Osnabrücker Handschlag 2026
Exactly 375 years ago, the so-called Osnabrück Handshake marked a milestone in European history. After more than three decades of war, the long-awaited Peace of Westphalia between the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation and the Kingdom of Sweden was achieved in Osnabrück on August 6, 1648. The magnificent quarters of the Swedish chief envoy Johan Axelsson Oxenstierna on the Große Domsfreiheit were the setting for this historic event. The symbolic handshake between the high-ranking envoys from the Empire, Sweden, Brandenburg, Bavaria and Mainz saved the peace treaty from failure and was recognized by contemporaries as legally binding.
Shortly afterwards, the negotiations between the Emperor and France were also held in Osnabrück. Both treaties were finally signed on 24 October 1648 in Münster Town Hall, and the final peace treaty was solemnly proclaimed on the steps of Osnabrück Town Hall on 25 October.
From 12 noon, there will be a varied program, including readings, interactive outdoor activities and much more! Details will follow shortly!
This event is a cooperation between the City of Osnabrück's Project Office for Culture and the Diocese of Osnabrück, the parish of St. Mary's, the Cathedral Treasury & the Diocesan Museum, the West Lower Saxony Literature Office, the Osnabrück Regional Council and the University of Osnabrück.
Shortly afterwards, the negotiations between the Emperor and France were also held in Osnabrück. Both treaties were finally signed on 24 October 1648 in Münster Town Hall, and the final peace treaty was solemnly proclaimed on the steps of Osnabrück Town Hall on 25 October.
From 12 noon, there will be a varied program, including readings, interactive outdoor activities and much more! Details will follow shortly!
This event is a cooperation between the City of Osnabrück's Project Office for Culture and the Diocese of Osnabrück, the parish of St. Mary's, the Cathedral Treasury & the Diocesan Museum, the West Lower Saxony Literature Office, the Osnabrück Regional Council and the University of Osnabrück.
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