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Portrait of Andreas wearing a red Rückenwind outdoor jacket with blue inner layer, smiling at camera with green blurred background.

My career at the company Rückenwind

Portrait of Andreas wearing a red Rückenwind outdoor jacket with blue inner layer, smiling at camera with green blurred background.

Sometimes it’s the small steps that pave the way for major developments. When I joined Rückenwind Reisen in 2004, I never imagined how exciting and diverse this journey would be—both for the company and for me personally.

The early yearsI started out as a destination consultant for our cycling tours in Masuria and along the Elbe. Soon after, I took on additional responsibilities in hotel procurement and logistics. During this time, I had the opportunity to learn a great deal and take on responsibility. My three mentors had a particularly formative influence on me: Dietmar Baumanns, then managing director at Rückenwind, as well as the partners Walter Schmid and Herbert Würtinger. They placed their trust in me from the very beginning and made me feel that they believed in me. That was a tremendous source of motivation for me.

From Office Manager to Managing Director

never learned management in the “traditional” way, but rather adapted step by step and developed my own style along the way. I started out as an office manager and later became an authorized signatory. In 2007, a new challenge arose: taking over the management of KVS-Tours. The company specialized in bike-and-boat tours using small vessels in unique destinations such as the Spreewald or the Mecklenburg Lake District. It was a busy but incredibly educational time. I had the opportunity to further develop KVS-Tours and eventually successfully integrate it into SE-Tours.

Andreas Bunge with arms crossed, wearing a dark blazer over a white shirt, smiling in a bright office with windows in the background.

Back at Rückenwind

In 2011, I returned to Rückenwind Reisen as managing director. Together with a fantastic team, we capitalized on the trend toward active travel and turned Rückenwind into one of Germany’s leading providers. We expanded our existing destinations and created new ones—including tours around the IJsselmeer and along the Canal du Midi. This achievement still fills me with pride to this day.

Large group of people in red shirts posing for photo outdoors near a bus, with trees and buildings in background on sunny day.

Today and in the future

I still really enjoy my work and, to be honest, I couldn’t imagine anything better. A particular highlight was our 35th anniversary this year: the open house in April and the big celebration in September with over 140 guests—including many long-time colleagues—will remain unforgettable.

I still really enjoy my work and, to be honest, I couldn’t imagine anything better. A particular highlight was our 35th anniversary this year: the open house in April and the big celebration in September with over 140 guests—including many long-time colleagues—will remain unforgettable.

Ihr Andreas Bunge
 

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