When it comes to cities in Germany, most people are familiar with Munich, Frankfurt, or Berlin. This time, I’d like to take you on a journey to explore some of the interesting cities on the eastern side of Germany. We’ll embark on a train adventure to visit three historical cities: Dresden, Erfurt, and Leipzig in a slow and immersive style of travel.
After landing at Frankfurt International Airport, I took the high-speed ICE train to Leipzig, about 400 kilometers away. The journey takes roughly three hours and 20 minutes, with hourly departures. Once you enter what was once East Germany, you will immediately notice the transformation of the architecture as well as the scenery. The Leipzig station, which is among Europe’s largest transportation hubs, caught my eye with its stunning interior, numerous shops, and restaurants.
DAY 1 – Florence on the Elbe – Dresden
Arriving in Dresden, the capital of Saxony and a cultural hub in Eastern Europe, just an hour’s train ride from Leipzig, I was greeted by the enchanting “Florence on the Elbe”. Despite the devastation it faced in World War II, Dresden’s resilient community came together to raise funds to restore its architectural treasures to their former glory, and now they stand as beautifully as it did in the past.
Our journey begins at Neumarkt, a grand square with a resilient past. At its center, the surviving monument to Martin Luther stands tall, a testament to the city’s history. Its landmark also features the Dresden Frauenkirche or Church of Our Lady, an iconic Baroque masterpiece. Despite its wartime destruction, this architectural gem was painstakingly restored for over 13 years, thanks to contributions from around the world, which totaled approximately 180 million euros. Tourists can purchase tickets to enjoy panoramic city view on the uppermost level. If your budget allows, it’s highly recommended for the breathtaking views it offers.
DAY 2 – Timeless Beauty – Erfurt
On the second day, I hopped on an ICE train to Erfurt, just a 40-minute ride away. This city serves as the capital of the Thuringen region and is known for its historical significance as the starting point of Martin Luther’s path to priesthood during the Protestant Reformation.
Stepping out of the station, I was immediately charmed by Erfurt’s timeless beauty. This city, spared from the ravages of war, reveals well-preserved Germanic architecture and historical homes. The Erfurt Dom, or St. Mary’s Cathedral, takes center stage as the city’s largest and oldest cathedral.
DAY 3 – Blend of Culture and Modernity. – Leipzig
Leipzig is the largest city in Saxony, renowned for its musical heritage with notable composers. Johann Sebastian Bach, Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, Edvard Grieg, Gustav Mahler, Clara, and Robert Schumann have all made their mark here. It has also earned the title of “Europe’s Most Livable City” from the 2019 Urbanism Awards.
Leipzig’s charm lies in its harmonious blend of culture and modernity. The city features numerous historically significant attractions, such as the Monument to the Battle of the Nations, commemorating the victory over Napoleon’s forces, the ancient Nikolaikirche, Leipzig’s oldest church dating back over 850 years, the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus), which now serves as a historical museum, and Thomaskirche, the final resting place of Johann Sebastian Bach.
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