80,000 euros for the renovation of the Ordensburg Vogelsang – a step in memory!

80,000 euros for the renovation of the Ordensburg Vogelsang – a step in memory!

This week an important step was taken for the former Ordensburg Vogelsang in the Eifel National Park. On June 30, 2025, Dr. Roswitha Steinbrink, Euskirchen local curator of the German Foundation for Monument Protection (DSD), the funding agreement for the renovation of the retaining wall in the area of ​​the forum and the roll call area of ​​the former Nazi Ordensburg. This symbolic contract for 80,000 euros was handed over to Thomas Kreyes, Managing Director of Vogelsang IP gGmbH, and represents significant support for the listed area.

The funding comes from donations and proceeds from the GlücksSpirale lottery and is part of a comprehensive renovation project coordinated by the DSD in North Rhine-Westphalia. This initiative is not only of central importance for the preservation of the monument, but also for the historical assessment of the place, which went through an eventful history between 1934 and 2005.

A place of history

The monument, which was erected by Robert Ley, a leading cadre of the National Socialists, originally served to train young political leaders of the NSDAP. From 1945 it was reserved for military use after the Second World War before being opened to visitors in 2006. Today the area is used as the “International Square in the Eifel National Park” and includes a modern visitor center and exhibitions.

Under the motto “Tolerance and Diversity”, Vogelsang should not only point out the dark past, but also act as a place of remembrance and education. The area is part of a larger concept that serves to preserve listed buildings and create a contemporary learning space. The renovation costs total 45 million euros, and the operators expect around 300,000 visitors annually.

Remembering and processing

The DSD is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and is committed to projects like this with great commitment. Ministries, the region, the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, the federal government and the European Union are involved in the development of Vogelsang and thus show how important the connection between history and education is.

Numerous events such as the opening ceremony of the facility with the participation of prominent guests highlighted the cultural and remembrance significance of the place. The new permanent exhibition “Destiny: Master Man” also takes a look into history and explores the fascination and crimes of the Nazi order castles.

This exhibition is not only exciting for those interested in history, but is also recommended for school classes. The dedicated team is committed to keeping the lessons of the past alive and making them accessible to future generations. A particularly important aspect is the examination of local history and the reflexive engagement with one's own history.

Care is taken to ensure that Vogelsang, as a place of learning and remembrance, will continue to be armed against any form of extremism in the future. State Security is monitoring the region to ensure that the historic site is not abused by right-wing extremist groups.

The upcoming press dates and events surrounding the former Ordensburg Vogelsang promise to draw attention to this important institution and to further exploit its potential as an educational institution. There is a lot on the agenda for the coming period, and the commitment to raising awareness and education remains a central concern for all actors.

You can find out more about Vogelsang's funding and historical context in the reports on denkmalschutz.de, nationalpark-eifel.de and deutschlandfunk.de.