A Look at Heiligendamm
Oldest Spa Town
Heiligendamm is home to Germany's oldest coastal resort, which was founded in 1793 by Friedrich Franz I on the recommendation of his doctor. It quickly became a fashionable vacation destination for nobility and prominent travellers. On June 6-8, leaders from the Group of Eight industrial countries will meet in Heiligendamm in northern Germany for their annual summit. Click for a look at the historical Baltic resort village, why it was so popular among wealthy 19th century Europeans, and the changes that have been made to it in preparation for the summit.
Kempinski Grand Hotel
The G8 leaders will meet here on June 6-8 to discuss climate change, development aid, hedge-fund transparency and other global issues.
Marine Beauty
It's easy to see why Europe's 19th century nobility made their way to Heiligendamm.
In the Footsteps of Royalty
Visitors enjoy the Baltic Sea breeze, encompassed by the Kempinski Grand Hotel.
Molli
Just a few travellers wait for the narrow-gage train "Molli" at Heiligendamm's main station.
At the Pier
The pier extends from the Kempinski Grand Hotel, where the Group of Eight industrial countries will meet on June 6-8.
Barbed Wire Beach
Heiligendamm's beach strip is split by barbed wire in the run-up to the G8 Summit.
Police Tower
Heiligendamm used to be part of communist East Germany. This GDR lookout tower has been reclaimed by the police and will be used during the G8 Summit.
The Great Divide
Strollers walk through a gap in the security fence at the beach of Heiligendamm, which was built preparation for the upcoming G8 summit. It measures 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) long and 2.5 meters (8 foot) high and surrounds the whole village, sealing off the beach.
Making Way for Something New
This historical villa, built in 1854, had to be torn down earlier this year to make room for the G8 media tribune. The building formerly served as a holiday residence of the Russian tsars.
Media Center
The press center now stands where the Russia tsars used to vacation.
Classic Comfort
The sleeping room of a suite in the hotel.