Demokratie bauen!

Rathaustour: Historische Rathäuser in der Wetterau: Büdingen und Ortenberg

This guided bus tour takes you through the autumnal Wetterau region to two significant historic town hall buildings in the area: Büdingen and Ortenberg.

During the trip, we’ll explore the history of local self-government and reflect on how local democracy is reflected in the architecture of our cities today. In Büdingen, Arnika Haury (City Marketing and Tourism Department) and Carsten Parré (Büdingen City Archives) will explain the history of the city and the town hall, lead a tour through Büdingen’s old town, and show us the historic council chamber. Afterward, there will be an opportunity to visit the Heuson Museum in the historic town hall.

After a group lunch break, we’ll continue on to Ortenberg, where a guided tour and a visit to the old town hall are also on the agenda. The Gothic building is a true gem among Hesse’s half-timbered town halls. Over a friendly cup of coffee, we’ll reflect on the day’s impressions of history and architecture before heading back to Friedberg.

Cost: €12.50 / €7 for students, high school students, and apprentices

Start and end: Friedberg Central Station

Registration required: Not yet available; please send a reservation request by email to info@krfrm.de

Town halls occupy a special place among public buildings. Since the Middle Ages, they have symbolized local self-government. In a democracy, many expectations are placed on their design: whether as representative structures of local democracy or as central hubs that foster identity and community. Here, the sovereign encounters itself, so to speak.

Several day-long excursions via public transit, bus, or bicycle connect town halls in both smaller and larger towns across the region. They span the history of town hall architecture from its origins in the Middle Ages to the present day. Local partners explain local stories and architectural features and lead visitors into the heart of the town halls: the council chambers.

Participation in the tours requires a small fee. The number of participants is limited, and registration is required. Registration can be made through KulturRegion and/or the contact listed below for each tour.