Claudia Fugmann is a Vogtland ambassador who is standing up for her adopted homeland.

Back in 1983 the civil engineer who had just graduated faced a narrow selection of possible jobs. She could have gone to Berlin or to one of the former district capitals where a 25 year old would have had the highest degree of career prospects and recreational activities (far more than simply political affiliation offered in the former GDR). Claudia Fugmann however, born in Leipzig and who grew up in Prussia deliberately decided for the Vogtland region. A decision she likes to recommend – especially to families.

“The Vogtland is one of those places especially designed for families”, says Claudia Fugmann. The plea on her adopted homeland is charaterized by appreciation for the region and its people. Appreciation for the beautiful nature, the well-structured cities, the short travel distances, the remarkable diversity, the inexpensive cost of living, lively traditions, the individual development opportunities and of course the appreciation for the peculiar.

“The Vogtland people are emotional and proud, but also very reliable and diligent. I know this because I am married to a Vogtlandian. They like to rely on the proven, like to dampen things and play with the reputation that Vogtland people are brash mountain folk. Their guests however usually describe them as very open-minded and friendly.”

Claudia Fugmann smiles and adds what almost sounds like a piece of Confucian wisdom: “When you are balanced inside, you can radiate on the outside.”

This positive attitude manifested back in May 2011 when a new bike path extending from Falkenstein to Oelsnitz to Pirk was inaugurated. As chairman of the IHK Transport Commitee, Claudia Fugmann was a significant initiator for the realization of the asphalted route. The 30 km long track is built on an old railway and takes an easily manageable course through the manifold nature connecting the two reservoirs. “We needed something that mothers can enjoy too.” A visible and materialized embodiment of appreciation for the people who live here.

A message for families:

“Apart from the fact that it all depends on a job, the security you have for families here in the Vogtland region especially the reliability in planning is great. You can not get this in a big city. Short distances to day care centers, into the forests and to the many recreational possibilities. It is inexpensive to live here and there are many opportunities for everyone.”

A message for youngsters:

“Of course young people love metropolitan areas despite high costs and allegedly better chances for their future. I assume that is the case all over the world, most certainly in Europe. Which is fine, they should explore and gain experience which might be okay when you are single, but when you want to start your own family you find much better starting conditions here. Our son was also travelling the entire continent and just moved back from Munich. He found the vocational opportunities were not that amazing in big cities because there were so many more applicants for the top jobs.“

A message for gourmets:

“The Vogtland region offers a very unique gastronomy and we have the best bakeries and butchers! That might sound profane, because every region might claim that, but here it is actually true. I have heard this often from guests and people from other federal states that used to live here for a while – so I can declare that with a good conscience.”

A message for the future:

“The Vogtland region has very good conditions to grow in all imaginable directions. The unemployment rate is relatively low, we have an economic broad basis, the infrastructure is top and the interconnectedness within Europe is great. We are not in paradise, as there are things that need fixing like everywhere, but the foundation is very solid. I think the service industry will further develop in the upcoming years.”

Vita Claudia Fugmann

• born in 1958 in Leipzig
• grew up and studied in Brandenburg
• graduated in civil engineering in 1983
• moved to Vogtland
• founded an engineering office in Falkenstein in 1990
• married to the architect Steffen Fugmann since 1993
• managing partner of Fugmann + Fugmann Architekten und Ingenieure GmbH (Architects and Engineers)
• chairman of the IHK Transport Commitee ·
• favorite spots in Vogtland: Triebtal, Steinicht, Plauen, Auerbach
• favorite Vogtlandian dish: Schwammebrieh (wild mushroom stew)

Links

• fugmann + fugmann architekten und ingenieure gmbh