Escaping Through the Inner German Border: Challenges and Successes
By 1983, it was almost impossible to infiltrate through the Inner German border, which spanned 1,393 kilometers (approximately 865 miles) between mainland West Germany and East Germany. This border was significantly fortified compared to the smaller 155 kilometers (96 miles) of the Berlin Wall. Understanding the key differences between the two borders provides insight into why escape attempts through the Inner German border were much more difficult.
Fortification and Exclusion Zones
The first and perhaps most significant difference was the extreme fortification and exclusion zones. The Inner German border included a 5-kilometer (3-mile) exclusion zone running parallel to it, making it nearly impossible to approach. Anyone who tried to enter this area had to possess an internal travel visa, which was rigorously granted only to those highly trusted by the East German regime. Conversely, the Berlin Wall had little to no exclusion zone, and travel to East Berlin was more tightly controlled, but not as restricted as the rural areas along the Inner German border.
Additionally, those living near the exclusion zone were subjected to stringent loyalty screenings. Those deemed untrustworthy were forcibly relocated. Although the exclusion zone made it very difficult to get close to the border, individuals still attempted to cross despite the risks.
Smuggling and Security
A common yet challenging method used was smuggling individuals in hidden compartments within vehicles and trucks. Despite the increased efforts by border police to detect stowaways, some managed to successfully cross the border hidden in this manner. However, the risks were extremely high, as the slightest suspicion could result in immediate detection.
Publicity and Media Attention
Another major factor differentiating the Inner German border from the Berlin Wall was the level of media coverage. The heavily populated and media-savvy West Berlin garnered significant attention for any attempt to escape, making even a successful crossing newsworthy worldwide. In contrast, the rural areas along the Inner German border received much less media attention, making successful crossings there less visible and less impactful.
Despite the lack of media attention in these areas, there were quite a few instances of spectacular border crossings. For instance, the story of the Strelzyk and Wetzel families stands out. They bought enough cloth and materials to construct a hot air balloon without arousing suspicion, and used it to fly over the border successfully. This daring attempt was even dramatized in a Disney film titled Night Crossing, starring John Hurt and Beau Bridges. Günter Wetzel has since built a website dedicated to his family’s journey.