Swinmark Grenzlandmuseum Göhr
Private border region museum in a former machine hall, with vehicles, uniforms, border barriers, and documents on the division of Germany.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Swinmark-Grenzlandmuseum (border region museum) in Göhr near Schnega goes back to the collection of Dietrich-Wilhelm Ritzmann. After the inner-German border opened in 1989, he began gathering evidence of the division, including more than 500 photo documents, items from the border troops, and border installations. The museum opened at the end of the 1990s in a former machine hall in the Wendland region, only a few kilometers from the former demarcation line.
The exhibition documents daily life and technology at the border: border barrier fences and border markers, radio and communications technology, uniforms, decorations and certificates, mines, and vehicles of the GDR border troops, including a Kübelwagen and a high-chassis truck with a double steering wheel. A recreated office of a National People's Army (NVA) company commander and the dome of a border watchtower give an impression of service at the border. There are also collections on the Bundesgrenzschutz (Federal Border Police) and customs, as well as true-to-scale models of the border installations.
Much can be touched and tried out. The museum receives no public funding and is financed by donations and admission fees; it is supported by the Förderverein Swinmark Grenzlandmuseum Göhr e.V. (friends' association).
Highlights
- Border barrier fences, border markers, and models of the border installations
- Vehicles of the GDR border troops
- Recreated office of an NVA company commander
- Dome of a GDR border watchtower
- Exhibits to touch and try out
- Founded
- 1998
- Operated by
- Förderverein Swinmark Grenzlandmuseum Göhr e. V.
Admission & discounts
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 7 · Children under 8 enter free. |
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The museum is financed by admission fees and donations.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The entrance and exhibition hall are at ground level and wheelchair-accessible.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 7 |
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- Hands-on stations
Exhibits to touch and try out; listed as family-friendly and suitable for bad weather.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Göhr is about 5 km from the former inner-German border, reached via the B 71 (Uelzen–Salzwedel); signs lead from Schnega to the museum.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Ticket desk with a small shop for border souvenirs.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
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| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | On request, the museum team guides visitors through the exhibition, including groups and school classes (registration by phone). Many exhibits can be touched and tried out, such as communications technology and a driving school vehicle with a double steering wheel. |
