“SW1” booms a voice. Who here has heard of the Bundespolizeimuseum in Lübeck? It is not just a collection of old vehicles. It is a journey through the history of German law enforcement.
The Bundespolizeimuseum resides within the Bundespolizeiakademie. This academy is the central training location for future Bundespolizei officers. The museum’s primary goal is to educate these recruits about the history of the Bundesgrenzschutz. The BGS later became today’s Bundespolizei. Since 2011, the museum has been open to the public.
However, access isn’t unrestricted. A prior appointment is necessary before visiting. The Bundespolizeiakademie stands on grounds that were once a barracks. This barracks was built in the 1930s. After the war, in the 1950s, the Bundesgrenzschutz moved in.
Now, let us talk about the exhibits at the Bundespolizeimuseum. You will see a green SW1. It is a vehicle that once intimidated demo rioters. The SW1 is short for Sonderwagen 1. This armored vehicle weighs over eight tons. It was used by the Bundesgrenzschutz during violent demonstrations. It could withstand stone throwing, Molotov cocktails, and steel ball attacks.
The Bundespolizei also has a collection of over 70 vintage service vehicles. The collection includes 23 cars and 19 motorcycles. There are also 21 trucks, 11 special vehicles, two helicopters and one boat. Due to space limitations, many items are on loan to other museums.
First Chief Inspector Isabelle Borgert greets visitors with a VW Bulli T1. She says that the museum is bursting at the seams. They often have to give vehicles to other museums.
Some vehicles hold personal memories for Isabelle Borgert. She shares that the T4 thermal imaging vehicle was her service car. This was in the 90s. She used it on the German-Polish border in Frankfurt/Oder. With it, she pursued illegal border crossings and tracked smuggler gangs.
A significant portion of the Bundespolizeimuseum exhibition focuses on German history. It covers the division and reunification. Visitors can view recreated BGS offices and radio stations. Upstairs, they can see DDR border troop uniforms and vehicles.
There are also ammunition recovery robots. You can also see the Plexiglas shields that officers used for protection.
The vehicles on display include a VW Beetle convertible. It was first built in 1965. The BGS designation was Kfz 23 / 1 gl. It had a special design with a signal light. There is also an MB 200 W123. It was built starting in 1976. It was a former commander’s car for the border presidium. A BMW R27 motorcycle is also on display. It reached a top speed of 130 km/h.
The LA 911 radio unit is present. It can be used if power and communication networks fail.
The Bundespolizeimuseum is a treasure trove. It preserves the history of the Bundespolizei. The museum is at Ratzeburger Landstraße 4. Remember to email them to arrange a visit. The entry is free. It offers excitement for vintage car fans and history buffs alike.