Trending Cities in East Germany

Chemnitz, Erfurt, Weimar, and also Halle and Görlitz - how well do you know these cities? I will take you on a little road trip to the hidden highlights of these cities.

When thinking of East Germany, the big cities like Leipzig or Dresden immediately come to mind. I don't need to tell you travelers twice that these cities have a lot to offer in terms of discovery. If you don't believe me, just take a look at my travel magazine. For those already convinced by the eastern region, or for those who want to be, I have now selected five trendy cities in the east that are considered absolute insider tips. But see for yourself what awaits you in Halle, Erfurt, Weimar, Chemnitz, and Görlitz!

Halle | Erfurt | Weimar | Chemnitz | Görlitz

In the south of Saxony-Anhalt, located on the Saale River, you will find the large city of Halle. It enjoys a special reputation in Germany and beyond, as its old town managed to withstand the destruction of World War II and survived almost intact. In Halle's old town, you can discover true architectural highlights that tell the story of the city's centuries-old history. But it's not just history that thrives here; knowledge is also highly regarded, as Halle is considered the birthplace of social-humanistic education. Additionally, one of the oldest universities in Germany is located right here.

It's quite obvious that culture in Halle is not lacking either. The self-proclaimed cultural capital of Saxony-Anhalt boasts the opera house, the city theater, and the oldest variety theater in Germany. Are there any historians among you? Be sure to visit the State Museum of Prehistory and the famous Nebra sky disc displayed there, which is considered the most significant find of the early Bronze Age. In the outskirts of the city center, you can also find historic treasures, as two castles tower over the rooftops of the city. Extraordinary for Germany! After I have already praised the picturesque city center with its fantastic buildings and houses, you certainly cannot miss a stroll through it. Be sure to stop by the Market Church 'Unser Lieben Frauen.'

Walk in the footsteps-or rather, touch the handprints of Martin Luther, who preached before the congregation of Halle in 1545 and 1546. Inside, you can also view his death mask, and outside, a memorial plaque commemorates the visit of the Reformer. As if Halle weren't already enough of a hidden gem, I have another one for you. Have you heard of Hallorenkugeln? No? These are small chocolate balls that contain two different fillings. The trick is to bite the ball exactly in the middle so that the two fillings become visible. I assure you, it's not that easy. Sweet tooth lovers should make a stop at the Halloren Chocolate Museum to try to uncover the sweet secret of the balls. Once you've stocked up on enough provisions at the adjacent outlet store, you'll head towards Erfurt.

We cross the border into Thuringia and head straight to the capital of the federal state, Erfurt. The city was largely spared during World War II, and therefore, it is one of the largest designated historical sites in Germany. The medieval old town, in particular, attracts large crowds with its various architectural styles and many places of worship. After all, you're here for a good reason, right?

The old town is where you should start your exploration, as it represents the heart of Erfurt. You can distinguish the historical old town from the outer city center by paying attention to the color of the street signs - blue signs are found in the city center, while red ones are in the old town. This latter district is considered one of the largest medieval town centers in Europe - you can admire no less than 27 church buildings here.

The Kramer Bridge is a true gem, if you ask me. Even today, there are still a total of 32 houses that are lined up like pearls on a string along the bridge. Just stroll along these houses; you will hardly notice that you are actually on a bridge. You should also visit the Wenigemarkt located to the east of the bridge and the Benediktsplatz to the west.

Finally, the Erfurt Cathedral of St. Mary and the Citadel Petersberg must not be missed. The cathedral is truly a highlight with its imposing presence, and it is beautifully illuminated in the evening. Climb the cathedral steps and enjoy your view of Erfurt's wonderful old town. At the end of your city trip, make sure to visit the Citadel Petersberg, as you can wave goodbye to the beautiful city of Erfurt from up there.

Just a stone's throw away is the town of Weimar. The charming city has made it its mission to preserve the cultural heritage of great names like Schiller, Goethe, Bach, and Strauss. I have rarely encountered the legacies of so many masters in a single city as I have in Weimar. I hardly know where to begin.

As in Halle and Erfurt, you will also encounter historic residences in Weimar. In addition to the Nietzsche Archive, the Liszt House, and Schiller's residence, Goethe's Garden and Residence are perhaps the most well-known. Don't miss the chance to tour the residence, as you will hardly get closer to Goethe and his works. The Park an der Ilm is not only refreshing, but it also leads you directly to Goethe's Garden House. Other landmarks of the city include the town hall in the marketplace, which can impress with its picturesque houses, the German National Theatre Weimar, where Goethe and Schiller are united in brotherhood, and the historical cemetery of Weimar.

So many landmarks can significantly strain your vacation budget, which is why I highly recommend the Weimar Card, with which you can save a lot. Before you head off to the next trendy city in the east, you should make a day trip to the Buchenwald concentration camp. The memorial not only reminds all its visitors but also informs and educates through several exhibitions. It's a burdensome but extremely educational and important part of your tour through East Germany.

After Weimar, you need to take a slightly longer drive to your next destination. From Thuringia, you will now head to the Free State of Saxony, passing Gera and Glauchau, directly to Karl-Marx-City. Admittedly, the city was only called this from 1953 to 1990; you will know it better as Chemnitz.

Chemnitz can be seen as a true 'worker's city,' as it had to do a lot to restore its city center, which was 80% destroyed during World War II, and over the years developed into a genuine industrial city. Chemnitz is particularly proud of this, which is evident in the many industrial museums and also the railway museum that are all worth visiting. Since I previously mentioned Karl-Marx-City, it is not surprising that there is also a monument to the philosopher in the city.

Anyone visiting Chemnitz should also take a look at the Jugendstil villa Villa Esche and the surrounding park. While it may seem relatively unassuming from the outside, the interior boasts a tastefully coordinated decor. After taking a stroll through Chemnitz's picturesque old town with its beautiful late 19th-century facades and stopping into a restaurant or pub, you should bring the last leg of your road trip through the trendy cities in the east to an end.

Your journey concludes in the easternmost city of Germany: Görlitz. Did you know that from Görlitz, you can easily walk into neighboring Poland? What, you don't believe me? You really can, as Görlitz is practically split in half. The eastern part of the city was allocated to Poland during the border drawing and is called Zgorzelec. You can quickly enter the Polish district via a pedestrian bridge. Görlitz also has other 'quirky' things to offer.

'Görliwood' is Görlitz's nickname, as the city in Saxony is practically a true film mecca. Stars and directors alike appreciate the city as a workplace and filming location, with its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful cityscape really standing out. Be sure to visit the old department store in Görlitz, which served as the backdrop for Wes Anderson's 'The Grand Budapest Hotel.' Quentin Tarantino also made use of Görlitz's beauty in his film 'Inglourious Basterds.' However, in the city, you'll also discover houses that haven't had the opportunity of Hollywood and look a bit dilapidated. Clearly, even they have a certain charm, but it pains my soul to think that these houses may never shine in new splendor again.

If you prefer to return to the splendid sites, you should visit St. Peter and Paul Church. Inside, you will find the so-called sun organ, named after the sun faces that surround the organ pipes. Maybe you're lucky, and during your visit, there is an organ tour happening. That way, you can enjoy its beautiful sound. If you wish, you can breathe a bit of Hollywood air in the old town, visit other religious buildings, or do something completely different, like visiting the Landskron Brewery. The brewery not only looks fantastic with its red brick building, but you can also treat yourself to a brewery tour followed by a tasting. But remember one thing before heading back: Don't drink and drive!

'Trending Cities in the East' certainly sounds less far-fetched than before, right? Your travel guru keeps his promises; this should be clear to you by now ;-) If you found the 'big brothers' Leipzig and Dresden amazing, you will also be thrilled by these cities. If you have more tips for trendy cities in the east, let me know! I am always open to your travel tips!