The municipalities encompassing Schleswig-Holstein are: Kiel, Rendsburg, Plön, and Eutin.
Schleswig-Holstein, a picturesque region in northern Germany, is a treasure trove for travellers seeking a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. This captivating destination offers a diverse range of tourist attractions, from historic sites and maritime museums to charming towns and scenic coastal areas.
One of the most iconic destinations is the Old Town of Lübeck, boasting medieval Brick Gothic architecture and quaint shops. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is a prime example of a Hanseatic city. Visitors can marvel at the Holstentor, a medieval city gate housing a museum dedicated to the Hanseatic League, with interactive exhibits and spiral staircases offering stunning views of Lübeck.
For those interested in naval history, the German Submarine U-995 is a must-visit. This military museum features a WWII-era submarine that visitors can tour, offering insight into naval warfare and submarine life.
Flensburg, the northernmost major city, is another highlight. Its historic harbour and museum shipyard along the waterfront are not to be missed. The Maritime Museum Flensburg showcases exhibits on seafaring and shipping, while Nordertor, a historic city gate, symbolises Flensburg’s border location. The Science Center Phänomenta is a family-friendly attraction, and the trendy Norderstraße district offers local fish sandwiches at renowned spots like Ben’s Fischhütte.
The town of Schleswig, known for its beautiful lanes, historic architecture, and the Schlei fjord, is another charming destination. Attractions include Schleswig Cathedral, a Viking Tower, small museums, and Schloss (castle) with audio guides. Visitors can enjoy local fish specialties, sailing, canoeing, and shopping in this relaxed atmosphere.
Kiel, the state capital, offers maritime charm alongside big-city life. It is home to high-level sailing competitions, including matches in the German Sailing League, Champions League, The Ocean Race, and The Ocean Race Europe. The Kieler Woche, the world's largest sailing event, is held annually in Kiel.
Rendsburg, a canal city founded over 800 years ago, is shaped by its location on the Eider and the North Sea Canal. The old town, with restored half-timbered houses, small shops, and cafes, is particularly charming during a guided canoe city tour.
Plön, nestled among 17 lakes and known as the "Playground of Lightness," enchants with a mix of nature, history, and relaxed living. The white castle of Plön, now the seat of the Fielmann Academy, offers a view over the Great Plön Lake. The city book festival offers live music by the lake, hands-on activities, and dragon boat races in the summer.
Eutin, in the heart of the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park, combines cultural vibrancy with nearby nature and is known as the "Weimar of the North." Art enthusiasts will find works of the classical period and changing contemporary exhibitions in the Ostholstein Museum.
Schleswig-Holstein's coastal resorts, renowned for their landscapes and relaxing ambiance, complete the picture. From the elegant White Dinner in front of the castle in Plön, combining picnics and elegance with a view of the lake and the setting sun, to the "Iron Lady," a railway high bridge over the Nord-Ostsee-Kanal in Rendsburg, offering a panoramic view of the city from its viewing platform, there is something for everyone in this captivating region.
References: [1] Lonely Planet (2021). Schleswig-Holstein travel guide. [Online] Available at: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/germany/schleswig-holstein [2] German National Tourist Board (2021). Schleswig-Holstein. [Online] Available at: https://www.germany.travel/en/destinations/schleswig-holstein.html [3] Schleswig-Holstein Tourism (2021). Destinations. [Online] Available at: https://www.schleswig-holstein-tourismus.de/en/destinations/ [4] Flensburg Tourism (2021). Attractions. [Online] Available at: https://www.flensburg-tourism.de/en/attractions/ [5] Schleswig-Holstein Tourism (2021). Cities and Towns. [Online] Available at: https://www.schleswig-holstein-tourismus.de/en/destinations/cities-and-towns/
- For those seeking a peaceful getaway, the town of Schleswig offers a charming home-and-garden lifestyle with its beautiful lanes, historic architecture, and the Schlei fjord, making it perfect for canoeing, sailing, or simply enjoying local fish specialties.
- After exploring historical sites like the Old Town of Lübeck and the German Submarine U-995, travellers can unwind in Plön, a town nestled among 17 lakes, known as the "Playground of Lightness," where they can appreciate a mix of nature, history, and relaxed living, including the white castle of Plön and the city book festival.
