Děčín

Pirna has been twinned with Děčín, an industrial and administrative hub located in the north of the Czech Republic and inhabited by around 50,000 residents, since 1975. Thanks to their histories, both towns have things in common, such as shipping and trade on the Elbe and the tourism shared thanks to the Elbe Sandstone Mountains which straddle the border of Germany and the Czech Republic.

Founded in 1128, Děčín is nestled in a basin between Bohemian Switzerland and the Central Bohemian Highlands, meaning that it forms a gateway for tourists looking to visit the picturesque landscape of Saxon and Bohemian Switzerland, whilst also being an ideal starting point for excursions to the nearby German border.

A former fort which was later converted into a castle, Děčín castle and gardens are a popular tourist attraction in the city. In addition to the rose garden, there are also small outbuildings and ornamental structures, greenhouses, an orangery and pavilion. Other sights to see are the Jewish synagogue, the stone bridge over the Ploučnice river originating from the Renaissance period and the birthplace of Miroslav Tyrš, a Bohemian art critic, art historian and co-founder of the Czech gymnastics movement, Sokol.

Pirna’s partnership with Děčín stems from diverse exchanges between clubs, schools and church parishes, as well as visits to town festivals and Pirna’s Markt der Kulturen (cultural festival).