Technology
At the sandy western edge of Los Angeles County in California, USA, you’ll find Santa Monica, a city known for its sunny, beachfront character. An ocean away in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Germany, lies Hamm, a city celebrated for its historical monuments and green landscapes. Although these two cities seem to occupy different worlds, they share a unique bond as “sister cities”, also known as “twin towns” or “partner cities”.
Santa Monica offers an endless supply of sun and fun
Santa Monica is a vibrant, bustling city characterized by its expansive, sun-kissed beaches. It’s home to the iconic Santa Monica Pier, with its famous Ferris wheel, providing a playful escape for locals and visitors alike. The atmosphere in Santa Monica often feels like an endless summer day, where every sunset becomes a breathtaking spectacle. Thanks to the thriving music and movie industry, the city boasts a bustling artistic life, also evidenced by the street performers along the popular Third Street Promenade.
One of the most famous people living in Santa Monica is the evocative architect Frank Owen Gehry. In fact, his private residence there is one of the main attractions. He is also the architect of the “Energie Forum Innovation” in Bad Oeynhausen/NRW.
Hamm offers many natural retreats
Green refuges & industrial relics
Hamm, meanwhile, presents a picture of European charm and industry. Its historical monuments, listed buildings and tranquil parks create an inviting atmosphere, while the Sri Kamadchi Ampal temple, one of Europe’s largest Hindu temples, highlights the city’s multicultural flair. The city’s history in coal mining and railway services bears witness to Germany’s industrial revolution. Maximilianpark, once the site of a coal mine, now thrives as a lush park with a former coal-washing building converted into a large glass elephant. You can ride up the elevator in its trunk for a panoramic view of the park and city.
A person of note from Hamm is Friedrich Kapp (1824-1884), a German-American attorney, author and politician. Besides being an outspoken critic of German colonialism, he is also regarded as the pioneer of German-American historical science. But Hamm’s connection to the United States does not end here.
Shared passions
So what do these two towns have in common? Santa Monica and Hamm share a love for sports: in Santa Monica, surfboards are as common as cars due to the beachfront location, while Hamm has a fondness for bicycles, thanks to its flat terrain and relaxing green landscapes. Golfing and canoeing are also popular.
The sister cities also share a commitment to community and environmental sustainability. Santa Monica shows its dedication to sustainability through its effective public transport system, numerous bike lanes and innovative initiatives, such as the Sustainable Quality Awards that promote the efforts of local businesses in the areas of sustainable economic development, social responsibility and stewardship of the natural environment.
Hamm, in turn, promotes green living through its wealth of parks, preservation initiatives and activities such as the awarding of “Naturprofi” stamps to children when they take part in local environmental events. And there are plenty of bike paths in Hamm, too. 106 miles of them to be precise, including the two-mile “Fahrrad-Promenade” around the city.
Connections make the difference
How did the city partnership come into being? Hamm citizen Anton Voss was drawn across the pond to California in the 1920s, where he made a name for himself with his bakery in Santa Monica. He did not forget his old homeland, however, and sent care packages after the war back to Hamm. He also supported the studies of Günter Rinsche at U.S. universities. Rinsche later became the mayor of Hamm in 1964 and, together with Anton Voss, developed the idea of a town twinning, which was approved on 9 July 1969.
Whether you prefer a sun-filled day on the Santa Monica Pier or a peaceful stroll through Hamm’s Maximilianpark, each of these two cities has something unique to offer visitors. Despite their apparent differences, Santa Monica and Hamm both embody an openness to cultural diversity, reminding us of the benefits of an interconnected world.
At a glance: Santa Monica and Hamm
| Santa Monica | Hamm | |
| Population | 90,076 (2020) | 179,238 (2021) |
| Population density | 11,067/sq mi | 2,060/sq mi |
| Total area | 16 sq mi | 87 sq mi |
| Major waterway | Santa Monica Bay (Pacific Ocean) | Lippe river |
| Average high in August | 69.7° F | 71.6° F |
| Average low in January | 49.6° F | 32° F |
| Major industries | Tourism, Entertainment, Game Development | Mining, Steel, Chemical, Logistics |
| Fun fact | Santa Monica is widely credited as the birthplace of beach volleyball. | A person from Hamm is known as a “Hammer” |
