Mecklenburg's Baltic coast - seaside nostalgia and history

Situated in the north-east of Germany, Mecklenburg's Baltic coast stretches between the Baltic resorts of Boltenhagen and Graal-Müritz. People have been coming to the region's resorts for over a hundred years. Visit the Hanseatic town of Wismar, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore the magnificent old quarter with its breathtaking brick Gothic architecture.
The surrounding countryside is known for its ancient tree-lined avenues, white sandy beaches, panoramic ocean views, salt marshes, rape fields and picturesque fishing villages.

Germany's fi rst seaside resort - Heiligendamm
With its cluster of neo-classical buildings by the sea, Heiligendamm provided the model for all of the chic resorts along Germany's Baltic coast. Grand Duke Friedrich Franz I of Mecklenburg had chosen Bad Doberan as his summer residence. In 1793, he founded the first German seaside resort in neighbouring Heiligendamm, which has now been restored to its former glory. Worldwide attention was focused on Heiligendamm in 2007 when it hosted the G8 summit. The High Gothic minster in Bad Doberan, the former abbey church of the Cistercian Abbey founded in 1186, is now considered the most significant medieval building in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
The Baltic Sea race takes place every summer at Europe's oldest racecourse in Bad Doberan.

Salt marshes, sea birds and sensual delights - the island of Poel
The island of Poel is a beautiful corner of the world, surrounded by the shimmering blue Baltic sea which, from a bird's eye view, could almost be mistaken for the Caribbean, and just a few minutes from the Hanseatic town of Wismar. Romantic harbours, expanses of salt marsh, an unmistakable lighthouse and stunning sunsets make this the place to experience nature at its best. With kilometres of sandy beaches and idyllic countryside inland, the island is also perfect for family holidays and active weekend breaks.

Germany's longest beach promenade - Kühlungsborn
Combining the charm of bygone eras with modern-day luxuries, Mecklenburg's largest Baltic resort, Kühlungsborn, has a wealth of magnificent villas featuring neo-classical spa architecture, six kilometres of sandy beaches and one of Germany's longest beach promenades. This lively seaside resort set between coast and woodland has an outstanding cultural scene offering entertainment, water-based fun and relaxation. Excursions into the surrounding region depart from the 240-metre pier at regular intervals. The harbour promenade is the ideal place to soak up the maritime atmosphere. The town also has some fantastic shops and a wide range of cafés and restaurants - perfect for browsing or just passing the time.

Nostalgia steam railway
Hop on board and enjoy a journey of discovery through the "Molli" region. The "Molli" railway runs several times a day from Kühlungsborn to Bad Doberan and back - right through the bustling resorts. The 120-yearold narrow-gauge railway runs along a 900mm gauge track, which was once used by industrial railways. Experience the high society of the last century sitting in the lounge car and discover true railway traditions at the "Mollis Lo(c)kschuppen" themed restaurant at Kühlungsborn Ost train station.

Down-to-earth seaside charm in Boltenhagen
When Count von Bothmer set up his first bathing hut in Boltenhagen in 1803, little did he know he would be the first in a long line of summer holidaymakers. To this day, Boltenhagen is one of the most popular resorts on this coast where the old farming and fishing traditions are still very much alive. The town features a wealth of delightful villa architecture as well as a number of small shops and long promenades that are ideal for a leisurely stroll. With two rehabilitation clinics, the Ostsee Therme thermal pool complex and densely wooded surrounding countryside, the Baltic resort of Boltenhagen is also a successful health resort.

Fish and more .
The beer might be cold, but the North German hospitality is anything but frosty! You're guaranteed to receive a warm welcome wherever you go on the Baltic coast, whether it's at a quaint brewery restaurant in a historical building or a fine gourmet establishment.
As you'd expect, freshly caught fish features strongly on the menus in this maritime region, often with a Scandinavian or Silesian influence. To aid digestion, you can round off your meal in traditional style with a Köm (schnaps).