LOCATION
In the north-eastern-most part of Germany, on the Baltic Sea coastline, are the three well-known towns of “Kaiserbäder” – Ahlbeck, Heringsdorf and Bansin. They are located on the island of Usedom in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern near the Polish border. In Poland, the Baltic resort of Swinemünde borders the “Kaiserbäder”. The villages of Bansin and Swinemünde are only 10km apart and between them lie Heringsdorf and Ahlbeck. Swinemünde is the largest city on the island with a population of 40,000. The island has a relatively mild climate and is one of the places with the most hours of sunshine per year in Germany. In addition, the place is very popular with tourists seeking rest and relaxation.
SCENIC CHARACTER
The “Kaiserbäder” and Swinemünde stretch out along beautiful beach. In Germany the promenade runs along the coast for 8.5km. In the three German towns there are numerous villas and buildings of spa architecture. There are also some impressive parks in the villages. The small village of Bansin is located directly between the Schloonsee and the Baltic Sea and bordered by beautiful beech forest. Heringsdorf is the largest town of the three imperial spas. The city has a variety of unique buildings with Wilhelminian character. In addition, it has the longest pier in Germany at 508m. In Ahlbeck there is the oldest pier of its kind in Germany. Beside the impressive villas there are small fishing cottages with thatched roofs. The port city of Swinemünde in Poland is part of the promenade. In addition to being a beautiful coastal area, the city also has relics of Prussian culture.
ATTRACTIONS
There are many sights and attractions in the “Kaiserbäder” and Swinemünde – the nation-spanning promenade is the longest in Europe, the places have unique spa architecture and there is, of course, the record-breaking pier. Every year there are cultural highlights on display in the “Kaiserbäder”. Concerts are regularly held in the concert shells. Cabaret, theatre and concerts can be enjoyed in the Chapeau Rouge theatre tent. In addition, an international cabaret festival takes place at Whitsun and there is an old manor near Heringsdorf.
In Swinemünde there are some historical buildings like the “Engelsburg”, Gerhards-Fort and the West-Fort. A special attraction is the 64.8m-high lighthouse, the highest on the Baltic Sea. In the former town hall there is a museum of deep-sea fishing.
