Berlin first caught our eye back in 2005 (before this blog was born), for the World Beard and Mustache Championships that were held in Germany - and hosted by the Berlin Beard Club (founded in 1996). But more recently, in 2011, Elmar Weisser, a German hairdresser, scooped the title of World's "Best Beard" after impressing competition hosts in Norway (his beard sported a moose and the Norwegian flag).
Not surprisingly, Weisser has a long history of winning - taking the title in 2005 in Berlin with his beard in the form of the landmark Brandenburg Gate, and 2007, dominated in England for his recreation of the Tower Bridge. Not to be outshone, Karl-Heinz Hille - also of Germany - won a 5th straight gold medal in 2011 for rocking the Imperial Partial Beard category.
Germany and the United States have traditionally dominated this eccentric contest - but beyond the world of competitions, Berlin has also made headline news in fashion. Remember in 2010 when German designer Patrick Mohr decided that his female models should be bald and sport molting beards? It was the most talked about show in all of Berlin Fashion Week.
So with all this intrigue, does it come as any surprise that Bab co-founder, Riss, is going to be heading over to Berlin for a few weeks to see if this capital can hold up to its reputation as the premier city that exudes God-like hirsute powers?
If you're living abroad, please show her the best bärte in Berlin!
(Photo: Elmar Weisser)