Eastern Germany
In the summer of 2024, we set off on a journey north — to eastern Germany. Even more than thirty years after reunification, East and West Germany still show striking differences on maps and in statistics, from population density to economic and social patterns. That made this trip especially compelling: to see firsthand the places, towns, and natural landscapes that shape life in this part of the country. River landscapes, endless forests and calm beaches revealed layers of history and culture, inviting exploration at every turn.
What makes this region so distinctive? I experienced the “blooming landscapes” once invoked by Helmut Kohl — not only in their natural beauty, but in the way towns, fields, and rivers reflect the history and daily life of their communities. Two weeks of family vacation are never enough to fully grasp everything, but they offered glimpses into the rhythms and character of the region. Along the way, the F.A.Z. podcast “Schaut auf diese Stadt” enriched our journey with stories and insights that brought the places we visited even more vividly to life.