City undergoing trial period: Görlizt

In the heart of Germany, the city of Görlitz is making a name for itself as a promising destination for those seeking a balance between city life and a peaceful environment. Initiated in May 2025, the city's "Versuchswohnen" program, designed for employees of the German Center for Astrophysics, is just one example of this innovative approach.

Görlitz, with a population of around 57,000, offers a unique blend of affordability, cultural richness, short distances, abundant greenery, and the absence of big city noise, making it an appealing choice for trial residents. However, the city does face challenges, particularly in car-free mobility, a hurdle it is actively working to overcome.

The concept of trial living was first introduced in Görlitz back in 2008, and it has since evolved to cater to a wider audience. Initially offering a four-week stay with a vacation-like character, the program has been extended to three months, providing participants with a more immersive experience.

The city's openness to immigration is praised as crucial for the success of the trial living concept. Görlitz and other East German cities, such as Guben, Wittenberge, Eberswalde, and soon Bautzen, are actively seeking skilled workers, people with innovative business ideas, and those willing to engage in voluntary work to help sustain their populations in the long term.

Robert Knippschild, a professor at the Leibniz Institute for Ecological Spatial Development, has been scientifically following the trial living program in Görlitz for over a decade. His insights have proven relevant for other cities undergoing similar transformation processes.

The German Center for Astrophysics, established in Görlitz, could create up to 1000 jobs in the long term. The city aims to attract as many of these employees to move to the city rather than commute. In fact, about every tenth participant in the trial living program in Görlitz moves to the city permanently after the trial stay.

Recent additions to the program include a family from Berlin who moved to Zwönitz for a trial living experience in August. The program now targets professionals who can enrich city life through engagement, particularly in ecological aspects.

The insights from trial living studies regularly result in recommendations to city politics for improvement. For instance, the program initially aimed to convince residents of prefabricated buildings to move into vacant Gründerzeit houses in the city center. Today, it focuses on promoting sustainable living and attracting highly qualified specialists.

In a bid to attract more city dwellers, the Ore Mountains is promoting a slogan for a four-week trial living experience in rural regions. As Görlitz continues to refine its trial living program, it is clear that the city is committed to creating a vibrant, sustainable, and welcoming community for all.