The Extended Bernadotte Family, News Part 1: March 2017 -

[LadyFinn]

The highlights of the Christmas Garden Mainau Island 2024 have been decided! From November 19 to January 6 the island will be transformed into an enchanting sea of glitter. On the three-kilometer-long new audiovisual tour of the island, artfully staged light magic can be experienced in the fourth season of the Christmas Garden Mainau Island.
Managing Director Countess Bettina Bernadotte: "This year, the Christmas Garden on Mainau Island offers a magical mix of new light installations and popular classics. A special offer is the family days at reduced prices. On these days there are great surprises for children that bring the magic of this festive season to life."
Managing Director Count Björn Bernadotte: “For the first time, our palm house is part of the route and a stop there is always worthwhile: Enjoy a warming drink or a fine speciality together with your loved ones in a cozy, festive atmosphere in front of the exotic of majestic palm trees - a unique Christmas experience.”

Der Christmas Garden Insel Mainau präsentiert die große Vielfalt des neuen Rundwegs

Ab dem 19. November 2024 bis zum 6. Januar 2025 verwandelt sich die Mainau in ein zauberhaftes Glitzermeer und erwartet das Publikum mit funkelnden Attraktionen. Auf dem drei Kilometer langen neuen audiovisuellen Rundgang ist in der vierten Saison kunstvoll inszenierter Lichtzauber zu erleben.

www.mainau.de

 

[LadyFinn]

On November 7, ceremonial opening of the Mentor Weeks 2024 took place in the Comturey on the Mainau Island.
In her welcoming speech, Countess Bettina Bernadotte, Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees of the Mentor Foundation Germany, pointed out that adults are role models for young people. More than ever, it is our job to convey positive values to young people and to give them guidance in these turbulent times.
As part of the first Mentor Weeks, the Mentor Foundation Germany is launching the campaign "Be a role model", which is intended to encourage people to think about their own role as role models.

Inspirierende Eröffnung der Mentor-Wochen setzt Zeichen für positive Vorbilder

Auftakt der Mentor-Wochen: Veranstaltung setzte ein starkes Zeichen für die Vorbildfunktion von Erwachsenen und bot ein abwechslungsreiches Programm, das sowohl informativ als auch inspirierend war.

www.wochenblatt-news.de

https://www.facebook.com/MENTOR.STIFTUNG.DEUTSCHLAND/posts/pfbid037iaCHxQhGSKKu377fDZ8Mj7y98aiq9SdtaCStKEeSecXMQ1zuFM3HUk1rucqdHAMl

 

[LadyFinn]

Yesterday at Mainau Island was the second Mainau Climate Dialogue, count Björn Bernadotte gave a speech:
"Today's Mainau Climate Dialogue was all about the forward-looking topic of "sea thermal energy". Experts at the Comturey explored questions such as how much potential there is in using heat from bodies of water such as Lake Constance, what opportunities and challenges sea thermal energy brings with it, and where and how it is already being used in the region. This year's Mainau Climate Dialogue was organized by the Ministry for the Environment, Climate and Energy Sector of Baden-Württemberg in cooperation with the Lennart Bernadotte Foundation."

https://www.facebook.com/InselMainau/posts/pfbid02sG4WbkfuxoLS5VxqDyV3kavgu1NyNB34s1Tq9H3dDo4c2pq93NQmptx7tE5GARzol

Monica Bonde, daughter of count Carl Johan Bernadotte, attended Sophie Ekman Wretlind's 80th birthday celebration on November 15.
Monica on the right at the first photo
Pic 1 ** Pic 2

 

[LadyFinn]

Countess Bettina and count Björn Bernadotte attended yesterday evening the offial opening of The Christmas Garden Island of Mainau, they gave also speeches.
Until January 6, the island of Mainau will shine as a colorful sea of glitter with artistic illuminations on the newly staged circular path. It is the fourth season of this extremely popular pre-Christmas light event in the Bodensee region, which awaits the public with a variety of new highlights and upgraded classics.

Feierliche Eröffnung der vierten Saison des Christmas Garden Insel Mainau

Gestern Abend wurde der Christmas Garden Insel Mainau feierlich eröffnet! Bis zum 06. Januar 2025 erstrahlt die Insel Mainau als farbenprächtiges Glanzmeer mit kunstvollen Illuminationen auf dem neu inszenierten Rundweg. Es ist die vierte Saison dieses in der Bodenseeregion überaus beliebten...

www.mainau.de

Lichtinstallaton am Dienstag angeschaltet: Christmas Garden bringt die Mainau wieder zum Strahlen - Konstanz

Mainau / Konstanz. Am Dienstagabend, 19. November, wurde der Christmas Garden der Insel Mainau feierlich eröffnet! Bis zum 6. Januar 2025 erstrahlt die Insel Mainau als farbenprächtiges Glanzmeer mit kunstvollen Illuminationen auf dem neu inszenierten Rundweg.

www.wochenblatt.net

 

[LadyFinn]

Count Björn Bernadotte: "Our goal is to appeal even more to people's emotions."
Is Mainau getting old? "Yes," says countess Bettina Bernadotte, whose family is now in its fifth generation on the island. But she adds with a smile: "Despite its age, Mainau Island is up to date, more than ever a place for relaxation, for everyone to recharge their batteries and for meeting people - and all this in the middle of Europe. I don't think that all of this will ever be outdated. We are a family business, and each generation accompanies the island for a part of its journey."

Die Insel Mainau mit neuer Ausstellung von der Blumeninsel

Die Insel Mainau ist als Blumeninsel deutschlandweit bekannt. In diesem Winter gibt eine Ausstellung nun auch ganz private Einblicke in die gräfliche Familie auf der insel.

www.schwaebische.de

 

[LadyFinn]

Have you ever wondered how the count's family used to celebrate Christmas? What's the deal with the sailor dolls and what does Countess Bettina Bernadotte actually do in her free time? The interactive Bernadotte exhibition in the castle answers these and other exciting questions and provides exclusive insights into the past and present of the work and creation on the island of Mainau.

https://www.facebook.com/InselMainau/posts/pfbid0HpAffLcPAFPpQexH4FUeV6Ay8fknmJiiQzcigW1v7V9ZhJLc3v6fpLGTgJfxh5QKl

 

[LadyFinn]

Countess Bettina Bernadotte attended on December 4 The International Bodensee Lage Tourism Forum 2024, held on Mainau Island. Around 200 tourism professionals from Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein took part in this important industry meeting.

Internationales Bodensee Tourismusforum 2024 | Bodensee Tourismus

Die Zukunft aktiv gestalten Internationales Bodensee Tourismusforum 2024 Am Mittwoch, 4. Dezember 2024, fand auf der Insel Mainau das Bodensee Tourismusforum der Internationalen Bodensee Tourismus GmbH (IBT) statt. Rund 200

www.bodensee.eu

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[LadyFinn]

Count Björn and countess Bettina:
"The island of Mainau is shining in Christmas splendor and we would like to wish you all a peaceful Christmas. May this special time be filled with joy and may 2025 bring us all happiness, health and many beautiful memories. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! God Jul!

Insel Mainau on Instagram: "Die Insel Mainau erstrahlt im weihnachtlichen Glanz und wir möchten Ihnen allen ein friedvolles Weihnachtsfest wünschen. Möge diese besondere Zeit mit Freude erfüllt sein und das Jahr 2025 für uns alle Glück, Gesundheit un

1,699 likes, 44 comments - inselmainau on December 24, 2024: "Die Insel Mainau erstrahlt im weihnachtlichen Glanz und wir möchten Ihnen allen ein friedvolles Weihnachtsfest wünschen. Möge diese besondere Zeit mit Freude erfüllt sein und das Jahr 2025 für uns alle Glück, Gesundheit und viele...

www.instagram.com

Christmas Garden on the Mainau Island until January 6:

 

[LadyFinn]

Countess Diana Bernadotte has her own hat shop in the Mainau Castle. She has been running it for 18 years. If you ever want to meet a real member of the Bernadotte family, the ground floor of Mainau Castle is the right place.
When visitors come to the hat shop, they often ask: "What is it like living in a castle? Is there a modern kitchen or is there still an open wood fire?" The milliner is often confronted with questions like these. She can handle them easily. Like her siblings, she grew up in the spotlight of photographers. Dealing with the media was part of family life and the media was part of advertising. "I grew up here with my siblings, we had a wonderful childhood". And as a teenager, she had her own views, she was considered rebellious.

Hutkreationen von der Insel Mainau: Hutmacherin mit blauem Blut

Diana Gräfin Bernadotte hat im Schloss auf der Insel Mainau ihren eigenen Hutladen aufgebaut. Dort kann man die Kreationen der Comtesse anprobieren.

www.stuttgarter-nachrichten.de

 

[LadyFinn]

The website of the Lennart Bernadotte Foundation:

Lennart-Bernadotte-Stiftung

All siblings are members of the Board of the Foundation:

Vorstand / lennart-bernadotte-stiftung.de

Over 80,000 people visited Christmas Garden on Mainau
The organizers announce that the 2024/2025 edition on the island was overwhelming and are summing up the most successful season to date. Christmas Garden is set to return to Mainau at the end of the year.

Das ist Rekord! Über 80.000 Menschen besuchen Christmas Garden auf der Mainau

Die Veranstalter verkünden, dass die Ausgabe 2024/2025 auf der Insel überwältigend verlaufen sei und bilanzieren die bisher erfolgreichste Saison. Ende des Jahres soll Christmas Garden auf die Mainau zurückkehren.

www.suedkurier.de

 

[LadyFinn]

Count Björn Bernadotte received the Langenstein Alefanz Order. The Alefanz Order has been awarded annually since 1976 to a person who has previously stood out for individualism, stubbornness and “swimming against the tide”. It is considered one of the most important carnival awards.

„Konfetti-Nobelpreis“ für einen adligen Alefanz: Björn Graf Bernadotte erhält närrische Auszeichnung

Es war ein launiger Abend auf Schloss Langenstein. Welche Narren außer Bernadotte noch geehrt wurden und welcher große Abschied sich für die Langensteiner Cumpaney abzeichnet.

www.suedkurier.de

Der Blumengraf mit dem alefänzischen Mundwerk: Björn Graf Bernadotte zum Alefanz 2025 gekürt

Björn Graf Bernadotte af Wisborg von der Blumeninsel erhält dank „seines goldenen Narrenherzens“ die Ehrung des Fasnachtsmuseumsvereins Langenstein.

www.suedkurier.de

 

[LadyFinn]

2025 will mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the WWII. To mark this Mainau held today a memorial ceremony at the memorial and in the Comturey in memory of 34 victims who died on the island in 1945.
Countess Bettina Bernadotte emphasized how important the culture of remembrance is: "Let us remember and pass this memory on to the consciousness of the younger generations so that these terrible horrors of the past are not repeated (...)". Count Björn Bernadotte welcomed the guests on behalf of the Lennart Bernadotte Foundation and Mainau GmbH. He emphasized the importance of the research.
In 2012, at the suggestion of historian Dr. Arnulf Moser and the German-French Association of Konstanz, a memorial was erected on Mainau. It commemorates 34 prisoners of various nationalities from the Nazi concentration camps of Dachau and Auschwitz. After the liberation by Allied troops in the spring 1945, many victims were taken to the French army's emergency hospital on the Mainau Island, 34 of whom died there as a result of their previous imprisonment in the camp.
During the symbolic wreath-laying ceremony, the names of the 34 former prisoners were read out and they were remembered in a minute's silence.

Gedenkveranstaltung auf der Insel Mainau

2025 jährt sich das Ende des Zweiten Weltkriegs zum 80. Mal. Aus diesem Anlass richtete die Mainau am 30. Januar auf der Insel Mainau in Erinnerung an 34 Opfer, die im Jahr 1945 auf der Insel verstarben, eine Gedenkfeier am Erinnerungszeichen und in der Comturey am Hafen aus.

www.mainau.de

 

[LadyFinn]

Count Björn Bernadotte, the President of The University of Konstanz Society, awarded the Transfer Preis to Britta Renner and gave the laudatory speech. The Transfer Prize is endowed with 3,000 euros and is sponsored by The University of Konstanz Society. The award ceremony took place on January 31 as part of the New Year's reception of the University of Konstanz Alumni Association.

Britta Renner mit Transferpreis 2024 ausgezeichnet

www.psychologie.uni-konstanz.de

Count Björn has been the President of The University of Konstanz Society since 2015.

 

[LadyFinn]

Count Björn Bernadotte presented on February 26 the Glonki Order of Der Hofnarrenzunft Mainauer Paradiesvögel (the Court Jesters' guild of the Mainau Birds of Paradise) to pop singer Anita Hofmann at Comturey on the Mainau Island.

Von Mainauer Paradiesvögeln ausgezeichnet: Anita Hofmann erhält Glonki-Orden

Nach den beiden erfolgreichen Hofbällen, feierten 230 Narren und Närrinnen beim „Narrenhock“ in der Comturey der Insel Mainau erneut mit bunten Kostümen und kreativen Auftritten.

www.mainau.de

 

[LadyFinn]

The blooming island kingdom in Lake Constance offers a variety of natural experiences all year round – and in 2025, Mainau Island will be even more diverse: Under the motto "All about diversity," the new Flower Year will be all about the colorful blooms, a wealth of offerings, and a few exciting new features in the park and gardens of the flower island. With spheres and circles of various shapes as recurring elements throughout the island, things are literally happening on Mainau – thanks to a new attraction in Mainau Children's Land.
Countess Bettina and count Björn Bernadotte at the orchid show to start the Flower Year
Pic

RUNDum Vielfalt

Das blühende Inselreich im Bodensee bietet rund um das Jahr abwechslungsreiche Naturerlebnisse – und 2025 präsentiert sich die Insel Mainau noch vielfältiger: Unter dem Motto „RUNDum Vielfalt“ dreht sich alles um den bunten Blütenreichtum, eine Fülle an Angeboten und auch die ein oder andere...

www.mainau.de

Whether in the park, in the restaurants, or as an event location – Mainau creates unforgettable experiences for its guests in a unique natural setting. Mainau has been committed to preserving this island paradise and the environment beyond for many decades and has consistently pursued the goal of operating as sustainably as possible at all levels ever since.

Nachhaltigkeit auf allen Ebenen

Die Mainau schafft für ihre Gäste unvergessliche Erlebnisse in einzigartiger Naturkulisse. Den Erhalt dieses Inselparadieses und der Umwelt darüber hinaus hat sich die Mainau bereits vor vielen Jahrzehnten auf die Fahne geschrieben und verfolgt seither konsequent das Ziel, auf allen Ebenen so...

www.mainau.de

 

[LadyFinn]

Mainau Island starts its Flower year: More than one million visitors are expected

Insel Mainau startet ins Blumenjahr: Mehr als eine Million Besucher werden erwartet

Mit Blumis Kullerbahn stellen die Verantwortlichen eine neue Attraktion für Kinder vor. Noch sind die Besucherzahlen nicht auf Vor-Corona-Niveau, doch Bettina Gräfin Bernadotte ist optimistisch.

www.suedkurier.de

50 Years - 50 Personalities - 50 Messages."
This slogan encompasses the entire Baden-Württemberg Association of Garden, Landscape, and Sports Field Construction and its history. This interview features countess Bettina Bernadotte, Managing Director of Mainau GmbH.

​

 

[LadyFinn]

Count Björn and countess Bettina Bernadotte tell at an interview the future plans for the Mainau Island:
They want to integrate the castle on the island more closely, but as a historical monument, the castle has to be treated very carefully. The historic parquet floor can suffer from a constant flow of visitors. The idea is to carefully open the castle more to people who appreciate its atmosphere. Various rooms can now be rented for events. The castle has around 100 rooms in total.
There are offices for the Mainau administration, count Björn's apartment, countess Diana's hat studio and the castle café. There are several rooms in the middle wing, the most important is the White Hall, which is used for concerts and similar events. The Coat of Arms Hall is used for exhibitions. The library, with its magnificent view of the lake, is ideal for meetings and workshops. There's a lot of interest in booking the rooms, holding meetings in a historic setting is a very special experience. The development plan also includes a building area for a hotel.

Dieses Schloss auf der Bodensee-Insel könnte bald zugänglich sein

Die Blumeninsel Mainau ist weit über die Bodenseeregion hinweg ein Begriff. Bald könnten Besucher dort von einer Öffnung profitieren.

www.schwaebische.de

 

[LadyFinn]

Mainau Managing Directors Countess Bettina Bernadotte and Count Björn Bernadotte, and Count Christian Bernadotte, together with the younger generation of the Bernadotte family and Mainau mascot Blumi, inaugurated the new marble run "Blumi's Kullerland" on Mainau Island on April 5.
Following the expansion of "Blumi's Excavator Playground" in spring 2024, Mainau Children's Land now boasts another exciting new feature for the youngest guests and their families: "Blumi's Kullerland" Last Saturday, the new wooden ball run was officially inaugurated and handed over to the first ball fans, both young and old.

Blumis Kullerland eingeweiht

Nach „Blumis Baggerspielplatz“ gibt es für die jüngsten Gäste und deren Familien im Mainau-Kinderland nun mit „Blumis Kullerland“ eine weitere aufregende Novität. Am vergangenen Samstag wurde die neue Holz-Kugelbahn offiziell eingeweiht und an die ersten kleinen und großen Kugel-Fans übergeben.

www.mainau.de

 

[LadyFinn]

Easter program on the Mainau Island

Osterprogramm 2025

Ostern auf der Insel Mainau: Erleben Sie ein vielfältiges Osterprogramm mit spannenden Aktivitäten, festlichen Highlights und besonderen kulinarischen Genüssen.

www.mainau.de

 

[LadyFinn]

Sophia Bernadotte's SMMB jewellery brand:

Sophia Bernadotte | Through life.

www.sophiabernadotte.com

 

[LadyFinn]

Big news from the Mainau GmbH:
Countess Bettina Bernadotte steps down from her role as Managing Director. Her current operational responsibilities will be taken over by a new Managing Director, who will be sought externally through a structured recruitment process. Count Björn Bernadotte will help shape this development process in his role as co-managing director. This will ensure that Mainau maintains the close ties between the company and the family.
Countess Bettina explains her decision: "The Bernadotte family has been shaping and supporting Mainau for five generations. Each generation has had different responsibilities in their respective eras, as each period brings its own challenges. Like the generations before us, we too are thinking ahead and setting this new impulse based on our values – courage, consistency, appreciation, and integrity. I will remain closely connected to Mainau through my work on the Foundation's board."
Count Björn thanks his sister on behalf of the Lennart Bernadotte Foundation, the people of Mainau, and the family for her impactful work over the past 25 years: "Through her work, Countess Bettina has decisively stabilized and advanced the company, developed valuable partnerships, and provided important impetus. With considerable strategic foresight, she is now ushering in a new chapter for Mainau by courageously and decisively handing over its operational role to new hands."
The sole shareholder of Mainau GmbH is the non-profit Lennart Bernadotte Foundation. Its board will continue to consist of the five siblings Bernadotte and Iris Selch as chairwoman.

Veränderung in der Führungsstruktur der Mainau GmbH

Die Mainau GmbH entwickelt ihre Führungsstruktur weiter, um eine noch bessere Positionierung bei zukünftigen Herausforderungen und Chancen sicherzustellen.

www.mainau.de

Sensation on Mainau: Countess Bettina Bernadotte leaves management
Countess Bettina Bernadotte is leaving the management of Mainau GmbH in Konstanz at her own request. The 51-year-old confirmed this to SWR: "There is no crisis; I am in very good health. This is a business decision".

Paukenschlag am Bodensee auf der Mainau: Bettina Gräfin Bernadotte verlässt Geschäftsführung

Die Mainau GmbH stellt ihre Unternehmensführung neu auf. Statt Bettina Gräfin Bernadotte soll ein externer Geschäftsführer die Blumeninsel im Bodensee leiten. Björn Graf Bernadotte bleibt Mit-Geschäftsführer.

www.swr.de