Which East German force officially began dismantling the Berlin Wall in June 1990?

The East German Border Troops officially began dismantling the Berlin Wall in June 1990. The operation started on 13 June, beginning around Bernauer Straße and Berlin’s Mitte district.

The demolition followed the Wall’s political collapse on 9 November 1989, when East Germany opened its border crossings after weeks of mass demonstrations and mounting pressure for freedom of movement. Although people and unofficial crews began removing pieces almost immediately, the formal, organized dismantling was carried out by the GDR’s border troops.

The process continued across Berlin through late 1990. After German reunification on 3 October, Bundeswehr pioneers also assisted with the work, but they were not the force that officially began the operation. This distinction is why answers such as the Bundeswehr or the People’s Police are incorrect.

The demolition produced roughly 1.7 million tonnes of rubble. Much of the former border zone was later rebuilt, while preserved sections—such as the East Side Gallery—remain historical landmarks.