If you’re considering moving to a German ex-communist model city that is trying to lure new residents with a range of perks, including free accommodation and rounds of drinks with locals, take it from Tom Hanks: Eisenhüttenstadt has many charms.
While filming outside Berlin in 2011, the Hollywood actor and history buff took a mini field trip 60 miles east to what he called Iron Hut City and was instantly smitten. “An amazing architectural place,” he said, pronouncing it “fascinating”. He returned sprinkling stardust again three years later, even acquiring a vintage Trabant car he shipped back to Los Angeles. “People still live there – it’s actually a gorgeous place,” Hanks said.
