Gütersloh's red mailbox collects heartfelt love letters from residents

A bright red mailbox now stands in front of Gütersloh's town hall, inviting residents to share their love for the city. The initiative lets people drop handwritten letters, postcards, or online messages declaring what they cherish most about living there. Organisers hope the campaign will highlight the community's affection for Gütersloh in a creative way.

The project is a collaboration between Gütersloh Marketing, the city's urban planning department, and its economic development agency. Since its launch, the red mailbox has collected notes ranging from light-hearted jokes to deeply personal messages. One letter, written by Ukrainian refugees, expressed gratitude for the city's support and the hope it provided during difficult times.

Residents can submit their love declarations in multiple ways. Blank postcards are available at local shops, or contributions can be made online. The mailbox itself is emptied regularly, with organisers reading and archiving each submission. It will remain in place until mid-March, giving people several weeks to participate.

For long-time resident Eva Richter, the campaign reflects the warmth and familiarity she associates with Gütersloh. While she values the city's welcoming atmosphere, she also hopes for more cafés and events to keep the community vibrant. As of February 14, 2026, no official count of submissions has been released, leaving the full scale of participation unknown for now.

The love letter campaign offers a simple but meaningful way for people to connect with their city. Whether through humour, gratitude, or suggestions for improvement, the messages will provide organisers with direct insight into what matters most to Gütersloh's residents. The mailbox will continue collecting submissions until its planned removal in mid-March.