Torgelow News

Witness talk with Maik Torfstecher

Schloss Torgelow: Boarding School & High School Torgelow News Witness talk with Maik Torfstecher

Two men on their way to West Berlin – actually nothing special, one would think, but at that time there was the Berlin Wall. Such a escape was rarely successful. Yet Maik Torfstecher made it. Today he lives again in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and on June 26, 2025, he told us about his escape as a historical eyewitness.

His story began with a carefree, happy childhood in the GDR. Later, during his time as a carpenter, he increasingly recognized the problems and lack of freedoms in the GDR. This primarily included the shortages, resulting in forced unemployment for Maik, a peat cutter, which led the young man to increasingly turn to alcohol. A vicious circle from which his only escape was flight.

It was the year 1988 – a year before the fall of the Wall. Together with 2 friends, he drove closely to a very specific spot at the border between East and West Berlin. There was marshy land where the border strip was thinner and thus easier to cross.

Everyone in the room at Schloss Torgelow listened spellbound. Mr. Torfstecher recounted how he and his friend Jürgen were almost shot. It was just luck that they had survived. The vivid narrative left a strong impression on us. Mr. Torfstecher was able to convey feelings of fear and uncertainty very well.

To gain a better understanding of the structure of the Berlin Wall, he also explained it. The “Wall” was not solely made up of a concrete barrier, as one might expect; there were also fences, watchtowers, the death strip, and other fortifications. Mr. Torfstecher and his friend had dug in under a signal fence that could trigger a silent alarm with just one movement. They fought their way forward but were eventually discovered by border guards. However, they were not shot at, allowing Mr. Torfstecher and his friend to climb the actual Berlin Wall at a gate and escape. It was an exciting report, which he supported with his book and an explanatory video.

However, that was not the end of his story. In West Berlin, both refugees had to prove that they were not members of the Stasi. Therefore, they first waited in Berlin, and then they were subjected to interrogations. Afterwards, Maik Torfstecher made a stop in Hanover.

Time and again, questions about the background of his flight and his friendship were asked, and none went unanswered. The hour and a half passed in a flash during this interesting session, and many insights could be gained.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to Maik Torfstecher for his work and efforts, as well as to the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, which made this day possible. Our gratitude also goes to Ms. Petri, Mr. Träger, and Mr. Thor Straten, who were responsible for the organization.

(Report from Anja from the tenth grade)