GDR border crossing point Helmstedt/Marienborn
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Originally operated exclusively by the Soviet occupying forces, the border troops of the GDR increasingly took over border control on the eastern side after the founding of the GDR in 1950. Due to increasing political tensions during the Cold War between the Western Allies and the Soviet Union, the border control facilities were expanded and control measures tightened in the following years. Nevertheless, border control at the provisional facility was considered insecure.
Between 1972 and 1974, the GDR constructed a 35-hectare border crossing point (GÜSt) near Marienborn, not far from the old control structures. It was located approximately 1.5 kilometers inside the border on a hilltop in eastern territory. The section of the motorway between the actual border and the GÜSt was secured by extensive border fortifications and concrete walls along the route. Border traffic could be monitored from an elevated control center, and retractable vehicle barriers could be activated if necessary. At times, up to 1,000 employees worked on the site in the areas of passport control, customs, border troops, and the Ministry for State Security (Stasi). The numerous buildings were connected by an underground tunnel system. Access to and knowledge of the tunnels was restricted to a small circle of employees. The East German border troops were housed in directly adjacent barracks.
From 1984 to 1989, approximately ten million passenger vehicles and five million trucks were processed.