Thirty Years of Partnership Between Ostrava and Dresden
The celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of the renewed partnership between Ostrava and Dresden began on 15 August 2025 with a symbolic relay run. From Prokeš Square in Ostrava, eight endurance runners from the MK Seitl Ostrava club set off on a 500-kilometre journey to our German partner city.
Representatives of Drážďany and Ostrava together during the visit. Photo:MMO
The event was supported by two accompanying vehicles from Ostrava’s City Hall, which also organized the run.
That same day in Dresden, the mayors of both partner cities held an official anniversary meeting. Ostrava’s Mayor, Jan Dohnal, was welcomed by Dresden’s Mayor, Dirk Hilbert, who guided the Czech delegation through the historic Saxon capital during the cultural open-air festival Canaletto, one of Germany’s most visited events of its kind.
On Saturday, the delegation visited the unique “Transparent Factory,” Volkswagen’s modern car production plant and exhibition space. Later, on Dresden’s Altmarkt Square, Mayor Dohnal and Deputy Mayor Jan Donhauser greeted the Ostrava runners as they triumphantly completed their long-distance relay.
The programme continued with a tour of the extensive Heinz-Steyer-Stadion sports complex, led by Dresden’s Head of Sports Facilities Gunnar Krisch. The visitors were joined by Dresden football legend and former Dynamo playmaker Ralf Minge.
The day concluded with a dinner, where Mayor Dohnal personally thanked Jensen Ol, Director of the arche noVa foundation, for the aid provided to Ostrava during last year’s floods. The foundation donated 33 dehumidifiers, 2 pumps, 17 adjustable care beds, and a medicine cabinet, which were used by Charity Ostrava and the Slunovrat Care Home. In addition, arche noVa contributed 375,000 CZK to these facilities.
Throughout the visit, both delegations discussed the further development of their cooperation and the potential for new joint initiatives.
The partnership between Ostrava and Dresden dates back to 1971, when both cities were part of Czechoslovakia and East Germany. Following political changes in Central Europe, the partnership was renewed in 1995. Today, Ostrava and Dresden continue to strengthen their ties, particularly in education, culture, and sport.