Frankenmuth-Gunzenhausen Sister Cities

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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 of 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.

We are excited to share a great opportunity for local high school students to travel to Germany in 2027, check it out!20...
10/13/2026

We are excited to share a great opportunity for local high school students to travel to Germany in 2027, check it out!

2027 Germany Youth Travel Program
The Frankenmuth–Gunzenhausen Sister Cities Committee is pleased to announce that applications are open for the 2027 Sister City Youth Travel Program, which offers local high school students the chance to experience German culture firsthand through travel and exchange. The trip is scheduled for June/July 2027 and includes stays and outings in Munich, Germany, Salzburg, Austria, and then joining the Sister City anniversary celebration in Gunzenhausen. The trip cost is $2,800 and will be chaperoned by FHS German language teacher Jennifer Fruendt and her husband Randy. This program celebrates the 65-year friendship between Frankenmuth, Michigan, and Gunzenhausen, Germany, planned for July 2027. The youth travel initiative continues this tradition by fostering international understanding, cultural appreciation, and lifelong connections between students of both communities. The program requirements include participants being 15–18 years old, have strong connections to Frankenmuth and be a student from a Frankenmuth Area School, hold a valid passport by April 15, 2027, complete all required legal documents (liability waivers, medical, and behavior agreements), demonstrate the ability to make trip payments promptly or a willingness to fundraise/volunteer, show interest in hosting Gunzenhausen visitors in the future. Applications are due on or before November 30, 2026. While priority will be given to those meeting the above criteria, all interested students are encouraged to apply. For more information or to apply, please get in touch with the Frankenmuth–Gunzenhausen Sister Cities Committee or visit the official program page on the City website at: https://frankenmuthcity.com/government/65th_sister_city_anniversary_information/new_page.php.
About the Sister City Partnership: Established in 1962, the Sister City relationship between Frankenmuth and Gunzenhausen has become a cornerstone of international friendship and cultural exchange. Through student travel, host family experiences, and community events, both cities continue to strengthen their shared heritage and global ties.

German Service - begins at the 11-minute mark.
10/11/2026

German Service - begins at the 11-minute mark.

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German Worship Service – Oct. 11th - This Sunday On Sunday, Oct. 11th, St. Lorenz’s monthly German worship service wil...
10/10/2026

German Worship Service – Oct. 11th - This Sunday
On Sunday, Oct. 11th, St. Lorenz’s monthly German worship service will be held at 11 am in the Church, 1030 W. Tuscola Rd., Frankenmuth. As Christians in 2026, we face personal, social, political, and other challenges each day that can stir anxiety and worry. We pray for and thank God for the “peace that passes understanding” as we gather for worship. The service features German liturgy and an English sermon by Pastor Bill Hoesman, entitled “Whatever" based on Philippians 4:6-7.
German teacher Bärbel Stürmer and several of her 8th-grade students will read the scripture lessons. A solo “Nun freut euch, liebe Christen g'mein” (Dear Christians, One and All Rejoice) will be sung, and the congregation will join in singing favorite hymns: ”O Heil'ger Geist, kehr bei uns ein” (O Holy Spirit, Enter In), “Erneure mich, o ew'ges Licht” (Renew me O Eternal Light), and “Gott, du hast in deinem Sohn” (From Eternity, O God). The service will be broadcast locally on Spectrum/Charter cable channel 191. You can also view it on the St. Lorenz website (Watch – Sanctuary Stream), the St. Lorenz app, and the Frankenmuth-Gunzenhausen page.
The next German worship service will be held on November 8th, 2026. Lord, help us not be consumed by anxiety, but go to God in prayer and trust that He will give us peace and guard our hearts and minds.

Sister City Escorted Anniversary Tour
09/21/2026

Sister City Escorted Anniversary Tour

09/20/2026

Gunzenhäuser Blous'n

09/20/2026
Frankenmuth Oktoberfest!
09/19/2026

Frankenmuth Oktoberfest!

Address

240 W Genesee Street
Frankenmuth, MI
48734

Telephone

+19896524572

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