Bestor's Blog
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Choosing the right rental vehicle is crucial for ensuring a comfortable and convenient trip. This article will guide you through the essential factors to consider when selecting a rental vehicle that fits your travel needs and preferences. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which vehicle will best serve your journey. Diverse factors, including travel needs, budget constraints, and rental agreements, play a significant role in your decision-making process. By understanding these aspects, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your preferences and travel plans.
1. Assessing Your Travel Needs
Understanding your travel needs is the first step toward selecting the right rental vehicle. Begin by considering the number of passengers that will accompany you on your trip. If you're traveling alone, a compact car might suffice, but for families or groups, a larger vehicle will be more appropriate. Different terrains might require different vehicles; for instance, a rugged off-road path might necessitate an SUV, while city travel could be manageable with a sedan. Additionally, the length of your trip can impact your choice; longer trips might benefit from more comfortable and spacious vehicles.
It's also important to account for the amount of luggage you'll be carrying, as this will influence the size and capacity of the vehicle you select. Overpacking can lead to discomfort, especially during long journeys, so plan accordingly. Assessing the type of terrain you'll face helps determine whether you need a vehicle with specific features such as all-wheel drive. Trips that last several days demand careful selection to ensure your comfort and safety over extended periods. Lastly, consider any special requirements, such as additional seating for children or specific accessibility features.
Understanding these parameters helps narrow down your options significantly, leading to a more satisfactory car rental experience. Special requirements, like needing a child seat or requiring a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, are also essential when making your choice. Ensuring the vehicle's features align with your travel needs enhances both convenience and safety. Thinking ahead about these details prevents last-minute challenges and ensures a smooth journey. It is crucial to meticulously plan and assess each aspect of your trip before making a final decision on your rental vehicle.
2. Considering Your Budget
Budget considerations are a pivotal part of the car rental process. Rental costs can vary widely based on the type and class of vehicle selected, the rental duration, and the location. Economy cars generally offer a more budget-friendly option compared to luxury or specialty vehicles. Fuel efficiency is another crucial factor, as fuel expenses can quickly add up during a long trip. Choosing a vehicle with efficient fuel consumption can significantly reduce overall trip costs, offering both economic and environmental benefits.
In addition to the basic rental fee, be mindful of insurance and additional fees. Most rental agreements include insurance policies, which protect against unforeseen events but might also inflate total costs. Be sure to compare these fees across various rental providers to ensure you're receiving competitive rates. Discounts and deals can greatly influence your decision, as many companies offer special promotions or memberships to decrease costs. Utilizing these offers can reduce your financial burden, allowing more allocation of funds to other travel expenses.
Comparing different rental providers is a wise strategy to maximize your budget, as each company has its own pricing structure and fee schedules. This comparison helps in finding the most affordable options that still meet your essential criteria. By balancing rental costs, fuel efficiency, and potential discounts, you can make a well-rounded decision. With the rising demand for SUVs, which are seeing a projected 7.8% CAGR, according to Market Data Forecast, these vehicles could be both a practical and cost-effective option for those needing more space and capability. Practicing thorough fiscal diligence ensures a budget-friendly rental experience without compromising quality and service.
3. Exploring Vehicle Options
Understanding the types of vehicles available for rent can vastly impact your choice. Economy cars are an excellent option for those seeking affordability and efficiency, particularly useful for navigating through urban environments. These vehicles are compact, easy to park, and fuel-efficient, making them an ideal choice for solo travelers or couples. Conversely, if you're planning a family trip or need extra cargo space, SUVs and crossovers provide the needed versatility. The rising popularity of SUVs, driven by their increased space and comfort, reflects their growing market share and appeal.
Luxury vehicles cater to travelers looking for an elevated experience, providing a combination of style, comfort, and advanced technology. While these vehicles come at a higher price point, they offer premium features and a smoother ride, appealing to those who prioritize travel in style. For larger groups, vans and minivans are ideal, accommodating more passengers and providing ample luggage space. These vehicles are practical for long-distance travel and are often equipped with features that enhance passenger comfort, making them a popular choice among families and group travelers.
Specialty vehicles, such as convertibles or electric cars, cater to specific travel desires or environmental considerations. If you're traveling for leisure and want to experience the thrill of driving a convertible, or wish to reduce your carbon footprint with an electric vehicle, these options are available. Each vehicle type serves different needs and preferences, from budget-friendly options to luxurious rides. An informed choice based on your trip's purpose can enhance the overall travel experience, ensuring that the vehicle you select aligns with your specific circumstances and expectations. With these diverse vehicle offerings, renters can tailor their choice to best suit their travel demands.
4. Reviewing Rental Terms and Conditions
Rental terms and conditions are a crucial part of the car rental process that should not be overlooked. These terms outline key aspects such as mileage limits, which can significantly affect your rental experience and costs. Exceeding these limits may result in additional fees, so it's essential to choose a plan that accommodates your travel itinerary. Pickup and drop-off protocols also vary, and being familiar with these procedures ensures a smooth transition both at the start and end of your rental period. Understanding these terms can save time and prevent potential misunderstandings.
Cancellation policies are another critical area to consider, particularly in the current travel climate where plans can change unexpectedly. Knowing the flexibility of these policies can influence your decision, offering peace of mind if alterations to your plans become necessary. Age requirements for drivers might also impact your rental choice, as many companies impose minimum age restrictions. Young drivers may face additional fees or be limited in the selection of available vehicles. These factors should be reviewed thoroughly to avoid any unforeseen surprises during the rental process.
Finally, the deposit and payment methods are essential considerations when finalizing your rental decision. Most rental companies require a security deposit, which can vary depending on the vehicle type and rental duration. Understanding the payment methods accepted by the rental company, such as credit card or direct debit, is crucial to ensure a seamless transaction. Being aware of these details allows you to plan accordingly and ensures a hassle-free experience. By examining these terms closely, you can avoid unnecessary complications and make informed choices during your vehicle rental.
Choosing the right rental vehicle involves balancing various factors such as your travel needs, budget, and safety considerations. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure a more enjoyable and hassle-free rental experience on your next trip. Thoughtful planning and consideration of all aspects of vehicle rental enable a seamless and satisfying journey. It is crucial to understand your options thoroughly, align your choice with your needs, and manage the rental process proactively. With these tools at your disposal, your next rental adventure is well-positioned for success and enjoyment. If you need a rental vehicle for an upcoming trip, make sure to contact Gemut.com.
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Introducing Andy Bestor: Your Expert Guide to European Travel
Welcome to Gemut.com, where we dive deep into the art of European travel, offering insights, tips, and inspiration to make your journeys unforgettable. At the heart of our mission to empower travelers is Andy Bestor, our General Manager and a true authority on exploring Europe. With a passion for seamless travel experiences and a wealth of expertise, Andy has dedicated his career to helping travelers navigate the roads of Europe with ease. As the driving force behind Gemut.com Car Rentals, he has assisted over 10,000 travelers in crafting their perfect European adventures through reliable, tailored car rental solutions.
A Lifelong Passion for European Travel
Andy Bestor’s love for European travel began decades ago, sparked by his own explorations across the continent’s diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and hidden gems. From the winding roads of Tuscany to the majestic fjords of Norway, Andy’s personal experiences have shaped his deep understanding of what makes European travel so special. His early trips weren’t just vacations — they were immersive journeys that ignited a desire to share the joys of independent travel with others. This passion became the foundation for his work at Gemut.com, where he has transformed the way travelers experience Europe by making car rentals accessible, affordable, and stress-free.
Andy’s expertise is rooted in his hands-on knowledge of Europe’s geography, culture, and logistics. He understands that traveling through Europe is about more than just getting from point A to point B — it’s about savoring the journey, discovering quaint villages, and embracing the freedom to explore at your own pace. Whether it’s navigating the autobahns of Germany or winding through the scenic Amalfi Coast, Andy’s insights ensure that travelers are equipped to make the most of their European road trips.
Leading Gemut.com Car Rentals with Vision and Expertise
As the General Manager of Gemut.com Car Rentals, Andy Bestor has built a reputation for excellence in the travel industry. Gemut.com, a trusted name in European car rentals, was founded to simplify the process of renting a car abroad, offering personalized service and expert guidance that larger companies often lack. Under Andy’s leadership, the company has grown into a beacon for travelers seeking reliable, high-quality car rental solutions tailored to their unique needs.
Andy’s approach is hands-on and traveler-centric. He believes that every journey is personal, and no two travelers are alike. This philosophy drives Gemut.com’s commitment to providing customized solutions, whether it’s helping a family plan a multi-country adventure or assisting a solo traveler in finding the perfect compact car for a weekend getaway. With Andy at the helm, Gemut.com has become synonymous with trust, transparency, and exceptional customer service.
Over the years, Andy has helped more than 10,000 travelers fulfill their European travel dreams. From first-time visitors to seasoned explorers, his clients benefit from his deep knowledge of Europe’s road networks, local regulations, and cultural nuances. His ability to anticipate travelers’ needs — whether it’s recommending the best vehicle for mountainous terrain or advising on cross-border rental policies — has earned him a loyal following and countless glowing reviews.
Why Car Rentals Are the Key to Unlocking Europe
For Andy, car rentals are more than just a service — they’re the gateway to authentic, flexible, and immersive travel experiences. Unlike rigid bus tours or crowded trains, renting a car gives travelers the freedom to craft their own itineraries, stop at off-the-beaten-path destinations, and embrace spontaneity. Andy’s expertise lies in helping travelers harness this freedom while avoiding common pitfalls, such as hidden fees, confusing insurance policies, or unfamiliar driving regulations.
Through Gemut.com, Andy has streamlined the car rental process to make it as seamless as possible. He and his team carefully vet rental partners across Europe to ensure quality and reliability, negotiating competitive rates and clear terms. Whether you’re dreaming of a road trip through the castles of the Loire Valley or a scenic drive along the Ring Road in Iceland, Andy’s guidance ensures that your rental experience is hassle-free, allowing you to focus on the adventure ahead.
Andy’s blog contributions reflect this commitment to empowering travelers. His posts are packed with practical advice, from choosing the right car for your trip to navigating Europe’s diverse driving cultures. He shares insider tips on everything from packing efficiently for a road trip to finding the best local eateries along your route. Each article is infused with his passion for travel and his desire to help others create memories that last a lifetime.
A Voice of Authority in European Travel
What sets Andy apart as a blog author is his ability to blend practical expertise with storytelling. His posts don’t just inform — they inspire. Drawing on his extensive experience, Andy writes with authenticity and warmth, inviting readers to see Europe through his eyes. Whether he’s sharing a detailed guide to driving in the Swiss Alps or recounting a memorable encounter in a small Bavarian village, his writing captures the essence of what makes European travel so magical.
Andy’s expertise extends beyond logistics. He has a knack for uncovering the cultural and historical context that brings destinations to life. His blog posts often weave in fascinating tidbits about local traditions, regional cuisines, and lesser-known attractions, encouraging travelers to go beyond the guidebooks. For example, he might recommend a detour to a family-run vineyard in Bordeaux or a scenic overlook in the Scottish Highlands that’s missed by most tourists. These insights reflect his deep connection to Europe and his commitment to helping travelers discover its hidden treasures.
A Trusted Partner for Your European Adventures
Andy Bestor’s work with Gemut.com Car Rentals has made him a trusted partner for travelers around the world. His dedication to customer satisfaction, combined with his unparalleled expertise, has helped countless individuals and families create unforgettable European experiences. Whether you’re planning your first trip abroad or your tenth, Andy’s guidance ensures that you have the tools and confidence to make it extraordinary.
As you explore the Gemut.com blog, you’ll find Andy’s voice shining through in every post. His passion for European travel, his commitment to helping others, and his wealth of knowledge make him the perfect guide for your next adventure. Whether you’re dreaming of a leisurely drive through the lavender fields of Provence or an epic journey across multiple countries, Andy and the Gemut.com team are here to help you every step of the way.
Join Andy on the Road Ahead
We invite you to dive into Andy Bestor’s blog posts and discover the insights that have made him a trusted name in European travel. From practical tips to inspiring stories, his contributions will equip you with everything you need to plan your next road trip with confidence. At Gemut.com, we believe that the journey is just as important as the destination, and with Andy as your guide, you’re in for an unforgettable ride.
Ready to start planning your European adventure? Explore Andy’s blog for expert advice, connect with Gemut.com Car Rentals for personalized car rental solutions, and let the open road lead you to new horizons. With Andy Bestor and Gemut.com by your side, your European travel dreams are closer than you think.
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As has been the case for the last 11 months, the travel news is all-COVID all the time.
First Things First
• The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now requires a negative COVID-19 test for all air passengers entering the United States. Testing must be within the 3 days of departure to the U.S. and passengers must show written documentation of the laboratory test result (paper or electronic copy) or provide documentation of having recovered from COVID-19. Passengers that do not provide proof of a negative test or recovery, or choose not to take a test, will be denied boarding.
This means, of course, that you will have to find a place to get tested during your vacation or business trip and risk being stranded if the test is positive.
• Starting February 1, a medical protective mask (surgical mask or FFP2 mask or a mask with the KN95/N95 standard) is mandatory on all Lufthansa Group airlines (SWISS, Austrian, and Brussels) to and from Germany. Fabric masks will no longer be permitted.
• Also from Lufthansa: If you have a ticket issued up to and including August 31, 2020, and are waiting to reschedule, the deadline for rebooking has been extended to May 31, 2021. Tickets purchased since August 31, 2020, of course, can be rebooked with no change fee. This applies to tickets purchased at published fare rates directly from the airline. Some consolidators, however, may charge an admin fee for rebooking. It may be worth noting that consolidator fares are usually cheaper by $100 or more than airline published fares.
(We book consolidator air to Europe. Get a quote and save...almost always cheaper than published major airline fares.)
• United Airlines now offers what it calls the “Travel-Ready Center” app, aimed at helping customers navigate travel restrictions, just as the CDC testing requirement for international travel goes into effect. With the app, customers can review COVID-19 entry requirements, find local testing options, and upload any required testing and vaccination records for domestic and international travel. Those with an active reservation can access the app through the “My Trips” section at united.com.
When Can We Go To Europe Again?
COVID vaccine is a reality and it appears that sometime this year travel to Europe will commence. Exactly when is unknown…by anyone. The pace of inoculations is disappointingly slow and, according to the Walt Street Journal, given current circumstances, may not soon pickup. To get everyone at least one dose by the middle of this year, says the Journal, the average current daily rate of about 1 million per day needs to almost double to 1.96 million/day. Though some states have been slow in getting distribution organized, the main problem seems to be manufacturing; it’s an extremely complicated process that is difficult to speed up.
Of course the foregoing applies just to the U.S. What if we are ready for Europe but Europe isn't ready for us? The German publication, Der Speigel, reports Germany and other EU countries failed to order enough vaccine and may still be in lockdown well into 2021. It says:
“Way back in July, the U.S. secured 600 million doses of the BioNTech (ed. note: Pfizer/BioNTech) vaccine and 500 million doses from Moderna. Japan, Canada, Hong Kong, and others signed contracts in the summer and autumn. The EU only reserved doses. It didn’t place concrete orders until mid-November. And even then, it ordered far less than it could have.”
Car Rental Update
Since our last communique in December, rental car rates have mostly risen in Europe. That’s partly because of a weakening dollar (since March the cost of a euro has gone from about $1.07 to $1.23), but mostly it has to do with supply and demand.
• Rental companies have substantially reduced fleet sizes in order to reduce the overhead expense of thousands of non-revenue-producing cars sitting in parking lots and garages. This has driven up prices and, in some cases, created availability issues. Thus the choice of cars, locations, pick-up and return times, is not what it was several months ago. There are fewer automatics, station wagons, SUVs, vans, and luxury category cars. So now, as travel increases in 2021, industry experts predict car manufacturers may not be able to supply enough replacement vehicles in time to meet the coming demand. This, of course, will raise rates and affect availability.
• Travelers should also know that rental companies have laid off employees, reduced hours of operation (even at some major airports and rail stations), and closed many smaller locations. It may no longer be possible to rent a car in that charming small town in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, etc.
• To ensure the best price and vehicle availability, it’s wise to book and pre-pay as early as possible. This, of course, requires an ability to cancel for a full refund until the time of rental…as you can with gemut.com. When you have a pre-paid, confirmed booking and rates increase, your price is not affected. If rates drop, however, you can cancel and re-book at the lower rate.
Get a car rental quote for our personal, full-service and in-rental third-party support and, if needed, post-rental billing assistance.
Trip Insurance During COVID
The purpose of trip insurance is to obtain reimbursement for non-refundable costs when travel becomes impossible due to illness, death, family emergency, natural disaster, the financial failure of a travel supplier, and certain other specified unforeseen events. The basic cost of trip insurance for a U.S. couple, age 60, traveling for two weeks in Italy next June, and insured to a maximum of $1500 each, is a little over $100 per person.
However, as some of our customers discovered in 2020, trip insurance carriers do not consider fear of COVID to be a covered reason. Fortunately, most travelers were able to obtain refunds or future credit for canceled flights or cruises, but those who simply decided to stay safe at home forfeited all prepaid, nonrefundable costs, including trip insurance premiums. It is possible with some trip insurance carriers, to purchase “cancel-for-any-reason” coverage...but at a much higher premium.
Trip insurance is more important than ever in these uncertain times. Call us at 800-521-6722 x 2 or get a quote at www.gemut.com.
Book Short Day-Trips and Sightseeing Tours
We are frequently asked: “Where can I book a half-day sightseeing tour at XYZ city?” It's an easy answer, the Gemut.com website (please note that it may take as long as 30 seconds for the page to appear…sorry, we’re working on it). You’ll then see our affiliation with the TripAdvisor-owned company that offers over 350,000 city tours and packages, food and wine classes and workshops, helicopter tours, balloon tours, walking tours, bike tours, half-day tours, night tours, sightseeing tickets, transfers, ground transport, shore excursions, cultural and theme tours, sailing and water tours, and many, many, many more.
In Munich, for example, you can choose from approximately 60 different activities. You will pay $39 for a small-group bike tour. Same for a Munich City Pass that includes public transport and admission to 45 sights and activities. A Bavarian Beer and Food evening tour is $58, while $198 buys a small-group Munich City and Oktoberfest Tour that includes a precious reservation at an Oktoberfest tent table. This booking service is not just for Munich, but virtually every European destination of any note, plus thousands of cities throughout the world, many in the U.S. and Canada. (Check it out via computer or tablet...not a smartphone.)
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By Karsten Horn
As the culminating struggle of World War II, the battle for Berlin has spawned libraries of books, several movies and numerous scholarly documentaries. This decisive, bitterly-fought conflict brought victory to the Allied Forces over Nazi Germany and shaped the geopolitical and economic face of post-war Europe.
Seventy-five years after the war’s end, the physical consequences—very obvious in the Eastern part of the city until 1990—of the bloody street-by-street fight have largely vanished. Still, many memorials, bunkers, fortifications, and museums remain today. Here are a dozen:
Berlin Reichstag
• Begin with the Reichstag, the seat of Parliament in Imperial Germany, the 
Berlin Reichstag July 1983Weimar Republic and, since 1998, in the Federal Republic. Visiting the Reichstag is free but advance online registration is required. An elevator takes visitors to the top of the building where they can walk inside the glass dome, with its spectacular view of the city center. Many tableaux provide information covering the history of the building and German politics in general.
• A small memorial to the troops of the Soviet Union is only a short stroll from the Reichstag, on Strasse des 17 Juni. It features a statue of a soldier on a large column placed in front of a semi-arc with inscriptions and flanked by two T34 tanks. The memorial is very close to Brandenburg Gate and worth a visit. 
Brandenburg Gate Today
• From Brandenburg Gate, walk along Wilhelmstrasse, to the site of Hitler’s
Reichskanzlei (Reich Chancellery), which today is an apartment block and a Chinese restaurant.
• Hermann Goering’s Reichsluftfahrtministerium (Imperial Ministry of Aviation) is only a few hundred yards farther along. The building has been described as 
Brandenburg Gate July 1983being “in the typical style of National Socialist intimidation architecture.” The vast structure served the growing bureaucracy of the Luftwaffe and Germany’s civil aviation authority, offering space to 4,000 office workers. After the war, the building, which survived with very little damage, was used by the Soviet military administration until 1948, and from 1947-49 by the German Economic Commission, which became the top administrative body in the Soviet Occupation Zone.
• Tempelhof Airport, reached by a brisk walk of about two miles straight along Wilhelmstrasse and Mehringdamm (or take Subway U 6 to “Platz der Luftbrücke” station), has been described by architect Sir Norman Foster as “the mother of all airports.” Built in the monumental style that characterizes many buildings of that era between the World Wars, it was once among the 20 largest buildings on earth. Its size can now be fully experienced by visitors as the airport has been closed for air traffic since 2008 and the airfield is now a public park.
During the war, the building, which has an underground railway running its three-quarters of a mile length, was an aircraft factory. It was used as a military airfield by the US Air Force from 1945 until 1994, and is best remembered for its role in the famous airlift to supply Berliners with the necessities of life during the Soviet Union’s blockade of the city.
• One of the least-known of Berlin’s WWII sites, the German-Russian Museum in Berlin-Karlshorst, has an enormous amount of well-presented material. This is where the unconditional surrender of the Wehrmacht was signed in May, 1945. Formerly known as the “Museum of Victory over Nazi Germany in the Great Fatherlands War,” this rather unassuming villa on the outskirts of Berlin is within a complex that housed the General Command of Soviet forces in East Germany. There is the usual display of armor such as a T34 tank and Katyusha rocket launcher in the garden. The hall where the surrender was signed is preserved intact. The museum is eight miles from the city center and not well connected by public transport (train S3 from Friedrichstrasse to Karlshorst station, then bus 396 and a short walk).
• Another major collection of documents and historic materials is at the Museum of Allied Forces in Zehlendorf. The focus here is on the war’s long aftermath.
There is a British “Hastings” four-engine propeller airplane, a railroad car from a French military train, and the original guardhouse of Checkpoint Charlie on Friedrichstrasse (the one placed there now is a replica). The museum is housed in the former U.S. forces cinema “The Outpost,” and has memorabilia from the time of the Allied (or, since the spring of 1948, not-so-allied) Forces rule of Berlin. It can be reached by subway (line U3 to station Oskar-Helene-Heim, then a few blocks north on foot), and is a nice stopover from the city center on the way to the next site.
• Cecilienhof Palace in Potsdam is the site of the Potsdam Conference. This charming mock-Tudor palace, completed in 1917, is where Truman, Churchill and Stalin met to decide how to proceed after the victory in Europe, known as the Potsdam Agreement. The meeting is commemorated in the palace courtyard by a big red star of flowers.
• Back in the city, a visit to the remains of one of the large anti-aircraft defense (flak) bunkers is of interest. It is located at Humboldthain, quite close to the city center. The reinforced concrete tower had 12-foot thick foundations and inner and outer walls offering another 11.5 feet of protection. Most of the tower was demolished after the war, but the north face was too close to the railway, and is a preferred site for climbers now. The bunker can be toured between April and October. The platforms at the top of the tower offer beautiful views of the city center.
• The battle of Berlin took many lives, and thus there are many war cemeteries in and around the city. Probably the most impressive is the huge (40 acres) Soviet War Memorial in Treptower Park, built in stalinistic monumental architectural style. The central area is lined on both sides by 16 stone sarcophagi, made from travertine marble taken from the destroyed Reichskanzlei, with relief carvings of military scenes and quotes from Stalin. The impressive focal point is the 39-foot high statue of a Soviet soldier with a sword standing over a broken swastika and holding a German child. This memorial is interesting, beyond its historic significance as a prime example of “Soviet Realism” art. It can be reached by S-Bahn (station Treptower Park) and a one-mile walk to the park.
• The last two sites are outside Berlin. First is Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, near Oranienburg. Built in 1936, it acquired a special role in the Nazi system as the administrative headquarters for all German concentration camps. More than 200,000 people were imprisoned here between 1936 and 1945 and tens of thousands died of starvation, disease, forced labor, and mistreatment. Many more died during the death marches following the camp’s evacuation at the end of April 1945. It is a sad irony of history that following the defeat of Nazi Germany it continued operation as Soviet Special Camp No. 7 until it was closed in 1950.
Sachsenhausen can be reached by S-Bahn (station Oranienburg), with a short walk from the station.
• Seelow Heights Memorial is near the Polish border, about 45 miles from Berlin. This humble ridge of no more than 50 meters in height appears innocent enough today, but it posed a serious impediment to the Soviet onslaught in the Battle of Berlin, giving the German forces free shooting range over about 10 miles of flat land. The small museum commemorates the battle in which nearly one-million Soviet and Polish troops opposed about 110,000 German forces. Alas, the website is only in German, but there is a good article on the battle on Wikipedia.
(Ed. Note: Karsten Horn is a lifelong Berliner, a World War II history buff, a retired scientist from the famed Max Planck Institute, and, best of all, a longtime friend to Gemut.com.)
