The Local Germany

Vibrio bacteria: What bathers at one of Germany's most popular holiday spots need to know

Thu, 08 Aug 2019 11:22:53 +0200

A woman has died after coming into contact with a dangerous bacteria found in one of Germany’s most popular holiday destinations.

Booming and bursting: How is tourism impacting Germany's Baltic coast?

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 19:44:21 +0200

From fish rolls and diving gondolas to hipster hostels and Romanticist harbour hotels, Germany's Baltic coast is a vibrant and changing tourism landscape. It is also just beginning to strain under its own success.

'Fish mafia' jailed over 'sandwich war'

Wed, 25 Feb 2015 17:21:43 +0100

Two men have been sentenced to jail after taking part in a so-called 'fish sandwich war' in north Germany, which saw organized criminals battling for the right to sell tourists delicious seaside snacks.

Vacationer killed by Baltic Sea bacteria

Mon, 01 Sep 2014 16:49:00 +0200

Six people were infected with a bacteria from the Caribbean which has made itself at home in the popular German vacation destination. One of them is now in a coma.

Historic centres of Stralsund and Wismar

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 07:30:00 +0200

As the summer holidays approach, The Local is touring Germany's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Today we visit the historic centres of Stralsund and Wismar.

The chilly off-peak perks of Rügen prove a treat

Fri, 10 May 2013 13:04:00 +0200

Germany's largest island Rügen - in the snow - might not top many peoples' list of dream holidays. But as The Local's Jessica Ware discovered, its quiet beauty makes it well worth a trip to escape city bustle for a few days.

Ruffled feathers get swan dropped from menu

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 16:38:00 +0200

A German restaurant has taken swan off its menu after complaints from animal lovers and and environmentalists.

Buy your own Baltic Sea harbour for just €38,500

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:31:00 +0100

An abandoned harbour on a scenic Baltic Sea island will be auctioned off this Saturday. With bids starting at only €38,500, the 9,600-square metre property is expected to garner lots of attention. But its fate post-sale is causing concern.

Rare white porpoise sighted in German waters

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 08:23:00 +0100

A sailor has filmed an extremely rare white harbour porpoise for the first time off the coast of Germany, international whale and dolphin protection group the WDC announced on Tuesday.

Herring fleet nets record catch despite seals

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 08:45:00 +0100

Germany’s herring fleet is netting record catches, pulling in five times as many fish than normally seen at this time of year, despite complaints from fishermen about hungry seals.

Body of girl lost in Baltic landslide found

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:14:00 +0100

A girl’s body found Tuesday on the German Baltic Sea island of Rügen is presumed to be that of 10-year-old Katharina, who went missing in December after a coastal landslide.

Gigantic crack spooks officials on Baltic island

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:28:00 +0100

A crack over two kilometres long and up to a metre deep has been discovered on the Baltic island of Hiddensee. Large areas of the German island’s coastline have been blocked off amid fears of a huge landslide.

Scientists begin eel-tagging project

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 08:19:00 +0100

In an effort to understand more about the life-cycle of the endangered European eel, scientists in northeastern Germany are implanting the animals with electronic tracking devices.

First Nord Stream gas pipeline completed

Thu, 05 May 2011 14:14:00 +0200

The first of two Nord Stream gas pipelines, due to pump gas from Russia to Germany by way of the Baltic Sea, bypassing Eastern Europe, has been completed, the consortium building it announced on Thursday.

Baltic ferry fire largely out, salvage operation starts

Sun, 10 Oct 2010 14:49:00 +0200

The fire aboard the Baltic ferry Lisco Gloria was largely out on Sunday lunchtime, leaving authorities working out a plan to eventually tow it to a harbour and conduct an investigation to find out what happened.

240 rescued as Baltic ferry catches fire

Sat, 09 Oct 2010 17:25:00 +0200

Some 240 people were rescued from a ferry in the Baltic Sea in the early hours of Saturday after an explosion on the ship set it on fire.

Baltic Sea hotel blasts Bush's 'poison' theory

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 19:14:00 +0200

A fancy Baltic Sea hotel where former US President George W. Bush stayed angrily rejected Thursday claims by his wife Laura Bush of possible poisoning during the G8 summit in 2007, accusing her of a publicity stunt for her memoirs.

Laura Bush suspected poisoning at G8 summit

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 18:33:00 +0200

Former US President George Bush may have been the victim of a poison attack during G-8 summit in Heiligendamm, Germany in 2007, according to ex-First Lady Laura Bush's new autobiography.

Medvedev starts Baltic gas pipeline construction

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 18:56:00 +0200

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Friday launched construction of the controversial Nord Stream gas pipeline that will link Russia and Germany via the Baltic Sea and supply the European Union with gas.

German fighter jet intercepts Russians in Baltic airspace

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:47:00 +0100

A German Luftwaffe fighter jet recently intercepted a Russian military aircraft threatening the airspace of NATO's Baltic members, the Rheinische Post daily reported on Tuesday.