We are thinking about a trip to Eastern Germany in February/March. I know it probably isn't the greatest time to travel there but we have 10 days off. (We aren't skiers) We have traveled off season in Europe before and loved it--but we are a little sceptical about Germany in February/March. Any thoughts

Other than cold, dreary weather, East Germany in February and March is fine. Nobody moves all the great sights in the off season, so you can see them as long as you take an umbrella and a sweater and coat. You should check, however, on the opening times of the museums, art galleries, and other attractions you might want to see. And all the days won't be dreary; clear and cold is also a good possibility for some of your ten days.<BR><BR>

I was in the Leipzig in the February/March time frame in ’98 & ’99. In ’98 it was sunny and was told it was unseasonably warm with lows in the 50’s and highs in the 60’s. In ’99 there was snow on the ground almost the entire two weeks but never much colder than the mid 20’s at night. <BR><BR>I had a great time both times. The theater season was in full swing so was able to see several shows. Spent a few nights in Prague, Berlin, Dresden and Munich. <BR><BR>I liked being there with so few tourists and crowds. The museums weren’t packed and the hotels were less expensive.<BR><BR>I’d go back again in a heartbeat and would prefer that time of year.<BR><BR>I topped a thread “Eastern Germany Travel Plan…” It contains some discussion of things to do in parts of former East Germany. <BR>

As the floods indicate, summer can be a pretty wet time to see Europe. March is actually the driest month of the year in Germany, statistically. It can be either cold or cool. We had only a couple of continuously wet days on our 3-week trip this last March, and those were in the Alps. We actually saw a few blossoms in places. I much prefer March weather over the heat, humidity, and rain of summer, and although the daylight hours are fewer, they're not any fewer than during the fall.<BR><BR>The only issue I see is whether the things you want to see will be accessible during this low season. Look carefully into the seasonal/opening hours for museums and other tourist sights you have in mind to avoid disappointment.

Since this thread got separated from the "Eastern Germany Travel Plan" topped by David, I'm going to put its URL here. It was very interesting, indeed.<BR><BR>http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...=2&tid=1366082