# Discovering Central Europe by Train: A Voyage Through Heritage, Culture, and Excitement
Traveling across Central Europe via train provides a distinct combination of heritage, culture, and excitement. From navigating a Communist-era Trabant in Dresden to scaling the Bolt Tower in Ostrava and participating in a literary festival in Košice, Josh Ferry-Woodard’s expedition through Germany, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia illustrates the diversity and allure of this captivating area.
## Dresden: Dolls & a Trabant Adventure
Dresden, the capital of Saxony, is a place where history meets modernity. While the exquisitely restored Baroque architecture of the Old Town attracts many tourists, the lively Outer Neustadt district presents a different viewpoint. “Anarchists and bohemians crafted this neighborhood into what it is now,” our guide Christoph noted as we explored its vibrant streets. This area, which withstood the bombings of World War II, has evolved into a center for artists, musicians, and alternative culture.
One of the standout experiences in Dresden was the chance to drive a Trabant, the iconic vehicle of East Germany. Renowned for its basic design and two-stroke engine, the Trabant once exemplified life during the Communist era. Engaging in a “Trabi Safari” enabled us to personally experience what it was like to maneuver this historical car through the streets of Dresden, providing a nostalgic look back in time.
## Ostrava: Ascending the Bolt Tower
From Germany, the journey advanced to Ostrava, an industrial city in the Czech Republic that has transformed into a cultural hub. One of the most notable landmarks in the city is the Bolt Tower, named after the famous sprinter Usain Bolt. This futuristic edifice stands tall above the former blast furnaces of the Lower Vítkovice industrial complex, granting panoramic views of the city.
Ascending the Bolt Tower was both a physical challenge and a symbolic journey. The tower signifies Ostrava’s shift from a coal-mining hub to a lively city emphasizing arts, culture, and innovation. At the summit, visitors are rewarded with stunning views and a café where they can unwind and enjoy the sights.
## Košice: A Literary Retreat
The final destination on this Central European expedition was Košice, Slovakia’s second-largest city. Celebrated for its remarkable medieval architecture and vibrant cultural scene, Košice also hosts a famous literary festival. Participating in the festival offered deeper insight into the area’s literary heritage, with authors, poets, and narrators presenting their works in a warm atmosphere.
In addition to the festival, Košice’s historic center, featuring the Gothic St. Elisabeth Cathedral and inviting cobblestone lanes, provided ample opportunities for exploration. The city’s fusion of historical significance and modern creativity made it a fitting end to a journey that honored both the past and the present of Central Europe.
## The Enchantment of Train Travel
Traveling by train through Germany, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia facilitated a smooth and picturesque adventure. The scenery shifted from undulating hills to industrial backdrops and medieval settlements, with each stop unveiling a new facet of Central Europe’s rich legacy. Whether navigating a Trabant in Dresden, ascending the Bolt Tower in Ostrava, or immersing in literature in Košice, this journey showcased the region’s distinctive mix of heritage, culture, and excitement.
For those in search of an extraordinary travel experience, exploring Central Europe by train is a voyage deserving of pursuit.