The first segment introduces us to the main characters who, aboard the train from Munich to East Berlin on August 13, 1961, will face a difficult decision: freedom or home.

August 13, 1961: A fateful message reaches the train bound for East Berlin: The construction of the Wall has begun. The passengers now have three and a half hours to decide—home or freedom?

As the train continues its course towards Berlin, the band of musicians perform a song about yearning for freedom, which contrasts with the security checks of East Germans returning from the West.

As the train makes its way along, a reporter comes to interview Edith Salzmann, a locomotive driver. Through them, we get an impression of the roles and daily life of people in East Germany.