A bit of a follow-up on the Prora Resort story we covered back in 2008. To recap, the Prora resort was built by the Nazis under Hitler’s Kraft durch Freude (Strength Through Joy) program, designed to provide affordable holidays for 20,000 workers at a time. As part of his propaganda efforts, Hitler used grandiose projects like Prora to rally public support for his regime, showcasing the supposed benefits of his leadership.
At nearly 5 kilometres long, the Prora complex was the largest hotel in the world at the time of its construction. The plans included not only extensive accommodation but also massive stadiums for 20,000 people, swimming pools, and a wharf to dock cruise ships. Construction was halted around 1940 due to the outbreak of World War II, and the resort was never completed or used for its intended purpose. For decades, the sprawling site remained largely derelict, with the exception of a small visitors’ centre that provided insight into its troubled history.
The history of Prora is deeply intertwined with the larger story of Nazi Germany. Built on the Baltic Sea island of Rügen, the resort was part of Hitler’s vision to project power and unity while distracting from the regime’s atrocities. After the war, the complex fell into Soviet hands, was used for military purposes during the Cold War, and later stood as a haunting reminder of its dark origins.
Recently, it has been reported that a section of the Prora complex has been renovated into a youth hostel, meaning that for the first time in over 60 years, visitors will have the opportunity to stay at the infamous site. While the restoration offers a chance to repurpose this vast structure, it raises questions about how to balance historical remembrance with modern reuse.
While we find the history of the building fascinating, we can’t help but wonder if spending the night at Hitler’s eerie holiday project might feel a little too unsettling. What are your thoughts? Would you stay at the Prora resort? Hit up our comment form below, and don’t forget to check out the interesting video here.
