Train moving on a bridge in Berlin city near Originals Hotels

Travel Guide of East Germany

East Germany is a delightful place to visit, especially if you have only been to western or southern Germany before. Our hoteliers guarantee that it has a very different feel from much of the rest of Germany. Brandenburg, Thuringia, Saxony-Anhalt, Saxony and Mecklenburg-West Pomerania make up this part of the country and there is plenty to attract tourists whether you prefer bustling cities or a more quiet pace of life in the countryside. From the Elbe Sandstone Mountains to the fast-moving cities of Berlin and Leipzig, this part of Germany has something for everyone. Enjoy the travel guide of the Originals, Human Hotels & Resorts and discover all the attractions and things to do in East Germany.

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East Germany: The best cities

Dresden

Altstadt, (the old town) on one side. Neustadt, (the new city) on the other. Between the two, the Elbe. Dresden, the capital of Saxony in the far east of Germany is today a grand and peaceful city, a world away from the ruins of 1945 when 90% of the city was razed to the ground by the end of World War II.

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Some dialect German is spoken Some dialect German is spoken in this part of the country, especially in Saxony, so don't be put off if you cannot understand since most locals will switch to standard German when interacting with tourists.

The Harz Mountains The Harz Mountains are loved by many Germans for hiking in. This part of Saxony-Anhalt is beautiful but do take care to stick to the marked pathways.

The Oder-Neisse Bike Trail The Oder-Neisse Bike Trail is a really great way of exploring much of the region on two wheels and a highly recommended activity even if you are not a frequent cyclist.

The Jahrtausendturm The Jahrtausendturm, or Millennium Tower, in Magdeburg attracts thousands of visitors each year and it has a fascinating exhibition space.

Brandenburg state The state of Brandenburg has much more to offer than just Berlin itself. Try going to the Lower Oder Valley National Park where there are no less than three different UNESCO biosphere reserves.

Transports in East Germany

Getting around East Germany is easy. Its roads are well organised and in good condition. If you are relying on public transport, then the rail service is usually on time and offers a good choice of inter-city as well as stopping services. The inter-city bus network will only connect you to the major population centres.

When to go to East Germany

Regional urban centres, like Herzberg or Brandenburg an der Havel, are great places to come in the run-up to Christmas because their festive markets feel like the 'real thing' compared to the upscale ones in the big cities. A large outdoor music festival takes place in Potsdam in the summer, usually in late June. Leipzig stages festivals dedicated to Schumann and Bach each summer and there is also a jazz music festival that takes place in the city every October.

What to do in East Germany ?

East Germany has a good number of activities that will keep visitors entertained during their stay. Our hoteliers has prepared some recommendations to not miss out what to do and to see.

DRESDEN

The city of Dresden is full of museums but it also has a number of comedy clubs that offer sometimes bawdy entertainment in the evenings.

ESCAPE ROOMS

If you like to work out how to escape from an enclosed space for fun, then the city of Halle has plenty of different escape room experiences to choose from.

BERLIN

Berlin is a superb city by night but during the day, why not explore it on a Segway tour? These vehicles offer an ideal chance to see the city from a new perspective.

The best restaurants in East Germany

There are many great restaurants in East Germany to choose from.

Rostock

Borwin Hafenrestaurant, à Rostock

An excellent fish restaurant located on the waterfront. In a pleasant traditional setting, taste the Baltic fish, especially fried fish.

Schwerin

La Bouche

In an authentic and cosy setting, that of a real small bistro, taste an unpretentious Mediterranean cuisine.

Berlin-Grunewald

Frühsammers Restaurant

It is in a strange red villa with classic elegance that you will discover an original menu and delicious dishes.

Leipzig

Stadtpfeiffer

Petra Schlegel and chef Detlef Schlegel offer you a classic, refined and harmonious cuisine. All this in a very pleasant setting.

Erfurt

Clara – Restaurant im Kaisersaal

An elegant restaurant that offers modern cuisine, refined dishes and a cooking school.