Bad Doberan, Germany, Tourist Registers, 1794-1878

About this collection

This collection contains tourism registers (also known as seaside resort lists or guest directories), from Bad Doberan and its Heiligendamm seaside spa. These records cover the years from the first bathing season in 1794 up to and including 1878. Bad Doberan lies on the Baltic Sea about 9 miles west of Rostock and about 28 miles northeast of Wismar in the modern German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. It was first mentioned in a document from the year 1177. Its principal landmarks are the old town, the racecourse and the Heiligendamm seaside spa which was established in 1793 as a resort and is considered the oldest seaside resort on the European continent. The city's notable architectural attraction is the Doberan Minster Church at Doberan Abbey which was consecrated in 1232. During the time period of this collection, Doberan belonged to the Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin and, after 1815, to the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin. Since 1921, the city's official name has been Bad Doberan.

These tourist registers capture details about spa guests and others in the city and cover each summer season beginning in June until the end of August or, in later records, until the end of September. Additionally, there are program notes on horse racing, boat trips and theatrical performances. Such details provide important historical insights into local economies, social structures and tourism.

What you can find in the records

The tourist registers mainly document the seasonal guests who came and stayed for the summer season. The following information was printed and published in yearly editions:

• Sequential number
• Arrival
• Personal Details: Last Name, Given Names, Profession/Occupation/Trade
• Residence
• Number of fellow travelers
• Accommodations

More about using this collection

The documents are usually bound as separate directories for each season. Records may extend across several pages which are displayed one after the other. Under "Browse this collection,” select the appropriate Year Range of the registers desired.