AQUAnostra Water Week

Water Week as a Deep Cultural Offering

The AQUAnostra Water Week is the multi-day cultural deepening of the annual water initiative in Bad Doberan and Heiligendamm. Over nine days between the second and fourth weekends of June, it brings together concerts, exhibitions, films, theatre, readings, guided tours, and hikes centered around the element of water. The event is organized by Doberan associations, partners, and the city of Bad Doberan.

Thematic Connection to the Location

The Water Week draws on Bad Doberan's unique water history: the water power of the medieval Cistercian mill on Klostersee lake, the spa and drinking culture of Heiligendamm (founded in 1793 as the first German seaside resort), and the landscape connection between Klostersee, the forest, and the Baltic coast. Water is presented in diverse formats as a healing agent, natural resource, tourism factor, and artistic inspiration.

Variety of Programs

Throughout the nine days, there will be concerts in churches and spa houses, exhibitions of art and photography on the theme of water, film evenings, outdoor and indoor theatre performances, and author readings. Guided hikes and bike tours explore the water landscape between Klostersee and the Baltic Sea. Events also take place on the Heiligendamm promenade – the weekend of June 6–7, 2026, often coincides with the Kloster market weekend.

Regional Context

Bad Doberan is located in the Rostock district (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern) and is directly connected to the Baltic Sea via Heiligendamm. The combination of monastery, spa town, and coastal resort makes the area culturally and historically rich. The AQUAnostra Water Week reinforces this cultural focus on water.