My husband and I are traveling to Germany for the first time in August. We planned a day trip to Magdeburg from Berlin, but I’m having second thoughts. My father was born in Magdeburg but left in 1937 at age 3. I do not know of any family remaining there. Other than the family tie there don’t seem to be a lot of reasons to use one of our three days in Berlin for a day trip to Magdeburg. Any suggestions?
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Berlin
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Magdeburg is a city with one of the hardest histories in Germany. After 1631 it had to built up again after 1945. The city lost nearly 75% of its population and 60-70% of built environment of its center (source). Therefore it is questionable if you find anything from earlier times relating to your family (parents of your father).
Maybe it was positive faith that your father left this city before this second desaster?
Maybe you can find further parts of family on Anchestry platform or by contacting the city archive of Magdeburg?
My basic thought is: If you have the inner need to go and to feel the basic vibes where your family came from - then go there and get a city guide to explore Magdeburg parts you are interested if; best with a briefing to the guide before you will arrive.
Magdeburg's surroundings are famous for their rich agricultural goods and harvests (see Magdeburger Börde).
For Berlin 2 and even 3 days are too less to dive into. On day 1 you normally do something to get an overview (e. g. HoHo). On day 2/ 3 tourists do normally the top sights of Berlin and then dive into special interests.
For all translations from German into English I recommend DeepL (also mobile app).
So far my two cents here.