Virtual tour of Marienborn – Memorial of the German Division.

The Marienborn border crossing point (in German: Grenzübergangsstelle Marienborn (GÜSt)) in the German Democratic Republic (GDR) was the largest and most important border crossing on the inner-German border during the division of Germany. Due to its geographical location, which allowed for the shortest land route between West Germany and West Berlin, most transit traffic to and from West Berlin used the Marienborn crossing. Most travel routes from West Germany to East Germany and Poland also passed through this crossing. The border crossing existed from 1945 to 1990 and was located near the East German village of Marienborn at the edge of the Lappwald. The crossing interrupted the Bundesautobahn 2 (A 2) between the Helmstedt-Ost and Ostingersleben junctions. (After reunification, the A2 autobahn is continuous, and the crossing point itself is part of the rest area parking.)

360° tour:

The Memorial

The memorial is a site of historical significance, associated with the division of Germany during the Cold War. Here is some more information about the site:

The Checkpoint

The checkpoint was opened in 1945 and operated until 1989, when the Wall fell and the reunification of Germany began. During its activity, it was the largest and most modern border checkpoint in the GDR, with thousands of people crossing daily.

Infrastructure and Operations

The complex includes multiple buildings and facilities:

Main Building: Administrative offices and border control rooms.
Control Lanes: Designated for different categories of traffic, including cars, trucks, and buses.
Inspection Areas: Specially equipped zones for thorough inspections of vehicles and luggage.
Residential Buildings: Housing for staff working at the checkpoint.

Memorial

After the reunification of Germany, Marienborn was preserved as a memorial, called Gedenkstätte Deutsche Teilung Marienborn. It serves to preserve the memory of Germany’s division and the hardships associated with life in a divided country.

Exhibitions and Educational Programs

The memorial offers various exhibitions and educational programs that illustrate the history of the division and the role of the border checkpoint. The exhibitions include:

Documents and Photographs: Displaying the history of the division and the operation of the checkpoint.
Personal Stories: Testimonies of people who crossed the border or lived and worked in the area.
Multimedia Presentations: Video and audio materials presenting various aspects of life at the border.

Visiting

The memorial is open to visitors and offers guided tours that provide detailed information about the history and significance of Marienborn. Visitors can explore authentic facilities and learn more about the life and work at the border checkpoint during the division of Germany.

Marienborn

Marienborn is an important historical site that preserves the memory of one of the most challenging periods in German history and serves as a warning for future generations.

Галерия:

Opening Hours

The outdoor area and permanent exhibition of the Memorial of the German Division in Marienborn are open every day from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. On Good Friday, December 24th, and December 25th, the memorial is closed.

Foundation Memorials of Saxony-Anhalt

An der Bundesautobahn 2

39365 Marienborn

phone: +49 39406 9209 0

E-Mail: info-marienborn@erinnern.org