Germany’s first seaside resort was founded at the end of the 18th century in Heiligendamm. In 1793, Grand Duke Friedrich Franz I to Mecklenburg spent his holidays in his summer residence Bad Doberan and took bathes in the Baltic Sea at the behest of his personal physician. On account of this successful treatment the first seaside resort was founded in near-by Heiligendamm. Between 1800 and 1886 a unique ensemble of guest houses, bath houses and society houses was built by famous architects.

The „white town by the sea“ remained exclusive seaside resort until 1930s. From 1957 until 1990 Heiligendamm was „a sanatorium for the working class“. After the reunification, construction of the MEDIAN clinic Heiligendamm started and was finished in 1997. The water of the Baltic Sea as well as fresh sea air guarantee successful cure.

The development-Compagnie Heiligendamm (ECH) which received in 1996 the surcharge for acquisition of these listed buildings, has set its sights on regaining beauty to Germany’s first seaside resort. The first segment of reconstruction was finished and opened under the name of Grand Hotel Heiligendamm in spring 2003. Not only the adjustment of the 2007 G8 summit made this 5 star hotel internationally famous  but also its gourmet restaurant, spa area, children day-care as well as an outstanding cultural and leisure program.

More information (in German): http://www.heiligendamm.info/

Photo: Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH/Shutterstock