A new chapter for memory, dialogue, and education at the Krzyżowa Foundation
Following three years of intensive renovation, conservation work, and the creation of a completely new spatial arrangement, we have once again opened the doors of a truly exceptional place – the House on the Hill (Dom na Wzgórzu). The celebrations inaugurating this new chapter in the Foundation's history took place on June 2 and 3, 2026.
We had the honor of welcoming state officials from Poland and Germany, parliamentarians, diplomats, and local government representatives. Among the guests were Jan Tombiński – Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Berlin, Knut Abraham – Coordinator for German-Polish Intersocietal and Cross-Border Cooperation for the German Federal Government, and Paweł Gancarz – Marshal of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship. A special guest of honor was Helmuth Caspar Graf von Moltke, son of Helmuth James and Freya von Moltke.
A place of shared responsibility
The House on the Hill, located slightly apart from the main palace and farm complex in Krzyżowa, carries immense historical and symbolic significance. From 1928 to 1945, it served as the family home of Helmuth James and Freya von Moltke. It was right here, during World War II, that the three pivotal meetings of the Kreisau Circle (Krąg z Krzyżowej) took place. As one of the most significant groups within the German anti-Nazi resistance, they worked tirelessly to draft a vision for a democratic Europe based on Christian and social values after the eventual fall of the Third Reich.
"Since its official opening in 1998, which took place in the presence of Polish Prime Minister Jerzy Buzek and German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, the House on the Hill has been a place of meeting and reflection on themes central to our Foundation: civil courage, civic engagement, and the power of Polish-German and European dialogue. Following three years of modernization works, it is with great joy that we reopen this space to visitors," – emphasize the members of the Board of the Krzyżowa Foundation, Dorota Krajdocha and Dr. Habil. Robert Żurek.
Read more: We proudly open the doors of the House on the Hill!
Are you 16 - 18 years old and ready to step into your leadership potential? We are looking for motivated young people from Ukraine, Poland, and Germany to join an unforgettable seven-day international youth exchange at the Krzyżowa Foundation for Mutual Understanding in Europe - a historic place of European dialogue and reconciliation. The project is part of the Networking project “LIKHTAR / Ліхтар”
What to expect
Over seven days in the heart of Poland, you will meet peers from three countries, challenge yourself, and discover what it truly means to lead. The programme includes:
On June 18, 2026, the first meeting of the Foundation Council of the Krzyżowa Foundation for Mutual Understanding in Europe for the new term of office took place in Krzyżowa.
During this constituent meeting, the Presidium was elected to lead the Council's work in the coming years. Ole Jantschek was elected Chairperson of the Foundation Council, and Dorota Nahrebecka-Sobota was elected Deputy Chairperson.
We would like to extend our warmest congratulations to all members of the newly appointed Foundation Council. We wish you great success, satisfaction in facing upcoming challenges, and a fruitful collaboration.
We are firmly convinced that your commitment will lead to numerous activities that continue the Foundation's mission.
Read more: New Term of the Foundation Council of the Krzyżowa Foundation – First Meeting
On the occasion of Easter, we wish you joy, hope, and peace. May this special time encourage reflection, meetings with loved ones, and drawing strength from the values that unite us.
Happy Easter!
The Management, Employees, and Staff
Krzyzowa Foundation for Mutual Understanding in Europe
Read more: Krzyżowa, Easter 2026
