Crystal-clear waters, picturesque towns, thousands of years of history, unique landscapes and a gastronomy scene ranked among the most exciting in Europe – Istria has been given 90 minutes in the spotlight before a multi-million German-speaking audience in the major travel programme Wunderschön, one of the most successful travel shows on German television.

The project was realised in cooperation between the Istria Tourist Board and its long-standing PR partner, ART Redaktionsteam agency from Salzburg. During their multi-day stay, the German television crew travelled across almost the entire peninsula to showcase Istria through a combination of its most recognisable scenery and extraordinary experiences.

The programme was produced for WDR (Westdeutscher Rundfunk), MDR and SWR, and following its premiere on WDR, it is scheduled to air on other channels within the German television network, including MDR, SWR, NDR, RBB and SR, as well as on 3sat for audiences in Austria and Switzerland and via the ARD Mediathek. The first broadcast is expected to reach around two million viewers, while repeat broadcasts are expected to bring the total audience to more than five million.

“We are extremely proud that Germany’s WDR recognised Istria as a destination worthy of a full 90-minute programme. Wunderschön perfectly reflects our strategic vision: Istria is not only about sun and sea, but a vibrant combination of authentic people, outstanding gastronomy, rich history and unspoilt nature. A reach of more than five million viewers in our most important source market confirms that investment in high-quality promotion delivers multiple returns. This is not merely advertising; it is a deep and emotional story about our identity, inspiring German, Austrian and Swiss guests to experience all the different layers of Istria throughout the entire year. A big thank you to our partner, ART Redaktionsteam, as well as to all the local stakeholders who opened their doors and hearts and presented Istria in the best possible light,” said Denis Ivošević, Director of the Istria Tourist Board.

Viewers are guided through Istria by renowned German television presenter Stephanie Müller-Spirra, while the programme is directed by award-winning German journalist and filmmaker Stephan Heise. Their Istrian journey begins at the southernmost tip of the peninsula, at Cape Kamenjak near Premantura, where Stephanie and Debora Kliba of Jistra Adventures explore the rugged coastline and turquoise sea by kayak. Filming also included the islet of Ceja, along with additional shots of walks, activities and the landscapes of Kamenjak, while the final scene of the programme was filmed at the iconic Safari Bar, combining food and the distinctive atmosphere of one of southern Istria’s most recognisable locations.

The journey continues to Pula, where viewers discover everyday city life at the Pula Market, as well as the city’s monumental heritage through the Forum and the Arena. It is in Pula that Stephanie meets Marko Purišić – Baby Lasagna, speaking with him about his life, his home region and his connection to Istria. Their walk from the Forum towards the Roman amphitheatre offers a more personal perspective on the city and its people.

The programme also presents a different side of Pula. At Aquarium Pula, the crew filmed sea turtles and the work of the sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation centre, while at the Cave Romane quarry in Vinkuran, the cameras captured spectacular acrobatics and slacklining by Unity TWG among the dramatic stone cliffs.

One of the special chapters of the journey takes viewers to the Brijuni Islands. On Veliki Brijun, filming included the Safari Park, Koki, dinosaur-related sites, Castrum and Verige, while on Mali Brijun, at the impressive Fort Minor, the crew filmed a meeting with one of Croatia’s most renowned actors, Rade Šerbedžija, and explored the story of theatre within the island’s unique historic setting.

From the coast, the journey moves into a completely different environment. In Vela Draga within Učka Nature Park, Stephanie meets renowned extreme mountaineer Ines Papert and Jasna Božić Dušić, discovering the rugged beauty of Istria’s mountainous landscape and an entirely different perspective on the destination. Filming began near the mountain lodge close to Buzet and continued through the impressive scenery of Vela Draga. After the hike, the crew enjoyed homemade fuži pasta at Ročka Konoba.

Northern Istria introduces one of the region’s most recognisable stories – truffles. With the Prodan family near Buzet, Stephanie joins a truffle hunt with dogs and discovers a tradition that has connected generations of local people with Istria’s forests. The cameras also captured the morning atmosphere of Buzet and its truffle hunters.

In Pazin, the story takes an adrenaline-filled turn. The spectacular Zip Line above the Pazin Cave was filmed together with Radenko and Romina, who guided the crew through the experience. The combination of the dramatic Pazin Cave, the town above it and activities making use of its unique natural setting reveals one of the less expected sides of central Istria.

In Poreč, viewers also discover Istria beneath the surface of the sea. Together with Barbara Unković, the crew filmed a snorkelling experience in the Poreč area and locations near Hotel Pical, while additional footage included the historic town centre, the Euphrasian Basilica, city squares and churches. In a single segment, the Adriatic, UNESCO heritage and Mediterranean urban life come together.

A special place in the programme is reserved for Rovinj, presented as the “pearl of Istria”. Alongside footage of the old town, the Church of St Euphemia and the city’s distinctive vistas, filming also included Monte restaurant and the Tjitske Đekić family, whose story presents contemporary Istrian gastronomy and the way local tradition is interpreted today at the highest culinary level. Gastronomy is one of the connecting threads throughout the entire journey. Truffles, local dishes, premium wines, extra virgin olive oils and contemporary cuisine form part of the broader story of Istria – a destination where the quality of its products is inseparable from the place, its traditions and the people who create them.

A significant contribution to the production was also made by Pula-based production company MedVid, whose involvement in drone operation and aerial filming formed part of the official production of the project.

This major television project represents exceptionally valuable promotion for Istria in one of its most important source markets. Thanks to the reach of WDR and other ARD network channels, repeat television broadcasts and the long-term availability of the content on digital platforms, Istria will continue to reach a multi-million audience as a destination defined by Mediterranean ease, exceptional nature, layered culture, outstanding gastronomy and authentic people.

The video is available on the ARD Reisen YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmuJszfORnY