Baden-Baden – November 06, 2026 -- A new documentary series about life at one of Europe's most exclusive boarding schools arrives in the ARD Mediathek on December 29, 2026. "Louisenlund – Das Elite-Internat" follows four students through a full school year, and NDR broadcasts it on January 4, 2027, at 10 p.m.
Four students from very different backgrounds anchor the series
The series tracks Johanna, Florian, Milad and Louisa at Schloss Louisenlund, set directly on the Schlei. More than 300 young people live at the school away from their families, often since early childhood.
Some students come from privileged homes. Others are highly gifted teenagers from financially disadvantaged families who won a place through support programs.
Sailing lessons, parties and strict rules shape daily life
Everyday school life mixes sailing classes, school parties, community projects and clear rules. Louisenlund aims to educate both high achievers and people ready to take on responsibility, and it treats education as a holistic process. Within that setting, privilege, equal opportunity and respect are renegotiated again and again.
SWR and NDR ask what "elite" means today
The coming-of-age series is a co-production led by SWR together with NDR. It takes an unvarnished look at growing up in a protected but demanding environment, while playing with the familiar prejudices about an "elite boarding school." Its guiding question: what does elite mean today, and what does a place like Louisenlund say about society?
Megaherz and Zoo Productions produced the series.