New construction housing: Green building for new ideas

The self-proclaimed garden city is innovative, modern and ahead of classical urban planning, because it incorporates the environment and local conditions and integrates them into the cityscape. You can find out here how the north of Cologne is to be strengthened by Kreuzfeld and what special features the district brings with it.

The new district is to be built in the Chorweiler borough, adjacent to the Blumenberg borough to the north:

Cross field at a glance + location

First the key figures:

• Location: Cologne
• District: Chorweiler
• Size: 80 ha (Comp. soccer field approx. 0.7 ha)
• Population: 8,000

Project and planning time:

• Planning: 2021-2022
• Plan / Landscape: ADEPT + Karres en Brands
• Consulting: Metabolic, Argus

Urban development project of the city of Cologne

Kreuzfeld, or WoodHood is the result of a new urban development project of the city of Cologne. The ambitious 80-hectare project was penned by the planning team led by ADEPT and Karres en Brands (Plan and Landscape) in collaboration with Argus (Mobility) and Metabolic (Energy).

Mayor Henriette Reker convinced

Their project design for a green city convinced the committees as well as Mayor Henriette Reker and is now to be implemented. Wood Hood is more than a classic garden city. According to the developers, the new district requires a new approach to planning, rethinking the connection between city and nature, landscape.

Green urban development: “Back to nature”.

Instead of defining the new urban structure through buildings, streets and technology, WoodHood’s urban layout builds on the landscape, surrounding forests, use of water, play with the sun, planting and local conditions. True to the motto: Back to Nature! For many who want to live close to nature while enjoying the benefits of the city, perhaps a reason to move to Cologne.

Martin Laursen (partner of ADEPT): “The whole process of developing the new district in Cologne-Kreuzfeld, WoodHood, was carried out with a view to the future and in dialogue with numerous local stakeholders (…).”

She goes on to say:

“WoodHood is a new kind of city that focuses on collective communities in close relationship with nature.”

Goal: Jobs, open spaces

The goals of the new district are clear: Strengthen the north of Cologne! Numerous new residential units for up to 8,000 residents are to be created on a total of 80 hectares. In addition to new jobs, the focus will be on multiple-use open spaces, social, cultural and educational facilities.

Structure, hoods, use of space

WoodHood is not intended to be just an extension of the existing city, but a neighborhood in its own right that is adjacent to the others through innovation, sustainability, and village-like community. The district consists of 5 individual hoods, each with its own character and individual function. The main focus is to promote community and collective and shared functions, with the goal of minimizing private space and strengthening the quality and use of public spaces. WoodHood will provide versatile opportunities for activities and recreation.

Climate protection & infrastructure with water storage

In addition to social coexistence, Cologne Kreuzfeld promotes climate protection, ecology and water storage through open green spaces and a complex ecosystem. The infrastructure and mobility network is also more differentiated and makes the use of bicycles and walking more attractive.

Henriette Reker (Mayor of Cologne): “The selected design is in line with our great ambitions and high standards, because we want to launch a particularly innovative, sustainable and multi-layered urban development and open space concept.”

Further, she said stressed:

“(…) We also place high demands on the topics of environmental compatibility, energy efficiency and sustainability.”

Tip. How to create a neighborhood in Berlin Schöneberg

The Bricks in Berlin Schöneberg is one of the flagships of the renowned Berlin architectural firm Graft, as you can also read in our interview with the architects: Residential Real Estate Graft. What was and is particularly exciting about this project is the aspect of historic preservation and revitalization. The aim here was not a pure new building, but the upgrading and preservation of a former post office site.

• Quartier Berlin Schöneberg

Whether with the whole family or with your partner, you can experience a lot in the Czech Republic. Besides medieval flair you can enjoy local beer and goulash in cities like Prague and Krumlov and the spas in the west of the country invite you to relax. Read more about the small country in the middle of Europe in this article, which enchants everyone who has been there!

Czech Republic: Nature, good food and recreation

Centrally located in Central Europe, rich in castles and chateaux and local beers, the Czech Republic is a country with much to discover. In addition to skiing and winter sports areas, you can discover towns and villages with medieval and baroque charm. The capital Prague invites you to shop and stroll and gives you an insight into the history of the country through the many historic buildings. To start with, here is a short overview of what you should know before your next holiday in the Czech Republic!

Listen along with Zoe:

Czech Republic: location on the map

Here you get an overview of the location of the Czech Republic. The country borders Poland, Germany, Austria and Slovakia.

Getting there: What you should know before your vacation

Before you start your next trip to the Czech Republic, you should learn a few things about the country. We have summarized the most important things for you here. First of all, the Czech Republic has kept the Czech crown as currency, the small change is called Heller. Even though you can pay with debit or credit card almost everywhere nowadays, you should get some change before you start your trip – just in case.

Here are 4 first facts you should know:

1. A speed limit of 130 km/h applies on Czech motorways
2. Alcohol may only be purchased from the age of 18
3. Life in the Czech Republic is relatively cheap

Climate: Warm summers & cold winters

The weather in the Czech Republic is mostly temperate, which is what you are used to in Germany. Depending on your preference, the country is designed for holidays around the year. Are you spontaneous and want to make a city trip through the Czech Republic? The months of May to September are best for this, as it can get very cold and gloomy in the winter. However, if you are a fan of winter sports, the cold months are perfect for you!

Here again in brief the best times for your trip:

• December till March: Winter sports
• May to September: City breaks
• June to August: Mountaineering and Outdoor
• September: All activities possible

Here you can find a current overview of the weather in Czechs:

Prague: City trip in the heart of the Czech Republic

Want to experience the perfect city break for the weekend? Then Prague is the perfect place to go. The so-called city of a hundred towers is known for combining the diversity of Europe. Medieval, Baroque and Gothic – in Prague you’ll find something from every period of history.

In addition to monuments, you can go shopping in the city centre, stroll along the Vltava River and in the evening try culinary specialties and local beer in one of the many restaurants. Check out our favourite route to discover the whole city here!

Map: Explore Prague in one day

Prague has a lot to offer. Besides shopping and restaurants, you can experience culture at its best in Prague. So that you can start your trip relaxed and do not forget any sights, we have put together an itinerary that takes you through the city. Our route includes a great mix of culture, shopping, culinary delights and more and brings you closer to Prague in just one day. See Prague’s landmarks like the Prague Castle and enjoy the view over the whole city from the Petřín lookout tower. After a successful day, you can end the evening in Prague’s Old Town.

City tour: Sightseeing and shopping

Here you find again briefly the intermediate stops of the route:

• Start: St. Vitus Cathedral
• Prague Castle
• PetÅín lookout tower
• Charles Bridge
• Prague City Hall Clock
• End: Old Town Square with shopping mall

Check out our route through the city on this map!

Insider tip: Signal Festival

Every year in October the Signal Festival takes place in Prague, where the whole city is bathed in light, installed and presented by artists and technologists. The video gives you some impressions of the beautiful festival!

Tour: View of the shopping mile in Prague

Shopping is your thing and you like to go shopping in the big city? In Prague you are guaranteed to get your money’s worth. Here you will find luxury boutiques like Gucci, Prada and Hermés as well as fast fashion offers like H&M for the smaller purse. Here you will find an insight into the beautiful shopping mile, which invites you to stroll and wander.

Luxury brands are right up your street? Then find out about your favourite brand and learn all about the latest brands in our XXL brand guide.

Krumlov: Holiday resort in the south of the Czech Republic

Krumlov – or locally Český Krumlov – on the Vltava River is located directly on the largest river in the Czech Republic. As a real travel highlight, you simply must have seen this UNESCO – World Heritage City! The core of the city is the beautiful, historic old town, with numerous medieval buildings.

Between beautiful colorful houses you can wander through the narrow streets and let the historical flair affect you. For real foodies is also provided, because Krumlov has numerous cafes and real specialties to offer.

Our insider tip: Every year in December, the traditional Christmas market takes place on the main square in Krumau, which invites you to stroll, feast and shop with its glittering lights.

Map: Tour of the city

Our tour starts in the huge castle complex that towers over Krumlov on a mountain. Just a five-minute walk from the old town, it’s also super central and the perfect starting point for your sightseeing. The best part? The entire castle grounds are free to walk around, with only some exhibitions and tours of the buildings requiring an entrance fee. So you can enjoy the first hours in Krumau relaxed with a walk through the castle gardens and courtyards and then start the further way down to the old town.

Here again briefly the best sights of the sightseeing:

• Cesky Krumlov Castle
• Mantle Bridge
• Budweiser Gate
• Krumlov castle tower
• Old Town

Insights about Krumlov: city centre and castle

This short video will bring you closer to the city before your trip. Get an impression of the beautiful buildings! Maybe we have awakened your travel longing?

West Bohemian Spa Triangle: Pure Romanticism

The West Bohemian Triangle includes three of the most romantic towns in the Czech Republic – Franzensbad, Marienbad and Karlsbad. The Czech Republic has a long history of spas and health resorts and has built a reputation as one of the best spa countries in the world. Many famous people have visited the spas for relaxation and recreation, including Mark Twain, Goethe and the Russian Tsar Peter the Great.

Map: The spa triangle in the west of the Czech Republic

On this map you can see the route how to explore all three cities in one day. You start in either Mariánské Lázn? or Karlovy Vary, as the cities are really arranged like a triangle on the map. Franzensbad is right in between and forms the center of the route.

Marienbad: Idyllic spa town in the Czech Republic

You finally need a bit of relaxation from the stress of everyday life and want to really relax again? Then Mariánské Lázn? is the perfect place for you to do something good for your body. The spa resorts in the Czech Republic are relaxation for body and mind, the tranquility there works wonders.

For people with health problems Mariánské Lázn? is a wonderful place, because more than 40 mineral springs contribute to the improvement of various diseases. In addition to the numerous wellness offers, you can take trips and walks in the nature and discover beautiful lakes and forests.

This map shows you the route you can walk through the city to discover the most popular six springs. Each of the springs has a different effect on the body, which you should know about beforehand. The good thing is that each of the springs is freely accessible to everyone.

Here again the sources at a glance:

• Forest spring (Lesni pramen)
• Cross spring (Pavilon KÅížového pramen)
• Ambrose Spring (Ambrožův pramen)
• Caroline Spring
• Ferdinand Source
• Rudolf Spring

Here you can see the Caroline Spring, which rises in a beautiful temple-like building!

City centre: Historical centre as in Goethe’s time

The cityscape of Mariánské Lázn? is characterized by green spaces, mineral springs and mountain ranges. Anyone who has been there knows how difficult it is to distinguish the actual city from a park. Beautiful hotels in historic buildings line the streets and the fresh air is good for the soul. Here you will first get a glimpse of the beautiful historic city centre of Marienbad.

Fancy a trip? Two more countries

After relaxing in the Czech Republic, you’re in the mood for action, outdoors, hiking and even more cities? Then check out our travel texts on Belgium and Austria here, which are guaranteed to bring you closer to your next short trip or family holiday!

Belgium

Whether alone, as a couple or with child and cone: The small country west of Germany has some lovers, because just like in the Netherlands, you will also find beautiful coastal towns with North Sea access and endless sandy beaches. Many towns in the interior and towards the coast were largely spared during the Second World War and for this reason you can still find medieval buildings and also the city layout is based on the classic market centre. Which places you should not miss in Belgium and what you can experience there, we tell you in this article.

• Vacation in Belgium

Transform listlessness into ambition: Achieve goals, build muscles, do the right exercises with workouts at home!

Actually, it is not that difficult to motivate yourself. You just need certain incentives that make you want to do more. The famous sentence “Success has three letters: TUN” by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is more fitting than ever. You cannot achieve anything if you do not actively switch the switch in your head to TUN. Pull yourself together, motivate yourself, get going: That’s what today is all about. In this article we will show you how best to do this.

Achieving goals with the right method

First of all, you have to find a specific goal for yourself. What do you want to achieve? Be as detailed as possible. The more precisely and specifically you name your goal, the clearer it is in your thoughts. Make sure that you always remain realistic. Here the question is: Is it realistic to reach my set goal? It only increases your motivation if you achieve your set goals. It is demotivating and frustrating when you realize that you cannot achieve it. And that is often not due to you, but to the set goal. If you want to have biceps like John Cena in a week’s time, it will soon become clear that you won’t be able to reach your goal. Another critical issue is timing. It promotes motivation when you have a specific time in your head. So you know exactly until when you train and when you can see a result. This creates a foreseeable time in which you train. Nothing is worse than seeing no end. What was described here is also called the S M A R T method. Again for the record:

1. Name specific goal
2. Define a measurable goal
3. Accept and understand: You are fully behind this stated goal
4. Realistic: For your goal to be achievable, it must be realistic. So ask yourself: Can I do it? Is it achievable?
5. Scheduled goal: When do you want to set a deadline?

The right exercises: Workouts to follow, without equipment for home

Structure and an appropriate workout with appropriate exercises are two things you should clarify in advance. This saves you a lot of time before the workout. No more thinking and digging about which workouts you want to do today, because you know what you want to do today before you start training.

Perfect plan for a perfect workout:

Motivation also includes a sense of achievement and this is achieved through an efficient workout plan. So if you are new to sports, you should ask yourself which sport suits you best. What do you like, what do you enjoy and what do you consider successful? If you don’t have a specific sport in mind and you are satisfied with a workout plan in the fitness area, we have a wonderful full-body workout that you can easily do at home without any additional equipment.

Suggestions for the sport: The suitable songs, playlists & training partners

Things that you can easily notice are often obvious. Unfortunately, we often do not see them at all.

Music promotes motivation – whether in the gym, outside or at home

Just switch off your thoughts and focus on your training – sometimes that can’t be so easy. What you need in the right music. Music can motivate you incredibly and push you to want to do more. We have selected a one-hour playlist for you to motivate you to give your best in your workout. Of course music is a question of taste. So pick your favorite songs and create a playlist for your perfect workout.

Teamwork strengthens you and gives you the necessary push: The right training partner

What motivates you more than your best friend or dearest buddy next to you during your workout? The advantage of a workout for two is that you can bite through it together. As the saying goes: “Together we are strong”: That is exactly what applies here. If you don’t feel like a workout that day, your partner will pull you along. On another day you might be the one who shows the necessary motivation. So you can push each other and reach the goal together.

Rewards over rewards: Healthy snacks, rest breaks & Co.

After work, then the pleasure. This is the saying and this is exactly what you should keep in mind. Always train so that you are working towards a reward. Be it a delicious meal or the thought of a relaxing bath. Tip from us: Think about what you want to do before your training session. So you already have in mind what you can look forward to.

Delicious recipes that fill you up and are also healthy

You think that a sporty appearance cannot be combined with delicious food? You’re wrong. It often demotivates you to know that the tastiest dishes do not fit into your training schedule. But that is not true. Of course it makes sense to deal with nutrition in addition to the sports program, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t prepare delicious recipes anyway. Sascha Huber describes in this video his favourite and tastiest fitness recipe, which is easy to prepare and doesn’t cost much. So if that is not motivation enough. Swing the cooking spoon and enjoy your tasty meal. We have already put together delicious recipes for a healthy diet. Have a look there.

Rest breaks are the most important breaks

Rest breaks are just as important as the phases in which we train. The body and also the muscles need a break to regenerate and recover. So always keep this in mind. You are entitled to breaks and they are incredibly important. Doesn’t this increase your motivation? You know that you also have days on which you can calm down and come to rest free of any bad conscience. Simon Teichmann explains in his video in a very appealing way how you can find out when you train best, how much you train and when you should take these breaks.

See successful results and a healthy mindset: before/after pictures for comparison

The most important thing in a project is to see success. Nothing motivates you more than to see a result that makes you happy. Document your training progress and record what you have already achieved.  This way you can always remember what you have done and what you still want to achieve.

A picture is worth a thousand words!

Training, workouts and exercises are all well and good, but we want to see all results. The best way to do this is with a before and after picture. It motivates you to see how much you have achieved when you can see it in two photos. So take a picture before you start your sports program and take one at the time you set yourself.

Stay loose: Don’t stress: Everything takes time.

Finally, you should be aware that it will not always be easy. There may be situations in which you do not see progress or in which you simply have no strength. Don’t panic then. Everything takes time, including your training. Your endurance, discipline and ambition are needed here. In phases of frustration you should always remember why you started in the first place. Call the goals into your head and see what you have already achieved.

How do the stars motivate themselves? “The Rock”- Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron & more

Sascha Huber: Internet and fitness star

Internet and fitness star Sascha Huber tells you in his video how he motivates himself and which tips and tricks he has in store to start his training effectively and to stay in a sportive routine.

“The Rock” or by real name Dwayne Johnson motivates himself every day anew!

Dwayne Johnson or better known as “The Rock” shows like no other how muscular a body can be. But how can he motivate himself at all?

Train like the stars: Christiano Ronaldo and Zac Efron show their tips!

Christiano Ronaldo: Soccer player, model and role model for many

The football star shows his routine exercises. Can you keep up?

Zac Efron: “Baywatch” actor shows his muscles!

The actor had to train quite a bit for the movie “Baywatch”. His trainer explains which training sessions he had to follow.