Zipfelbund

GERMANY’S MOST BEAUTIFUL CORNERS

»Moin, Hallo, Grüß Gott und Guten Tag«

What connects the town of List on the island of Sylt, Selfkant, Görlitz and Oberstdorf? They are the German communities that lie on the four cardinal compass points of the German border. Together, these four towns form the Zipfelbund – or the Compass Confederation.

In 1999, in an official ceremony, the “Zipfelpakt” between these four compass communities was signed in Wiesbaden. And could there have been a more fitting day than the 3rd of October? Ever since, the Compass Confederation has been represented at the celebrations for German Unity Day, where the four communities present themselves on an additional stand alongside the 16 federal states.

5 Highlights
in the Zipfelbund

List on Sylt

Northernmost tip of Germany

Görlitz

Easternmost tip of Germany

Oberstdorf

Southernmost tip of Germany

Gemeinde Selfkant

Westernmost tip of Germany

The Zipfelpass

THE ZIPFELBUND AT THE FESTIVAL OF GERMAN UNITY

Welcome to the Zipfelbund, Germany’s Compass Confederation. During the Festival, you are invited to enjoy live music and performances, ranging from the rustic sounds of alphorn players to impressive dance performances and foot-stomping shows by music clubs and bands. The programme at the Zipfelbund stand is as far-flung and diverse as the Zipfel communities themselves.

Experts from all four towns will be on hand to share with you tips and tricks on travelling around Germany and making sure you take in all four compass points.

As in previous years, this year the mayors of Germany’s furthest-flung communities will be presenting the Zipfelpreis Award to an institution that has made an outstanding contribution to social issues in Germany. Come on over, celebrate with us and discover the unique diversity of our country!

FOR GERMAN UNITY DAY 2024:

THE MAYOR OF LIST ON SYLT
Ronald Benck

Z_cBürgermeister-von-List-auf-Sylt-Herr-Ronald-Benck_09.08

Dear Visitors to the Festival of German Unity 2024,

As the Compass Confederation, this year it is a very special honour and pleasure to celebrate our 25th anniversary on this important day. Twenty-five years ago, on the 3rd of October 1999, the towns on the cardinal points of Germany’s compass signed the Zipfelpakt. Ever since, the Compass Confederation has not only stood for the diversity of the federal republic, but also for the unity, solidarity and tolerance that unite us all as citizens of Germany.

German Unity Day reminds us of the historical significance of reunification and the ongoing task of working together to build a just, peaceful and sustainable society. This year, under the motto ‘Setting sail together, we want to set course for a future that is shaped by a spirit of unity and openness. On this anniversary, let us come together and celebrate our shared values and renew our commitment to a united Germany.

Ronald Benck
Mayor of Germany’s northernmost town, List on Sylt

FIVE FUN FACTS ABOUT THE ZIPFELBUND

1.

The fact that the Zipfelbund was founded on German Unity Day underscores the historical significance of reunification and it symbolises Germany’s geographical and social unity.

2.

Visit all four Zipfel communities within the space of four years and spend one night in each. Make sure to get your Zipfelpass stamped in each town and as a reward you’ll receive a surprise package with typical gifts from the four Zipfel regions.

3.

A surprising number of celebrities from politics, science, sport and culture are proud holders of a Zipfelpass, including Karl Dall, Max Raabe, Joschka Fischer, Udo Jürgens and many more.

4.

Some intrepid Zipfel visitors set themselves the goal of setting a new speed record for visiting all four towns. The current record is an impressive 63 hours and 19 minutes.

5.

Innovation and creativity know no bounds, particularly when it comes to travelling to the Zipfel towns. From eco-friendly train trips to challenging bike tours – there are so many different ways of getting from Zipfel town to Zipfel town and bagging those coveted stamps.