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Fashion United
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Fashion United
Bellotti's Hamburg soundscapes: A preview of his Jil Sander debut
Simone Bellotti brings Jil Sander back to Hamburg. But what does the new creative director's debut sound like and what does it reveal about his future direction for the brand? Even before his official catwalk debut as creative director of Jil Sander, Bellotti has offered a first glimpse into his vision. Instead of a fashionable tour de force, the Italian fashion designer opted for an atmospheric video called "Wanderlust", which focused on music and the Hanseatic city of Hamburg. Bellotti paid homage to the label's origins, returning to the place where Heidemarie Jiline "Jil" Sander opened her first boutique in 1968. The designer's decision to choose Hamburg and turn his back on Milan, at least for now, seems more than symbolic. It appears as a programmatic indication of how seriously he takes the house's DNA. In an industry where changes in creative leadership are often accompanied by great theatrical pathos, this debut seems almost decelerated but by no means powerless. On the contrary, the video seems like a quiet prelude with the potential for a long reverberation. Preview without fashion For his first preview of his vision for Jil Sander, Bellotti not only decided against Milan, but also largely against fashion in the classic sense. Clothing took a backseat to a vision defined more by music and atmosphere. The video is accompanied by a previously unreleased track by the Italian composer Bochum Welt, whose real name is Gianluigi Di Costanzo. He is an artist with a German-sounding alias, whose music oscillates between technoid melancholy and intellectual electronica. This choice hardly seems accidental. Rather, it suggests that this very field of tension – Germany and Italy, intellectualism and nostalgia – could also shape Bellotti's own signature. Jil Sander "Wanderlust" Credits: Jil Sander Jil Sander "Wanderlust" Credits: Jil Sander Like the brand itself, the chosen music appears intellectual, minimalist and permeated with emotional undertones. These are qualities that correspond to both Hamburg's architecture and Jil Sander's purist approach. The titles of the vinyl EP produced especially for this project – available in Jil Sander stores from August – also tell of inner tensions and contrasts: Crystal Ice; Wanderlust; Shades; Night's Frost; San Peder a Sent; More Light (Escape Mix); and Cresting Waves seem like sonic musings on day and night, standstill and movement, urbanity and nature. These are themes that could also shape Bellotti's debut collection. Jil Sander "Wanderlust" Credits: Jil Sander Jil Sander "Wanderlust" Credits: Jil Sander The video itself also appears reduced, but rich in symbolism. Bellotti, who previously worked at Bally and had formative stints at Carol Christian Poell and Gianfranco Ferré, uses the return to Hamburg as more than just a historical reference. He signals a possible return to the source, not only geographically, but ideologically. Jil Sander has always stood for a special kind of rigour: the intellect of the Bauhaus, the restraint of German minimalism and the sensuality of androgyny. For Bellotti, this formula seems less a relic and more a blueprint to be further developed. Jil Sander "Wanderlust" Credits: Jil Sander Another creative upheaval for Jil Sander What should benefit him is his experience in dealing with traditional brands. At the Swiss label Bally, founded in 1851, which he most recently led as creative director, he found subtle ways to incorporate Swiss folklore – from small cowbells to the legend of the Engadine mermaids – into his designs. He did this without alienating the brand known for its leather craftsmanship or losing his own signature. His talent for embedding personal narratives even in the strictest brand architecture could also benefit him at Jil Sander. The challenge Bellotti now faces lies in the balance between respecting heritage and developing his own signature. Jil Sander is familiar with such creative transitions. Since the founder's first withdrawal in 2000, the house has experienced several changes of ownership and designers: from the Italian luxury group Prada to the fashion conglomerate OTB (Only The Brave), from the intellectual elegance of Raf Simons to the sophisticated craftsmanship of Luke and Lucie Meier. Now it is up to Bellotti to grapple with the brand's deep roots in German design ideals. His first collection in September will show where his creative journey will take him. However, in Hamburg, much already pointed to the beginning of a new chapter. One without a radical break, but as a respectful further development. This article was translated to English using an AI tool. FashionUnited uses AI language tools to speed up translating (news) articles and proofread the translations to improve the end result. This saves our human journalists time they can spend doing research and writing original articles. Articles translated with the help of AI are checked and edited by a human desk editor prior to going online. If you have questions or comments about this process email us at info@
Local Germany
26-06-2025
- Local Germany
Insider tips: The essential things to do in Hamburg in the summer
T. S. Eliot famously wrote that 'April is the cruellest month' – and in Hamburg, summer can be the cruellest season. Wedged between two coasts as we are, summer weather often switches from swelteringly humid heat one week to gale-force gusts the next. Yet despite the potential for a complete wash-out (just Google 'Hamburg summer memes'…), this is the time of year when our parks, lakes, and events calendar come into their own. What is more, with summer nights short due to our northern latitude, even a few pesky afternoon squalls still leave plenty of daylight hours to enjoy. So if you've got a brolly and a reliable weather app, here are five ways to enjoy summertime Hamburg – and some tips about how to avoid the crowds of people looking to do likewise. Get on a ferry Day-trippers, overnight stayers, residents with guests to show around, annoyed locals looking for a seat: the 62 ferry from the Landungsbrücken quays to Finkenwerder packs them all in. The classic way to see Hamburg from the water, it's still a fantastic option for a sunny morning – stress on 'morning' to beat the rush. Photo by Wolfgang Weiser: But why not try the less busy alternatives? If you've got time on a weekday, the 73 will take you along the gritty post-industrial backchannels of Steinwerder to the trendy end of Wilhelmsburg. Another option is to take a pleasant walk along the Elbe to Teufelsbrück and then hop on the 64 to Finkenwerder. At the weekends, the 65 will take you from there back over to the picturesque hill-village suburb of Blankenese. (Check timetables here .) Advertisement Get on your bike Ferries take bikes, too, so if you cross to Finkenwerder and head past the Airbus runway (keeping your eyes peeled for the awe-inspiring A300 Beluga transporter), you'll soon be cycling through the Altes Land, Europe's largest contiguous fruit-growing area. With its miles of apple, pear, and cherry orchards punctuated by quaint villages, it offers plenty of places to stop for juice, cakes, and other associated refreshments – or to shelter from the rain. Use saddle-bags to take advantage of bumper crops at low prices (everything is flat out here, so no need to worry about weight). End in bijou Buxtehude or sweet Stade, both with beautifully preserved Hanseatic town-centres and S-Bahn connections back into town. Image by Mario from Pixabay Other picturesque, if slightly more challenging routes, will get you away from the steady stream of like-minded cyclists. Why not take the (surprisingly hilly) Alster towpath up through the genteel northern suburbs, following the river out past horse paddocks and through woodlands as far as Rader Schule for an afternoon coffee/cold beer? Or, if you've got thighs of iron and an entire weekend to spare, you could try the Elbe cycle-path out to lovely Lauenburg, with a choice of chichi hotels and plenty to see and do while you're there. Advertisement Get on the train Lauenburg is a change of train away, either at Büchen or Lüneburg. Just 30 minutes from Hauptbahnhof, the latter is a gorgeous Hanseatic city which grew fabulously wealthy in the Middle Ages thanks to its salt mines, leaving it with dizzying, intricate church spires – and a serious subsidence problem. Leaning tower of Pisa? Leaning towers (plural) of Lüneburg! Lubeck is well worth a visit from Hamburg. Photo by Wolfgang Weiser on Unsplash Another medieval Hanseatic gem within day-tripping distance of Hamburg is Lübeck, a compact city with plenty to offer besides its trademark Holstentor gatehouse and atmospheric city centre. Gourmets will enjoy the marzipan for which it is known (potentially in ice-cream form if it's a hot day) as well as a wide range of fish dishes – especially out at Travemünde, the seaside suburb just a few stops further along the line. Alternatively, there are trains out to the coastal resorts of Timmendorfer Strand and Scharbeutz, although those looking to beat the day-tripping crowds are best advised to stay on board until up-and-coming Haffkrug. For adrenalin junkies, the next stop, Sierksdorf, is the right one: as well as Germany's highest and fastest rollercoaster, nearby Hansapark also has some of the best log-flumes in the business. Advertisement Go open-air swimming For those who prefer their water-related kicks to be less vertigo-inducing, Hamburg has got so many open-air swimming options that you could (confession:) live here for decades and never try them all. If you're in the market for a classic German Freibad experience, there is no better place to swim laps, belly-flop from diving boards, and people-watch than the Kaifu lido. If you'd avoid the fairweather posers, Bondenwald and Finkenwerder are quieter options. Municipal operator Bäderland also runs a natural pool filled from the Alster at Stadtpark – which, thanks to its opaque (yet clean) water, tends to put off the crowds. Indeed, if you're not put off by not being able to see the bottom, Hamburg has no end of free outdoor bathing spots. There's no need to risk drowning or being mown down by container ships on busy, fast-flowing Elbe, either, if you trade the main beach for the river's quieter arms – like the tranquil Dove Elbe, for instance, out east. Helpfully, the city authorities keep tabs of water quality here and at various other recommended swimming spots (list here ). Photo by Frank Rietsch: Go to the Wasserlichtkonzerte One final water-related tip: Wasserlichtkonzerte . It's a bit of a cop-out to call things 'untranslatable', but these spectacles held every evening from 1st May to 30th September in Planten un Blomen park really are lacking an equivalent – even in other German cities. Yes, Hamburg's 'water-light concerts' are performed using an ingenious combination of high-pressure fountains illuminated by spotlights and coordinated with speakers to create a truly unique audio-visual outdoor experience. There is, quite simply, nothing quite like them. So take a picnic and enjoy this uplifting experience with friends (or dates…) after sundown. A tip for avoiding the crowds? Get a good picnic blanket with a waterproof underside so that you can go even when it's been raining again and the grass is wet… Share your own tips for what to do in Hamburg this summer in the comments section below.
Grazia USA
23-06-2025
- Grazia USA
Hamburg Rising: GRAZIA's Ultimate Travel Guide To Germany's Most Underrated Luxury Destination
Hamburg Travel Guide; Photo courtesy of The Fontenay There's a quiet elegance about Hamburg. Often overshadowed by Berlin's edge and Munich's classic charm, this Northern German city is a hidden jewel — one where green spaces outnumber skyscrapers, where digital art exhibits and historic landmarks coexist, and where luxury travelers can unwind in serene lakeside sophistication. GRAZIA USA experienced it firsthand in an unforgettable weekend with the city's crown jewel of hospitality, and we're here to give you the ultimate travel guide with all you need to know to plan the perfect German getaway. A BRIEF HISTORY OF HAMBURG WHY GRAZIA RECOMMENDS HAMBURG FOR 2025 WHAT TO DO WHERE TO EAT WHERE TO STAY FINAL THOUGHTS A BRIEF HISTORY OF HAMBURG: THE HANSEATIC HEART OF GERMANY Photo Credit: Andreas Vallbracht, courtesy of Hamburg Marketing Hamburg's roots run deep. As a historic Hanseatic trading port, it has long been Germany's 'Gateway to the World.' The city blossomed into a global maritime hub by the 12th century and still thrives on its riverfront culture today. This history is ever-present — from its meticulously preserved Speicherstadt warehouse district, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the modern HafenCity expansion. But Hamburg isn't stuck in the past. Instead, it honors tradition while embracing the future with cultural dynamism, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability that's turned it into Germany's greenest city. WHY GRAZIA RECOMMENDS HAMBURG FOR 2025 Photo courtesy of The Fontenay Sustainable & Scenic : Nearly 50% of the city is dedicated to green spaces, making it a clean, eco-conscious destination perfect for urban nature lovers. Lake Alster is at the heart of this, where water sports, running paths, and tranquility reign. Culture Capital : From the architectural marvel that is the Elbphilharmonie to the Hamburger Kunsthalle, plus 2025's major openings like TeamLab Borderless and Port des Lumières — and, of course, we can't forget to add that it's the headquarters for GRAZIA Germany — Hamburg is poised to become Europe's next big cultural hotspot. Culinary Cool : With 13 Michelin-starred restaurants, a booming locavore movement, and the debut of its Open Mouth Food Festival in September, Hamburg is a feast for the senses. Easy Access : Eco-minded travelers will appreciate that Hamburg is easily reached by train from other top cities like Amsterdam and Copenhagen. WHAT TO DO: THE ULTIMATE WEEKEND IN HAMBURG Thanks to Hamburg Tourism, we embarked on a cultural journey that brought the city to life with depth, creativity, and style. Speicherstadt & HafenCity : UNESCO World Heritage Tour Photo Credit: Julia Schwendner / ThisIsJulia Photography, courtesy of Hamburg Marketing Our weekend began with a guided walking tour through the atmospheric Speicherstadt, the world's largest warehouse complex and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its neo-Gothic brick facades, narrow bridges, and emerald green canals, this area feels like stepping into a storybook. We explored its cobbled walkways and learned how this district once stored spices, coffee, and exotic carpets — remnants of Hamburg's global trade legacy. Our incredibly knowledgeable guide (a local Hambergerin herself) pointed out hidden corners that only locals know. Photo Credit: Julia Schwendner / ThisIsJulia Photography, courtesy of Hamburg Marketing From there, we walked to HafenCity, the city's boldest urban development project that fuses modern architecture with sustainable living. Here, futuristic skyscrapers reflect off the water alongside museums, restaurants, and public spaces buzzing with energy. Bunker St. Pauli : WWII History Reimagined Photo courtesy of Hamburg Marketing Another must-visit spot is St. Pauli, where you can see one of Hamburg's most visionary restoration projects: the repurposed WWII bunker turned cultural hub. Rising above the skyline, the Bunker St. Pauli is now home to a lush rooftop garden, contemporary art installations, and a sleek hotel and café. Standing atop the garden terrace, you're treated to panoramic views of the city while surrounded by wildflowers and sustainable landscaping — a stunning juxtaposition of history and hope. This adaptive reuse project is more than impressive architecture; it's a powerful symbol of Hamburg's progressive spirit and commitment to green living. Port des Lumières : Immersive Art Reimagined We then made our way to one of Hamburg's most anticipated cultural openings: Port des Lumières. Recently debuted this past March, this immersive art space rivals its counterparts in Paris and New York. Here, digital projections of masterpieces envelop the walls, ceilings, and floors, creating an all-encompassing art experience unlike anything else. It's a space that transcends traditional museum formats — one that you feel as much as you see. Though still in its early phases, the vision for Port des Lumières is one of inclusion, creativity, and multisensory engagement. It's bound to become a favorite among art lovers and Instagrammers alike. Elbphilharmonie Plaza : 360° Views with Classical Vibes Photo Credit: Julia Schwendner / ThisIsJulia Photography, courtesy of Hamburg Marketing Even if you don't have tickets to one of the world-class concerts inside, the Elbphilharmonie Plaza is an experience in itself. Perched high above the harbor, the viewing platform offers a sweeping 360-degree panorama of Hamburg's skyline, port, and winding waterways. We took the curved escalator up to the plaza, emerging into a space that felt like a spaceship crossed with an opera house. The modern architectural lines contrast beautifully with the old-world charm of the city below. For music lovers and design enthusiasts alike, this stop is not to be missed. Harbor Cruise : The Best Way to See Hamburg Photo Credit: Christian Brandes, courtesy of Hamburg Marketing One of the best ways to understand Hamburg is by water. We boarded a harbor cruise from Landungsbrücken and spent the next hour gliding through the city's network of canals and shipping routes. The guide shared fascinating facts about the port's operations, the mega-containers docked nearby, and the city's role in international trade. What made this cruise so unique was the perspective it offered — the city felt grand yet accessible, industrial yet peaceful. Whether sipping a hot chocolate in winter or enjoying a spritz in summer, it's a must for any Hamburg itinerary. Portuguese Quarter : Galão & Natas Tucked behind the busy harborfront, Hamburg's Portuguese Quarter is a cultural treasure that feels like a slice of Lisbon. Here, you'll find cobbled streets lined with family-run restaurants, wine bars, and pastry shops. We stopped for a traditional Galao (Portuguese coffee with milk) and a warm pastel de nata at a sunny sidewalk café and immediately understood why this area is a local favorite. It's lively yet peaceful — perfect for a late afternoon recharge between sightseeing stops. Old Elbe Tunnel : Changing Perspectives Photo Credit: Julia Schwendner / ThisIsJulia Photography, courtesy of Hamburg Marketing If you're seeking a different vantage point of Hamburg, don't miss the Old Elbe Tunnel (Alter Elbtunnel). Originally opened in 1911, this historic pedestrian tunnel runs beneath the Elbe River and offers one of the most unique ways to cross the harbor. Walking or biking through the tiled tunnel is a nostalgic experience, and emerging on the south side reveals a hidden gem: a breathtaking view back toward Hamburg's skyline and harbor mile. It's a perfect spot for a photo op, especially at golden hour. Sternschanze + Karolinenviertel : Hamburg's Trendiest Neighborhoods We closed out our weekend exploring two of Hamburg's trendiest districts. In Sternschanze, we can browse indie fashion boutiques, art bookstores, and vinyl shops, all while catching glimpses of the city's street art scene. Every corner seemed to tell a story. We grabbed coffee and vegan pastries from a Scandinavian-inspired café and sat among locals, soaking in the laid-back vibe. Just a short stroll away is Karolinenviertel — a more bohemian, artistic enclave where old buildings have been reborn as galleries, vintage stores, and multicultural eateries. It's the perfect spot to pick up a one-of-a-kind souvenir or discover emerging design talent. WHERE TO EAT: HAMBURG'S FLAVORFUL SIDE Photo courtesy of The Fontenay Bistro Carmagnole : A cozy, French-inspired bistro in the heart of Sternschanze with natural wines, candlelit ambiance, and one of the best steak tartares in town. Perfect for a stylish but low-key dinner among locals. : A cozy, French-inspired bistro in the heart of Sternschanze with natural wines, candlelit ambiance, and one of the best steak tartares in town. Perfect for a stylish but low-key dinner among locals. Bullerei : A beloved brasserie-meets-steakhouse in a former cattle hall. : A beloved brasserie-meets-steakhouse in a former cattle hall. Café Johanna : Minimalist café fare done right, near the harbor. : Minimalist café fare done right, near the harbor. Carls Brasserie : French flair meets Hamburg harbor views at this classic brasserie offering refined German-French fusion. : French flair meets Hamburg harbor views at this classic brasserie offering refined German-French fusion. Haco : Chic Nordic dining with seasonal menus. : Chic Nordic dining with seasonal menus. Lakeside at The Fontenay : With two Michelin stars, this is a destination unto itself. Helmed by head chef Julian Stowasser and featuring wine pairings curated by Master Sommelier Stefanie Hehn, Lakeside blends bold creativity with panoramic lake views. Highlights include unexpected vegetable-forward dishes, immaculate presentation, and a juice pairing option that rivals fine wine flights. : NENI Hamburg : A rooftop favorite blending Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors with spectacular city views. : A rooftop favorite blending Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors with spectacular city views. Oberhafenkantine : This quirky, crooked house serves traditional Hamburg fare in a kitschy-yet-charming atmosphere. : This quirky, crooked house serves traditional Hamburg fare in a kitschy-yet-charming atmosphere. Parkview Restaurant : Located within The Fontenay, Parkview offers refined yet approachable cuisine made with regional ingredients. Breakfast is a standout — with champagne and caviar options for those in the mood to celebrate. Pesca – Theatre of Fish : Seafood lovers will swoon over this lively, communal-style dining experience with fresh daily catches. : Seafood lovers will swoon over this lively, communal-style dining experience with fresh daily catches. Wild Scandinavian Cooking: A modern culinary gem known for its inventive Nordic dishes in a stylish setting. WHERE TO STAY: THE FONTENAY – HAMBURG'S ULTIMATE LUXURY RETREAT Photo courtesy of The Fontenay Nestled like a secret garden on the shores of Lake Alster, The Fontenay is more than just a place to stay — it's an architectural love letter to modern luxury and Hamburg's cosmopolitan spirit. Designed by the acclaimed German architect Jan Störmer, the hotel's sculptural, flowing design is made up of three overlapping circles — ensuring that there's not a single sharp angle in sight. The concept is simple yet powerful: everything in flow. And the result is a tranquil, light-filled masterpiece that reflects both the surrounding nature and the elegance of the city itself. Design & Architecture Photo courtesy of The Fontenay As soon as you arrive at the curved, tree-lined entrance, you're struck by how unique this property is. The hotel appears to float among the greenery, and its endless glass surfaces reflect the lake, trees, and sky. Inside, the 27-meter-high atrium feels like a futuristic greenhouse. A striking light sculpture dangles overhead like illuminated branches, and the semi-circular layout creates a rhythm of movement and openness that puts you instantly at ease. Photo courtesy of The Fontenay There's no traditional lobby desk here. Instead, you're welcomed by name, invited to sit in plush lounge seating, and offered a refreshment while you check in — a simple but elegant touch that sets the tone for your stay. The Rooms Photo courtesy of The Fontenay We stayed in a Deluxe Lakeview Room, and from the moment I stepped inside, I felt cocooned in serenity. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed a postcard-perfect view of the Alster Lake, and the soft, natural tones of the room's palette created an instant sense of calm. Every detail has been considered — from the Italian plaster walls and oak parquet flooring to the ultra-quiet blinds, underfloor heating, and high-tech features that blend seamlessly into the decor. The room's curved walls made it feel almost like a luxury yacht cabin, with no hard lines to disrupt the tranquility. The private balcony was the ideal spot for a morning coffee or golden-hour glass of wine. Photo courtesy of The Fontenay The Fontenay also offers 17 suites for travelers seeking a more elevated experience. The most opulent of them all — the Fontenay Suite — spans 200 square meters and includes two bedrooms, a full kitchen, a dining table for 10, and panoramic lake views. There's even a grand piano in the Alster Suite. It's no wonder celebrities and dignitaries regularly check in here when passing through Hamburg. Wellness at Fontenay Spa Photo courtesy of The Fontenay The 1,000-square-meter spa is a retreat within a retreat. Located on the hotel's top floor, it features a stunning 20-meter indoor-outdoor infinity pool that visually merges with the lake. We can quite literally spend hours here — floating, relaxing in the panoramic sauna, and sipping herbal tea on the sun terrace. The spa also includes steam rooms, experience showers, an ice well, and a fully equipped Technogym fitness center. Guests looking for an even more exclusive experience can book the Private Spa Suite, which includes a whirlpool, sauna, steam bath, and lounge area with a TV. Treatments use cutting-edge clean beauty brands like La Biosthétique and TetCode4®, and every therapist you encounter is professional, warm, and intuitive. Culinary Excellence Photo courtesy of The Fontenay Lakeside : Perched on the top floor, Lakeside is Hamburg's two-Michelin-starred culinary jewel. Chef Julian Stowasser's dishes are daring, refined, and visually stunning, while Master Sommelier Stefanie Hehn's wine and non-alcoholic pairings elevate the entire experience. From the amuse-bouche to dessert, every bite is a revelation. The atmosphere is equally dazzling, with sweeping views of the city skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows. Photo courtesy of The Fontenay Parkview : This sun-drenched restaurant serves one of the best hotel breakfasts you'll find in Hamburg. The buffet features local cheeses, fresh charcuterie, organic jams, and warm croissants, while the à la carte menu includes specialties like buttermilk waffles with berry compote and the signature Hanseatic slice (topped with beef tartare and caviar). At lunch and dinner, the menu leans into seasonal, locally sourced ingredients with a creative twist. During the evenings, as the sun dips over Lake Alster, the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lake and gardens turn the space into a romantic setting for a dinner reservation. Here you can enjoy a tranquil, refined atmosphere with flawless service. The chef's seasonal asparagus menu, a celebration of northern Germany's beloved white asparagus, features dishes like delicately poached asparagus with hollandaise paired with Wiener Schnitzel. Each course is beautifully plated and bursting with flavor, offering a fresh and elegant interpretation of a classic local tradition. The wine pairing is equally thoughtful, enhancing the depth of flavor in each course. With its tranquil ambiance and impeccable service, dining at Parkview feels like slipping into a quiet moment of luxury — elevated, effortless, and distinctly Hamburg. Photo courtesy of The Fontenay Atrium Lounge : For afternoon tea or a sweet pick-me-up, the Atrium Lounge offers exquisite pastries crafted by Marco D'Andrea, the hotel's award-winning pâtissier. Try a seasonal macaron while surrounded by the atrium's dramatic architecture. Photo courtesy of The Fontenay Fontenay Bar : With a 320° terrace view, this bar is a local favorite as well as a guest must-visit. We loved the showmanship of the 'Wormwood Wagon' — a rolling bar cart where bespoke vermouth drinks are mixed tableside using rare bitters, essences, and fruit-infused spirits. The drink menu blends heritage with innovation, and the ambiance is glamorous without being pretentious. Hospitality: The Fontenay Experience Photo courtesy of The Fontenay What sets The Fontenay apart is the sincerity and warmth of its staff, and what truly makes The Fontenay unforgettable is its service. General Manager Thies Sponholz' philosophy — hospitality that's heartfelt and unforced — is felt in every interaction. Every staff member we encountered, from the concierge to the sommelier, embodied quiet confidence, warmth, and genuine care. No request felt too big or too small. Photo courtesy of The Fontenay By the end of our stay, we felt known, welcomed, and utterly relaxed. From the seamless check-in (no front desk — just a sit-down conversation) to personalized recommendations, the service is unmatched. Whether you're planning a romantic weekend, a cultural city break, or a luxury wellness escape, The Fontenay isn't just a recommendation — it's a reason to visit Hamburg. FINAL THOUGHTS Photo Credit: Andreas Vallbracht, courtesy of Hamburg Marketing Hamburg may be a well-kept secret, but not for long. With its blend of cultural depth, eco-conscious innovation, world-class food, and lakeside luxury, it's the ideal city for modern travelers looking to be inspired — and rejuvenated. Book your escape. Let Hamburg surprise you. Let The Fontenay spoil you. topics: travel guide, TRAVEL, Luxury Travel, Germany, Hamburg, europe
Telegraph
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Folklore comes alive in Germany's ‘fairytale' city
When a bronze statue of a donkey, dog, cat and rooster is one of a city's most photographed landmarks, it should come as no surprise that it takes its storytelling seriously. As the northern gateway to the German Fairytale Route, the river-straddling city of Bremen has long been steeped in myth and lore – but 2025 is its time to truly shine. Marking the 50th anniversary of the legendary Route, Bremen is throwing open its medieval gates to welcome visitors into a world where folklore comes alive in cobbled lanes, pixelated forests and theatrical cathedral squares. Once a proud Hanseatic hub on the Weser River, Bremen may lack the instant name recognition of Berlin or Munich, but it has something rarer: a deep sense of magic threaded through its architecture, culture and soul. This is, after all, the city where the Brothers Grimm's beloved 'Town Musicians of Bremen' tale is more than just a bedtime story – it's a city-wide invitation to step into an enchanted world. The German Fairytale Route, established in 1975, stretches some 600km from Hanau (the Grimm brothers' birthplace) in central Germany all the way to Bremen in the north. It passes through storybook towns like Marburg, Kassel and Hamelin – the latter famously plagued by a flute-playing Pied Piper. But Bremen, where the route ends (or begins, depending on your direction), offers a kind of finale that rewards travellers with a satisfying mix of whimsy, wonder and historical gravitas. Throughout 2025, the city is celebrating its starring role on the route with a packed programme of myth-tinged events. Among the highlights is the Stadtmusikantenspiel, a lively Sunday lunchtime performance held in the shadow of Bremen Cathedral. From May through to December, this musical reimagining of the city's famed animal quartet brings the fairytale to life in the very square where its story is immortalised in bronze. Elsewhere, a special anniversary walking tour delves into both Grimm folklore and Bremen's own mythic foundations – like the legend of the fishermen who followed a hen and her chicks to settle on the Weser, symbolising freedom and laying the city's foundations. Their tale is immortalised in stone on the Town Hall arcade – a blink-and-you'll-miss-it nugget of urban folklore waiting to be rediscovered. A walk through the past (and pixelated present) Bremen wears its fairytales on its sleeve, but the charm doesn't stop at statues and stories. Stroll through the Altstadt (Old Town), and you'll find half-timbered houses, Gothic spires and grand merchant halls that whisper of a prosperous past. The Unesco-listed Town Hall is an architectural gem from the Weser Renaissance era, standing proudly beside the Roland statue – a symbol of civic freedom dating back to 1404. Modern-day magic arrives in the form of Pixelwald Wisera, a dazzling new installation in the Kunsthalle Bremen art gallery. Step inside, and you're transported into a glowing pixel forest – an immersive experience that feels halfway between enchanted woodland and digital dreamscape. It's an unexpected but oddly fitting tribute to the city's blend of tradition and innovation. For families and digital natives, the BremenGo app animates the famous Musicians of Bremen in 3D across the city. Think Pokémon GO, but with more donkeys and fewer battles. Meanwhile, the Stadtmusikantenexpress boat trip offers a breezy way to explore Bremen's sights while soaking up stories of mythical beasts, musical dreams, and Bremen's colourful history along the Weser. What to see and do No trip to Bremen is complete without paying homage to the statue of the Musicians of Bremen. Located beside the Town Hall, the sculpture has become a touchstone for good fortune – quite literally. Legend has it that holding the donkey's front leg brings luck, though only with your right hand. (Left, apparently, does nothing. This is fairytale science.) Wander a little further and you'll hit the Schnoorviertel, Bremen's oldest quarter, where centuries-old fishermen's houses lean inwards like gossiping neighbours. Today, it's a tangle of boutique galleries, artisan shops and cosy cafés. Stop by for a marzipan pastry or browse for handmade trinkets that wouldn't look out of place in a Grimm tale. For a more serene slice of the city, head to the Bürgerpark – 200 acres of manicured greenery that offers a welcome pause from the cobbles. And if it's myths and legends you're after, don't miss Böttcherstraße, a striking Art Deco alleyway filled with history, eccentric architecture and an air of the unexpected. How to do it Bremen is compact and walkable, making it an ideal weekend break. Most attractions are within easy reach of the Altstadt, and the city's efficient tram network makes venturing further a breeze. With its beguiling mix of myth, history and modern creativity, Bremen is ready to surprise. This is a place where fairytales aren't confined to books, but written in stone, sung in public squares, and animated into the very air around you. And in this special anniversary year, the magic is more alive than ever. Essentials Ryanair flies direct from London Stansted to Bremen from £49 return. Lufthansa operates flights from London Heathrow to Bremen via Frankfurt from £129 return. Stylish, central and brimming with character – just like the city itself – Hotel Classico (0049 421 2440 0867) is located steps from the Town Hall and Musicians of Bremen statue. Doubles from £110 per night, including breakfast.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Hamburg register interest in Bayern Munich goalkeeper Daniel Peretz
With young keeper Jonas Urbig now firmly entrenched as Manuel Neuer's replacement at Bayern Munich, Israeli international Daniel Peretz must seek playing time elsewhere. Sky Germany reports that 2. Bundesliga side Hamburg have registered interest. HSV currently sit in second place in the second division table and are hoping to secure promotion back to the German top flight. Sky notes that the Hanseatic city-state side are only interested in acquiring Peretz should they achieve promotion. Peretz – who brings with him plenty of European experience – would be considered an upgrade to current No. 1 Daniel Heuer Fernandes. Peretz himself may be amenable to the move as he's firmly rejected potentially leaving Bayern on loan. Advertisement The 24-year-old keeper has been linked with moves to other Bundesliga clubs such as Eintracht Frankfurt. Moreover, English clubs Southampton and Burnley have been listed as potential suitors. With Urbig having found his feet during an extended stretch of playing time this season, it counts as almost certain that Peretz will be on the move. Sky reports that Bayern are open to a sale, but wish to hedge their bets with a buy-back option. Peretz currently maintains an estimated market value of €3m. The German record champions paid €5m to acquire the six-times-capped international from Maccabi Tel Aviv in August 2023. He's made four league, two cup, and one Champions League start since. GGFN | Peter Weis
