The Hotel Seelust is a family-run 4-star hotel located in the heart of the idyllic coastal landscape of Duhnen, which has been synonymous with genuine hospitality for generations. What drives us is our deep passion for authentic hospitality and gastronomy. We not only carry this passion in our hearts, but also live it every day – with attention to detail and sincere enthusiasm for our guests.
Our goal is to offer you a home away from home: a place where you can relax, enjoy yourself and feel completely at ease. From the first-class comfort of our rooms to our proximity to the sea and our warm and well-coordinated team – everything we do is designed to give you unforgettable moments.
Timeline Übersicht
1924
"Pension zur schönen Aussicht"
The farmhouse, originally built at the turn of the century, was converted in 1924 into the ‘Pension zur schönen Aussicht’ (Beautiful View Guesthouse). The owner at the time advertised his establishment as follows: ‘It is not only nature and the invigorating air that guarantee success, but above all a friendly home and good, hearty food.’
During the economic crisis, the house was renamed ‘Hotel Seelust’ by a new owner and then sold to a Hamburg entrepreneur shortly afterwards.
1934
Gustav Hansen leases the Hotel Seelust
During the economic crisis, the house was renamed ‘Hotel Seelust’ by a new owner and shortly afterwards sold to a Hamburg entrepreneur. He knew Gustav Hansen through business connections. After training as a chef at the Atlantic Hotel in Hamburg, he worked in several leading establishments. In 1934, Gustav and Elfriede Hansen leased the ‘Hotel Seelust’ for three years and eventually purchased it.
1938
First major renovation
In 1937, the first major renovation took place, with a new roof, converted attic and new rooms. The hotel now consisted of 31 rooms.
1946
A new beginning after World War II
The Second World War broke out and Gustav was drafted into the army. The Wehrmacht confiscated the hotel and set up a telephone exchange there. In 1946, Gustav returned from captivity and reopened the Hotel Seelust. Many refugees continued to live in the hotel long after that. Sometimes eight people shared a single room. Food shortages, lack of space and cold winters were part of everyday life. Due to the dire circumstances of the entire population, Gustav and Elfriede gave away furniture to those in need.
1953
Kitchen extension and modernisation
In 1953, the building authority granted approval and the kitchen extension and eight new rooms were built.
1954
‘Hotel Seelust Campingplatz’ is being built
In 1954, the ‘Campingplatz Seelust’ campsite, a sanitary block and an administrator's hut were added.
1961
Gustav's successor
from left: Helga Hansen, Jürgen Hansen, Elfriede Hansen
In 1961, Gustav Hansen passed away and Elfriede continued to run the hotel on her own as the owner. Their daughter Heidi Hansen trained as a hotel manager in the family business. Their son Jürgen followed in his father's footsteps and trained as a chef at the Atlantic Hotel in Hamburg.
New addition to the family
Their son Jürgen Hansen marries Helga, and they have three children: Heide, Jörg and Anett.
Jürgen manages the campsite, rents out and sells all kinds of goods and newspapers.
Helga Hansen prepares breakfast and runs the hotel café with great dedication.
1969/1970
Guest house construction in two stages
In 1969/1970, the construction and extension of the current guest house took place in two stages.
1975
Official operating licence
On 19 February 1975, siblings Jürgen and Heidi Hansen receive a ‘licence to operate a restaurant and accommodation facility in the form of a hotel with a campsite and canteen’.
1990er
Family tradition and innovation
Like his grandfather and father, Jörg Hansen is training to be a chef at the Atlantic Hotel in Hamburg.
His sister Heide is training to be a hotel manager at the Hotel Seelust.
2003
Handover to Heide and Jörg Hansen
Heidi and Jürgen Hansen sell the hotel to Heide and Jörg Hansen in 2003.
Heide Hansen marries Volker Harras. Together they have two children, Jan Moritz and Max.
Jörg Hansen marries Michaela Matthiessen and they have two children, Nils and Nele.
With Michaela's support, Jörg takes part in many cooking competitions and wins trips around the world. He becomes a master chef and examiner.
All the children follow the family passion.
Jan Moritz works at the campsite, Max Ole trains as a hotel manager.
Like three generations before him, Nils Hansen trains as a chef at the Atlantic Hotel. He wins competitions, takes part in the World Chef Championships, and becomes a master chef and examiner.
His sister Nele Hansen also trains as a hotel manager at the Atlantic Hotel in Hamburg, takes part in competitions, and obtains her training certificate.
2025
Youngest generation of the family
In March 2025, Heide Harras sells her shares in the business to Nils and Nele Hansen.
The new generation combines tradition and innovation.
Jörg, Michaela, Nils and Nele Hansen live and breathe tradition and progress.
