Osnabrücker Handschlag – Peace Celebration 2026

City of Peace since 1648

Osnabrück is one of the two cities where the treaties of the Peace of Westphalia were signed in 1648 – the end of the Thirty Years' War, one of the fundamental peace agreements in European history. Since then, Osnabrück has seen itself as a City of Peace and has developed numerous formats that translate this historical responsibility into the present day.

Osnabrücker Handschlag

The Osnabrücker Handschlag is the central peace celebration of the year and takes place every August – close to the historical anniversary of the peace message. The event is supported by the City of Osnabrück, the St. Marien parish, the University of Osnabrück, and the Diocese of Osnabrück. This broad institutional backing reflects the shared interest in a peace message that is relevant today.

Family Program in the Old Town

The program is deliberately designed as a family event: remembrance of the peace treaty, explanation of historical contexts, opportunities for dialogue with representatives from politics, religion, and science, as well as cultural contributions shape the day in the Old Town and at the Town Hall. Free admission.

Relevance of the Peace Message

In times of international conflict, Osnabrück's peace message gains new significance. The Osnabrücker Handschlag is not intended as a mere historical gesture, but as a present-day commitment to diplomacy, dialogue, and non-violent conflict resolution – values that the Peace of Westphalia brought forth in a Europe at war.