Memorial on the former inner-German border between Hesse and Thuringia with 550 meters of original border fence and an observation tower.
From March 11, 2026
Panel exhibition by the Bundesstiftung Aufarbeitung (Federal Foundation for the Reappraisal of the SED Dictatorship) marking the 80th anniversary of the forced merger of the SPD and KPD; it shows how the SED permeated politics, the justice system, and everyday life in East Germany. On view in the Hessenhalle, end date not specified.
The Schifflersgrund, a hollow between Bad Sooden-Allendorf in Hesse and the Eichsfeld region in Thuringia, became part of the Soviet zone in September 1945 through a territorial exchange between the occupying powers and thus lay directly on the demarcation line. From 1952 onward, East Germany secured the section with barriers, which in the 1970s were expanded into a metal mesh fence with automatic firing devices, a patrol road (Kolonnenweg), and an anti-vehicle ditch. In 1982, tractor driver Heinz-Josef Große was shot dead here by border guards while attempting to escape.
After the border opened, Wolfgang Ruske, head of the uniformed police in the Werra-Meißner district, prevented the facilities from being demolished. Together with fellow campaigners, he founded the Arbeitskreis Grenzinformation in 1990, which on October 3, 1991, opened the Grenzmuseum as the first museum memorial on the former inner-German border. For many years, exhibitions, the ticket office, and guided tours were largely run by volunteers; since 2017, Hesse and Thuringia have funded full-time staff.
Since 2021, the memorial has been comprehensively modernized with funding from the federal government and both states. In 2024, the permanent exhibition “Der Schifflersgrund und die innerdeutsche Grenze” (The Schifflersgrund and the Inner-German Border) opened in a new building; with original objects, documents, and numerous eyewitness videos, it tells the story from division to its lasting effects. On the outdoor grounds, a 550-meter stretch of border fence, the patrol road, and an observation tower have been preserved; an observation tower on the nearby Heierkopf and a border hiking trail complete the offerings.
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €4.50Children aged 11 and over, school students, apprentices, university students, people with severe disabilities, groups of 10 or more, holders of selected discount cards (Kurkarte Bad Sooden-Allendorf, Gästekarte Heilbad Heiligenstadt, VR-MeinPlus-Karte, HNA-Bonuskarte) |
| Children & teens | €4.50free up to age 10 · Children up to 10 free, reduced admission from age 11. |
| Seniors | –No senior discount listed. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €4.50Reduced admission for people with severe disabilities. |
| Students & apprentices | €4.50School students in class groups €3. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €4.50 per personReduced price for groups of 10 or more; registration required only for guided tours/educational programs, requested for groups of 50 or more. |
| Families | €8For holders of the Hesse/Thuringia family card (Familienkarte) or the large-family card (Mehrkindfamilienkarte). |
| School students in class groups | €3Per person |
| Guided tour (German, English, French) | €30Flat fee plus admission, max. 30 people, by advance booking only |
| Eyewitness talk | €30Flat fee, by advance booking |
Holders of the Meine Card get free admission. Tickets only at the ticket office in the entrance building. Motorhome parking €10 per day.
The entrance building (with ramp), the new permanent exhibition, and the event hall are largely step-free, and the permanent exhibition is fully usable for wheelchair users. Paths are gravel, with gradients mostly under 6%. The border fortifications (observation tower, fence) and the Heierkopf are not or only partially accessible. Tactile model of the border region with Braille in the entrance building; no tactile guidance system. Offerings in Easy German (Leichte Sprache) are in development. No specially designated accessible parking spaces, but parking spaces near the entrance.
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 10 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €8 · For holders of the Hesse/Thuringia family card (Familienkarte) or the large-family card (Mehrkindfamilienkarte). |
According to the museum, also well suited for children; discovery tour for young history beginners (about 3 hours) by advance registration. All exhibition rooms are stroller-accessible; baby changing facilities in the restrooms in the entrance area. Children up to age 10 free.
On-demand bus (Rufbus) once daily from Heilbad Heiligenstadt via Uder (book with EW-Bus at least 60 min. in advance); line 13 from Bad Sooden-Allendorf station with advance booking; NVV shared call taxi (Anrufsammeltaxi) for the return trip.
Free parking
Large free parking lot directly in front of the museum; RV parking area. Dedicated accessible parking spaces have not yet been designated.
No café; beverage and snack vending machines in the entrance building; food you bring yourself is allowed in the entrance building or on the outdoor grounds. Dining at Hof Sickenberg, 800 m away. 12 lockers. Dogs on a leash only in the outdoor area and the entrance building.
Rooms available only by arrangement for thematically appropriate events; not available for private parties.
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 2 hrs |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Photography and filming for private purposes allowed; professional shoots only with permission. |
| Good to know | Exhibition texts in German and English. Public guided tours only on special event days; group tours in German, English, and French by appointment. Eyewitness talks, workshops, border hikes, and travel cost subsidies for school classes. |
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