International Youth Group in Neustadt

How are memories formed? And what questions do young people from different European countries ask themselves when visiting historical sites? On Monday, August 3, 16 young adults aged 17 to 25 from six countries explored these questions during a visit to Neustadt in Holstein. The participants in the international summer camp “Bridging Histories” in Ahrensbök were guests there to engage in an in-depth exploration of the events of May 3, 1945, in Neustadt, various forms of remembrance, and the development of a culture of remembrance.

Mayor Mirko Spieckermann welcomed the young adults and spoke with them about current commemorative efforts and the planned Cap Arcona Documentation Center. “Bringing young people from different countries together to discuss history and remembrance is an important contribution to a peaceful and democratic Europe,” emphasized Mayor Mirko Spieckermann. “I am very pleased that the participants in the Ahrensbök Memorial’s summer camp have come to Neustadt in Holstein. This also reflects the positive exchange we have within East Holstein.”

The young adults’ day’s program included a tour of the Cap Arcona Museum and a visit to the construction site of the planned Cap Arcona Documentation Center at Haakengraben 8. In the afternoon, they explored various sites of remembrance throughout the city on an interactive walking tour, from the market square to the memorial cemetery on the beach.

The “International Summer Camp Ahrensbök” will take place from July 29 to August 8, 2026, and is organized by the German War Graves Commission in cooperation with the Ahrensbök Memorial. Under the title “Bridging Histories,” young people from Germany, Italy, Moldova, Poland, Romania, and Turkey will explore the history of National Socialism, the consequences of war and tyranny, as well as remembrance, diversity, and peaceful coexistence in Europe. The visit to Neustadt in Holstein is part of a ten-day program that includes additional visits to historical memorial sites such as the Neuengamme Concentration Camp Memorial.