5 minute read
ABC in KMC: Zweibrücken
by David Betz, 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Zweibrücken is just a “hop and a skip” from Ramstein. The town of 35,000 inhabitants may not be a vibrant metropolis, but it does offer high recreational value and is definitely worth a visit.
Military legacy
From 1969 to 1992, a military airfield was operated by the U.S. Air Force in Zweibrücken. The 26th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing and the 38th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron were stationed in Zweibrücken; both were purely reconnaissance units and not combat units. Since that time, there have been many friendly and family ties between Zweibrücken and the United States. Every Zweibrücken resident knows at least one American who was formerly stationed in Zweibrücken. Despite the great distance, many friendships have been rekindled through social media and the internet.
Incidentally, its twin town is Yorktown. A regiment from Zweibrücken, the Royal Deux Ponts, was involved in great battles in the War of Independence. The regiment defeated British forces in the Battle of Yorktown in October 1781, forcing the British to surrender. Ample reason for residents of both cities to have known and appreciated each other for over two centuries.
From 1955 to 1969, the Royal Canadian Air Force was the operator and builder of Zweibrücken Air Base. Typically Canadian, the base could not go without an ice arena, the only one far and wide. The semi-professional Zweibrücken Hornets have their home there and play their championship games in front of up to 1500 spectators. Regardless of the sporting value, the atmosphere there is always vibrant, and it is fun to cheer on the hockey players.
After the withdrawal of U.S. troops in 1992, the site was converted to civilian use. Today, the Zweibrücken Fashion Outlet is one of the largest outlet centers in Europe with over 120 brand stores. An extension of over 50 stores is planned, but the construction start is not yet determined. Tip: Use American holidays or family days for your visit and you will have the outlet almost to yourself. There is also a bowling alley, an indoor playground, an indoor miniature golf course, a go-kart track for budding racing drivers and a number of restaurants.
Roses and horses
Historically, Zweibrücken is considered the city of roses and horses. Rose-growing has a long tradition here, which is also reflected in the rose garden, one of the largest (rose) garden parks in the whole of Europe.
The horse racing meadow (where there are always prestigious horse races) and the former Ducal State stud farm are right next door. Fun fact: Napoleon Bonaparte is said to have always ridden a horse of the “Zweibrücker” breed. Only once did he ride into battle on a horse of a different breed - and experienced his Waterloo in the truest sense of the word, he lost the battle, after which things went downhill politically for the little Emperor of the French. It is difficult to say today whether the story about the horses is actually true and whether his defeat was related to it, but either way the people of Zweibrücken are very proud of their rich honorary experience in horse breeding.
Oktoberfest?
The center of the city is a great place for a stroll, and the rich gastronomy invites you to relax. The Ducal palace is also located there. It was home to the Wittelsbach family, the rulers of the Duchy of Palatinate-Zweibrücken.
Long story short: A scion of this lineage is the reason why the Oktoberfest was celebrated in Munich. In 1810, the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria (from the House of Wittelsbach) to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen was celebrated in Munich. To mark the occasion, a large horse race was held on the Theresienwiese, which later became the Oktoberfest. And because the kings of Bavaria were also Dukes of Zweibrücken at the time, the “Zweibrücker Strasse” still exists in Munich today. The castle can only be visited from the outside, unless you wish to be prosecuted; it is now home to the highest court in Rhineland-Palatinate.
Fun and festivals
Zweibrücken and the villages in the surrounding area are also known for their festivals. There are always opportunities to celebrate throughout the year in and around Zweibrücken, usually with live music. Halloween is a big celebration there, especially for children. Mind you: A big Halloween spectacle by German standards. Due to its proximity to the French border, a visit to Zweibrücken can also be easily combined with a trip to France, where you can continue across the border to Bitche (yes, that really is the name of the town).
Each year the city celebrates a large summer city festival and invites visitors to a diverse selection of food and beverages, along with great music on various stages. This year, the event will take place from July 25 – 27. Grab the (horseshoe) iron while it’s hot, and combine a visit to roses, horses, festivities and shop until you drop!
