Previous house names: The house name “Zobler” has been retained since the opening until today.

Architecture: A large house with a symmetrically structured facade consisting of two volute gables connected by a metal balcony extension.

Year of construction: 1903 or 1904

History/owners until 1945: In 1896, Heinrich Zobler opened a studio for modern photography in Greifswald. In 1903, he had a low-rise building for shops constructed on Wilhelmstraße (now Hauptstraße) in Binz. As early as 1904, the building was extended to become “Villa Zobler” with 28 rooms for holiday guests. There were four shops on the ground floor. In addition to his own photography shop, there was a hairdressing salon, a jewelry and luxury goods store, and a drugstore. [Travel guide “Ostseebad Binz Insel Rügen das ‘nordische Sorrent’ 1911” (Binz Seaside Resort, Rügen Island, the “Nordic Sorrento” 1911) – published by the Binz Bathing Authority: Drugstore named Ladwig Brothers | In 1925, the Praktische Winke – Ostseebad Binz auf Rügen (Practical Tips – Baltic Sea Resort Binz on Rügen) states: Drugstore Ladwig Brothers Successors. Owner Reinhold Buchholz, Wilhelmstr. 12, telephone 33, close to the beach, Villa Zobler. Specialty store recommends Eau de Cologne, perfumes, large selection of soaps at original prices, as well as all other toiletries. — Dressings, sanitary napkins, bath sponges, rubber goods, — Mineral water, medicinal wines, brandy, liqueurs, nutritional supplements and tonics of all kinds. Medicinal drugs, tea, cocoa, chocolate. Specialty: toiletries. Toothbrushes, combs, fireworks]. The shops were only open during the summer season. The Zobler family lived in a wooden house on Sonnenstraße in the summer and moved to their heated home in Greifswald in the winter. In 1909, the photo shop in Greifswald was sold. The Zobler family moved to Binz and opened further branches in Göhren, Stralsund, and Binz.

GDR era: During the GDR era, the rooms were rented out to long-term tenants by the municipality without any renovation. It was only with great difficulty that it was possible to live there all year round.

After 1990: After 1990, the house was renovated. Heating and sanitary facilities were installed. In 2012, after extensive renovation, an elevator was added. The house is listed as a historic building. The photo shop on the ground floor was run by the fourth generation of the family. In May 2018, it was converted into a bistro.

Current use: Row of shops and bistro on the ground floor, vacation apartments on the upper floors

Interesting facts/anecdotes: An illustrious event around 1950: Soviet soldiers rode their horses into the studio to have their picture taken together with their horses.

Photos: Photohaus Zobler, Binzer Bucht Tourismus/Christian Thiele

Text: Zobler family, Klaus Boy