trip advisor east germany

17 Best Places To Visit In Eastern Germany

• David Angel

About the Author: David Angel is a British photographer, writer and historian with 30+years experience exploring Europe. His work regularly appears in global media including the BBC, Condé Nast Traveler, and The Guardian.

From the Baroque towers and palaces of Dresden to the Berlin Wall, this is my guide to the best places to visit in Eastern Germany.

I’ve been visiting this fascinating part of Germany for over 25 years. I have always found it one of the most compelling regions to visit.

Beyond Berlin, it’s still relatively off the beaten path for many international travellers – it’s nowhere near as widely known as Bavaria or the Black Forest. Quedlinburg or Goslar are every bit as enchanting as the much more famous Rothenburg – it’s just that far less people have discovered them.

And there is also a whole layer of history – when the region was Communist East Germany – to uncover.

I hope you enjoy my guide and find these places as fascinating as I have.

These are the best places to visit in Eastern Germany.

Table of Contents

1. Berlin  

Berlin is the capital of Germany and, by some distance, the largest city in the country. It’s gritty rather than pretty, but one of the most absorbing cities in Europe, and the world for that matter. 

Berlin is where the longest conflict of the 20 th century, the Cold War, played out. The Berlin Wall divided the city for 28 years, and its fall in 1989 was the sign that the Iron Curtain that divided Europe for so long was also about to fall. 

Many of the main Berlin landmarks are from this period and the turbulent Nazi reign that preceded it.  But beyond these, it’s a city with a wealth of architecture, from the splendid Baroque Schloss Charlottenburg to the Stalin-era Socialist Realist Karl-Marx-Allee. 

Since the fall of the Wall, Berlin has attracted a huge community of artists from around the world. The city’s arts scene is outstanding, reflected in the street art in the likes of Kreuzberg and Schoneberg.   

It’s also home to many superb museums, from the older World Heritage-listed institutions on Museum Island to the amazing Jewish Museum.  

Top things to see and do in Berlin:  Brandenburg Gate; Berlin Wall Memorial and East Side Gallery; Reichstag Building and its glass dome; Museum Island, especially the Pergamon Museum; Jewish Museum; Berlin Story with the Bunker; Checkpoint Charlie 

Good to See :  Leave time to explore some of the different Kieze (neighborhoods) Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain, Neukolln, and Prenzlauer Berg with their lively markets, street art, cafes, architecture, and shops. 

As for eating out in Berlin, Turkish, Lebanese, and Syrian food is some of the best in the world.   Lakes, forests, outdoor bars, restaurants, and festivals in summertime.  

How Much Time Do You Need:  If it’s your first time in Berlin, 3-4 days is ideal to cover the major sights, but a week is ideal to immerse yourself fully in the city’s culture, history, and nightlife. 

Best Things to Do with Kids: Visit the Berlin Zoo, one of the world’s oldest and most biodiverse zoos.  Or take a boat tour on the Spree River. Also, glimpse life under Communism at the excellent DDR Museum and visit the excellent Spy Museum. 

See Also: Photographing Berlin – 15 Fantastic Photo Locations Around Berlin 

2. Dresden  

Dresden has been recognised as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe for centuries.  Its Baroque skyline is breathtaking – small wonder it was known as the Florence of the Elbe.  

Dresden has always been popular with Germans and Central Europeans but remains relatively undiscovered to international visitors. The historic centre of the city was destroyed during an Allied bombing raid in 1945, and it took 60 years for it to be rebuilt. The final element of this reconstruction is the soaring Baroque Frauenkirche, one of the most beautiful churches in Europe.  

There are also several other churches in Dresden to visit, including the ornate Catholic Cathedral next to the river. The city is home to several outstanding museums. The Zwinger Palace is best known for its Old Masters Gallery (Alte Gemaldegalerie). And the Residenzschloss *(Royal Castle) across the street is renowned for its amazing collection of jewels and treasures in the Historic Green Vault (Grünes Gewolbe). 

If you’re planning a Central Europe trip, especially between Prague and Berlin, then I strongly suggest stopping at Dresden. It’s a stunning city and a great base, with day trips from Dresden to places like the Bastei Bridge, Meissen, and Moritzburg Castle. 

Top Things to See and Do: Visit Frauenkirche, the iconic baroque church and climb the dome for amazing views; Zwinger Palace, with its galleries and museums, Old Masters Gallery, and Porcelain Collection; Semperoper, the famous opera house ; Residenzschloss, The Green Vault, and New Green Vault, two unique treasure chambers; walk along the Brühlsche Terrasse and enjoy the views along the River Elbe; Military History Museum. 

Good To See:  Stasi Museum Dresden ; the world’s oldest funicular railway in the suburb of Loschwitz, the Elbe Castles overlooking the river; explore the cafes, bars, and courtyards of Dresden Neustadt. 

How Much Time Do You Need: Two to three days to explore the main attractions.  Allow longer if you want to take some day trips to Meissen, Gorlitz, Saxon Switzerland, or Leipzig. 

Best Things to Do with Kids: Visit Dresden Zoo. Explore the Dresden Transport Museum and the Hygiene Museum, and enjoy the Great Garden (Großer Garten), a large park with a miniature railway. 

3. Leipzig  

Leipzig is the largest city in eastern Germany outside Berlin, and the one that has possibly changed the most along with Berlin since Germany was reunified in 1990. This has been helped along in recent years by the arrival of more and more creative people, squeezed out of Berlin by soaring rents.  

For over 300 years, Leipzig has had an astonishingly rich musical heritage. It’s best known as the former home of Johann Sebastian Bach, who was choirmaster at St Thomas Church (Thomaskirche) for over 20 years. Richard Wagner was also born in the city, and Robert Schumann also lived and worked in Leipzig. Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy also lived in Leipzig for six years.   

The renowned Gewandhaus Orchestra, the 800-year-old St Thomas’s Boys Choir, and the Leipzig Opera are musical institutions of world renown. 

Leipzig also made an enormous contribution to the fall of the GDR (Communist East Germany) in 1989. Peaceful weekly gatherings at the Nikolaikirche (St Nicholas Church) gradually grew, and by October 1989 the crowds were in their thousands. The church authorities asked both protesters and state security forces to avoid violence.

They did so, and the gatherings grew exponentially in the following few weeks. The Communist authorities had lost control. Within a month the Berlin Wall was down, and German reunification was within reach.

How Much Time Do You Need: Two days to see the highlights. 

Best Things to Do with Kids: Leipzig Zoo, one of the oldest and best zoos in the world.  Away from the city centre, explore the lively Plagwitz and Lindenau.  

See Also: Runde Ecke Stasi Museum Leipzig – One Of The Best Museums On East Germany

4. Potsdam  

Potsdam is the most popular day trip from Berlin, a fascinating small city just an hour away from the centre of Berlin by S-Bahn train. 

It’s the capital of the Land (state) of Brandenburg, and was formerly a favoured residence of Prussian kings and princes eager to show off their wealth. And they left an extraordinary architectural legacy.   

Potsdam is most famous for its World Heritage-listed Sanssouci Palace and Park, on the edge of the city centre. The Park takes a few hours to explore, and includes the Neues Palais, a much larger and grander affair than the Sanssouci. THere are more superb buildings around the park, from the Italian-inspired Peace Church to the gorgeous Chinese Teahouse. 

The small city centre is also rich in architecture. There you’ll find one of master architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel’s most famous churches, the beautiful red-brick Dutch Quarter and the Russian-inspired wooden houses of the Alexandrovka village. 

Anyone with an interest in the Cold War should also visit Potsdam. The Potsdam Conference of 1945 decided on the division of Germany (between West and East, with the latter under Soviet control) after World War II. The Conference, at the Cecilienhof Palace, effectively set the stage for the raising of the Iron Curtain and Cold War.   

How Much Time Do You Need:   2 days are ideal to visit the main attractions, A single day trip from Berlin wasn’t enough for me, so I had to go back. 

Best Things to Do with Kids: Exploring the Babelsberg Film Studio Park.  Visiting the Biosphere Potsdam, a tropical greenhouse with over 20,000 plants. Enjoying a boat tour on the lakes around Potsdam. 

5. Saxon Switzerland National Park  

The Saxon Switzerland National Park is the more alluring name of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains to the south-east of Dresden. Together with the Bohemian Switzerland National Park across the border in the Czech Republic, it forms one of the most remarkable landscapes in Europe.  

The mountains got their name from two Swiss artists who worked at the Dresden Academy of Arts in the late 18 th century. The mountains reminded them of the Swiss Jura, and the name stuck!  

Much of the landscape consists of what the Czechs call ‘rock cities’, amazing labyrinths of sandstone pinnacles. There are some phenomenal hiking trails through and around these.

The most famous landmark in Saxon Switzerland is the 19 th -centrury Bastei Bridge , built across the highest pinnacles in the National Park to reach the remains of a rock castle, Felsenburg Neurathen. 

It’s also easy to explore across the border. You can catch the train to Schöna, the ferry to Hřensko on the Czech side, then hike or catch a bus to Pravčička Brana, a stunning natural rock arch. 

Top Things to See and Do:  Bastei Bridge , offering spectacular views, especially at sunrise in summer;  Königstein Fortress , one of the largest hilltop fortifications in Europe;  Pravčická brána , Europe’s largest natural sandstone arch ; Hiking the Malerweg , a scenic trail through the park ;  Boat trips on the Elbe River ’  Hiking to the Bastei Bridge at sunrise for breathtaking sandstone formations and the Elbe River views. 

How Much Time Do You Need:   Most people come for a day trip. But you could easily spend a week exploring the many hiking trails, including the Malerweg, which connects places in the region that inspired artists.

6. Erfurt  

Erfurt, the capital city of Thuringia, is off the international travellers’ beaten track. This is ironic as it was on the Via Regia, one of the major trans-Europe trade routes of the Middle Ages. And it’s even harder to figure out when it’s one of the best-connected cities in Germany by rail!

Erfurt suffered very little damage during World War II, so is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Germany. It’s a wonderful city to wander, home to some outstanding churches, cobbled streets and squares, many timber-framed houses and colourful Renaissance buildings. 

One of the best-known Erfurt sights is the Krämerbrücke (Merchants’ Bridge), one of just four bridges in Europe lined with shops. The Domplatz, with the Cathedral and St Severus Church, is one of the most beautiful squares in Europe . And Erfurt’s Old Synagogue (Alte Synagoge) is a recently inscribed UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the Mikveh (Bath House). 

Erfurt is also an important stop on the Martin Luther trail, as he studied and was later ordained there. 

Good to see: Topf & Söhne Memorial, a fascinating exhibition in the office building of the company that built the incinerators for the crematoria at the Auschwitz death camp.  

How Much Time Do You Need: Two days to explore the main sights and soak in the medieval atmosphere. 

Best Things to Do with Kids: Climb the Agidienkirche church tower for fantastic views over Erfurt. Visit Egapark Erfurt, a large botanical garden with wonderful playgrounds. 

7. Weimar  

Weimar has often been regarded as the cultural capital of Germany. It was the epicentre of Germany’s 18th-century enlightenment, and home to two of its greatest writers, Johann  Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller, lived. It is also where Goethe wrote Faust, his most famous work.

Many more greats from the s of arts, literature and philosophy have lived in Weimar including Franz Liszt, Friedrich Nietzsche and Wassily Kandinsky.

In the 20 th century, Weimar was also the birthplace of the influential Bauhaus architecture and design movement, and the Bauhaus Museum is an essential stop if you’re interested in early 20th-century architecture.

Top Things to See and Do:  Goethe’s House and the Goethe National Museum; Duchess Anna Amalia Library – UNESCO listed library, Schloss Tiefurt – UNESCO country house, Park An der Ilm, Friedrich Schiller’s House.

Nice to see: The Neues Museum, the Bauhaus Museum, Hoffman’s – one of Germany’s oldest bookstores, Liszt-Haus — House where Hungarian composer Franz Liszt lived in the summers from 1869 to 1886.   

How Much Time Do You Need:  One to three days depending on how many museums you wish to see..The15-minute train ride from Erfurt makes for an easy day trip. 

Best Things to Do with Kids:  Exploring the Park an der Ilm, Visiting the Weimarhaus, a museum that presents the city’s history in an engaging way. 

8. Rügen Island

The Baltic Sea is where Germany goes to the beach, and Rügen Island is perhaps the best place to do it.  I have long rated it one of the most beautiful islands in Europe.  My highlight is the glorious Jasmund National Park, especially hiking along the coast and beaches with the iconic white cliffs. One of the best is the Pirate’s Gorge (Piratenschlucht), leading to a pebble beach with amazing cliffs. 

There are also plenty of fantastic beaches on Rügen. Don’t miss Sellin – with its wonderful Pier – and nearby Binz, on the east coast of the island. Away from the coast, there is also a superb treetop walkway near Prora. 

And for history buffs, Prora is one of the most bizarre places you will ever visit. The Nazis built this vast complex of seaside apartments for the masses, but they were never completed or used. The complex was the work of the Kraft durch Freude (Strength Through Joy) movement. It was all part of their attempt to mould German society – it boils down to ‘brainwash them with a beach holiday’!  

One of the apartment blocks has been preserved as a museum, while the other surviving buildings have been converted to apartments.  

How Much Time Do You Need:   3-4 days to enjoy the best of the beaches, hikes, and historical sites. But it’s somewhere you could linger far longer. 

Best Things to Do with Kids:   Visiting the Dinosaur Land Rügen, the treetop walk at Naturerbe Zentrum Rügen. And, of course, the beaches and promenades. 

9. Meissen  

Meissen is one of the best places to visit in Eastern Germany. This small city on the River Elbe is gorgeous, its riverfront dominated by the citadel of the Albrechtsburg Castle and the twin spires of Meissen Cathedral next door. 

Meissen was a seat of power in the early Middle Ages, holding sway over much of Saxony. Its magnificent Old Town reflects this, the steep streets lined with fine merchants’ and burghers’ houses. The splendid Markt is one of the most beautiful squares in Germany, with a splendid Rathaus (Town Hall) the focal point. 

And all of this before I mention Meissen porcelain. Meissen is the first place in Europe where the Asian art of creating porcelain was perfected. You can see it being made in the Meissen Porcelain Factory just outside the Old Town, and some superb examples. I recommend combining this with a visit to the extraordinary Porcelain Collection in the Zwinger Palace in Dresden. 

Ideas for Traveling with Kids: The porcelain painting workshop at the Meissen Porcelain Factory is a fun and creative activity for families. 

How Much Time Should You Spend in Meissen? A day trip is enough to see all the main sights in Meissen.  

10. Görlitz  

Görlitz is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. It’s the easternmost city in Germany, sitting on the border with Poland. Indeed, part of Görlitz – Zgorzelec – is across the River Neisse in Poland. 

Görlitz somehow escaped the bombs that wrecked so many German cities during World War II. Görlitz is still in its original condition, with stunning details like its carved doorways and the beautifully preserved Renaissance entrance to the Ratscafe.  

Every street is endowed with gorgeous medieval or Baroque houses. Unsurprisingly, it has become a popular film location, so much so that it has been called Görliwood. The best-known film shot there is probably The Grand Budapest Hotel , filmed in the Kaufhaus, the city’s Art Nouveau former department store.   

Top Things to See and Do:

Explore the beautifully preserved Old Towna and visit the Görlitz Department Store, the inspiration for The Grand Budapest Hotel;.Walk across the bridge to Zgorzelec, Poland; St. Peter and Paul Church, with its stunning Sun Organ; Görlitz Zoo. 

How Much Time Do You Need:

Two days is ample, but one full day would give you enough to see the main sights.  

Best Things to Do with Kids

Meeting the animals at the wonderful Görlitz Zoo – one of the best small zoos we have ever visited.  And take them on a quick cross-border trip over the bridge to Poland. 

11. Harz Mountains  

The Harz Mountains are one of the most beautiful landscapes in Germany. These hills and forests straddle Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia and Lower Saxony. They gently rise from around 200 metres above sea level to the highest point, the Brocken, at over 1,100 metres above sea level.

Much of the Harz is wilderness, though there are hundreds of hiking trails across the National Park.  You could opt for hikes through the pristine Bode Gorge near Thale, or take the more leisurely way around the Harz on the network of narrow-gauge steam trains.

The highlight is the Brockenbahn service to the summit of the Brocken, an amazing experience especially in winter.  The less frequent service from Nordhausen (to the south) is the most scenic route, but the route from Wernigerode to the north is also spectacular.

The Harz region is also famous for its beautifully preserved UNESCO medieval towns, some of which are long-established UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  

Top Things to See and Do:  Ride the Harz Narrow Gauge Railways to Brocken, the highest peak; Explore the medieval towns of Wernigerode Quedlinburg and Goslar; Hiking or mountain biking through the national park.Visit the mines of Rammelsberg (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).

How Much Time Do You Need: 2-3 days to enjoy the natural beauty, with additional time if you’re keen on extensive hiking or visiting multiple towns. 

Best Things to Do with Kids: Sommerrodelbahn Bocksbergbob, a not-too-taxing bobsleigh ride for kids and families;    the Brockenbahn steam train ride is also a hit with families, as are the region’s numerous fairy-tale trails and adventure parks. 

12. Wernigerode  

Wernigerode is a gorgeous medieval town on the northern edge of the Harz Mountains, and the closest town to the Brocken, the highest peak in the Harz and Northern Germany. It’s one of the most enchanting of the half-timbered towns in Germany, with a beautiful late Gothic town hall (pictured) and a fairytale castle on the hill overlooking the town.  

The town also has a wealth of half-timbered houses, many of which date from around the late 16 th and early 17 th centuries. And don’t miss the Brockenbahn, which offers trips to the summit of the mountain, year-round.

Top Things to See and Do: Wernigerode Castle;.The historic Town Hall and the old town’s timber-framed houses. The Harz Narrow Gauge Railway, which offers trips to the Brocken, the highest peak in the Harz Mountains especially magical in winter. Harz Museum. 

How Much Time Do You Need:  One to three days to explore the town, the castle, and take a day trip on the steam railway the Harz area. 

Best Things to Do with Kids:  The Harz Narrow Gauge Steam Railway; the Miniature Park to see the Harz Mountains region in miniature.  The road train ride up to Schloss Wernigerode is also magical;  Wildlife Park Christianental;

The Wernigeröeder Maerchenweg (aka Fairytale Trail) is a 2.5 km hike that starts at  Hasseröder Ferienpark , with  Rapunzel’s Tower at the end. 

13. Quedlinburg  

Quedlinburg is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe in the beautiful Harz Mountains.   The town is more than 1.000 years old, completely preserved, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with more than 1,200 half-timbered buildings.

The town is on the eastern edge of the Harz Mountains, and even the Communist East German government (known for once blowing up a 13 th -century church to suit its political ends) held Quedlinburg in high regard.

The 12 th -century Collegiate Church of St Servatius is one of the best-preserved Romanesque churches in Germany. It houses the 10 th -century tomb of Henry I the Fowler and his Queen Mathilde, and is also home to one of the oldest tapestries in Europe, dating from the 12 th century.

Don’t miss the town’s exquisite Marktplatz (main square) and the half-timbered houses of the Altstadt (Old Town), particularly along Breite Strasse.

Top Things to See and Do:  E xplore the Old Town’s cobblestone streets, home to over 1200 timber-framed houses. Don’t miss Breite Strasse for its beautiful houses and Schuhhof, the narrowest street leading to the timber-framed houses of Hölle, Pölle, and Stieg.  Quedlinburg Castle (Schloss Quedlinburg) and the Collegiate Church of St. Servatius and the Quedlinburg Treasure.

Nice to see: The oldest half-timbered house in Germany is located at Wordgasse 3 and is now a half-timbered museum;  The Harz Narrow Gauge Railways, for trips into the Harz Mountains. 

How Much Time Do You Need:  One day is enough to explore the town – two to three days if you wish to see more of the Harz Mountains. Check out my guide to the best Things To Do In Quedlinburg for more information.

Best Things to Do with Kids : Take a ride on the Harz Narrow Gauge Railways. 

See Also: The 6 Best Churches in Quedlinburg To Visit

14. Goslar  

Goslar is a stunning town located on the northwestern edge of the Harz Mountains in Lower Saxony.  Goslar’s Old Town is a treasure trove of over a thousand half-timbered houses from various periods, with narrow streets, and charming squares. 

For many, Rothenburg ob der Tauber has become shorthand for ‘historic Germany’ but we think Goslar could stand in for it just as well. Its medieval houses are remarkable – full of amazing detailed carvings, often a little rude and ribald!

The  UNESCO World Heritage Site  on the north-western edge of the Harz Mountains includes not only the Goslar Old Town, the Upper Harz Water Management System but also the  Rammelsberg  ore mine. This is the only mine in the world to have been in continuous operation for over 1,000 years. 

Top things to see and do in Goslar: The Marktplatz ( Market Square), one of the best-preserved medieval squares in Germany, and stroll through the Old Town with its beautiful half-timbered houses.  Explore the Rammelsberg Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Imperial Palace of Goslar.     

See Also: 16 Best Things To Do In Goslar Germany

15. Bautzen  

Bautzen is one of the hidden gems of Eastern Germany.  It’s known to Germans, but the English-speaking world is yet to cotton on. 

This is surprising as it’s got more than a large helping of medieval magic.  Don’t miss the stunning view of the Old Town and its skyline of towers from the bridge above the River Spree. When I first saw it, it reminded me of the Tuscan hilltown of San Gimignano, with its many towers. Bautzen’s old town is every bit as picturesque. 

The town is an hour east of Dresden, and is the capital of the Upper Lusatia region close to the Polish and Czech borders. It’s also the cultural capital of the Sorbs, a minority Western Slavic people living in eastern Saxony. You can discover more about their history in the Sorbian Museum in the grounds of the Ortenburg Castle in the Old Town. 

The name Bautzen had different connotations throughout the history of Communist East Germany. It was home to two of the regime’s most feared prisons, and Bautzen II – now the Bautzen Memorial – was run by the regime’s much-feared secret police, the Stasi.  

Top Things to See and Do in Bautzen:  The medieval town center with its impressive fortifications; Dom St Petri – Bautzen’s unusual ‘double cathedral’ ; Ortenburg Castle. ; The Sorbian Museum showcases the culture and traditions of the Sorbian minority. ; The leaning Reichenturm tower. 

How Much Time Do You Need:   One to two days, perfect for a thorough exploration of the town’s historic and cultural sites. 

Best Things to Do with Kids: Dinosaur Park Kleinwelka, just outside Bautzen, and enjoying outdoor activities at the Bautzen Reservoir. 

See Also: Bautzen Germany – The 10 Best Things To Do   

16. Colditz Castle  

Colditz Castle was off the tourist trail until fairly recent times, just one of a great many medieval castles to Germans I know.  However, it is widely known among aficionados of World War II history in Western Europe and English-speaking countries because of its history as a prison camp during the War. One of my school friends even had an Escape From Colditz board game! 

Colditz served as a camp for captured Allied officers and previous escapees,  and was known as OFLAG-IVC. It was meant to be the most secure prison camp in the Nazi network.  

However, by putting these people together, the Nazis essentially created a brains trust determined to break free of the confines of Colditz. Many did, and it took incredibly ingenious methods to do so, from home-made gliders to tunnels. 

There is an Escape Museum within the castle, documenting these many daring escapes, and also a wider guided tour of the Castle, exploring its history as a POW camp. 

You can also stay in the Castle – part of it now serves as a Youth Hostel. 

How Much Time Do You Need: Half a day to a full day on a day trip from Leipzig. 

17. Chemnitz  

Chemnitz is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Eastern Germany.  In the 19th century, this city at the foot of the Ore Mountains was called the Manchester of Saxony because of its thriving textile industry.  

Like Dresden, the historic centre of Chemnitz was largely destroyed by Allied bombing raids in 1945. However, its fate was very different. There was to be no meticulous rebuild of Chemnitz. Instead, a new city centre was built, with grand large open spaces and modernist buildings.  

It also had a new name foisted upon it. For most of the history of Communist East Germany, it was known as Karl-Marx-Stadt. It had no connection with the political philosopher, but that didn’t matter to the GDR regime. Nor did it to the Soviets, who helped themselves to the city’s tram tracks but gave a monolithic slab of Marx as a gift to the city that then bore his name. 

Chemnitz’s revival has been much slower than Dresden’s, but it’s slowly building. It resumed its old name in 1990, and there are pockets of beauty around the city, including the Art Nouveau houses of the Kassberg district and the splendid Old Town Hall.  In 2025, Chemnitz will be the European Capital of Culture. 

Top Things to See and Do in Chemnitz: Chemnitz Old Town Hall; Majolica Art Nouveau houses; Karl Marx Monument; Natural History Museum; Chemnitz Industrial Museum; Saxon Railway Museum 

How Much Time Do You Need : One day is enough, allow two days if you would like to visit one of the superb Saxon castles nearby (Klaffenbach, Rabenstein, or Kriebstein). 

Best Things to Do with Kids : Visiting the Chemnitz Zoo., Saxon Railway Museum, or Natural History Museum 

Best Places To Visit In Eastern Germany – Final Words

I hope you have enjoyed my guide to the best places to visit in the eastern part of Germany.

If you’re interested in seeing more of the country, check out my guide to the best places to visit in Germany , which covers the entire country. Don’t miss my article on visiting Naumburg Cathedral , a stunning World Heritage-listed church a short distance from Leipzig.

I have written many more guides to different parts of Germany. Take a look at my guide to the best Rhine River Castles to visit, and the accompanying feature on the best Rhine River Towns .

If you’re curious about visiting other cities around Germany, check out my guides to One Day In Nuremberg and One Day in Hamburg for short break ideas.

For even more ideas, check out my Germany Travel Guide .

David Angel is a British photographer, writer and historian. He is a European travel expert with over 30 years’ experience exploring Europe. He has a degree in History from Manchester University, and his work is regularly featured in global media including the BBC, Condé Nast Traveler, The Guardian, The Times, and The Sunday Times.  David is fluent in French and Welsh, and can also converse in Italian, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Czech and Polish.

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We are looking for interesting places to visit during our 30 day rental, have researched Gorlitz to the east but that is about it so far. Thinking of perhaps a circular route from and return to Berlin.Thinking two or three days in each area not wanting to travel every day.

Any advice on sights would be greatly appreciated.

Berlin - Spreewald (rent a canoe) - Bad Muskau - Görlitz - St. Marienthal abbey (Ostritz) - Zittau - Zittau mountains (hiking, beautiful villages) - Obercunnersdorf - Bautzen - Rammenau castle - Stolpen castle - Saxon Switzerland (hiking) - Pirna/maybe Dresden /Meißen - Müglitz valley (several castles, watchmaking in Glashütte) or Freiberg - Seiffen (Christmas village all year round) - Annaberg-Buchholz - Zwickau ( Horch museum) - Weimar - Erfurt - Eisenach (Wartburg castle) - Bad Langensalza - Mühlhausen - Stolberg - Quedlinburg - Halberstadt (cathedral) - Wernigerode - Goslar - Wolfenbüttel - Haldensleben - Tangermünde - Brandenburg - Lehnin abbey - Potsdam

This itinerary looks very busy, but most towns are quite small and can be done in a few hours. The route moreover crosses several mountain ranges; I recommend to stay for a few day in the Zittau mountains, Saxon Switzerland and Harz mountains. The Ore mountains (around Seiffen and Annaberg-Buchholz) aren't that picturesque, but are famous for their culture and traditions (mining, Christmas traditions).

Your problem will be that most guidebooks don't cover this region very well. Whereas many of them describe every village on the Romantic Road, they sometimes don't even mention World Heritage Sites in Eastern or Northern Germany . So, in case you can't find informations about the mentioned places simply ask here.

We loved Bremen - fantastic small city wit plenty to see & do for a few days. If you are beer lovers, check out the tour at Becks Brewery. Head up to Bremerhaven or Wilhelmshaven if you are interested in boats and naval stuff.

Martin's route sounds fantastic.We spent a week in Saxony (mainly) a few summers ago doing most of the places in the first part of the itinerary. We also went to Naumburg (Sachsen-Anhalt) which is a medieval walled town with breathtakingly beautiful figures in the cathedral (that feature in lots of art history books). I visited Erfurt last summer and loved it too.

The Ore Mountains is "Erzgebirge" in German, which is how you may find it in English-language texts too

http://www.saechsische-schweiz.de/en/saxon-switzerland.html

Stayed in Kurort Rathen a few years ago.

A northern route, like Michaela already mentioned, could look like this:

I highly recommend to get a satnav for trips like this and plan in advance. Read on the Internet what each place offers, find parking spots with Google Earth and save them as POIs in your satnav. You can also buy the "ADAC Camping- und Stellplatzführer", a add-on for Garmins, which lists free camp sites. So, if you are like me and love to plan you can also save your spots for the night (and check them on Google Earth) in advance.

We've just been to Poland and there's a lot more of the same kind of thing there (we visited Gdansk, Malbork, Torun, Poznan). It's attractive but I think Görlitz and Erfurt are more spectacular.

"It's attractive but I think Görlitz and Erfurt are more spectacular."

Erfurt more spectacular than e.g. Wismar? Hardly. While I like Erfurt, I always find it but the cathedral a bit bland.

I am with Lynda on this. Erfurt has much more to offer than Wismar, the old town is much larger, more churches/museums, there is the Krämer bridge etc.

The chalk cliffs on Rügen Island are indeed gorgeous, but so is the Bode valley with the rocky patches in the Harz mountains. And the views from Brocken, and so on.

To each their own, I guess.

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• The Best Cities And Towns...

The Best Cities and Towns to Visit in Eastern Germany

Eastern Germany is a source of endless delight for travelers enthusiastic about history, art, and architecture. The opulent cities in this part of the country boast spectacular skylines made of ancient palaces, soaring church towers, medieval fortifications, and many great museums. Alongside these cultural treasures, it is also a paradise for nature lovers. Let’s take a look at the most interesting cities in Eastern Germany.

Dresden is famous for its treasure of art and architecture. An architectural tour of Dresden must include Zwinger (an ensemble of stunning buildings), the neo-Renaissance Royal Palace, the Albertinum with an admirable collection of art, the imposing Cathedral, and the Frauenkirche. Dresden’s countless museums of history, art, automobiles, and more infuse a generous dose of culture into your holiday. Saxon Switzerland National Park is a very popular and easy getaway from Dresden.

The historic city of Leipzig is rather unsung, but has the potential to emerge as one of the most exciting cities in Germany owing to its diverse attractions and vibrant cultural life . The two churches, St. Thomas and St. Nicholas, add a lot of exquisite beauty to Leipzig’s skyline. For an uninterrupted view of the city, climb to the top of the Monument to the Battle of the Nations, which is also a very important landmark in itself.

Bautzen is located on the bank of the River Spree, and is a popular day trip option from Dresden. Bautzen oozes medieval charm and keeps travelers busy with its many attractions, including Ortenburg Castle, Alt Wasserkunst, and St Peter’s Cathedral. If you are traveling with kids, make a stop at Saurierpark Kleinwelka adventure park, which has dinosaur replicas along with climbing ropes, slides, and more.

Potsdam, dubbed the Versailles of Germany , is certainly one of the most stunning cities in all of Europe. After all, it’s hard to beat a UNESCO-listed site with over 150 magnificent pieces of architecture and 500 acres of parkland. The most famous landmark of Potsdam is easily the opulent Sanssouci Palace sitting in a sprawling park. Other sights in Potsdam worth exploring are Neues Palais, Altes Rathaus, Film Museum, Babelsberg , Nauen Gate, Brandenburger Gate, Glienicke Bridge, and Nikolaikirche.

Görlitz, with its stunning Baroque, Renaissance and Gothic architecture, holds immense appeal for architecture lovers. A tour of the architectural wonders of this town would include St Peter and Paul’s Church, St. Marienthal Abbey and Fat Tower. It also has a very well-maintained historic Old Town and several nice museums.

Weimar’s claim to fame lies in the fact that legendary personalities like Luther, Cranach, Bach, Goethe , Schiller and Nietzsche called it home at different times, and for also being the cradle of the Bauhaus Movement. Weimar is also admirably rich in culture, as evident in its series of great museums like Belvedere Palace, Goethe Museum, Bauhaus Museum, Duchess Anna Amalia Library, Castle Museum, Widow’s Palace and the UNESCO-listed Goethe and Schiller Archive, among others.

Zwickau is an offbeat choice, but one that just might surprise you with its unique attractions. For automobile enthusiasts, the August Horch Museum alone is worth the effort of making a stop at Zwickau. Additionally, it doesn’t really take a deep understanding of architecture to be wowed by the charismatic Gothic structure of St. Mary’s Cathedral. In Zwickau, you also get a chance to pay tribute to famous German composer and music critic Robert Schumann at the Robert Schumann Haus. Also, grab the rare chance of watching performing arts at a former gasometer .

Magdeburg, lapped by the Elbe River, holds immense significance in European history, and has witnessed devastating destruction more than once in its lifetime. The most famous landmark of Magdeburg is the highest church in Eastern Germany, the 104-meter-tall (341 ft) Lutheran Cathedral of Saints Catherine and Maurice. The city is also home to Europe’s longest water bridge over water, the Magdeburg Water Bridge, and several other beautiful churches and parks.

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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Travel East Germany

Major cities of east germany.

Martin Deja / Getty Images

• Berlin : Berlin is both the German capital and the biggest city in Germany. After being separated into East and West during the Cold War, Berlin was reunited after the Wall fell in 1989. The city quickly emerged as the third most visited place in Europe and the most cosmopolitan and exciting city in Germany for art, architecture, and nightlife. Berlin Travel Guide Best Free Sights of Berlin Best of Berlin 10 things NOT to do in Berlin
• Dresden : Dresden, 120 miles south of Berlin, is also nicknamed "Florence at the Elbe", thanks to its idyllic location on the banks of the Elbe river and its excellent examples of Baroque architecture and world-class museums. Although 80% of Dresden’s historic center was destroyed in World War II, all important landmarks have been rebuilt to their former splendor. Highlights of Dresden include the Church of Our Lady, the Green Vault and the Semper Opera. Best Things to Do in Dresden
• Beer Gardens in Dresden
• Leipzig : Leipzig, 118 miles southwest of Berlin, has been home to some of Germany’s best-known artists for a long time; Goethe was a student in Leipzig, Bach worked here as a cantor, and today, the New Leipzig school brings fresh wind into the art world with artists such as Neo Rauch. Besides being a center for German art and culture, the city also became famous in Germany’s recent history, when Leipzig demonstrators initiated the peaceful revolution, which lead to the fall of the Berlin Wall. Highlights of Leipzig include the Bach Museum and St. Thomas Church, where the great composer worked as a cantor; the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, one of the oldest symphony orchestras in the world; and Auerbachs Keller, one of the oldest pubs in Germany that Goethe used to visit as a student. Best Things to Do in Leipzi

Minor Cities of East Germany

• Erfurt: Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia, was founded as a Catholic diocese in 742 and became an important trading town in the middle Ages. Filled with historic townhouses, cathedrals, monasteries, and the oldest inhabited bridge in Europe, Erfurt still has the feeling of a medieval university town. It’s best to explore Erfurt’s "Altstadt" (Old Town) with its charming winding streets on foot. One hour away from both Leipzig and Weimar, Erfurt is still an insider tip for many Germany travelers. Best Things to Do in Erfurt
• Weimar : Weimar is the heart of German culture. This city in the East of Germany was home to many of Germany’s artists and thinkers; Goethe, Bach, and Nietzsche, just to name a few, shaped the intellectual zeitgeist of Weimar. The city is also the cradle of the Bauhaus movement, which revolutionized the aesthetics of the 20th century. Best Things to Do in Weimar
• Potsdam : Potsdam is just a quick train ride away from Berlin, and most of the city’s parks and palaces have UNESCO World Heritage status; one of the most famous sites is the rococo palace Sanssouci and its ornate royal park, which is filled with cascading terraces, fountains, and statues. Another must-see for history buffs is Cecilienhof, the site of the Potsdam Conference in 1945, where Stalin, Churchill and Truman decided to divide Germany into different occupation zones. For fans of recent cinema acclaim, visit the real life Bridge of Spies. Best Things to Do in Potsdam
• Wartburg Castle and Eisenach: The Wartburg Castle sits on a steep hill, overlooking the city of Eisenach and the forests of Thuringia; it is one of the oldest and best-preserved Romanesque castles in Germany. Built in 1067, the Wartburg presents over 900 years of German history. The castle became the refuge for the German church reformer Martin Luther, who translated the Bible in only eleven weeks into German. Since 1999, the Wartburg Castle is part of the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Guide to Wartburg Castle

Quintessential Meals in East Germany

You haven't really sampled East German life until you've eaten these seven East German meals. Meat, offals and lots of sausage, this is the tastiest way to take a bite out of DDR Ostalgie (nostalgia for East Germany).

Must haves:

• Spreewald Pickle
• Königsberger Klopse
• A selection of sausage from Ketwurst to Grützwurst

Products that Survived Reunification

Walking around modern Germany, you may have no idea that Ostprodukte (products from East Germany) are all around you. Reunification has proved a rocky road with many West German companies taking over from their eastern counterparts, but a few select products have toughed out the integration phase and made it to nationwide prominence in the 21st century. Watch out for Trabants on the street, the cheery Ampelmännchen telling you to cross and Rotkäppchen ( Sekt - sparkling wine) to celebrate the best of both sides of Germany.

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Sights to see in Berlin – The best places in East Berlin

• Gepostet am 8. November 2020
• last updated 31. October 2023
• , in: East Germany

Table of content

Berlin is one of the most dynamic metropolises in the world and has undergone a breathtaking transformation in recent years. This is true not only for the West, but especially for the East of the city, the former capital of the GDR. Since we at Wild East are focused on the East, we naturally present only the most beautiful East Berlin sights in keeping with the style. In addition to the many historic sites, some new ones have been added in the years since German reunification. Today we want to introduce you to the most important old and new sights to see in Berlin and take you on a trip to the capital. If you are interested in practical information about Berlin, you can find important tips for your trip here.

These are the top 15 Sights to see in Berlin

Alexanderplatz with TV tower

The “Alex” is one of the busiest squares in Berlin. Alfred Döblin set a literary monument to the former parade ground in 1929 with his book “Berlin Alexanderplatz,” capturing the feeling of life in Berlin in the 1920s like perhaps no other book. At the time, cabarets and modern department stores dominated the scene and attracted people from all over Germany. During World War II, the square and surrounding buildings were heavily destroyed.

World time clock and central square with hooker brooch

After the war, the GDR government decided to redesign the square on a large scale. A Centrum department store was built, but also the Fountain of Friendship between Peoples, known by Berliners as “Nuttenbrosche,” (“Hookers Brooch”) and the famous World Time Clock, today one of the city’s most popular meeting places. The Teacher’s House with its huge frieze showing various everyday scenes of GDR citizens also dates from that time. As you can see, there is a lot going on at the “Alex”!

Berlin TV Tower

The absolute eye-catcher, however, is the TV tower, which officially no longer belongs to the “Alex”. The “Telespargel” (“Television Asparagus”) is the highest building in the city. In the restaurant at a height of 200 meters you have the best view of the capital and do not even have to move for the panoramic view, because the restaurant circles around within 30 minutes! One floor below you can also enjoy a fabulous view of Berlin from the viewing gallery.

East Side Gallery

Not much is left of the Wall in Berlin – fortunately. The East Side Wall between Ostbahnhof and Oberbaumbrücke used to shield parts of Friedrichshain from neighboring Kreuzberg. In the spring of 1990, parts of the Wall were torn down.

At the East Side Gallery, it was decided to invite artists and let them create something to mark this historic event. 118 artists from 21 countries came. The result was what is now the largest open-air gallery in the world. Some of the artworks today stand iconically not only for the East Side Gallery, but as advertisements for the city of Berlin. Among the most famous and beautiful works are Dmitri Wrubel’s “My God, Help Me Survive This Fatal Love,” featuring the brotherly kiss of Honecker and Brezhnev, and Birgit Kinder’s “Test the Best.”

Holocaust Memorial

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe has been commemorating the Jews killed by the Germans in the Holocaust since 2005. Until 1989, the area had served as part of the Berlin Wall. But since a central memorial was to commemorate the Shoah, the area not far from the Brandenburg Gate was chosen for it. There are now a total of 2711 concrete steles here of varying heights. Walking through them, one gets the feeling of walking into a labyrinth and almost being crushed by the cold concrete steles. The monument is one of the most impressive memorials and its composition is truly unique. Visiting this place is free of charge and there is also an exhibition under the memorial.

Karl-Marx-Allee

Built as Stalinallee in the early 1950s, today’s Karl-Marx-Allee is the largest continuous ensemble of buildings of socialist architecture in Berlin. This showcase street was meant to display the most modern and best buildings of the GDR. And indeed, it is a microcosm of GDR architecture. For even though the street was originally built in the style of Stalinist neoclassicism, there are also very functional and modern-looking buildings to be seen here. Among the most beautiful are Café Moskau, Kino International and Kino Kosmos, as well as the buildings around Strausberger Platz. Along the street there are many information boards that inform about the history and architecture.

The RAW site is located not far from the East Side Gallery and the Warschauer Straße S-Bahn and U-Bahn station in Friedrichshain. The former Reichsbahn repair works is now the largest cultural area in the city. There are countless bars and clubs here. Even a skate hall, a climbing tower and a swimming pool can be found here. On weekends, when Corona is not spoiling your fun, thousands of people pass through here. Food stalls feed the hungry mob. Flea markets are held frequently. Many buildings were designed by artists or are painted with graffiti.

Brandenburg Gate

Like hardly any other building, the Brandenburg Gate is so closely associated with German division and reunification. It stands at the end of East Berlin’s boulevard Unter den Linden and was built at the end of the 18th century in the style of classicism. The Quadriga, a bronze figure depicting Victoria, the goddess of victory, and her team of four horses, crowns the gate and is one of the city’s most popular photo motifs. This area of Berlin was also heavily destroyed during the war.

The rulers had only the Brandenburg Gate rebuilt. From 1961, the Berlin Wall ran directly behind the gate, making the Brandenburg Gate a symbol of the divided city. This tourist hotspot of Berlin should not be missing on our list of the most important sights to see in Berlin’s East.

Hackesche Höfe and Haus Schwarzenberg

At the beginning of the 20th century, several residential quarters were built west of Alexanderplatz. So far, so ordinary. But the Hackesche Höfe pursued a revolutionary concept: Germany’s largest residential and commercial courtyard complex at the time was planned for workers. They were not to be merely colorless tenements, but had heating and indoor toilets. They were also surrounded by green spaces, allowing a comfortable living on a budget. In 1997, the Hackesche Höfe were extensively renovated and have since been restored to their former glory. Today you can spend hours in the many restaurants, galleries and artists’ studios and then marvel at the impressive colorful facades. Next door is the Schwarzenberg House with a lot of street art.

Museum Island

A kind of “city within the city”, picturesquely surrounded by the Spree and Spree Canal, is located in the heart of the former capital of the GDR. Here you can find the most important museums in Germany. No matter what kind of art you are interested in, you will definitely not get bored here! There is so much to see here that you can probably only visit two museums in one day, but you could also easily spend days in just one of the houses. And if you want to relax, you can do so in the Lustgarten, which was originally designed by Peter Joseph Lenné and is now used by countless couples as a seating area in the summer.

The Old Museum (Altes Museum) was one of the first public museums in the country and has been delighting its visitors since 1830. Here you can see numerous ancient works of art, sculptures, vases and much more. Architecturally, the Old Museum also knows how to convince. The legendary Prussian master builder Karl Friedrich Schinkel was responsible for its construction. “There’s a Schinkel in every corner” is what people like to say about Berlin. The Altes Museum, with its portico perfectly echoing the ancient museum theme, is definitely one of the most beautiful of them all.

Where there is an Old Museum, there must of course also be a New Museum (Neues Museum). It was opened ten years after the Old Museum and was heavily destroyed during the Second World War. Restoration began shortly before the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the New Museum was officially opened in 2009. It is not modern art that is exhibited here, but the museum is home to the world-famous bust of Nefertiti. The mysterious beauty is one of the most important museum exhibits in Germany. In addition, you will find numerous other exhibits from ancient Egypt.

Pergamon Museum

You haven’t had enough of the ancient world yet? Then go to the Pergamon Museum . It was only built in the 20th century and shows Middle Eastern and Islamic art. The star of the exhibition is the famous Pergamon Altar, to which the museum owes its name. It was designed around 170 BC in what is now Turkey, and its detailed friezes are still in remarkable condition. To keep it that way, the altar will be restored until 2024. Until then, you can view a 3D model of the altar here .

Bode Museum

The Bode Museum , a historicist building, has captured the most beautiful spot on Museum Island. It stands on the northern tip of the island and can thus be seen from afar. Here you can admire the largest collection of sculptures in Europe, but you will also find many other works of art, mainly from the years 800 to 1800. The attached coin collection and the Byzantine Museum are also worth a visit.

Old National Gallery

The Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery) marks the end of our excursion to Museum Island. Just like the New Museum, the National Gallery was designed by Friedrich August Stüler, a student of Schinkel. The Alte Nationalgalerie reminds me a bit of an ancient temple and indeed it is a real temple of art, where you can marvel at countless paintings from the 19th and early 20th century.

Berlin Cathedral

The monumental Berlin Cathedral made of granite and sandstone is one of the largest Protestant churches in Germany. At the beginning of the 20th century, the house of worship was built at the behest of the emperor, this time Schinkel and Stüler were allowed to lend a hand together. Here you can admire not only the largest organ in Germany, but also those of some important representatives of the Hohenzollern family, because the church was built as the central burial place of the ruling dynasty, which provided not only the Prussian kings, but from 1871 also the German emperors.

Over a hundred coffins can be found here in the underground of the church. Our tip: Here you can download a free audio guide to the church. And if you don’t have time to visit the church, you can at least take a virtual tour there.

Gardens of the World

The Berlin district of Marzahn-Hellersdorf is not exactly an area that would attract a particularly large number of tourists. To mark the 750th anniversary of the city, a park was opened here that functioned under the name Berliner Gartenschau. But the biggest boost to the nearly 100-hectare site came when Berlin won the bid to host the 2017 International Garden Show, which was a huge success. The name Gardens of the World says it all. You can stroll through Chinese, Japanese, Balinese, Oriental and Korean garden landscapes here and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the manicured grounds. Or you can take a ride on the cable car to the Kienberg. Yes, you heard me right, this is also possible in East Berlin.

Rotes Rathaus

Rotes Rathaus (“Red City Hall”) is the seat of Berlin’s ruling mayor and was designed precisely for this purpose shortly before the founding of the Reich, coincidentally on the site where Berlin’s city hall already stood in the Middle Ages, as was discovered a few years ago during the construction of the U5 extension. The name refers not to the fact that the GDR bigwigs once guided the city’s fortunes here, but to the red brick facade. The Second World War also brought severe destruction here, but the reconstruction was closely oriented to the original building. Since it is a public building, you can stroll through the magnificent halls of the town hall today without being disturbed, and you don’t even have to pay an entrance fee.

Oberbaum Bridge

Speaking of beautiful red buildings: The Oberbaum Bridge is also a popular photo object and connects the south with the north bank of the Spree not far from the East Side Gallery. At the end of the 19th century, under the then Berlin building council Otto Stahn, the building, executed by the Siemens company, was erected in the neo-Gothic style, bringing a little medieval flair to this modern part of the city. In 1902, the first Berlin subway (today’s U1) was already running here on the bridge. You can explore the Oberbaumbrücke quite comfortably by strolling through the arcade, which looks like a medieval cloister.

Müggel Tower

Had enough of the hustle and bustle of the capital? The Berlin district of Köpenick is still part of Berlin, but seems more like a small town. It is Here you will find an observation tower built in the early 1960s on the edge of Müggelsee. Here on the Müggelberg there was already a tower from 1880, but it burned down during renovation works in the 1950s.

A new tower was needed and the result can still be seen today. Designed by students and financed by the people of Berlin, among others, a building was created that was not oriented towards the Socialist Realism style that had prevailed until then, but in a sense represented Berlin’s departure into modernity. The chic reinforced concrete building with its wide window fronts still offers a great view over the Müggelsee, the Müggelberge and the Langer See. Currently, another tower is planned to be connected with the old Müggel Tower.

Nikolaiviertel

This is literally where it all began: the Nikolai Quarter (Nikolaiviertel) in the Mitte district was the historic first part of Berlin to be settled. The quarter was almost completely bombed out during the Second World War. For a long time, it was difficult to develop a stringent development plan for this part of the city, but just in time for the 750th city anniversary in 1987, the time had come. The historic buildings Ephraim-Palais and Knoblauchhaus were joined by several prefabricated buildings that recall the historic heritage of this place and create a mix of styles that is as peculiar as it is worth seeing.

In the center of the quarter stands the Nikolaikirche, which you can’t tell that it only dates back to the 1980s in this form and which builds a structural bridge between the church from the 13th century that once stood here and its rebuildings in the 19th century. The quarter is therefore something for architecture fans and explorers and must not be missing from our list of the most important sights to see in Berlin.

Berlin Wall Memorial

Die Berliner Mauer trennte zwischen ihrer Errichtung 1961 und ihrem Fall 1989 nicht nur die westlichBetween its erection in 1961 and its fall in 1989, the Berlin Wall not only separated the western sectors from the capital of the GDR, but also became a symbol of the Cold War and the division of Europe. Many people lost their lives in the desperate attempt to overcome it and flee the GDR. Only parts of the Wall remain today. Sometimes they serve as a huge open-air art gallery, like the East Side Gallery, but here a different approach is taken.en Sektoren von der Hauptstadt der DDR, sondern wurde zum Sinnbild des Kalten Krieges und der Teilung Europas. Viele Menschen kamen bei dem verzweifelten Versuch, sie zu überwinden und aus der DDR zu fliehen, ums Leben. Von der Mauer sind heute nur noch Teile erhalten. Mal dienen sie wie die East Side Gallery als riesige Freiluft-Kunstgalerie, hier wird aber ein anderer Ansatz gewählt.

The Berlin Wall Memorial is the central place of remembrance for the division of Germany and the deaths at the Wall. Here, the history of the Wall is told in an exemplary way and you can get an impression of the former border fortifications that are still well preserved here. Definitely one of the most impressive experiences of your Berlin visit!

Book recommendations

You want to more information about Berlin? Then maybe our book tips on the subject will help you.

• Schulte-Peevers, Andrea (Author)

Classic tour guide about the city with all the practical information you need for your Berlin trip.

• Bennet Schulte (Author)

The bilingual book leads to the Berlin Wall sights and memorials.

• Orders are despatched from our UK warehouse next working day.
• MacLean, Rory (Author)

Great overview of Berlin’s history with a completely unusual approach

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A critically acclaimed biography of the Checkpoint Charlie and the division of the city

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Markus Bingel

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Have fun driving through the countryside and take in the beautiful landscapes of East Germany

When it comes to exploring the beautiful landscapes of East Germany, there's no better way to do it than by hitting the open road and experiencing it firsthand. Driving through the countryside not only allows you to take in the stunning scenery at your own pace, but it also gives you the chance to stumble upon hidden gems that you may have missed otherwise. From rolling hills to lush forests, East Germany's natural beauty is truly breathtaking. So, grab some snacks, hop in the car, and get ready for an adventure that you won't soon forget!

Stop by quaint towns along the way and explore the local culture and traditions

If you're looking for a way to slow down and soak in the local flavor, stopping by quaint towns along the way is just the ticket. Small towns are known for their charming architecture and homespun vibes, so why not explore the local culture and traditions? Take your time meandering through the streets, sampling local cuisine, and chatting with the locals. You might be surprised by what you discover - a hidden antique shop, a tucked-away art gallery, or a fascinating historical site.

The Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary around East Germany

Visit historical sites such as the brandenburg gate or the berlin wall memorial.

READ > Exploring the Beauty of Berlin: Top Tourist Attractions

If you're looking for a trip that's both fun and educational, why not take a tour of historical sites in Berlin? Not only will you get to see iconic landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall memorial, but you'll also learn about the rich history of the city. There's something special about standing in front of a monument or walking through a building that has witnessed decades, even centuries, of events and change. And hey, you might even impress your friends with some cool trivia tidbits when you get back home. So grab your camera and your comfy shoes, it's time to explore Berlin!

Check out a wonder of engineering at Niederfinow

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Visiting the Niederfinow boat lift is a must for anyone looking to explore the wonders of engineering in East Germany. Located just outside Berlin, this site is one of Europe's oldest and most impressive canal systems with a unique boat lift that allows vessels to pass between two different levels on the Oder River. This ingenious piece of technology has been operating since 1934, and it continues to fascinate visitors from all over the world. Whether you're an experienced traveler or just starting out, visiting Niederfinow will provide you with an unforgettable experience as you watch boats ascend effortlessly from one level to another!

Take a day trip to beautiful Sanssouci Palace

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If you're looking for a day trip that will take your breath away, then look no further than Sanssouci Palace. Located in the heart of East Germany and surrounded by lush gardens, this former summer residence of King Frederick II is truly a sight to behold. From the magnificent architecture to its intricate carvings and sculptures, every detail has been carefully crafted with great attention to detail. Take a stroll through the palace grounds and marvel at its grandeur – from beautiful fountains to stunning views of the surrounding nature reserve – it's easy to see why Sanssouci Palace remains one of East Germany's most popular tourist attractions.

Go as East as you can in Germany and visit Görlitz

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Görlitz, located in eastern Germany, is a charming city that offers visitors a unique look into the country's history and culture. From its stunning architecture to its vibrant streets filled with cafes and boutiques, Görlitz has something for everyone. Whether you're looking for an educational experience or simply want to take in the sights, Görlitz is sure to captivate and delight. Make sure you soak up the history at Görlitz Castle, marvel at the grand Baroque Town Hall, and explore the cobbled streets of its Altstadt (Old Town).

Dresden is the second largest city on the River Elbe after Hamburg

Dresden is a beautiful city in East Germany that offers visitors an array of fascinating sites to explore. Located on the River Elbe, it is the second largest city after Hamburg and its historic center has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From stunning baroque architecture to vibrant art galleries and museums, Dresden's attractions are truly remarkable. For those looking for a unique experience, be sure to visit Zwinger Palace with its lush gardens and impressive fountains or take a stroll along the banks of the river for some breathtaking views. Other must-see sights include Frauenkirche Church, Semperoper Opera House, and Dresden Castle – all of which provide insight into this amazing city’s rich cultural heritage. With so much to offer, it's no wonder why Dresden remains one of East Germany's most popular tourist destinations!

Meissen, the "cradle of Saxony"

Meissen, located in East Germany near Dresden, is a city steeped in history and tradition. Known as the "cradle of Saxony", Meissen has been home to some of the most important events that helped shape German culture for centuries. From its stunning Gothic architecture to its picturesque riverbanks, this historic city offers visitors plenty of attractions to explore. Whether you're looking for an educational experience or simply want to take in the sights, Meissen will surely captivate and delight. Some must-see sites include Albrechtsburg Castle – one of Europe's oldest castles – and Stadtkirche Church with its magnificent stained glass windows and intricate carvings. Other notable attractions include Augustusburg Palace which houses incredible works by renowned artists such as Rembrandt and Rubens; Frauenkirche Cathedral; Historisches Museum der Stadt Meissen where you can learn about local history; and Zwinger Palace with its beautiful gardens and impressive fountains - all making it easy to see why Meissen remains a popular destination among tourists visiting East Germany!

Leipzig, biggest city of Saxony

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Leipzig , the largest city in Saxony, is a vibrant hub of culture and history. From its stunning Baroque architecture to its bustling music scene and charming cobblestone streets, Leipzig offers something for everyone. Be sure to visit St Thomas Church where Bach himself once performed; stroll through Augustusplatz with its impressive monuments; explore the Old Town Hall which houses a wealth of artifacts; enjoy one of Europe's oldest zoos at Tiergarten Leipzig ; or soak up some local history at Nikolaikirche – all making it easy to see why Leipzig remains one of East Germany's most popular tourist destinations! READ MORE >

Erfurt, Germany

Erfurt, Germany is a beautiful city filled with history and culture. Located in the heart of East Germany, Erfurt is home to many stunning monuments and attractions that are sure to captivate any visitor. From its ancient cathedral and churches to the 14th century Town Hall, there's plenty to explore here! The city also boasts some of the best shopping opportunities in all of Europe with its numerous boutiques and markets. And for those looking for an educational experience, be sure to visit the University of Erfurt which dates back over 600 years! With so much on offer, it's no wonder why Erfurt remains one of East Germany's most popular holiday destinations.

Check out some Wagner Opera in Bayreuth

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Bayreuth, Germany is the perfect destination for a holiday of culture and music. Home to the annual Bayreuth Festival, this city offers visitors a chance to experience some of the most renowned operas by 19th-century German composer Richard Wagner. Whether you’re looking for a unique educational experience or simply want to take in some stunning performances, Bayreuth has something for everyone. With its vibrant atmosphere and fascinating sights such as Margravial Opera House – which dates back to 1748 – it's no wonder why so many people choose Bayreuth as their next holiday destination!

Take the ultimate road trip in East Germany

An ultimate road trip in East Germany offers an exciting and unique experience. Getting away from the hustle and bustle of life and journeying through breathtaking scenery takes travelers on a journey like none other. Taking the time to visit some of Germany’s beautiful historical sites is a great way to learn about the rich culture of this amazing country. Exploring quaint towns, sampling local food and drinks, and spending time in big cities make this road trip one that won’t soon be forgotten. With proper preparation and planning, you can have an unforgettable adventure that will leave you with lasting memories for years to come!

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• 1 Riga, Latvia
• 2 The Albanian Riviera
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• 5 Kraków, Poland
• 6 The Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
• 7 Bay of Kotor, Montenegro
• 8 Hungary's Wine Country
• 9 Tatra Mountains, Slovakia

9 Incredible Places to See in Eastern Europe

London, Paris, Rome. If you’ve exhausted all of your traditional options for a European vacation, it’s time to look farther east. The countries that make up the continent’s former Soviet bloc are ripe with undiscovered gems, from untouched wilderness and age-old wonders to picturesque beaches and genuinely cool cultural capitals. Here are nine must-see places in Eastern Europe that will inspire wanderlust—and, perhaps, your next trip.

Jen has been a staff editor at Architectural Digest, Travel + Leisure, and Martha Stewart Weddings, and her work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Afar, and Elle Decor. When she's not snowmobiling in the French Alps or tasting scotch straight from the barrel in Scotland, she's at home in Brooklyn with her husband and daughter.

See recent posts by Jennifer Fernandez

Riga, Latvia

With the largest collection of Art Nouveau architecture in the world, the Latvian capital is a culture buff’s dream. You can see nearly 800 examples of the style, from Jugendstil structures adorned with goddesses and gargoyles to pastel facades with gingerbread trim, on a walking tour of the cobblestoned lanes in Old Town. Soak up some of that atmosphere three blocks away at the conveniently located Hotel Bergs , a 38-room hotel housed within two 1895 structures that are a stone’s throw from some of Riga’s trendiest restaurants and coffee shops. Don’t miss Innocent Café, a neighborhood favorite just around the corner.

The Albanian Riviera

Blink and you might mistake the umbrella-studded strands of Albania’s Ionian shoreline for the South of France or Italy’s Amalfi coast, with one key difference: the so-called Albanian Riviera remains an under-the-radar destination for beach fiends looking to skip the crowds—and hefty price tags. Start your tour in Sarandë, the region’s unofficial capital, which is home to a 16th-century castle and fifth-century synagogue as well as a beautiful beach. Next, venture to lesser-known hideaways like Ksamil , near the Greek border; Borsh , a quiet swath backed by hills littered with olive groves; and the village of Himarë , where Jal beach’s Soleil Village offers views of turquoise waters and the Mediterranean-style beach resort Folie Marine .

Dubrovnik, Croatia

There’s a good chance you’ve already seen the stone alleys and medieval fortifications of Dubrovnik on the small screen: the walled city is a stand in for King’s Landing on Game of Thrones. In person, the sites are even more breathtaking. Old Town is full of shops that sell traditional lace and embroidery crafts, but if you’re looking for a break from the bustle, head to Trsteno Arboretum , a Renaissance garden that houses exotic plants and trees. Late, rest aching feet at Hotel Excelsior , a grand dame that has hosted the likes of Queen Elizabeth II and Elizabeth Taylor and claims a private beach overlooking the Adriatic.

RELATED: The Best of Dubrovnik and the Dalmatian Coast

Lake Bled, Slovenia

A 40-minute drive through scenic switchbacks takes you from the cobblestone lanes of Ljubljana to the craggy shores of Lake Bled, a serene retreat that looks straight out of a fairytale. Backed by the Julian Alps, the setting is the portrait of Tyrolean splendor, with a medieval castle hugging the cliffs and a picturesque church on a tiny island at its center. Honeymooners and romantics make Vila Bled Hotel their base, but there’s also plenty for adventurous types to enjoy. Put on your hiking boots to wander the forested trails in Triglav National Park , or view Slovenia’s largest waterfall at Vintgar Gorge .

Kraków, Poland

Often overlooked for Warsaw, Poland’s second city is also one of its oldest, with a historic center that rivals many in Western Europe. St. Mary’s Gothic basilica looms over the continent’s largest square, as well as atmospheric cobblestone streets and medieval structures that date to the 13th century. Walk south to see the Italian Renaissance paintings at Wawel Castle , the former royal residence that was converted into a museum in the 1930s. Just outside town, the Wieliczka Salt Mines feature subterranean lakes and quirky salt sculptures, while the ruins of Auschwitz and Plaszów serve as reminders of the country’s Holocaust history.

The Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Croatia’s oldest national park is also one of its most stunning, a collection of 16 pristine waterfalls that cascade into a series of emerald lakes and pools. Wooden walkways let you explore them all—go in the fall to avoid rubbing elbows with the park’s 15,000 visitors—as well as hike through the dense forest that surrounds the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s an easy day trip from Zagreb, the Croatian capital, where you’ll find the Esplanade hotel , an Art Deco gem that was built in 1925 and has hosted the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Sophia Loren, and Orson Welles. Drop your bags, then head to the buzzing restaurants and cafés on Tkalčića Street.

RELATED: 9 Most Photogenic Places in Europe

Bay of Kotor, Montenegro

While Croatia has claimed all of the tourism glory over the last decade, the pink-sand beaches and ancient villages of Montenegro have gone virtually unnoticed. Head to the Bay of Kotor to see some of the country’s best sights, from primeval mountains and forests to cobalt waters and a bevy of postcard-perfect architecture. At the foot of Mount Lovcen, Kotor is a 2,000-year-old town with traditional terra cotta roofs, centuries-old Venetian palazzos, and historic walls. A 15-minute drive north, tiny Perast adds to that list impressive ruins and churches, two of which are located on islands just off the coast. And flashy Tivat is an old naval base that was recently converted into a yacht-studded marina straight out of Monaco—with the people-watching to match.

Hungary's Wine Country

While European wine enthusiasts continue to make pilgrimages to the meccas of Italy, France, and Spain, in-the-know oenophiles now add Hungary’s grape-producing regions to their itinerary. Just a two-hour train ride from Budapest, Eger is a tiny village with cobblestone streets and a 13th-century castle, but it’s also known for producing dark red Egri Bikavér (bull’s blood). Sample local favorites in the cellars that dot the nearby Valley of the Beautiful Women before dropping your bags at Grof Degenfeld Castle Hotel and venturing farther east on your way to Tokaj , an area known for its sweet azsu wines.

Tatra Mountains, Slovakia

If steep prices have shut you out of the Alps or Dolomites this ski season, consider the less-trammeled slopes of Slovakia’s Tatra Mountains , in the Carpathian range. True, it will never rival the glitzy boltholes of Gstaad or Megève, but Jasna, a small resort in the Low Tatras, features modern lifts, well-groomed terrain, and 26 miles of trails fringed with snow-capped pines, not to mention open runs free of gaggles of tourists. You’ll find something closer to the Tyrolean ideal at Grandhotel Kempinski , in the Stary Smokovec section of the High Tatras. Visitors who prefer the summer months have their run of alpine meadows, caves, and ancient pine forests in four of Slovakia’s nine national parks.

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