Refugees in the castle

Thurnau as a refuge for “displaced persons”

During and after the Second World War, Thurnau is a refuge for many displaced people from eastern areas fleeing westwards from the Red Army. During the war, Thurnau was a centre of attraction because it was located outside the air-raid-ridden areas.

Refugees from Silesia were settled in the north wing of the castle too. Amongst them the pianist Kempff. The remains of a heavy-heating furnace to the right of this room are a remnant from this time. At this stove, which came from the Silesian possessions of the Giech family, the refugees warmed themselves more through nostalgia than heat.

The immigration movements led to a significant increase in the total population from 3591 (1939) before the war to over 5000 in 1950. This presented logistical challenges to those responsible with regard to housing and feeding the people. The castle itself served as a temporary roof over the heads of many people, but guesthouses and school halls were also used for other purposes. However, refugees also found accommodation with local families.

In addition to the supply difficulties, there is the interpersonal challenge of confrontation with new realities of life and world views. In Thurnau, the immigration of the "expellees" led to a real confessional mixture for the first time, which finally resulted in the consecration of the Catholic church on 30 August 1948.

References

Literature:

Es geht wieder aufwärts. Ersch. in: Markt Thurnau (Hrsg.): Thurnau 1239-1989. Bayreuth, 1989. S.71-82.

Authors: Robin Jacob, Karla Pfitzinger