Wiesbaden – European Cultural Capital Partner City
In the deutschland.de series “My City”, city hall leaders reveal their insiders’ tips. Part 31: Mayor Sven Gerich of Wiesbaden.
Mr Gerich, what is special about your city?
The state capital of Hesse is a green oasis between the Rhine and the hills of the Taunus. Thanks to its Mediterranean climate and savoir-vivre, Wiesbaden is often called the “Nice of the North”. Most residents of Wiesbaden, me included, like living in their city. The historical and green cityscape frequently comes in for mention. The geological features of the springs and baths, and the geological situation, embedded amidst the Rhine, Rheingau and Taunus, are also characteristics with which most residents identify their city. Yes, we live in a truly beautiful city. Active and sporty, relaxing and cosy, entertaining and cultural, for young and old and the whole family. The numerous services in our city leave no wish unfulfilled. But it’s more than that: we Wiesbadeners are developing in our city a strong feeling of togetherness. I like that.
A special feature is …
… that this year Wiesbaden is twinned with the two European Capitals of Culture - San Sebastian and Breslau. A nice coincidence. Town twinning is important. It brings cities throughout Europe and the world closer together and makes for a closer link between their citizens. The goal is a lively cultural, political, social and economic exchange. Along with the official contacts of the city halls to each other, encounters between people have priority. Friendships between cities are like other friendships in life: they have to be cultivated, and you have to be there for each other, but you also get plenty in return. Friendships are an enrichment. Therefore 2016 in Wiesbaden is the year of town twinning.
What do you see when you look out your office window?
From my office window I have a marvellous view of the Hessian State Parliament and the market church. The approximately 90-metre high church is the tallest building in the city and still today one of our most beautiful landmarks.
Where in your city do you most like to be?
My home is the district Biebrich; even if I don’t live there any more I still feel it’s my home. I’m a member there of the local association and other associations. My spare time I like to spend at home and on “Long Island” – my little garden in the country – climbing, cycling and cooking, but also with friends or on evenings in downtown Wiesbaden.
Who are the figures of your city that you esteem most?
There’s quite a few. I esteem people who engage themselves and do something for their fellow human beings everyday – for example, voluntary and full-time helpers in aid organizations, fire brigades, police and hospital staff. Many people do more than is required –they do incredible things every day. They’re my role models. But my two predecessors – Georg Buch and Achim Exner – have also done great things for our city.
What place would you most like to show tourists?
I love taking walks through our lovely city and discovering again its known and hidden beauties. That’s why, whenever possible, I go by foot through Wiesbaden. The ensemble of the Neroberg, with its listed vineyard, the Russian Orthodox Church and its cemetery (which is unique in Germany), the technical cultural monument of the Nerobergbahn, the Opelbad, the climbing forest and the educational forest path, is extremely popular with almost every Wiesbadener and many visitors. Less well-known is perhaps that in the Kastel district you can take a pleasant walk along the Rhine – have a look at the Reduit.
Where can you best get to know the people of your city?
Anywhere and anytime, actually: you can always get to know us Wiesbadeners – especially outdoors. We love to sit in the many street cafés with a glass of Riesling or sparkling wine and watch what’s going on. “Seen and be seen” is one of our mottos. We’re a cosmopolitan and tolerant city. Perhaps it’s easiest to get to know people during the Rheingau Wine Festival, which is celebrated in August in the Castle Square and the Dern‘schen Gelände. Then our city becomes probably the longest wine bar in the world. At the about 120 stands around the Town Hall there are plenty of opportunities to taste wines, sparkling wines and culinary delights in friendly company. What I like so much about the Wine Week is that so many people come together in a peaceful celebration. For me the festival reflects the distinctive and congenial character of the city, marked by hospitality, internationalism and tolerance. It’s in the best sense of the word a “Volksfest”, a popular fête, where young and old, long-time residents and newcomers, meet and talk to each other and have a good time.
And where do you most like to spend your holidays?
In summer I have now and again a few days off, but I most like spending them in Wiesbaden – in my garden. As mayor, you don’t often have time off. And my free time I like to spend of course with my husband, often for a wellness week at a cosy hotel.
