Application deadline: August 16, 2026
THE VISION
Bridges as places of experience.
The border along the Oder and Neisse rivers is a region shaped by history and marked by political and cultural transformation.
On an educational cycling tour, we offer a firsthand experience of the transition from division (1945) to rapprochement (since 1991) between Poland and Germany.
“From a divided border region to a shared European space for encounter.”
THE CONCEPT
Educational trip
Join us for an exciting five-day bike tour along the Lausitz Neisse and Oder rivers.
We will visit 35 historic bridge sites. Some of them are preserved monuments, while others are ruins from times past.
THE PARTICIPANTS
Focus on Young Adults
Sixteen young adults (ages 18–26) from Germany and Poland form a balanced, binational group. They gain insights into their shared history and European identity.
In this way, the border region becomes a space for learning and reflection on history, memory, identity, and today’s Europe.
THE PROJECT
Focus on Young Adults
The cycling project along the Oder and the Lusatian Neisse explores borders and bridges as sites of German-Polish history. Originally, these were inland rivers, but after 1945 they became a dividing line, marked by war, displacement, and division.
Since 1991, however, bridges have come to symbolize German-Polish encounters and cooperation. To mark the 35th anniversary of the Neighborhood Treaty, we want to bring this transformation to life through 35 bridges and cultural exchanges, and to promote dialogue and reflection.
THE ROUTE
08.09.2026
Zittau
Himmelsbrücke, Hirschfelde Industrial Estate, Kloster St. Marienthal, Grottau Bridge, Neisse Viaduct, Lusatian Neisse Bridge a.o.
09.09.2026
Görlitz
Silesian Museum, Altstadtbrücke, Neißeaue-Lasów, Deschka-Pieńsk, Zentendorf a.o.
Rothenburg
Rothenburg Museum, Steinbach, Hungerturm Przewóz, Sagar a.o.
10.09.2026
Bad Muskau
Wooden bridge, Railway bridge, Double bridge Fürst-Pückler-Park a.o.
11.09.2026
Forst
Pusack, Zelz, Bahren, Kleinbademeusel, Museum of Textile and Industrial History a.o.
REGISTRATION
We are looking for young adults who:
- are between 18 and 26 years old,
- are residents of Germany or Poland,
- own a bicycle that is roadworthy and have the appropriate equipment,
- are interested in history, politics, and international exchanges.
Application deadline: August 16, 2026
THE NETWORK
Three organizations are pooling their expertise for this project. Kultur Aktiv e.V. from Dresden is leading the project in collaboration with Oliwia Drozdowicz. As an experienced organizer of international exchanges, the organization is contributing its expertise.
The Deutsche Kulturforum östliches Europa e.V. contributes its in-depth expertise in historical context and cultural education. The Willy-Brandt-Zentrum für Deutschland- und Europastudien der Universität Wrocław provides academic support for the project and strengthens German-Polish dialogue.
35 Bridges – 35 Years of the Neighborhood Agreement
35 bridges – 5 days – 2 countries: Your German-Polish road trip! Come along on a binational cycle tour exploring German-Polish history along the Oder and Neisse rivers.
Period
09.2026
Project team
Oliwia Drozdowicz (project management)
Cooperation partners
Deutsches Kulturforum östliches Europa e.V.
, Willy Brandt Zentrum für Deutschland- und Europastudien der Universität Wrocław (WBZ)
Under the patronage of Minister-President Michael Kretschmer
We are honoured that Minister-President Michael Kretschmer has agreed to act as patron of our project ‘35 Bridges – 35 Years of the Neighborhood Agreement’. Through this, he is recognising the commitment of young people from Germany and Poland who are going on a joint trip along the Neisse River to trace the region’s history – to mark the 35th anniversary of the German-Polish Neighbourhood Agreement. This patronage highlights the importance of German-Polish exchange for the border region and for Europe.
Funded by
The project is funded by the SANDDORF-STIFTUNG, Deutsch-Polnisches Jugendwerk and the Stiftung für deutsch-polnische Zusammenarbeit.
