Class trip to East Germany
Untouched landscapes, baffling rock formations and mysterious lakes - this region is the prime address for all fans of pristine nature. Furthermore, East Germany is famous nationwide for music, literature and architecture. Finally, you can take the most exciting adventure hikes, through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains and go rock climbing there. If we had to name one underestimated part of Germany, it would definitely be East Germany!
Our group specialist Sarah Buchmann is here to help! You can reach her
via landline at +49 661 296971-12 or via e-mail at sarah.buchmann@astur.education
and discuss everything related to your group travel ideas.
ASTUR group travel programmes to East Germany
Age Group:
10 - 18 years of age in homestay
from 12 years of age in residence/hotel
Arrival and departure:
Coach
Airport:Erfurt-Weimar (ERF)Leipzig/Halle (LEJ)Dresden (DRS)
Train station:Erfurt main station,Leipzig main stationDresden main station
Accommodation:
- Host family (2 - 4 bed rooms)
- Youth hostel (4 - 8 bed rooms)
- Hotel (single or twin rooms)
Sample programme
Day 1 - Erfurt
In the morning:
You will take a walk through Erfurt's city centre, visiting Merchants' Bridge and Erfurter Cathedral among other sights. Afterwards you will climb Petersberg Hill and visit the famous citadel: From Petersberg Citadel you have a fantastic view over Erfurt. The so-called Horchgänge, a tunnel system within the citadel walls are waiting to be discovered.
In the afternoon:
After lunch you will take a guided tour at Topf & Sons Memorial. The museum will tell you how, in the days of the Third Reich, the business sector benefited from the crimes committed by the Nazis.
Day 2 - Leipzig
In the morning:
During a guided tour through the city you will learn a lot about Leipzig's landmark, such as Auerbach's Cellar, St. Thomas Church, Specks Hof and many others. During a visit to Bach House you will get to know Johann Sebastian Bach, his life in Leipzig and his music.
In the afternoon:
One particularly interesting tour is booked for your at the Stasi Memorial "Runde Ecke". You will find out about the notorious system of spying and denunciation, enforced by the „Stasi" in the GDR.
Day 3 - Dresden
In the morning:
During a walk through the city's beautiful old town, which received the nickname „Elbflorenz“ (Florence by the Elbe) by its inhabitants, you will see impressive architecture, such as Zwinger Palace as well as Dresden Castle for example. Inside Dresden Palace, you will marvel at a gold and jewellery exhibition, located in the Green Vault.
In the afternoon:
In the afternoon you will enter the magnificent halls of Dresden's famous state opera house Semperoper. During your tour you will learn about its architecture and history. Afterwards you will head over to Brühl' Terrace, which is called „Balcony of Europe“. Here you have time to relax and enjoy the view of the river Elbe. From here it is just a few steps to Dresden Fortress.
Day 4 - Thuringian Forest mountain range
In the morning:
The mountain range Thuringian Forest is the most popular holiday region in the state. Numerous lookout points, caves and hiking routes make the region so attractive. Especially Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes are a renowned natural sight. It used to be an alum mine but is now famous for its stalagmite caverns. Your tour guide will tell you about the life of the miners and the formation of the caves.
In the afternoon:
After your lunch there is a summer tobogganing course to be tried out. It may be a quirky German leisure activity, but it sure is fun. The so-called Alpine Coaster is open year round.
Day 5 - Weimar
In the morning:
On your last day you will travel to Weimar town centre, which is famous for the literary movement of Weimar Classicism. The Goethe-Schiller Monument reminds of the two most important German poets. Furthermore, you will visit Goethe National Museum und Goethe House, The poet spent most of his life here.
In the afternoon:
At Weimar Haus you will take part in an exciting trip into the past of the town. Five millennia of history about Weimar and the surrounding area are captured in this museum. Wax figures and a multimedia show produce scenes from the town's rich past. At the end of the day you have a chance to relax in the Park on the river Ilm.
You want to know more?
If you are interested in finding out more about all available Group Travel opportunities to Germany, you can return to the class trips overview here. If you are keen to know what the area has on offer in general, feel free to head on to the presentation of all ASTUR Centers. Here, we have put together a number of activities, which you may add to your own individual group travel programme.