Bielefeld conspiracy

The Bielefeld conspiracy, also known by its original name Bielefeldverschwörung, is one of Germany's most intriguing and humorous urban legends. This satirical conspiracy theory, which claims that the city of Bielefeld does not exist, has become a staple of German internet culture and a fascinating point of interest for visitors and locals alike.

The Origins of the Bielefeld Conspiracy

The Bielefeld conspiracy first emerged in 1994 on the German-speaking Usenet, a precursor to modern internet forums. The idea was born at a student party in 1993 when a friend of Achim Held, a computer science student from Kiel, jokingly remarked, I don't believe Bielefeld exists. Held, amused by the comment, decided to elaborate on the idea, creating a satirical conspiracy theory to mock the often absurd nature of real conspiracy theories.

The theory posits that Bielefeld is a fictitious city, and all evidence of its existence is part of an elaborate hoax orchestrated by mysterious entities referred to as THEY (always in uppercase). Speculations about the identity of THEY range from the CIA and Mossad to aliens disguising their spaceship as a university. Some even suggest that the supposed location of Bielefeld hides the entrance to Atlantis.

The Theory's Structure

The Bielefeld conspiracy is a perfect example of a self-reinforcing argument. Proponents claim that all photographs of Bielefeld are actually taken in other cities and digitally altered to create a fictional cityscape. They also argue that the improbably short travel times for trains stopping at the so-called Bielefeld Hauptbahnhof are further evidence of the city's non-existence. Even cars with BI license plates are said to be part of the cover-up, sent across Germany to maintain the illusion.

Cultural Impact and Reception

Since its inception, the Bielefeld conspiracy has woven itself into the fabric of German internet folklore. It serves as a humorous critique of conspiracy theories, highlighting their often circular and unassailable logic. The theory has inspired various media, including a 2010 film titled Die Bielefeld-Verschwörung, based on a novel by Thomas Walden. The film, styled as a spy thriller, was produced by Bielefeld Marketing and the media education lab at Bielefeld University.

Even prominent figures have referenced the conspiracy. In 2012, during the presentation of the German Social Award in Bielefeld, Chancellor Angela Merkel humorously added, …if it exists, after mentioning conversations with citizens in the city. The joke has been further perpetuated by artists and comedians, including the cartoonist Ralph Ruthe, who was born in Bielefeld and created a video titled Witness Protection Program on the topic.

The City's Response

The city of Bielefeld has embraced the conspiracy with a mix of humor and marketing savvy. For its 800th anniversary in 2014, the city adopted the motto Das gibt’s doch gar nicht (That doesn't exist). In 2019, Bielefeld Marketing announced a one-million-euro prize for anyone who could provide definitive proof that Bielefeld does not exist. This challenge garnered international attention, with over 2,000 submissions from around the world. However, none succeeded in proving the city's non-existence, and the prize remained unclaimed.

To commemorate the conspiracy, a stone monument was erected in Bielefeld's old town near the Leineweber monument. The stone, inscribed with Bielefeld-Verschwörung 1994-2019, stands as a playful nod to the enduring legend.

Exploring Bielefeld

For those curious about the non-existent city, Bielefeld offers a wealth of attractions. The Sparrenburg Castle, a medieval fortress with panoramic views of the city, is a must-visit. The Kunsthalle Bielefeld, an art museum designed by the renowned architect Philip Johnson, showcases modern and contemporary art. The city's botanical garden and the Teutoburg Forest provide beautiful natural settings for relaxation and exploration.

Bielefeld is also home to a vibrant cultural scene, with theaters, music venues, and festivals throughout the year. The city's university, despite the conspiracy's claims, is a prominent educational institution with a diverse student body and a strong research focus.

A Lighthearted Legend

The Bielefeld conspiracy remains a delightful example of how humor and satire can capture the public's imagination. Whether you're a skeptic, a believer, or just looking for a good laugh, the legend of Bielefeld offers a unique and entertaining perspective on the nature of urban myths and the power of the internet to shape modern folklore.

So, if you ever find yourself in the heart of Germany, why not take a trip to Bielefeld? After all, seeing is believing—or is it?