East Germany

Today's post title is, I confess, a misnomer.  It covers only three places in the former East Germany- Berlin, Wittenberg, and Wartburg.  In my defense, it's the only three places in the region we saw.

Berlin

The nation's capital, Berlin is famous for many things, not least being divided for decades into East and West Berlin.  In addition to the 'standard' tourist sites, I recall a remarkable number of Dunkin' Donut stores, with lots of flies in them (the things we remember).

Checkpoint Charlie & Berlin Wall

The demarcation between East (communist) and West (free) Berlin, the Berlin Wall (and Checkpoint Charlie) is a popular destination for history buffs and those who seek to appreciate the difficulties and heartbreak the situation caused..

Brandenburg Gate

A famous landmark.

Berlin Cathedral

In former East Germany (I think), it's architecturally impressive.

Reichstag

The impressive German parliament building.

Gedächtniskirche

Damaged during WWII, the Church (or ruins of it) remain as a reminder of what was.

Other Berlin sites

A smattering of miscellany, including Churches, a monument, broad cityscape, the Mercedes showroom, and a sign demanding money for bathroom usage (my least favorite thing about Europe).

Wittenberg

Wittenberg is famous for one thing: this is where Martin Luther, in 1517, nailed his 95 theses to the door of the Church and set off the Protestant Reformation.

 

Wartburg

Another site associated with Luther- he was hidden here after his refusal to back down from his charges against the Church from 1521-22 and translated the New Testament into German during his stay.

Conclusion

We enjoyed what little we saw of East Germany, but stuck to the west, both for convenience (it was much closer) and preference (the Alps and Rhein appealed more).