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GDR holiday resort on the brink: authorities threaten the holiday camp!
Western Pomerania-Rügen: The preservation of the GDR holiday resort of Gera is in jeopardy due to new building requirements. Readers learn background information and reactions.
GDR holiday resort on the brink: authorities threaten the holiday camp!
A piece of history is being put to the test in Thuringia. The “Gera company holiday camp” on Rügen, a popular holiday destination for many Germans, especially Thuringians, is facing an uncertain fate because of a controversial sanitary building. The operation of the holiday camp, which offers a nostalgic trip to the GDR, is being massively threatened by new official requirements. Candy Dassler, the operator of the facility, sees his vision of preserving the original character of the facility as being in great danger. This not only has an impact on the holidaymakers who want to stay in the charming GDR bungalows and enjoy traditional dishes like solyanka, but also on the entire region.
The holiday camp was once built by VEB Rationalisierung Gera in the GDR and has been attracting guests for decades. Dassler acquired the site in 2017 and successfully revitalized it. The bungalows and the distinctive everyday culture of the GDR make the location particularly attractive. But now it's a big deal: the authorities in the Vorpommern-Rügen district view the renovation of the sanitary building as a "new replacement building", which calls into question the protection of the entire facility. Failure to comply could result in fines of up to 20,000 euros, a major setback for Dassler's plans.
Threat to cultural heritage
The operator is alarmed. If other areas such as the iconic “deli Ost-Seekiosk” snack bar in the Bastei caravan and the popular “Sachsenruh” roof tents with satellites are actually cleared out, this could endanger the future of the holiday camp, making it unrentable. According to current reports from Thüringen24, there is already a petition from fans of the facility, including members of the GDR vintage car club, who are campaigning for its preservation. Over 400 supporters have already signed this initiative.
The final verdict on the sanitary building is still pending, but the prospect of demolition is raising alarm bells. “If the sanitary building is demolished, each bungalow would have to be equipped with its own sanitary facilities,” warns Dassler, adding that this would endanger the unique character of his facility. The old GDR charm could fall by the wayside, which is of considerable importance for both holidaymakers and the region.
Reactions and outlooks
The government of Vorpommern-Rügen emphasizes that the regulations not only serve to protect building regulations, but also to maintain safety for guests. But the camp's supporters are determined and don't want to give up without a fight. Candy Dassler has a good knack for maintaining the connection to GDR history and will do everything she can to save the bungalows and the culture associated with them. The fateful days of the “Gera company holiday camp” have come: Will it be possible to preserve the GDR’s heritage for future generations, or is there a risk of losing a unique piece of history?
The coming weeks will be crucial, and both operators and holidaymakers hope that the authorities will recognize the cultural significance of the site and work towards a solution that preserves the original character and memories of the GDR.