GDR holiday camp on Rügen: nostalgia or future in danger?

GDR holiday camp on Rügen: nostalgia or future in danger?

In Thuringia, a region known for picturesque forests, historic castles and delicious bratwurst, an old dream holiday destination on the Baltic Sea has reopened its doors. The Gera company holiday camp Rügen has been attracting holidaymakers from all over Germany for many years, especially from Thuringia. The nostalgic charm of the original GDR bungalows in particular brings back memories of previous vacation days for many families.

But the future of the holiday camp is in jeopardy. A new sanitary building has caused a stir among the authorities because the installations are classified as a “new replacement building”. This endangers the use of the warehouse. Operator Candy Dassler sees the new requirements as a massive intervention in his concept, which he has been pursuing since purchasing the system in 2017. By preserving the GDR character, he wants to offer his guests an authentic holiday experience that is reminiscent of the times of 1986, when GDR holidaymakers stayed in similar bungalows. Dassler is the son of an employee of VEB Rationalisierung Gera and spent his own childhood in this holiday camp. This means a lot to him – not only for his family, but also for the tradition and memory of the former GDR.

A special holiday experience

With 13 original bungalows, most of which date back to the 80s, today's generation can experience what it used to be like. Currently, guests can even stay in caravans that are furnished in typical GDR style. Although the accommodations do not have their own sanitary facilities, many visitors get used to it. The prices are also very family-friendly: a week in a bungalow costs less than 500 euros, although there may be additional costs for electricity and water.

• Originale Möbel und Geräte sind vorhanden, nur die Polstermöbel wurden durch Z-Stühle ersetzt.
• Zusätzlich stehen fünf Trabants mit Dachzelten für Übernachtungen zur Verfügung.
• Ein Waschcontainer sorgt für die nötige Hygiene, selbst wenn es bei Stoßzeiten eng werden kann.
• Am Ost-Seekiosk gibt es dreimal wöchentlich Speisen aus der DDR-Schulküche.

The location of the holiday camp has proven attractive, with parking lots full of cars from eastern German states and even from western or non-socialist countries. The Wolf family from Leipzig, who now lives in Denmark, also regularly stops at the holiday camp. The quiet, secluded atmosphere is appreciated by guests, who can enjoy views of nudist bathing on the beach.

The tourism sector of the GDR

These nostalgic holiday memories are deeply rooted in the history of GDR tourism, which primarily served to provide recreation for citizens and strengthen socialist attitudes. Beach holidays on the Baltic Sea islands of Rügen and Usedom were particularly popular. And even today, the region's appeal remains unbroken, not least because of the opportunity to vacation in an original GDR bungalow while exploring the beauties of nature and feeling transported back in time. 60% of tourism at that time was organized by state institutions, and the memory of this is kept alive by places like the Gera holiday camp.

That's how it stays Gera company holiday camp not only a place for relaxation, but also a living testimony to the history of the GDR, whereby generational changes are linked in a meaningful way through time, not only in terms of culture of remembrance, but also in life and experience.