Peace ride: 900 kilometers cycling for friendship in Erlangen-Höchstadt

Peace ride: 900 kilometers cycling for friendship in Erlangen-Höchstadt

The German-Polish cycling group performed an impressive performance: on their tour through the district of Erlangen-Höchstadt, they arrived at the district office in Erlangen after around 900 kilometers last Friday, June 29, 2025. Deputy District Administrator Dr. Martin Oberle warmly welcomed the cyclists and paid tribute to the importance of this tour, which was carried out on the occasion of the 20-year partnership between the districts of Erlangen-Höchstadt and Tarnowskie Góry. The group started in Tarnowskie Góry on June 12th and experienced “intensive and interesting encounters” while driving, as Manfred Bachmayer, chairman of the Freundeskreis Erlangen-Höchstadt/Tarnowskie Góry, reported.

on this sporty demanding adventure, which led through the Giant Mountains and the Upper Palatinate Forest, the cyclists covered daily stages of up to 120 kilometers. A total of eight cyclists from Erlangen-Höchstadt and four cyclists from Tarnowskie Góry were there. They were received with great openness and warmth at every stop. Dariusz Wyypol, the district board of Tarnowskie Góry, described the cycling project as "great experience". Thanks also went to the supporters of the project, including the district councilors Adam Chmiel and Alexander Trüthart as well as the city and Kreissparkasse Erlangen-Höchstadt-Hergenaurach.

friendship through art

In addition to the bike tour, the Freundeskreis Erlangen-Höchstadt/Tarnowskie Góry is also active with an impressive open-air painting, which is under the motto "Art for Friendship and Peace". This year, artists from Poland, Ukraine and Germany took part in the event, which enlivens the local art scene and promotes cultural exchange. Under the artistic direction of Gabriele Jost, the exhibition in Erlangen will open on June 7, 2025 at 2 p.m. in the Kuntraum Herzogenaurach, Langenzenner Straße 1.

The painting, which was organized with the support of the Freundeskreis organizationally, was six artists from Tarnowskie Góry, two from Ukraine and artists from Erlangen-Höchstadt. The painting locations extend over some of the most beautiful places in the region, including the Dechsendorfer Weiher, Marloffstein, Weisendorf, Aurachtal and Eckental. These creative encounters not only strengthen the friendship between Germany and Poland, but also promote dialogue and mutual understanding.

a long tradition

The promotion of such projects is of great importance for the Foundation for German-Polish Cooperation. In the past 30 years, the foundation has financed over 16,000 joint projects, always with the aim of strengthening mutual communication and enabling a modern, peaceful and socially just living together in the EU. The foundation in particular supports educational projects that enrich the exchange about Germany and Poland, as well as art and literary projects.

The numerous activities - be it the bike tour, the open -air painting or the support from the foundation - show that friendship and cultural exchange between the nations are a load -bearing pillar in the neighborhood. As I said, good neighbors are the best friends! And so the partnership between Erlangen-Höchstadt and Tarnowskie Góry helps to further consolidate the band between Germany and Poland.