theirown horses, plus children can play golf inthe nearby club and go skiing in winter.”

The students’independence is encouragedthrough individual projects organised bythemselves.They can learn to cook healthymeals in the kitchen and take part in vari-ous weekend activities such as going to seemusicals, playing football or paragliding.“We are being taught to live independentlyby being allowed to plan certain events onour own,” says student Jintae K. Whatmakes a big difference is the familial at-mosphere created by the small groups andtheir dedicated guardians. “Wittgensteinhas becomemy second home and is part ofmy life,” explains student Cassandra K.More than just a boarding school,Wittgen-stein is a place where young people cangrow into happy, responsible adults.

www.wittgenstein.de

At the Institut Schloß Wittgenstein Boarding School, situated in the grounds of thepicturesque castle Wittgenstein and set high above the central German town of BadLaasphe, children are prepared for both their professional futures and their own per-sonal lives in a multinational society built on moral values.

TEXT: JULIKA HÜTHER | PHOTOS: INSTITUT SCHLOSS WITTGENSTEIN JOSEF KÄMMERLING GMBH&CO KG

Discover Germany | Top Boarding Schools | Germany

Schloß Wittgenstein Boarding SchoolBecause an education is for life


92 | Issue 26 | May 2015

“We offer the correct educational path tosuit an individual’s current situation.Thereare no dead ends,” says headmaster Jo-hannes Treude. Freedom to choose be-tween the individual types of schoolsmeans that everyone can achieve their idealqualification.Their broad spectrum of gen-eral academic and vocational qualificationsranges from ‘Abitur’, ‘Mittlere Reife’ or‘Hauptschulabschluss’[school leaving cer-tificate] to training courses in the technicalcollege for social education and social serv-ices. Boarders study in a learning campuswith specialist teachers as constant contactpersons. “This enables individual, struc-tured and therefore successful learning,”JohannesTreude expands. Personal and so-cial education and development comes inthe shape of the various creative subjects,

which include art, natural sciences, lan-guages, economy and education.

Even though the school types are different,all the students are considered part of onecommunity. Intensive cooperation with theteachers creates an atmosphere in whichstudents can maximise their full potential.Extracurricular activities and school eventsaren’t limited to students from specificschools, but are open to everyone. Puttinga special emphasis on mutual respect, thestudents help each other and learn to co-operate. Students from senior classes arerewarded for teaching pupils from the ele-mentary level and prospective educatorscan organise recreational programmes forfifth-graders, to name just one example. Awide range of extracurricular activities in-

cludes basketball, sailing, horse-riding,bread baking, golf, drama and music les-sons. The attractive campus grounds withsprawling parkland are ideal for recreation.Various school and boarding buildings area mix of listed architecture and modern fa-cilities. A well considered, state-of-the-artmedia library and active boards in the class-rooms facilitate learning.

“Wewant our students to become self-con-fident, independent, tolerant, compassion-ate, open-minded, eager andmotivated hu-mans,” Johannes Treude explains. Thesecharacteristics are further developed fromthe fifth grade onwards when every studenthas the chance to sing in the choir or play inthe orchestra. Being part of the theatre sup-ports the personal development. Independ-ent learning is systematically practiced fromthe elementary level. After all, the Zinzen-dorfschulen follow the important principleof its eponym Count Nikolaus von Zinzen-dorf:“One shouldn’tmake copies out of chil-dren, but rather let nature take its course.”

www.zinzendorfschulen.de

As one of Europe’s biggest, church-based private schools with boarding facilities,it is the character and the educational approach of Königsfeld’s Zinzendorfschulenthat sets them apart. Combining nine school types under one roof, the school fo-cuses on intensive cooperation, social commitment, team spirit and the fosteringof individual strengths.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF | PHOTOS: ZINZENDORFSCHULEN

The individual route to success

Main image:Students can also learn in the park-like gardens.

Right from top:Art is one of the schools’ main focal points.Numerous leisure activities also include a sailing club.Professional golf classes.

Discover Germany | Top Boarding Schools | Germany


Issue 26 | May 2015 | 93

Discover Germany | Culture | Barbara Geier

First up would be the MecklenburgischeSeenplatte – in English: the MecklenburgLakeland and a kind of German Lake Dis-trict, in the country’s Northeast. I’ve neverbeen and I’ve heard so many good thingsabout it; I’m imagining idyllic lakes, boat-ing, swimming, unspoilt nature, a feeling ofbeing a bit out of time, all very peacefuland relaxing. Actually, I’m expecting to beoverwhelmed because it is the largest co-herent lake and canal region in Germanyand also known as“the land of a thousandlakes”, and it even includes the Müritz,which is Germany’s largest lake. Soundsgood, doesn’t it?

Then, with a snap of my fingers, I’d be inBerlin —or rather, more precisely, sittingon a cool rooftop bar in Berlin with an Ap-erol Spritz or some similar concoction inmyhand. Because, after all this nature, I’ll ob-viously need a bit of urban input, while atthe same time not having to stress myselfout too much. Hence, the rooftop bar. Plusthe aperitif. I’d then need to eat, obviously,and would, just like that, be sitting al frescoin the very atmospheric surroundings of anold wine growing estate on the GermanWine Route in the country’s far west, en-

joying fabulous food on a vineyard, eatingjust the right mix of regional dishes. Onecould have anotherAperol Spritz there. Justsaying.

I would then want to go for a nice walk, andI’d do that inWeimar’s beautiful Park on theIlm River. It’s about 230 miles away, but,hey, no worries. It’s all in the snap of thefingers. I’d saunter along under the beauti-ful old trees, look across the wide meadowsand stop at Goethe’s Garden House, a for-mer vineyard cottage and the first Weimarhome acquired by good old Johann Wolf-gang in 1776.The purchase was financed byDuke Carl August of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach (here’s a name!). Always pays tohave mentors with big pockets. (Mentalnote: Find one, soon, in order to get on theLondon property ladder.) I would alsospend a lot of time just sitting and enjoyingthe beautiful surroundings of this enchant-ing park. It really is a very splendid place.

And then, and then, oh yes, then I’d do themost important thing of the day: I’d go to agelateria right in the middle of Munich inthe south of the country, and get a hugeportion of unbelievably delicious ice cream.

Bliss. Oh yes, unspoilt nature, cool rooftopbars, delicious wines and food, elegantparks and first class Italian ice-cream. It’s allin a day in Germany.As long as you get thisinstant-movement-via-finger-snapping-thing sorted ….

Barbara Geier is a London-basedfreelance writer, translator andcommunications consultant. She is also theface behind ww.germanyiswunderbar.com,a German travel and tourism guide andblog that was set up together with UKtravel writer Andrew Eames in 2010.

With a snap of my fingers…Imagine if you could zip all over a country, irrespective of distance or time. Basi-cally, just zooming yourself from one place to the next without having to bother withtransport, catching trains, sitting in a car for hours and figuring out how to get fromA to B or how long it might take. In essence, you’d only have to snap your fingers,and bang, you’d be there. If that was possible, here’s my list of places I’d cover inGermany on an unhurried summer’s day.

TEXT: BARBARA GEIER


94 | Issue 26 | May 2015

Since 2010 the German firm of Flick GockeSchaumburg and the Austrian tax and au-diting consultancy LeitnerLeitner haveformed an exclusive alliance with the ob-jective of advising corporate groups, family-owned businesses and wealthy individualsfrom both countries on cross-border taxmatters. Typical joint ventures include therelocation of headquarters or the foundingof a subsidiary company, moving abroadand the development and implementationof transfer pricing systems. ”Although lawis becoming more and more international-ized and more requirements are becoming

unified, particularly within the EU, tax lawstill largely remains the domain of individ-ual countries,” saysJens Schönfeld, part-ner at Flick GockeSchaumburg. “Thismeans that local ex-perts are requiredwith a deep under-standing of the taxlaw,” continuesGerald Gahleitner,partner at Leitner-Leitner.

It’s evident that the same holds for FlickGocke Schaumburg as it does for Leitner-Leitner: As so-called ‘top tier’ firms, bothare traditionally ranked amongst the lead-ing tax-focused companies in Germany andAustria. But it isn’t just in these relevantrankings of the best legal and tax consult-ing companies where they both feature atthe fore; they’re both highly prominent

For many people, tax affairs are a dreaded necessary evil, and mail from the taxoffice often puts a dampener on your day. But could one really love matters of tax?There’s a German-Austrian alliance of tax attorneys and advisors who are provingthat it is possible: you can love tax. And be successful at it too.

TEXT: EMMIE COLLINGE | PHOTOS: PRESS IMAGES

An alliance with a heart for tax

Portraits: Jens Schönfeld (left) & Gerald Gahleitner (right)


Issue 26 | May 2015 | 95

Discover Germany | Business | LeitnerLeitner

with countless special publications, lecturesand engagements at universities. “Almosthalf of our tax partners also hold lectures atuniversities,”explains Jens Schönfeld. Theprofessor meets practice – and this profitsthe clients too.

Founded in 1971 as a small tax-centredoffice in Bonn, Flick Gocke Schaumburgnow counts almost 500 members of staff atits four offices in Germany as well as itsZurich office.The addition of Hamburg insummer 2015 will bring the total to six.“We’re ensuring that all the importanteconomic regions are covered for ourclients,” emphasises Schönfeld. “At thesame time, we’re very active on the globalscene from within Germany, whetherthat’s guiding joint cross-border transac-tions alongside other firms, as is the casewith LeitnerLeitner, or we’re advising in-

ternational companies on German legalmatters.”

While Flick Gocke Schaumburg’s physicalpresence is still largely concentrated onGerman-speaking countries, LeitnerLeit-ner, with around 650members of staff, havea long history outside of Austria in count-less Central and Eastern European coun-tries. As Gerald Gahleitner explains: “Wesecure the efficient care of our clients inthese markets by having our own offices inSlovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary,Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatiaand Slovenia.Moreover,we have close linksto selected partners in Romania, Bulgariaand Poland.”

“For many German companies, Vienna isthe gateway for their activities in Centraland Eastern European countries,”expandsSchönfeld. “Given the common languagethere’s a sense of proximity to your domes-tic market, but at the same time close tosubjects that concern Eastern Europeancompanies.”

For Jens Schönfeld, the alliance with Leit-nerLeitner is a piece of luck.“If our clientsconsult us with a complicated tax questionrelating to Austria or an Eastern Europeancountry, we’re now in a position to reactquickly, without undue red tape. From themany joint ventures we’ve got to knoweach other and you can rest assured thatyour own clients are in good hands.”

This is a perspective shared by GeraldGahleitner: “Given the two decades-plusyears of constant cooperation, we share alot of trust – professionally too.This is of in-valuable benefit to our clients, as we’re ableto develop cross-border solutions forthem.”

Such a high level of trust is also importantfor the private client seeking advice fromone of the two firms.“Since the 1990s we’vefocussed on international succession plan-ning for medium-sized companies and theassociated tax issues,”explains Gahleitner.“For many Germans, Austria is an appeal-ing country in which to live. And tax isn’tthe sole reason for this,” says Schönfeld.

“Particularly when it comes to large sums ofwealth, a move needs to be well planned.”And the same goes for questions of inher-itance tax or foundations.To guarantee thatthey’re always up-to-date with the latestdevelopments, tax experts from both com-panies regularly attend professional work-shops. Once a year they organise a confer-ence in Berlin alongside the Federation ofGerman Industry (BDI), delving into cur-rent tax subjects concerning the DACHcountries, and Liechtenstein, a recent ad-dition to the agenda.

Besides the professional aspects, what elseexcites the tax experts about this intensivecooperation? “I find Austrian cuisine sen-sational,” says Schönfeld without hesitat-ing. “AndVienna and Salzburg are both al-ways worth a visit, they’re very relaxed andwelcoming, although sometimes the lan-guage baffles me. I have to ask what wordslike ‘heuer’ or ‘Schlagobers’mean.” “Oftenwe participate in sports together as part ofthese professional workshops. We domi-nate when it comes to winter sports but wecould still win a football match or twoagainst our German friends – even withoutDavid Alaba,” remarks Gahleitner with asmile.

www.fgs.dewww.leitnerleitner.com


96 | Issue 26 | May 2015

Looking to buy in Vienna? Good choice,reckonsMirka Engel ofVienna-based estateagency Engel + Partner Immobilien GmbH.“Vienna is highly attractive to investorsfrom all around the world,” she says as-suredly.“Aside from the many recreationaland cultural facilities the city has to offer,Vi-enna also guarantees a very high degree ofsafety. Furthermore, economic stability anda growing population combined withabove-average spending power all con-tribute to excellent prospects for the futureprice development.”

Most liveable locationA good outlook then for potential buyers tolive and invest in Vienna – but there is somuchmore toAustria’s charismatic capital.Take the historic centre, for example, des-ignated a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site in2001. Here, Vienna’s glorious past as theformer capital of the Austro-HungarianEmpire is reflected in many architecturalgems, including Baroque castles and gar-dens, as well as the late-19th-centuryRingstrasse lined with grand buildings,monuments and parks. In a study of the

world’s most livable cities by the EconomistIntelligence Unit,Vienna was ranked first in2005 and second in 2012. In addition, Vi-enna claimed the title of Mercer’s“Qualityof Living”survey among hundreds of citiesworldwide for six consecutive years (2009-2014). Known as the City of Music due toits rich musical heritage,Vienna is also saidto be "The City of Dreams" because it washome to Sigmund Freud, the world's firstpsychoanalyst.

Live your dream

If all this has convinced you to make yourown little property dream come true in thisfascinating city, Mirka Engel is the perfectpartner. Specialized in the high-end seg-ment ofVienna and its surrounding areas,

The property market in Vienna, Austria’s ‘City of Dreams’, is booming with beautifulperiod homes that feature modern amenities. Engel+Partner can help you find them.

TEXT: SONJA IRANI | PHOTOS: ENGEL + PARTNER IMMOBILIEN GMBH

Old glory meets new glamour


Issue 26 | May 2015 | 97

Discover Germany | Business | Engel+Partner

Engel + Partner offer a range of contempo-rary and period properties, both residentialand commercial. “Period flats in beautifulbuildings from the time of rapid industrialexpansion around the turn to the 20th cen-tury are still booming,”explains Mirka En-gel when asked which trends can currentlybe observed on theVienna property market.“Such flats cannot be built again and wetherefore anticipate the prices in this seg-ment to increase further. Attractive atticconversions without any inclined walls butwith an above-average room height and ofcourse superb views are highly sought-af-ter too.”Vienna’s period flats are usuallylocated in buildings with richly articulatedfaçades, featuring high rooms with (oftendouble) frame and panel doors, typical fish-bone-style parquet flooring as well as pan-elled box windows.“Contemporary reno-vations aim to combine the charm of the

old with the ameni-ties of modern,highly-developedtechnical infrastruc-ture,” she explains.“Particularly attrac-tive is the creationof outdoor spacesuch as balconiesand terraces as – onaverage – those arepretty rare in periodflats.” At the mo-ment the areaaround Vienna’snew main station isseeing heavy in-vestment, as the es-tate agent contin-ues: “We ownexclusive rights tosell flats in thePalais Mommsen, agreat residentialbuilding complexfrom the turn of the20th century.” Al-most 10,000m² ofnew residential andcommercial livingspace is being de-veloped here. Thegrand building is

fully renovated while preserving all of itsvaluable period features. New penthouseapartments are being constructed at thetop. Buyers will haveVienna literally at theirfeet, and will enjoy breath-taking views.

Dedication deluxe

Property buyers are very different and havedifferent priorities when they embark on aproperty search. Therefore, Engel+Partnerfocus strongly on the individual. Expertise,competent judgement and an individualsuccess strategy are specifically tailored toclients and properties.“The demands of thebuyers have increased strongly in recentyears, as have the prices that the buyers areready to pay for adequately attractivehomes,”explains Mirka Engel.“In this con-text, reliability and professional preparationare essential. Furthermore, I embrace thechallenge of finding the dream home for

many different types of people. I believethat I generally have a good feeling for whatpeople really want.”And her concept clearlyworks:“I have often been able to bring buy-ers and sellers together who previouslywouldn’t have considered each other forfinding their perfect property”.Another signthat the client-committed estate agency ison the fast track is that Engel+Partner is in-creasingly recommend by people whomMirka or her colleagues have in fact nevermet.“Even though our company is only 4years old,”smilesMirka Engel.“This is prob-ably due to our good reputation.”

www.engelpartner.at

All images: Palais Mommsen, 4th district, Vienna


98 | Issue 26 | May 2015

Much more than typical estate agents, theflexible and competent team of experts lendtheir support to national and internationalcustomers throughout the entire process ofacquiring or selling properties in Austria.From the initial contact to the fulfilment ofindividual property dreams and beyond, theteam at RIWOGREAL ESTATEMANAGE-MENT embody true all-round talent andfull-service provision.Offering target group-specific services for building contractors, in-vestors, acquiring parties and sellers, as wellas tenants and landlords, the property mar-keting company guarantees maximum effi-ciency through extensive cooperation withpartners, such as financial service providers,lawyers and notaries.“We are a high levelbusiness and not a ‘door opener’,”explainsassociate BenjaminTanil.“We offer our cus-tomers everything to do with real estate:estate agents, property management andbuilding contractors.We’re more than sheerestate agents, solely taking on the mediat-ing role. We have 80 per cent professional

contracting authorities, such as property de-velopers or private foundations. Thus, wecan offer high quality objects to the inter-ested parties.We also offer the entire mar-keting concept (logo, CI, text, homepage,augmented reality) to our property sellersfor free,”he adds.

Themodern and innovative business bankson high quality training of their in-houseestate agents. As true specialists in theirfield, they advise every customer individu-ally and try to realise personal wishes andideas. Putting special emphasis on interna-tional customer acquisition, they seek tooptimally advise and supervise with any realestate purchases inVienna.“We are nation-ally active and thus can offer the familiarquality for our cosmopolitan-thinking cus-tomers in Austria’s essential property mar-kets. We also offer multilingual support forour international clientele as we speak Eng-lish, French, Italian, Russian,Hebrew,Croa-tian and Romanian,”continues Tanil.

The young, innovative, flexible and profes-sional team offer their selling clients thehighest service so that they can expect tofind the most suitable customer at an opti-mum price. RIWOG REAL ESTATEMAN-AGEMENT primarily offers professionallydeveloped properties between €250,000and €600,000 for the upper middle class, aswell as down-to-earth entrepreneurs.Withhighly positive online ratings, that’s justanother confirmation that RIWOG’s exten-sive expertise, quality and service are theirthree proven pillars to success.

www.riwog.at

RIWOG REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT offers the highest standard of customer-oriented and professional property marketing – and not only for those seeking toacquire property in the most liveable city of Vienna.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF | PHOTOS: RIWOG REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT GMBH

Real estate purchase made easy

Main image: Project ‘Highline9‘; www.highline9.at

Top: Furnishing available on request

Above: Project ‘Prime View‘ www.primeview.at

Below: RIWOG Real Estate Management team

Discover Germany | Business | RIWOG REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT


Issue 26 | May 2015 | 99

The housing project Gallgasse has createdthe optimum blend of quality, location andthat certain special something. With 46completely renovated flats, each one fea-turing a generously-sized open space suchas a balcony, terrace or garden. French win-dows provide plenty of light for the spa-cious two to five-room apartments.

Elaborate layouts and elegant architecturedefine the look of the housing complex,

while high ceilings, as well as noble oakparquet floors in a herringbone patterncater for an exclusive ambiance that reflectsthe history. Underfloor heating, woodenwindows with aluminium covers, triple in-sulated glazing, as well as porcelain tiles aresome of the premium features offered.But the real draw of the project is its loca-tion. Set in a beautiful community gardenand with Lainz Game Reserve in closeproximity, urban life is perfectly in balance

as one can easily reach Speisinger Strasseby foot, the U4 station of Hietzing by tramline 60 and Karlsplatz with line 62.The har-moniously designed housing complex is atranquil haven in the middle of one of themost beautiful districts ofVienna.

www.wvg.at

While a large number of newly built apartments currently exist in Vienna, only veryfew can rival the quality and elegance of these beautifully refurbished flats in theGallgasse in the 13th district. Located in one of the quietest and greenest areas ofHietzing, they can be found near to the highly sought-after recreational spots ofLainz Game Reserve, the Vienna Woods and Schönbrunn Palace.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF | PHOTOS: WVG BAUTRAEGER

Live in style inVienna

Discover Germany | Business | WVG Bauträger

Above: Idyllic living conditions in a green and quiet location.


100 | Issue 26 | May 2015

Beer: The German Beer Purity Law is stillthe oldest food-quality regulation in theworld. In the year 1516, the Bavarian dukeWilhelm IV decreed that beer may only bebrewed from barley, hops, and water – to-day, this is still a quality standard for Ger-man beer.

Carnival: Whether Aachen, Düsseldorf,Cologne, or Bonn – each of the Rhine’s car-nival centres has its own history and specialtraditions. However, one thing they havehad in common since the Middle Ages isthe joyful and carefree way they celebratethis zany and lively festival including someserious preparation beforehand.Therefore,the revellers – the active carnival partici-pants – want the Rhine Carnival to berecognised as intangible cultural heritage byUNESCO.The decision is planned for 2016.

Cuckoo clock: The first documented refer-ence to the cuckoo clock is not actually as-sociated with the Black Forest. Elector Au-gust of Saxony is believed to have had sucha clock in around 1630. About 150 yearslater, clockmakers in the Black Forest man-ufactured the timepiece with the originalacoustic component, which strikes at every

full hour. In the mid-19th century, the char-acteristic design of the signalman's housebecame common for the casing, as well asthe pendulumweights in the shape of pinecones. Since then, the cuckoo clock isrenowned worldwide as a typical souvenirfrom Germany.

Currywurst (bratwurst with curry sauce):One of the most recent culinary traditionsalready has a museum dedicated to it. InGermany’s first Currywurst museum inBerlin Mitte, you can interactively discoverthis speciality and try different variations.

East Frisian “Teetied” (tea time): EastFrisians drink nearly 300 litres of tea percapita each year.The ceremony is preciselyregulated. First, a piece of sugar crystal(Kluntje) is placed in the cup, then the tea.

Unusual, noteworthy, curious or inspiringInteresting facts about traditions and customs in GermanyTEXT & PHOTOS: GERMAN NATIONAL TOURIST BOARD (GNTB)


Issue 26 | May 2015 | 101

Discover Germany | Feature | Traditions & Customs in Germany

A dash of cream is then carefully added tothe side of the cup. Traditionally, the tea isdrunk without stirring so the bitter taste of

tea is first apparent, followed by the milkand finally the sweetness of the sugaredtea at the bottom of the cup.

Green Sauce: This traditional sauce con-sists of seven kinds of herbs – no more andno less. In the district of Oberrad, there is aspecial monument made up of seven smallgreenhouses – one for each herb.There arealso several hundred different ways to pre-pare this “Grie Soß” (green sauce), as thepeople in Frankfurt call it. As for whichrecipe is best, there will probably never beagreement for all eternity.

Hamburg fish market: At the Hamburgfish market there is much more than justfish.The market traders seize the opportu-nity to advertise, in loud voices, the lowprices for their remaining weekly stock infresh fruit and vegetables, meat, sausagesand fish, until the warehouses are emptyand they have space for fresh merchandisefor the following week.

Meissen porcelain:We owe the discoveryof this famous porcelain fromSaxony thanksto alchemist Johann Friedrich Böttger, whoclaimed to be able to convert base materialsinto pure gold. Unfortunately, this did notbring him the expected admiration by hiscontemporaries, but instead attracted greedyprinces. Böttger was abducted and held un-der house arrest by order of Augustus theStrong and locked up inAlbrechtsburg Cas-tle inMeissen, until he discovered porcelainafter years of experiments.

Spree Forest: Tourists can enjoy the uniquelandscape at its best by going on a relaxingboat trip and punting through the channels.Spreewald barges are also an essentialmeans of transport for the population. Evenmail is delivered by water.

Oktoberfest: The Munich “Wies’n” is theworld’s largest folk festival with 6.3 millionvisitors. In 2014, they drank 6.5 million litres,known as a“Mass”, of the especially quaffa-bleOktoberfest beer,whilst eatingmore than100 oxen and around 80 calves.Almost half amillion roast chickens (“Brathendl”) are con-sumed in the two weeks on the Theresien-wiese, as well as over 100,000 pairs of porksausages and some 80,000 pork knuckles.

Wine:Wine is cultivated in 13 growing re-gions in Germany, in some cases since theRoman times.Riesling fromRheingau,PinotNoir from the Ahr Valley or Trollinger andLemberger fromWürttemberg are interna-tionally in demand. Full of pleasure and ajoie de vivre, traditional wine festivals offervisitors a very special experience, where thewinegrowers present their current vintageswith regional specialities for tasting.

Main image: Enjoy a Frisian tea in Husum.Photo: Jochen Keute

Opposite page, bottom: Hamburg/Elbe: at the fish marketoutside the fish auction hall. Photo: Rainer Kiedrowski

Below:

Black Forest cuckoo clock. Photo: Gundhard Marth

Munich Oktoberfest: “Wies'neinzug” procession.Photo: Rainer Kiedrowski

Punting trip in the Spree Forest. Photo: Andreas Kaster


102 | Issue 26 | May 2015

Ruhrfestspiele, Recklinghausen(1 May – 14 June)

Who would have thought that the Ruhr Valleywould host one of the oldest and biggestEuropean theatre festivals? Numerous locationswill hold dance events, concerts, and cabaret ortheatre productions of numerous genres.

www.ruhrfestspiele.de/en

International Festival of Animated Film,Stuttgart (5 – 10 May)

Stuttgart is the location for one of the world’smost outstanding events for animated film fans.The festival covers the whole spectrum ofcurrent productions in the animated film sector.

www.itfs.de/en

designmesse.ch, Zurich (8-10 May)

Zurich’s hottest design fair featuring exciting new

furniture items for home and office, with lightingsolutions, living accessories, carpets and muchmore.

www.designmesse.ch

Hamburg Port Anniversary (8 – 10 May)

Hamburg’s historic ‘Hafencity’ will once more beswept away on a wave of maritime ambience asone of the biggest harbours in the worldcelebrates its annual anniversary. Guests canexpect a three-day festival full of exciting stageprogrammes, historic ships, dragon boat racesand a tugboat ballet.

www.hamburg.de/hafengeburtstag-programm

Genuss Festival, Vienna (8 – 10 May)

Three days full of culinary delights in Vienna’sCity Park in front of a beautiful backdrop –visitors can indulge in regional Austrian dishesand high quality produce at 160 stands. A

colourful supporting programme can beexpected too.

www.genuss-festival.at

Save the date as there are plenty of great events scheduled for the weeks to come.From music festivals and exciting exhibitions to fantastic sporting events and so-cial highlights, Discover Germany’s Culture Calendar is your perfect guide for whatnot to miss in May.

Culture Calendar


Issue 26 | May 2015 | 103

Bern Grand-Prix (9 May)

Switzerland’s largest running event is a top-notch spectacle both on and off the road. In2014 over 28,000 competitors took part in thisrace along the ’10 most beautiful miles in theworld.’ The unique backdrop of Bern’s OldTown, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lends aspecial appeal to the event.

www.gpbern.ch

Long Night of Music, Munich (9 May)

From hip-hop and blues, jazz or pop to rock andchurch music: For just one night each year,Munich’s city centre plays host to over 400concerts, dance performances, cabaret shows ortours in more than 100 different venues. And allthis for just 15 Euros. Free shuttle bus included.

www.muenchner.de/musiknacht

Show-Jumping and Dressage Derby,Hamburg (13 – 17 May)

Considered one of the world’s hardest jumpingderbies, the Show-Jumping and DressageDerby in Hamburg’s Klein Flottbek is alsoGermany’s most historic and traditional ridingevent. Visitors can expect to see the biginternational stars of equestrianism in front of amagnificent setting.

engarde.de/events

Herring Days, Kappeln (14 – 17 May)

The town with the oldest herring fence in Europeannually celebrates this small fish withexhibitions, auctions, a fun fair and live concerts.A highlight is the herring bet when guests canestimate the weight of the catch of the day.

www.heringstage-kappeln.de/programm-2014.html

Vienna Festival (14 May – 21 June)

Annually attracting about 180,000 visitors today,the festival was first established in 1951 whenVienna was still occupied by the four Allies. Aninnovative event with international collaborations,it features a wide variety of genres – classical,modern and contemporary operas, theatres,concerts, performance art, and installations. Alarge number of places throughout the city serveas performance venues, such as theMuseumsQuartier, the Theater an der Wien,Musikverein, Schauspielhaus, and the city’smarkets and squares.

www.festwochen.at

Karneval der Kulturen, Berlin (22 – 25 May)

The street festival and parade are part of anurban festival that reflects Berlin’s multi-culturalnature. Celebrating diversity, visitors can expecta wide range of cultural offerings from Mexicandancers to Brazilian music, from artists to

political groups and various musicians.

www.karneval-berlin.de/en

40th International Jazzfestival Bern(until 24 May)

Jazz, Blues, Soul and Latin – 20,000 jazzenthusiasts annually pilgrimage to one of themost important festivals of this kind. At over 200individual concerts, international world-classartists will perform in a very personal ambience.Music students from Switzerland and New Yorkcan gain their first stage experience.

www.jazzfestivalbern.ch

Eurovision Song Contest, Vienna(19 – 23 May)

Last year Conchita Wurst won the covetedtrophy. For the 60th time in history, contestantsfrom all over Europe will perform their best songand hope to hear ‘ten points for…’. May thebest one win!

www.eurovision.tv

Discover Germany | Culture | Culture Calendar

Opposite page, main image:AIDA fireworks. Photo: AIDA Cruise / CHLietzmann

Opposite page, bottom: Genuss. Photo: Rita Newman

Top: Impression of the 33rd Grand Prix of Bern.Photo: swiss-image.ch/Photo Michael Buholzer

Above: Jephtha – Wiener Festwochen 2015.Photo: Stefan Gloede

Below: Karneval der Kulturen.Photo: Daniela Incoronato


DEUTSCHES ARCHITEKTURMUSEUMSchaumainkai 43, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany, www.dam-online.deGEÖFFNET \ OPEN Di, Do —So Tue, Thu—Sun 11.00 — 18.00, Mi Wed 11.00 — 20.00

Mit freundlicher Unterstützung von \Kindly supported by:

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Wolf D. Prix & Partner


Documents

Discover Germany, Issue 26, May 2015