The harbour on the pilot island at the mouth of the Schlei was Severely damaged by the Baltic Sea storm surge in October 2023 and has since been closed to pleasure craft. While the Lighthouse Foundation, as the owner of Lotseninsel, was primarily responsible for the protection of the coastline and facilities, the Förderverein naturnaher Wasserwanderplatz Schleimünde e.V. (Schleimünde Waterways Association) dedicated itself to the reconstruction of the harbour and the repair of the destroyed jetties. With its "Save Schleimünde together" campaign the association called for help in the winter of 2023/2024. With success. Thanks to the tireless work of the operators, many donations - almost 100,000 euros - and voluntary work, the harbour was able to reopen in mid-May 2024.
"Gift shop" remains closed
The last storm damage was gradually repaired this winter and the jetty was renovated. However, the storm surge not only damaged the jetties, but also the popular excursion restaurant "Giftbude" was hit. Although the building is still standing, the kitchen containers and furnishings were washed away at the time. The Lighthouse Foundation, as the owner, sees no future for the island according to the Friends' Association and will not resume catering operations. The hut can only continue to be used as a weather shelter. For this reason, the association now wants to provide at least a small catering service itself.
New catering offer, more staff
From this season, the harbour kiosk will serve a small hot meal, as well as cold drinks, ice cream and breakfast rolls for overnight guests. In July and August, the harbour master's office and the Schleikiosk (which the Förderverein has leased from the foundation) will be open from Monday to Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm. The outdoor area is to be made cosy with awnings. However, the Friends' Association is still short of staff. This is because the work is to be spread over several shoulders in future, according to association chairman Marc Müller. The association is therefore still looking for service staff and harbour masters. A boat that the harbour masters could use has already been purchased by the association.
Infrastructure fee and bed tax
From the 2025 season, visitors to the island will have to dig a little deeper into their pockets: Firstly, the island owner will charge an "island thaler" for the infrastructure provided: every person who enters the island must pay one euro to the Lighthouse Foundation. The Friends' Association collects the amount for the foundation and charges a further 1.50 euros for its own expenses. Added to this is the "bed tax" of five percent that the city of Kappeln has been levying since 1 January 2025.
Mooring fees are 22 euros for boats under ten metres and 40 euros for boats over 16 metres. Open dinghies and youngsters moor for free and day boaters pay 50 per cent of the regular price. The entire harbour fee (incl. island thaler and overnight tax) must be paid immediately upon arrival at the harbour master's office or deposited in an envelope. Card payment is possible. Further information about the harbour and the harbour association: https://www.hafen-schleimuende.de/
Reopening and helpers' party in May
On 29 March, the association is planning a day of action with volunteers and is calling on anyone who can and would like to help scaffold the harbour. Anyone who cares about Schleimünde can get involved, says association chairman Marc Müller. The MS Stadt Kappeln will be organised for the crossing and catering will be provided. The remaining work will then be completed together to get the harbour ready for the season: connecting the electricity columns, painting, etc. The club chairmen are counting on the great willingness of the "Schleimünde friends" to help in the past. The harbour is due to reopen on 1 May and a helpers' party will be held for supporters on 17 May.
