5.5.2025 10:30:00 CEST | ORTEN Fahrzeugbau GmbH | Press release a specialist in customized commercial vehicle solutions is strategically repositioning itself: The German company will become part of TRENTAR MOBILITY GmbH (“TRENTAR MOBILITY”) TRENTAR Group invests in diversified future technologies by drone manufacturing and services The change in ownership opens new horizons for ORTEN – shaped by digitalization ORTEN remains entrepreneurially independent with strong roots in Germany and 100 years of company history TRENTAR MOBILITY is taking over the entire ORTEN Group with around 100 employees at the sites in Bernkastel-Kues Existing sites and jobs will be preserved and further developed ORTEN aims under the new ownership to further strengthen and expand its market presence across Europe and in particular in Germany Managing Director and Shareholder Robert Orten who successfully led the company for more than 48 years will continue to accompany the transition as Managing Director until September 2025 and will subsequently serve as an advisor to the group "It was very important to me to find a stable and future-oriented succession solution – for our employees majority family-owned partner who not only respects our history but also actively creates new opportunities for our development as well as the preservation of the ORTEN brand." TRENTAR MOBILITY GmbH is part of TRENTAR Group a broader network of companies focused on sustainable growth and innovation in the field of new mobility and future technologies such as breakthrough KPITs’ Sodium Ion Battery Technology TRENTAR Group also bought stakes in start-ups manufacturing drones and providing services utilizing drones and other aerial systems such as “R-Fly” and “GarudaUAV Soft Solutions” The aim is to drive sustainable technological innovation in mobility and logistics globally Europe plays a central role as a strategic growth market and the Group is actively exploring additional acquisitions in the vehicle manufacturing and mobility sectors we are deliberately investing in technological expertise and its strong regional roots deeply resonate with our own corporate values Europe is a central part to our strategic development – not as a market of the past This is why we aim to grow here strategically and are also interested in further acquisitions and progress together with the existing management team and the new CEO Tarkeshwar Rao," explains Subodh Menon Founder of TRENTAR MOBILITY GmbH and TRENTAR Group The purchase price was not disclosed. Further details about ORTEN can be found at: https://www.orten-fahrzeugbau.de/en/ Subscribe to all the latest releases from ORTEN Fahrzeugbau GmbH by registering your e-mail address below The Middle Moselle Wine Festival in Bernkastel-Kues is one of the most popular events on the Moselle For five days in autumn - the cut-off date is always the first Sunday in September - it attracts countless people The attractions include the magnificent fireworks display (Saturdays) the traditional Moselle Flower Evening (Thursdays) and the unique Wine Route wineries and communities offer their wine on all days Also noteworthy is the amusement park on the banks of the Moselle in Kues Highlights: Thursday: Moselblümchen meets Winzerkittel at the market square and on the wine route Friday: Coronation of the new Mosella the wine queen of the town of Bernkastel-Kues Saturday: Grand fireworks display Sunday: Festive parade with floats foot groups and bands Thursday to Monday: Wine route with numerous wine and food stands; live music on stages and music squares The wine-growing region Moselle valley fascinates its visitors with fantastic views of some of the steepest vineyards in the world - here the winegrowers create top-class wines You can convince yourself of the characteristic taste of the steep slopes at one of the great wine events; for example coming soon: Wine festival of the Middle Mosel in Bernkastel-Kues (04.09.2025 - 08.09.2025) in Bernkastel-Kues Just come and experience one of our wine festivals on the Moselle at first hand You can also find more varied events throughout Rhineland-Palatinate in the Rhineland-Palatinate calendar of events Would you like to find out more about the wine festivals on the Moselle valley and the Moselle valley holiday region? Then take a look at our page: Holidays in the Moselle region According to news outlet SWR the building's gable roof collapsed on Tuesday night causing two floors on one side of the hotel to be crushed together Initial reports suggested there were nine residents in the hotel at the time of the incident as German police said they had been in contact with six of them Trier police reported there had been one fatality and eight people were still trapped within the building some of whom had suffered serious injuries At a press conference on Wednesday morning it was then confirmed that two people had died in the building collapse Fire fighters struggled to enter the building due to the acute danger of the entire building collapsing The Technical Assistance Service (THW) and a Trier police canine squad were deployed as a result A reporter for SWR said THW placed measuring equipment around the hotel to monitor the building's movements and to check if it was safe to enter The fire brigade was also using drones to gain an overview of the situation Several neighbouring houses were evacuated overnight due to the danger of the hotel collapsing and causing further damage to nearby buildings Residents were accommodated in a village hall in Kröv Psychological support staff were on hand to help care for residents A number of roads around the hotel were also closed to traffic in order to allow emergency services access to the building SWR reported that the alarm was raised at around 11pm on Tuesday followed by a huge cloud of dust around the building Police said several guests had escaped the building on their own as one had been using the bathroom at the time of the collapse this distinctive building has been described as "the most photographed building in Bernkastel-Kues," and with good reason making this 600-year-old home look like it is about to come crashing down at any minute The home was originally built this way to allow for wagons to travel through the narrow alley running alongside the building tax payments in many cities in Germany were based on the area of the foundation of the building which explains why "jettied" buildings were a common occurrence in medieval Germany as taxes were not charged on wider upper levels.  The building has been home to a wine bar since the 1970's and is still open to the public the hours of operation at the wine bar are somewhat flexible It is recommended to call ahead to confirm the bar will be open A rare 16-bedroom Qing Dynasty house re-erected on the campus of the Peabody Essex Museum A wealthy aristocratic family built this Disney-worthy These five Art Deco homes were meant to solve the "small house problem." Originally dubbed "Retirement" by the Navy Commodore who built it in 1780 this beautiful mansion is now the centerpiece of a suburban community park The Catskills retreat of naturalist writer John Burroughs this estate was crafted by Black entrepreneur Olander Banks Sr A small brick parlor house and artist's studio located in the wilderness is surrounded by imposing suburban palaces The town of Bernkastel-Kues is a perfect example of everything the Rhineland-Palatinate state has to offer This spot on the Moselle River has history an atmosphere that encourages you to slow down and live in the moment A trip to Bernkastel-Kues is not about checking places and tasks off your agenda; it’s about wandering discovering and sitting back to observe everything this place has to show you the individual towns of Bernkastel and Kues sat on either side of the Moselle and in 1905 they merged into what we now know as Bernkastel-Kues The town is known for their romantic Christmas market—which I believe because someone once told me it was their very favorite holiday market—but it is also home to the Middle Moselle Wine Festival a very popular attraction for the area’s many wine lovers Bernkastel-Kues has been awarded the distinction as a health resort making it a popular destination for spa-seekers A leisurely walk through Bernkastel-Kues will give you a free lesson in historical architecture You will find the Renaissance-style town hall surrounded by 16th- and 17th-century half-timbered homes Look for the Spitzhäuschen (Pointed House) You surely won’t miss walking through the historic Markplatz but don’t miss the pink Art Nouveau-style house adding a splash of color and contrast to the block Other structures you might seek out are Graach Gate You can hike or take a vintage bus ride up to the castle including an ancient Roman wine press in the neighboring village of Piesport you may pass by the birthplace of part of the town’s namesake who became a successful 15th-century philosopher and theologian and is still celebrated around the world today If you’re interested in exploring outside of the city center there are a plethora of outdoor activities mountain or E-bikes are available—or explore one of the many hiking trails such as the Mosellesteig Trail or a climb to Mount Olympus Maybe you want to experience Bernkastel-Kues from a different viewpoint there are plenty of Moselle riverboat rides available wining and dining should certainly be on the menu One idea is to start your wine education at the Moselle Wein Museum to learn about the area’s viticulture and then continue onto the namesake’s St housing a cellar where you can try up to 160 different wines Known as a prominent wine making area because of its steep-sloped geography perfect for grape growing wine bars and wine cellars ready to welcome you in The white Riesling in particular made the area famous so it is worth tasting a glass (or two) of the local favorite A 400-year-old Bible that was stolen years ago has found its way back to the German library it belonged to The book, dating from the 16th century, was taken in 1988. However, the exact date it went missing is unclear, Religion.orf reports The Diocese of Trier suspects it had been gone for at least 35 years it might have been part of a private collection The book belonged to the library of the Cusanusstift in the German town of Bernkastel-Kues It was printed by Johannes Petreius in Nuremberg in 1527 He was browsing the internet and discovered that a Dutch antiquarian bookstore sold the book It had ended up there after several detours The library identified the Bible by looking at an old inventory number on the title page and an application for ownership The Dutch bookstore was very lenient and returned the book to the library of Bernkastel-Kues the library collection is still incomplete it is looking for a sermon from the French theologian Johannes Gerson who lived in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries The work was printed in 1509 in Strasbourg but have typically always attracted a more seasoned traveler Rather than just catering to an older demographic (55+ years of age), river cruising is now picking up steam in terms of popularity with millennials and Gen Zs Younger generations want in on the river cruising experience With its laid back atmosphere, elegant and undauntingly-sized ships, charming daily destinations and generally smooth sailing, there's a whole lot to love about this dream-like style of travel. And river cruise lines are releasing even more exciting itineraries with young cruisers in mind giving them the activities they’re looking for I wanted to see for myself why river cruising is becoming so enticing to those of my generation Here's what I learned -- and what you need to know View of Bernkastel from the Top Deck on Avalon Imagery II (Photo: Marilyn Borth) Full disclosure: river cruises still mostly attract those of an older demographic and it shows onboard River cruises are typically more expensive than most mainstream ocean cruises which does tend to draw people who have had a chance to work and earn more money more experienced travelers onboard wasn't something that took away from my experience in the least The people I met onboard -- both the crew and my fellow passengers -- were easy-going, like-minded travelers. Age wasn't a factor; it didn't matter if someone was 30 or 85 onboard -- everyone was there to enjoy our European river cruise and its ports of call but there were some in their late 40s and above -- and even an 18-year-old traveling with her family Everyone seemed to get along exceptionally well and throughout the week Laughter was the perpetual theme song of Avalon Imagery II Hiking up volcanoes and mountains to scenic views walking through quaint European towns to castle grounds and cycling along the riverside are just some of the active excursions you can involve yourself in with Avalon's Active & Discovery Cruises River cruises are certainly a worthy vacation option for young travelers particularly those that offer more cultural and activity-based forms of touring ashore From luxury river cruises in Europe to small-ship river cruises in Southeast Asia While the experience is very different from Carnival cruises to cruising to the Bahamas where infinite piña coladas are served up in thumping night clubs a river cruise offers so much to admire and enjoy Best Cruises for 20- and 30-Something Young Adults (Photo: Maryna Pleshkun/Shutterstock.com) River cruises still mostly attract those of an older demographic but that shouldn't be any reason to not join in on the fun Here are just some of the many reasons we loved the experience Both Onboard and Off: My sailing on Avalon Imagery II had a maximum double occupancy of 128 passengers (the average maximum for river cruise ships is 200) Compare that to most oceangoing cruise ships that can easily carry between 2,000 and 6,000 passengers and the difference is clear: River cruise ships feel more like a small group trip than cruise ships Visiting ports of call on a river cruise is generally far less stressful than ocean cruises There are fewer people looking to embark and disembark and fewer crowds mean more room for onboard your ship Laid Back and Quiet Atmosphere: Your vacation is a way to relax and take a step back from it all while taking a step into a new and exciting place River cruising supplies that in a low-stress environment The overall atmosphere is more relaxed and quiet providing you with less unwanted stimuli to better take in your surroundings Indulge in Local Wine Tastings: If you’re a wine connoisseur or even a casual wine drinker, then river cruising could be the ideal pick for you, as many river cruise itineraries -- like those that wind through places like France, Germany and Luxembourg -- offer local wine tastings for excursions A glass (or six) of Bordeaux in Bordeaux anyone a river cruise will very likely help you tick it off Traveling Without Packing and Repacking: No matter what age no one really enjoys daily unpacking and repacking of backpacks and suitcases when traveling River cruises allow travelers to leave their belongings behind on their "hotel on water" while still hopping from city to city and even country to country River Cruises Can Be a Foodie Heaven: As a foodie myself I place the quality of food and trying unique flavors at the top of my list when traveling river cruises mostly supply foodies with local delicacies and dishes for cruisers allowing for a taste of the local cuisine and beverages without ever leaving the ship More Ports, More Adventure: Unlike ocean cruises, there is no such thing as "sea days" (days spent at sea with no port of call) on a river cruise River cruises stop quite often -- every few hours or so -- and even visit more than one port of call per day Calmer Waters: Seasickness is no joke. Luckily, river cruises are on the calm inland waters of the world, making the chances of experiencing seasickness very low More Authentic Entertainment: While you won’t find massive Broadway-style production shows on river cruises, they offer more authentic cruising entertainment Performers on river cruises are often locals brought onboard in various ports of call to offer up authentic entertainment and river cruise ships typically offer a piano player who entertains in the evenings It’s a much more personalized, intimate style of entertainment -- one that lends itself authentically to the region you’re sailing. On our sailing, a local and truly exceptional violinist performed for us while we were docked in Cochem We also had a local band playing the classics and a solo singer who was also a natural comedian we were pleased with both the quality and diversity of authentic entertainment aboard the Avalon Imagery II There Are Likely No Kids: Whether you don't have children or have left them at home to have your own getaway you'll be pleased to know that almost all river cruises don't allow children with the exception of select family-friendly sailings offered during the summer months and around the Holidays Minimum age limits differ across cruise lines Opportunities to Mingle -- or Not: Onboard your river cruise ship or when out on excursions there are numerous opportunities to mingle But many of us sometimes need some alone time to recharge and get our minds right Even though river ships are small in contrast to mega-ships there are fortunately plenty of moments for some solo downtime read a book in the onboard lounge -- you name it you'll feel that serenity no matter where you go to be alone because there aren't many other people onboard River Cruise Lines Want You: Young adults are finally taking notice of river cruises -- and the feeling is mutual River cruise lines are doing their best to make shifts to their current offerings in order to cater to younger demographics Young adults on river cruises can really feel the love -- and who doesn't want that there's likely a cruise for young adults on it -- usually with their older parents enjoying time together Avalon Imagery II in Remich Luxembourg (Photo: Marilyn Borth) specifically their Active & Discovery itineraries Cruisers can experience excursions that get them moving while visiting beautiful ports They can even participate in more creative excursions as well AmaWaterways kickstarted the active river cruise movement making them arguably the leaders in this niche -- and therefore attracting a large number of young cruisers AmaWaterways offers wine-themed river cruises but also plenty of activities on their sailings Champagne yoga (you read that correctly) and beyond AmaWaterways also has itineraries that are sponsored by Backroads an "active travel" tour provider which gives cruisers even more active excursions to enjoy The Backroads' and AmaWaterways collaboration has led to active river cruises that include expert Trips Leaders on every excursion; these excursions include enhanced biking tours Emerald, especially EmeraldACTIVE itineraries, keep their cruisers moving, both onboard, with yoga, pilates and aqua aerobics; and ashore, including guided hikes, bike rides, and even canoeing. Plus, being the less expensive river cruise option from sister company Scenic the fare may be more digestible for young adults Adventures by Disney is a great option for young river cruisers both traveling with or without children Adventures by Disney river cruise itineraries can be family-friendly or exclusive to adults 18 years old and up All cruisers can anticipate experiencing the world via charming AmaWaterways river cruise ships with whom Disney partners for river cruises with Disney-trained guides with magical Disney touches however; Adventures by Disney trips tend to focus on the destination and not characters) Both family-friendly and adult-exclusive sailings highlight countless enriching excursions bike riding and even cheese-tasting in Normandy think a smidge more sophistication onboard along with enticing experiences like Oktoberfest on the Danube and guided vineyard tours in France Mr Joerg Hontheim will take the role of Area Director of Food and Beverage He holds a bachelor's degree in hospitality and various certifications including revenue management from Cornell University He has held various positions with Marriott Renaissance and Grand Hyatt throughout Asia and the United States Our slow travel expert picks her favourite off-season trips by train to France I travel through Europe by rail in all seasons and all weathers and my more memorable journeys are often in that slack period between Epiphany (on 6 January) and Easter Empty trains and plentiful accommodation make a winning combo for those who relish spontaneous travel And winter weather often lends a special hue to landscape be it creeping dusk as a slow train rattles through the forests of Bohemia or a sudden snow shower cutting off the far horizons of Flanders Interrail passes often offer the best deals for European rail trips. And the big news is that passes are currently on sale with a hefty 25% discount through to 17 December This makes for a fine opportunity to plan a winter adventure across Europe by train so here are three trips worth making in early 2025 Buy a digital Interrail pass during the current promo and it can be used any time in the next 11 months Charlemagne began building the Palatine Chapel (now the central part of Aachen Cathedral) at the end of the eighth century Photograph: audioundwerbung/Getty ImagesThe Moselle and Rhine rivers enjoy some protection from the worst winter weather and are easy to reach by rail from Britain Eurostar will speed you from London to Brussels in two hours it is a shade over four hours by train via Luxembourg to Trier in Germany This city by the Moselle makes a mellow base for off-season rambles through vineyards and riverside villages respectively reached by bus or train from Trier Mary Shelley deemed the Moselle inferior to “the prouder and more romantic glories of the Rhine” but I find real midwinter appeal in the softer you take the slow train through the valley to reach the Rhine at Koblenz You can do better than actually staying in Koblenz by continuing to Königswinter a handsome town on the right bank of the Rhine opposite Bonn It’s a lovely spot for winter getaways and easily repays two or three-night stays Take the cog railway from Königswinter up to the cragged summit of the Drachenfels (Dragon’s Rock) to discover a landscape full of Wagnerian splendour and a quirky monument to the composer The city that improbably became West Germany’s capital in 1949 has real small-town appeal its status enhanced by its association with Beethoven Aachen’s cosy back streets are especially atmospheric on a winter eveningThis stretch of the Rhine was in the premier league of destinations for English travellers in the 19th century recording Rhenish landscapes with varying degrees of competence whose sketches of Drachenfels Castle helped inscribe this region on the romantic imagination From Königswinter take the train following the Rhine downstream to Cologne for a quick peek at the city’s awesome gothic cathedral Round off your German trip with a night or two in Aachen Check out the cathedral with Charlemagne’s imperial throne and make time to explore Aachen’s cosy back streets which are especially atmospheric on a winter evening Return home by train via Brussels to London London-Trier-Königswinter-Aachen-London can be done with a four-day Interrail pass Prices (with current promotion): £181 adult family £362 (two adults and two children under 12) Add about £26pp each way for Interrail pass holder supplements on Eurostar One of the Semmering railway’s many viaducts Photograph: AlamyWinter is a time to hunker down in cosy cafes as I discovered in February when I visited Vienna and Trieste you can easily make a winter tour of the Alps that takes in the Austrian capital and the Adriatic port so evocatively captured by the late Jan Morris in her book Trieste and the Meaning of Nowhere A traditional Viennese coffeehouse. Photograph: Little valleys/AlamyIt’s a brilliant nine-hour ride from Vienna to Trieste, taking in the remarkable Unesco-listed Semmering Railway through the Austrian Alps slipping through Ljubljana in Slovenia at lunchtime and then traversing the limestone karst to reach the Adriatic take the morning Frecciarossa from Trieste (at 09.39) to Verona This gives a fine run over the Brenner Pass getting into Innsbruck while it is still light featured trips and local tips for your next break as well as the latest deals from Guardian Holidays Prices (with current promotion): £199 adult family £404 (two adults and two children under 12) Add about £26pp each way for Interrail pass holder supplements on Eurostar to Brussels Half-timbered houses in Bourges Photograph: Jaubert French Collection/AlamyThe seaward end of the Loire valley benefits from a benign winter climate that makes it ideal for off-season visits This is a chance to explore three delightful smaller French cities taking advantage of regional rail routes where Interrailers don’t need to bother with seat reservations Chartres has an intimate feel well suited to a winter stayThere is something special about the delicate beauty of this route transfer to Montparnasse station for the regional train to Chartres Chartres has an intimate feel well suited to a winter stay then continue next day to Saumur in the Loire valley the latter most definitely worth a stop to see the remarkable 14th-century tapestries displayed in the castle They depict scenes from the Apocalypse of Saint John The Apocalypse tapestries in Angers it’s a short hop on a local train to Saumur whose cosy centre is at its most appealing in the quieter winter months It’s a chance to taste Loire wines and relax for a day or two It can be reached on a local train from Saumur in as little as 20 minutes continue to your third and final stay in Bourges using local trains and changing in Tours along the way Bourges is the former capital of long-lost Berry the French province that disappeared in the territorial reforms after the 1789 revolution With its set-piece cathedral and charming central area Don’t miss the fine walks through the watery Marais district close to the city centre there are direct regional trains back to Paris where you switch to Eurostar for a high-speed return to London London-Chartres-Saumur-Bourges-London needs a four-day Interrail pass Eurostar passholder supplement £26 per leg Nicky Gardner is lead author of Europe by Rail: The Definitive Guide (18th edition, Hidden Europe, £20.99), available from guardianbookshop.com While it might seem that an ever-increasing number of Christmas markets are opening up for their seasonal runs earlier than ever before, the first weekend of the Advent season usually serves as the start signal for most of them to begin welcoming their eager visitors. In 2023, the first Advent Sunday falls on Dec. 3, meaning the chances of finding holiday joy amongst the pine-bough-bedecked wooden huts this weekend is pretty good indeed. While there’s no bad time to visit a German Christmas market, there are some dates that are particularly fortuitous. Here’s a look at some events that can make a market visit all the more unique and special: affording river cruising with a contemporary masterpiece for all to enjoy The 361-foot-long river ship makes views its epicenter from those seen from inside the Panoramic Suites to the rolling landscapes witnessed from the main lounge or sun deck (aptly dubbed the "Sky Deck") Avalon Imagery II prioritizes what can be seen off the ship without sacrificing what can be experienced onboard Its contemporary decor with splashes of gold emits a luxurious yet at-home feel but all offer up ample seating no matter where you choose to relax; outdoor areas always have shade as well for optimal comfort there are gathering places for encounters between guests like the club lounge in the back of the ship and the Panorama Lounge at the front the ship tends to attract more mature passengers typically 55 years old and above; 45 years old and older on Active & Discovery sailings that focus on ways to explore Europe through biking and hiking The friendly and above-and-beyond staff prioritizes individual touches such as memorizing every guest's name and drink preferences millions of grape vines roll past outside yet inside only non-local wines are served with meals there were no wine educational classes onboard only wine tastings on select shore excursions Avalon is the best river cruise line for active cruisers but only had one e-bike amongst its fleet of bicycles aboard Avalon Imagery II which might be a thoughtful -- and welcomed -- addition for a cruise hailing physical excursion Avalon Imagery II takes nearly everything else into close consideration including the "little things." Some of which are the height-adjustable tables in every stateroom mattress pads with four comfort level options Panoramic Suite walls being slightly askew to provide more space in the bathrooms (and to make the showers bigger) and L'Occitane premium beauty products are present in every cabin Avalon Imagery II itineraries frequent the rivers and waterways of Europe which include Active & Discovery (the most active itineraries available with Avalon) Tulip cruises in the Netherlands and Belgium wine-focused cruises and traditional European river cruises which are unique to Avalon Waterways and one of several itinerary options available for Avalon Imagery II prioritize physical wellness to cater to more active-minded cruisers Each sailing has more active excursion choices than other sailings The countries Avalon Imagery II visits include Belgium well-known cities like Paris to quaint small towns and villages like Bernkastel-Kues in Germany The Avalon Imagery II deck plan is simple to navigate with its four decks: Indigo Deck (bottom deck) as stairs can always be found at the back of the ship and mid-ship; the Royal and Sky Decks also have a staircase at the front of the ship Bright and integral with gray and gold -- seamlessly integrating soft classic backdrops with contemporary fixtures -- the decor both inside and out is calming Avalon Imagery II doesn't fall short in cozy places for cruisers to hang out throughout the ship Sky Deck has multiple open air seating areas along with a deck game area and a mid-deck hot tub (referred to as a "whirlpool" onboard) most of the top deck is closed off while sailing to cruise comfortably and safely below low-hanging bridges the Sky Lounge at Sky Deck forward is always open both day and night as it's low enough to fit under even the lowest of bridges if you're looking for a spot outdoors to get a view of a bridge's underbelly including the Club Lounge at the back of the ship along with the Panorama Lounge due in part to the soundproof separation walls between every stateroom those staying in suites on Royal Deck can occasionally hear footfalls from those walking on the Sky Deck (top deck) albeit small (typical for river cruise ships) Sparkling wine with breakfast; wine and beer with lunch and dinner e-bikes and walking sticks) on certain sailings tea and flavored seltzers from 24-hour machines; pastries and cookies Gratuities (included if paid as part of fare) Additional gratuities for tour guides and drivers Gratuities (not included if not part of fare) attracts two demographics depending on the itinerary: 45 years in age on Active & Discovery cruises with the average age increasing to 55 plus on most itineraries Brits and Australians comprise the majority of passengers Many solo cruisers can be found aboard Avalon Imagery II like other Avalon ships due to their single supplement waiver offer for every departure 10% of Avalon's clientele are solo cruisers Accessibility on Avalon Imagery II is excellent as well There are some stairs onboard between decks but there is an elevator that can take you to every deck except the Sky Deck Avalon Waterways isn't the most suitable river cruise line for kids Age limits vary on Avalon Imagery II; some itineraries require guests to be at least 18 years of age while others have an age limit of 8 years There are no activities or special arrangements for children onboard Avalon ships Tulip Time Vacation - Windmills Canals and Tulips The punishment consisted mainly of public disgrace The offenders were also allowed to be spat on and insulted by passers-by  ------------------------------------ ‘The town hall façade is a magnificent work of the late German Renaissance probably the work of the Trier sculptor Hans Ruprecht Hoffmann or created by Trier masters of his school Hoffmann's patron and sponsor was the then Archbishop Lothar von Metternich (1599 to 1623) whose coat of arms with the three conch shells and the Electorate of Trier cross adorns the town hall oriel on the outside next to the Bernkastel town coat of arms rests on a basalt column standing in front of the centre pillar of the ground floor; it is divided into windows and bears a stone figure of the Salvator mundi a work that is also attributed to the sculptor Hoffmann The ground floor of the façade shows a round arch to the left and right of the oriel column of the once open hall half of which served as a fire station and the other half housed the flour scales to which offenders were once shackled to the public pillar of shame or pillar of shame was located on the corner pillar to the left of the spectator as the inscription ‘Hochgerichtliche Straff und Bürgerliche Züchtigung’ (High Court Punishment and Civil Punishment) engraved above it reports Two massive yet graceful skylight structures stand in front of the hipped roof which ends with a spiral-decorated iron flower at the top.’ Source: Chronicle of the town of Bernkastel By Rob Bates | January 04 an award-winning gem cutter whose innovative work built on his family’s storied legacy into a family that had cut stones for three generations considered the “Picasso of gems,” began teaching the craft to his son at a young age showcased his collaborations with his jewelry-designer wife “I see the rough gemstone as my canvas,” Munsteiner told Katerina Perez in 2022 I can freely shape the gems to a beautiful new form It’s like a discussion with the gem.” When Art Jewelry Forum asked Munsteiner in 2105 what he liked most about cutting gemstones, he replied “I am excited about the never-ending possibilities to design something new.” Munsteiner will be remembered for his “hardy laugh” and eagerness to share knowledge with the lapidary community Munsteiner is survived by Jutta; son Philipp also a gem cutter; and parents Bernd and Hanne The family asks that friends share their memories of Tom during the upcoming Tucson gem shows, at Atelier Munsteiner‘s booths at GJX and the Tucson Fine Mineral Gallery (Top photo courtesy of Atelier Munsteiner) By Rob Bates May 05 By Annie Davidson Watson May 05 By Brittany Siminitz May 05 By Karen Dybis May 05 2025 © RX USA. Use of this website is subject to terms of use. Alice Gibbs is a Newsweek Senior Internet Trends & Culture Reporter based in the U.K For the last two years she has specialized in viral trends and internet news Alice joined Newsweek in 2022 and previously wrote for The Observer You can get in touch with Alice by emailing alice.gibbs@newsweek.com either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content A routine traffic ticket has left internet users in stitches thanks to the unusual evidence captured by a roadside camera Brittany, known on TikTok as @britt.bizkit, is living in Germany with her husband, Brandon, who is serving in the United States Air Force. In a video with over 10 million views on TikTok Brittany shared the moment they got a speeding ticket with a hilarious picture of her husband—who wasn't even driving Brittany accompanied her wine-enthusiast mother-in-law and husband on a tasting excursion in nearby Bernkastel-Kues and after a day of sipping (or chugging) Riesling next to the Mosel River in Germany she found herself in the crosshairs of Germany's speed-camera system as we began to arrive into the city limits I know subconsciously the speed would be changing.. a seemingly routine speeding ticket arrived in the mail While drivers in Germany are generally seated on the left hand side of the car meaning that her husband was sitting in the passenger seat where the driver would be expected to be Despite a €30 [$32.50] fine for exceeding the speed limit "I let out the biggest cackle of my life when I discovered this," she confessed Brandon is wearing a hat and sunglasses and is staring forward with a serious expression—something that they knew they had to share "The whole world should see this," her husband told her after he saw the picture Germany's newest drug lord," Brittany said in the now-viral video "You're essentially paying 30 euros for the greatest photo of all time—it's fair," one commenter posted Some viewers wrote about Germany's strict traffic laws recounting their own experiences of getting tickets while driving there with one viewer writing: "You can't tell me that's not [singer] Joel Madden." As people stumbled upon the video and unusual picture suggestions flooded in for how to immortalize the moment further from framing the ticket to creating T-shirts with the image "Although I don't recommend breaking the law it did turn into a huge joke for the internet People are bonding on the fact that Germany has strict laws or that my husband looks like a variety of iconic celebrities," said Brittany "It truly is a wonderful thing being able to make others laugh and smile despite it being at the cost of my misfortune and a 30-euro speeding ticket fine," she added Suggestions of Brandon's new celebrity lookalikes included Walter White from the television show Breaking Bad, the Madden brothers from the band Good Charlotte, Kourtney Kardashian's former partner Scott Disick, and even American football star Travis Kelce "Do you think Taylor Swift would find it as funny as I did?" said Brittany of Kelce's partner Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground Newsletters in your inbox See all German law allows for the adoption of adults with living natural parents. "As my aunt and her husband, Walter, [my father's brother], remained childless, they decided already 20 years ago to adopt me as their daughter," explained Rundquist-Müller, so heritage and donation taxes were therefore avoided. "One of the reasons was certainly to ensure the succession of the estate." The estate, located in the village of Bernkastel-Kues, consists of 34 acres of vines, including 2.5 acres in the famous Berncasteler Doctor vineyard. It is run by Rundquist-Müller and her husband, Erik, with winemaker Edgar Schneider and estate manager Chris Lintz, a native of New Zealand. At the same time of the succession, the Müller family also sold its shares in the wine company Zimmermann-Graeff & Müller (ZGM), which controls the largest amount of grape contracts with growers in all of Germany's major regions. Rudolf Müller was founded by Barbara Rundquist-Müller's grandfather in 1919 and merged with Zimmermann-Graeff in 1998 to create ZGM. Rundquist-Müller and her husband joined the family business in 1983, managing international sales and marketing for both Rudolf Müller and Dr. H. Thanisch Müller-Burggraef. Consumers got the chance to taste dozens of outstanding wines in Chicago, with upcoming … The owner of Stoller and Chehalem wineries was devoted to the future of Willamette Valley … Inside the first U.S. location of the French luxury retailer, guests can enjoy fine wine at … Phase one of the Viticulture and Winery Technology program’s new home, funded by a $10 … The Tuscan wine company has purchased a minority stake in Tenute delle Terre Nere; De … While the White House has paused tariffs on foreign wines at 10 percent for now, the trade … - Your Next Adventure Starts Here Germany, Europe Trips Berlin To Venice 15 days . Partner Trip From US$2965 US$2520 Germany, Europe Trips Berlin To Rome 22 days . Partner Trip From US$4695 US$3991 Serbia, Europe Trips Express To The Orient: Paris To Istanbul 15 days . 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Partner Trip From US$3920 US$3136 US: +1 (678) 967 4965 | UK: +44 (0)1630 35000 tripssupport@theculturetrip.com © Copyright 2025 The Culture Trip Ltd Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker If you are getting as excited as I am and if you have limited time to collect all the necessary information to plan your visits to the numerous and beautiful Christmas markets in and around Luxembourg I gathered all the most important links for you in this article to help you organize your visit stress free or simply to browse through the magic online and get ready excited to experience it in real life 😊 And as always: enjoy and let'z TravelmatKanner 😊 The City of Luxembourg publishes all the information related to the Winterlights right here It seems this year the starting date is 18 November One of the most beautiful and visited Christmas markets close to Luxembourg, which every year welcomes many many visitors, has a dedicated link the festive atmosphere in Metz guarantees lots of fun and nice memories Everything you need to know you can find here If you have not visited Sankt Wendel Christmas market you are missing out it is one of the best Christmas markets near Luxembourg There is both a medieval one and a traditional German one the whole town of Sankt Wendel is a fairytale The children will be absolutely mesmerized Everything you need to know is here All my winter visitors in Luxembourg have a kind of shock of beauty when we visit the Bernkastel-Kues Christmas Market It is one of the Christmas market in our region that we love to visit Find information here. Traben – Trarbach Underworld Christmas Market A little further down from Bernakstel Kues invading your senses in a way that you will always remember And for those that have been following the blog for sometime in Traben-Trarbach there is one of my absolute favorite restaurants of the region a culinary journey but also a journey to history that make it so special and magical…Children will want to explore every corner of it The underworld markets link is here For the restaurant: Check the opening hours and take note that no credit cards are accepted for payment one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in our regions Extra advantage: it is maybe the only one that stays open until 8 January 2023 so you do not have to rush to go see it You will love it! And if you are into pirates, enjoy a cocktail at the Tortuga Bar an atmospheric bar that will make you speak like a pirate For the Christmas market all information is here very beautiful to visit during the festive period And of course combine it with another magical place: Valkenburg For more information on the Maastricht Christmas market click here this town will definitely create big sensations for the whole family The magical journey starts here Whatever I write about the magical Sierck-les Bains during the winter festivities will not be enough… a fantastic opportunity to meet with Santa Claus and have a photo with him many nice experiences in this small town of France just opposite (almost) from Schengen in Luxembourg For a magical journey Sierck les Bains click here. Although I have not visited La Roche en Ardenne during December the fact that is it announced it will have an ice rink is already something that definitely attracts attention where most ice rinks at Christmas market will not happen this year A fantastic, complete list of the most amazing Christmas Markets in the Ardennes (covers Belgian Everything you need to know about Liege Christmas village, all information can be found here Christmas in the Belgian Capital is pure magic Everything you need to know is here Namur celebrates the festive season with a Christmas market Something new this year: instead of an ice rink More information is here Have a look here I am sure many of your like me never even knew these Christmas markets exist This cute little town will organize Christmas market All info will soon be published here I think for now this is more than enough 😊 I will come back with more suggestions next time Until then have fun organizing your visits to the Christmas markets and don't forget to let us know which ones are your favorite and Apollo 15 space vehicles to one of the highest rollercoasters in the world Inside you’ll find exhibitions on history and culture from the region and an area dedicated to costume dressing up and medieval games There's also a fun exhibition on robbers and baddies from the region There are numerous family tours and a chance to see historical activities in action online or with your cable car ticket (you can also park near to the fort if you prefer) A combi ticket with a cable car ride to and from the fort costs €21.90 for adults and €8.90 for children Nearby Freizeitpark Klotten provides a mix of animals and birds of prey with family rides whilst the rides feature the haunted castle of knight Kunibert Bernkastel Kues is a pretty place for lunch or dinner, and children will enjoy the bear statues. A stone’s throw away, the Zylinderhaus museum takes visitors through 90 years of the German automotive industry from 1937 to the 1970s Some of the zoos in this region of Germany are tired and old and don’t get great reviews from those who feel animal welfare is not at the heart of the establishment – so we’ve missed those off this list Saarbrücken Zoo gets mixed reviews the animals did not look unhappy or mistreated plus more unusual species such as the South American tapir There’s also a petting area with dwarf goats Near the kangaroo enclosure you’ll find two playgrounds with climbing frames and a 42m suspension bridge with adult tickets costing €15 and children (aged 5 to 15 years) at €2 It’s open 9.00 to 18.00 and then until 17.00 from November to end February Neunkircher zoo is set over 20 hectares and has 70 species of animals including Asiatic wild dogs Tickets cost summer/winter €11,50/9,50 for adults (over 18 years) and €5/4 for children aged 3-17 years and students The zoo park is open from 8.30 to 18.00 in summer and 9.00 to 17.00 in winter At Landau Zoo you can see the latest arrivals brought by the resident stork Open from 8.30 to 18.00 every day (monkey house is open for a shorter duration) entry costs €29 for two adults and up to four children including adolescents up to the age of 18 years - so quite a cheap day out for the family Single parents can take two children for €17 A small zoo set in a hilly forest, Neuwied Zoo has amphibians Open from 9.00 to 17.00 and one hour later in summer tickets cost €17 for adults and €9 for children The Kaiserslautern Zoo has been dubbed a semi-exotic farm There may not be lions but you can see cheetahs plus a whole host of reptiles and farm animals The zoo is open from 9.00 to 17.00 in winter (18.30 in summer) and costs €10.50 for adults and €7.50 for children aged 4-17 years Not a zoo, but you can dive into the underwater world of more than 100 sea and freshwater species at Sea Life Speyer Follow the river Rhine up to the North Sea learning snippets of fascinating information about the creatures you are viewing You can book tickets online (and change dates free of charge if your plans change) with prices starting at €20.50 for over 15s and €15 or children aged 4-14 years The aquarium is open from 10.00 to 17.00 daily but this attraction is probably just that bit too far from Luxembourg to be classified as a day trip Wolfpark Werner Freund in Merzig is set in the forests with plenty of trails for a long walk or geocaching near the parking area If you arrive at feeding time you can watch the trainers with the wolves, or just wander past the various enclosures to see American and European wolf species. Entrance is free and it’s open from 9.00 to 17.00 daily There is a free tour on the first Sunday of every month (meeting at the white wolf enclosure at 16.00) Racoons, reindeer, moose and deer can be found at Nature Wildpark Freisen which also has a great wooden playground complete with a fort and Viking ship Entry costs €12 (€9 in winter months) for adults and €7.50 for children aged 3-12 years and the park is open from in winter from 10.00 until 17.00 and in winter from 9.00 to 19.00 (last entry an hour before) There are also bird displays in the morning and afternoon Drive around 8km of dirt road to get up close and personal with buffaloes, wild boar, ostriches (you can see new-born ostrich chicks hatching), llama and very cute donkeys at the Daun Wildlife Park You can also walk through a monkey sanctuary to see mothers and babies up close plus there is a good sized playground nicely spaced out with trampolines Family tickets cost €55 for two adults and two children and there are baby changing facilities on site It’s open from 10.00 until 18.00 daily (in winter it closes at 16.00) Kasselberg’s Eagle and Wolf Park is housed in the ruins of a 12 century castle There are daily flight shows and wolf feeding sessions Tickets cost €14 for adults and €9 for children aged 4 years or more or family entry is €50 and it's open from 10.00 to 18.00 with flight displays and wolf feeding in both the morning and afternoon The animal park Rheinböllen has bears Open daily from 9.00 to 17.00 (in summer until 19.00) Tickets cost €13 for those aged 16 years or more and €7 for children over 4 years The Erlebnispark near Bell has cougars You can watch one of the park rangers handle the tigers or just pet a few of the farm animals and have fun in the playground Husky tours including rides are available from October onwards Open from Wednesday to Sunday 10.00 until 18.00 (and on Easter Monday and Whit Monday) but in low season until 17,00 and only on Wednesday to Sunday Entry costs €€7 for those between 3-6 years Entry is €3 for adults and €1.50 for children aged 10 to 18 years Who knew that volcanic explosions were happening all the time in Central Europe 13,000 years ago? The Mayern-Koblenz Volcano Park brings together a number of places related to the volcanic history of the region including interactive exhibits on volcanoes and the best sites include the Andernach Geyser You can visit individual sites or pay for combined tickets Kids will enjoy the adrenalin rush of crossing the 360m long suspended bridge Geierlay that hangs 100m high above a canyon near Morsdorf There are two walking routes to the bridge from the visitor centre and parking place Has the job of a firefighter changed much over the centuries? Of course it has, and you can test just how hard it was to work a historical hand pressure pump at the firefighter museum at Hermeskeil The museum covers fire as an element and the events that led to the founding of the first fire brigades in Germany in the Middle Ages Kids will also enjoy the historical equipment and audio guides in English can be downloaded Entry tickets for a family of two adults and two children cost €18 and it’s open from Tuesday to Friday 14.00 to 17.00 and at weekends from 10.00 to 16.00 The Technik Museum in Speyer goes one step further and has aeroplanes space capsules and replicas of the space vehicles used during the Apollo 11 and 15 missions Ever wondered what the inside of a submarine looks like or just want to walk amongst some vintage motorcycles and classic cars You can visit 365 days of the year (according to the website) from 9.00 to 17.00 on weekdays and an hour later in summr plus until 19.00 at weekends Entry costs €23 for adults and €18 for children aged 5-14 years (kids younger go for free) It’s €29 for a combined ticket that includes entry to the IMAX Dome If boats are more your bag, then head to the Museum of Ancient Seafaring at Mainz housed in an old engine house not far from the Roman amphitheatre in the town with portraits of the turbulent life at sea and letters revealing the daily life of a sailor in the Roman navy The highlight includes reconstructions of Roman ships discovered in Mainz in the early 1980s Kids can learn how a Roman battleship was moved and try out ship-themed crafts and colouring Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 to 18.00 There are guided tours for people with visual impairments Note that it is currently closed for renovation and will reopen at some point in 2025 The Dynamikum science centre in Pirmasens is located in a converted shoe factory and is filled with hands-on science fun that asks you how high you can jump using the time jump and shows you what forces are at work on a rollercoaster You can also test how your body moves to the beat of music on the vibration bed This museum will fascinate older teens as well as younger children costs €11 for adults and €9.50 for children and students (over 5 years) Opening hours vary by season and school holidays but the museum is currently closed for rennovation This box contains embedded content from YouTube that wants to read or write cookies Explore the traditional way of life in the Rhineland regions of Eifel Hunsrück and Saargau, including what it was like to be in a school classroom in 1912, at the Roscheider Hof Folklore and Open Air Museum at Konz and nosey around 19th century replicas of houses and farms and it’s open from 10.00 to 18.00 from March onward You can visit without booking in advance or book online Dolls and dollhouses, cars, building blocks, miniature steam trains and toys of all varieties from bygone times await you at the Spielzeugmuseum in Trier (which can be combined with a trip to the Roman museum and excavations plus an ice cream on the main drag) Open Tuesday to Sunday 11.00 to 17.00 a family ticket for two adults and up to three children costs €15 There are plenty of castles in Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland, some ruins, some restored, but perhaps the best is Eltz Castle in Wierscham this 12th century castle has been in the same family for 33 generations but you can take a buggy-friendly stroll of just under 2km to the castle (downhill on the way there) or catch a bus (there is a charge for this) Tours of the castle are available in English and take you to a medieval kitchen and the armoury amongst other rooms It’s open from 9.00 with last admission at 17.30 although you can visit the treasury by yourself At the base of the castle are shallow river pools that kids can splash about in For a more secret and secluded castle, try Burg Montclair in Mettlach which is reached from the parking lot by a 3.1km hike through the woods Watch out as the path can be steep when pushing a buggy and it's open from March to November from Friday to Sunday 11.00 to 18.00 There's on on-site bistro offering chips and schnitzel Simply called Holiday Park the main reason for visiting this place is the Expedition GeForce ride ranked one of the highest rollercoasters in the world try the Sky Scream coaster or the Dino splash log flume is a rollercoaster where you travel on a rotating disk This box contains embedded content from YouTube that wants to read or write cookies. You did not give permission for this. Family timeExplore Luxembourg’s best family walking trails in a new book Encounter nature with this new book from the creators of 201 circular walks, which contains 33 child-friendly interactive trails and is now available in English Day offMake the most of 1 May public holidayJoin in Luxembourg’s traditions – from the Labour Day festival and ‘Proufdag’ wine tasting to the season opening of Minett Park with steam train rides Architectural iconsDiscover the Art Deco windows of EschArt Deco and Art Nouveau rub shoulders in Esch-sur-Alzette, adorning city centre windows with roses, steelworkers and the Roman god Mercury. Take a walk to discover these treasures Tour Luxembourg Take your visitors on these trips outside Luxembourg’s capitalDon’t have a car? Don’t worry, you can take visitors to see many places in Luxembourg by train with these itineraries Discover LuxembourgAn afternoon out in Mondorf-les-BainsHead to this spa town for its aviation museum, some golf, boating, or a sculpture trail in the Domaine Thermal's gardens Leisure time Explore these enchanting castles in LuxembourgDon’t know what to do? Why not visit one of the Grand Duchy’s fairytale castles and step back in time Got visitors?Where to take your guests in Luxembourg City Got friends or family visiting at Easter? These two itineraries take in the capital’s heritage, with ideas for guests with reduced mobility, and places to eat and drink Advertiser contentTreat yourself to a stress-free holidayDreaming of a worry-free trip What if the secret to a smooth getaway was simply good preparation and the right protection Advertiser contentReal estate: Why should you take advantage of the start of 2025 to begin your real estate project?The main things we remember about the housing sector over the past 12 months are the rise in interest rates and the fall in property prices Advertiser contentProperty: I've decided to invest!The various forms of government support for investment Advertiser contentThe Luxembourg Times BusinessRun is happening again on 18th September!On Thursday 18th September with the starting gun of the 11th Luxembourg Times BusinessRun fired at the Coque at 7 pm Share this with instagramShare this with facebookShare this with linkedinSections Here are some of the best road trip destinations in Luxembourg the birds sing early in the morning and the sun shines all day many of us start to get the itch of Fernweh Fernweh is one of my favorite German words that has no proper English equivalent in that it actually means you’re yearning to go away somewhere The closest you’ve probably heard is Wanderlust which is a German word that made it into the English language Another advantage to living in Luxembourg is that you can quench your Fernweh quickly by driving an hour in any direction For those of you who are dying for a short getaway let me recommend the following day trip destinations: This is a great place to visit if you’re in the mood for some touristy family fun. Amnéville is known for its zoo, aquarium, thermal baths, swimming and golf courses. And it’s only a 45-minute drive from Luxembourg City and this place is what people picture when they think of the quintessential German town and quaint shopping can be found only 90 minutes from Luxembourg If you’ve never been to Germany before be sure to enjoy a Spaghettieis at an ice cream parlor order an Apfelschorle (apple juice and carbonated water) and have a regional speciality like Leberknödel (liver dumplings) And just so that you don’t think my only attraction to Germany is the food, you will love taking a cruise on the Moselle. It’s an entire afternoon of castles, vineyards, and beautiful villages in the sun and fresh air. Talk about getting away from it all!en.bernkastel.de You don’t have to be a history buff to get something out of a trip to Bastogne The Historical Centre has a very interesting WWII exhibit and the impressive American war memorial is within walking distance The Bois de la Paix (Wood of Peace) is a memorial forest of 4,000 trees; take a peaceful walk or a day tour of the battlefields you might as well stop at a fritterie and have some fries Bastogne is approximately one hour from Luxembourg City Those who would like a unique nature experience should definitely take a trip to the volcanic crater lakes near Daun; it’s approximately an hour and 45 minutes from Luxembourg City  The area has dozens of hiking and biking trails You can also you can rent a boat or go swimming on one of the lakes The water-filled volcanic craters (Gemündener Maar, Schalkenmehrener Maar, Weinfelder Maar) are connected by a hiking trail. The entire Eifel region has an incredible infrastructure for local tourists (see also www.eifel.de) Walking through impressive gardens and castles on a lovely day is my idea of paradise. For those of you fortunate enough to have a more enthusiastic travel companion, I can recommend the Annevoie Gardens and castle, located 2 hours from Luxembourg City.www.eupedia.com/belgium/annevoie Now I’ve also got the dreaded Fernweh myself do get out and enjoy this beautiful part of the world – happy exploring easyHotel Rolls Out the Orange Carpet for the Official Opening of its Manchester Hotel