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Building bridges, experiencing cultures – rediscovering the German-Czech border region with EU support

 
 Quelle: EU4Regions
Caption:
View of the landscape near Oberwiesenthal. Photo: Christophe Gateau / More information via ots and www.presseportal.de/en/nr/177283 / The use of this image for editorial purposes is permitted and free of charge provided that all conditions of use are complied with. Publication must include image credits.

27.08.2025 – 10:15  EU4Regions    [newsroom]

Oberwiesenthal, Germany / Loučná pod Klínovcem Czech Republic (ots) -

The cross-border project “Building bridges between neighbours” connects people, places, and cultures around the mountain Fichtelberg – funded by the European Union.

In the heart of Europe, a new chapter of lived neighborhood is taking shape: The three municipalities of Oberwiesenthal, Sehmatal (Germany) and Loučná pod Klínovcem (Czech Republic) are joining forces to promote solidarity, culture, and sustainable tourism. With support from the European Union, the project “Building bridges between neighbours” is helping to revitalize the region around the Fichtelberg – as a place for encounters, activity, and community.

At the center of the initiative is the renovation of the small border bridge between Oberwiesenthal and Loučná pod Klínovcem. This bridge will not only be modernised, but also enhanced by the addition of an adjacent gathering space designed for relaxation and social interaction.

The popular “Bimmelbahn” adventure trail will also receive a makeover as part of the project. Along the route, the historic train invites visitors to explore nature, history, and local culture in a new way – a highlight for curious minds of all ages.

The project brings people together – whether at concerts, festivals, or small markets offering regional specialties. A hands-on cultural experience that transcends language barriers.

“These regular meetings really bring us closer together. It’s a more personal kind of exchange than we had before, and we are very happy about that,” says Steve Görner, event manager for Oberwiesenthal and lead partner of the project. Together with project assistant Daniela Kelch, he coordinates the local implementation.

The project has also been warmly welcomed on the Czech side. “That we [the three municipalities] have come together like this to support local culture here in the mountains – it gives everyone a sense of belonging,” says Jana Nýdrová, Mayor of Loučná pod Klínovcem.

“Building bridges between neighbours” is a clear example of how European funding can make a real impact at a regional level – by strengthening local identity, developing shared infrastructure, and celebrating cultural diversity – on both sides of the border.

For more information about the project, please visit: https://ots.de/boqSUa

Description of the project:

Cohesion policy has defined clear objectives for the 2021-2027 funding period: A smart Europe through innovation, a greener, low-carbon Europe, a more connected Europe, a more social Europe and a Europe that is closer to its citizens. Sustainable challenges are becoming the focus of society, particularly in Germany and its neighbouring countries. The "EU4regions" project will produce high-quality multimedia and journalistic information on cohesion policy and then disseminate it widely. Within 12 months, Interreg projects from western and eastern Germany and neighbouring countries/regions will be presented to highlight local challenges. The countries concerned are Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, the Netherlands and Denmark. Our thematic focus is on sustainability, whereby we understand sustainability as a whole. Although climate issues are at the centre of attention, they are complemented by economic and social aspects. The aim is to show how EU cohesion policy affects regions and people.

EU4regions receives funding from the EU Commission.

Contact:

EU4Regions-Team
EU4Regions@newsaktuell.de