Since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, people around the world have been fascinated by this history of Germany's border. The wall literally divided the metropolis of Berlin in half, one side belonging to the Bundesrepulik Deutschland (West Germany) and the other to the Deutsche Demokratische Republik (East Germany). There were guards stationed at the wall to patrol people trying to cross over, and checkpoints surrounding the city, the most famous of which is "Checkpoint Charlie." Because of the city's conflicted history, most people automatically think of the Wall when referencing Berlin.
But, have you ever heard of the town they call "Little Berlin"?
Mödlareuth is a small village literally on the border of Bayern (Bavaria) and Thüringen (Thuringia). It is a secluded region surrounded by farmland, with the closest major city being Plauen, about 31km away. The people of Mödlareuth grow up together, help their neighbors, and know everything about everyone else in the village. Because the community is so small, city services actually come from a nearby town (e.g. city hall, fire department, etc.). But despite its humble appearance, Mödlareuth has quite the history.
After WWII ended in 1945, the Bayern side of Mödlareuth came under American occupation, while the Thüringen side went to the Soviets. Everything functioned as normal in the village, people still met with each other, ran their businesses, and went about their daily lives. But in 1952, the DDR began strengthening its border to West Germany, and this included Mödlareuth. A wooden fence was built to separate "East" and "West" sides of the village.
Finally in 1966, five years after the Berlin Wall was built, East Germany erected a solid concrete wall to slice Mödlareuth in half. And thus it became known as "Little Berlin."
For the people of Mödlareuth, a foreboding wall in the middle of their town was not only a nuisance, but it separated them from their friends and neighbors. Those unfortunate to be stuck on the East side were not even allowed to look over the wall or wave to the other side. Guards patrolled the Wall at all times, and booby traps were put in place to ensure that people did not attempt to cross the border.
On the West side of the Wall, life was normal. Besides not being able to meet with the Easterners, people on the West side went about their daily business without obstruction. There were a few American soldiers in town, but they socialized with the citizens and did not hinder everyday life. More than anything, the Wall became a tourist attraction for Westerners, and people came from all over to see the spectacle.
The village of Mödlareuth lived that way for over 20 years. When the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, a pedestrian walkway was opened up in Mödlareuth, and six months later the border was finally torn down.
Mödlareuth Today
Today if you visit Mödlareuth, you will see an open-air museum with a section of the wall that is still standing, as well as a guard tower. Entrance to the museum only costs €3 for an adult. The fee also includes a small indoor museum with artifacts from other border towns in Germany during the time of occupation, and a barn with Russian and American transportation vehicles. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays year-round. For more information, go to www.moedlareuth.de. Visiting Little Berlin is well worth your time to see and interact with this piece of lesser-known German history.
But, have you ever heard of the town they call "Little Berlin"?
After WWII ended in 1945, the Bayern side of Mödlareuth came under American occupation, while the Thüringen side went to the Soviets. Everything functioned as normal in the village, people still met with each other, ran their businesses, and went about their daily lives. But in 1952, the DDR began strengthening its border to West Germany, and this included Mödlareuth. A wooden fence was built to separate "East" and "West" sides of the village.
Finally in 1966, five years after the Berlin Wall was built, East Germany erected a solid concrete wall to slice Mödlareuth in half. And thus it became known as "Little Berlin."
For the people of Mödlareuth, a foreboding wall in the middle of their town was not only a nuisance, but it separated them from their friends and neighbors. Those unfortunate to be stuck on the East side were not even allowed to look over the wall or wave to the other side. Guards patrolled the Wall at all times, and booby traps were put in place to ensure that people did not attempt to cross the border.On the West side of the Wall, life was normal. Besides not being able to meet with the Easterners, people on the West side went about their daily business without obstruction. There were a few American soldiers in town, but they socialized with the citizens and did not hinder everyday life. More than anything, the Wall became a tourist attraction for Westerners, and people came from all over to see the spectacle.
The village of Mödlareuth lived that way for over 20 years. When the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, a pedestrian walkway was opened up in Mödlareuth, and six months later the border was finally torn down.
Mödlareuth Today
Today if you visit Mödlareuth, you will see an open-air museum with a section of the wall that is still standing, as well as a guard tower. Entrance to the museum only costs €3 for an adult. The fee also includes a small indoor museum with artifacts from other border towns in Germany during the time of occupation, and a barn with Russian and American transportation vehicles. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays year-round. For more information, go to www.moedlareuth.de. Visiting Little Berlin is well worth your time to see and interact with this piece of lesser-known German history.
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| Watch tower in Mödlareuth |
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| Museum of historical vehicles |