Schleswig-Holstein: Coasts, Islands and World Heritage

Schleswig-Holstein lies between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. Sandy beaches, green beaches, pebble beaches, steep coasts and the Wadden Sea give the coastline a wide variety of character. Inland, too, the options range from lakes and river landscapes to cities and historic sites. This lets you tailor your trip to what you want to experience: nature, culture, outdoor activities or regional traditions.

Coasts and nature: tidal flats, islands and lakes

The Wadden Sea on the North Sea coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s largest ecosystems. It is considered Europe’s last extensive wilderness area and is globally important as a resting area for migratory birds. On a guided mudflat walk, you can walk on the seabed without diving equipment. Certified national park guides ensure professional standards and safety. The Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park Administration also offers birdwatching excursions and bike tours with rangers. Check the latest visitor-program dates before making plans.

Other nature experiences have their own distinctive focus. In the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park, for example, you can explore around 200 small and large lakes on foot or by bike. Fehmarn is Schleswig-Holstein’s only Baltic Sea island; families and watersports enthusiasts can enjoy relaxing holidays there. If you want to experience a river and lowland landscape, the Eider-Treene-Sorge Cycle Route offers another idea for planning your trip: The route, listed as 165 kilometres long, passes through the state’s largest lowland area. The distance may change slightly when the route is improved. Rivers, meadows, forests, wetlands and canals shape the landscape. The cycle route is fully signposted; information boards along the way cover the cycling region, the river landscape, and local flora and fauna.

Cities, museums and history

The medieval city centre of the Hanseatic city of Lübeck was recognised as a World Heritage Site in 1987. The reasons include its distinctive skyline with seven towers and its well-preserved, cohesive pre-industrial buildings. The skyline and historic architecture give the city centre its distinctive appearance.

Near Schleswig in the north of Schleswig-Holstein, two important historic sites meet: Haithabu was a major Viking Age maritime trading centre, while the Danewerk was a defensive border structure. Both lay at a historic bottleneck between the Baltic Sea inlet of the Schlei and the lowlands of the North Sea. Haithabu and the Danewerk have been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since July 2018. The Haithabu Viking Museum is also one of Germany’s most important archaeological museums.

Gottorf Castle is now home to two museums displaying evidence of 120,000 years of human history. The State Archaeological Museum at Gottorf Castle presents finds dating from the Neanderthals to the Middle Ages. These include the Iron Age Nydam Boat and famous bog bodies. The exhibits offer a look at the past, from distant eras to artefacts that give a tangible picture of earlier ways of life.

Regional traditions and products

The traditional Biike burning takes place on the west coast of Schleswig-Holstein in February. Local programmes may vary, so check the relevant dates and details if you want to attend a particular celebration. Farm shops are another way to discover regional products: most offer a sample to taste or drink. Products include seasonal fruit and vegetables, cheese, homemade bread, juices, jams and locally distilled liqueurs.

Getting there and choosing your destination

Schleswig-Holstein can be reached by car and train. If travelling by air, Hamburg Airport is an option; check current train and flight connections before your trip. When looking for a hotel, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: the Wadden Sea and birdwatching, lakes and cycling, cultural history, or the coast and watersports. These are different travel interests that can guide your choice of destination. Then consider the specific location of your accommodation in relation to your plans, rather than deciding solely on the basis of a general landscape or cultural theme.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Flensburg, Lübeck, Steinburg, Neumünster, Kiel, Rendsburg-Eckernförde, Stormarn, Pinneberg, Duchy of Lauenburg, Schleswig-Flensburg, Plön, Ostholstein, Segeberg, North Frisia, Dithmarschen, Amrum, Sylt, Föhr.

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