Friedberg relies on new tourism! Idea box and exciting projects started!

Friedberg relies on new tourism! Idea box and exciting projects started!

The city of Friedberg in Hesse is faced with the challenge of further expanding its tourism sector. Juliane van Reedt Dortland, who has headed the “Tourism, City Marketing, City Hall and Community Centers” department for six months, recently presented increased measures to increase the city's attractiveness. Mayor Kjetil Dahlhaus praised Dortland's work and emphasized that it had already achieved remarkable successes with limited resources.

A central project is the town hall in Friedberg, which is currently under construction and hosts events with up to 900 guests every day. Dortland has announced that it will improve the efficiency of this facility. However, the city is faced with high operating costs and the need for renovations, especially in terms of fire protection.

Tourism as an economic factor

Hessian tourism generates 13.3 million euros annually and represents an important pillar of the local economy. In order to increase the quality of stay for visitors, an “Idea Box” was set up in the Friedberg Info that collects suggestions on topics such as hospitality and nature conservation. The staff office is divided into four areas: tourism and leisure, city marketing, town hall and community centers.

Dortland plans to invest more of her working time in new projects. However, at the moment the ratio is reversed, meaning that only 30% is used for innovative approaches and 70% for the maintenance of existing structures. To change this, new signs will be put up on the city's attractions in June to direct the flow of tourists.

Energy efficient measures

With a view to cycle tourism, a new cycle path network is being pursued to promote sporting activities in the area. Particularly noteworthy are the town church of “Our Lady”, which attracts 20,000 visitors a year, as well as the Adolfsturm, which also receives a lot of attention with 5,000 visitors. The Friedberger Seewiese also serves as a recreational area and event space for a wide variety of activities.

The personnel situation within the staff office is tense. Dortland has already proposed providing additional staff resources in the 2026 budget in order to better address the challenges of city hall management and city marketing. Mayor Dahlhaus supports this step and recognizes the urgent need to expand human resources.

Friedberg has around 29,000 inhabitants and is located in the Rhine-Main region, not far from the financial center of Frankfurt am Main. The city not only offers local recreation opportunities in the green north of the region, but also a strong education system and numerous leisure activities. In keeping with the great importance of education in Friedberg, there are over 70 educational providers and eleven municipal daycare centers.

Over the next few years, the former “Ray Barracks” site is expected to be transformed into a new district that will combine working, living and research. This could further stimulate urban development and thus supplement tourism opportunities.

The challenges are great, but Dortland receives consistently positive feedback on her work. According to Erich Wagner from the SPD, the city's website plays a crucial role in advertising measures. Friedberg therefore has the potential to further develop as an attractive destination in Hessian tourism.

For further information about Friedberg, those interested can visit the website FNP and City marketing Friedberg visit.