Beer is a tradition in Germany and a ritual that the Germans can not give up as well as being an integral part of their culture. After the Czechs and the Irish, the Germans are the biggest beer drinkers. The historical importance of German beer comes from a law called “Reinheitsgebot,” which was enacted in 1500 which still remains in force in some German cities today. It prohibited the use of poor quality materials in the production process of this great beverage. Because of the importance to the Germans and their culture, it would be guaranteed an affordable price.

Another concern in Germany in addition to the costs, were the chemicals used in its production. To avoid food poisoning or illness, the law was changed that prevented the use of poor quality ingredients in the making of beer. Initially, the fermentation process to convert the malt into alcohol was seen as an act of witchcraft. It was said that they were witches who made the fermentation process possible, but over time, people saw that the substance that rose to the surface was yeast and that this was the cause of fermentation. However, it was Louis Pasteur who discovered that the real cause of the fermentation were microorganisms which transforms the malt into alcohol and carbon dioxide.

All cities have at least one brewery. The world’s oldest still in operation is the Weihenstephan Abbey, located in the Bavarian town of Freising. In total there are about 1,300 breweries in Germany and a production of over 5,000 brands. Half of the German brewers say it’s a Bavarian.

Thanks to this wide variety, almost every village has its own beer, and sometimes more than one. Being able to list them all would be an impossible task, but here are some of the most famous ones: Pilsner, Maibock, or Helles bock – a springtime beer, Doppelbock and Altbier. Italy, Spain and many other countries also have well known beers, too. Together, all these countries in unison give a broad overview of the German beer culture and how it has developed over the centuries.

The beer festivals are quite popular in several countries. In Germany, a famous one that is visited by many foreigners is the Oktoberfest in Bavaria, one of the most popular festivals in Europe for Germany beer that goes back to the nineteenth century. The main attraction of course, is the beer, along with meat and sausages. There are all sorts of attractions and popular bands and many have the traditional Bavarian costume, which is almost a must for the locals. The festival begins in late September, lasts 16 days, starting with the parade through the city with wagons carrying barrels of beer accompanied by a crowd in a procession to the park. Once there, the mayor officially opens the first barrel with the opening phrase of “O’zapft is!” (“It’s tapped!” in the Austro-Bavarian dialect).

If you like beer you must travel to Berlin. You’ll discover their traditions and their beer, and get to taste all the different types, too! Rent apartments in Berlin, you’ll have fun tasting hundreds of different brews while enjoying cheap and comfortable accommodation.

If you think that getting a tattoo is a recent fashion, you are totally wrong. The tattoo art is as ancient as the human race. So much so, that even a mummy of the Neolithic period was found with 57 tattoos on his back. Surprised? Polynesia is the region which has the oldest tattoo tradition of the world and it was the first where, like today, tattoos were used as body ornamentation.

Throughout the centuries, different cultures have used tattoos in different ways: some have categorized it as art (Japan), some as a way of social stigma (ancient Greece and Rome), others as a symbol of maturity (North America) and even there were some cultures that have attributed supernatural powers to them (Egypt). But today tattoos have no other function than to adorn the body. The techniques have been refined to the point of turning it into an art-form. The tattoo artists are the masters of painting that draw the more outlandish and varied designs on the skin. The whole world has given itself up to the tattoo boom.

In recent years, tattoos have been progressively incorporated into the society and today they have settled down among all social sectors. Increasingly there are more tattooed bodies around the globe. So it is not surprising that important tattoo conventions are celebrated throughout the world. One of the most famous conventions is the “Berlin Tattoo Convention“, which has been celebrated in the German capital since 1991. There, the best artists in the world show off their talent. In fact, Berlin is considered one of the tattoo cradles of the old continent.

To many people tattoos represent a form of expression and a way of life; to another they simply represent a way of worshipping the body. There are tattoos that identify urban tribes, or musical tastes. “Tattoos show off our own style, tell people that we belong to a code and shows the integration of a group” say anthropologists.

Today, there are strong regulations to which the tattoo studios must adhere: single-use instruments (syringes and needles) unsealed in the presence of the user and perfectly sterilized; obligatory vaccination of staff against hepatitis B, tetanus and diphtheria and the workers will have to certify the completion of a training course on hygiene and health of 30 hours amongst other things.

Either way, it seems that the art of tattooing has come a long way. Do you want to learn more about the world of tattoos? Travel to the German capital to discover the most amazing tattoo artwork and rent Apartments in Berlin to enjoy a pleasant stay.

Darkness, cold, humidity …anyone tempted? No? Of course, not a lot of Berliners and tourists would be willing to pay for that, but never trust appearances: this could be the experience of a lifetime!

The “Berliner Unterwelten eV” (the society for the exploration of the subterranean Berlin) organizes underground guided tours of the city since 1987; you’d be amazed by the architectural and historical treasures that are hidden just under your feet.

You can choose between several tours to discover the huge underground network of the city; for instance you can explore tunnels dug up during the Cold War by the East Berliners in search of a better life: they were built between 1961 and 1985 and allowed 300 people to leave East Berlin, while many others were caught by the political police of the Stasi and were coldly executed.

The guide organizing those expeditions is called Dietmar Arnold and for twelve years he has travelled the underground city searching for forgotten architectural gems. A museum displays all the amazing objects he discovered while excavating the maze of the underground city.

The most popular route starts at the metro station “Gesundbrunnen”, the door of hell which will take you into the largest network of tunnels built in Berlin during the Cold War. You will discover a preserved shelter which could still serve as a refuge for 1,300 people today.

For the modest sum of 9 euros you will get a 90 minutes visit of tunnels and of course of bunkers, to get an idea of how Hitler and Eva Braun spent their last few days….. (It was actually in a bunker in Bonn, but you will get the idea!)

Another visit takes place inside one of the Flak Tower of the Humboldthain Park: you will discover the most famous bunker of Berlin, built on seven stories…. claustrophobics aren’t allowed! Some parts of the bunker collapsed and high bridges might give you vertigo.

You will also discover an underground transportation system built in 1865 which is  completely forgotten today!

Tours take place from April to October in order not to disturb the bats during their hibernation period.

Are you ready to experience something out of the ordinary? Want to discover the history of the city of Berlin? Why wait, come and enjoy an original experience and rent an Apartments in Berlin today!

Berlin is a liberal, modern and cosmopolitan city. Because of that it has become one of the most influential gay destinations in Europe. Its gay community is one of the three largest in the Old Continent, along with Amsterdam and London. Even the town’s mayor, Klaus Wowereit, declared himself openly gay when he assumed office. This way, it isn’t strange that the German capital has tolerance and sympathy for this community.

The gay scene in the city is highly diversified. Throughout all the neighbourhoods the rainbow flags are waving, so there isn’t just a single gay area, but they are scattered throughout the city.

There is a prominently male atmosphere and it is concentrated around the Nollendorf Square in Schöneberg, around the west area. At that place, a commemorative monument as a reminder to the homosexual victims of the Nazi regime was put up. In this neighbourhood the Mann-O-Meter – which is the most important male gay collective in Berlin is located. Moreover, there is a large concentration of gay and gay-friendly hotels and “men only” premises (Rob, Man’s, Jaxx, Mr.B). But not all the cultural and gastronomic offer is aimed at men in Schönefeld. There are plenty of mixed bars or pubs for straight people.

The East area (close to Schönhauser Allee) is much more alternative and peaceful, though it also has a large concentration of bars, restaurants and discotheques. Next to the Alexanderplatz square there are some popular pubs and premises such as Kinzer or GMF @ Café Moskau. And near Kreuzberg & F’hain there are renowned clubs like SchwuZ, Serena Bar, SO36 or Culture Club. The most popular areas for lesbians are Kreuzberg and Berlin-Mitte.

In addition, each year Berlinhosts one of the biggest Gay Pride days in Europe (known as “Christopher Street Day”). It began 25 years ago and today half a million people take part.

Rent Apartments in Berlin and discover the pink side of the capital. You’ll have a great time there!.

Berlin isn’t just a symbol of recent history; it is also one of the most modern cities full of spectacular events. Those who already have visited Berlin have been absolutely captivated by the German city. The capital continues changing itself and offers you a lot of places to discover. After all the years of division it seems that Berlin has changed radically and is in a period of permanent development. There are uncountable things in Berlin that you can discover: the

Brandenburg Gate, the rest of the Berlin Wall, or the best shopping streets “Kudamm” and the “Friedrichstraße”. You shouldn’t miss the Museum Island, especially the Pergamon Museum, as well as the Berlin Cathedral and the Tiergarten, a big park in the centre of the city.

Berlin is also the city of music. Indeed, the Berlin Philharmonic is called the best symphony orchestra of the world. In Berlin there are a lot of theatres, for example the well known Berliner Ensemble and the Deutsche Theatre. Berlin is a real paradise for lovers of orchestras. Furthermore, the chameleon like city offers you all different kinds of events. No matter what your tastes are you’ll find an adequate event in the German capital. The famous Berlinale is one of the most important international film festivals which takes place during two spectacular weeks in February. During these 14 days thousands of people of all around the world come together. The main prize of the Berlinale is obviously much related to the symbol of the city. The most important prizes are the Golden Bear and the Silver Bear.

Berlin offers for every lover of the so called “rave culture” a breath-taking music festival of electro and dance music: the famous “Loveparade”, founded in 1989. In its first years the festival was considered as a symbol of change and now it is known as a huge platform for trance, house, techno and schranz music where famous djs like DJ Tiesto, Paul van Dyk or DJ Rush can show off their talents. Millions of people visit the Loveparade and there are uncountable trucks where the loud music comes from.

After the official end of the Loveparade, the party still goes on in the parks of the city where the people dance to the incredible rhythms of rave music.

Do you want to have a fantastic vacation? Rent one of the best apartments in Berlin and discover the thousands of different faces of the German capital. Dive into the world of culture and art! Don’t miss this unique chance and organize your trip to Berlin!

The ITB Berlin is the world’s largest tourism trade fair. This will be the 43rd edition and will take place at the Messe Convention Centre in Berlin, Germany from the 11th to 15th of March. In this year’s edition there will be over 180 countries representing all segments and tourism from Europe, Asia, Africa and America. In addition, there will be over 8,000 accredited media along with 1100 exhibiting companies and organizations that will be distributed in over 25 exhibition halls.

This year’s convention focuses on the effects of the crisis in the travel business sector and the best solutions to this global problem. Other items of interest are: the problems and remedies of travel visas in business tourism, legal and tax details to do with airlines and corporate social responsibility issues in the industry.

Despite the difficult global economic situation, in 2009 the touristic demands are outstripping supplies. Contrary to what one might think, business tourism has gained much weight in the entire tourism sector and represents an important part of its economy. For example, in Germany, business tourism accounts for 50% of the total spent.

Among the most important segments, ITB has stands for events and new trends, youth travel, ecotourism, cultural tourism, cheap accommodation, adventure tours and expeditions, technology, training and employment in tourism, welfare, and cruise reservations.

In addition, hot topics in the travel sector that may be of interest to businesses and individuals will be dealt with: reservation systems, destinations, hotels, and communication and information systems providers.

Year after year, the ITB Berlin has gained prestige and the number of visitors has increased. Last year, about 100 events attracted over 11,000 participants. The region’s guest of honour this year is the Cuenca del Ruhr, European Capital of Culture 2010.

This year’s ITB trade fair promises quality and optimistic figures. Companies as well as private individuals will both be catered for here. The first group will have every means at their disposal for promoting and developing tourism and the latter will be able to discover new trends in tourism, as well as the best holiday destinations.

If you do not want to miss out on this exciting trade fair, rent apartments in Berlin. Discover the city from another point of view and enjoy all the wonders of the German capital.

We often go to museums which are in super modern and new buildings designed by international famous architects. But what about the other museums or the most important buildings of the city, even though they aren’t so super modern? If you want to enjoy a place full of history and art, then come to Berlin! The German capital offers you an interactive, creative and spectacular museum situated in a symbolic building in the city of Berlin. Discover TACHELES, just the best Art-Centre in Berlin!

Let’s talk about the name “Tacheles“. This is an old word in Hebrew which means “reveal” or “speak clearly”. Any other name could represent better the main aim of this artistic movement which occupied the building after the fall of the Berlin Wall since 1990. After a long period of oppression in the German Democratic Republic, artists searched for a way to express their art and point of view of the world, which, during the  German separation, was impossible for them.

The building TACHELES is the witness of many historic events and has lived through different periods of German history which has also affected the whole world. In the beginning it was constructed as a commercial centre in the year 1907 under the rule of the emperor Friedrich Wilhelm Viktor von Hohenzollern and so it received the name Friedrichstraßenpassage.

Over the decades the building was used as the Haus der Technik which was a huge exhibition space where technical products were presented and sold to customers. The national socialists used this building as well as an administration building and on the 5th floor they kept the prisoners of the French war. During the second world war the building was damaged by the bombs, but it wasn’t completely destroyed.

In the GDR the building was used for the purpose of the Free German Trade Union Federation and the National People’s Army and it was transformed even more into a ruin. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the movement, which was formed by uncountable artists from all over the world, occupied the building and since then they have been fighting against its demolition, although it is under a preservation order.

This historical background is enough for visiting the TACHELES, but this Art-Centre offers you a spectacular trip through the creative world of arts. TACHELES is divided into different artistic spaces which will captivate you. Der goldene Saal, the golden hall, was known in the GDR as the cinema “camera”. It consists of two floors and a spectacular scenario for exhibitions, concerts, acting and performances in the fine arts area. In addition, the scenario and the tribune have a movable system which makes it possible to create different atmospheres which will amaze you.

Der blaue Salon (the blue salon), is on the 5th floor and was used as a laboratory and studio till 2002. Nowadays however this space is perfect for exhibitions, because the outside light illuminates the whole area and the works of art. Parties and theatre performances are also parts of this salon, too.

Die Neue Galerie stands out for its enchanting atmosphere. There are two big storerooms of 400m2 which are connected by modern stairs. In the interior you’ll find a balcony which transforms the space in a spectacular gallery for exhibitions of all different types of art. Here you’ll find everything that you can dream of.

In TACHELES you can’t only see finished works of art, because you also have the possibility to observe the artists and that makes you part of the creation. In this building there are more than 30 studios with about 50 artists who will show you their talent. Dive into the world of imagination and creativity!

Nowadays TACHELES is like an art forum for artistic meetings in the area of the fine arts which is said to be one of the most important in Germany and Europe. It is a centre where different alternative ways of life are developed and realized. There you’ll have the possibility of admiring creative performances, concerts, exhibitions of paintings, sculptures and installations, as well as plays, cinema movies, workshops or poetry recitals created by spectacular artists from different cultures and countries.

As you can see, the German capital offers you a building full of history, culture and art. Let yourself be carried away by the creative and artistic world! And for having a comfortable space to relax from all the new impressions and feelings, rent one of the best apartments in Berlin. Come to the German capital and discover the TACHELES!

The long nights of Berlin’s museums

The weekend is about to arrive and your friends ask you what are your plans for these days, and you don’t feel like doing the usual things. Well, we have the perfect solution for you: Come to Berlin and take advantage of the long nights of the museums in the city of Berlin!

Twice a year the city of Berlin lets you enter the world of cultural and historical museums for one night. And you can visit a host of museums and exhibitions at very cheap prices. The “Lange Nacht der Museen” or Long Night of Museums will be held on January 31st on Saturday night Sunday morning. More than 110 museums open their doors and will offer countless exhibitions and collections in various shapes and sizes. This year celebrates the 24th edition of the event and this year’s theme is called “concepts and world views,” a very interesting and creative topic that will captivate you.

You’ll enter into a world of past, present and future as the majority of the exhibits are based on different world views and culture from different artistic points of view. This way, the city offers, apart from the usual exhibits, a wealth of interesting lectures, performances of dance, theatre, tours and exotic buffets for charging up your batteries on your trip through the famous museums of Berlin. A museum you shouldn’t miss is the Altes Museum, where you can discover the world of the ancient Egyptians, nor the Jüdisches Museum Berlin that will show you the reputation of Judaism and Islam in a society marked by Christianity. Another point that highlights this special evening are the two planetariums in Berlin that nicely ties in the theme of the long night of the Berlin museums with the international year of astronomy of UNESCO in a very creative and fun way.

Go to the Zeiss planetarium to hear the fascinating story of German astronaut Sigmund Jähn who presents his particular viewpoint on the subject of the world. These are just a few examples of the wide range of museums and exhibitions that you can visit this weekend. The city also offers a shuttle bus to transport all the museum hounds from to and from the different museums. You can enjoy the night of the museum getting a Kombi Ticket which costs only €12 (reduced rate €8) and allows you to use the bus and see all the museums that are found along the way.

If you still don’t have any plans for the weekend, then you are going to miss out! Come, invite your friends, book a flight and rent apartments in Berlin to enjoy your stay in the German capital that you will definitely widen your horizons.

Berlinale 2009

Berlin is a cosmopolitan and multicultural city and as such, every year (since 1951) it celebrates one of the most important film festivals in the world: The Berlin International Film Festival, this year being its 59th edition. More than 19,000 film professionals from 120 different countries will gather in the German capital next February (5th to 15th) to celebrate this epic event. With more than 200,000 tickets sold, this festival is much more than just a film event. During these two weeks, art, culture and the most glamorous and fashionable parties will take place here in Berlin. Parallel to this year’s event is a festival of films for children, an international youth cinema forum and another event showing German films.

The Berlinale is a showcase for German films par excellence. The highlight of the ceremony is the gold and silver Bear awards granted by an international jury in different categories. Films that are competing from the world over will also be premiered at the festival. British actress Tilda Swinton who won an Oscar for her supporting role in the film Michael Clayton (2007) will be the president of the jury for this year’s Festival.

A film by German director Tom Tykwer, “The International” will officially open The Berlin International Film Festival 2009. This film, with Clive Owen and Naomi Watts as the main stars will be the highlight of the festival, since it is the current work of Germany’s most popular film director. Also, by participating in the Berlinale this will also serve as a prelude to its international premiere.

Another thing to watch out for is American actor Joe Dallesandro who will receive an award as a tribute to his career. New films by Maren Ade, Sally Potter, Chen Kaige, Rachid Bouchareb and Lukas Moodysson as well as a directorial debut by Oren Movermanand will be vying in the Competition for the Golden and Silver Bears.

Some of the films nominated are: the latest by Stephen Daldry, “The Reader”, based on the bestseller by Bernhard Schlink, Maren Ade will be flying the German flag with “Alle Anderen” a film that will have to compete with tough competition such as “Rage”, a British-American film by Sally Potter, along with “The Messenger” from USA, which also happens to be a directorial debut for Oren Moverman, and “London River”, a French/Algerian/British film

by Rachid Bouchareb and finally a north-European co-production, entitled “Mammoth” Sweden / Germany / Denmark that is also in the running. Berlin has captured the imagination of countless filmmakers. Time and again, the city has served as the backdrop for the big screen.

Very soon, the city will play host to The Berlin International Film Festival for two whole weeks. Are you going to miss out on this fine and culturally rich experience? Rent apartments in Berlin to enjoy and get the most out of this most amazing European film festival.

Squatters in Berlin

The squatters’ movement was born in England in the 60s, but soon it spread to other European cities such as Berlin. This is linked to the punk and underground culture. While almost everywhere squatting was considered an illegal movement, in Germany it was legalized from the 90’s and because of this Berlin became the capital of the squatting movement. It adopted the name of “Instandbesetzen”: it is the union of two words that mean to renew and to occupy.

Some of the most important Berlin hallmarks are the squatters’ houses. Although in the past five years the city has undergone a huge transformation due to the construction of new examples of modern architecture such as the Potsdamer Platz, Berlin is still today the preferred city of the squatters and the centre of the punk movement. On the east side of the city (especially in the Mitte neighbourhood) there is a special cultural, political and social ambient. There are squatter’s houses everywhere: after their legalization, many of them have become cultural centres. In addition, there have emerged lots of different types of premises such as bars or specialized bookshops.

This culture is so deep rooted in Berlin that they don’t only squat in flats and houses but also take over entire buildings and streets. There are squatters who even live in train wagons or trucks, crammed into squares or waste grounds, creating huge villages.

Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg and Friedrichschain (all in East Berlin), are the districts with the most squatters. There is a subculture of autonomy, spontaneity and improvisation.

Tacheles was squatted in 1990 by a group of young artists from different parts of the world. What started being a simple squatter’s house, is today one of the most famous alternative cultural centres of Berlin. Since the Wall’s fall, Tacheles has combined its anarchist ideals with its artistic projects. The building has been declared a historical monument and incorporates exhibitions, theatres, and a famous café (Zapata’s Coffee)… It has gained influence as an international culture centre, both positively and negatively.

The centre has received some recognition from Berlin’s public administration and therefore receives some yearly subsidies for its funding as a result. The rest of its revenues comes from the artists’ rentals and the bar’s benefits. The architecture of the area and its run-down appearance, as well as its international artistic activity, have turned Tacheles into a worldwide famous centre.

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