It all started with a vacation in Switzerland. It was from there that Reiner Nerlich Zuhörbänklias a suggestion. Further research then revealed that there are already storytelling and listening benches in Germany - with different concepts and by different initiators. Even Aachen once had a mobile listening bench in Westpark.
The idea was then taken up again in 2023. We wanted to sit on benches, actively approach passers-by and develop a usage concept based on this experience without incurring major costs.
Project process
However, this idea of the storytelling bench then developed a momentum of its own. With benches in all 14 districts of the Senior Citizens' Council, the field trial suddenly became a project with a large number of participants in 2024.
The idea of attaching self-financed plaques to benches in coordination was no longer possible and a budget had to be found for implementation. The "Ageing in Aachen" control centre fought with great commitment for a budget for the year 2025. In the meantime, the potential storytelling benches in the districts were identified and the size of the plaques was agreed with those responsible.
In the end, a concise name had to be found - "Mullebank". But what does "Mulle" actually mean? Aacheners have known the "Mulleklenkes", the 133 m high transmission tower on the Karlshöhe, since 1984. Now it has been joined by the "Mullebänke". And while the tower only transmits, the Mulle benches work bidirectionally - chatting and listening. And so that non-Aachen residents also know what is meant by "Mullen", the "Mullebänke" have been given the subtitle and at the same time the request "Let's have a chat".
It took two years from the idea to implementation. In spring 2025, things suddenly happened very quickly. The selected benches were refurbished and provided with the plaques - so a big thank you to everyone who contributed and didn't give up early.
Martin Landrock
On May 19, 2025, the first bench was occupied by a prominent person. Aachen's Lord Mayor Sybille Keupen was the first senior citizen in Aachen to take a seat on a Mulle bench in Kaiser-Friedrich-Park at Hangeweiher. As the incumbent Lord Mayor, you're not likely to be lonely, but this was at least a small building block against loneliness.
What happens next?
The mulberry benches also need a start-up period before they are known. That is why members of some districts of the Senior Citizens' Council regularly sit on mulberry benches and invite passers-by to talk to them. Some people are irritated by this, but most are enthusiastic and continue to support us through word of mouth.
Although the Senior Citizens' Council initiated the Mullebänke with the support of the City of Aachen, loneliness is not only an issue for older citizens, but also for all generations and regardless of origin. However, this overarching exchange is currently still the exception rather than the rule, despite common ground. But you also have to have visions - maybe one day an Italian will play some love songs to his conversation partner on the Mullebänke. Visions? No, that has already happened in Burtscheid. We won't reveal what happened next in the story.
Unfortunately, the first benches were smeared after a short time. As a seniors' council, we will therefore have to make sure that the benches continue to invite people to mull around in the future.
The city has also created a "Mulle Map", which lists the Mulle benches in Aachen:
Do we also need net etiquette for the multi-benches? Will the polarization of society continue on the benches? We will have to observe this. First of all, we hope that this will promote togetherness. Because only by "mulling" together can we overcome mental barriers.