Berlin Wall Timeline By mr_watson Aug 13, 1961 The border around West Berlin is sealed by the Soviets Period: Aug 13, 1961 to Nov 9, 1989 The Berlin Wall Sep 13, 1964 Michael Meyer escapes East Berlin by swimming the Spree May 22, 1975 Ingo Bethke escapes East Germany using a lilo Sep 16, 1979 Strelzyk family escapes East Germany in hot air balloon Mar 31, 1983 Holger Bethke escapes East Berlin using a zipline Aug 19, 1989 The border between Austria and Hungary opened. Nov 9, 1989 The border around West Berlin is officially opened by Soviets