FamxplorPoint Alpha
What to expect
Point Alpha is a former Cold War observation post located on the Rasdorfer Berg between Rasdorf, Hesse and Geisa, Thuringia. The post overlooked part of the 'Fulda Gap', which would have been a prime invasion route for Warsaw Pact forces had the Cold War erupted into actual warfare. Today, the 'Point Alpha' memorial commemorates the observation point's four decades of existence and is dedicated to keeping it and a nearby section of the inner German border as reminders of the division of Germany and the confrontation between NATO and Warsaw Pact in the Cold War. The memorial features exhibitions, including 'Kalter Krieg' and 'Everyday Life', which showcase the history, military life, and strategic importance of Point Alpha, as well as the daily life of people living in the nearby area. Visitors can also explore the former sport and leisure area, now home to the 'Black Horse Inn' bistro
Plan your family visit to the Point Alpha with these blog insights 👇
Point Alpha: On the border between Hesse and Thuringia
Activities: We visited the "Haus auf der Grenze", which houses an exhibition about the Cold War. There is also an exhibition in the nearby US Camp. We walked the short path connecting both attractions, with the border fortifications reconstructed on the freely accessible outdoor area
Highlights: The kids, especially the older ones, engaged with the exhibits. One was calculating the number of deaths at the wall and comparing the service instructions of the border guards in East and West. The other followed the chronology of events. I found the mix of original documents, explanatory texts, and images very successful ✨