The Grenzlandmuseum Eichsfeld (Borderland Museum Eichsfeld) is located in Teistungen, Germany. The museum is dedicated to the history of the German-German border and the division of Germany during the Cold War. It provides an in-depth look at the experiences of people living near the border, the impact of the Berlin Wall, and the daily struggles faced by those affected by the East-West divide.
Grenzlandmuseum Eichsfeld (Borderlandmusedum Eichsfeld)
Duderstädter Str. 7
37339 Teistungen
+49 36071 97112
Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 – 17:00
Closed on monday
Admission fee
Aircraft collection
| D-HBJM | Sud Aviation SA-318C Alouette II |
Key Attractions and Exhibits
- The German-German Border
- The Grenzlandmuseum Eichsfeld focuses on the history of the border between East and West Germany (1949-1990), particularly in the Eichsfeld region, which was directly impacted by the Inner German Border (also called the Iron Curtain).
- It explores the border fortifications, the watchtowers, and the border patrols that separated families and communities for decades.
- History of the Eichsfeld Region
- The exhibits delve into the local history of the Eichsfeld area, where the GDR (German Democratic Republic) built several fortifications along the border with the West.
- Visitors learn about the challenges faced by local residents, many of whom lived in a divided community and experienced constant surveillance by the authorities.
- The Berlin Wall and Its Impact
- The Grenzlandmuseum Eichsfeld provides detailed information about the Berlin Wall, its construction in 1961, and the lasting effects it had on families and individuals who were divided between East and West Berlin.
- Exhibits highlight the escape attempts, the risks involved, and the emotional stories of separation and reunification.
- Escape Attempts and Stories
- One of the main focuses of the museum is the escape attempts made by East Germans who tried to flee to the West.
- The museum showcases personal stories of individuals who risked their lives to escape, including hidden tunnels, makeshift escape devices, and brave journeys across the border.
- Original Artifacts and Border Equipment
- The museum displays various original artifacts from the border period, including border patrol uniforms, surveillance equipment, warning signs, and personal items from those who lived near the border.
- There are also exhibits featuring border barriers, including pieces of the Berlin Wall and other significant relics from the time of division.
- The Former Border Post in Teistungen
- The former border post at Teistungen, which was a major crossing point between East and West, has been preserved as part of the museum.
- Visitors can explore the guard towers, the watchdog areas, and the fence sections, which provide a tangible connection to the past.
- Life Behind the Wall
- The Grenzlandmuseum Eichsfeld also explores daily life under the regime of the German Democratic Republic, showing how people lived in a divided country.
- Exhibits include surveillance techniques, rationing, state propaganda, and the role of the Stasi (the East German secret police), which monitored the population closely.
Visitor Experience
- Educational Programs: The museum offers educational programs, guided tours, and workshops for school groups and visitors interested in learning more about the history of the German division.
- Interactive Exhibits: Some exhibits are interactive, allowing visitors to understand the mechanisms of border control, the risks of escaping, and the daily experiences of East and West Germans.
Special Events
- Anniversary Commemorations: The museum marks significant anniversaries of the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany with special events and exhibitions.
- Temporary Exhibitions: Occasionally, the museum hosts temporary exhibits focused on specific aspects of the Cold War period, such as the role of women in East Germany or international relations during the Cold War.
Photo Edwin Donders