The first mention of Zelz dates back to the year 1513. Due to the redrawing of the border with Poland as a result of the Second World War, the place was separated. The main part of Zelz is called "Siedlec" on the other side of the Neisse. At this point, after more than 60 years, the construction of the bridge structure - the Neißetalbrücke - has been realized, the completion of which in 2008 created important prerequisites for the development of the partnership with the Polish municipality of Trzebiel and for cross-border tourism. The German-Polish bridge festival takes place alternately on the German and Polish side every year on the 2nd Saturday in September and is becoming increasingly popular.
Between the old trees, where the Neisse River flows leisurely, lies a bridge that is more than just a crossing. It connects two places that were once a single village – Zelz and Siedlec – and were separated by history and geography for decades after the war. Today, bicycles once again roll here instead of border patrols.
The Neisse Valley Bridge was opened in 2008, after more than sixty years of waiting and planning, as a visible symbol of the partnership between the German town of Zelz and the Polish town of Trzebiel. Anyone traveling here today not only crosses a border, but also a piece of European reconciliation.
From the German border post under the large oak tree, you have a beautiful view of the technical structure – unspectacular and, precisely for that reason, touching. Cyclists like to briefly push their bikes aside, look across the river, and take a photo. Perhaps also because the place exudes a quiet solemnity – and because history doesn't intrude here, but rather sits quietly there.
Translated by Google •
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