http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Thu, 20 Jun 2013 06:13:19 +0200 Thu, 20 Jun 2013 06:13:19 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/top-european-islands-that-are-off-the-beaten-track-a-900340.html#ref=rss They are beautiful, secluded and sometimes bizarre: Europe's smallest, least-known islands have their own unique charm. Some can only be reached by mail boat. Another asks that all visitors arrive in the nude. Thu, 16 May 2013 17:43:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/top-european-islands-that-are-off-the-beaten-track-a-900340.html They are beautiful, secluded and sometimes bizarre: Europe's smallest, least-known islands have their own unique charm. Some can only be reached by mail boat. Another asks that all visitors arrive in the nude.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/the-full-metal-cruise-caters-to-heavy-metal-fans-with-healthy-bank-balances-a-899172.html#ref=rss A German tour operator is catering to heavy metal fans who've tired of trashing hotel rooms and watching their favorite bands in muddy fields. The Full Metal Cruise is a bit like an open-air festival experience -- but with pools, cocktails and breakfast buffets. Fri, 10 May 2013 18:33:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/the-full-metal-cruise-caters-to-heavy-metal-fans-with-healthy-bank-balances-a-899172.html A German tour operator is catering to heavy metal fans who've tired of trashing hotel rooms and watching their favorite bands in muddy fields. The Full Metal Cruise is a bit like an open-air festival experience -- but with pools, cocktails and breakfast buffets. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/environmentalists-combat-iron-pollution-in-east-german-spree-river-a-893886.html#ref=rss The Spree River region in Eastern Germany is a major tourist destination, known for its picturesque, meandering tributaries. But now tons of iron ochre flushed up from brown-coal pit mines are turning the river brown, killing plants and animals, and threatening to drive visitors away from its prime attraction. Thu, 11 Apr 2013 17:57:53 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/environmentalists-combat-iron-pollution-in-east-german-spree-river-a-893886.html The Spree River region in Eastern Germany is a major tourist destination, known for its picturesque, meandering tributaries. But now tons of iron ochre flushed up from brown-coal pit mines are turning the river brown, killing plants and animals, and threatening to drive visitors away from its prime attraction.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/foreign-tourists-flock-to-border-between-north-and-south-korea-a-893846.html#ref=rss The tour buses on the border between North and South Korea are full, as adventure-seekers visit what is billed as one of the most dangerous borders in the world. The current political tensions, it seems, have done little to scare away foreign tourists. Thu, 11 Apr 2013 17:17:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/foreign-tourists-flock-to-border-between-north-and-south-korea-a-893846.html The tour buses on the border between North and South Korea are full, as adventure-seekers visit what is billed as one of the most dangerous borders in the world. The current political tensions, it seems, have done little to scare away foreign tourists.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/lufthansa-cancels-hundreds-of-flights-in-germany-due-to-strikes-a-890155.html#ref=rss Lufthansa's far-reaching cost-cutting plans once again resulted in broad strikes on Thursday morning, affecting several of Germany's largest airports. Hundreds of flights were cancelled and the union which called the walkout is not expecting a deal any time soon. Thu, 21 Mar 2013 12:29:32 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/lufthansa-cancels-hundreds-of-flights-in-germany-due-to-strikes-a-890155.html Lufthansa's far-reaching cost-cutting plans once again resulted in broad strikes on Thursday morning, affecting several of Germany's largest airports. Hundreds of flights were cancelled and the union which called the walkout is not expecting a deal any time soon.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/unesco-looks-into-subway-vibrations-at-cologne-cathedral-a-876786.html#ref=rss A newly opened subway line in Cologne is causing the city's beloved World Heritage cathedral to vibrate, raising concerns that it might suffer damage. Although it has yet to be formerly notified, UNESCO is anxious to know what is going on. Thu, 10 Jan 2013 14:10:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/unesco-looks-into-subway-vibrations-at-cologne-cathedral-a-876786.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/air-berlin-ceo-hartmut-mehdorn-resigns-after-radical-cost-cutting-a-876214.html#ref=rss The head of German airline Air Berlin, Hartmut Mehdorn, 70, quit on Monday after slashing costs to return the company to profit. He was brought in as an interim CEO but his departure now comes as a surprise. Air Berlin, though in much better shape than it was, isn't back in the black yet. Mon, 07 Jan 2013 18:59:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/air-berlin-ceo-hartmut-mehdorn-resigns-after-radical-cost-cutting-a-876214.html The head of German airline Air Berlin, Hartmut Mehdorn, 70, quit on Monday after slashing costs to return the company to profit. He was brought in as an interim CEO but his departure now comes as a surprise. Air Berlin, though in much better shape than it was, isn't back in the black yet. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/opening-of-berlin-airport-delayed-again-due-to-technical-problems-a-876103.html#ref=rss The saga of Berlin's hapless efforts to build a new airport has taken another embarrassing twist with reports that its opening will be delayed for a fourth time because of continued problems with the fire safety system. The Oct. 27 date has been scrapped, reports say. Mayor Klaus Wowereit has announced he will step down as the project's chairman. Mon, 07 Jan 2013 13:21:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/opening-of-berlin-airport-delayed-again-due-to-technical-problems-a-876103.html The saga of Berlin's hapless efforts to build a new airport has taken another embarrassing twist with reports that its opening will be delayed for a fourth time because of continued problems with the fire safety system. The Oct. 27 date has been scrapped, reports say. Mayor Klaus Wowereit has announced he will step down as the project's chairman. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/highest-suspension-bridge-in-europe-opens-on-swiss-mount-titlis-a-872071.html#ref=rss Europe's highest suspension bridge has been opened in Switzerland at an altitude of over 3,000 meters. It's not for the faint-hearted. The narrow 100-meter bridge leads across an abyss 500 meters deep. Mon, 10 Dec 2012 18:01:41 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/highest-suspension-bridge-in-europe-opens-on-swiss-mount-titlis-a-872071.html Europe's highest suspension bridge has been opened in Switzerland at an altitude of over 3,000 meters. It's not for the faint-hearted. The narrow 100-meter bridge leads across an abyss 500 meters deep.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/european-parliament-to-debate-own-database-for-flight-passengers-a-871953.html#ref=rss A proposal to require European Union members to store huge amounts of data on flight passengers entering or leaving the EU will soon be up for debate, and the discussion is likely be fierce. Critics say the measure violates travelers' right to privacy. Mon, 10 Dec 2012 16:05:40 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/european-parliament-to-debate-own-database-for-flight-passengers-a-871953.html A proposal to require European Union members to store huge amounts of data on flight passengers entering or leaving the EU will soon be up for debate, and the discussion is likely be fierce. Critics say the measure violates travelers' right to privacy. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/media-says-siemens-inability-to-deliver-trains-part-of-larger-problem-a-868923.html#ref=rss Engineering giant Siemens is in the hot seat after it was revealed on Thursday that the company will be unable to deliver high-speed trains on time, spelling delays and cancellations this winter in Germany. Media commentators say that company management is to blame for this and other recent disasters. Fri, 23 Nov 2012 13:21:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/media-says-siemens-inability-to-deliver-trains-part-of-larger-problem-a-868923.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/spiegel-investigation-how-the-new-berlin-airport-project-fell-apart-a-868283.html#ref=rss The investigation into the massive delays in opening Berlin's new BER international airport have begun. Managers have been fired and architects have been sued -- but what about the capital's mayor, who has led the prestige project since 2001? SPIEGEL takes an in-depth look at what went wrong. Thu, 22 Nov 2012 18:15:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/spiegel-investigation-how-the-new-berlin-airport-project-fell-apart-a-868283.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-rail-warns-of-delays-due-to-siemens-delivery-problems-a-868763.html#ref=rss German rail operator Deutsche Bahn on Thursday warned of yet another winter full of delays and cancellations because it still hasn't taken delivery of new high-speed ICE trains ordered from Siemens in 2008. The opening of the high-speed route from Frankfurt to London has been pushed back as well. Thu, 22 Nov 2012 16:41:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-rail-warns-of-delays-due-to-siemens-delivery-problems-a-868763.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/michelin-stars-signal-new-era-of-german-cuisine-a-867191.html#ref=rss Germany, the land of sausage and beer, isn't known for its fine dining. But with the 2013 edition of the German Michelin Guide, that perception is starting to shift. In the last two years, German chefs have pulled down Michelin stars at an impressive rate. France may have to look over its shoulder. Fri, 16 Nov 2012 17:30:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/michelin-stars-signal-new-era-of-german-cuisine-a-867191.html Germany, the land of sausage and beer, isn't known for its fine dining. But with the 2013 edition of the German Michelin Guide, that perception is starting to shift. In the last two years, German chefs have pulled down Michelin stars at an impressive rate. France may have to look over its shoulder.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/travel-visa-for-turks-considered-by-european-court-of-human-justice-a-865644.html#ref=rss Germans can travel to Turkey without a visa, however the same doesn't apply to Turks traveling to Germany. A case being considered by the European Court of Justice could soon open the borders, though. Wed, 07 Nov 2012 14:55:19 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/travel-visa-for-turks-considered-by-european-court-of-human-justice-a-865644.html Germans can travel to Turkey without a visa, however the same doesn't apply to Turks traveling to Germany. A case being considered by the European Court of Justice could soon open the borders, though.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/a-daring-escape-from-communist-east-germany-to-the-west-via-china-a-861412.html#ref=rss They were young and in love -- and trapped in an oppressive regime. In 1987, an East German couple traveled clandestinely from Berlin to Beijing in a brazen attempt to escape to the West. Only one of them would make it to freedom. Fri, 19 Oct 2012 11:24:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/a-daring-escape-from-communist-east-germany-to-the-west-via-china-a-861412.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/reports-of-safety-problems-at-german-airlines-prompt-action-a-860044.html#ref=rss Just how dangerous is flying in Germany? Airlines often fail to report safety issues and, according to a pilots' union spokesman, air quality incidents inside jet cabins are commonplace. Now Germany's transport minister has demanded that the European Union come up with a unified approach to the problem. Mon, 08 Oct 2012 12:46:06 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/reports-of-safety-problems-at-german-airlines-prompt-action-a-860044.html Just how dangerous is flying in Germany? Airlines often fail to report safety issues and, according to a pilots' union spokesman, air quality incidents inside jet cabins are commonplace. Now Germany's transport minister has demanded that the European Union come up with a unified approach to the problem.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/mount-everest-records-deadliest-year-in-over-a-decade-a-859533.html#ref=rss This year was the deadliest on Mount Everest since 12 climbers died on the mountain in 1996. But storms and avalanches were not the culprit. Instead, congestion in the Death Zone combined with inexperience resulted in a half-dozen deaths in just one May weekend. Fri, 05 Oct 2012 15:54:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/mount-everest-records-deadliest-year-in-over-a-decade-a-859533.html This year was the deadliest on Mount Everest since 12 climbers died on the mountain in 1996. But storms and avalanches were not the culprit. Instead, congestion in the Death Zone combined with inexperience resulted in a half-dozen deaths in just one May weekend.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/french-village-bugarach-safe-haven-for-apocalypse-on-mayan-calendar-a-858117.html#ref=rss Only residents of Bugarach, a tiny French village at the foot of the Pyrenees, are supposed to survive the end of the world when the Mayan calendar ends on December 21. According to New Agers, the local mountain has magical powers as a gate between different worlds. With the supposed apocalypse just months away, the mayor of Bugarach fears that his town will be overrun with visitors. Thu, 27 Sep 2012 12:35:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/french-village-bugarach-safe-haven-for-apocalypse-on-mayan-calendar-a-858117.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/project-converts-albanian-bunker-into-tourist-hostel-a-855901.html#ref=rss The Balkan country of Albania has hundreds of thousands of disused communist-era bunkers and a booming tourist industry. Now a joint German-Albanian project has put the two things together -- and is converting a bunker into a backpacker hostel. Fri, 14 Sep 2012 16:48:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/project-converts-albanian-bunker-into-tourist-hostel-a-855901.html