Mädler Passage, Leipzig © Travel Signposts

Mädler Passage is one of Leipzig’s most magnificent city arcades and there are many reasons why locals use this arcade and why visitors to Leipzig might want to visit this arcade.

This Mädler Passage is an L-shaped arcade which fronts onto Grimmaische Strasse at one end and Neumarkt at the other.  It gained a third entrance from Peterstraße when the Messeshauses am Markt was built in 1965,  and connects Königshaus Passage to Messehof Passage.

The Mädler Passage is a beautiful arcade to walk through if you need to get from any of the streets that it connects to the other. Whilst it was once a trade fair building, these days Mädler Passage houses a shopping arcade on the ground floor, with

boutiques, specialist shops, restaurants and bars. On the upper floors, there are offices as well as a cabaret theatre.  And, of course, Mädler Passage is inextricably linked to Auerbachs Keller, the most famous of Leipzig restaurants, and one which Goethe called his favourite wine bar. The Auerbachs Keller restaurants are downstairs and on the ground floor Mephisto Bar exists for those want a drink.

History of Mädler Passage

Professor Heinrich Stromer von Auerbach was the man who started Auerbachs Keller in 1525 and as his wine cellar business prospered, he constructed a substantial exhibition hall “Auerbachs Hof”on the same site. This 5,700 m2 exhibition space was the meeting place where those working with porcelain, ceramics or earthenware met.

Mädler Passage Entrance © Travel Signposts

When Anton Mädler took over Auerbachs Hof in 1912, he tore down the building as it was no longer suited for trade fairs. While maintaining the original layout, he constructed a new 5-storey building with a ground floor arcade that measures 140 metres in length.

And if there is any doubt as to the intended use of the Mädler Passage, just look at the top of the arched portal at the Grimmaische Strasse entrance.  Flanked by two life-size female figures in robes, one holds a bunch of grapes, representing Auerbachs Kellar, whilst the other holds a ceramic vase, referring to the intended use of the building as an exhibition hall for the porcelain, ceramic and earthenware industries.

The Baroque style of the building is easily recognized, but what we did miss was the Meissner Glockenspiel which was added in 1969.  A VIP event was being staged and red carpets were being laid and we got side-tracked by the commotion.

Mädler Passage stands at the heart of Leipzig historic city centre and is a place that’s certainly worth visiting and even if you’re not intending to shop, Auerbachs Keller is historic and Mephisto Bar has a story to tell.

Map of Leipzig:

Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market

With no fewer than seven Christmas markets, the cathedral city of Cologne is a popular destination at Christmas time.

Christmas Market at Cologne Cathedral
(21 Nov 2011 – 23 Dec 2011)

Cologne’s main Christmas market, the Weihnachtsmarkt am Kolner Dom, is set against the magnificent backdrop of the city’s most famous landmark. Around 137 booths fill the Christmas market around the cathedral and these are arranged in the shape of a star beneath a sea of fairy lights.
(Website: www.weihnachtsmarkt-am-koelnerdom.de)

Heinzelmännchen Christmas Market at Cologne Old Market
(21 Nov 2011 – 23 Dec 2011)

According to an old Cologne folk tale, the elves of Cologne were particularly skilful and prolific craftsmen. Fittingly, the Heinzelmännchen Christmas market on Alter Markt and Heumarkt has an impressive array of craft stalls with goods made using traditional methods.
(Website: www.heimatderheinzel.de)

Christmas Markets on Newmarkt Square and Rudolfplatz
(to be announced)

Cologne’s oldest Christmas market on Neumarkt Square (Website: www.markt-der-engel.de) will once again be transformed into a market of angels this year, while the world of fairy tales holds sway on Rudolfplatz Square (www.weihnachtsmarkt-rudolfplatz.com), with huge figures of fairy tale characters and festive lighting set against the historical backdrop of medieval Hahnentorburg gate.

Christmas Market at the Cologne Chocolate Museum
(25 Nov 2011 – 23 Dec 2011)

The medieval Christmas market at the Cologne Chocolate Museum strikes a slightly unusual note. Located on the banks of the Rhine, this market offers street performers, minstrels and jesters.
(Website: www.mittelalter-weihnachtsmarkt.de)

Municipal Gardens Christmas Market
(25 Nov 2011 – 23 Dec 2011)

Small but perfectly formed, the Christmas market in the municipal gardens near Friesenplatz Square offers arts and crafts – both traditional and modern – as well as nostalgic gifts and culinary specialties.
(Website: www.weihnachtsmarkt-stadtgarten.de)

Flea Markets and Collectibles Market (Various dates)

Flea markets, antique markets and book fairs are what these people organize.  All events are in Cologne and its surroundings. Check out their website for details of where the latest markets are.
(Website: www.coelln-konzept.de)

4711 Cologne Fountain - © Travel Signposts

Eau de Cologne was first invented in the city of Cologne in 1709 when Johann Maria Farina named his elixir Eau de Cologne (Water of Cologne) in honour of his new home. He had moved to Cologne from Santa Maria Maggiore by Domodoccola and his perfume became so famous that by 1887 Farina became supplier to Queen Victoria of England.

4711 Original Eau de Cologne is one of Cologne’s oldest internationally famous brands. Many in the baby-boomer or older generations will be familiar with this product whose unique fragrance is supposed to “refresh the mind, body and soul”.

According to the company, the secret formula for 4711 Original Eau de Cologne is still appreciated across the globe today, making this ‘aqua mirabilis’ an unparalleled classic.

Personally, I believe tastes have changed and savvy marketing have moved many image-conscious people to other more sophisticated designer branded eau de toilettes.

4711 History

The secret formula for an ‘aqua mirabilis’ was believed to have been given, in 1792, by a Carthusian monk as a unique wedding present to Wilhelm Muelhens, a young entrepreneur. The miracle water was for internal and external use and right from the outset, Muelhens believed in the success of this extraordinary formula. He opened a small manufactory in Cologne’s Glockengasse shortly afterwards.

The revitalising and stabilising effect of his ‘Kolnisch Wasser’ (Cologne Water) was instantly captivating and enjoyed phenomenal popularity. Even celebrities, such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Richard Wagner, became ardent users.

4711 Fragrances - © Travel Signposts

The traditional house in Glockengasse is the birthplace and home of the world famous 4711 brand. We made a quick stop here and on entering the premises visitors can immerse themselves in the unique fragrance of the Original Eau de Cologne, which flows from the golden fountain by the doorway. In the shop you can also buy various 4711 products, 4711 gift sets, souvenirs, etc.

About 30 of us from the coach went into the shop to place our hands under the flowing 4711 fountain. This was not good news for others who weren’t keen on the fragrance as the 4711 fragrance stayed in the coach for hours.

Meissen figurines..

Keen porcelain collectors will have heard of Meissen, the first ever porcelain manufacturer to be have set up in Germany in 1710. In 2010, Meissen celebrates 300 years of porcelain in Germany.

If you’re looking to start up a porcelain collection or are keen to add to your Meissen collection during your holidays in Germany, it helps to understand what the monograms on Meissen porcelain means and the imitation symbols that exist. A little awareness may save you from paying huge sums of money for what are imitation products.

All porcelain manufacturers have their own monograms to mark their products and these are usually applied under the glaze at the bottom of the piece. The symbols may vary a little to show different periods of production.   Meissen also uses incised marks on certain products such as biscuit porcelain and white glazed porcelain.

In the early days, Meissen imitated Chinese or Japanese characters in their monograms and this was followed by letters for a short period of time, such as KPM, MPM and PFT . From 1724 onwards, they adopted the blue crossed swords trademark and this is one of the oldest trademarks in existence.

But note, not all blue crossed swords are Meissen symbols. Many porcelain manufacturers wanting to cash in on the porcelain trade in Germany, France and England in the 18th and 19th centuries imitated the Meissen products as well as the crossed sword symbol, often adding their own variation to the crossed swords.  Most of these manufacturers did not survive for long – perhaps they died at the hands of the sword! You may still see some of these imitation products and symbols in some antique collections.

A Plate with various Meissen trademarks

Meissen trademarks. Photo courtesy of GNTB..

At 12:00 o’clock is the Meissen crossed swords of 1934.  At 1:00 o’clock are the initials of Augustus Rex.  The AR monogram was specially reserved for objects used by the royal court of Elector August the Strong, founder of the Meissen factory and later reigning monarch of Poland, King August II. It was also added to porcelain pieces produced for the court of his son, August III, who succeeded him in 1733.   (Note that European porcelain manufacturers have also imitated of the AR monogram.) Going around the plate clockwise, you’ll see Meissen variations to the crossed swords symbol.

Meissen Manufactur have shops and dealerships all over Europe, but for those who are keen porcelain collectors and want to learn more about German porcelain, Meissen is the place to be in 2010 where manufacturers and several museums have come together to celebrate 300 years of porcelain in Germany.

For more information visit Meissen’s website at www.meissen.de.

How to get to Meissen:

• A14 from Leipzig, exit Nossen-Ost
• A4 from chemitz, exit Siebenlehn
• A4 in direction of Dresden, exit Wilsdruff
• A13 from Berlin, exit Radeburg
• B6 from Dresden

Designer outlet shopping

The City of Neumünster has selected McArthurGlen as its preferred partner to develop a designer outlet mall in Neumünster, in the north German state of Schleswig-Holstein.  When it opens in 2011, this will be McArthurGlen’s second designer outlet in Germany, the first being Berlin.

The site of the new mall is located on the B205, the main access road to Neumünster from the A7/E45 motorway linking Denmark with Southern Germany.  It is 40 minutes drive north of Hamburg, Germany’s second largest city and the wealthiest.

The state of Schleswig-Holstein is the third most important tourist destination in Germany for national tourists, receiving some 5.5 million visitors a year.

The Neumünster Designer Outlet development will take place in two phases. The first phase is planned to open in 2011 with 15,000 sq.m of retail space and 1,200 parking spaces.  Phase Two will add another 5,000 sq.m of retail space and 600 parking spaces.

**Watch this space for more updates!**

Meanwhile, for more Designer Discount Outlets in other cities in Europe and the UK , see our Designer Outlet Directory.

Berlin Designer Outlet

McArthurGlen opened its Berlin Designer Outlet on June 18, 2009, having taken over from B5 Designer Outlet which has closed down.  Berlin has come up the ranks of the fashion scale, so it is not surprising that the McArthurGlen Group has decided that it is time to launch their designer discount outlet concept for this city.  Since reunification, Berlin is the top tourist destination in Germany and amongst the top destinations in Europe as well.  The good news is that there are another 11 outlets planned for Germany.

Right now there are over 100 brands in 80 stores at Berlin Designer Outlet including Ed Hardy, Desigual, Miss Sixty & Energie, Diesel, Eckô Unltd., Timberland, Mustang, Replay, Mango, Mexx, Möve, Nike and Tommy Hilfiger.

Practical Information

Getting to the Berlin Outlet is easy on public transport.  The outlet is closed on Sundays, but on special Sundays when it is open,  there is a free shuttle bus service between Bahnhof Elstal and the Designer Outlet Berlin.

Public Transport:

From Berlin (Ostbahnhof, Alexanderplatz, Friedrichstraße, Hauptbahnhof etc.) take the regional train RE 2 towards Rathenow and get off at Bahnhof Elstal.  In front of the train station, catch bus 662 in the direction Wustermark / Falkenrehde directly to the main entrance of Designer Outlet Berlin.

From Potsdam take the regional express in the direction of Wustermark to station Bahnhof Priort. In front of the train station catch the bus 662 in the direction Bahnhof Elstal directly to the main entrance of Designer Outlet Berlin.

From Havelpark you can also take bus 663 in the direction of Nauen directly to the main entrance of Designer Outlet Berlin.

For Bus schedules refer to www.havelbus.de/

Car:

From Berlin
Follow the Heerstraße (B5) outwards in the direction of Spandau. From the city fringe it’s about another 10 km (8 km from Havelpark).  From the B5 motorway take the exit “Designer Outlet Berlin” and continue straight ahead to the outlet.

From the region
Follow the Berliner Ring motorway (A10) westwards and exit Berlin-Spandau onto the B5, then take the first exit “Designer Outlet Berlin”, then continue straight ahead to the outlet.  There are 2,300 free parking spaces at the outlet.

Address:
Alter Spandauer Weg 1
14641 Wustermark
Germany
Tel: 49 (0) 33 234 90 40

Opening Hours:
Mon – Thurs :  10.00 – 19:00
Fri & Sat         :  10:00 – 20:00
Sun & holidays:  Closed

For more Designer Discount Outlets in other cities in Europe and the UK , see our Designer Outlet Directory.

Ingoldstadt Village, Germany

Ingolstadt Village is the second of Chic Outlet Shopping’s German designer discount outlets.  This designer outlet is a convenient location for savvy shopper’s living between Munich and Nuremberg.  There are 100 luxury outlet boutiques here with prices discounted by up to 60%.

If you need an excuse to come to Ingolstadt, other than shopping, there is a lot to see and do in this city and the surrounding region.

Local Attractions

This is of course Audi city and this prestigious motor company has many entertainment events happening at its Audi Forum Ingolstadt.  At the Audi Forum you can enjoy a whole World of Audi Experience such as learning all about the car manufacturer at the Audi museum, go to the cinema, restaurants, enjoy jazz, themed tours, concerts, trade shows, exhibitions, films, lectures and conferences.

Ingolstadt’s magnificent historic buildings from the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and Baroque periods are sure to keep visitors in awe of this town’s rich and varied history.

Ingolstadt sits on the bank of the Danube river and you can do river cruises in the region, or follow the German Limes route which traces the former Roman frontier wall known as the Upper Germanic or Rhaetian Limes.  The Limes is considered one of Germany’s most significant archaeological monuments. The route starts in Rheinbrohl/Bad Hönningen on the River Rhine and ends in Regensburg, on the River Danube. Along the way it passes many important cultural-historical sites that bear evidence to the Roman past in the Rhineland Palatinate, Hesse, Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria.

Practical Information

Ingolstadt’s history may date back to the Middle Ages, however this city’s transport network is very much 21st century. Ingolstadt is only an hour north of Munich and it is easy to get to the city by car, bus or train.

Shuttle Service:

If you have a Bayern ticket or a Bayern Beautiful Weekend ticket, you’ll be able to take advantage of the Free VIP Shuttle service from Ingolstadt Central Train Station to Ingolstadt Village and back.  Simply show your valid ticket to the VIP Shuttle’s driver.  This is an hourly service which operates every Saturday up till 19 December 2010.  (Max. of 5 people per ticket)

Outward – Departs from main entrance of Ingolstadt Central Train Station
Return    – Departs from the Tourist Information office at Ingolstadt Village

Bus:

From Munich airport:  Take the Ingolstadt Airport Express Shuttle to Ingolstadt Village (on request 1 hour before departure).

From Ingolstadt Northern station: Take bus line 20 to Ingolstadt Village.

From Ingolstadt Central station: Take bus line 10 to ZOB, Harderstraße. From the ZOB there is an hourly connecting coach service to Ingolstadt Village with line 20.

Train:

Ingolstadt’s Central train station has an InterCity train connection and is the main hub for trains running to Munich, Nuremburg, Augsburg, Ulm and Regensburg. There are regular connecting coach services from Ingolstadt Central station and Ingolstadt Northern station.

Car:

Ingolstadt Village is ideally located just off the A9 motorway. Take the A9 Autobahn to junction Ingolstadt-Nord (exit 61), direction Ingolstadt-Ost, and from the exit follow the signs to Ingolstadt Village. There are over 1,000 free parking spaces available so parking is not a problem.

Address:
Otto-Hahn-Str. 1
85055 Ingolstadt
Tel: +49 841 8863 100

Opening Hours:
Mon – Sat   10:00 – 20:00

Public holidays:
The Village is closed on Apr 2, Apr 5, May 1, May 13, May 24, Jun 3, Nov 1 and Dec 25

For more Designer Discount Outlets in other cities in Europe and the UK , see our Designer Outlet Directory.

Wertheim Village, Germany

Wertheim Village opened in 2004 and was Germany’s first high-end designer discount outlet in Germany.  In spite of the economic downturn at that time, the Village was a success from the start as it feeds into the German psyche of value hunting.

With over 100 national and international names, from Aigner to Wolford, Wertheim Village is one of Germany’s top destinations for designer brands outlet shopping.   The brands here include Bally, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Versace, Longchamp and many more and prices here are discounted by up to 60% all year-round.

Wertheim Village is a part of the Chic Outlet Shopping Group.  The architecture of the Village reflects the typical villages of Franconia and its stylish ambience sets the mood for a pleasant shopping experience.

Wertheim, the city, is a very popular tourist destination and tourists have been coming here for decades to see its medieval castles, enjoy the picturesque scenery and taste its wine.  Situated at the point where the Tauber and Main rivers meet, Wertheim is a stop on any river cruise on Rhine and Main rivers.   Wertheim also lies at the gateway to the Romantic Road,  Germany’s original holiday route through the beautiful Tauber Valley and beyond.

So if you’re travelling in the region and want to combine sightseeing with a spot of shopping, head for Wertheim and Wertheim Village where you can enjoy designer shopping in stylish surroundings.

Practical Information

There are excellent public transport links to Wertheim Village so the Village is accessible to people who do not have a car.  If driving, the Village is only 60 minutes from Frankfurt and Nürnberg, while Würzburg is just 30 km away.

Shuttle Service:

From May 2 to Oct. 20 there is a daily Romantic Road shuttle bus from Frankfurt main station directly to Wertheim Village. The bus leaves DTG Office, Mannheimer Straße at 08:00. Tickets can be purchased online at www.romantic-road-coach.de or on the bus.

There is also a daily free shuttle from Wertheim Village to and from the city of Wertheim. (Free tickets are available from the Tourist Information)

Train:

You can catch a train from either Frankfurt, Nürnberg or Würzburg to Wertheim Village.

Car:

Wertheim Village is situated next to the A3 motorway so it is easy to reach by car. Take the A3 motorway to exit 66 (Wertheim/Lengfurt) and follow the access road to Wertheim Village. There are 1,800 free parking spaces available.

Address:
Almosenberg
97877 Wertheim
Germany
Tel: +49(0)9342-91 99 100

Opening Hours:
Mon – Sat  10.00 – 20.00 (Late Night Shopping on May 9 and Jun 5 – Open till 22.00)
Sun – Closed (Except for Oct 11 and Nov 8 – Open from 13.00 – 18.00)

Public holidays:
The Village is closed on May 21, Jun 1, Jun 11, Oct 3, Dec 25, Dec. 26

For more Designer Discount Outlets in other cities in Europe and the UK , see our Designer Outlet Directory.

Designer outlet shopping in Germany

Designer Outlet shopping may have been slow in arriving in Germany, but it has arrived!  Whilst the Italians, French and English are very familiar with outlet shopping and visitors to these countries fanatically seek out the designer outlets, the concept is relatively new in Germany. However, from the number of outlets that have been sprung up, it’s without doubt that the trend and popularity will take off in Germany as well.

The Chic Outlet Shopping® group manages nine shopping villages in Europe, inlcuding the La Vallée Village in Paris.  In Germany the two villages that they manage include:

Wertheim Village designer outlet shopping is nestled amongst the wine-growing region of the Tauber Valley.  The architecture of the village reflects the typical villages of Franconia and its stylish ambience sets the mood for a pleasant shopping experience.  Like most outlet villages, you’ll find a good range of men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, sportswear, shoes, accessories, lingerie, household goods, etc.  Leading German and international fashion and designer brands are represented here.

The Village is situated in the north of Baden-Württemberg, close to the Bavarian border and at the beginning of the famous Romantic Road near Wertheim, one of the most beautiful and romantic towns in Germany.

Ingolstadt Village is Germany’s second leading outlet village. There are more than 90 designer brands of premium fashion for women, men and children – including shoes, jewellery, lingerie, travelling equipment, accessories and sportswear. The village is opened from Monday to Saturday from 10.00 to 20.00.

It is located in Upper Bavaria between Munich and Nuremberg, situated directly at Motorway A9, junction Ingolstadt-Nord (Exit 61), in the direction of Ingolstadt-Ost.

Metzingen is establishing a name for itself around Germany as the place for factory outlet shopping. It all began with the opening of the Hugo Boss factory outlet store in the town centre, which proved a resounding success.  Since then others have followed suit with an increasing number of other leading international stores such as Escada and Joop which have opened around Hugo Boss. With an extensive range of goods on offer including designer labels, casual wear, young fashion and toys, the town has become a popular place to shop.

On the other side of town, you’ll find the likes of Bogner and Woick, a supplier of outdoor leisure equipment, in the Alte Samtfabrik outlet centre. All in all, Metzingen has around 50 brands with factory outlets around the town.

McArthur Glen, the other large Designer Outlet management group opened its Berlin Designer Outlet in June 2009, adding to the number of designer outlets in Germany.

Funf Hofe - Munich

Yes, there’s certainly more to buy in Munich than just giant tumblers of amber ale and souvenir mugs! Within the city centre alone, there’s a wide selection of shops, boutiques and department stores to cater to everyone’s shopping taste.

Maximilianstraße is one of the most exclusive areas in Munich and in the area reside the Bavarian Parliament, Maximilianeum, the Nationaltheater and the Bavarian State Opera.  The western part of Maximilianstraße is known for its galleries, designer shops, luxury boutiques and jewellery stores.  Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, one of Munich’s most luxurious five-star hotels, is located here and of course luxury labels like Dolce & Gabbana, Gianfranco Ferré, Versace, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel, Gucci, Bulgari, Escada and Hugo Boss all have a presence in Maximilianstraße.

Theatinerstraße is also a main address for luxury-goods shopping.  This street connects the central square Marienplatz with Odeonsplatz to its north. There are many traditional cafés and restaurants in the area, in addition to an arts cinema which shows international movies. The entrance to one of the largest art exhibition areas, the Kunsthalle der Hypo-Kulturstiftung, leads into Munich’s latest shopping centre, called Fünf Höfe or Five Courts. The Fünf Höfe is literally an area of five connected courtyards, each with its own character. Apart from exclusive shops, a modern centre for shopping, restaurants & cafes, there are art galleries, office space, and residential apartments as well. The Swiss architects of Fünf Höfe have made this network of passages and inner courtyards an absolute pleasure to stroll through and in the evenings, slowly pulsating lights which change colour light up the office spaces.

Another of Munich’s busiest shopping areas is Kaufingerstraße.  The boulevard between Marienplatz and Karlsplatz/Stachus, with the medieval city gate Karlstor, has been a pedestrian zone since the 1970s. If you take a left turn half way between Marienplatz and Stachus, this will take you into “Arkaden“, a roofed alley which is home to more shops and cafés.

If you are looking for arts and crafts, unusual gift shops or arty posters, the ideal place to go is Sendlingerstraße which is a typical shopping district of Munich.  The small street leading from Marienplatz to the medieval city gate Sendlingertor, in the south of old town, is home to many family-run retail shops. There are plenty of little cafés and restaurants where you can sit down and recover from your shopping trip or enjoy the evening.

If you’re not familiar with the city or where the major landmarks are, a good thing to do before your shopping expedition is to sign up for one of the city tours or a Hop on Hop off tour where the highlights of the city will be pointed out to you.