En Voyage_Issue#11_Flickbook

Travel
LONDON>CONNECTING
The Federal Republic of Germany is situated
in Central Europe; it has land borders with
nine countries and a coastline of 2,389km on
the North and Baltic seas. With a population
of around 82 million, Germany is the most
populous nation in the European Union.
Politically, the country is a parliamentary
democracy and its administrative structure
is federal, with the 16 Länder (states)
having a high degree of autonomy.
HOW TO GET THERE
Aurigny operates regular flights to Gatwick
and EasyJet flies to Berlin Schönefeld up to
five times per day, with a flight time of around
two hours. Germany is one hour ahead of
GMT. The country has one of the finest public
transport systems in Europe, so onward travel
from the airport is cheap and efficient.
WHEN TO GO
July and August are high season but
much of Germany receives its maximum
rainfall in midsummer so, although
warm, it can also be unpredictable. For
more settled weather with sunshine and
comfortable temperatures, September and
early October are the best time to visit.
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel am Steinplatz, once the haunt
of celebrities like Vladimir Nabokov and
Brigitte Bardot, reopened in 2014. The
original Art Nouveau-inspired interior blends
well with modern touches, and there’s a
rooftop spa and a leafy inner courtyard.
25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin is located near
the zoo in a former 1950s high-rise and
has had a funky transformation; you can
rent free Mini Coopers and bikes from
reception. A great hostel is PLUS Berlin, with
designer en-suite rooms, a lively bar and
restaurant and even a pool and sauna.
Brandenburg’s capital, Potsdam, is a good
base from which to explore the region. Hotel
Am Jägertor is a four-star hotel located by
the historical ‘Hunter’s Gate’, within walking
distance of Sanssouci Castle and the Dutch
Quarter. In the heart of the old town is
NH Potsdam; it comprises a newly built
hotel and the adjacent Brühl Palace, which
has been renovated. A little further out, in
the middle of the Potsdam game park, is
Bayrisches Haus, a Bavarian house which was
built in 1847 by the Prussian king Frederick
William IV for his wife, Princess Elizabeth of
Bavaria, and now houses a five-star hotel.
38 En Voyage | Aurigny’s Magazine