New holiday paradise in Pütnitz: opportunity or risk for the region?

New holiday paradise in Pütnitz: opportunity or risk for the region?

Something is happening in Ribnitz-Damgarten! The conversion of a former military site on the Pütnitz peninsula into a new family holiday idyll is just around the corner. On November 3rd, 2025 at 8 p.m. everyone interested can attend Talk on site the opportunity to find out more about the big project. Under the title “New Center Parcs project in Pütnitz: engine or collapse for the region?” The advantages and disadvantages are intensively discussed.

The city administration of Ribnitz-Damgarten sees the project as an excellent opportunity to revitalize the region. It is expected that there will be positive added value and the creation of numerous jobs. But not everyone joins in the praise: critics warn of staff shortages, overloading the infrastructure and possible environmental damage. Mayor Thomas Huth will take part in the discussion together with various experts, including Michaele Rüting and Denis Mollenhauer from NDR as well as representatives of the citizens' initiative “No Mass Tourism on Pütnitz” and Center Parcs Germany.

The big plan and its challenges

The planned one Amber Resort is intended to be part of an extensive project in which Center Parcs, as the main investor, would like to invest around 350 million euros. The city expects the legally binding development plan to be finalized by the end of 2025, despite unnecessary delays originally planned for 2023. The head of the building department, Heiko Körner, describes the goal as sporty but achievable. The master plan is still pending, but should be completed by the end of the year.

However, there are still a few hurdles to overcome: The area must be cleared of contaminated sites, including leftover ammunition from the Second World War. This requires work that is currently paused because it can be carried out from October to February. The area also covers an impressive 250 hectares, which have been used for military purposes since 1935.

The future in sight

It is still unclear whether the resort can actually open in 2028, as previous schedules were considered too optimistic. In addition, further projects are being planned, such as a sports and adventure world called “Pangea Island” by Supreme GmbH and a Bernsteinreiter riding stable. Despite the anticipation, there are concerns from a committed citizens' initiative that warns of traffic chaos and environmental pollution and wants to prevent the project. The city administration, on the other hand, rejects these fears and firmly believes in the positive effects of the resort.

If you would like to find out more, you can take part in the talk live or watch the live stream ndr.de/talkvorort track. Doors open at 7:15 p.m. at the Ribnitz-Damgarten meeting center, Georg-Adolf-Demmler-Str. 6, 18311 Ribnitz-Damgarten. Registration is required and can be done via the website and the NDR MV app.