East Germany And West Germany Map: Your Ultimate Travel Guide
If you’re planning a trip to Germany, don’t forget to explore its former division: East and West Germany. This travel guide will help you discover the best of both worlds.
Top Attractions
East Germany is home to the stunning city of Berlin, where you can visit the iconic Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall, and the Reichstag building. In West Germany, you can explore the charming city of Cologne, where you can see the Cologne Cathedral, the Museum Ludwig, and the Hohenzollern Bridge.
Hidden Gems
For a unique experience, head to the Spreewald in East Germany, where you can paddle through a maze of canals and visit quaint villages. In West Germany, check out the picturesque town of Monschau, which is known for its half-timbered houses and narrow streets.
Food Scene
East Germany is famous for its hearty cuisine, such as schnitzel, sausages, and potato dishes. In West Germany, you can try the local specialty of Cologne: Kölsch beer and Kölsch-style cuisine.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Germany can be expensive, but you can save money by using public transportation, staying in hostels, and eating street food. Many museums and attractions also offer free admission on certain days or times.
Outdoor Adventures
Both East and West Germany offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and skiing in the mountains. You can also explore the national parks and nature reserves, such as the Harz National Park in East Germany and the Eifel National Park in West Germany.
Historical Landmarks
Both sides of Germany have a rich history, and you can visit many landmarks that tell the story of the country, such as the Berlin Wall, the Checkpoint Charlie Museum, and the Wartburg Castle in East Germany, and the Neuschwanstein Castle, the Heidelberg Castle, and the Nuremberg Castle in West Germany.
Family-Friendly Activities
Germany is a great destination for families, with many museums, zoos, and amusement parks to choose from. East Germany has the Berlin Zoo, the Potsdam Park Sanssouci, and the Tropical Islands Resort, while West Germany has the Phantasialand theme park, the Europa-Park, and the Playmobil FunPark.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
For a unique experience, you can visit the abandoned city of Pripyat in Ukraine, which was evacuated after the Chernobyl disaster. You can also explore the underground tunnels of the Bunker Valentin in Bremen, which was built during World War II.
Natural Wonders
Germany has many stunning natural wonders, such as the Königssee in Bavaria, the Lake Constance in Baden-Württemberg, and the Rugen cliffs in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
Vibrant Nightlife
Both East and West Germany have a vibrant nightlife, with many bars, clubs, and music venues to choose from. Berlin is known for its techno clubs, while Hamburg has a lively music scene and Cologne is famous for its carnival celebrations.
Local Markets
Germany has many local markets where you can buy fresh produce, artisanal products, and souvenirs. East Germany has the Leipzig Christmas Market, the Dresden Striezelmarkt, and the Rostock Christmas Market, while West Germany has the Cologne Christmas Market, the Frankfurt Christmas Market, and the Munich Christmas Market.
Beaches and Mountains
Germany has both beaches and mountains, so you can choose your preferred scenery. East Germany has the Baltic Sea coast, where you can visit the beach resorts of Binz and Kühlungsborn, while West Germany has the North Sea coast, where you can explore the Wadden Sea National Park. In the mountains, you can visit the Bavarian Alps in the south or the Harz Mountains in the north.
Cultural Immersion
Germany has a rich cultural heritage, and you can immerse yourself in its traditions and customs. East Germany has the Bauhaus movement, the Luther Trail, and the Potsdam Film Museum, while West Germany has the Romantic Road, the Castle Road, and the Frankfurt Book Fair.
Art and Music Scene
Germany is a hub for art and music, with many museums and concert halls to visit. East Germany has the Museum Island in Berlin, the Weimar Classicism, and the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, while West Germany has the Museum Ludwig in Cologne, the Bayreuth Festival, and the Frankfurt Opera.
Walking Tours
Walking tours are a great way to explore the cities and towns of Germany, and you can choose from many different themes and routes. East Germany has the Berlin Wall Trail, the Luther Trail, and the Leipzig Music Trail, while West Germany has the Romantic Road, the Castle Road, and the Frankfurt City Walk.
Architectural Marvels
Germany has many architectural marvels, both old and new, that are worth a visit. East Germany has the Bauhaus buildings in Dessau, the Wörlitz Park in Wittenberg, and the Saxon Switzerland National Park, while West Germany has the Cologne Cathedral, the Ulm Minster, and the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.
Historical Sites
Germany has a long and complex history, and you can visit many sites that tell the story of the country. East Germany has the Berlin Wall, the Checkpoint Charlie Museum, and the Stasi Museum, while West Germany has the Nuremberg Trials Memorial, the Dachau Concentration Camp, and the Jewish Museum in Berlin.
Biking Routes
Germany is a great destination for cycling, with many dedicated bike routes and scenic paths. East Germany has the Elbe Cycle Route, the Oder-Neisse Cycle Path, and the Berlin-Copenhagen Cycle Route, while West Germany has the Rhine Cycle Route, the Moselle Cycle Route, and the Danube Cycle Path.
Wellness Retreats
If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, Germany has many wellness retreats and spa towns to choose from. East Germany has the Bad Muskau spa town, the Bad Schandau resort, and the Bad Saarow spa town, while West Germany has the Baden-Baden spa town, the Bad Wörishofen resort, and the Bad Reichenhall spa town.
Adventure Sports
Germany has many opportunities for adventure sports, such as rock climbing, bungee jumping, and paragliding. East Germany has the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, where you can go climbing and hiking, while West Germany has the Black Forest, where you can go skiing and snowboarding.
With this comprehensive travel guide, you’ll be able to plan your perfect trip to East and West Germany. Happy travels!