Grenzlandmuseum Eichsfeld

Current exhibitions

About the museum

On June 21, 1973, a new crossing point on the inner-German border went into operation between Duderstadt and Worbis; by the fall of 1989 nearly six million travelers had passed through it. On the night of November 9–10, 1989, the border opened here too, and the checkpoint facilities lost their function.

The Grenzlandmuseum Eichsfeld was established on the site as early as November 11, 1995. It uses the former administration and clearance building of the GDR border crossing, along with the Mühlenturm, a former command tower, a former customs building and a BT 4x4 observation tower. The museum is run by an association founded in 1996 that brings together the municipalities of Teistungen and Duderstadt and the districts on both sides of the former border.

In June 2000 an education center with seminar rooms, a library and an archive was added in the former canteen building, offering workshops on history, democracy and the environment. In the same year, the cross-border Grenzlandweg was fitted with a signposting system; the circular trail of around six kilometers leads past preserved border fortifications and bunkers to the West German crossing point near Gerblingerode.

After a complete redesign, the exhibitions reopened in 2010 and have won several awards. They cover the division of Germany and Europe, the border regime, escape and everyday life in the restricted zone, and the Peaceful Revolution in the Eichsfeld region.

Highlights

• Originally preserved buildings of the GDR border crossing at Worbis
• BT 4x4 observation tower and Mühlenturm (former command tower)
• Grenzlandweg: circular trail of about 6 km past border fortifications, open at all times
• Tactile model of the border installations
• Education center with workshops and talks with contemporary witnesses

Permanent exhibitions

• Dauerausstellung zur deutschen Teilung – Redesigned in 2010, the exhibition in the former clearance building tells of the border regime, the border crossing, life in the restricted zone and the opening of the border in the Eichsfeld in 1989.
• Grenzlandweg – Cross-border circular trail of around six kilometers with stations at original border fortifications, bunkers and watchtowers.

Founded

1995

Operated by

Grenzlandmuseum Eichsfeld e. V.

Director

Mira Keune (Geschäftsführerin)

Admission & discounts

The website does not say who qualifies for reduced admission. Schools in Thuringia can apply for reimbursement of up to €500 for travel and workshop costs.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Main building step-free, with elevator and accessible restrooms. Tactile model for visually impaired visitors; German Sign Language (DGS) interpretation of the introductory films on request. Dogs are not allowed in the buildings, except assistance dogs.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Family audio guide for children ages 6 to 12 with twelve listening stations on the outdoor grounds.

Getting there & parking

By car via the A38: from the direction of Göttingen, exit Heiligenstadt; from the direction of Halle, exit Leinefelde-Worbis. The museum is located between Teistungen and Gerblingerode.

Amenities & dining

Information on the café and shop is missing from the website.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Plan your visit