A phenomenon of 'westalgia'—nostalgia for the former Federal Republic of Germany before reunification—is growing in German society. Social media is flooded with videos of colorful cars against grey streets and clips from classic TV shows. This trend reflects a deep yearning to return to times perceived as safer and more predictable, free from today's geopolitical and economic crises that dominate contemporary public discourse.

Renaissance of West German Aesthetics

Profiles like Westkult on Instagram are gaining immense popularity by publishing archival footage from the 1970s and 80s of the last century.

Longing for Stability

The westalgia phenomenon results from fear of contemporary crises and a desire to return to the predictable welfare state before reunification.

Criticism of Idealizing the Past

Experts warn that retrotopias may lead to rejecting necessary modernity reforms and block Germany's social development.

Germans are increasingly turning to the past, seeking solace in images of the former Federal Republic. The term westalgia is becoming as recognizable as the previously known ostalgia. Popular social media profiles, such as Westkult, attract thousands of users with posts depicting everyday life from the 1970s and 80s, dominated by images of colorful cars, the distinctive architecture of Bonn, and clips from cult productions like the crime series „Tatort” with Götz George as Commissioner Schimanski. Analysis of this phenomenon indicates it's not merely about aesthetics but a longing for social security and a less complex world. In an era of rising international tensions and energy transition, the times of Chancellor Helmut Kohl appear to many as a lost “Shire”—a land of peace and moderate prosperity. However, some commentators see a trap in this. While a return to the stability of the Angela Merkel era or earlier decades seems tempting, it is objectively impossible in the new global reality. The Federal Republic of Germany with its capital in Bonn existed as a separate western state from 1949 until reunification in 1990, basing its identity on the economic miracle (Wirtschaftswunder) and a close alliance with the West.Critics warn of so-called “dangerous backwardness,” which may hinder adaptation to modern challenges. This phenomenon particularly affects the generation that grew up in the shadow of the Iron Curtain but enjoyed the fruits of post-war growth. These voices emphasize that idealizing the past often blurs its problems, such as Cold War fears of nuclear conflict. Nevertheless, the wave of nostalgia remains a significant indicator of social moods in Germany in 2026, revealing a deficit of optimism about the future. „In an unknown country, not so long ago...” — Karel Gott 50 years — Bonn's period of dominance as the capital of a stable Federal Republic lasted

Mentioned People

  • Götz George — Actor known for his role as the legendary Commissioner Horst Schimanski in the series Tatort.
  • Angela Merkel — Former Chancellor of Germany, whose tenure is now the subject of nostalgic memories.
  • Karel Gott — Czech singer, performer of the title song for the cartoon Maya the Bee.