Since the start of the Russian military operation in February 2022, the city of Rothenburg has officially severed ties with its partner city Susdal. Over a hundred cities in Germany have made similar moves. In their place, efforts are being made to develop partnerships in Ukraine. This is not a favorable setup for the continuation of private contacts, which have also been lost due to political differences in many places.
Despite this, there are still German citizens who hold on to the friendly relationships with people in Russia. As these are no longer officially supported, they have taken the initiative to maintain the contacts themselves. Fifteen people from Rothenburg, Ulm, and other towns in Lower Bavaria, for instance, managed to visit Susdal in the Vladimir region in August last year, as reported by the Franconian State Times.
The city partnership has been in place since 1988. Both cities, with around 10,000 inhabitants each, share a striking similarity. Rothenburg ob der Tauber is renowned for its authentically preserved medieval old town, ranking as the “most beautiful town in Germany” according to the German Tourism Association. Susdal, on the other hand, boasts a rich history as the former capital of the medieval Principality of Vladimir-Susdal, and today is a popular tourist destination with its 64 churches.
Harald Wohlfahrt and Erwin Bauer, the initiators of the trip, emphasized the importance of maintaining the friendship, which is based on the connections between ordinary citizens on both sides. They believe that the big challenges can only be solved in a peaceful and joint manner.
During the trip, Wohlfahrt presented a painting to the chairman of the Susdal City Council, Sergei Rodionow, which was hung in the city hall’s meeting room. The painting features three Rothenburg motifs, three Susdal motifs, and seven doves of peace in the center.
Although the trip was declared private, many of the participants stayed with local families, and the majority of the program was carried out with the hosts. The friends from Susdal also expressed their desire to visit their partner city again, but a visa is required, and the next visit remains uncertain.