Some of the Miniloft team were recently talking about films set in hotels, following on from seeing Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel. Based on Stefan Zweig’s stories (for which we recommend picking up a copy of the Society of the Crossed Keys from Pushkin Press), The Grand Budapest Hotel features not one, but two possible day trips out from Miniloft – the lovely town of Görlitz and Studio Babelsberg, located right near Potsdam.
Gorlitz, which was the location for a lot of the town scenes in the film, is right in the eastern most reaches of Germany, in Saxony – and just a bridge away from Poland (although the Schengen agreement will mean you can cross the bridge into Poland without even realising it!). Also serving as a location for The Book Thief and The Reader, it’s a beautiful town that is perfect for a sunny day’s wandering. You can reach it in about 2 hours from Miniloft – be sure to ask us for transport options.
If you’re looking for something a little closer to the capital, Studio Babelsberg is a great day out for film buffs. One of Germany’s most illustrious studios, Studio Babelsberg was founded in 1912 and is one of Europe’s largest studio complexes. Tours are offered in German, although you are welcome to bring your own intepreter – or if you are looking for more family-focused fun, be sure to head over to the neighbouring Filmpark Babelsberg, which is a special theme park filled with rides, exhibitions and events that all ages can appreciate.
Studio Babelsberg
August-Bebel-Str. 26-53
14482 Potsdam, Germany
Information on booking tours can be found on the Studio Babelsberg website.
Filmpark Babelsberg
Großbeerenstraße 200
14482 Potsdam-Babelsberg, Germany
Opening Hours:
April 12th to November 2nd 2014
Daily 10a.m. - 6p.m.
(closed on Mondays in May, on Mondays and Tuesdays in September, on 6th and 13th October)
Pictures: Studio Babelsberg AG
