Kosmos

If you thought time travel was restricted to the movies, you’d be wrong. This way to the Middle Ages!

chivalry in sweden

Visors down, lances set, spurs in – off they ride toward each other at a furious pace. Starting July 6, medieval jousting competitions will be taking place on the Swedish island of Gotland. The highlight of the season is Meval Week (August 5-12) in Visby, the island’s capital.

GuÉdelon castle in France

A real castle is being built 150 kilometers south of Paris, using only the tools, materials and methods known in medieval times.Visitors are welcome to visit the construction site and even lend a hand!

A festival in GERMANY

“Mittelalterlich ­Phantasie Spectaculum” is the world’s biggest medieval festival and it’s touring Germany this year. Many show people don’t just put on an act for the tourists but spend the whole summer playing the role of minstrel, knight, juggler or sutler.

Google, the Smart car, the iMac, Hong Kong International Airport and the cult film The Big Lebowski all turn 20 this year. Flying high in the charts in 1998: “Pretty Fly (For a White Guy” by The Offspring, “Frozen” by Madonna and “Big Big World” by Emilia.

Before they conquered Beijing in 1644, the rulers of the Qing dynasty had already created a miniature version of the Forbidden City in the country’s northeast. Although twelve times smaller, its inimitable design com­bined elements from Manchuria, Mongolia and China. In addition, the buildings that make up the Shenyang Imperial Palace, now a museum, are based on nomads’ yurts.

en.sypm.org.cn

In the past ten years, the number of visitors to Frankfurt has increased by 68 percent. In October, even more people will be arriving for the Frankfurt Book Fair. So it’s a good idea to plan ahead for your visit to this lively city: As the name suggests, the Hyatt Place Frankfurt Airport is just minutes from the airport. Its casual atmosphere makes it perfect for leaf­ing through those books you just bought.

frankfurtairport.place.hyatt.com