Früher: Hotel Fürst Blücher

Former names: Hotel Fürst Blücher

Today: Villa Seeblick

Architecture: In the book “Pommersche Bäderarchitektur” (Pomeranian Spa Architecture) by Wolfgang Schneider & Torsten Seegert, the building is described as follows: … The massive base structure is complemented on the south side by a corner risalit that towers above the building, with a tower structure attached. The tower spire, supported by four massive rods, creates an impression of visual lightness. … On the sides of the building and on the beach promenade, balconies of various designs are attached to the base structure. … Due to … political and economic circumstances, numerous renovations have been carried out in recent decades, resulting in the demolition of the tower and the southern loggia. As part of extensive renovation work at the end of the 20th century, the original appearance is gradually being restored: …

Year of construction: 1898/99

History/owners until 1945: The villa was built by August Mohnke, the station restaurateur. The topping-out ceremony took place on November 23, 1898, and the house was inaugurated at Pentecost the following year. As early as 1899, Dunker raved in his Rügen guidebook about the “…newly built, beautifully situated Hotel Fürst Blücher (Mohnke)”. In 1900, the Grieben guidebook also referred to it as the “new, beautiful Hotel Fürst Blücher (A. Mohnke)”. According to the housing register, Mohnke offered 40 rooms in 1902. Later, another guest house was added.

And by 1909, August Mohnke had already become something of an institution, as the 1909 Binz guidebook attested: “Hôtel Fürst Blücher with its two separate lodgings, all of which are connected to each other as well as to the restaurant and the large hall.

My houses are located directly on the beach promenade (north of Binz) in a quiet location, opposite the baths. 130 comfortably furnished rooms, all with large, wide balconies, offer magnificent views of the forest and sea. (A reading room, billiard room, large meeting room, and extensive restaurant facilities are available.) Concerts and gatherings are held for the entertainment of my esteemed guests. The season runs from May 1 to the end of September. Board is provided for all guests staying for longer periods. Significantly reduced prices apply in the early and late seasons. For winter guests: central heating. …

At the beginning of the 19th century, August Mohnke also went down in history as the captain of the “Flying Dutchman.” On December 30/31, 1904, his schooner was stranded on Binz beach during a storm surge. He converted it into a restaurant. And in 1906, the Stralsundische Zeitung newspaper reported: “To the esteemed ladies and gentlemen of Stralsund and the surrounding area who are planning a trip to Binz on Sunday, I humbly announce that on the same day in the afternoon, my schooner, which was stranded during the storm surge in December 1904 and has been converted into a restaurant, will open approximately 2 kilometers from Binz on the Saßnitz side of the beach. My beloved house band, D’Urwiner Schrammel, will be performing. I cordially invite you to attend. Sincerely, A. Mohnke, proprietor of the “Blücher” and captain of the “Flying Dutchman.”

In 1908, August Mohnke filed for bankruptcy. The proceedings dragged on for a long time. From 1911 to the early 1950s, the house changed hands several times. Its owners included Freese, H. Majenz, Th. Zaar, W. Stauch, L. Möller, Mrs. Eggers, and Alma Brunst. The latter owner was also responsible for the name change. In 1935, she renamed the house Villa Seeblick. In 1935, an advertisement in the magazine “Praktische Winke – Ostseebad Binz auf Rügen” (Practical Tips – Baltic Sea Resort Binz on Rügen) read: Pension “Seeblick” – guest house on the beach promenade, third house from the spa house. Open from May 1. Large, friendly family and single rooms. Good, plentiful meals. Reasonable prices. Parking available. Mrs. A. Brunst.

August Mohnke himself kept the guesthouse for a while and ran it as the Hotel Fürstenhof.

GDR period: In 1950, the owner Lück advertised the Hotel “Seeblick” with 50 beds in the apartment directory. The restaurant “Die Fischerstuben” was also popular. After 1953, it was used as a boarding school for the Polytechnic High School, with the school cafeteria on the ground floor and teachers’ apartments on the upper floors.

After 1990: Villa Seeblick underwent extensive renovation between 2012 and 2014 and now offers vacation homes and apartments.

Current use: Apartment building for vacation use

Interesting facts/anecdotes: In an advertisement in the 1909 Binz guide, the owner August Mohnke made special mention of his distinguished guests: … In 1903, my house had the special honor of welcoming His Highness Prince Reuss j. L., in 1907 His Royal Highness Duke Albrecht of Württemberg and the Royal Princes and Princesses with their entourage, and in 1908 His Royal Highness Prince Ludwig of Bavaria as guests. My house servant with carriage is at the train station and bridge. Owner: A. Mohnke, purveyor to the court of Duke Albrecht of Württemberg. …

Photos: Günther Mohnke, Boy Collection, Lutz Grünke, Binzer Bucht Tourismus Collection

Text: Klaus Boy, local historian Uwe Wendlandt, Binzer Bucht Tourismus