The key facts

  • The 'Back Lake Islands' island in Shelburne County (Nova Scotia) is listed for 348,000 Canadian dollars (~220,000 euros)
  • The prize went to Matthias R. from Kahl am Main in a Haribo promotion in April 2005 featuring Thomas Gottschalk
  • Reasons for the sale: the ten-hour journey and costs of about 2,500 euros in tax per year (according to Bild)

Prize put up for sale

Matthias R., a resident of Kahl am Main in Lower Franconia, won a private island in Canada in a Haribo sweepstakes in 2005. Now, as Euronews and Bild report, the property is listed for sale for 348,000 Canadian dollars — approximately 220,000 euros.

The 2005 promotion

Haribo launched the promotion in April 2005. The grand prize included a private island in Nova Scotia, a wooden house, the first flight there, a canoe with fishing gear, and the starter supply of provisions was to be provided by Haribo's 'Goldbears'. According to the company, the brand's then advertising face Thomas Gottschalk was supposed to help build the house and promote the sweepstakes on television. The promotion planned 15 million stickers on candy bags.

What is included in the sale

In the listing, the property appears under the name 'Back Lake Islands' and is located in Shelburne County in the province of Nova Scotia. According to the realtor, the plot covers about 6.5 hectares and also includes adjacent marshland. The listing text describes the island as a 'private paradise island' 30 minutes from the shops and infrastructure of Shelburne, reachable by boat, with the possibility of living by the lake 'for at least three seasons a year'. On the plot stands a timber house with two bedrooms and a bathroom, as well as two small boats, a dock, a shed and a generator. The realtor recommends swimming, canoeing, fishing and hiking. The amenities are geared more toward nature recreation than luxury: electricity comes from solar panels, water is pumped from the lake, and the toilet is a composting one.

Why the island is being sold

According to Bild, for many years the current owner's parents looked after the property, putting in a great deal of work. The journey there takes about ten hours, and they no longer feel up to such a long trip. In addition, there are ongoing costs: the land tax is reported to be about 2,500 euros per year, not counting flights and car rental.