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
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 performances 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. The presentation will take place on the 3rd of October 2023 at 5 pm at the stand of the state of Hesse.
FOR GERMAN UNITY DAY 2023:
THE MAYOR OF LIST ON SYLT, RONALD BENCK
Dear Visitors to the Festival of German Unity 2023,
As the Compass Confederation, it is our especial honour and pleasure to be invited to be a part of the festival on this important day. Twenty-four 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 of the people of Germany and their country.
Every year, German Unity Day calls upon us to rethink our values and it reminds us of our commitment to a just, peaceful and sustainable society. Together, let us broaden our perspective and open our horizons.
Ronald Benck
Mayor of Germany’s northernmost town, List on Sylt
OUR STATE, OUR FILM
