Frankenmuth-Gunzenhausen Sister Cities

Frankenmuth-Gunzenhausen Sister Cities Founded in 1845 by Lutheran missionaries from Neuendettelsau, Bavaria. It grew from shared ancestry, faith, and a desire for international understanding.

About Frankenmuth

Frankenmuth, Michigan, known as "Michigan's Little Bavaria," is a charming community with deep German roots, rich cultural traditions, and a commitment to fostering international friendships. Frankenmuth has preserved its heritage through its architecture, celebrations, and commitment to community values. This cultural continuity has made Frankenmuth the perfect partner in one o

f the world's longest-running and most active "People to People" sister city relationships. A Half-Century of Friendship with Gunzenhausen

The sister city bond between Frankenmuth and Gunzenhausen, Bavaria, officially began in 1962. This relationship, rooted in President Dwight Eisenhower's "People to People" program, has flourished through decades of cultural exchanges, mutual visits, and deep friendships. The first official visit occurred in September 1962 when 82 Frankenmuth residents traveled to Gunzenhausen to meet their German counterparts. This historic journey was filled with meaningful connections, shared traditions, and even linguistic surprises, as Frankenmuthers astounded their hosts with their fluency in the old Franconian dialect. The return visit 1964 brought 25 Gunzenhausen residents to Michigan, marking the beginning of regular exchanges between the two communities. Cultural and Educational Exchanges

Over the years, Frankenmuth and Gunzenhausen have continued to strengthen their bond through student exchange programs, business collaborations, and shared cultural events. Frankenmuth families have welcomed German guests into their homes, while Gunzenhausen has hosted countless Frankenmuth visitors, fostering lifelong friendships. Special milestones, such as anniversary celebrations and mutual city gifts—including handcrafted wooden crests and commemorative trees—stand as testaments to the lasting partnership between these two communities. A Living Legacy

Today, the spirit of friendship between Frankenmuth and Gunzenhausen remains as vibrant as ever. The connection continues to grow through music, art, education, or business, demonstrating the power of people-to-people diplomacy. As we celebrate over 60 years of this enduring relationship, Frankenmuth takes great pride in its sister city and looks forward to many more decades of shared heritage, mutual respect, and international camaraderie.

Die Gruppe hatte ganz tolles Wetter bei der Fahrradtour um den Altmühlsee.  Fun in Gunzenhausen - The group enjoyed beau...
06/15/2026

Die Gruppe hatte ganz tolles Wetter bei der Fahrradtour um den Altmühlsee. Fun in Gunzenhausen - The group enjoyed beautiful weather on their bike ride today around Lake Altmühl. Thank you, Mayor Matthias Hörr, for attending!

Love our Sister City relationship - our FHS students arrived safely in Germany and were welcomed by our partners in Gunz...
06/15/2026

Love our Sister City relationship - our FHS students arrived safely in Germany and were welcomed by our partners in Gunzenhausen. And in the meantime, we have Gunzenhausener Fabian here helping with the Bavarian Festival. All is well!

German Worship Service
06/14/2026

German Worship Service

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

06/14/2026

Auf nach Deutschland!
FHS GAPP, Sister City Youth Exchange scholarship recipient Clara Warnick, and Frau Fruendt are off and making their way to their destination in Gunzenhausen! They departed from FHS this morning, and in the coming weeks will spend time touring, learning, attending school with their host partners, and more!
We are excited to hear about their experiences and to host their German counterparts in October! 🇺🇸🦅🇩🇪

06/13/2026
Join us tomorrow - free Heritage Tours 11-3!
06/13/2026

Join us tomorrow - free Heritage Tours 11-3!

Tomorrow there will be FREE Heritage Tours from 11am-3pm!

Address

240 W Genesee Street
Frankenmuth, MI
48734

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