Travelore News: Germany Issues Formal Travel Advisory For US

Germany has issued a travel advisory to its citizens travelling to the United States, citing risks linked to immigration enforcement and public-order situations.

Germany’s Federal Foreign Office said on Tuesday that German citizens should be aware of demonstrations and clashes with American migration and security authorities.

The advisory is not a political statement about the U.S. but aims to give impartial information for German citizens travelling to the country at a time of increased tensions during President Donald Trump's aggressive deportation drive.

Protests have been held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and other cities against the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol officers enforcing Trump’s immigration crackdown.

Federal agents deployed to the city under the Trump administration's "Operation Metro Surge" shot and killed U.S. citizen Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.on Saturday and fellow American Renée Good on Jnauary 7.

The statement said, according to a translation, that in Minneapolis and other cities, demonstrations sometimes lead to violent clashes with the migration and security authorities and warns people to be vigilant and stay away from crowds where violence might occur.

The advisory asks people to check out local media, stay away from crowds of people in which violence could possibly occur and note existing ID requirement in several states. "Keep calm and follow the instructions of the authorities and local security forces," added the statement.

Last March, Germany updated its travel advisory for the U.S. to emphasize that a visa or waiver allowing entry does not guarantee citizens to enter the U.S. after several of its citizens were detained at the border.

What People Are Saying

Germany’s Federal Foreign Office on its website: “In Minneapolis and other cities, demonstrations sometimes lead to violent clashes with the migration and security authorities.”

Journalist Olga Nesterova posted on X: “The update follows recent incident in which reporters from RAI, Italy’s state broadcaster, reported being threatened by ICE while working.”

By Brendan Cole

New Direct Train Launching Between Paris And Munich

Following London–Germany, Poland–Croatia, and even an unexpected Switzerland–Denmark link announced only weeks ago, Europe’s Railway Revival has unveiled yet another exciting route that will make cross-border city-hopping even easier:

Whether you're looking for greener alternatives to travel, or you simply love hopping on trains any chance you get across the pond, you will soon be able to travel from Paris, all the way to Munich, in the south of Germany, now without changes.

‘How soon?', you may be asking? Well, how does 2026 sound to you?

A collaborative project between the French SNCF and the German Deutsche Bahn, the new high-speed train going from Paris to Munich is set to launch at some point next year, strengthening links between two of Europe's most beautiful cultural hotspots.

From its sparkly Eiffel Tower to the Haussmann-designed townscape and all the world-class museums in between, Paris is the elegant, timeless dame that never quite loses its luster despite all the naysayers and detractors she's gathered over the years.

On the other hand, Munich is the vibrant regional capital of Germany's culturally distinct state of Bavaria. It's somewhere you go for lively beer halls, meat-heavy food, and once a year, the legendary Oktoberfest, which draws in tens of millions of visitors keen on partying the ‘Bavarian way'.

Right now, you can already travel from Paris to Munich, though not directly: you would typically have to switch trains in another major German city, such as Stuttgart or Mannheim.

No biggie, especially when changes are quick, but they can be a bit of a hassle when they involve different platforms, and you're unloading and loading heavy bags again onto trains.

The current average journey time is 6 to 7 hours, including changes, but once the direct link launches, it will be shaved down to only 4h40. This is thanks to the massive investment in high-speed rail across Europe, particularly for routes under 620 miles long.

How Much Will Tickets Cost?

There are at least five fast direct trains planned per day, and both the French TGV high-speed trains and the German ICE are expected to run on the route.

Infrastructure projects are already underway in the lead-up to the launch, including the opening of a new station in Stuttgart, an important transit hub, and the extension of the high-speed line to Ulm, where trains can easily continue down to the Bavarian capital.

Fares have not been unveiled, but we can speculate:

This isn't a night service, so tickets won't be anywhere as expensive as those seen on the Paris–Berlin or Paris–Vienna line, but medium-distance train journeys in Europe aren't exactly the cheapest, either (unless you're booking early).

With this in mind, we can theorize that the cheapest tickets, booked weeks in advance, can cost as cheaply as $40–50, while last-minute options should average $150–180.

You may be wondering, what exactly is the big deal here, considering you can easily just get a very short 1h30 flight to Munich from the French capital?

That's a valid point, but dare we say, a shortsighted one.

Again, how many hours in advance do you leave for the airport usually? Or then, how many deep breaths have you had to take as you waited scrutiatingly-long minutes, if not hours, at security to get your bags checked?

And then of course, at your destination, how stressful is it usually to find the easiest shuttle service to the city center, especially in Europe, where airports are typically located miles away from the cities they serve?

Even if you're not exactly interested in the environmental argument, avoiding European airports is a good enough reason to choose rail over flights, but have you even done the maths here?

Overall, that 1h30 flight easily becomes a 4–5 hour journey once you factor in commuting to and from airports, and all the usual delays. The Paris–Munich train will take only 4h40, so in reality, you might actually be opting for the fastest, least-stressful route:

Train stations sit right in the city center, so you don't have to leave home 3–4 hours early like you would for a flight.

There are no annoying wait lines at train stations, nor security checks leading to bottlenecks

You can bring up to 2 pieces of hold luggage on most European trains at no extra charge

Trains in Europe are not like trains in America: seats are nice and cushy, Wi-Fi is available, and there's plenty of room to move around, contrary to planes

The journey times often even out: taking the train will take as much time as flying once you add in commuting hours before, and after flying.

https://www.traveloffpath.com/author/vinicius-costa/

Christmas Markets In Southwest Germany Showcase Tradition And Regional Diversity

During Advent, the towns and villages of the Black Forest transform into a sparkling winter wonderland. Over 180 Christmas markets offer unique settings, handcrafted goods, and culinary delights. The Christmas market in Freudenstadt (December 4–14, 2025), home to Germany's largest market square, is particularly atmospheric, featuring handcrafted products and a curling rink. In the historic half-timbered town of Haslach, the new "Culinary Winter Market" (December 19, 2025 – January 6, 2026) invites visitors daily to enjoy regional specialties and music, accompanied by a nativity scene exhibition.

Linger in the town of Rottweil where the scent of gingerbread fills the air of the Christmas Market © Ralf Graner Photodesign

Art lovers will find plenty to enjoy in Karlsruhe: At the "Christmas Fair for Applied Arts and Crafts" (December 11–14, 2025), 40 exhibitors present high-quality, one-of-a-kind pieces from across Europe. In Rottweil, the oldest city in Baden-Württemberg, the Christmas market (December 4–14, 2025) enchants visitors with its medieval setting, children's workshop, and choral singing.

Against impressive architecture, the Christmas market takes place on Cathedral Square in St. Blasien (on three weekends in December 2025) – framed by the largest dome north of the Alps. Lörrach invites visitors to its Old Market Square from December 4–14, 2025, with arts and crafts, music, and delicious aromas. In Bad Säckingen, the market on Münsterplatz (December 4–7, 2025) offers regional products and a musical program amidst a historic backdrop.

A truly special experience awaits at the "Christmas Triad" in Pforzheim (November 21, 2025 – January 6, 2026): Christmas market, winter wonderland, and medieval market merge into a dazzling, glittering experience complete with an ice rink, Ferris wheel, and street performers.

Christmas Markets in the Black Forest

The half-timbered houses in the Black Forest town of Nagold are lit up especially this year for visitors. A giant ferris wheel also will be another first in the beautiful town. © Lightworkartpro, Manuel Kamuf

Action, Lights, Lanterns…Christmas in Nagold

When the first snow falls, familiar Christmas carols fill the air, and the holiday season draws near, a visit to the city of Nagold in the Black Forest in Southwest Germany is simply a must. Each evening, live music on the stage by the ice rink creates a festive atmosphere. From November 27 to January 6, 2026, take a leisurely stroll through the Winter Village on Longwy Square. Here you'll find culinary delights, enchanting decorations, and a varied program for all ages. A wonderful highlight to kick off the Advent season is Nagold's Night of Lights on November 28, 2025, from 5 to 10 PM. Right on time for the reflective season, the Nagold Christmas Market will enchant visitors from December 5 to 7, 2025. Among lovingly decorated stalls, festively adorned half-timbered facades, and a touch of winter magic, the city and dedicated local organizations invite you to enjoy a peaceful escape and a genuine holiday atmosphere. Highlights include: the giant ferris wheel on Vorstadtplatz, set up for the first time this year, and the historic town hall. From November 27 to December 26, 2025, the facades will glow with festive lights starting at 5 PM. Animated images, magical effects, and a new story each evening—the living Advent calendar creates a fairytale backdrop in the city of Nagold.

City of Nagold

Schloss Ludwigsburg just outside of Stuttgart that is still completely finished in the style in which it was built. A beautiful Baroque palace in the town of Ludwigsburg. c. SSG and Thomas Buehler

Castle Courtyards Aglow: Christmas with the SSG

The Staatliche Schlösser und Gärten Baden-Württemberg (SSG), or State Palaces and Gardens of Baden-Württemberg, sets the stage for a truly magical winter and Christmas season across its many historic sites. As the gardens and grounds enter their quieter phase, the frost-kissed landscapes, bare trees and soft winter light lend the sites a serene, festive ambience. For example, Schloss Solitude in Stuttgart welcomes visitors for winter tours on weekends and holidays, offering both the architecture and surrounding views in a calm winter splendour. In the run-up to Christmas, many of the monuments managed by the SSG host atmospheric markets and seasonal events. The historic courtyards, cloisters and castle grounds are transformed into illuminated, festive spaces offering artisanal crafts, music and traditional treats. One highlight is the festive “Winterzauber” (winter magic) program at Residenzschloss Mergentheim, where from early November an open-air rink and themed events enliven the Schloss hof.


The Kurfürstlicher Christmas Market at Schloss Schwetzingen about 20 minutes from Heidelberg runs from November 27 to December 21, 2025, offering a festive atmosphere with handcrafted goods, delicious treats, and family-friendly activities. Visitors can explore beautifully illuminated tents, enjoy mulled wine, and discover unique gifts. Highlights include a nostalgic carousel, a Christmas market featuring local and international specialties, and cultural events such as Advent concerts and theater performances. The historic castle and gardens also offer special tours and winter experiences. The combination of seasonal architecture, historic gardens and festive programming makes the SSG-managed sites wonderful destinations for winter visits — whether for a quiet stroll, family outing or evening market experience.

State Palaces and Gardens of Baden-Württemberg

Ships docked in Constance Harbour are often decorated at the Christmas season.© Achim Mende
Lake Constance - Four Countries, One Magical Christmas Lake

During Advent, Lake Constance (Bodensee) transforms into one of Europe’s most enchanting winter destinations, where Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein share their traditions along one shimmering lake. This cross-border charm makes the region unique: visitors can experience four different cultures of festive joy within just a few days. In Konstanz, the largest town on the lake, the Christmas Market stretches from the medieval old town all the way to the harbour. A true highlight is the “Weihnachtsschiff” (Christmas Ship), anchored by the waterfront and glittering with thousands of lights. Nearby, Überlingen enchants visitors with its atmospheric Christmas market, set among historic squares and festively decorated lanes. The lakeside promenade glows with lights, creating a romantic atmosphere perfect for a winter stroll. Meersburg, with its half-timbered houses and medieval castle, offers a truly magical Advent market on the castle square.

Between Christmas and New Year, the town also hosts special seasonal events and concerts, keeping the festive mood alive right into the New Year. Another highlight is the Christmas Garden on Mainau Island, where dazzling light installations transform the famous flower island into a sparkling winter wonderland for the whole family. Across the region, guests can enjoy unique christmas markets, festive cruises on the lake, and culinary treats – from German Lebkuchen and Austrian pastries to Swiss chocolate specialities. Families, couples, and Christmas enthusiasts alike will discover the joy of exploring diverse traditions so close together. Lake Constance is more than a holiday – it is a magical journey across four countries united by one festive lake.

See Masterpieces By Monet, Matisse, Degas And Picasso In The First-Ever Exhibition Of This German Family’s Private Art Collection In Berlin

The Scharf Collection features French artworks from the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as contemporary pieces from around the world.

“The Scharf Collection: Goya—Monet—Cézanne—Bonnard—Grosse” is on view at the Alte Nationalgalerie in Berlin. Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Alte Nationalgalerie / David von Becker

Over four generations, one German family built a sprawling collection of European masterpieces. Now, those artworks are on public display for the first time.

Titled “The Scharf Collection: Goya—Monet—Cézanne—Bonnard—Grosse,” the exhibition is on view at the Alte Nationalgalerie in Berlin through February 15, 2026. It spotlights about 150 artworks by renowned painters across three centuries, including old masters like Francisco Goya, Impressionists like Claude Monet, modernists like Pablo Picasso and contemporary artists like Germany’s Katharina Grosse.

No Title, Katharina Grosse, 2000 The Scharf Collection

“We go from Goya to Grosse,” said René Scharf, the current owner of the collection, at the exhibition’s opening, per the Associated Press’ Geir Moulson.

Scharf said he hopes visitors will draw connections between artworks from different time periods and genres—such as how Monet’s hazy blue Waterloo Bridge (1903) informs Grosse’s works, which were created a century later.

The exhibition begins with etchings by Goya, such as his series Disasters of War (1810-1820), according to Euronews’ Leticia Batista Cabanas. It continues through Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. Finally, the show ends with modern and contemporary artworks, such as Daniel Richter’s We’ll Never Stop Living This Way (2009).

In addition to seeing renowned artworks in person, visitors will “dive deep into the historical developments” and “learn about the different personalities who have been collecting and preserving the collection,” Anette Hüsch, director of the Alte Nationalgalerie, tells Artnet’s Jo Lawson-Tancred.

Waterloo Bridge, Claude Monet, 1903 The Scharf Collection

The collection was started by Scharf’s great-grandfather, Otto Gerstenberg, who led a life insurance company in Berlin. Born in 1848, Gerstenberg began his art collection by acquiring prints by old masters like Albrecht Dürer, Goya and Rembrandt, according to the museum. Around 1900, he started collecting French impressionists like Monet and Edgar Degas. As his interests continued to expand, he acquired a large collection of art by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, and some of these works are “a centerpiece of the show,” per the AP.

When Gerstenberg died in 1935, he had collected some 2,200 artworks. During World War II, some pieces were destroyed by air raids or looted by Russian soldiers, but his daughter, Margarethe Scharf, saved most of the collection. In 1961, the surviving artworks went to her sons, Walther and Dieter Scharf, who incorporated them into their own art collections.

Dieter developed an interest in Surrealists like Salvador Dalí, while Walther and his wife, Eve, maintained a focus on 19th-century French art, according to Artnet. The couple added more Impressionist paintings by Monet, Degas and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, along with works by Post-Impressionists like Paul Cézanne and Pierre Bonnard. Their son, René Scharf, is the current owner of the collection. René and his wife, Christiane, have since added contemporary paintings by artists such as Grosse, Richter and Sam Francis.

We'll Never Stop Living This Way, Daniel Richter, 2009 The Scharf Collection / Jens Ziehe / VG Bild-Kunst

The family has loaned individual pieces from the collection to museums, but many of the artworks in the exhibition have never been publicly displayed. As Scharf tells the AP, when the Alte Nationalgalerie first contacted him about showing the collection, “We asked ourselves, ‘What happens if we do nothing?’ Then maybe 30, 40 or 50 people per year will see the collection, and only a very small part of it, because we can’t hang everything at home.”

In the end, the family decided that the artworks should be displayed for anyone who wants to see them. “The collection deserves to be seen publicly,” he says.

“The Scharf Collection: Goya—Monet—Cézanne—Bonnard—Grosse” is on view at the Alte Nationalgalerie in Berlin through February 15, 2026.

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/author/sonja-anderson/

Lufthansa Reopens First Class Lounge In Munich

The Lufthansa First Class Lounge in Terminal 2 at Munich Airport is now open again. First Class travelers can enjoy the stylish lounge with its modern design and comfortable ambience on over ten thousand square feet. A newly designed gastronomic area with an "à la carte" restaurant, a front cooking buffet and a newly designed bar offers the highest level of exclusivity.

The lounge also offers a variety of amenities such as quiet retreats, elegant washrooms, well-equipped work areas with printers and photocopiers as well as extensive entertainment facilities with TV areas and a large selection of newspapers and magazines. From now on, the lounge will be open daily from 05:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The reopened lounge rounds off the Lufthansa First Class experience at Munich Airport and is part of a major premium offensive. Among others, First Class guests can also look forward to a renovated First Class check-in area in Munich. In this summer timetable, the new Lufthansa Allegris First Class in the A350-900 will fly from Munich to the destinations Chicago, San Francisco, San Diego, Shanghai and Bengaluru. It sets new standards with two individual suites and the extraordinary Suite Plus.

The Maulbronn Monastery Offers A Special Cultural And Culinary History And Experience

The State Palaces and Gardens of Baden-Württemberg, the heritage agency of Southwest Germany, reveals extraordinary stories when it opens the doors to Southwest Germany’s most historic and beautiful cultural monuments. Visitors from North America and around the world can truly dive into Baden-Wuerttemberg’s spectacular and storied history and culture that is preserved through these 63 castles, palaces, monasteries and gardens. Each place has unique stories that are appealing and engaging on many levels to adults, children and tweens.

The three-bowl fountain house in the Maulbronn Monastery was made by the Master of Paradise for the Cistercian monks in the 11th century. NIne hundred years later, it still functions and is just as beautiful. By Guenther Bayerl. c. State Palaces & Gardens of Baden-Wuerttemberg

Under the motto "Visit. Marvel. Enjoy," you can discover the variety of palaces, gardens, castles, monasteries, all of which are important and historical gems. Some monuments captivate with their impressive history, while others introduce you to important figures. One of these places is the Maulbronn Monastery which was Southwest Germany’s first UNESCO site.

At Maulbronn Monastery, which is considered the best-preserved medieval monastery complex north of the Alps, for example, you can trace the history of the Cistercians at Maulbronn. Cistercians were a Roman Catholic monastic order founded in 1098 (11th century) in Cîteaux (Cistercium, Latin) near Dijon, France. All styles and stages of development, from Romanticism to Late Gothic, are represented at Maulbronn.

Architecture & Style through the Ages

The Cistercians began construction in the mid-12th century. The monastery church and cloister were originally built in the Romanesque style. At the beginning of the 13th century, the so-called Master of Paradise, an unknown master builder from France, introduced early Gothic forms from France with the construction of the church porch, the men's refectory (communal eating hall), and the southern cloister wing. The fountain house (where they got their water), the lay refectory, and the hospital corridor also date from this period. The monks also expanded the monastery complex with numerous outbuildings in the western courtyard.

In the 14th and 15th centuries, the monastery complex underwent a late Gothic modernization. The church received large tracery windows, a lattice work pattern of rib vaults, and new murals. Abbot Albert von Ötisheim had the foundation chapels added and the hospital expanded. During this period, the monastery experienced a new prosperity.

The Dukes of Württemberg, who ruled Maulbronn in the 16th century, established a monastery school during the Reformation, which still exists today as a Protestant theological seminary. Johannes Kepler (a mathematician who came up with the laws of planetary motion), Friedrich Hölderlin (an influential Romantic poet and philosopher), and Hermann Hesse (a Nobel laureate and writer of Damian, Steppenwolf, The Glass Bead Game, Siddhartha), among others, spent part of their school years at Maulbronn.

In the 19th century, attention turned to the art and architecture of earlier eras and became trendy. Maulbronn, too, was marked by a romantic transfiguration and was declared a national architectural monument.Since 1993, the monastery has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Monks in the Kitchen: Culinary Inventions

Today, you can not only travel back in time, but also immerse yourself in the daily life of the Cistercian monks and learn about the order's way of life and culinary habits.

The monks' daily routine was strictly planned: meditation and prayer, hard work, and self-sufficiency were part of the daily routine. Meals were also clearly defined. In the summer months, there were two meals. On fasting days, Wednesdays and Fridays, there was only one each. In winter and during Lent before Easter, there was also only one meal.

One of the great stories about Maulbronn Monastery is that it is considered to be the birthplace of Maultaschen, the famous Swabian ravioli. Legend has it that in the 17th century towards the end of Lent, the lay brother Jakob came into possession of a piece of meat on his way home. Although eating meat was forbidden during Lent, Jakob could not bring himself to throw away his precious find. After much deliberation, an idea came to him while preparing the Maundy Thursday (just before Easter) meal. He chopped the meat into small pieces and mixed it with the vegetables. To hide it from God, however, he wrapped the mixture in pasta dough. This way, he could conceal the meat from the eyes of God and his fellow brothers and he served the meal as a Lenten dish.

Maulbronn pasta pockets were later shortened to "Maultaschen" (Maul pockets) and later developed into a popular Swabian dish – now available in various variations and popular far beyond the region.

Tips and tours for discovering Maulbronn Monastery: Monks & Maultaschen - Cultural & Culinary Diversity for Young and Old

The special tour "Maulbronn – Monks – Maultaschen," which takes place several times a year, provides insights into the history of the monastery and the everyday lives of the monks. The invention of Maultaschen is presented, along with a tasting of regionally produced, vegetarian and non-vegetarian Maultaschen, served with a glass of wine. The tour rounds out the cultural and culinary experience. In addition, tours can be arranged for groups, either as standard or special tours, in English. Audio guides are available in German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, and Japanese.

There are various restaurants around the monastery where visitors can sample Maultaschen (ravioli). The Bruder Jacob beer garden, located right next to the monastery grounds, serves up delicious Maultaschen.

Highlight: Starting June 1, the new educational program for children and young people, "Psst...! Die Junge Klosterwelt World," opens. Young visitors can experience the medieval world of the Cistercians up close with the help of interactive stations.

Special Tip: Explore Maulbronn Monastery with the free App „Monument BW“: The 75-minute multimedia adventure tour contains 24 stations with additional deep dives. Visitors can listen to background information about the history of the building, view pictures and films and learn all about the monastery and the life of the Cistercian monks. We recommend downloading the App and the tour before your arrival on site. After your visit, you can discover more of the region’s monuments in the app and plan your next trip, since you can find all the important information, such as opening hours, prices, directions and contacts, directly in the App.

For visitor information and special tours at Maulbronn: https://www.kloster-maulbronn.de/en/visitor-information

Travelore News: Berlin Airport Cancels Flights Ahead Of March 10th Strike. 10 Other Airports Could See Disruptions

Berlin’s airport has canceled all of its flights for Monday ahead of a labor union strike that is expected to impact more than half a million travelers and thousands of flights at 11 airports across Germany.

The ver.di union representing airport ground staff announced the strike on Friday to give travelers time to prepare. It said workers will walk out at the airports that service Munich, Stuttgart, Frankfurt/Main, Cologne/Bonn, Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Hanover, Bremen, Hamburg, Berlin-Brandenburg and Leipzig-Halle.

More than 510,000 travelers could see delays or cancelations of their flights, according to airport association ADV. An estimated 3,400 flights are expected to be canceled Monday.

The union’s negotiators demand better working conditions, higher wages and additional days off, among other things.

In addition to massive travel disruptions, the strike could also have a major economic impact on hotels, restaurants and retailers, ADV said.

By STEFANIE DAZIO

Discover Airlines Brings Orlando Its First Direct Connection To Munich, Germany Beginning March 5th

Great news for Orlando as Discover Airlines, a member of the Lufthansa Group, launches direct flights between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Munich Airport (MUC). This marks the first-ever scheduled connection between MCO and MUC, with flights now operating three times a week, year-round. In March and April, flights will operate out of Orlando on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in the late evening, shifting to Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays in May.

The inaugural flight 4Y80 is scheduled to take off from Munich today, Wednesday, March 5, at 4:55pm, and land in Orlando at 9:30 PM, marking the inaugural direct connection between the two cities. All times are local.

The Lufthansa Group carrier, Discover Airlines, has been serving Orlando since November 2022, providing several weekly flights from Frankfurt. With the addition of the Munich connection, Discover Airlines now offers a total of 10 weekly flights between Germany and Orlando, including daily service from Frankfurt and three times weekly from Munich. Munich Airport serves the southern part of Germany and is the second largest airport in the country, after Frankfurt.

“We are thrilled to offer this first-ever direct route between Orlando and Munich, marking a significant milestone for our airline and of course both regions. Since we started flying here from Frankfurt, Orlando has been one of the most frequented destinations of our airline. The success of our Frankfurt service made Munich the logical next step. Orlando has always been a strong partner for us. We look forward to further strengthening the connection between both regions and offering even more travel options for our passengers,” said Marco Goetz, Chief Commercial Officer of Discover Airlines.

“Orlando International Airport (MCO) is excited to welcome Discover’s new nonstop service to Munich, marking an exciting milestone for our city,” said Kevin J. Thibault, CEO of Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, which operates Orlando International Airport. “For the first time ever, Munich will be a direct destination from Orlando, a testament to the growing demand for international travel. This new service is a perfect reflection of the increased global connectivity at Orlando International Airport, which continues to evolve as a key hub for travelers from around the world and for those who call Central Florida home.”

Lufthansa Group offers vast, worldwide connectivity

As a member of the Lufthansa Group, Discover Airlines offers its passengers seamless transfers via the Group’s main German hubs in Frankfurt and Munich. Furthermore, with the Lufthansa Group being one of the world’s leading aviation organizations, customers have access to an extensive worldwide network. Lufthansa Group is comprised of Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, ITA Airways, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, and Discover and has code share flights with United Airlines and Air Canada, as a result of the Atlantic Joint Venture. Furthermore, due to Discover Airlines’ partnership with Miles&More and Mileage plus, guests are able to collect/redeem miles.

High-quality service and comfort with three travel class options

Discover Airlines operates the Orlando – Munich route with an Airbus A330, featuring up to 300 seats, including 30 Business Class seats with full lie-flat beds, 31 Premium Economy seats, and 244 Economy seats. This diverse seating arrangement ensures a comfortable and enjoyable journey for every traveler, with a high-quality experience across all classes.

In Business Class, passengers can enjoy an all-inclusive experience with meals and beverages included. Premium Economy passengers are treated to complimentary meals, non-alcoholic beverages, and a selection of beer and wine. In Economy, all meals and a variety of soft drinks are included, while alcoholic beverages, including an extensive range of cocktails, are available for purchase from the onboard bar, open to both Premium Economy and Economy passengers.

Beyond dining, passengers can enjoy a comprehensive entertainment experience with personal screens at every seat, offering free, unlimited access to a wide selection of films and TV shows in all classes. Internet access is available for purchase across all classes.

Flights can be booked via discover-airlines.com and lufthansa.com.

The new $7.4 Billion Underwater Tunnel Connecting Germany And Denmark Will Halve Rail Time

An impressive tunnel across the Baltic Sea is poised to connect Germany and Denmark. It will significantly reduce travel times between the two countries and rank among Europe's largest.

The Fehmarn Belt Fixed Link is a $7 billion undertaking involving an extraordinary underwater structure. It is expected to be completed by 2029.

The project comprises nearly 100 tunnel segments, each measuring 217 meters long and weighing 73,500 tons. It is truly a marvel of engineering.

Construction crews are digging a massive trench on the ocean floor while the individual tunnel sections are assembled on land.

Tunnel portals that link the motorway and railway on land with the submerged tunnel are also under construction on both ends of the Fehmarnbelt.

Maritime construction began in June 2020, with builders using approximately two million tons of Norwegian granite to form an entirely new stretch of coastline.

Work on the German side of the tunnel commenced in 2021, marking the culmination of at least 15 years of planning.

The project is funded by a $5 billion loan from the Danish government, which will be recouped through toll charges. The European Commission is contributing an additional $1 billion.

Initially, the project was estimated to cost over $4 billion, including a $1 billion EU grant and $117 million for associated railway facilities.

The colossal structure will facilitate the rail transport of goods, including steel, from as far north as Norway's tip to central and southern Europe.

Additionally, it promises to reduce train travel time between Copenhagen and Hamburg from 4.5 hours to 2.5 hours.

Denise Juchem, spokesperson for Femern A/S, the Danish company spearheading the project, told Euronews Travel: "For commuters, it means a faster and more reliable connection between Denmark and Germany, significantly reducing travel time and making daily commutes much more convenient."

While motorists stand to benefit significantly from the tunnel, the project's promise of even quicker train travel times is expected to sway commuters towards rail over the road.

https://www.the-express.com/journalist/123705/Nelson-Espinal

Traveling by Train Between Germany And France Just Got A Whole Lot Easier As Direct, High-Speed Train Launches

German rail service operator, Deutsche Bahn, officially launched a direct, high-speed train on Monday, linking both countries between Paris and Berlin, while further strengthening the friendship bond between the two, in hopes of luring more travelers to travel by rail service.

At 9:55 a.m. (0855 GMT), on Monday, December 16th, the German ICE train departed from the French capital's Gare de l'Est station and arrived eight hours later at Berlin Hauptbahnhof at 6:03 p.m., connecting both countries by train via a once-per-day journey that is not only convenient but welcomed by many.

Germany's ICE Train Attended and Lauded by Dignitaries at Inaugural Launch and Sets Off Just in Time For the Holidays

Both France and Germany are high-stakes players within the European Union. Their close-knit relationship makes them the two most popular countries within the EU, while boasting larger-than-life economies in comparison to other European countries.

Dignitaries, such as François Delattre, the French ambassador to Germany, and Kai Wegner, the governing mayor of Berlin, were in attendance for the inaugural launch of the new, direct, high-speed train that links both capitals ‘from city center to city center.’

Commuters also get to experience the ICE train just in time for the Christmas holidays, stopping at major holiday destinations such as Strasbourg, Karlsruhe, and Frankfurt during its travels from Berlin to Paris, and vice versa.

For those traveling to Berlin, the high-speed train arrives at Hauptbahnhof each day shortly after 6 p.m. For those traveling to Paris, arrival time at the Gare de l'Est station is scheduled for slightly before 8 p.m.

And, at a reasonable price for a one-way ticket starting at €24.99 ($26.23) to upwards of €99 ($104), depending on seating class, amount of tickets, and travel dates, traveling via this rail service is a win-win for everyone.
'
The New, Direct, High-Speed Train Affords Deutsche Bahn a Chance to Redeem Itself With Commuters

Deutsche Bahn’s reputation for prompt and punctual train services has been on the negative side due to 60 percent of their long-distance trains arriving on time, while the remaining 40 percent were continuously late, causing travel nightmares for passengers trying to get to their destinations on time.

With the launch of its new, direct service linking both France and Germany’s capitals, the German rail service operator hopes to redeem itself with commuters, while increasing the percentage of punctual train arrivals by an additional 15 percent.

Deutsche Bahn’s reputation for prompt and punctual train services has been on the negative side due to 60 percent of their long-distance trains arriving on time, while the remaining 40 percent were continuously late, causing travel nightmares for passengers trying to get to their destinations on time.

With the launch of its new, direct service linking both France and Germany’s capitals, the German rail service operator hopes to redeem itself with commuters, while increasing the percentage of punctual train arrivals by an additional 15 percent.

"German Transport Minister Volker Wissing also said it is more than “just a new, additional offer.” He said, “We still have a lot of potential to get as many people as possible onto the rails inside Europe with attractive offers, including for longer journeys and live out this friendship.”

In addition to the new, direct rail service between Paris and Berlin, Deutsche Bain offers a direct, seven-hour train journey between Munich and Amsterdam, as well.

https://www.thetravel.com/author/margherita-marullo/

Southwest Germany Update: New Einstein Museum, Fantastic Road, Heidelberg Castle, Nagold

A Fantastic Road in Southwest Germany for Americans

The home of the new museum: The Einsteins in the town of Ulm. Copyright: Ulm/Neu-Ulm Touristik GmbH – bildwerk89

The Fantastic Road connects some of the most beautiful cities and sights in Baden-Württemberg, also known as Southwest Germany. Starting in the north is the town of Weinheim on the Bergstrasse between Darmstadt and Heidelberg and only about 45 minutes from Frankfurt Airport, the road winds its way over 250 miles south to Lake Constance, on the border with Switzerland and Austria. All together, seven towns, each with their own character, make a trip along the "Fantastic Road" an experience worth driving, or even going by rail, especially for Americans who are seeking a highlight tour but also want history, excellent food, wine and beer, and local experiences.

Another reason this route is a great way to organize your trip is that each of the towns, including Weinheim, Baden-Baden, Gengenbach, Breisach am Rhein, Mainau Island, Hohenzollern Castle and Tübingen, is so completely different from one another but equally entertaining, historic and beautiful. Gengenbach is a traditional town in the Black Forest, Breisach am Rhein is a part of the great life along the River Rhine, Hohenzollern Castle is the ancestral seat of the Hohenzollern dynasty, Tübingen is a lively university town not far from Stuttgart, Baden-Baden also in the Black Forest is an elegant baroque town dedicated to the luxurious resort seekers, and last but not least, Mainau is an extraordinary botanical island where there are thousands of species of flowers, plants and elegant allees. The home of the new museum: The Einsteins in the town of Ulm. Copyright: Ulm/Neu-Ulm Touristik GmbH – bildwerk89

Ulm and the new museum: the Einsteins

The charming town of Nagold in the northern Black Forest. Copyright: Lightworkart

For centuries, the Ulm Minster has dominated the town of Ulm and the region and has become synonymous with Ulm both at home and abroad. This prominence is mainly attributable to its spire, which, at 486 feet, is the highest church spire in the world. In the mid1800s, Ulm also had a lively Jewish community and there was a magnificent synagogue at Ulm's Weinhof. Just a few years after this synagogue was built, Albert Einstein, world-famous physicist and Nobel Prize winner, was born in Ulm in 1879. In July 2024, the city of Ulm dedicated its own museum to the Einstein family. It is located in the immediate vicinity of where the synagogue was located. The new museum, “Die Einsteins,” is housed in the historic "Engländer" building, where Einstein's grandparents once lived. Using modern exhibition technology, it shows the moving individual fates of family members, who were also strongly influenced by the dark events of the Nazi era.

Nagold Nestled in the Black Forest

Nestled in the northern foothills of the Black Forest, Nagold is a hidden gem that combines the charm of a historic town with the beauty of its natural surroundings. This quaint town is famous for its stunning half-timbered architecture, which invites visitors to stroll through its winding streets and step back in time. Nagold’s picturesque old town, with its vibrant buildings and meticulously preserved structures, stands as a testament to centuries of history. Whether you're wandering through the narrow alleys or admiring the details of each building, the town offers a feast for the eyes that lovers of European architecture will truly appreciate.

Situated at the gateway to the Black Forest, Nagold offers an excellent starting point for exploring one of Germany’s most famous and storied landscapes. One of the town’s most iconic landmarks is the Hohennagold Castle, or rather, its ruins. Perched high on a hill overlooking the town, these castle ruins date back to the early Middle Ages and provide a captivating glimpse into Nagold's past. A hike to the top is rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and forests, making it a favorite spot for both history buffs and nature lovers. Every year, Nagold’s traditional Christmas market draws in crowds from near and far, who come to experience the festive spirit in this magical setting in the middle of the old town. Heidelberg Castle Basking in the afternoon sun. Copyright: TMBW

Heidelberg's Romantic Castle Graces the Town

Heidelberg Castle is one of the most visited castles in Germany. And rightly so: it is the epitome of German romanticism. Anyone who has taken a tour (available in English on a regular basis) through the interior of Heidelberg Castle knows why the impressive ruins delight so many visitors. You are invited to experience the former residence of the Electors of the Palatinate - one of the most magnificent castles in Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries, world-famous at the beginning of the 19th century as a ruin and a place of longing for romantic poets. Highlights include the enormous wine barrel in the King’s Hall, the gardens, and across the river, the remaining vineyards of old Heidelberg maintained by two regional wineries. A free App, “Monument BW,” offers impressive images, videos and audio that bring the ruins to life. The world of rulers and nobility awaits and enchants with its unique atmosphere. An unforgettable experience for every visitor!

Saxony Germany Receives NEW UNESCO World Heritage Site

Herrnhut, the home of the Moravian Church, an important pilgrimage site along the Via Sacra, becomes Saxony’s third UNESCO World Heritage Site. Missionary Founded Bethlehem, PA

Saxony is popular with travelers for a multitude of reasons. The state, in the eastern part of Germany bordering Poland, the Czech Republic and Bavaria to the south, is Germany’s number one cultural destination. It is enriched with modern cities, historic and quaint small towns, low mountain ranges, water landscapes, expansive parks, gardens, as well as friendly, service-oriented hosts. Now, there is yet another reason to travel to this beautiful state: to see the newest UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Herrnhuter Brüdergemeine settlements, founded by the evangelical Moravian Church in the Saxon town of Herrnhut, are Saxony’s newest UNESCO site. This marks the third UNESCO site in Saxony, alongside Muskau Park (shared with Poland, and recognized for its groundbreaking English style park at the time of its creation); and the Ore Mountains renowned for their beauty and mining which created the wealth of Saxony.

The town of Herrnhut in southeastern Saxony is the founding place of the Moravian Church, internationally known for the production of the Moravian stars and worldwide missionary work. The Moravian Church, today based on four continents, has worldwide church and cultural-historical significance. Together with the neighboring towns, Herrnhut forms a regional center in the heart of Saxony’s Upper Lusatia between Löbau and Zittau, along Europe’s Via Sacra.

Today, the impact of the Moravian church in Herrnhut and the openness of their theology can be felt all over the world and especially in America where more than 60,000 Moravians are settled. Many people recognize the Moravian Church’s influence through their Daily Texts, a tradition of delivering a “daily message from God that is new every morning.” The first Daily Text was published in Herrnhut in 1731 and today the texts reach over 1.5 million people in 50 different languages.

Almost 325 years ago, on June 17, 1722, a small group of intrepid protestant refugees from Moravia, the modern day Czech Republic, arrived in Herrnhut. These Christian believers, who can be traced back to the early followers of Jan Hus in the Czech Republic, sought religious refuge. Saxon Count Nicholas Ludwig von Zinzendorf, a deeply pious man known for his strong religious conviction, granted the Moravians a small patch of land that is today called Herrnhut. Fortunately, the Elector of Saxony at that time, Augustus the Strong, was a tolerant leader and did not stop Zinzendorf from protecting these Protestants.

The group sought to create brotherhood and unity. And, with Zinzendorf’s leadership, the Christian community created an atmosphere of religious acceptance. Zinzendorf and his followers promoted “Theology of the Heart,” which focused on the essential relationship between Christ and the believer rather than being overly concerned with doctrinal differences between churches. Christianity was defined as faith in Christ, love for one another and the world, and hope for the future. The ability to live in a loving community was a mark of true faith. Herrnhut became a special place that attracted people from all over Central Europe who wanted a more intense and personal Christian commitment.

Through its commitment to spreading its ideas and religious evangelization, this small community of Christians influenced how Christianity today is practiced throughout the world. The Moravian missionaries traveled all over the world to share their message. In fact, it was Count Nicholas Ludwig von Zinzendorf, who as a missionary to America, founded the city of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on December 24, 1741.

The Völkerkundemuseum (Museum of Ethnology) in Herrnhut houses items from all over the world that the Moravians brought back from their missionary trips. This museum is a part of the State Art Collection Dresden and houses items from India, Asia, North and South America, Greenland among other countries.

The Moravian star is also recognized around the world. The stars originated in Saxony in the 1830s as a craft project to teach Moravian boys about geometry. In 1880, Pieter Verbeek opened a small bookstore where he began to sell the stars. Pieter’s son, Harry, improved his father’s business and opened a star factory in Herrnhut, Germany. The stars were mass produced and sent all over the world, including to America. Although the original factory was burnt down in WWII, it was rebuilt in 1950s, and can be visited. The stars can have anywhere from six to over 100 points but the original Moravian star has 26 points and represents the holiday season.

Herrnhut is a pilgrimage site for many visitors searching the site of the first Moravian church, which has been restored to its original appearance. Visitors can see Berthelsdorf Church, the site of the first communion, Count Zinzendorf’s manor house and grave, as well as the unpretentious and poignant cemetery which is especially impressive for its simplicity.

Students looking to research the history of the Moravian church can search the extensive Moravian archives, the oldest archive house in Saxony. Founded in 1764, the archives include a library of all publications of the Moravian Church and of Moravian authors, such as letters, mission reports, memoirs, and congregation diaries. In 1945, the Russian Army burned down the original Moravian Church built in 1756, but the community rebuilt the church and the other burned buildings in the 1950s.

Herrnhut is approximately 55 miles from Dresden and best reached by car. The Moravian Church’s guest house has the largest accommodation; the house with its park-like garden is situated in a quiet location on the outskirts of the historic old part of the town. The town center can easily be reached on foot in just a few minutes. Herrnhut is surrounded by beautiful countryside with plenty of options to explore by bike or hiking. The locals always welcome foreigners to join their Moravian Church service on Sundays or their Easter service at dawn.

http://www.herrnhut.de/

https://www.unitaetsarchiv.de/en/(Moravian Archives)

https://voelkerkunde-herrnhut.skd.museum/en/ Völkerkundemuseum (Ethnology Museum))

Travelore News: German Railways Shuts Main Line For Five Months For Infrastructure Revamp

Germany's state railways will on Monday close for five months a main line connecting the financial centre of Frankfurt with the south to carry out a 1.3 billion euro ($1.4 billion) upgrade to creaking infrastructure.

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

Tracks between Frankfurt and Mannheim are congested, and delays can have a major impact elsewhere in Germany's 33,000-kilometre (20,000-mile) network, as well as on trains to neighbouring countries like Switzerland and France.

The state of German railways has been in the international spotlight during the Euro 2024 soccer tournament, with fans complaining of crowded trains and travel disruptions.

CONTEXT

While rail operator Deutsche Bahn (DBN.UL) has bought hundreds more modern high-speed ICE trains in recent years, many tracks, signal boxes and other infrastructure need repairs or upgrades. In June, just over half of all long-distance trains were on time, according to Deutsche Bahn statistics. In reality, more connections are affected because the company classifies a train as delayed if it is at least six minutes late. Cancelled connections are not counted.

BY THE NUMBERS

Deutsche Bahn's planned investment of 1.3 billion euros in this project is up from an initial estimate of 500 million euros.

Over the next five months, it will rebuild 140 kilometres of tracks and overhead wires, improve 20 stations and replace more than 150 switches.

WHAT'S NEXT?

Deutsche Bahn hopes disruptions on its overhauled main lines will decline by 80%. In total, the company plans to renovate 40 rail corridors to stabilise the system.
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The next major renovation is scheduled for next year between Berlin and Hamburg, Germany's most populous cities.

($1 = 0.9233 euros)

Reporting by Markus Wacket and Thomas Seythal, Editing by Miranda Murray and Mark Potter

Travelore News: German Tour Operator FTI Is Filing For Insolvency And Canceling Future Trips

German tour operator FTI said Monday that it is filing for insolvency protection from creditors, and trips that haven’t yet started will be canceled or scaled back.

FTI Group, which describes itself as Europe’s third-biggest tour operator, said parent company FTI Touristik GmbH, was filing an application for the opening of insolvency proceedings at a Munich court.

Since an announcement in April that a consortium of investors would come on board, “booking figures have fallen well short of expectations despite the positive news,” the company said in a statement.

“In addition, numerous suppliers have insisted on advance payment,” it added. “As a result, there was an increased need for liquidity, which could no longer be bridged until the closing of the investor process,” making the insolvency filing a legal necessity.

The operator said it is working to ensure that trips that have already started can be completed as planned, but “trips that have not yet begun will probably no longer be possible or only partially possible from Tuesday.”

A support website and hotline were set up for customers affected.

The Munich-based FTI Group has over 11,000 employees.

AP

Lufthansa Announces Year-Round Flights From Munich To Vancouver Beginning With Upcoming Winter Schedule

Various enhancements and exciting changes will occur during Lufthansa’s upcoming 2024 winter flight schedule. Increased capacity will be brought to Canada’s west coast in the winter season with new, year-round service between Munich and Vancouver. Flight LH476 will depart Vancouver at 12:20pm and land in Munich at 1:50pm, the following day. All times are local. This route will be served with an Airbus A350 on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Canadians on the west coast will now be connected to the heart of Bavaria on a year-round basis.

Enhanced routes around the world

In the upcoming winter flight schedule, Lufthansa will also be flying to further destinations with its new premium Allegris cabin product. In addition to Shanghai and San Francisco, which will already offer the new product this summer, Lufthansa will introduce Allegris service on flights to and from Bangalore, India and Cape Town, South Africa.

Furthermore, the largest passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380, continues to thrill fans all over the world while increasing capacity on popular routes. Lufthansa guests will be able to experience the double-decker aircraft at three destinations this coming winter: From Munich, it will fly to Los Angeles, Bangkok, and Delhi.

Back to Brazil

Lufthansa passengers can once again travel non-stop from Munich to South America. Beginning December 9, an Airbus A350 will fly to Sao Paulo, Brazil on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. LH504 will depart from Munich at 11:45 a.m. and arrive in the Brazilian metropolis at 8:15 p.m. local time.

Travelore News: Lufthansa Agrees Pay Rise With Flight Attendants After strike

Lufthansa opens new tab and the flight attendants' union UFO have agreed a pay rise for the German airline's 19,000 cabin staff, the union said on Thursday, ending the threat of strikes after wage disputes in the industry had upended travel for thousands.

Employees will receive a 16.5% total pay rise in three stages, retroactively from Jan. 1, as well as an inflation compensation bonus of 3,000 euros ($3,220.50) and an increase in other allowances. The agreement runs until the end of 2026.

Lufthansa also recently reached wage agreements with trade union Verdi for its ground staff, with no further industrial action expected.

The cabin crew union members held a strike earlier this month to press their demands for higher pay, affecting tens of thousands of passengers, according to Lufthansa.

Two collective bargaining rounds for cabin crew at Lufthansa subsidiary Discover Airlines and its regional Cityline airline are still ongoing in Germany, but according to UFO, the two sides are moving towards an agreement.

Reporting by Ilona Wissenbach, Editing by Rachel More, Reuters.

Travelore News: Germany's Busiest Airport Will Be Closed For Departures On Thursday, May 7 Due To Strike

Frankfurt airport, Germany's busiest, will be closed to passengers with planned departures on Thursday due to a security staff strike organised by Germany's Verdi union, the airport's operator said in a statement on Wednesday.

"Fraport is asking all passengers starting their journey in Frankfurt not to come to the airport on March 7 and to contact their airline," the statement said.

Germany is facing strike action on three fronts on Thursday, with walkouts also planned by the nation's train drivers and by ground staff at Lufthansa.

It is the latest wave of industrial action to hit Europe's largest economy, where high inflation and worker shortages have put a strain on wage negotiations, leading to repeated strikes in the travel sector.

By Rachel More, Reuters

Floats At Germany’s Carnival Parades Satirize Leading Political Figures

Throngs of revelers took to the streets of Germany’s Carnival strongholds on Monday, accompanied by floats that satirized the Ukrainian and Russian presidents, German politicians, former U.S. President Donald Trump and many others.

Shrove Monday parades are a traditional high point of Carnival celebrations in Cologne, Duesseldorf, Mainz and other places in western Germany, drawing large crowds of locals and visitors.

Every year, floats address current national and global political issues with biting sarcasm.

This year, a larger-than-life Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy progressed through the streets of Cologne with a sign reading “To be or NATO be.” Zelenskyy wants Ukraine to be able to join the Western military alliance.

In Duesseldorf, a float depicted Trump stabbing a Ukrainian soldier in the back — a reference to opposition among Republicans to aid for Ukraine. Another had the ex-president and 2024 presidential candidate carrying scissors and a U.S. flag cut into the shape of a swastika.

In Mainz, a “Barbies and Ken” pink car float featured Russian President Vladimir Putin behind the co-leaders of two German political parties, the far-right Alternative for Germany and the new Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance, that criticize sanctions against Russia and oppose weapons deliveries to Ukraine.

The war between Israel and Hamas was also a theme. A float in Duesseldorf depicted a figure in military garb labeled “Hamas” pushing what appeared to be a family toward an Israeli tank.

Germany’s unpopular government came in for lampooning, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz portrayed as a sloth and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock as an elephant in a porcelain shop, the German equivalent of a bull in a china shop.

AP

Travelore News: Berlin Airport Cancels All Departures On Monday Due To Strike

Germany's Verdi union called for a one-day strike of air security staff at Berlin airport on Monday as part of an ongoing wage dispute, prompting the airport to cancel all passenger departures that day.

The walkout is due to start at 3:30 a.m. local time (0130 GMT) on Monday and will end at midnight (2200 GMT), the union said.

Germany, Europe's biggest economy, has experienced some of its most disruptive strikes in decades this year as unions press for higher pay to offset the surging cost of living.

The planned action follows walkouts at four other German airports - Duesseldorf, Hamburg, Cologne-Bonn and Stuttgart on Thursday and Friday when more than 700 departures were cancelled.

"Due to the warning strikes by security staff, no departures of passenger flights will be possible on Monday April 24," Berlin Brandenburg airport said in a statement, adding arrivals might also be affected.

The union has been negotiating with the BDLS aviation security association to push for pay increases for night, weekend and public holiday shifts.

Reporting by Madeline Chambers Editing by Mark Heinrich, Reuters

Light, Sound Show Transforms Berlin Museum’s Exhibits

Hadad, the ancient weather god at Berlin’s Pergamon Museum, growls deeply as he casts his neon-blue gaze on visitors, his body bathed in pulsating orange light.

What seems like a scene from a horror movie is in fact the product of a light and sound installation by British contemporary artist Liam Gillick, part of the show Filtered Time that opened Tuesday at one of the German capital’s most popular museums.

The exhibition at the Museum of the Ancient Near East in the south wing of the Pergamon Museum uses unexpected layers of sound, light and color to breathe new life into iconic sculptures and artifacts that are thousands of years old.

It comes as the Pergamon Museum, which is based on the city’s famous Museum Island, prepares to close its gates for several years on October 23 for renovation. The show Filtered Light will end a week before the museum’s closure.

While the north wing of the Pergamon Museum is expected to open again in 2027, the south wing will only be open to the public again in 2037.

The weather god from Sam’al in what is today Turkey’s Gaziantep Province, is 3.4 meters (11 feet) tall and was created from black basalt in the 8th century BC. It is the first object to capture visitors with its unusual colors and sounds as they enter the museum’s galleries.

Gillick, who was present at the opening of his show, said he wanted to bring “an emotional quality to life in this object and gently bring warmth back,” as originally the weather god would have been standing outside in the sun.

He created the soundscape with the noise of shipping and construction from contemporary Syria and Iraq.

“But it’s slowed down. It’s made unclear. It’s sort of rendered into this soundscape, which becomes more emotional, suggestive of movement of machinery, of construction,” Gillick explained.

“But it could also be the sounds of an ancient God moaning and murmuring,” he added.

Gillick also attached a shining blue light above the museum’s renowned Ishtar Gate from the ancient city of Babylon with its characteristic blue-glazed bricks and depictions of lions, bulls and dragons. The light rises and fades while faint thunderclaps can be heard — sounds that in fact are a slowed-down recording of clay being knocked out of brick molds, the artist explained.

Gillick’s show was curated by the Museum of the Ancient Near East in cooperation with the city’s museum for contemporary art, the Hamburger Bahnhof.

Sam Bardaouil, the director of the Hamburger Bahnhof, explained how the sound installations help bring back energy to some of the antique objects.

“Many times when we come to these museums, the objects, unfortunately, become relics,” though they once existed in cities as living space, on avenues where people used them in different ways, walked through them or sat on them, Bardaouil said.

“So the sound, in a sense, is a way of bringing back some of the commotion, some of the energy, some of the life in which these objects existed,” he added.

The curators of the exhibition said they also wanted to make a point of showing that the artifacts Gillick engaged with come from places such as Syria and Iraq to which civilization owes much — even if today they’ve become associated with conflict and grief.

Visitors planning to catch a glimpse of Gillick’s show and the Pergamon’s treasures before it closes for renovation should book online tickets as waiting times can last up to two hours, according to the museum.

Built between 1910 and 1930, the museum and four others nearby were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999.

Even before the Pergamon Museum’s temporary closure was announced, it attracted more than a million visitors each year. During the renovation period, the museum is planning to show some of the objects in other exhibition spaces and will also offer virtual tours.

However, the Ishtar Gate, which was built in 575 BC, will be wrapped up and closed to the public until 2037.

By KIRSTEN GRIESHABER