"In the Frankish town of Ludwigsstadt on the morning of November 12 1989, word got out that the border by Falkenstein (a historic Frankish inn) was about to be 'opened'. A group of people quickly gathered there and were able to witness how two East German border troop officers cut their way through the completely overgrown street alongside the train tracks to the border marker. Then, to the astonishment of the crowd (myself included) they greeted the waiting Bavarian border officials with a handshake.
It was an extraordinary situation. The GDR border troop officers had been assigned the task of preparing for the installation of a border crossing. Unfortunately for them however, they lacked an exact plan as to how and were even unclear as to the hierarchy of command. From then on everything happened very quickly. At around midday on the Eastern side of the borderline, Council Chairwoman of the Saalfeld district, Edith Ludwig arrived (just as lacking in precise instructions and procedures for the opening of the border), shortly followed by the County Commissioner, Werner Schnappauf from Kronach on the Bavarian side. The border opening was arranged during an impromptu ceremony and celebrated enthusiastically.
The border opening quickly gained incredible momentum. Before midday, the word had spread in Probstzella that the street border was about to be opened. Civilians from the East and West, road construction authorities, as well as border troop 'pioneers' (who were not permitted to get too close to the border, mind you) collectively cleared the street and removed the barriers and expanded metal fence. By afternoon it was already possible for pedestrians to cross the border from East to West and cars were expected to be able to cross the border the next day.
In the week following the spectacular border opening by Falkenstein, many border towns demanded the installation of further border crossings, but none were settled as quickly as that of November 12.
Joyous, lively fairs were held in each of the affected border towns on both sides. The Bavarians and Thuringians were happy, the reciprocal hospitality was indescribable. For those who had lived by the terrible border, the division of more than 40 years had been a tremendous and constant burden. The end seemed like a dream, and naturally the joy was greater here than anywhere else inland."
Manfred Wagner (Thurnau/Upper Franconia)
This text is a revised excerpt taken from the article entitled: 'Das ging tief unter die Haut', published in the magazine: Gerbergasse 18, IV/2004, pg. 13-15
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