Grenzmuseum Eußenhausen

The Grenzmuseum Eußenhausen in Mellrichstadt is located at the site of the former border crossing Eußenhausen/Meiningen. This border crossing was operational from 1973 to 1990 and was situated on the then Federal Highway 19, now known as ST2445. The crossing was between the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic (GDR), specifically between Eußenhausen near Mellrichstadt in Bavaria and Henneberg near Meiningen in Thuringia.

Remnants of the Border Crossing Eußenhausen/Meiningen

Today, visitors to the Grenzmuseum Eußenhausen can still see remnants of the former border crossing. On the Thuringian side, "Auf der Schanz" near Henneberg, only one watchtower and an unfinished brick building for planned office spaces of the passport control, customs and border troops remain. On the Bavarian side, there is a collection of border barriers on a parking lot. These remnants serve as a reminder of the division that once existed between East and West Germany.

The Peace Trail at the Grenzmuseum Eußenhausen

The Grenzmuseum Eußenhausen is not only a museum but also the starting point for the Peace Trail. This trail describes the German-German history from 1945 to 1990. With the support of the districts of Schmalkalden-Meiningen and Rhön-Grabfeld and the neighboring municipalities, a club was able to provide this 40-kilometer long path between the former border crossing and Birx with 40 information boards. This makes it a great place for tourists interested in history to learn more about the division and reunification of Germany.