A town built as a staple of communism, Eisenhüttenstadt was originally named Stalinstadt. What was once a sort of “tribute” to Joseph Stalin, still allows traces of the meaning to be found today.
The young town in comparison to other historical landmarks of Germany was established in the 1950’s. The locals refer to Eisenhüttenstadt lovely as Hütte or Hüttenstadt.
Originally planned to be a residential city for the workers of the Steel Mill found adjacent to it, the town has since been undergoing some renovations.
One great site to visit if you are interested in what the communist way of life was, is the Dokumentationszentrum Alltagskultur der DDR (Archive of Everyday Life in the GDR). There are intense exhibits showing the day-to-day life for all different ages and genders that lived in East Germany. With over 70,000 items, this museum is sure to please even the pickiest of all tourists.
For a more natural approach you can tour Insel. This recreational area consists of flowers, trails, fountains, and a lush landscape. The Insel is located on the Oder-Spree Canal. The island has a skate park and a zoo. The zoo is nothing grand, but something quaint and appropriate.
Anyone with a competitive edge may be interested in squeezing in some holes at the miniature golf course located nearby.
To unwind a little you can take a serene ride on the steamer, along the channel down the watergate Zwillingsschachtschleuse to the Oder river. A boat ride can be a relaxing way to enjoy the sun on the deck, or indulge in coffee and tea while taking in the landscape.
In case you have any fire truck enthusiasts in your group; the largest fire-brigade museum on the eastern side of Germany is just a stroll away. Browse through the various centuries and watch the modernized equipment develop. If you pay attention to the small details within this town, you can see “what once was.”
Some of the elders still have the communist mindset. If you need to speak with a local try to stick to the younger generations. They can usually speak English as their second language.
