Eichsfeld: Returnee record – This is how the children return home!

Eichsfeld: Returnee record – This is how the children return home!

A lot is happening in Eichsfeld, and not just to the delight of the locals. According to a current study by the Leibniz Institute for Regional Studies in Leipzig, the region occupies a top position nationwide in the returnee rate. This is an impressive 18.6 percent, while the neighboring district of Hildburghausen only has 14.9 percent. This shows that the attractiveness of the Eichsfeld is constantly growing, even over the years. On average, since 2006, only 8 percent of emigrants said they would return to their home country.

Pictures from small villages around Heilbad Heiligenstadt paint a vivid picture of life in Eichsfeld. A newly released documentary shows the exciting lives of young people who, like Veronika Scheffel, return after a training or study period. This return is often rooted in family ties, an incredibly rich culture and the everyday traditions of the Catholic faith that are deeply rooted in the region. Veronika started her professional career in Frankfurt am Main, but returned to Eichsfeld with her growing family.

Family and tradition are moving back

The story of the historian Christian Stöber is just as remarkable. After his studies, he returned in 2017 and took over the management of the Schifflersgrund Border Museum, which he renovated. His commitment to coming to terms with the history of the Eichsfeld, especially during the GDR era, shows how deeply the roots of the region are anchored in history. The tradition of the Palm Sunday parade, which has even been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also reflects the cultural treasures that unite young and old in Eichsfeld.

# Longer-term attitude to life

District Administrator Werner Henning emphasizes that the attitude to life in Eichsfeld is strongly influenced by the landscape, culture and social cohesion. The unemployment rate is measured at 3.6 percent, which shows that many in the region feel that they are in good hands. Commuters are not uncommon here; many work in larger cities such as Göttingen and Kassel, but still benefit from the advantages of the rural idyll.

This trend towards a return to rural conditions cannot only be observed in Eichsfeld. The entire East German region is experiencing a turnaround. Since 2017, more people have been migrating from west to east than vice versa. These changes are largely due to an improved labor market situation and increasing quality of life. Despite the historical culture of emigration in the 1990s and 2000s, a new picture emerges today: young people value family proximity and the opportunity to raise their children in an intact community.

A look outside the box

A trend that is affecting the entire East Germany is the return of families moving from large cities to rural regions. High real estate prices, caring for relatives and the search for a better living environment are common motivations. In many rural areas there are numerous return initiatives and networks that aim to make return attractive to young families.

In order to ensure that demographic change does not lead to a standstill, creative solutions and a strong desire to “welcome” are necessary to welcome those who want to return and offer them prospects. With every young person who returns, Eichsfeld becomes a little more livable.

Overall, it shows that home is much more than just a geographical location. It is an emotional bond that is alive in the villages of Eichsfeld, and the returnees show impressively that the heart often beats in the home village. The developments in this region are a promising example of how rural communities can remain lively and attractive - a model that could set a precedent throughout Germany.

For affected communities and returnees who want to build on this trend, there is a unique opportunity to rediscover and actively shape their own homeland.

For more information about the return movements in Eichsfeld and the cultural peculiarities, take a look at the reporting from ARD media library to. Provides further exciting insights Göttingen Tageblatt and a comprehensive analysis of the changes in migration can be found at East Commissioner.de.