3 Stedentrip met de trein door Duitsland

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: 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: Cologne, a centre for industry and transportation since ancient Roman times, has an extremely rich cultural tradition. During WWII 95% of the city was demolished, but the city miraculously recovered and many of its old churches and monuments have been meticulously restored. Cologne is now an attractive and lively centre of European art. It’s worth visiting this city, if only for the famous cathedral, though there’s much more to see. Situated on the Rhine River, the skyline of Cologne is dominated by the cathedral. This breathtaking cathedral, with its brilliant stained-glass windows, is justly famous as one of the world’s purest expressions of High-Gothic architecture. Cologne has one of the most extensive old town centres in the country, and the cathedral is its heart and soul. Across the square from the cathedral is the Römisch-Germanisches Museum, which displays artefacts from the original Roman colony. The Wallrof-Richartz museum and Museum Ludwig is a must for art enthusiasts. It is one of the country’s finest art galleries and makes brilliant use of natural light. A host of 12th and 13th century churches and several more of an ultra-modern post-war style also dot the streets of the old town. Cosmopolitan, open-minded, friendly are characteristics describing people from Cologne. Evenings and weekends in the city are like miniature carnivals, with bustling crowds and lots of things to do. Beer is the beverage of choice and there are lots of places to enjoy it.