Schleswig-Flensburg: Nature, History and Excursions
Accommodation in Schleswig-Flensburg
In the Schleswig-Flensburg district, nature experiences and cultural history go hand in hand: The Flensburg Fjord features unspoilt cliffs and beaches, while the district also includes the river landscapes of the Eider-Treene-Sorge. The Schlei and its varied landscapes are another highlight. When planning your holiday, you can start by considering what you want your stay to focus on: water and nature, historic sites or activities to enjoy together.
Naturschutzgebiet Halbinsel Holnis in Schleswig-Holstein im Kreis Schleswig-Flensburg B
Photo: Matthias Böhm via Source, CC BY-SA 3.0
Landscapes along the Schlei, fjord and rivers
In Schlei Nature Park, rolling hills, forests, hedgerows, and fields of rapeseed and grain alternate with sandy beaches and swimming coves. The Schlei’s brackish-water areas are also a habitat for numerous endangered bird species. Those with a particular interest in nature and wildlife will find different things to explore here than on a trip focused primarily on cultural sites and local history. The Eider-Treene-Sorge river landscape is also part of the Schleswig-Flensburg district, adding another type of landscape to the mix.
Holnis is the northernmost tip of Schleswig-Holstein’s young moraine landscape. More than 130 bird species can be observed there, including around 65 breeding species. These figures make Holnis an appealing destination for visitors who want to combine their excursions with birdwatching. Another nature destination is Geltinger Birk: Covering a total area of 773 hectares, it is the largest nature reserve in the Schleswig-Flensburg district. Well-maintained paths and guided walks, which offer insights into the local flora and fauna, shape the nature experience there.
Discover history and familiar places
Haithabu and the Danewerk have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since June 2018. More than 25 kilometres of the Danewerk rampart still remain today. The Idstedt Historic Memorial and Museum explore German-Danish history surrounding the uprising of 1848 and the Battle of Idstedt. These places offer a different focus for a day of your holiday than a tour through the countryside or an excursion packed with activities.
The district also has ties to film history. From 1986 to 2012, Kappeln served as a filming location for the TV series “Der Landarzt” under the name “Deekelsen.” Arnis and the Schlei were filming locations for a German adaptation of “Five Friends.” These connections can make for an enjoyable conversation starter for families looking to rediscover places and stories from film and television.
Active days and family excursions
Tolk-Schau family and leisure park combines rides, playgrounds, park trains and fairy-tale cottages; it also features more than 100 life-size dinosaurs. This offers a very different focus from a day spent observing nature or exploring history. Guided nature tours are available in Schlei Nature Park. The Viking-Frisian Way, the Ox Road and 15 signposted themed cycling routes also run through the landscape.
If you’re planning a cycling trip, consider the SchleiUferTörn: this circular cycling route around the central section of the Schlei is 25 kilometres long and starts in Arnis. Arnis is also a destination for water sports enthusiasts. The route length gives you a concrete reference point for planning your day, without implying a particular travel time or difficulty level.
When choosing a holiday apartment, you can start with the excursions you prefer: Are you mainly interested in nature and birdlife, in the history of Haithabu, the Danewerk and Idstedt, or in a change of pace with cycling routes and leisure activities? Schleswig-Flensburg offers a range of themes to consider when planning your trip. Choose a holiday destination and accommodation based on which of these interests matters most for your trip.
More places to help you get your bearings: Oeversee, Handewitt, Hürup, Langballig, Glücksburg, Husby, Gelting Bay, Haddeby, Kropp-Stapelholm, Mittelangeln, Südangeln, Arensharde, Kappeln-Land, Quern, Maasholm, Gelting, Süderbrarup, Schleswig, Harrislee, Kappeln, Schafflund, Eggebek.
For the broader travel overview: Schleswig-Holstein.
