Under this heading we include the whole of the former German Democratic Republic or East Germany, today known collectively as the New Federal States. The area ranges from the Baltic Coast in the north to the hills of Franconia and the mountains along the Czech border in the south, from the Harz Mountains in the west to the Polish border in the east. The area covers an enormous variety of fascinating countrysides offering superb walking, while the towns often bear witness to some of the most significant history of the entire German nation. We currently offer holidays in the following areas:-

The Harz Mountains The Thuringian Forest Saxon Switzerland Upper Lusatia For enquiries about walking holidays in Eastern Germany, please telephone 01946 861652

The Harz Mountains The Harz is Germany's most popular walking and holiday area. The central and eastern Harz, in the former East Germany, includes most of the finest country, including the High Harz National Park. The area has associations with Goethe and witchcraft. The highest mountain, the Brocken, has a deep spiritual importance for the German people. The eastern Harz is also known for its superb half-timbered towns such as Quedlinburg and Wernigerode, as well as one of Europe's finest narrow gauge steam railway networks which offers excellent access to the whole area.

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Thuringia - The Green Heart of Germany Still little known in the English-speaking nations, Thuringia can be described as the true soul of Germany. Purely German since the dark ages, this is truly the heart of the country, both geographically and emotionally. Thuringia is predominantly rural - the towns and cities are still quite small. Access to Thuringia by air is either from Frankfurt with onward access by train, or on Ryanair who fly to Altenburg in the far east of the state. Thuringia was the home of some of the most famous of all Germans, Johann Sebastian Bach was born here; writers including Goethe and Schiller spent much time here, and Thuringia was the cradle of the reformation, Martin Luther first translated the bible in Eisenach, while Schmalkaldern also played a highly significant role. The natural beauties of the Thuringian Forest explain why Thuringia is not just the spiritual heart of Germany, but also its green heart. With its wide range of flora and fauna, including gentians, columbines and sundews; eagle owls, peregrine falcons and kingfishers, Thuringia is a true natural paradise.

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Saxon Switzerland Saxon Switzerland, or the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, is one of the most captivating of the holiday areas of eastern Germany. Lying either side of the River Elbe between Dresden and the Czech Republic it is also the most foreign. Now, before the tourist masses rediscover the area is the time to visit! You will find river landscapes, fantastic weathered rock outcrops, flat-topped and offering superb views, and popular with rock climbers as well as walkers, and unspoiled forests. There are castles and fortresses to visit too. The excellent local public transport includes paddle steamers, a mountain railway and a light tramway as well as buses and conventional trains.

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Upper Lusatia In the south eastern corner of Saxony you will discover one of the most unusual parts of Western Europe. Bordering both Poland and the Czech Republic, this is a part of Germany where a Slavonic language is still spoken. Sorbish, or Wendish is, though, neither Czech nor Polish... The southern part of Upper Lusatia is hill country with a wide variety of landscapes. Granite ridges, volcanic plugs, sandstone cliffs and outcrops, all cut with idyllic valleys and attractive villages. Summits range from 1650 to 2600 feet and offer some fantastic views. The regional capital of Zittau has a fine marketplace and many fine buildings. The final few miles of our walking tour in Upper Lusatia lead you along the Czech and Polish borders into this fascinating town.

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