Horst Lichter, the charismatic German television chef and entertainer, embarked on a breathtaking adventure across Mallorca, showcasing the island's stunning landscapes and rich culture. His travel documentary, Horst Lichters Traumreisen, aired on January 1, 2025, promising viewers not just the typical scenes of the famed vacation hotspot, but also offering insights beyond the standard tourist highlights.
The opening moments of the documentary feature Lichter’s signature humor as he introduces himself against the majestic backdrop of Mallorca's coastline, excitedly declaring, "Ich fühle mich gerade ein bisschen wie Horst, der Entdecker" ("I feel a bit like Horst, the explorer"). His tone suggests both wonder and readiness for the exploration to come.
Lichter begins his Mallorca adventure at Palma, where he quickly acknowledges the misconception many have about the island. "Mallorca ist nicht nur Ballermann, Mallorca ist jede Menge Wunderschönes" ("Mallorca is not just Ballermann, Mallorca is full of beautiful things"), he points out, striving to shift the narrative from the well-known party scene to the island's historical treasures. His initial tour through the emblematic Cathedral La Seu and the Almudaina Palace showcases iconic sites, but Lichter admits his surprise at the beauty of Palma's historic old town.
After these familiar excursions, the documentary takes on new life. Lichter ventures beyond the usual tourist traps, stopping at Consell to visit Joan Campins, the local knife-maker. Their interaction reveals Lichter's warmth and willingness to embrace local culture, as he enthusiastically proclaims, "Also, Joan, ich fühle mich schon ein bisschen wie ein Mallorquiner" ("So, Joan, I feel a bit like a Mallorcan"). This moment emphasizes the connection he fosters with the locals throughout his travels.
Following this enriching encounter, Lichter joins Astrid Prinzessin zu Stolberg-Wernigerode for what they called a "princely picnic". Set atop Puig de Magdalena, the pair enjoys traditional Mallorcan fare like Pa amb Oli, as Astrid shares insights about the island's historical significance with Lichter, enriching his experience and the documentary’s narrative depth.
Further exploring Mallorca's charm, Lichter visits Valldemossa, where the legendary composer Frédéric Chopin spent time, and then journeys to the beautiful Port de Sóller. Here, Lichter meets Esther Schweins, the actress and host, who reflects on her tumultuous past, including haunting memories from the 2004 tsunami disaster. "Seitdem will ich das Meer im Blick haben. Ohne den Tsunami wäre ich nicht auf Mallorca gelandet" ("Since then, I want to keep the ocean in my view. Without the tsunami, I wouldn't have landed on Mallorca"), she shares. Her story adds significant emotional weight to the documentary, illustrating how monumental events shape lives and choices.
On his quest, Lichter also encounters pop singer Sasha, who opens up to him about newfound fatherhood and his aspirations for the future. This segment captures the essence of Lichter's approach—engagement and genuine curiosity—transforming simple exchanges about the weather to deep, personal conversations.
Some moments, like Lichter’s awkward interview with Juan José Caballero, the local stone-slinging champion, feel almost clashed—his jovial Rhine dialect meets the stoic Mallorcan demeanor with little resonance. Yet, they add to the documentary’s charm, presenting real-life interactions, some fluid and others stilted.
Throughout the one-hour episode, Lichter makes it clear he is enchanted by Mallorca’s enchanting landscapes and vibrant culture, yet he seems to ignore the realities faced by its residents—issues like mass tourism, housing shortages, and environmental concerns are conspicuously absent from his narrative. Instead, he emphasizes Valleys, mountains, and the breathtaking views from the Cap Formentor, concluding with the thought, "Ich habe für mich erkennen dürfen, warum Mallorca vielleicht sogar mehr als nur eine Reise wert sein kann" ("I have realized why Mallorca might be worth more than just a trip").
Through Lichter, viewers are invited not just to witness Mallorca, but to feel its spirit, albeit through his somewhat romanticized lens. The documentary serves as both travelogue and celebration of the island, influencing perceptions of not just Mallorca, but of the travel experience itself. And as Lichter’s joyous laughter and discovery illuminate the screen, it becomes apparent why he remains such a beloved figure on German television.