Point Alpha Memorial
Gedenkstätte Point Alpha
A Cold War observation post at the forward edge of the East-West German border, used by US forces. It preserves the watchtowers, border fence and 'death strip' as they were.
Point Alpha lies on the border between Hesse and Thuringia. During the Cold War it was one of the most important forward observation posts of the US military, facing the 'Fulda Gap', where NATO expected Warsaw Pact tanks to break through. The memorial preserves the US military camp and watchtowers, the border wall on the East German side, the barbed wire and patrol paths. The nearby 'Border House' exhibition explains Germany's division and life along the border. Admission is about 8 euros. It is about 40 km southwest of Eisenach, near Geisa, and you need to drive there.
Opening hours
About 09:00–17:00 (until 16:00 in winter)
Nearby sights
- Rennsteig Trail (Hörschel Start)
- Altenstein Palace, Park & Cave
- Drachenschlucht
- Wartburg Castle
- Creuzburg Castle
- Reuter-Wagner-Museum
- Lutherhaus Eisenach
- Market Square & St. George's Church