Hesse honors the ‘Bridge of Unity’ 36 years after Germany’s borders fell

Tears, embraces, and dismantled barbed wire: Relive the emotional night when locals tore down a divided Germany’s borders. Their courage still echoes today.

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2025 November 9 . 5:05 PM

1 min read

In the center of the image there are people standing on the bridge. Under the bridge there is water... — In the center of the image there are people standing on the bridge. Under the bridge there is water and we can see there is a banner on the bridge. There is a cycle on the bridge. In the background there are trees, buildings and sky.

36 Years Ago - Border Opening Between Hesse and Thuringia - Hesse honors the ‘Bridge of Unity’ 36 years after Germany’s borders fell

On the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, Hesse's interior minister commemorated the opening of the inner-German border between Vacha, Thuringia, and Philippsthal, eastern Hesse. The border, once marked by concrete and barbed wire, was opened three days after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, 36 years ago.

The opening was a result of the 1989 revolution and subsequent reunification. Prof. Dr. Roman Poseck, Hessischer Minister des Innern, für Sicherheit und Heimat, and a member of the CDU, led the commemoration. The Werra Bridge, connecting the two communities, became a lifeline after the border opening and is now known as the 'Bridge of Unity'. The citizens of the former GDR were rewarded for their courage and commitment to freedom and democracy with the opening of the border. The Philippsthal Border Museum preserves the spirit of the border opening and is sustained by local dedication. Many in Philippsthal and Vacha still remember the crowds, embraces, tears, and amazement at the border opening. The border opening was driven by the people, with barriers dismantled and businesses resuming operations within hours.

The opening of the inner-German border between Vacha and Philippsthal was a significant moment in history, marking the end of division and the beginning of unity. The legacy of this event continues to be celebrated and preserved in the region.