Future of the Wustrow Peninsula: Wind farms and tourism in dispute!

Future of the Wustrow Peninsula: Wind farms and tourism in dispute!

In the Rostock region, the discussion about the new spatial development program is in full swing. Important topics such as the planned wind area in Jördenstorf and the development of the Wustrow peninsula are in focus. On October 7, 2025, the first information event of the Rostock Region Planning Association took place in the Kösterschün in Rerik, which attracted numerous citizens and interested parties. How NDR reported, those present particularly welcomed one decision: no wind turbines should be built on the Wustrow peninsula. Nevertheless, the possibility of development remains, particularly in the dilapidated “Gartenstadt” settlement, which could serve as a location for tourist accommodation in the future.

However, Rerik's mayor Antje Wegner-Repke (SPD) expressed concerns that these developments could lead to a traffic collapse in the city. The dispute between the community and the investor has been going on for several years and shows how controversial the plans for the Wustrow peninsula are. In addition, residents of Hof Jördenstorf warn that the distances to the planned wind farm have been incorrectly calculated. This means that an intensive struggle for the future of the region is imminent.

Wind power and resistance

As a wind energy priority area, the Wustrow peninsula could make a decisive contribution to the energy transition in the region. Loud Wustrow Island Suitable areas on the peninsula for the construction of wind turbines were recently examined. Due to the ideal wind conditions and the sufficient distance from residential buildings, these offer a promising opportunity for green energy. Investor Anno August Jagdfeld is optimistic and is sending positive signals for the wind power plans. At the same time, however, there is also a clear opposition: residents fear that the wind turbines could spoil the beautiful landscape and harm nature.

A citizens' initiative called “We for Rerik” is campaigning for the state to buy back the peninsula in order to create a nature park. Their arguments are well received because many citizens have concerns about tourist use. Nevertheless, there are also voices that are in favor of a proposal by architect Kathrin Zur-Lage. The approach envisages sustainable tourism, including an eco-farm, a hostel and a surfing school. Electric ferries could serve as a means of transport for tourists, providing an environmentally friendly alternative.

The History of the Peninsula

The Wustrow peninsula has an eventful history. In 1998 it was sold by the federal government for 7.55 million euros. The plan to build condominiums and a hotel there failed due to significant traffic problems. As part of the development story, the island was closed to the public in 2004 - and proposals to reduce traffic were not implemented. Part of the area was even declared a forest area after 2011, which further complicated development. However, the future of the peninsula remains uncertain as nature slowly but surely reclaims itself.

Regional planning is carried out through this State spatial development program regulated, which sets the goals for the spatial development of the region. The planning associations, consisting of districts and cities, are working to develop concrete guidelines. In this interrelated process, the suitability of areas for wind turbines is also assessed. The binding nature of these programs is ensured by a legal regulation, which gives the decisions a high degree of formality.

The debates about the use of the Wustrow peninsula show how complex the issues of spatial planning, nature conservation and economic use are interwoven. It becomes clear here that people in the region not only have to think about leisure options, but also about the energy future of their homeland.