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Place of 9 November 1989: Where the Wall Fell

Visit the Place of 9 November 1989 in Berlin, where the Berlin Wall first opened, marking a pivotal moment in history and a symbol of freedom and German reunification.

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The Place of 9 November 1989 marks the site of the Bornholmer Straße border crossing, the first to open on that pivotal night, signaling the beginning of the Berlin Wall's fall. Today, visitors can explore the Bösebrücke bridge, Platz des 9. November 1989 with its open-air exhibition, and remnants of the 'Hinterlandsicherungsmauer'. Metal strips in the ground quote famous lines from that historic night, evoking the atmosphere of change and hope. While little of the original crossing remains, the site serves as a powerful reminder of the events that reunified Germany and reshaped Europe. The nearby Bornholmer Straße S-Bahn station, once a 'ghost station,' now connects East and West, symbolizing the city's reunification. A visit here offers a poignant reflection on the past and a celebration of freedom.

A brief summary to Place of 9 November 1989

Local tips

  • Visit in the evening to imagine the atmosphere of November 9, 1989, when the border first opened.
  • Explore the open-air exhibition on Platz des 9. November 1989 to learn about the historical events.
  • Walk along the Bösebrücke to experience the path taken by East Berliners on that historic night.
  • Look for remnants of the Berlin Wall along Norwegerstraße and towards Wollankstraße.
  • Visit in the spring to see the cherry blossoms along the former border strip, a symbol of hope and renewal.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The easiest way to reach the Place of 9 November 1989 is by public transport. Take the S-Bahn (S1, S2, S25, S26, S8, or S85) to Bornholmer Straße station. From the station, the Platz des 9. November 1989 is a short walk away, located northeast of the Bösebrücke. Tram lines M13 and 50 also stop at Bornholmer Straße. A single ticket for public transport in Berlin (AB zone) costs around €3.20.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from central Berlin will cost approximately €15-€25 and take around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Be sure to specify 'Bornholmer Straße' as your destination.

  • Walking

    If you are already in the Prenzlauer Berg or Gesundbrunnen area, walking to the Place of 9 November 1989 is a viable option. From Gesundbrunnen station, it's approximately a 15-20 minute walk. Follow Brunnenstraße north, then turn right onto Bornholmer Straße. The site will be on your left, just past the Bösebrücke.

  • Driving

    If driving, be aware that parking in the area can be limited and subject to fees. The area around Bornholmer Straße is part of a parking management zone, with parking fees applicable from Monday to Saturday. Consider using public transport instead. If you choose to drive, parking costs approximately €2-3 per hour.

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Discover more about Place of 9 November 1989

The Place of 9 November 1989 commemorates the Bornholmer Straße border crossing, a site of immense historical significance as the first to open during the fall of the Berlin Wall. On the evening of November 9, 1989, following a confusing announcement about relaxed travel restrictions, thousands of East Berliners gathered here, demanding passage to the West. Overwhelmed, the border guards eventually opened the gates, allowing citizens to cross freely and marking the beginning of the Wall's demise. Bornholmer Straße itself, named after the Danish Baltic Sea island of Bornholm, was the location of one of the seven inner-city border crossings between East and West Berlin. The actual border ran along the railway tracks crossed by the Bösebrücke (Böse Bridge). The Bösebrücke became an iconic image as crowds surged across it, greeted by West Berliners with flowers and champagne. The Bornholmer Straße station, which served both East and West Berlin, was closed on August 13, 1961, with the construction of the Berlin Wall, and the section to Pankow on the middle track was cut and locked with a gate, turning it into one of Berlin's ghost stations. Today, the area has been transformed into a memorial site. The Platz des 9. November 1989, located northeast of the Bösebrücke, features an open-air exhibition detailing the events of that night and the construction of the border crossing. A section of the 'Hinterlandsicherungsmauer' (inner security wall), which once enclosed the crossing, still stands, offering a tangible connection to the past. Metal strips embedded in the ground display quotes from that historic night, capturing the emotions and excitement of the moment. While the original border crossing facilities were dismantled in 1990, the site retains its historical importance. The Bösebrücke has been refurbished and remains a symbol of reunification. Walking along Bornholmer Straße, visitors can reflect on the division that once separated the city and the joy that erupted when the Wall finally came down. The Bornholmer Straße S-Bahn station, once a 'ghost station' through which western trains passed without stopping, now serves as a vital transportation hub, connecting the eastern and western parts of the city. Beyond the immediate vicinity of the former border crossing, remnants of the Berlin Wall can be found along Norwegerstraße and towards Wollankstraße, offering further insights into the scale and impact of the division. The nearby Berlin Wall Memorial on Bernauer Straße provides a more comprehensive overview of the Wall's history and its impact on the city and its people. Visiting the Place of 9 November 1989 is a powerful experience, allowing visitors to connect with a pivotal moment in history and to reflect on the importance of freedom and unity. The site serves as a reminder of the past and a celebration of the present, offering a unique perspective on Berlin's transformation from a divided city to a vibrant and unified capital. Consider exploring the surrounding Prenzlauer Berg district, known for its charming streets, cafes, and cultural attractions. A walk through the neighborhood provides a glimpse into Berlin's vibrant present, while the Place of 9 November 1989 offers a poignant reminder of its complex past. The East Side Gallery, the longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall, is also worth visiting. It is located on the bank of the River Spree and covered with murals painted in 1990. The fall of the Berlin Wall was not only a turning point for Germany but also a catalyst for broader changes in Europe and the world. It symbolized the end of the Cold War and the beginning of a new era of freedom and cooperation. The Place of 9 November 1989 stands as a testament to the power of peaceful revolution and the enduring human desire for liberty. In the spring, the area around Bornholmer Straße becomes particularly beautiful with the blooming of cherry trees along the former border strip. These trees, a gift from the Japanese population, symbolize hope and renewal, adding another layer of meaning to this historic site. The cherry blossom avenue on Bornholmer Straße is one of the most beautiful and historic in Berlin. Take time to contemplate the events that unfolded here and to appreciate the significance of this place in shaping the world we live in today. The Place of 9 November 1989 is more than just a historical site; it is a symbol of hope, resilience, and the triumph of the human spirit.

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