Bewuste keuze-Autorondreis De Nostalgie van de DDR

About the destination: Weimar is a city in the state of Thuringia, Germany. It is located in Central Germany between Erfurt in the west and Jena in the east, approximately 80 kilometres southwest of Leipzig, 170 kilometres north of Nuremberg and 170 kilometres west of Dresden. Together with the neighbour cities Erfurt and Jena, it forms the central metropolitan area of Thuringia, with approximately 500,000 inhabitants. The city itself has a population of 65,000. Weimar is well known because of its large cultural heritage and its importance in German history. The city was a focal point of the German Enlightenment and home of the leading figures of the literary genre of Weimar Classicism, writers Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller. In the 19th century, noted composers such as Franz Liszt made Weimar a music centre. Later, artists and architects such as Henry van de Velde, Wassily Kandinsky, Paul Klee, Lyonel Feininger, and Walter Gropius came to the city and founded the Bauhaus movement, the most important German design school of the interwar period. The political history of 20th-century Weimar was volatile: it was the place where Germany's first democratic constitution was signed after the First World War, giving its name to the Weimar Republic period in German politics. It was also one of the cities mythologized by National Socialist propaganda. Until 1948, Weimar was the capital of Thuringia. Since the late 20th century, many places in the city centre have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites (either as part of the Weimar Classicism complex, or as part of the Bauhaus complex). Heritage tourism is one of the leading economic sectors of Weimar. Noted institutions in Weimar are the Bauhaus University, the Liszt School of Music, the Duchess Anna Amalia Library, and two leading courts of Thuringia (the Supreme Administrative Court and Constitutional Court). In 1999, Weimar was the European Capital of Culture.

About the destination: The city of Leipzig is famous for two things: books and music. The university, founded in 1409, stands for an illustrious tradition of learning that embraces the names of Lessing and Nietzsche, among others. Publishing has always been a thriving industry in this city. The Altstadt, the old quarter, is still crammed with bookstores, and major international book fairs take place here annually. Music is a real tradition here, and occupies a central place in the lives of its inhabitants. In 1723 Johann Sebastian Bach settled here, he filled many of the city’s churches with the sound of his early work. The fortified towers of the Neues Rathaus dominates the Altstadt. Nearby, is the Thomaskirche where J.S. Bach served as cantor. Bach’s grave lies just in front of the altar. The heart of the city throbs within the Marktplatz, a colourful cobbled square guarded by the charming Altes Rathaus. Inside, the City History Museum recounts the history of the city. Behind it is the Alte Börse with a monument to Goethe in front. Leipzig offers its guests a wide choice of entertainment .Visit the many museums that the city has, or if you prefer, stroll casually through the arcades and passageways covered with glazed structures so typical of Leipzig. This fun and dynamic city has, as well, its fair share of colourful shops and cafes and an abundance of nightlife.

About the destination: Dresden is a baroque jewel set on the Elbe River. Dubbed the Florence of the North, the capital of Saxony, is a city full of monumental staircases, panoramic terraces and spacious squares decorated with statues of saints and monarchs bursting with solemnity. Virtually destroyed shortly before the fall of the Reich in 1945, the city has recovered sufficiently to become an animated and arty, not to mention beautiful, destination. The exquisite baroque palace Zwinger now contains half of Dresden’s museums. The most important are the Alte Meister Gallery, one of Europe’s oldest and best painting collections, and the Historisches Museum with a superb collection of ceremonial weapons. Not far from the Zwinger Palace, we find the Hofkirche, the Catholic Church, which allows an interesting comparison with the Prostestant Kreuzkirche, located on the Altmarkt area, the historic hub of Dresden. Strolling around the Neumarkt area, you will eventually find yourself in Frauenkirche at Noitmarkt Square. This round church is considered an outstanding example of Protestant sacred architecture, featuring one of the largest domes in Europe. The church was rebuilt after the reunification of Germany and is now a symbol of reconciliation. Dresden will mesmerize visitors with its beauty, the sheer abundance and grandeur of the city's cultural treasures are enough to take your breath away. And since Dresden also just happens to be set amidst a dazzling river landscape, the amazement will soon be accompanied by pure joy.

About the destination: Capital city of Germany, Berlin is one of the most thrilling and the most historic place in Germany and in Europe. No other German city has more "visible" history to offer, despite all the scars of WW2 and the division during Cold War times. No other German city has such a rich cultural life. Berlin's architecture is quite varied. It is now possible to see representatives of many different historic periods in a short time within the city center, from a few surviving medieval buildings near Alexanderplatz, to the ultra-modern glass and steel structures at Potsdamer Platz. Because of its tumultuous history, Berlin remains a city with many distinctive neighborhoods. Belin has so many faces. It is attractive, cosmopolitan, multicultural and multiethnic city with very friendly locals and lots to do and see.

About the destination: Rügen is the longest island in Germany, with an extension of approximately 40 kilometers wide by 50 kilometers long, and a total area of ​​926 square kilometers, with 73,000 inhabitants. The district of Rügen belongs to the province of Mecklenburg Western Pomerania, and its administrative head is Bergen auf Rügen.

About the destination: Bremen is a city in northern Germany, population 500,000. Bremen was once a member of the medieval Hanseatic League and is still one of the most important cities in northern Germany. Bremen has more than 1200 years of history, and was, for most of its existence, an independent city-state. Bremen is a rather long and narrow city, lined along both sides of the river Weser. The entire city is located on flat plains. The most important sites to visit in Bremen are: • Rathaus this is one of the finest in Europe and as such has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. • Dom St Petri (Cathedral of St Peter) is over 1200 years old, and its huge towered façade dominates the main square. the interior is impressive with some fine painted details on the ceilings. There is a treasury displaying the collection of the cathedral. • Roland this statue on the main square is of the Knight Roland who was a protector of trade. It appears in many European cities especially those involved in the Hanseatic league. Bremen's is considered one of the finest and is included with Town Hall on the World Heritage List. • Die Bremer Stadtmusikanten (Town Musicians of Bremen) perhaps the most well known figures associated with Bremen are the characters from the Brothers Grimm Fairy Tale, their image adorns many of the souvenirs in the city • Böttcherstrasse, is the incredible Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) street that runs from the main square towards the river. There are many fine façades and courtyards all with large amounts of design detail. There is an impressive Glockenspiel that chimes at regular intervals. There are lots of shops and several Museums, including the impressive Paula Modersohn-Becker Museumg Himmelssaal (unfortunately it is not normally open to the public). • Am Wall is a lovely park next to the former defensive moat which offers a nice place to sit and relax. • Schnoor this area of twisting lanes is a lovely place to wander aimlessly looking at in the many shops and also at the world smallest hotel.