How to Visit the NordArt in 2023

The older I get, the faster time seems to go by. The advantage of time just flying by, however, is the fast return of annual events such as the wonderful art fair NordArt. Every year, this fantastic art event transforms the northern German provincial town of Büdelsdorf for a couple of months into a vibrant and exciting international art mecca. So come on, join me on my train ride into the boonies, and let me show you how to visit NordArt 2023.

Heads are rolling, literally, at the first, pebble-covered exhibition hall.
Spanish artist Samuel Salcedo casted them from iron and aluminum.
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Weekend in FRANKFURT – 25 Best Things To Do

One of Germany’s most misconceived cities is certainly Frankfurt on the river Main. Derogatorily nicknamed Mainhattan, it is mainly recognized as Germany’s financial hub, hence, economically relevant but otherwise absolutely neglectable. Well, since this vibrant metropole is one of my favorite German weekend trip destinations, in this post, I’m introducing you to the 25 best things you should by no means miss on your visit to Frankfurt. Also, they’ll prove that the city is absolutely worth a trip!

View of Frankfurt from the Eiserne Brücke. Weekend Frankfurt 25 best things
View across the love locks on the Eiserne Brücke of what Frankfurt is all about: A bold mix of ancient history and powerful bank buildings.
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Best Street Art in HAMBURG

Hamburg has always been unique – on many levels. Hence, it’s only logical that much of the best street art in Hamburg is quite different from the murals you get to see in other cities.

Best Street Art in Hamburg
Portrait of Hamburg’s most celebrated son Hans Albers.

So, put on your most comfortable shoes, polish your camera’s lens, and let’s explore all those grand murals that are embellishing the walls of Germany’s self-proclaimed Gateway to the World.

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A Visit to the Berlin Biennale 2022

After having presented three mega art events on this blog over the past few weeks, I actually wanted to leave it at that for this summer. But last weekend, I paid the Berlin Biennale 2022 a visit. This event impressed me so much that I needed to write at least a short post about it.

Exile Is a Hard Job by Nil Yalter at the Berlin Biennale 2022
Turkish-born artist Nil Yalter left Turkey in 1965, hence, she knows what it means to be an immigrant. Today, she is 84 years old. In 1983, she interviewed and filmed migrants on their experiences in a foreign country. Now she brought the topic to the Berlin Biennale.

Like the Biennale in Venice and above all the Documenta in Kassel, the Berlin Biennale is also influenced by current political and social developments. Therefore, conceptual works and installations are presented rather than pretty pictures.

What impressed me in Berlin – especially ten days after my visit to Kassel – is a clear concept, the conscientious subdivision, and the stringent and consistent thematic organization and execution.

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24 hours in BERLIN

Berlin is huge – actually, with almost 3.7 million inhabitants it’s not only Germany’s capital but also its largest city. So, how can you possibly explore Berlin in only 24 hours?

Reichstag visited during 24 hours in Berlin
The iconic Reichstag building in Berlin.

Truth is, you can’t. But since Germany’s third-largest airport – after Frankfurt and Munich – is in Berlin, chances are that you’ll have the opportunity to spend a layover there. Of course, you can always come back for more. I already have you covered by two comprehensive guides to Berlin’s West and East. Also, you’ll find an extended guide to the city’s best street art.

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How to Visit the DOCUMENTA fifteen in Kassel in 2022

Cultural Life is back! And instead of timidly knocking, it simply kicked down the door and threw three mega art events at us. So after having introduced what’s on at this year’s Biennale di Arte in Venice and at the NordArt in Northern Germany, it’s time to inform you on how to visit the 15th edition of the documenta in Kassel in 2022.

Mural by the Ruan Grupa at the Documenta fifteen in Kassel in 2022
A bold mural on the northern wall of the ruru House is announcing all the amazing participants of this year’s documenta.
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How to Visit the NordArt in 2022

In this post, I’m telling you how to visit the NordArt 2022, an international art event taking place in Büdelsdorf. Büdels…what? I knew you’d need more information and possibly a guide.

Ode to Art by Liu Ruowang at the NordArt 2022
Ode to Art by Chinese superstar Liu Ruowang. I’ve introduced him on the blog before – for instance in my post on Florence where his cast iron wolves were roaming the city.

Although the NordArt is an international art show that takes place every year, it’s by far not as important as the Documenta in Kassel let alone the Bienniale di Arte in Venice. However, it is installed in an intriguing setting, a wonderful day trip away from Hamburg or Berlin, and therefore totally worth the visit.

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All you need to know before going to GERMANY

Whether it’s the legal and formal stuff or the fun and quirky things – everyone should read this compilation before setting foot in Germany.

German Flag

I’m listing relevant figures and important rules and regulations. But I’m also pointing out unpredicted peculiarities and fun facts to know before you go. This way, no unexpected surprise will impair your experience.

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BASEL and the Rehberger-Trail – time to wonder, time to wander

Visiting Basel, you’re not only seeing Switzerland’s third-largest city – after Zurich and Geneva – but you also get to hike the amazing Rehberger Trail. It’s a route decorated with sculptures by German artist Tobias Rehberger. On this occasion, you can even cross the border to Germany walking.

View of the river Rhein at Basel
Cozy little Basel in the heart of Europe. There are a couple of art venues and many interesting buildings and places along the river Rhein.

That’s one of the things I absolutely love about Basel: It is located in the tri-border area of Switzerland, Germany, and France. Three totally different countries getting connected in harmony.

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24 hours in DUSSELDORF

Since Germany’s fourth-largest airport – after Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich – is in Dusseldorf, chances are that you’ll have the opportunity to spend a layover of up to 24 hours in this beautiful and fun city on the river Rhine.

The Greek god Triton at the northern end of the city moat. The sculpture was made in 1902 by Friedrich Coubillier.
The Greek god Triton at the northern end of the city moat. The sculpture was made in 1902 by Friedrich Coubillier.

As a matter of fact, it was not really surprising that on my way to Japan, I had a stopover in Düsseldorf. After all, the city has the largest Japanese community in all of Germany.

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