Dream prize, everyday reality: why a German is selling his Haribo island
A private island, a log cabin and Canada next door: in 2005, Bavarian Matthias R. won this unusual prize. Twenty years on, he wants to sell, as wild land needs upkeep and it is a long way to travel for a short holiday.
Published on 23/10/2026 - 8:35 GMT+2
Some people win a gift basket, Matthias R. won an island. In a Haribo competition, the man from Kahl am Main in Lower Franconia became the owner of a private retreat in Canada in 2005. Now the chapter of island ownership is about to end: the plot is being offered for 348,000 Canadian dollars, the equivalent of around 220,000 euros.
Gummy bears thrown in with the grand prize
There is a reason why the story sounds like an especially generous advertising stunt. Haribo launched the promotion in April 2005 with everything that helps sell the dream of dropping out: a private island in Nova Scotia, a wooden house, the first flight there and a canoe complete with fishing gear. Haribo's famous Gold Bears were supposed to take care of the initial supplies, even though in nutritional terms they are clearly not suitable for a long-term life in the wilderness.
Thomas Gottschalk was also part of the package, at least in the campaign. As Haribo's advertising partner at the time, he was, according to the company, supposed to help build the wooden house and promote the prize draw on television. The dream of getting away from it all was pushed with considerable effort: no fewer than 15 million promotional stickers were planned for the bags of sweets.
A paradise with a composting toilet
The current sales listing advertises the property under the name "Back Lake Islands". It is located in the eastern Canadian province of Nova Scotia, in Shelburne County. According to the estate agent, the property covers around 6.5 hectares and the sale also includes adjacent wetlands.
The marketing copy reads: "Escape everyday life to your own private island paradise – just 30 minutes from the shops and amenities of Shelburne. A short boat ride from the shore takes you to your personal retreat, where you can enjoy lakeside living for at least three seasons of the year. The adjoining marshland, which also forms part of the island property, invites you to extensive exploratory tours in a unique natural environment."
The plot features a log cabin with two bedrooms and a bathroom. According to the listing, two small boats, a jetty, a shed and a generator are also included. As for leisure activities, the agent recommends swimming, canoeing, fishing and hiking.
The fixtures are clearly more suited to a nature holiday than a luxury resort: solar panels provide electricity, a pump draws water from the lake and there is a composting toilet for calls of nature.
You cannot wish the distance away
The owner's parents tended the property for years and put a great deal of work into it, reports the Bild newspaper. The journey there now takes around ten hours in total, and these days they no longer embark on the long trip. On top of that come ongoing expenses: the report speaks of around 2,500 euros in annual property tax, in addition to flights and car hire.
The dream of a private island with gummy bears thrown in was a gift; the work that came with it was free of charge. But perhaps an adventurer will now be found for whom this lonely island is simply perfect.
