East Germany holds a certain mystique when it comes to its culture and people, but is rather more noticed for political reasons.
Before the re-unification with West Germany in 1990, the German Democratic Republic (GDR) or East Germany was a separate country and divided physically and ideologically from the rest of Germany.
Eastern Germany consists of the states of Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia, Brandenburg, Berlin, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and Saxony.
East Germany has all the history and stunning landscapes that categorize the rest of the country. World Heritage sites abound as does the magnificent landscapes embellished with rivers, valleys, and hills. Taken together, this region offers a cultural diversity and the optimistic thrills of a land in a state of growth and rebuilding.
The city state of Berlin which underwent a tumultuous past to grow into the largest city and the capital of Germany is an ideal place to start your exploration. Potsdamer Platz, Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, Checkpoint Charlie, and the Reichstag show case the best of Berlin and its moving history to visitors.
Modern conveniences are aplenty in the form of bars, restaurants, and shops, as well as museums and galleries.
The vibrant state of Brandenburg is where you’ll find the little picturesque villages and pastoral countryside that stretch for miles as far as the eye can see. Besides Berlin, the city of Potsdam will enchant you with its distinct character and beauty.
It is here in Brandenburg and the neighboring Saxony-Anhalt that you will find the vineyards and orchards. In the latter state there are a number of National Parks and Reserves that should tell you plenty about the astounding natural beauty of the region.
For historic monuments and medieval architecture, head over to Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Thuringia. Mecklenburg in the north has many UNESCO World Heritage sites as well as fabulous beaches and lakes. Thuringia, which is almost in the center of Germany, is home to fabulous castles and palaces that will take your breath away.
The Wartburg Castle in the historic town of Eisenach will definitely give you unforgettable memories. Historical towns and old villages add charm to your trip as you make your way to attractions such as the State Mountains and Kyffhauser Hills.
Saxony is another location where you’ll find enchanting fairy tale castles and a lot of history to go with it. The Colditz Castle on the banks of the River Mulde is a famous draw in the region.
There are many more though such as the Blankenhain and the Schweinsburg offering plenty of historic and architectural delights. And the beautiful city of Dresden draws visitors due to its incredible picture-perfect quality.
Lastly, East Germany has many memorials to its tumultuous past such as the Deutsch-Deutsches Museum in Modlareuth, German and Soviet War Memorials, and perhaps, the most famous of all, the site of The Wall itself.
There are tours that take you through the important monuments and historic buildings that hold a lot of significance for this chapter in the history of the German people.
