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After 60 years: Coastal protection announces popular campsite on Rügen!
A long-term camper on Rügen receives a termination notice after almost 60 years. Conflict over coastal protection measures and nostalgia.
After 60 years: Coastal protection announces popular campsite on Rügen!
Peter Wulff, 74 years old, is a true connoisseur of the “Wildwood campsite” near Zicker on Rügen. He has been spending his summer holidays there for 59 years, starting with a tent and sleeping bag, and since the fall of communism he has found his home as a permanent camper by the water. But this tradition could now end abruptly. One day after his birthday, Wulff received an email terminating his camping contract for the 2026 season. He has until October 31st to clear out and dismantle his caravan. “I'm afraid I won't be able to get rid of everything properly in this short time,” he complains.
The emotional connection to the campsite is strong for Wulff. “We have invested around 25,000 euros over the years,” he says as he reminisces. Family celebrations and countless vacation days are associated with this place. But the termination raises questions - Wulff suspects that secret lists of violations of the site rules play a role. The site manager, Benjamin Ruth, rejects these claims by pointing out that violations are documented so that warnings can be issued if necessary.
Coastal protection and its consequences
For Ruth, the situation is clear: “The dismantling of places is necessary due to coastal protection measures.” A total of nine campers have to move. In Wulff's eyes, one of the alternative locations offered is simply unsuitable because it is regularly flooded. Ruth sees this differently and emphasizes that no infected place was offered.
Dealing with the termination also raises legal questions. In general, it is advisable to submit the termination in writing in order to have proof. This is a common practice that is also manageable for permanent parking spaces. The deadlines for cancellation can vary depending on the campsite and are usually between three months and a year. If they have any questions, campers should contact the operator directly.
A bittersweet ending
The prospect that this might be Wulff's last vacation on the Zudar peninsula is painful. “I don’t want to start over somewhere else,” he says with a sigh. The rejection of the offered premises and the requested eviction after a short notice leave him dissatisfied. “This is not the kind of farewell I wanted,” Wulff continued.
For long-term campers, the situation is clear – they prefer to make changes at their own pace. The harsh realities of coastal protection and land management, which at first glance appear to be rules, are in reality often interpersonal decisions with emotional weight. Wulff and his family are now faced with the dilemma of releasing the last traces of their beloved campsite into the waves.
Peter Wulff's story illustrates how campsites are often not only places for relaxation, but also a home for memories and traditions. It remains to be seen how many others in similar situations have to overcome the challenges of departure and new beginnings.