Siófok and Waldheim have close cultural associations and regularly hold choir gatherings. The city administrations also maintain a strong relationship. Currently, the process of developing a student exchange program between schools is underway, aiming to provide students with easier acquisition and confident use of the German language.
Waldheim is a town in Germany, located in the state of Saxony. It has a population of approximately nine thousand residents. The town is situated in the valley of the Zschopau River, 9 kilometers southwest of Döbeln and 28 kilometers north of Chemnitz. The Waldheim Castle is first mentioned in a document from the 13th century, and the surrounding settlement received city privileges in 1286. The former castle later served as a monastery, a hunting lodge, and eventually, in the 18th century, it was converted into a prison and orphanage, which is still in use today. Siófok and Waldheim became sister cities on October 3, 1997.
The Waldheim Prison has a history of over 300 years, making it the oldest prison in Germany still in use. The prison was also used to detain political prisoners before World War II, for the Nazi Party and the East German state. The St. Nicholas Lutheran Church in Waldheim traces its history back to 1336. The church was destroyed twice over the centuries and was consecrated in its current form in 1842.
The Kriebstein Castle is a 14th-century castle located near Waldheim, in the village of Kriebstein. The castle stands on a steep rocky cliff above the Zschopau River. Certain parts of the Kriebstein Castle were opened to the public in 1930. The castle's ballroom is used as a concert venue, and its event hall hosts weddings. Since January 1, 1993, the Kriebstein Castle Museum has been owned by the Free State of Saxony.
Famous People:
- Arthur Meinig: Hungarian architect of German origin
- Georg Kolbe: Sculptor
