Published 25 Nov 2025

Peace in Practice: Münster and Osnabrück commemorate the Peace of Westphalia as EHL Sites 

The EHL Sites of Münster and Osnabrück jointly commemorate the Peace of Westphalia with events that link historical remembrance to contemporary peacebuilding. Through ceremonies, debates, youth programmes, and interfaith gatherings, both cities highlight Europe’s shared heritage while promoting dialogue, critical thinking, and cross-border cooperation as essential foundations of peace.
  
Discover the EHL Sites of Münster and Osnabrück
  
  

Every year, the European Heritage Label Sites of Münster and Osnabrück come together to commemorate the Peace of Westphalia (1648), the landmark agreement that ended the Thirty Years’ War and laid crucial foundations for European diplomacy. Today, this shared heritage continues to inspire diverse events that connect historical reflection with contemporary peacebuilding. 
 

The 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War 

The first half of the year focused heavily on remembrance related to the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. 
 
In Osnabrück, a peace service held on 11 May—organised with the city’s European twin towns—honoured liberation from National Socialism. 
 
In Münster, concerts, exhibitions, theatre productions, and panel discussions addressed regional history, the legacy of Nazi crimes, and the importance of rebuilding trust across Europe. A symbolic highlight was the arrival of the Freedom Fire (Bevrijdingsvuur) from the Netherlands on 15 May, coinciding with the anniversary of the Oath to the Peace of Münster, through which Dutch sovereignty was secured in 1648. 
 

Commemoration of the Peace of Westphalia 

The second half of the year centred on the commemorations of the Peace of Westphalia itself. In Münster, the annual Peace Culture Month brought together 21 civil society organisations for twelve events under the theme “Peace is a Human Right.” The Dialogues for Peace welcomed international experts—including Nobel laureates—to debate global challenges and modern approaches to peacebuilding. 

In Osnabrück, the long-established Peace Talks continued to serve as a prominent platform for high-level discussions on conflict, diplomacy, and global crises. The Peace Day Programme also marked the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter. Each year, the Peace Talks host a special event on German Unity Day; in 2025 the keynote “Europe sees Germany” was delivered by Egils Levits, former President of Latvia.

 In Osnabrück, the joyful tradition of Hobbyhorse Riding brings children into the commemorations, echoing the historic riders who once travelled between Münster and Osnabrück to announce the Peace of 1648. 

In Münster, the annual Student Academy empowers youth to critically examine contemporary issues, with this year’s edition focusing on misinformation. 

A further pillar of this shared legacy is the interfaith gathering held alternately in the historic town halls of both cities. Bringing together religious communities, these meetings promote dialogue, mutual respect, and collective responsibility—key values in sustaining peace across cultures.