The small village of Rüterberg is a special place because GDR history was made here. The disgruntled citizens defied the GDR's border policy and proclaimed Rüterberg a village republic in 1989.
As a border village, Rüterberg was cut off from the outside world from 1967 to 1989 by the border fortifications to both the GDR and the FRG. Without their papers, the villagers were not allowed to leave or enter the village, and receiving visitors was forbidden. Dissatisfied with the frustrating situation, Hans Rasenberger, a master tailor, called a meeting of residents on November 8, 1989. It was unanimously decided that Rueterberg should become a village republic with its own laws. Only one day later the Berlin Wall fell and Rueterberg was free again. Since 1991 the community is officially allowed to bear the epithet "Village Republic". In the Heimatstube, everyday life in the border village from 1967 to 1989 is documented in an exhibition and presented in a way that can be experienced. It is open by appointment.
