The first university weeks were held in Alpbach 80 years ago. The Tyrolean village became a European laboratory of ideas, earning the nickname “village of thinkers.” Now, a special installation with three information pillars not only showcases the history of the forum, but also its future and its close connection to the people of the village.

Alpbach – In the summer of 1945, barely three months after the end of World War II, Otto Molden, Austrian resistance fighter and publicist, and Tyrolean philosopher Simon Moser invited guests to the first meeting, the so-called “International University Weeks,” in Alpbach. What began as a dialogue on the intellectual renewal of Europe became the foundation of the European Forum Alpbach (EFA).

A place that asks questions

Today, 80 years later, the Forum has long been a fixture in the European events calendar. Thousands of guests from all over the world travel to Alpbach every August to discuss democracy, sustainability, and the future of Europe.

“But the European Forum Alpbach is more than just an event. It is part of our identity,” says Mayor Markus Bischofer. “It shows that a small village can generate great momentum for Europe.” To make this close connection visible throughout the year, the project “From Alpbach – In Alpbach – For Alpbach” has now been launched. It was initiated by the municipality of Alpbach, the Alpbachtal Tourism Association, and the Congress Centrum Alpbach. The project kicks off with three simple but powerful steles installed in the center of the village.

Three steles tell of encounters, history, and the future

Each of the three steles reflects the values of the forum and is dedicated to a central aspect of the European Forum Alpbach. “EFA and the Village” shows how closely the forum is connected to the village community. “EFA and the People” focuses on personal encounters and perspectives. The third stele is entitled “EFA and the Goals” and addresses topics that have accompanied the Forum since its inception. These include dialogue, sustainability, and the vision of a united Europe.

A digital window into history

QR codes on the steles provide access to digital content on the website, which can be accessed from any location. This includes personal voices from the village, interviews, podcasts, film material, and background information about the forum. “The steles are more than just information carriers. They are a symbol of a special togetherness, a partnership between the people in the village, the partner companies, and the participants of the EFA,” says Thomas Kahn, managing director of the Congress Centrum Alpbach.

The forum has also left its mark on tourism. “Around 4,500 people from more than 80 countries travel to the forum every year. This shows how well thinking and relaxation can be combined in Alpbach,” says Frank Kostner, chairman of the tourism association. “And it leaves impressions that often last longer than a vacation.”

Artwork makes connection visible

In future, the EFA will not only be present in the village in summer, but throughout the year. In addition to the informative steles, an artistic mark will therefore also be made. In collaboration with HTL Kramsach, a work of art is being created that will bring the relationship between Alpbach and the Forum to life in an exciting way. The project presentation is planned for the end of 2025 as part of an anniversary event.

This year, the European Forum Alpbach will take place from August 16 to 29 under the motto “Recharge Europe.”