Your taste of Japanese Sakura season in Germany 🌸
Plus psst, if you're panicking about where to stay over Easter, we've got your back!
Hello, friend,
What does spring feel like to you? Or rather, how do you notice it? What parts of it fill you with joy?
As I went for my morning walk this morning, I smelt freshly cut grass. It's a smell that does something to my brain. It's like a trigger that makes me alert to the fact spring is coming! On my walk, I noticed that the flowers on the Japanese cherry blossom trees around Mauerpark (Berlin) are in full bloom. To me, there’s nothing that signals the start of the sunny days like these delicate pink and white flowers. When I came home I sat on my balcony (albeit with a blanket), breathed in the air and felt my nervous system relax.
Did you also notice that it's still light at 7pm? And did you know that it will stay light until at least 7pm until September?
I challenge you to look out for little signs of spring and celebrate them!
Emily
Sauna ohne swimsuit: how to sauna like a German
Yes, spring is here, but it’s still chilly. In Germany, going to the sauna is a normal activity to do alone or with friends (even family…!), and is revered for its relaxing effects and circulatory benefits. And now is the perfect time to enjoy a long warming sauna session. But going for the first time can be daunting, so we’re here to help!
Read our beginnger’s guide to German sauna culture >
What you’ve missed by not being a member… Just reviewed and added to our hyper-handpicked collection: Uckermark Manor Apartments. Plus this escape has Easter availability…
“I love Staycation Collection. As a Brit who moved to Germany last year and loves travelling, finding hidden gems of self catering or quaint guesthouses isn’t always so easy. I’ve stayed in a few now!” - Becky
Sakura: Japanese Cherry Blossoms in Germany
Did you know that many of the cherry blossom trees in Germany have actually come from Japan?
The close bond between Japan and Germany dates back to the late 19th century. However, the cherry blossom tradition in Germany began during post-World War II efforts to rebuild and foster peace. One of the most notable initiatives that catalysed the Sakura tradition in Germany is the "Sakura Campaign," launched by the Japanese television network NHK in 1990. The campaign facilitated the planting of thousands of cherry trees across Germany, especially in areas bearing historical significance, such as along the former path of the Berlin Wall.
These are some of the places you can go to see the blossoms:
Berlin: Bornholmer Straße (Prenzlauer Berg), Gärten der Welt, TV-Asahi-Allee, Südgelände Nature Park, Landsberger Allee, and Zeiss Planetarium.
Bonn: Heerstraße (Altstadt), Breite Straße, Bonn Minster, Dorotheenstraße, Sterntor, and Bonner Südstadt.
Hamburg: Alsterpark, Planten un Blomen, Gustav-Mahler-Platz, Eppendorf Hayns Park, Altonaer Balkon, and Alsterkrugchaussee.
Long weekends are for lounging around with loved ones
🪺 I’ve had a lot of conversations in the past weeks about how rejuvenating a few days out of the city can be. The Easter weekend is the perfect time to take a mini-break without using up those precious annual vacation days.
If you haven’t booked anything, and would still like to get away, we’ve got your back…
📍Lakeside Ensemble in Brandenburg (pictured) sleeps 2 in different huts, and has availability over the whole Easter weekend.
📍Guesthouse Berge in Bavaria sleeps 2-6 in different apartments also still has some availability over the whole Easter weekend.
📍Elbe Quarry Hideaway in Saxony sleeps 2-7 in two different houses. The larger, sleeps 7, has availability over Easter weekend.
As part of a Staycation Collection membership, we help members find places that match their needs. So if you are in search of a space for Easter, sign up and let us know, and we’ll help you out! ➡ Become a member.
“Thanks a lot, I really appreciate the recommendations. It certainly makes the membership worth it!” - Sean