24 January 2026, reading time 5 minutes
Join us on Ascension Day weekend (14 May to 17 May 2026) to visit Neu-Anspach’s twin town, Šentjur, in the green heart of Slovenia – the country that has love in its name. in the green heart of Slovenia – the country that has love in its name.
Together with our Slovenian hosts and our French friends from Saint-Florent-sur-Cher, we are experiencing Slovenia in a personal, warm and authentic way. The citizens’ meeting creates space for encounters, discussions and shared experiences, inviting us to experience Europe together.
I feel SLOVENIA – together in Šentjur
Accommodation with host families provides direct insight into everyday life and local culture. A varied programme of joint activities, cultural experiences and time for exchange makes this trip a special experience of town twinning in action.
Šentjur💚 Nature, culture, encounters
Šentjur is located in a gently rolling landscape in eastern Slovenia and combines nature, culture and a lively community. The town stands for openness, cohesion and European solidarity.
If you have any questions, please send us an email, call us or send us a WhatsApp message. Tel. 0160-7839272.
The journey will be made in a modern coach provided by a regional operator – for maximum safety and comfort.
Take advantage of the early bird discount when travelling by coach until 15 February 2026.
Prices: Members Adults €80, Young people €55; Non-members Adults €95, Young people €65
From 16 February 2026, the following prices will apply: Members: Adults €95 / Young people €65; Non-members: Adults €110, Young people €75.
Please register by 20 April 2026. Cancellation is free of charge until 23 April 2026. After that date, refunds will only be given if a replacement participant is found.
Please contact us if you have any questions or would still like to register.
8 February 2026, reading time: 2 minutes
The participation of the Association for the Promotion of International Relations Neu-Anspach e.V. in the open day at the Adolf Reichwein School on 30 January 2026 is a long-standing tradition. It offers a good opportunity to showcase the cooperation and to stay in touch with parents, teachers and pupils.
The association’s crêpe stand brings an extra dose of French flair to the school again this year. The smell of freshly baked crêpes whets the appetite for foreign languages – and for encounters in Europe. At the stand, the association provides information about town twinning and gives insights into joint projects and international encounters.
This year, there is a special focus on the planned trip to visit friends in Šentjur, Slovenia. Many discussions revolve around exchange, shared experiences and the importance of European partnerships for young people.
The highlight of the day is once again the dedicated crêpe bakers: with their great skill, good humour and international team spirit.
🐉 There is also a first: a small green dragon mascot – still without a name – is joining us for the first time. It pays homage to Slovenia and, in particular, Šentjur, whose name refers to Saint George. For centuries, dragons have been symbols of myths and legends there, but also of courage, strength and solidarity.
The open day shows once again that Europe thrives on encounters.
And sometimes crêpes, too. 💫
On Friday, 10 October 2025 at 11 a.m., the time has come: the friendship tree that we received from Mayor Marie-Line Cirre during the Citizens’ Meeting 2025 in Saint-Florent-sur-Cher will find its new home on the threshing floor in Neu-Anspach. Under the expert guidance of district forester Christian Wählert and under the supervision of Mayor Birger Strutz as well as members and sympathisers of our association and Waldliebe e.V., the planting will be carried out.
We hope that the noble Nordmann fir feels at home in the Taunus, that it takes its role as a friendship tree very seriously and that it grows and flourishes.
More about the family of our friendship tree:
If there is one tree that is perfect for our friendship, then it is the Nordmann fir. Sturdy, patient, weatherproof – and with a penchant for international understanding.
On Friday, 10 October 2025, our friendship tree will find its place in the Taunus. Its siblings are already in our twin towns: one in Saint-Florent-sur-Cher in France and another in Šentjur in Slovenia. Three trees, three countries – and one common idea: friendship that grows.
The Nordmann fir (Abies nordmanniana) originally comes from the Caucasus. It is therefore naturally accustomed to international relationships. No wonder it feels so at home here. It stands for constancy, for evergreen togetherness – and for the fact that friendship also needs regular care (although hopefully less watering).
Our friendship tree connects Neu-Anspach, Saint-Florent-sur-Cher and Šentjur in a very natural way – literally with roots that grow in the same direction: towards Europe.
08.10.2025; Reading time: 4 minutes
Europe today rarely appears as serene and sublime as Giambattista Tiepolo painted it on the ceiling of the Würzburg Residence.
On the ceiling fresco by the Italian master – the largest continuous monumental painting in the world – the personification of Europe rests half enthroned, half reclining on clouds, surrounded by symbols of power, science and art.
A picture of impressive lightness and at the same time of great significance: Europe as a connection, not as a demarcation. It is precisely this motif that characterises this year’s one-day excursion organised by the Neu-Anspach Association for the Promotion of International Relations – the kick-off could hardly have been more fitting.
As in previous years, the trip is organised around a common theme: “European locations – yesterday, today and tomorrow.“
On the Day of German Unity, around forty European and town twinning enthusiasts from Neu-Anspach and the surrounding area set off for the European city of Würzburg.
Paul-Werner Geis provides a lively introduction on the bus – with stories, anecdotes and a humorous look at the eventful history of the old royal seat.
And because culture is best combined with a good foundation, traditional refreshments are also a must: Worscht and Weck (sausages & and in proper style and on the go, are the perfect start to a day on which Europe can be experienced in many different ways.
History comes to life in the Würzburg Residence, one of the most important baroque buildings in Europe. Two dedicated art educators from the city of Würzburg guide the group through the state rooms, staircase and imperial hall – places where power, art and the European spirit come together in an impressive way.
The view up to the ceiling painting by Giambattista Tiepolo leaves no one unimpressed: a world allegory unfolds over 600 square metres, in which Europe, Asia, Africa and America appear as figures on clouds – symbols of a time when the world was opening up and Europe was seeking its place in it.
The mixture of architectural austerity and picturesque lightness, of Balthasar Neumann’s spatial art and Tiepolo’s blaze of colour, conveys a sense of why the Residence is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and why it is still admired today as the epitome of Baroque perfection.
A little further on, in the town hall with its impressive hall of arms, participants discover the flags of Würzburg’s twin towns. From Caen, the oldest partnership, to Lviv and the most recent links with Italy – each flag symbolises a friendship that transcends borders.
For more than 60 years, Würzburg has nurtured vibrant connections in all directions. Each partnership stands for encounter, exchange, and what Europe represents at its best: friendship across borders.
?? Caen (France, since 1962)
The oldest twin city – a symbol of Franco-German reconciliation. Students, choirs, and associations still maintain close ties with the Norman university city today.
? Dundee (Scotland, United Kingdom, since 1962)
A partnership rooted in science, education, and culture – two dynamic university cities united by openness and creativity.
?? Rochester (USA, since 1964)
A transatlantic partnership born in the spirit of post-war friendship, sustained by personal encounters and school exchanges.
?? Mwanza (Tanzania, since 1966)
Würzburg’s bridge to Africa – with numerous projects in education, medicine, and development cooperation. One of the oldest German–African city partnerships.
?? Ōtsu (Japan, since 1979)
The “Pearl of Lake Biwa” – marked by exchanges between schools, orchestras, and cultural groups.
A visible sign of this friendship is the Japanese Garden on the Landesgartenschau grounds, designed after the gardens of Ōtsu. The Japanese Tea House in the Hofgarten also reflects this spirit – a touch of the Far East amid Franconian baroque.
?? Salamanca (Spain, since 1980)
Two historic university cities united by a love of culture, history, and joie de vivre – Europe for studying, experiencing, and enjoying.
?? Suhl (Thuringia, Germany, since 1988)
Established before German reunification – a symbol of understanding and enduring friendship within Germany.
?? Umeå (Sweden, since 1992)
Young, creative, and environmentally conscious – Würzburg’s partner in the far north. Both cities share a strong focus on culture, education, and sustainability.
?? Bray (Ireland, since 1999)
Irish hospitality meets Franconian spirit: a lived European friendship through music, exchange, and good cheer.
?? Lviv / Lemberg (Ukraine, since 2023)
A sign of solidarity with Ukraine – expressing active European responsibility and new friendships.
?? Syracuse (Sicily, Italy, since 2025)
The newest partnership in southern Europe: Mediterranean lifestyle, ancient culture, and sunny inspiration for Würzburg’s European network.
In the neighbouring council chamber, the monumental wall painting by Wolfgang Lenz (1984-1987) captivates visitors: 37 intertwining scenes tell 1300 years of Würzburg’s history. Lenz’s clay spatula technique gives the figures movement, while the moment of war destruction – concealed behind a black cloth – creates a touching stillness.
The monumental work by Wolfgang Lenz was created between 1984 and 1987 and is considered one of the most impressive examples of modern history painting in southern Germany. Covering around 280 square meters, it unfolds as a panorama of 37 interwoven scenes that bring 1300 years of Würzburg’s city history to life.
In his characteristic clay spatula technique, Lenz combines precise historical detail with painterly movement. Scenes such as the mission of Saint Kilian, the construction of the Old Main Bridge, the founding of the university in 1402, and the Baroque era with Balthasar Neumann and Tiepolo reflect the city’s transformation through the centuries. Between them are subtle references to the persecutions of Jews and witch trials – events Lenz intentionally did not omit.
The moment of wartime destruction in 1945 is not depicted, but rather hidden behind a black cloth – an artistic gesture symbolizing both Würzburg’s loss and its rebirth. The reconstruction appears in bright tones, a symbol of hope and solidarity.
On the occasion of Wolfgang Lenz’s 100th birthday in 2025, the work was honored once again – as the legacy of an artist who did not just portray history, but made it tangible. His mural remains to this day the visual memory of modern Würzburg.
Walking across the Old Main Bridge, the group encounters Europe once again – this time in stone, in the form of baroque saints and patron saints who have watched over the Main and the city for centuries. The figures of St Kilian, St Nepomuk and St Afra reflect the cultural roots and connections that have shaped Würzburg far beyond Franconia.n.
While many visitors and locals enjoy the view over the river in glorious October weather, a glass of Franconian wine in their hand, this very special Würzburg attitude to life is created – a relaxed dialogue between yesterday and today, between baroque scenery and living Europe in the here and now.
After so much art and history, the leisurely part follows: a meal together in Veitshöchheim on the banks of the Main with Franconian specialities. Finally, the route leads to the centre of Europe – an inconspicuous place with great symbolism.
Here, where the geographical centre of the continent is located, Europe’s diversity can once again be felt directly over a sparkling glass of champagne.
A big thank you to Silke Jeltsch-Strempel and her husband Jürgen Strempel, who organised and accompanied the excursion, and to the always cheerful driver from Gutacker-Reisen, who ensured a relaxed trip.
The travelling group itself is also a piece of lived internationality: people from Neu-Anspach and the surrounding area, united by curiosity and openness – with roots in France, Slovenia, Spain, Pakistan, Brazil and from many regions of Germany.
This international mix ensures lively conversations, lots of laughter and a wonderful desire to travel, even on the bus. And although the day started early, the mood is wide awake right from the start – Europe in conversation, Europe on the move.
This is how Europe presents itself on this day: diverse, approachable, cheerful – and with a touch of baroque lightness, just like Tiepolo.
And if you now feel like discovering a piece of Europe for yourself, it’s worth taking a look at our photo gallery. There you can see what words can only hint at – and what is an incentive and motivation for us as the association’s board to organise and hold such events. We want to encourage our members and those who want to become members to take part and join in.
8 October 2025, reading time 3 minutes
With his programme “Die Vereinigten Träume von Europa” (The United Dreams of Europe), Sebastian Schnoy brings political cabaret to the stage of the Neu-Anspach Community Centre on 21 September 2025 – with great success.
The hall is filled to capacity as the Neu-Anspach Association for the Promotion of International Relations hosts this evening event.
Schnoy guides the audience through Europe’s political landscape with sharp wit, rapid-fire dialogue and a keen sense of nuance. Whether it’s populism, bureaucracy or everyday fears – no one is spared, but everything is presented in an appreciative and humorous way. Alternating between ironic and serious moments, he manages to strike a balance between entertainment and political commentary.
The Hamburg cabaret artist analyses why people seek stability in times of crisis – and shows with a great deal of self-irony that fear is not a good advisor. In doing so, he takes aim at all sides: right-wing populists as well as left-wing ideologues and bourgeois complacency. “More and more people are keen on dictatorship,” Schnoy states pointedly – and at the same time shows how important democratic awareness and civil courage remain.
Schnoy also addresses difficult topics – from anti-Semitism to hatred and hate speech on the internet. With a clear stance and satirical bite, he makes it clear that democracy only works when people get involved and take a stand. The audience’s applause is correspondingly loud: an evening that makes you think, but above all conveys courage and confidence.
The evening also serves as a reminder that town twinning is not just about annual citizen meetings, but that the association lives and breathes its connection with its twin towns of Saint-Florent-sur-Cher, Šentjur and Thalgau all year round. A European cabaret evening that plays with stereotypes and provocations also contributes to understanding and friendship across borders.
This brings the European idea to life once again: through humour, dialogue and shared experiences.
June 17, 2025 · Reading time: 3 minutes
In turbulent times, when headlines are dominated by crises and conflict, Europe needs one thing above all: encounters that connect. That’s exactly what came to life at the 2025 citizens’ meeting in our French partner town Saint-Florent-sur-Cher – with guests from Neu-Anspach, Šentjur, and the host community.
Although the local twinning committee was dissolved, the town council – led by Mayor Marie-Line Cirre – took the initiative and organized the event with great dedication. The result was a weekend full of hospitality, exchange, activity, and community – European in the best sense.
A special moment was the planting of a friendship tree in the château park: representatives from all three towns planted a Nordmann fir – a living symbol of enduring connections.
With a life expectancy of over 500 years and the ability to grow deep, strong roots, these trees are emblematic of what town twinnings stand for: resilience, depth, and enduring ties that withstand even the strongest storms.
The delegations from Neu-Anspach and Šentjur each took a tree back home – as a visible sign of continued friendship. Three towns, three trees – and a shared commitment to cross-border friendship.
Representing Neu-Anspach were Helga Feller, chair of the international relations association (VzFiB), and First Deputy Mayor Jürgen Strempel, standing in for Mayor Birger Strutz, who was unable to attend due to professional obligations related to the town swimming pool renovation. The Slovenian delegation was led by Robert Gajšek, chair of Šentjur’s twinning committee, together with Alenka Testanière.
Whether over breakfast at the château, on guided tours, or during the conference on the European Capital of Culture 2028 – people talked, laughed, listened, and shared ideas.
A special role was played by Sabine Tscherner, a teacher at Adolf-Reichwein-School Neu-Anspach and leader of the school’s Europe group. She participated as an ambassador for youth engagement in Europe.
“Even though my hosts and I met for the first time, it felt as if we had known each other for years.”
“Suddenly it didn’t matter that we spoke different languages – long-forgotten vocabulary resurfaced, and buried knowledge returned.”
On Saturday, the participants met on Île Soubiran for games of pétanque, tennis, and pickleball. In multinational teams, the spirit of camaraderie grew with each match.
A shared picnic rounded off the morning – once again showing how easily and warmly European togetherness can work.
The closing evening at Espace Robinson provided a relaxed, friendly finale. Over giant paella and live music by the band Kristy Bell, the mood was easy-going – the perfect setting for good conversations and new connections.
There was dancing, laughter, and celebration – and plenty of space for meaningful intercultural encounters.
During the night, the Slovenian delegation departed – taking with them their own friendship tree to be planted in Šentjur, and also a heartfelt invitation to the next gathering.
Robert Gajšek and Alenka Testanière have already set the dates: from May 14 to 17, 2026 (Ascension weekend), the spirit of Europe will continue and deepen in Slovenia.
Despite all the joy, Saturday also included a moment of quiet reflection: in neighboring Villeneuve-sur-Cher, the funeral service for Jean-Pierre Poincelet took place.
He was a co-founder of the town twinning and a long-time member of the Saint-Florent committee. A small delegation from Neu-Anspach attended the service, expressed condolences to his widow Marie-Françoise Poincelet and family, and laid a bouquet on behalf of all friends from Neu-Anspach.
We will remember Jean-Pierre Poincelet with deep respect and gratitude.
26.03.2025, Reading time: 3 minutes
This year’s general meeting of the Association for the Promotion of International Relations (VzFiB) took place on 26 March 2025 in the small hall of the Bürgerhaus Neu-Anspach. In addition to a review of an eventful 2024, the course was also set for upcoming projects – including board elections and an outlook on upcoming events.
After a minute’s silence in memory of a deceased member, Chairwoman Helga Feller reported on the numerous activities of the past year, which was centred around the theme of “Changing perspectives in Europe” and in which the Board, members and supporters demonstrated flexibility and resilience in many areas. Highlights included
the tri-national youth project and the citizens’ meeting in Neu-Anspach,
participation in Europe Day in Schmitten,
the popular boules tournament,
an excursion to Dillenburg,
and the trip to Thalgau for the anniversary.
The organisation’s finances are in a solid position. The cash report was unanimously approved and the actions of the Executive Board were ratified.
At the regular election, the following persons were elected to the Board of Directors or confirmed in office:
Jürgen Strempel, who was warmly thanked at this point for his commitment – not only for this evening, but also for his many years of support for the association as head of international relations, particularly in connection with the partnership with Thalgau.
In his welcoming address, Mayor Birger Strutz emphasised the importance of town twinning for Neu-Anspach. Especially in times when structures – such as the French committee – are dissolving, the voluntary commitment of the VzFiB is all the more valuable in order to continue to enable encounters across borders.
A central topic of the evening was the upcoming citizens’ meeting in Saint-Florent-sur-Cher, which will take place from Thursday 29 May to Sunday 1 June 2025.
Image generated with AI
The association also has a lot planned. The plans include
The Executive Board would like to thank all members, supporters and partners for their trust, support and enthusiasm for Europe.
Europe lives through encounters – and through people who make them possible.
18.012025, reading time 5 minutes
The association kicked off the new year on 18 January 2025 with great enthusiasm and a lively exchange of ideas. Around 50 participants – members, interested parties, friends and supporters – gathered in the parish hall of the Protestant church in the old town centre to look back on the past year together and take a look at the exciting programme for 2025.
The association was particularly pleased with the participants and guests from politics and (town twinning) associations who had accepted the invitation:
– Birger Strutz, Mayor of Neu-Anspach, emphasised the importance of town twinning for the town
– Holger Bellino, head of the city council, member of the state parliament and member of the association since the VzFiB was founded, enriched the discussion with his comments, in particular on the more than 40-year relationship with Saint-Florent-sur-Cher
– Jürgen Strempel, City Councillor
– Hildegard Klär, Chairwoman of the Europa-Union Hochtaunuskreis
– Helmut Egler, Chairman of the Association for the Promotion of Town Twinning in Oberursel, and Marion Benzing from the Schmitten Town Twinning Association shared their experiences of twinning work.
– Thomas Pauli, former mayor, came accompanied by his wife, and Evelyn Kreutz represented the local press
The afternoon centred on a review of the past association year, which was held under the motto “Change of perspective”. This leitmotif will also determine the work of the association in 2025, as it encourages us to adopt new perspectives, whether in European cooperation or in personal dialogue.
One important topic was the future of the jumelage between Neu-Anspach, Saint-Florent-sur-Cher (France) and Šentjur (Slovenia). Although the plans for a citizens’ meeting on Ascension Day 2025 have not yet been finalised, there was unanimous agreement that the long-standing friendships that exist between many citizens here and there should be further cultivated and deepened.
The international spirit of the association was also reflected in the food: in addition to coffee, tea, cake and snacks, there was a speciality from the Austrian twin town of Thalgau – chilli marilli, a warming hot and fruity drink, excellently prepared by Manfred Bletz, member of the board and the town’s international relations officer, which was very popular with the guests.
The year 2025 promises many exciting events that should already be marked in your diary:
– 26 March 2025: General meeting at 8 p.m. in the Neu-Anspach community centre
– 10 May 2025: Europe Day of the Hochtaunus district in Glashütten-Schloßborn – a festival for encounters and exchange.
– 30 August 2025: Boules tournament on the boules court “Am Festplatz” – a wonderful opportunity to be active in a convivial atmosphere.
– 21 September 2025: Political cabaret with Sebastian Schnoy, who takes a humorous and critical look at the topics of Europe and democracy.
Commitment and community in focus
The annual kick-off event was impressive proof of the vibrancy of the association and the strong community that supports it.
With a varied programme, a great deal of personal commitment and the joy of international cooperation, the association is optimistic about the coming year.
Anyone interested in finding out more about the organisation and its work is welcome to take part in the events or contact the Executive Board directly. Together we can overcome borders, overcome challenges and strengthen friendships – locally and internationally!
20.12.2024, Reading time: 3 minutes
On 18 December 2024, Gerhard Malik was awarded the service pin for his many years of tireless commitment to the boules court in Neu-Anspach. As part of the festive evening, during which numerous volunteers from Neu-Anspach’s clubs and institutions were honoured, Mayor Birger Strutz and Head of City Council Holger Bellino presented the award and highlighted Malik’s achievements as the person responsible for boules – a role that he fills with heart and dedication.
Gerhard Malik is much more than just the person responsible for the boules court in Neu-Anspach. For years, he has worked with great dedication to ensure that the court in the heart of the town is always in top condition and is a committed contact person for the players. But his commitment goes far beyond maintaining the court: Malik and his boules colleagues have turned the boules court into a meeting place where people of different ages and cultures come together. Together, they ensure that the court is always playable and in tip-top condition. It is a place of exchange and friendship between the generations and between the countries linked by the association’s town twinning programmes. It is therefore also a symbol of international friendship and dialogue, which is at the heart of the association’s work.
Gerhard Malik’s award not only recognises his personal commitment, but also the importance of the boules court as a place of community and intercultural exchange. The Verein zur Förderung internationaler Beziehungen Neu-Anspach e.V. (VzFiB) is proud to have such a committed supporter and would like to thank him warmly for his tireless efforts.
The Executive Board congratulates Gerhard Malik on this well-deserved honour.
20.10.2024, reading time 5 minutes
How often do you look out of the bus window and think to yourself: “Oh, this is going to be another one of the usual city tours”? Not on this day and not with this club!
A captivating journey through time began on the coach: Paul-Werner Geis took the travellers on an exciting anecdote-filled tour of the House of Nassau, its connections to European royal houses and the many traces it has left behind in towns such as Dillenburg. And so the journey to the Oranienstadt began – full of surprises and historical treasures.
In high spirits and with eager curiosity, the group from Neu-Anspach set off on a tour of discovery through the late Baroque town centre of Dillenburg. Every metre of the half-timbered houses in Wilhelmstraße, built from the stones of the old castle, told its own story. From the Orangerie Carriage Museum, built in 1719, to the imposing Wilhelmsturm tower high above the city, where the history of Nassau and Nassau-Oranien came to life – the city proved to be a veritable European history book that aroused curiosity.
After a well-earned break with Mediterranean specialities in the Liebezeit restaurant, the adventure continued: a tour through the casemates of Dillenburg was on the agenda. Brave participants descended into the underground passages and defence systems that were once built for 2,000 soldiers and made the town virtually impregnable. The highlight? The view into the 62 metre deep Löwenbrunnen – an impressive moment deep in the “underworld” of Dillenburg.
On the return journey, the impressions were vivid and the mood enthusiastic. The first ideas for the 2025 excursion were doing the rounds. Who knows where the next trip will take us? Suggestions are very welcome under the motto “European locations – yesterday, today and tomorrow”. Please send them to vorstand@vzfib-neu-anspach.de!
Ein herzliches Dankeschön geht an die Landesstiftung “Miteinander in Hessen”, die die Fahrt mit einer Förderung unterstützt hat.
