Former names: The name “Villa Holsatia” has been retained since the hotel opened.

Architecture: In the book “Pommersche Bäderarchitektur” (Pomeranian Spa Architecture) by Wolfgang Schneider & Torsten Seegert, the building is described as follows:

This building, located at one of the major road intersections, dates back to 1893. Due to its location, the building’s design takes this corner situation into account in a special way: the actual two-story solid structure is preceded by a tower-like corner risalit, … At the top, this corner solution is crowned by a towering roof with an almost square floor plan. Historical documents show triangular windows in the roof of the tower structure. … Numerous renovations over the past decades have changed the appearance of the building, although careful restoration at the end of the last century has restored many of its original features. It is particularly striking that the loggias facing the main street, which had been closed during transitional phases, have been reopened. … In keeping with the neighboring building, the central tower is topped by a decorative metal structure.

Year of construction: Around 1893

History/owners until 1945: The house was mentioned by name in the 1898 travel guide “Die Insel Rügen” (The Island of Rügen) by Edwin Müller (published by Barthol und Co.), but without any indication of an owner. The 1905 Binz guide stated: Villa Holsatia, owner Weber, 20 rooms, 1 kitchen.

It can be assumed that in the following years the Herr family took over the building and ran it as a business and lodging house. In the 1909 Binz guide, Bruno Herr recommended his Villa Holsatia as follows: … Bruno Herr, watchmaker and optician, corner of Wilhelmstraße and Viktoriastraße. Amber, flint, and shell items. Danish terracotta. Repairs to watches, gold, silver, and optical items. I recommend my modern Villa Holsatia, located very close to the beach. In the 1920s, a bank also moved into the villa:

Binzer Bank e.G.m.b.H. Wilhelmstraße, telephone 30 Villa Holsatia. Postal check account Stettin 5697. Acceptance of commission-free cash deposits. Payment of letters of credit, letters of guarantee and checks, EXCHANGE BANK, according to the 1925 travel guide “Praktische Winke – Ostseebad Binz auf Rügen” (Practical Tips – Baltic Sea Resort Binz on Rügen).

And in 1933, a lending library in the rooms of Villa Holsatia was also mentioned.

GDR era: The 1950 accommodation directory for the Baltic resort of Binz/Rügen Island stated the following: Fremdenheim Holsatia, owner Mr., 4 beds. In the following years, various businesses found their place in the villa, including an optician and an arts and crafts shop.

After 1990: Today, Villa Holsatia houses a bakery with an adjoining café and vacation apartments on the upper floor.

Current use: Vacation apartments and a bakery café

Interesting facts/anecdotes: A remnant from earlier times reminds us of the former workshop of watchmaker Bruno Herr. His old shop clock in the middle of the store now adorns the café.

Photos: Binzer Bucht Tourismus collection, Lutz Grünke, Binzer Bucht Tourismus/Christian Thiele

Text: Konditorei Bäckerei Peters, Binzer Bucht Tourismus