REVIEW
ROUTE
The Berlin Wall Trail and the Iron Curtain Trail
Michael Cramer Member of the European Parliament ( MEP ) from 2004 until 2019
Recently we commemorated the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall and of the Iron Curtain in Europe . The wall around West Berlin was 3.60 m high and 160 km long . Its appearance and location changed over the course of time : the barbedwire fencing was replaced by pre-manufactured concrete segments , which were in some parts reinforced with metal grid fences . Between the “ outer border wall ” facing West , and the “ inner border wall ” facing East was the notorious , brightly-lit “ death strip ” with the “ patrol path ”, from where GDR border troops guarded the frontier . On the GDR side only selected people were allowed to live in the neighbourhoods directly behind the Wall ; their friends and relatives had to be registered before any visits and needed to obtain a special permit . More than 300 guard towers , 30 headquarters , 20 bunkers , flood light systems , signal and alarm fences , as well as dog running areas and tank traps were installed to prevent people from escaping to West Berlin .
Before the construction of the Wall , about four million people had successfully escaped the GDR . Afterwards , people from the East continuously tried to cross the barricades . One hundred and twenty-eight people lost their lives at the Berlin Wall . Of the 80 marksmen responsible who were identified after the end of the GDR and taken to court , 77 received suspended sentences .
The “ Berlin Wall Trail ” is an exciting route , full of history . It takes cyclists past many important and famous landmarks . There are also many names that serve as a reminder of past events , such as Checkpoint Charlie and Potsdamer Platz . The route also passes the “ Bösebrücke ” in Bornholmer Straße , which became famous on 9 November 1989 when the first people crossing the border were greeted with cheers and sparkling wine . The legendary
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Observing Memories ISSUE 4