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Ingolstadt – history, economic rise and technology

Mayors reveal their insider tips in the deutschland.de series “My city”. Part 23: Mayor Dr Christian Lösel talks about Ingolstadt.

27.05.2015

Mr Lösel, what is special about your city?

Ingolstadt is one of the economically most successful cities in Germany. “Advancement through technology” is a key factor in everyday life here. But the old Bavarian traditions and atmosphere still exist as well, because this city was once a ducal residence and a Bavarian fortress, and it has a long university tradition.

What do you see when you look out of your office window?

I can see the Rathausplatz,  the town hall square where the people of Ingolstadt love to celebrate, for instance, the German World Cup championship in 2014, the ice hockey vice-championship of ERC Ingolstadt in 2015 or the promotion of FC Ingolstadt 04 in the Bundesliga. As a city, Ingolstadt has done particularly well in sport over the past few years.

Where in your city do you most like to spend your time?

When it comes to work, my favourite place is the historical assembly chamber in the Old Town Hall, where people are honoured for their special dedication to their fellow citizens or the city. It provides a particularly festive setting. The Old Town Hall is also where the Bavarian Purity Law for Beer was proclaimed in 1516. It’s the oldest law on foodstuffs that is still valid today. In private life I enjoy spending time with my family in the many surrounding recreation areas and near the lakes, in the Altmühl Valley and the Danube Floodplain which form a unique natural reserve very close to the old town. My insider tip is Gerolfing Oak Forest, the largest oak wooldalnds in Europe.

Which of your city’s personalities do you value most?

In historical terms it’s definitely the 15th century figure from Ingolstadt, Duke Louis the Bearded, who decisively shaped the architecture of city as it still stands today. The impressive New Castle, the magnificent Cathedral of Our Lady or the building of the later state university are architectural landmarks in the old town today. In the present-day it is the many citizens who are benefitting our city in all areas of life, as entrepreneurs, employees, or as voluntary workers with great commitment.

What would you like to show tourists?

I like to take guests to the Ingolstadt Brückenkopf, where the famous architect Leo von Klenze created a number of classicist military structures as the town was developed into the Bavarian state fortress. For instance, the Reduit Tilly, to which the Bavarian royal family would have retreated if the situation in Munich had become critical. Discovering the structures of the state fortress surrounding the old town is just like walking round an open-air museum.

Where can visitors best get to know the people of your city?

You can best get to know the people of Ingolstadt in one of our traditional beer gardens, during the big festivals, such as the spectacular Herzogsfest or the Citizens’ Festival, which alternate with each other on a two-year basis. That’s when the whole city joins in, bubbling with life and celebrating with delight.

And where do you most like to spend your vacations?

My favourite places are our partner cities, because the people of Ingolstadt feel at home throughout the world. We have found many friends in these cities and, of course, we really enjoy receiving guests as well.

www.ingolstadt-tourismus.de

www.ingolstadt.de

www.fcingolstadt.de

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