German man lists Canadian island won in 2005 Haribo contest for $348,000

OPA WIRE, Oct 23 (OPA) — Matthias R., a resident of Kahl am Main, Germany, has placed his private island retreat in Shelburne County, Nova Scotia, on the market. The property, known as 'Back Lake Islands,' was awarded to him in 2005 as the grand prize in a Haribo marketing campaign. The sale price is set at 348,000 Canadian dollars, approximately 220,000 euros.

The island features a two-bedroom log cabin, a jetty, and a storage shed. Utilities are off-grid, relying on solar panels for electricity, a lake-water pump system, and a composting toilet. The listing includes the 6.5-hectare island and adjacent wetlands, marketed as a seasonal retreat located 30 minutes from the amenities of Shelburne.

Haribo’s 2005 promotion was a significant marketing effort that included 15 million promotional stickers and featured television personality Thomas Gottschalk. The original prize package included the island, the cabin, a canoe, fishing gear, and a supply of Gold Bears. The company promoted the island as an escape from everyday life, though the logistical reality of maintaining the remote property proved demanding for the owner.

According to reports, the owner’s parents maintained the property for years, but the ten-hour travel time and annual property taxes of roughly 2,500 euros have made continued ownership impractical. The current listing targets buyers seeking a remote, nature-focused getaway. The sale marks the end of a two-decade chapter for the winner of the high-profile sweepstakes.