Stresow Memorial

The Wenden village of "stredso" was mentioned in documents as early as 1310. Over the centuries, the inhabitants of the 16 farmsteads have survived wars, fires, dyke breaches and floods and rebuilt their village again and again. In June 1952, however, the first forced resettlement of around 100 villagers began. This was because the current state border between Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt was also the inner-German border and "Iron Curtain" until 1990, with the village of Stresow located in the 500-metre-wide so-called "protective strip" directly next to the GDR border fence. In 1974, the last families had to leave their homes in a night-and-fog operation, with four families managing to escape to the West at the last minute. Stresow was razed to the ground by the GDR authorities. This injustice and the village of Stresow, which disappeared from the map, are now impressively commemorated by an original replica of the GDR border fortifications of the time. Extensive information boards and maps illustrate the history and events of that time.

How to get there: Coming
from Aulosen, head towards Bömenzien and turn right at the sign for "Gedenkstätte Stresow" (Stresow Memorial). Follow the road for about 2 km. There is a large parking lot by the lake, which is also suitable for RVs.

Opening hours:
The site is open to the public at all times.