Thuringia was a part of the GDR (German Democratic Republic) and of the Warshaw Pact before the peaceful unification of Germany.
This unification was unfortunately not supported by all of our "friends". But the US government was an important supporter.
Nato and the Warshaw pact faced each other at "Point Alpha" at the border between the state "Hesse" and Thuringia.
Please visit this important memorial place. Check our brief web site and search also for the official web site.
When we visited this place we met some Americans who were stationed there and refreshed their memories. Reserve at least half a day for a visit.
Please enlarge above Google Map to see how to get there.

I did not have to drive. My son was our tour guide and we enjoyed a comfortable ride in his airconditioned car.
We stopped several times on our trip from Suhl to this well known memorial place. We had a picnic with freshly baked goods and enjoyed the beautiful weather.

On our trip to this "Memorial Place" we stopped at many interesting spots. One of them was Hotel "Katzenstein" which is located on a mountain top.
This hotel was originally built by the Nazi regime and served as a low priced accommodation for party members and also for workers.
After the war Americans used the hotel briefly. Later the Russians took over and after that the East German police. The Est German secret service, called "Stasi" took it over. Extensive renovations were performed and it was used again in a similar way as by the Nazis.
After the unification the ownership changed a few times and today it seems that the hotel is doing pretty well.

As you can see, we had beautiful sunshine in June. Actually it was some kind of a heat wave. As already said, we were glad that the car had air conditioning. Due to the global warming most cars seem to be equipped now in Germany with this almost mandatory accessory.

Wetlands are not used as garbage dumps or to drain them to built houses on them. Some communities even include little natural looking ponds as an essential attraction into the public parks.

The prices of the hotel are very reasonable. Much cheaper that a B & B in Ontario. Hiking and biking in the surrounding area, called "Natural Park Rhön" is certainly very relaxing. Many attractions are close by.