Saxony & Eastern Germany

Saxony & Eastern Germany offers a rich tapestry of cultural splendor and unique natural landscapes. This region encompasses the state of Saxony and the rural areas of Brandenburg surrounding Berlin. The geography ranges from the flat, water-logged biosphere of the Spreewald to the dramatic sandstone pillars of the Saxon Switzerland national park near the Czech border. It is a region of contrasts, where restored baroque cities sit near wild, rocky wilderness.

Saxon Switzerland (Sächsische Schweiz) is a highlight for active families. The bizarre rock formations of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains provide a natural playground. The hike to the Bastei Bridge is safe and offers spectacular views that look like a fantasy novel cover. The 'Painter's Way' (Malerweg) has sections suitable for children, winding through mossy gorges and up stone steps. In winter, the nearby Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains) transforms into a Christmas wonderland, famous for its wood carving traditions and nutcrackers.

Water plays a big role in the Spreewald, located just south of Berlin. Here, the Spree river branches into hundreds of small canals. Families can rent kayaks or take a guided punt boat tour where the boatman pushes the vessel along with a pole. It’s a peaceful, green adventure where you might spot otters or kingfishers. Don't forget to try the famous Spreewald gherkins sold at stops along the canals.

Dresden, the capital of Saxony, is known as the 'Florence on the Elbe'. The Transport Museum (Verkehrsmuseum) is excellent for kids, covering trains, cars, and aviation. Leipzig holds one of the world's best zoos, Zoo Leipzig, famous for its massive Gondwanaland tropical hall where you can take a boat ride through a rainforest environment. Potsdam, near Berlin, features the Sanssouci Park with its terraced palaces, offering vast gardens for children to run in while parents admire the architecture. This region combines educational cultural trips with distinct outdoor experiences not found elsewhere in Germany.