As a European cultural route, FORTE CULTURA regularly develops new initiatives, marketing tools and special offers for the specific needs of fortress monuments. The focus is on the preservation and sustainable use of fortified monuments as well as the development and promotion of sustainable tourism, digitalisation and professional exchange on many other topics.

Our member fortresses benefit from the specialist expertise and know-how of the entire FORTE CULTURA network.

A. Networking, Know-how, and Expert exchange

• Members gain access to the extensive expert know-how of the entire FORTE CULTURA network. This includes consultations, exchange of experience, and sharing of ideas among fortresses, institutions, and individual experts.
  • Workshops, Seminars, and Conferences: Members can actively or passively participate in in-person workshops, seminars, and conferences — such as the annual FORTE CULTURA Congress — often hosted directly within the exclusive premises of member fortresses.
    
  • Scientific Advisory Board Participation: Members have the opportunity to join specialized scientific meetings within the Scientific Advisory Board, which addresses a wide range of topics related to fortress heritage, conservation, tourism, and development.

• FORTE CULTURA organizes online activities exclusively for its members:
  • The annual OMM (Online Member Meeting) provides a platform for members to present their current activities, share results, and connect with others in the network.
    
  • Consultation Support: Members receive direct consultation support (via e-mail or on calls) for organizational, technical, and thematic matters.
    
  • Networking via Dedicated Communication Channels: Members can join three specialized WhatsApp groups, designed to enable ongoing exchange of information, news or best practices.
    
  • Newsletter Access and Contribution: Members can subscribe to and contribute to the regular FORTE CULTURA Newsletter, sharing updates, achievements, and upcoming initiatives.
    
  • Member Blogs and Knowledge Sharing: Members can participate in creating and publishing content on two dedicated member blogs:
    • The Activity Blog – focused on quick-oriented presentations of member activities and events.
    • The Science Blog – aimed at in-depth analysis, research sharing, and expert insights into fortress-related topics.
      

• Membership in FORTE CULTURA provides direct opportunities to join or initiate international projects and initiatives focused on the preservation and sustainable use of fortress heritage.
  • Project Collaboration: Members can easily connect with new partners sharing similar objectives, obtain expert input, and receive guidance for developing and implementing their own projects.
  • Access to Ongoing Projects: The network allows members to engage in existing FORTE CULTURA projects
  • Twinning programme for Ukraininan fortifications and crowdfunding campains
  • Extended Network of Organizations: Members gain access to contacts and cooperation opportunities with other major organizations in the field of fortress heritage — including EFFORTS, ICOFORT, ICOMOS, and ECCOFORT. Collaboration with European partners such as EFFORTS Europe extends members’ reach and influence. Through joint activities, members can contribute to shaping policies related to fortress heritage, local development, cultural tourism, and heritage economics even on the European level.

B. Marketing and Visibility Benefits

• Specialized Marketing Tools for Fortresses: Members have access to a variety of fortress-specific marketing tools — including flyers, posters, brochures, publications, and roll-up displays — all designed with ready-to-use FORTE CULTURA branding and visual identity. These materials help promote fortress sites in a unified and recognizable style across Europe.
  
• Online Visibility through the Fortress Portraits Platform Each member fortress is featured with its own profile page (“Fortress Portrait”) on the public FORTE CULTURA tourism web portal. This profile highlights the fortress’s history, attractions, events, and visitor information.
  
• Inclusion in the FORTE CULTURA Tourism Catalogue: Member fortresses are listed in the official FORTE CULTURA Tourism Catalogue, which presents fortress destinations across Europe. The catalogue serves as a promotional tool distributed to tourism professionals, travel agencies, and visitors.
  
• Promotion through FORTE CULTURA Social Media Channels: Members can use FORTE CULTURA’s social media platforms to share and promote their content internationally. By contributing to the Activity Blog or other promotional initiatives, fortresses gain exposure across channels such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, with hundreds of followers — primarily enthusiasts of fortress heritage and cultural tourism.
  
• Participation in the European Fortress Summer: Member fortresses can take part in the European Fortress Summer, an annual seasonal campaign that promotes fortress-related events throughout Europe. This initiative increases visitor awareness and participation while connecting local events to a broader international audience.
  
• Digital Promotion Tools: FORTE CULTURA provides members with digital promotion tools and shared online resources to help strengthen their marketing strategies.

C. Education, Certification, and Professional Development

• Certification as a Station of the European Cultural Route: Membership in FORTE CULTURA allows your fortress to be listed as an official Station within the European Cultural Route of Fortified Monuments, as recognized by the Council of Europe through a dedicated certification process (currently as nominating cultural route).
  
• FORTE CULTURA Academy: Members gain access to the FORTE CULTURA Academy, an educational platform offering training sessions, workshops, and seminars for professional development. The Academy focuses on practical knowledge, heritage management, cultural tourism, and sustainable preservation of fortifications.
  
  • FORTE CULTURA Certificate for Tour Guides: Fortress guides can qualify for the FORTE CULTURA® Tour Guide Certificate, which includes registration, access to study materials, and an online test (approx. 1 hour). A one-time certification fee of €40 applies. Certified guides can enjoy further promotion.
  • Study and Pilot Trips: Members can participate in study and pilot trips organized by FORTE CULTURA, which provide hands-on experience and direct insights into fortress heritage across the world.
  • Academic Support and Research Collaboration: With the support of the Scientific Advisory Board, members can gain access to specialized academic resources and literature for research or analytical work. There is also an opportunity to publish academic or expert papers under the FORTE CULTURA label, contributing to the wider knowledge base of fortress heritage.
  • FORTE CULTURA Internships: Members can host or send (university) students and professionals for internships, job shadowing, or summer schools related to fortress heritage — often supported by programs such as Erasmus+. Internships may also be completed at the FORTE CULTURA headquarters in Berlin.

D. Financial Advantages

• Framework Agreements: Members benefit from framework agreements negotiated by FORTE CULTURA, which provide collective advantages such as discounted rates for marketing materials, promotional items, and other shared resources. For example, Euro banknote souvenir discounts or the Reveel platform or Actionbound discounts.
• Participation in Transnational Funding Projects: Membership offers opportunities to become a partner in transnational projects, enabling access to funding programs, joint financing, and shared resources.