West Chicago Sister Cities

Germany's Bavarian City of Taufkirchen is located 35 miles northeast of Munich of the river Vils. The name Taufkirchen means to be baptized in a church: TAUF(en) = to baptize, KIRCHE(N) = church.

Update: September 2009 - Bodo Gsedl designed a new brochure of Taufkirchen and translated it into English.

TAUFKIRCHEN, a town of more than 8,500, is rich in Bavarian traditions. Culture and education play an important role in the lives of its citizens who are proud of their town's history.

Economical growth is evident, natural sites and nature conservation are widely present, citizens are provided with affordable land for building, and generations live, celebrate, and work together.

Since 1829, TAUFKIRCHEN has been known for its upholstery. The Himolla Furniture Company began as a small craft shop and is now one of the largest upholstery companies in Europe.  Craftsmanship and quality are characteristics for businesses in TAUFKIRCHEN. Many small companies have been family owned and operated for generations. These small firms form the economical backbone of the town.

The second largest employer is the County Hospital of TAUFKIRCHEN, a medical institution specializing in psychiatry and psychotherapy. In addition, banking institutions, insurance companies, and service companies specializing in computer and telecommunications, among others, choose to make TAUFKIRCHEN their hometown.

The beer brewing tradition often associated with Germany thrives at the TAUFKIRCHEN Brewing Company, which has been producing its unique beer for more than 300 years. In addition, the city boasts a variety of restaurants serving traditional Bavarian cuisine, as well as Greek, Italian and Thai restaurants. 

TAUFKIRCHEN also offers a variety of recreational and sporting facilities. The Forest Swimming Park provides a variety of water sport activities and swimming fun. The natural beauty of Taufkirchen's countryside is perfect for recreational activities such as hiking, jogging, biking and horseback riding. 

Text: Michelle Balee, Professional Writing Services

The face of TAUFKIRCHEN has changed over the years. The Bavarian farming village of old has grown into a modern town. The Catholic Church, the old vicarage and traditional guesthouses mark the town center and marketplace. Today, Taufkirchen's new modern buildings and restored historical facades exist side by side in harmony.

Taufkirchen's special landmark is it's magical water castle, constructed in the middle of a pond and surrounded by a wonderful park. For visitors, the water castle looks like the backdrop to a fairy tale. It is a most popular site for visitors during the Christmas season and many enjoy ice skating and curling on the pond.

The Adlberger Market in TAUFKIRCHEN has a 300-year history. In late spring, the entire downtown becomes a giant shopping area. The much younger traditional town festival, a 10-day event, begins annually on the second Saturday in July. Other festivities include a carnival, market-place-celebration, Jazz concerts in the park, and the town's nationally known Rock-in-Roll festival. 

Culture in TAUFKIRCHEN also means theater, concerts and exhibitions. The historical water castle and the newly built Citizen Hall provide atmosphere and space. In addition, TAUFKIRCHEN has a public library and a historic museum.

Given the baptismal meaning of the town's name, it should not be surprising that Taufkirchen's history and culture is firmly rooted in Christianity. Catholic and Protestant churches are not only active in supporting the needs of Taufkirchen's citizens, but also play an important role in the social life of the community.