Balloon 2017

Initial plan to flee the GDR by hot air balloon

In Pößneck, Thuringia, during the summer of 1979, the Strelzyk and Wetzel families conceive a daring escape to West Germany using a self-made hot air balloon. They imagine eight people flying together, but Günter Wetzel worries about the balloon's size and the safety of his family. The plan remains tentative as they weigh the risks of such an audacious attempt.

Günter and Petra pause the escape plan

Günter Wetzel concludes the balloon is too small for eight people and Petra fears for their two young children. The couple decides to stop the plan for a short while while they assess safety and feasibility. The tension between ambition and risk grows as they reconsider their options.

Strelzyk family shifts plan to escape with two sons

Doris and Peter Strelzyk decide to attempt the escape with their two boys instead of the larger group. Their teenage son Frank is infatuated with Klara Baumann, the neighbor's daughter, and even writes her a farewell letter, underscoring the urgency and danger of their situation. They begin preparing anew for a much smaller, intimate escape.

First escape attempt takes off but fails near the border

That same night, the Strelzyks pack the balloon and launch from a forested area, staying hidden in the clouds to avoid border guards. The gas pipes freeze and clog the burner, causing the balloon to descend just before the border. All four survive, they recover the farewell letter and destroy any evidence.

Stasi launches a large investigation into the failed escape

Lieutenant Colonel Seidel leads the crackdown, interrogating border guards and tracing clues from the abandoned balloon. He accuses guards of not taking their duties seriously and narrows the suspect circle by calculating where the balloon must have started. The investigation expands as authorities try to connect anyone to the attempt.

Fear and discovery strain the families

For weeks the families live in fear of being linked to the escape, especially Doris who loses her medication in the forest, a detail the Stasi later uses as evidence. The search continues with increasing paranoia as supplies dwindle and the authorities close in. The tension between daily life and an impending investigation grows.

Attempt to flee via East Berlin US Embassy fails

The families travel to East Berlin hoping the US Embassy can facilitate leaving the country, but this plan falters and is thwarted. The failure deepens the sense of urgency and reinforces the need to try again with a different approach. The Stasi's net tightens as they broaden their search.

Decide to attempt escape again; new balloon project begins

Peter convinces Günter to attempt a second balloon escape, aware that they must avoid arousing suspicion. They collect materials in small quantities from different cities and work at night at the sewing machine to join fabric pieces. Secrecy and careful supply management become central to their plan.

Stasi draws closer; sewing moves to the cellar

As the investigation continues, the Stasi link the family to the escape and begin breaking into their homes. To reduce noise and suspicion from neighbors, Günter relocates the sewing project to the Strelzyks' cellar. The atmosphere tightens around the family as the clock ticks toward the second launch.

Second escape attempt launches but nearly fails again

On the night of the second attempt, the family sets off, but the start is not as perfect and the gas runs out after about half an hour. They have to make an emergency landing in a forest, unsure if they have crossed the border. The crew remains calm and evaluates their position after landing.

Crossing into West Germany is confirmed

Peter and Günter explore the surrounding area and encounter a police patrol car. The officers inform them they are in Upper Franconia, West Germany, confirming that the escape was successful. The families react with relief and joy at the breakthrough after months of fear.

Stasi leadership is briefed about the escape

Lieutenant Colonel Seidel and his superior must report back to Stasi chief Erich Mielke, explaining how the attempted escape occurred and the steps taken to prevent future embarrassments. The incident becomes a visible embarrassment for the East German authorities. The search for those involved continues to be a priority.