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LIVING IN GERMANY

10 beauty spots that’ll make you want to visit east Germany right now

The former socialist East of Germany is often ignored by tourists and expats alike, who prefer the known comforts of the wealthier west. But from Rügen to Saalfeld, the east is full of hidden treasures.

Published: 27 April 2017 17:03 CEST
Updated: 25 July 2017 17:31 CEST
10 beauty spots that'll make you want to visit east Germany right now
The Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes in Thuringia. Photo: DPA

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1. The Elbsandsteingebirge in Saxony

The stunning sandstone formations of Saxony are known as the Sächische Schweiz, or Saxonian Switzerland, due to their similarity to the highest peaks of the Alps. These epic pillars will transport you to another world.

Photo: Frank Richter/Sächsische Schweiz e.V./dpa-tmn

2. The Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes in Thuringia

These caves of former alum shale mines near Saalfeld were described in awe-inspired terms by the scientists who discovered them in 1913.

“When the light of the lamps penetrates the darkness – who dares to say a word! The Fairytale Dome stands before its discoverers with its Holy Grail Castle, awe-inspiring, sublime, illustrious in untouched purity and glory,” wrote Hermann Meyer, one of the discoverers.

Photo: DPA

3. Abbenrode in Saxony-Anhalt

Nestled on the edge of the Harz mountain range, the village Abbenrode will offer you unparalleled glimpses over Germany's second highest mountain range.

Photo: DPA

4. The Old Town of Dresden in Saxony

The Old Town of Dresden was almost completely destroyed by Allied bombing in the Second World War and was only rebuilt after the fall of communism in 1990. But the results are spectacular nonetheless.

The Dresden Altstadt seen from the banks of the river Elbe. Photo: DPA

5. The white chalk cliffs of Rügen

Located in the Baltic Sea, Rügen is Germany's largest island. Besides the stunning white chalk cliffs, there are idyllic bays and white sandy beaches washed over by turquoise seas.

Photo: RicoK/ Depositphotos

6. Schwerin Castle

The seat of power on Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Schwerin Castle is a sight to behold. Dating back to the 10th century, this beautiful structure sits on the edge of a gleaming lake.

Photo: Andrelix/Depositphotos

7. Potsdam harbour, Brandenburg

Potsdam is full of delights – from lakes to manicured parks to several palaces, the former seat of the German emperors has more sightseeing opportunities than you can shake a stick at.

Photo: chrissi/depositphotos

8. Quedlinburg, Saxony-Anhalt

This town just north of the Harz mountains is a UNESCO World Heritage sight – and it's not hard to see why. The town stands out for its remarkable Romanesque and half-timber structures.

Photo: NataP/Depositphotos

9. Uckermark, Brandenburg

The Uckermark is a tranquil get-away just over an hour north of Berlin. Dotted by lakes, it is the perfect escape from the bustle of the capital.

Photo: eurotravel/Depositphotos

10. Fürst Pückler Park in Saxony

This stunning park is the largest park designed in the English style in central Europe. Partly in Saxony, partly in Poland, it is a UNESCO world heritage site centred around the gorgeous Muskau Palace.

Photo:mijeshots.gm/Depositphotos

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LIVING IN GERMANY

Living in Germany: Battles over Bürgergeld, rolling the ‘die’ and carnival lingo

From the push to reform long-term unemployment benefits to the lingo you need to know as Carnival season kicks off, we look at the highlights of life in Germany.

Published: 14 November 2022 09:54 CET
Living in Germany: Battles over Bürgergeld, rolling the 'die' and carnival lingo

Deadlock looms as debates over Bürgergeld heat up 

Following a vote in the Bundestag on Thursday, the government’s planned reforms to long-term unemployment benefits are one step closer to becoming reality. Replacing the controversial Hartz IV system, Bürgergeld (or Citizens’ Allowance) is intended to be a fair bit easier on claimants.

Not only will the monthly payment be raised from €449 to €502, but jobseekers will also be given a grace period of two years before checks are carried out on the size of their apartment or savings of up to €60,000. The system will also move away from sanctions with a so-called “trust period” of six months, during which benefits won’t be docked at all – except in very extreme circumstances. 

Speaking in parliament, Labour Minister Hubertus Heil (SPD) said the spirit of the new system was “solidarity, trust and encouragement” and praised the fact that Bürgergeld would help people get back into the job market with funding for training and education. But not everyone is happy about the changes. In particular, politicians from the opposition CDU/CSU parties have responded with outrage at the move away from sanctions.

CDU leader Friedrich Merz has even branded the system a step towards “unconditional Basic Income” and argued that nobody will be incentivised to return to work. 

The CDU and CSU are now threatening to block the Bürgergeld legislation when it’s put to a vote in the Bundesrat on Monday. With the conservatives controlling most of the federal states – and thus most of the seats in the upper house – things could get interesting. Be sure to keep an eye out for our coverage in the coming weeks to see how the saga unfolds. 

Tweet of the week

When you first start learning German, picking the right article to use can truly be a roll of the “die” – so we’re entirely on board with this slightly unconventional way to decide whether you’re in a “der”, “die”, or “das” situation. (Warning: this may not improve your German.) 

Where is this?

Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Boris Roessler

Residents of Frankfurt am Main and the surrounding area will no doubt recognise this as the charming town of Kronberg, which is nestled at the foot of the Taunus mountains.

This atmospheric scene was snapped on Friday morning, when a drop in temperatures saw Kronberg and surrounding forests shrouded in autumnal fog.

After a decidedly warm start to November, the mercury is expected to drop into single digits over the weekend. 

Did you know?

November 11th marked the start of carnival season in Germany. But did you know that there’s a whole set of lingo to go along with the tradition? And it all depends on where you are. First of all, the celebration isn’t called the same thing everywhere. In the Rhineland, it’s usually called Karneval, while people in Bavaria or Saxony tend to call it Fasching. Those in Hesse and Saarland usually call it Fastnacht. 

And depending on where you are, there are different things to shout. The ‘fools call’ you’ll hear in Cologne is “Alaaf!” If you move away from Cologne, you’ll hear “Helau!” This is the traditional cry in the carnival strongholds of Düsseldorf and Mainz, as well as in some other German cities.

In the Swabian-Alemannic language region in the southwest of the country, people yell “Narri-Narro”, which means “I’m a fool, you’re a fool”. In Saarland at the French border, they shout “Alleh hopp!”, which is said to originate from the French language. 

Lastly, if someone offers you a Fastnachtskrapfe, say yes because it’s a jelly-filled carnival donut. And if you’re offered a Bützchen? It’s your call, but know that it’s a little kiss given to strangers!

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