There's an old-fashioned atmosphere in Heiligendamm, a seaside resort that languishes on the Baltic Sea. Abandoned white villas await a potential buyer, more than 20 years after the unification of the two Germanies. And yet, just a few metres away, uniformed staff efficiently manage a ballet of Porsches, Mercedes and Bentleys on the porch of the luxurious Grand Hotel. Every weekend, the bourgeoisie from Berlin, Hamburg and Lübeck gather in this wild spot where the white sandy beaches are largely ignored by developers.
Heiligendamm was Germany's first seaside resort, and its...
There's an old-fashioned atmosphere in Heiligendamm, a seaside resort that languishes on the Baltic Sea. Abandoned white villas await a potential buyer, more than 20 years after the unification of the two Germanies. And yet, just a few metres away, uniformed staff efficiently manage a ballet of Porsches, Mercedes and Bentleys on the porch of the luxurious Grand Hotel. Every weekend, the bourgeoisie from Berlin, Hamburg and Lübeck gather in this wild spot where the white sandy beaches are largely ignored by developers.
Heiligendamm was Germany's first seaside resort, founded in 1793. Today, after a 40-year hiatus when it was used as a sanatorium for workers in the now defunct GDR, Heiligendamm has regained its popularity with a German clientele in search of luxury, peace and open spaces.
And therein lies the paradox. With 4.18 million travellers in 2009, representing a market share of 19.9 %, Mecklenburg-Lower Pomerania, in the north-east of Germany, is the second most popular destination for German tourists within their own country. By contrast, it is virtually unknown to the rest of Europe. Foreign overnight stays represent just 15 % of total commercial overnight stays. "Karl-Michael Stybel, director of the tourist office in Wismar, one of the region's most visited cities, laments: "Our region is giving too little to international promotion.
Castle life
What dismays the town councillors is, on the other hand, a godsend for visitors in search of a genuine and surprising destination. In the Middle Ages, the power of the Hanseatic League's member cities was expressed through the use of this material, which was used to build churches and cloisters, city gates and surrounding walls, and patrician houses. The severity of the exterior often contrasted with the immaculate whiteness of the interior. The churches of St George and St Nicholas in Wismar, St Mary's Church in Rostock, Bad Doberan Cathedral and St Mary's Basilica in Stralsund are home to treasures such as multicoloured medieval paintings, exquisitely delicate wood carvings, Baroque altars and organs. Unesco has declared the old towns of Wismar and Stralsund World Heritage Sites, while Bad Doberan has just submitted its application.
Finally, there are the towns that have preserved their historic character when they weren't bombed during the Second World War. Wismar, Stralsund, Rostock with their medieval streets lined with gabled houses. In Schwerin, the old town, with its classical architecture, gives the impression of a fairytale castle. Set in the middle of a lake, the impressive building is a masterpiece of German historicism, where authentic sixteenth-century facades blend with others inspired by Chambord and dreamt up by the Dukes of Mecklenburg in the nineteenth century.
Castle life. That's what those who venture out on the Baltic can experience. Near Wismar, Gamehl Castle is an ode to German Romanticism, with its ivory-coloured rooms and garden of three-hundred-year-old trees. Schlemmin Castle, near Stralsund, is another pleasant retreat set in an immense park. The Baltic: for a chic incentive off the beaten track.
Identity card
- Benefits: A destination that's close by, original because it's little-known, and easy to organise a seminar or incentive trip.
- Currency: the euro.
- Language: German; English is spoken everywhere, French more rarely. However, there are many French-speaking guides in all the towns.
- Best season: you can visit the Baltic at any time of year, but the most pleasant days are between May and October.
- Group size: ideally between 15 and 50 people.
For more information
German National Tourist Office (DZT)
Tel.: 01 40 20 01 88 Internet: www.allemagne-tourisme.com
How to get there
The Baltic coast is easily reached by plane via Hamburg or Berlin, served by several daily Lufthansa flights. The Baltic coast is two hours from these two cities. There is also an airport at Rostock, linked by Lufthansa via Munich.
Internet: www.lufthansa.com
Air France also offers numerous routes to Berlin and Hamburg.
Internet: www.airfrance.fr
Not to be missed
- The red-brick Gothic architecture is home to some of the most beautiful medieval churches in Europe.
- The beaches of the Baltic, some of the wildest in Europe.
- Schwerin Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hotels
Grand Hotel Heiligendamm
16 km from Rostock, luxury on a white sandy beach. A resort with three hotels and 222 rooms and suites - including the Hohenzollern castle - a spa and several restaurants. Golf nearby. Nine conference rooms and a ballroom for prestigious events.
Prof.-Dr.-Vogel-Straße 6, Bad Doberan, Heiligendamm
Phone: +49 38 203 740 76 76 / Fax: +49 38 203 740 76 99
E-mail: reservations@grandhotel-heiligendamm. de / Internet : www.grandhotel-heiligendamm.de
Best western grand city hotel Wismar
The largest capacity in Wismar with 177 rooms. Wihrlpool, sauna, solarium and meeting rooms.
Bellevue 55
Tel.: +49 38 41 66 00 Internet: www.hotel-ostsee-wismar.de
Hotel Schloss Gamehl
10 km from Wismar, this neo-Gothic castle has been patiently restored by its historic owners after many vicissitudes during the GDR era. Nineteen tastefully furnished rooms and suites, excellent restaurant and charming atmosphere. Restaurant, bar and spa. Meeting room for up to twenty participants.
Haus Nr 26, 23970 Benz
Phone: +49 38 426 22 000 / Fax: +49 38 426 22 693
E-mail: info@schloss-gamehl.de / Internet : www.schloss-gamehl.de
Steigenberger hotel, Rostock
A plush four-star hotel in the historic centre of Rostock with an excellent restaurant renowned for its wine cellar. All 124 rooms have internet access. Fitness and spa with sauna are integrated into the hotel. The hotel has eight state-of-the-art meeting rooms (capacity: up to 350 participants).
Neuer Markt 2
Phone: +49 381 49 73 0 / Fax: +49 381 49 73 351
Internet : www.rostock.steigenberger.de
Steigenberger hotel baltic, Stralsund
Gothic-inspired architecture for this luxury establishment with 128 rooms and 5 suites.
Frankendamm 22
Phone: +49 38 31 20 40 / Fax: +49 38 31 20 49 99
Internet : www.stralsund.steigenberger.de
