Exploring the Beauty of Countries That Border Germany
Follow the gentle curve in the road, then stroll for about 100 meters. If I hadn’t glimpsed the satellite image moments before, I wouldn’t have known where to look. Beyond the roadside ditch, vibrant wildflowers flourished, dancing in the breeze, and the occasional passing car only added to the charm of this peaceful afternoon in the German countryside.
If I had stood here 26 years ago, things would have looked very different. I found myself in northeastern Germany, just outside the picturesque village of Schlutup near Lübeck. It was here, to the east of the village, that the final, intimidating layers of the inner German border stretched southward. This once formidable divide split the nation for 45 years before joyously disappearing in November 1989. Back then, approaching from the west, I could have stood a few meters away from the border. From the east, however, a no-man’s zone began five kilometers out, complete with barbed wire, watchful searchlights, and even landmines. Attempting to cross was unthinkable, and the severe consequences served as a grim warning to all who considered escape.
A Nostalgic Journey Through Germany’s Past
My first personal encounter with East Germany was in 1987 when I took a train from Copenhagen to West Berlin. The journey was an adventure, but as we docked in Warnemünde, an hour along the Baltic Coast, the reality of crossing into East Germany became evident. Stern officials conducted intense baggage searches, their eyes suspicious as they flipped through my music cassettes and notebook. A particular interest was taken in my address book, which contained details of my Polish relatives. Notes were scribbled, eyebrows were raised, and intimidating glares were exchanged before my passport was finally stamped.
The journey continued along a fortified railway, the rigid security a clear reminder of the deep divide. Upon reaching East Berlin, our train was halted for two hours. Guard dogs sniffed through the compartments, panels were removed from the ceilings, and more questions followed. Then, with final clearance granted, we were off—just five minutes later, I was in West Berlin, where a newfound sense of freedom washed over me. The contrast between the two sides was staggering, and the moment left a lasting impression.
The Relict Boundary Transformed: A Place of Beauty and Reflection
Fast forward to today, and what remains of this once-fearsome divide? A simple rock serves as a reminder of the past, and the former no-man’s land has blossomed into a thriving nature reserve. Nearby, the Grenzdokumentations-Stätte Lübeck-Schlutup museum preserves the past with an intriguing collection of East German memorabilia. Visitors can explore historical documents, military uniforms, official stamps, and everyday relics like communist-era chocolate wrappers and vintage detergent boxes. Outside, an aging Trabant rusts away—a nostalgic nod to a bygone era.
The museum’s highlight is its captivating video collection. One film meticulously showcases the layers of security that made escape nearly impossible. Another, in stark contrast, radiates joy, capturing the electrifying moments when the inner German border fell—cars streamed into West Germany, crowds cheered, people waved, and countless tears of joy were shed. The resilience of the human spirit was on full display, and the museum beautifully captures this transformative time in history.
Looking to the Future: A World Without Borders
Standing in the sunshine, gazing beyond that once-ominous bend in the road, I couldn’t help but smile. How could a country that was so forcefully divided now be so effortlessly connected? Who in 1989 would have believed that walking along this path would become so ordinary?
History has shown that walls can fall, and divisions can heal when people come together. If this once-brutal inner German border could be dissolved, perhaps it’s a beacon of hope for other divided nations today. Germany has blossomed into a united land, its past transformed into a symbol of resilience and hope for the future.
FAQ
1. What countries border Germany today?
Germany shares borders with nine countries: Denmark, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
2. What was the inner German border?
The inner German border was a heavily fortified division between East and West Germany from 1949 to 1989, equipped with barbed wire, landmines, and watchtowers.
3. Are there any remnants of the relict boundary today?
Yes, several locations preserve the history of the inner German border, including the Grenzdokumentations-Stätte Lübeck-Schlutup and the Berlin Wall Memorial.
4. Why was Germany divided in the first place?
Following World War II, Germany was split into two separate states: West Germany, backed by Western Allies, and East Germany, under Soviet control.
5. How did the fall of the Berlin Wall impact Germany?
The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 paved the way for the reunification of Germany in 1990, ushering in an era of unity, progress, and renewed national pride.
