20 years from the fall of the wall

Join in the festivities for a unique experience of contemporary history in the middle of Europe and experience Germany’s most recent history. In 2009, Germany is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Naturally, the capital has the highest concentration of monuments and memorial sites. However, the history of East Germany and the Cold War can also be explored in other parts of the country.

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

The region which has quickly become one of Germany’s most favourite holiday destinations after the country’s reunification is home to numerous museums and exhibitions that bring history to life including the Museum of East German History in Tutow, Prora Documentation Centre on Rügen Island and the Eichenthal bunker. Do the tour in style and get yourself one of the GDR’s legendary “Trabant” cars which can be hired for self-driving trips.

Thuringia

In the “Waldhotel Rennsteighöhe” guests can book the “Experience reality” package including a stay in a former bunker operated by the Ministry for State Security as part of an informative 16 hour programme. When there, don’t miss out on the “Rennsteig”, one of Germany’s most popular hiking trails on 168 km.

Green Ribbon

All along the old East German border from Travemünde on the Baltic Coast to Hof in Bavaria and crossing nine of Germany’s sixteen federal states, unique natural habitats thrived under the protection of the Iron Curtain. Several German regions are currently working on a project to establish a network of walking trails, cycle paths and kayak routes including themed information boards to be opened for the anniversary in 2009.

Bavarian Forest

The border between Germany and the Czech Republic runs right through the train station building of the small town of Eisenstein in the middle of the biggest forest region in Europe. After World War II, cross-border services were stopped and the reception was hall walled up as a stark reminder of the Iron Curtain. Border crossing rail traffic was restarted after the reunification. There is a permanent exhibition at the station and – very popular with kids – an interactive installation on nature and history.
Just as in Thuringia, the great outdoors should not be missed here either with the Bavarian and Bohemian Forst national parks and Bavarian Forest nature reserve with endless opportunities for hiking just outside one’s door.

Last but not least - Berlin

Berlin Wall cycling trail, GDR Museum, Stasi Museum, Berlin Wall Documentation Centre – just to name a few of the sights and activities in Germany’s capital that are directly related to the country’s most recent history. In addition, for the anniversary next year, there are special events and exhibitions planned such as concerts and a street party on 9 November, 2009, the day the Wall came down 20 years ago.

Also planned are an open air exhibition at Alexanderplatz from May to November 2009 on the events of 1989 – 1990 and the “Schauplätze” project (“Perspectives on a changing city”) in different locations. The latter will highlight from an urban development perspective how Berlin’s face changed over the past 20 years.

A special Berlin website dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the fall of the wall will become available this autumn on Mauerfall09.de.