Christmas Along the Elbe

Berlin, city and state (1991 est. pop. 3,450,000), 341 sq mi (883 sq km), in E Germany on the Spree and Havel rivers, de jure capital of the country. It is within, but administratively not a part of, Brandenburg. Berlin is Germany’s largest city, its historic capital, and a major cultural center. The city’s manufactures include electrical equipment, chemicals, and clothing. Among its many cultural institutions are the renowned Berlin Philharmonic, the gallery of the Charlottenberg Palace, with its collection of Rembrandts, and the Pergamum museum, known for classical art. Formed from two villages chartered in the 13th cent., Berlin was a leading member of the Hanseatic League and became prominent as a commercial, cultural, and communications center of Central Europe. It was the capital of Prussia and of the German Empire after 1871 and the Weimar Republic (see Germany) after World War I. In World War II it was badly damaged by Allied bombing and a Soviet artillery attack.

In 1945 it was divided into British, American, and French occupation zones (West Berlin) and a Soviet zone (East Berlin). The status of divided Berlin became a major cold war issue, and in 1948-49 the Western powers carried out a large-scale airlift to supply West Berlin during a Soviet land and water blockade. In 1949 East Berlin was made the capital of East Germany; in 1950 West Berlin was established as a state within, and the de jure capital of, West Germany, with Bonn as
the de facto capital. In August 1961 East German authorities erected the 29 mile (47km) Berlin Wall along the line of partition to halt the exodus of refugees to the West. As the East German Communist regime collapsed (1989-90), the Wall was breached (Nov. 9, 1989). Upon German reunification in Oct. 1990, the new, all-German parliament held a symbolic session in Berlin in the old Reichstag building, and in 1991 it voted to move the federal government to the city. The move is to be completed by the end of the year 2000; some government offices will remain in Bonn.

Known as “Florence on the Elbe”, this is a cultural and industrial center for eastern Germany.

Potsdam – City of Palaces and Gardens

Potsdam, the capital city of Brandenburg state, has been the home of kings and inspired artists. It’s a city of castles and gardens, a place full of history and legends. And always worth a trip. You’re sure to get your money’s worth here.

If you’re interested in culture, you can enjoy UNESCO cultural heritage sites including the Sans Souci Palace and Gardens, the Neues Palais, the Cecilienhof Palace, the Babelsberg Palace and Gardens, Charlottenhof Palace, and the Marble Palace. Fans of creative landscaping will also be blown away by the Lenné Gardens, Friendship Island and the Pleasure Garden. Here you can also enjoy a Baroque inner city featuring a Dutch Quarter and historical structures such as the Old Guard House and the Royal Stables, the Cabinet Building, the Coach Stables, and the Old Town Hall. You’ll also experience a lively downtown area with shops, theater and restaurants. Any other wishes? Waterways and cycling paths offer active relaxation, and the Babelsberg Film Park exciting action.

Our recommendations:
Treat yourself to the tour “City & Palaces” or travel with the “White Fleet” and tickle your palate with a Havel River trout washed down with a glass of local wine or beer.

This charming city, located on the Elbe River was the famed birthplace of Reformation.