For the purposes of our website, we use Eastern Germany in a broadly historical sense, bringing together destinations that formed part of the former German Democratic Republic. Their history and development during the decades of division have helped give many of these places a character that is distinct from western Germany, while reunification has transformed their cities, infrastructure and visitor experience.
Today, the region offers a fascinating mix of historic cities, cultural heritage, elegant palaces, beautiful landscapes and places connected with some of the most important chapters in German history.
The region includes destinations such as Weimar, renowned for its literary and cultural heritage; Eisenach, associated with Martin Luther and Johann Sebastian Bach; and Erfurt, with its beautifully preserved medieval centre. Potsdam, just outside Berlin, is famous for its palaces and gardens and makes an excellent addition to a wider stay in the capital.
Further north, Schwerin is known for its striking castle and attractive lakeside setting, while Rostock and Warnemünde combine the atmosphere of a historic Hanseatic city with the appeal of the Baltic coast.
The contrast between centuries-old heritage, the legacy of Germany’s division and the changes that have taken place since reunification adds another dimension to travelling through this part of the country. Alongside its history and architecture, visitors will find attractive towns, varied landscapes and many places still less familiar to British travellers than Germany’s best-known destinations.
The destinations featured below are just a selection of the places that can form part of a tailor-made holiday in Eastern Germany.
If you already have a particular town, area or experience in mind that is not featured here, Travel without Borders can help you plan a personalised itinerary that incorporates it.
