Follow Störtebeker’s Footprints!
Klaus Störtebeker (born ca.1360 in Wismar, executed Oktober 20, 1401 in Hamburg) was one of the most famous and feared pirates of Northern Germany. But not all his deeds were bad: he and his fellow privateers (Victual Brothers) secured the food supply for those in need, and they were known als “Likedeelers”, meaning that they shared the robbed merchandise equally.
About the Baltic Sea Region
The German Baltic Sea (Ostsee) is framed by Schleswig Holstein in the west and Mecklenburg Vorpommern in the east. In contrast to the North Sea, the tide change here is only minimal. What makes the Baltic Sea so unique is that it is one of the planet’s largest bodies of brackish water. The coastal region is particularly known for its amber and the seasonal garfish.
In the High Middle Ages, trade flourished in the Hanseatic cities – including Bremen, Hamburg, Lübeck, Wismar, Rostock and Stralsund. Today, Stralsund and Wismar are declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The further development of East Germany is very moving.
Towards the end of the 2nd World War, the Baltic Sea was so heavily mined that maritime passenger traffic was discontinued. In an attempt to save war refugees (Operation Hannibal), the “Wilhelm Gustloff” was sunk by the Russians. Over 9000 civilians on board drowned or froze to death – more than 5000 of them were children.
During the Cold War (1947-1989), around 5000 citizens tried to flee the DDR via the Baltic Sea shore, partly on surfboards. Only about 600 of them succeeded.
While the many Victorian-style mansions speak of an upper-class population around the turn of the century, the region became an affordable vacation destination for former DDR residents. (German Democratic Republic, or East Germany). With its long sandy beaches, the Baltic Sea coastline has again become one of today’s most popular vacation hot spots in Germany.
German School Campus is taking a study tour during the summer break of 2020, from July 10 – 17, to explore the Baltic coastline.
We will visit the Hanseatic cities of Hamburg, Lübeck, Stralsund and Wismar; and the beach towns of Binz and Prora on the island of Rügen. The highlight is the Störtebeker Festival “Ruf der Freiheit,” – a medieval spectacle that will leave you with unforgettable memories!
The price starts around $1,100 – $1,200 per student (depending the number of participants), which includes hostel / dorm accommodation, breakfast, all entrance fees and guided round-trip transportation from/to Hamburg airport. We will send invitations to an info-presentation at the German School campus location of 1931 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach, where we provide tour details and also talk about payment, flight arrangements, travel documents, travel insurance and such. The sign-up list will be ready at German School upon school start on 8/26/2019. Please see the principal, Ursula Schoeneich, to reserve your spot; or email the teacher and tour conductor Stefanie Baeker for questions and reservations.
Links Trailer https://stoertebeker.de