The Mermaid in Ustka is not only a symbol of this part of the Baltic Sea, it is also part of local history. It is more than just a monument - it represents a story that has acquired meanings over the decades until it has become an icon of Ustka. For guests of Villa Red, it is a must-see on a walk through the city. For locals - a symbol of local pride and unique heritage. But how did the story begin?

Mermaids of three cities: Ustka, Warsaw, Copenhagen

Some legends mention that the mermaid of Copenhagen is the sister of the mermaid of Warsaw. Enchanted by the beauty of the Danish capital, she decided to stay there. Since then she has been sitting on a rock at the entrance to the harbor, charming tourists. Originally, the story was about two mermaids - women with fish tails and extraordinary beauty. Both sailed to the Baltic Sea. One settled on the shores of Denmark, the other came all the way to Warsaw, following the Vistula River from Gdansk. Both so loved these places that they have remained there to this day.

There is also a version of the legend that speaks of a third mermaid - the Mermaid of Ustka. No one knows exactly who added her to the story, but today she forms a symbolic triad of mermaids of the Baltic and Vistula with her sisters. The youngest mermaid became enamored of Ustka's beaches and the warm waters of the Baltic Sea. She stayed forever, becoming a symbol of the city.

How did the Mermaid find its way into Ustka's official coat of arms?

Before 1922, Ustka did not have its own coat of arms, as it had been part of Slupsk for centuries. After gaining administrative independence in 1874, it began to use a seal with a black Prussian eagle. It was not until the interwar period that the need for a local symbol emerged.

The impetus for action came from a project for a monument commemorating Ustka residents killed in World War I. The monument was designed by the famous sculptor Josef Thorak. Wilhelm Granzow, a Ustka resident, painter educated in Berlin and an acquaintance of Thorak, was invited to create the coat of arms.

Granzow designed a coat of arms depicting a mermaid with a crown on her head, hovering over the waves. In her right hand she holds a salmon. In the background is a three-masted sailing ship with the inscription "STO" - an abbreviation for "Stolpmünde," the former German name for Ustka. Fishing nets are stretched between the mermaid and the ship. The whole symbolizes the port, fishing and bathing.

Inspirations - from a church seal to a mermaid from legend

Granzow did not create in a vacuum. Heraldists indicate that his design may have been inspired by the parish seal previously used by the community of Ustka and Zimowiska. It showed a defensive tower with cauldrons of burning tar hanging from it - like a beacon pointing the way for two sailing ships against the sea. The motto Lux viae (Light of the Way) gave the seal a distinctly Christian overtone - the church as a guide to the ocean of life.

When creating the new coat of arms, Granzow removed the ecclesiastical symbolism, replacing it with the figure of a mermaid - "a mythical representation of evil forces of the sea," as historians Dr. Beata Możejko and Prof. Blazej Sliwinski note. It was a conscious decision: replacing light in darkness with a creature from legends, who in European tradition, from Homer's "Odyssey" to Germany's Loreley, was associated with danger, delusion and death.

Bad or good? The mermaid in culture and legend

After the war, a new legend emerged. Kashubian writer Franciszek Fenikowski created a story about Bryzga Rosowa - a good mermaid who helped the blind widow Marusha. Every day she would toss her a salmon, the liver of which would restore the woman's sight. When the widow could see again, a returning sailing ship with her son appeared on the horizon.

An excerpt from the legend reads as follows:

Look at the coat of arms of this city. In it there is a sailing ship
And there is a fringe fish in the hands of Bryzgi Rosova - a
the gift of a Baltic royal lovely as the morning,
Who was touched by the tearful cry of the poorest of mouths.

The legend completely changed the symbolism of the coat of arms. The Mermaid, formerly menacing, began to be seen as a good protector of the city - much like her Warsaw sister.

Survival and reinterpretation of the coat of arms

Granzow's coat of arms was approved on May 13, 1924. Since then it has adorned buildings, official documents and local memorabilia. After the war, the coat of arms survived - albeit in an altered form. It was not widely displayed in the 1950s, but it did not disappear from the city space. It returned during the thaw and remained an important element of local identity.

Statue of the Mermaid in Ustka

In 2010, a statue of the Ustka Mermaid was erected on the eastern breakwater of the port. Artist Jerzy Michal Rosa designed the sculpture, and residents together with the Local Tourist Organization "Ustka" financed its creation. The statue quickly gained popularity among tourists and became a mandatory element on the walking route of the Ustka promenade.

Mermaid making wishes come true

There is also a nice tradition associated with the monument. It is said that stroking the mermaid's breasts brings good luck. However, there is a condition - only one wish can be made. This is a ritual practiced with a smile by visitors to the pier.

Icon of Ustka

The Mermaid in Ustka is more than a sculpture. It symbolizes the city's maritime roots, local identity and the need to create its own stories. It reminds us that even small towns can have their own legends and heroines. This history is best discovered by visiting Ustka and staying at Villa Red - a place where history meets hospitality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where is the statue of the mermaid in Ustka located?

The Mermaid Monument is located on the eastern breakwater of the harbor in Ustka. It is a popular vantage point, perfect for a stroll at any time of day. Staying at Villa Red, you are only a few minutes' walk to it.

What does the mermaid symbolize in Ustka's coat of arms?

The mermaid in Ustka's coat of arms symbolizes the city's strong connection with the sea, as well as its port, fishing and spa functions. When the legend was reinterpreted, it also became a symbol of care and luck.

Why choose a hotel in Ustka?

When you choose a hotel in Ustka, you gain access to comfort and services that will make your stay carefree. Villa Red is the ideal guesthouse in Ustka for those looking for stylish accommodation, located in the heart of the city, in close proximity to major attractions and the beach.