Boizenburg and Lauenburg mark 35 years of unity after the border fell

From Cold War division to a bond stronger than history. These two towns prove how borders can become bridges—35 years and counting.

, and Administrator

2025 November 7 . 7:19 AM

1 min read

In the foreground of the picture there are iron poles, curtain and wall.

Reminder of Border Opening with Festival for City Partnership - Boizenburg and Lauenburg mark 35 years of unity after the border fell

Boizenburg and Lauenburg, once divided by the inner-German border, celebrate the 35th anniversary of their twin-town partnership this year. Established on April 26, 1990, just months after the border opened, the partnership is a testament to the unity and friendship that emerged from Germany's reunification.

The story begins in the fall of 1989, when peaceful protests in East Germany brought down the SED dictatorship and led to the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9. This opened the way for the reunification of Germany and the eventual establishment of twin-town partnerships like the one between Boizenburg and Lauenburg.

Each year, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania’s Minister-President Manuela Schwesig and Schleswig-Holstein’s Minister-President Daniel Günther meet at sites along the former border to honor the border opening. However, this year, they will participate in a public discussion on historical events and their impact instead of the symbolic border run from Lauenburg to Boizenburg.

The anniversary will culminate in a festive celebration in the Wall Sports Hall, marking the twin-town anniversary. The partnership, now 35 years strong, stands as a reminder of the past division and a celebration of the unity and cooperation that has since flourished between the two towns.