Trouble at the harbor: Schwerin's tourism strategy is on the brink!

Trouble at the harbor: Schwerin's tourism strategy is on the brink!

One year after the opening of the new port on Kabrwerder, those responsible in Schwerin have to recognize the bitter reality: the hoped -for rush of excursions has so far been no. The port, an expensive project in the city, has not gained popularity. Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig (SPD) ceremoniously opened this system with 42 berths, but reality looks different. Boat owners report an accident, especially in the southern entrance, where only 70 to 80 centimeters of water prevail instead of the specified 1.60 meters. Leaseholder Rüdiger Kopplin now demands that the city quickly remove the danger spots while he is in a legal dispute with the city that is heavily stressed.

The current dispute between Kopplin and the city is also evident in the catering trade on the island. Despite 27 interested parties who applied for a new usage concept, the company in the listed inn does not run smoothly. The city also lacks important prerequisites, such as the restoration of the lake terrace, which is blocked for safety reasons. A total of 4.2 million euros were invested in the expansion of the port, but the inn remains closed - a real misery for the tourism season.

Hope for tourism boost

The situation could change soon. Schwerin was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site less than a year ago. Although the number of visitors has so far remained behind the expectations, there is a ray of hope: Mayor Rico Badenschier (SPD) admits that the city is hoping for a more clear interest from the central unit celebration on October 3, 2024. Tourism is aimed at increasing the number of overnight stays and day guests, especially in the low season, and according to [Zeit.de] (https://www.zeit.de/news/2025-01/tourismus-boom-in-schwerin-dank-welterbe- and-unit celebration) there was already a remarkable increase in 2024 with a visitor increase of up to 35 % in museums and Guest guided tours.

In order to increase the attractiveness of the region, new hotel projects are also being planned. Although there are no concrete opening data, an expansion of around 450 to 500 beds is assumed. So the city tries to better exploit the potential of the world heritage.

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