East Germany is now emerging from the austerity of its isolation during the Cold War and revealing its many treasures as a tourist region. As well as some superb castles and palaces set amongst spectacular scenery, the great cities of Berlin, Leipzig and Dresden are complemented by numerous beautifully preserved medieval towns. The scenery varies from the holiday resorts and flat plains in the north through the lovely central lakes to the almost chocolate box beauty of the Harz Mountains and the wilder grandeur of the Zittau range in the south.
Welcome to Dresden, Germany!
Dresden lies in the upper valley of the Elbe and is the capital of the federal state of Saxony. Due to its architecture and rich museums, Dresden is often referred to as the Elb-Florence. After the reunification a lot of re-constructing has taken place in Dresden and this baroque town, almost 800 years old, will become again a center of culture and art like in former times.
Being a center of the German Baroque par excellence, too, Dresden's highlights include the magnificent palatial buildings around the Theaterplatz and the Brühl Terraces, and the many art treasures at the state museums. Today, Dresden offers a unique blend of stunning architecture, world-famous art collections and living traditions in both music and the fine arts - plus the great natural beauty of the countryside along the Elbe river, dotted with wonderful castles and villas. Elbewiesen (Elbe Meadows) – The meadows on both sides of the river are a popular meeting-place in hot weather.
