The escape
of Hubert Hohlbein
Hubert Hohlbein trains with a friend for his imminent escape (winter of 1962–3) - Photo: Privatbesitz, Jürgen Fuß
On the night of November 21, 1963, Hubert Hohlbein silently glided through the waters of Jungfernsee, nearby the then disused café-restaurant in the Meierei and not far from Cecilienhof Palace. Dressed in a diving suit, the 21-year-old swam as quietly as he could through the cold boundary waters of the lake. A weight belt enabled him to stay underwater. He had to avoid attracting attention, given the considerable risk that East German border guards would see him and open fire. One and a half hours later, an exhausted Hubert Hohlbein reached the shores of Wannsee, not far from Glienicke Bridge. His escape to West Berlin was successful.
Hubert Hohlbein trained for his escape. Equipped with a diving suit and weight belt, he swam across Jungfernsee to West Berlins - Photo: Privatbesitz, Jürgen Fuß
Hubert Hohlbein in conversation at the Zeitzeugencafé of the Berlin Wall Memorial - Photo: Stiftung Berliner Mauer, Martin Frommann
Text: Lydia Dollmann / Chronik der Mauer
Further Readings: Nooke, Maria: Mauergeschichten von Flucht und Fluchthilfe. Begegnung mit Zeitzeugen, Berlin 2017
Strehlow, Hannelore: Der gefährliche Weg in die Freiheit. Fluchtversuche aus dem ehemaligen Bezirk Potsdam, Potsdam 2004.
Audio: Hubert Hohlbein reports on his escape
Source: Excerpt from the Zeitzeugencafé of the Berlin Wall Memorial on »Escape Helpers and their Varied Experiences,« guests: Hubert Hohlbein and Ralph Kabisch, moderated by: Dr. Maria Nooke, 11.11.2012