Munich

Munich – September 13, 2026 -- A new YouGov survey commissioned by Air Doctor finds that 37 percent of Germans consider reliable WiFi or mobile data access essential to a stress-free vacation, ranking it above travel insurance (31 percent) and round-the-clock access to medical help abroad (29 percent).

The poll surveyed 2,182 people in Germany between June 26 and 28, 2026, with results weighted to be representative of the population aged 18 and over.

Safety and health top the list, but priorities shift fast

Sixty-two percent of respondents said feeling safe abroad matters most for a relaxed trip, and 56 percent cited the health of all travelers. Yet immediately after these basics, attention turns to logistics: 33 percent value flexible rebooking or cancellation options, and 29 percent prefer a fully pre-planned itinerary.

Munich – September 13, 2026 -- Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR) will broadcast live coverage of the 191st Oktoberfest from September 19 through October 4, 2026, across BR Television, radio, online platforms and the ARD Mediathek streaming service.

The traditional keg-tapping ceremony opens live coverage on September 19

"O'zapft is!" airs live starting at 11:15 a.m. on BR Television, Das Erste and ARD Mediathek, with radio coverage on Bayern 1 and BR24 beginning at noon. Hosts include Susanne Wiesner, Michael Sporer, Dominik Glöbl, Sophie Grund and Andi Christl, with guests Mitsou Jung and Alessandro Capasso.

Munich – September 12, 2026 -- The ADAC is adding plug-in balcony solar systems to its product lineup through a new partnership with kleines kraftwerk, a solar company based in Achim, Lower Saxony. ADAC members now receive a price discount of at least ten percent on the complete solar kits, which are designed for balconies, terraces, garages, and carports.

The offering targets households that want to generate their own solar power but cannot or do not want to install a traditional rooftop photovoltaic system.

Munich – September 12, 2026 -- "Love Island VIP" kicks off its new season on September 23, airing every Wednesday at 8:15 p.m. on RTLZWEI, with episodes available a week earlier on RTL+.

Known reality stars now share the villa with total newcomers

For the first time, the Greek villa mixes established reality personalities with previously unknown singles looking for love on camera. Host Sylvie Meis says the format promises a new dynamic, as viewers watch how experienced reality stars react to first-time daters -- and vice versa.

Munich – September 11, 2026 -- Italian restaurant chain L'Osteria is putting fresh black truffle on its pizza menu for the first time, launching the dish as part of a limited-time "Mamma Mia" promotion running September 12 to 20.

The Pizza Tartufo, topped with freshly shaved black truffle, costs 11.95 euros in participating restaurants across Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and France. The same pizza is priced at 345 Czech koruna in the Czech Republic and 22.90 Swiss francs in Switzerland. Availability is limited to stock on hand.

Truffle moves from fine dining to casual pizza tables

John Schlüter, CMO of L'Osteria, said truffle is typically associated with white tablecloths and multi-course tasting menus. He said the chain wanted to bring freshly shaved black truffle to its pizzas without turning it into something complicated, aiming instead to give guests an accessible special moment.

Nuremberg -- German lifestyle furniture brand LOBERON will open two pop-up stores on October 1, 2026, marking its first physical retail presence after years online. The locations sit in prime city-center spots: Viktualienmarkt 6 in Munich and Mönckebergstraße 19 in Hamburg.

Both stores run for four months, closing January 30, 2027. The Munich space covers 477 square meters and opens Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Hamburg location spans 255 square meters and is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Shoppers can buy small items on the spot, order furniture online

Small accessories can be purchased and taken home directly from the stores. Larger furniture pieces and other items from the collection are ordered through LOBERON's online shop with staff assistance, and the standard shipping fee is waived for orders placed this way.

Munich – September 10, 2026 -- The fifth and final season of "Babylon Berlin" premieres September 10 on the ARD Mediathek streaming platform, closing out a decade-long series with eight new episodes.

Ten years and five seasons come to a close

The crime drama follows detectives Gereon Rath and Charlotte Ritter through 1920s Berlin, with the finale marking the end of a production that has run since its debut. Cast members reflected on the show's decade-long journey ahead of the release.

Volker Bruch, who plays Gereon Rath, said the character has followed him "like a shadow" for ten years, describing how the storyline often intertwined with his own perception of reality. Liv Lisa Fries, who portrays Charlotte Ritter, said she can now let the character go "with gratitude" after a decade in the role.

Munich – September 10, 2026 -- Journalist Ali Gutsfeld launches the second season of the ARD podcast "Nicht mehr mein Land" on September 17, streaming on ARD Sounds, this time investigating the online world known as the manosphere and its most prominent figure, Andrew Tate.

Over five episodes titled "In der Manosphere," Gutsfeld examines why millions of young men follow influencers like Tate, who promises success in careers, relationships and life while simultaneously spreading misogynistic messages, conspiracy narratives and an authoritarian model of masculinity. Tate is currently under investigation in multiple countries on various criminal allegations.

Munich – September 10, 2026 -- German auto club ADAC has found that winter tires start losing significant safety performance once tread depth drops below four millimeters, well above the legal minimum of 1.6 millimeters allowed in Germany.

ADAC tested five tires worn down to specific depths

Researchers took five winter tires from different manufacturers and price ranges and used a specialized machine to wear them down to four millimeters and two millimeters of remaining tread. The tires then underwent handling and braking tests on wet and snow-covered surfaces.

Munich – September 09, 2026 -- German public broadcaster ARD will air a new episode of the talk show "maischberger" on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 10:50 p.m. on Das Erste.

Bavarian Premier Söder Sits Down to Discuss State Election Results

Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder (CSU) will appear in the studio to discuss the outcome of the Saxony-Anhalt state election and its potential impact on the federal government in Berlin.

Entrepreneur Maschmeyer Weighs In on the German Economy

Businessman Carsten Maschmeyer joins the program to address the state of the German economy and what reforms he believes are necessary.

Journalists and a Correspondent Round Out the Panel

Commentary will come from journalist and podcaster Robin Alexander, ARD Hauptstadtstudio correspondent Iris Sayram, and journalist Sergej Lochthofen.