On 9 November 1989, Berlin was reunited. The Berlin Wall fell – the end of the massive border complex that left Berlin divided into East and West for 28 years, tearing apart families, friends and neighbours.

Reunification, Freedom and Identification

Today, Berlin is known as a place of freedom, opportunity and individuality. But that was not always the case. On 13 August 1961, work began on constructing the Berlin Wall. It stood as a symbol of a divided city and country, of terror and the Cold War. Overnight, it changed an entire nation.

For many people, the fall of the Wall on 9 November 1989 was the best day of their lives – the day they regained their freedom through a Peaceful Revolution.

Next year is dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the Fall of the Wall and the city of Berlin is celebrating reunification and democracy!

In Yearning for freedom and in fear of their lives – 12 metres down

Together with 34 friends, West Berlin escape helper Peter Schulenburg constructs a tunnel 12 metres deep and 145 metres long. It becomes a glimmer of hope for many in the East.

But how many ultimately reach freedom in West Berlin?

What ordeals do they have to go through – and how are their individual fates intermeshed?

Find out more about this exciting story in the free ABOUT BERLIN app. At over 200 locations, explore living history in Berlin stories from a variety of eras.

This multimedia app, including easy-to-compile individual tours and maps with offline functionality, gives you an authentic insight into Berlin and brings the city alive digitally.

Now new: More exciting places and stories about the history of the Berlin Wall with our app ABOUT BERLIN and the latest Berlin Wall tour.