Life in the heart of Europe
In 2023, Thomas van Schalkwyk came to Görlitz and became Head of Production at BIRKENSTOCK. The South African native had previously lived in Dubai and Paris. What began with a job offer in the European city quickly became one of the most fundamental decisions of his life. In this interview, he explains why this move was worthwhile.
What were your experiences when you came to Görlitz?
My wife and I had very specific ideas about what we wanted in an apartment. We came here a few times to look at different apartments. It wasn't difficult at all, and we finally found one. We were able to move directly from our home in the Harz Mountains to our new apartment in Görlitz.
Furthermore, the people in Görlitz are very friendly and helpful. I found the people in the city to be much friendlier than I was used to in other cities.
How did your family react to your move to Görlitz?
My wife accompanied me when I came to Görlitz for my first job interview. During the interview, she was out and about in the city, and it was a very rainy day. When I picked her up afterward, she said, "I don't know. Look at this weather!" But we were also aware that this was just the impression from one day. She's very happy in Görlitz now, too. It's especially the freedom of movement in the city that she appreciates.
You have already lived in South Africa, Dubai, Paris, and Bad Lauterberg. What do you like about living and working in Görlitz?
I love my job and this company. The people here are great and working at BIRKENSTOCK is fantastic.
Accepting this job and moving here was one of the most fundamental career decisions of my life.
Since moving to Görlitz, my first impression has completely changed. What I particularly like about Görlitz is that I live in the city center and can walk everywhere. For example, I can walk across the Old Town Bridge and be in Poland with its different cuisine and culture.
My wife and I always travel on weekends. Living in Görlitz is especially convenient because you can reach Dresden in an hour, Wrocław is just a short drive away, and Prague and Berlin are practically next door. There are so many cities and so many travel opportunities when you live in this area.
Another advantage of living in Görlitz is how safe it is. I can go wherever I want without fear. Compared to South Africa, I feel safe.
What do you like to do in Görlitz?
We often go out to eat. During the week, my life revolves around work, but on weekends I go out and visit restaurants, stroll around the old town, or cross the old town bridge to the Polish side, have a coffee, and then come back to the German side.
Is the connection between Germany and Poland something you particularly enjoy in Göritz?
I'm South African and I live in Europe. For me, it's very exciting to cross a river and see a different culture and people speaking different languages. That's what attracted me to this area. There are so many different cultures here – it's so beautiful to see how all these things interact. It's a great collaboration between the people in the two cities: it's truly one city with different languages on both sides of the river, all connected.
So if someone were to look for you in the city, where would they find you?
Probably in the area around the Lower Market Square. I like the buildings and the architecture, and there are some nice restaurants. On the other side of the river in Zgorzelec, you also have a fantastic view of Görlitz and the church, which is always lovely to see.
Living in Görlitz Working in Görlitz
Text: Europastadt GörlitzZgorzelec GmbH
Photos: Paul Glaser
