Grenzlandmuseum Eichsfeld

## Brief Description

Memorial – Learning Center – Archive of the Division

## Description

At the former inner-German border crossing Duderstadt-Worbis, the Grenzlandmuseum Eichsfeld now provides information about the history of Germany’s and Europe’s division from 1945 to 1990.

The Grenzlandmuseum is a modern learning center that offers many ways to engage with recent history and explore it actively through the exhibitions, along the Grenzlandweg with original preserved GDR border installations, and at the educational facility.

After Germany was divided and an increasingly impenetrable border was established between the two German states, a small border traffic arrangement was allowed between the villages of Gerblingerode and Teistungen based on the Basic Treaty. From 1973 until 1989, nearly 6 million travelers used the Duderstadt-Worbis border crossing. The Grenzlandmuseum Eichsfeld opened here in 1995. The museum includes an educational center and the Grenzlandweg, a 6 km circular hiking trail with original preserved border installations. The permanent exhibition was completely revised in 2010. In 2011, the entire complex was awarded the European Heritage Label. In 2012, the restored observation tower on the outdoor grounds was reopened, and the pavilion for the "European Green Belt" on the museum grounds was inaugurated.

The exhibition is located in the historic buildings of the former inner-German border crossing and covers over 1,000 square meters, providing information about the history of German division, the GDR border regime, and the "ecological footprint" of the border. Special exhibitions are regularly held. The museum sees itself as a memorial and place of remembrance as well as a historical learning site for democracy. Educational offerings focus on topics related to dealing with the SED dictatorship, democracy in Germany, and ecology.

## Arrival Information

By car:

Take the A38 motorway (Göttingen-Halle). If coming from Göttingen, exit at "Heiligenstadt." Coming from Halle, exit at "Leinefelde-Worbis." The Grenzlandmuseum is located between the villages of Teistungen and Gerblingerode.

By public transport:

The Grenzlandmuseum Eichsfeld is located directly at the "Teistungenburg" bus stop, served Monday to Friday several times daily by Express Bus Line 1 (Duderstadt-Worbis-Leinefelde-Dingelstädt). On weekends, this line offers a "dial-a-ride" service.