Stepping Down from the Flower Island: Bettina Countess Bernadotte's Departure and Future Plans
Island Leader Declares Major Shift: 'Substantial Modification' - Retiring Island Chief Expresses Major Transition: "Significant Shift"
After 17 years at the helm of the beloved tourist destination, Mainau Island, Bettina Countess Bernadotte, the current island queen, finds herself at an important crossroads. "I'm not quite sure what the future holds," she confesses to the South Kurier in Konstanz, expressing both apprehension and excitement.
The island queen made the announcement on Tuesday that she would be stepping down from her co-managing director role at Mainau. She emphasizes the need for bringing in fresh perspectives and external expertise to guide the island's management. Her brother, Björn Count Bernadotte, will continue in his current position.
An Emotional Shift
Bettina Bernadotte insists that her decision to step down was made with a clear mind. "This is a massive change, emotionally, because I know I'm closing a chapter," she shares with the newspaper. Grateful for the 25 remarkable years spent on Mainau, she remains optimistic about what the future may hold.
Mainau Island, affectionately known as the "Flower Island," on Lake Constance, attracts over a million visitors each year. Covering 45 hectares, it features breathtaking park and garden landscapes, a Baroque castle, a palm house, and a butterfly house.
- Mainau Island
- Lake Constance
- Transition
- South Kurier
- Konstanz
While the exact plans for Mainau following Bettina Bernadotte's departure are still uncertain, it's worth noting the island's history of being managed by members of the Bernadotte family. Times of transition in family-owned estates often involve preparing heirs or trusted family members to take up leadership roles. Nevertheless, without any recent declarations or specific details from the Bernadotte family or the Mainau Foundation, the full picture of the island's future remain undetermined.
- In her new chapter, Bettina Countess Bernadotte may seek opportunities to draw inspiration from diverse lifestyles and home-and-garden designs, particularly those she encounters during her potential travels.
- As she embarks on a new journey, Bettina might also explore various travel destinations, which could offer novel perspectives and experiences to complement her future community policy initiatives.