Point Alpha
Description:
Point Alpha (also known as Observation Post Alpha or OP Alpha) was a NATO observation post between Rasdorf, Hesse, in what was then West Germany and Geisa, Thuringia, then part of East Germany during the Cold War. The post was one of four which overlooked part of the "Fulda Gap” but was abandoned by the military in 1991. Today a memorial complex at the site serves as a reminder of the division of Germany and the confrontation between NATO and Warsaw Pact in the Cold War. The complex features two museums: The Haus auf der Grenze (House on the Border) Museum on the former GDR side, and the Point Alpha Museum which is housed inside the former post on the western side with both indoor and open-air exhibitions. A partially reconstructed stretch of the former border lies in between and includes artifacts and installations from various periods of its history. The role of the US military at the site and in the context of the larger Cold War is documented and commemorated at the Point Alpha Museum, as well as throughout the open-air Border Memorial that separates the two museums. In addition to the core parts of the site, several miles of the former border are pedestrian friendly. The trail along the border is known as "Green Belt" and features information panels and further watchtower remains. The complex has been maintained by the Point Alpha Foundation since 2008.
Address:
Platz der Deutschen Einheit 1 , 36419 , Geisa , , Thüringen , Germany
The site is located on a hill on what today is the border between two of unified Germany's constituent states, Thuringia and Hesse, roughly 20 miles (30 km) northeast of Fulda, between the two villages of Rasdorf and Geisa.
Map reference (click on pin to see Lat/Long):
50.723756 9.932109 Platz der Deutschen Einheit 1
Flag Poles :
1
