Schleswig-Holstein between the North Sea and Baltic Sea

Between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, Schleswig-Holstein offers a wide variety of coastal scenery: sandy, grassy and shingle beaches, steep coasts and the Wadden Sea. There are also lake landscapes, broad lowlands and places whose history tells of trade, the Viking Age and border fortifications. Which accommodation is right for your trip depends first on whether you want to focus on the coast and tidal flats, nature experiences, or culture and history.

Coasts, tidal flats and landscapes

The Wadden Sea on the North Sea coast is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site and one of the largest ecosystems in the world. It is considered Europe’s last extensive wilderness area and is globally important as a stopover for migratory birds. A guided mudflat hike takes you onto the seabed without diving equipment. Certified national park guides ensure professional standards and safety.

The Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park Authority offers mudflat hikes, birdwatching excursions and bike tours with a ranger. It is worth checking the dates in advance for these guided activities. The traditional Biikebrennen bonfire festival is also held on the west coast in February; local programs may vary.

The inland region also reveals different sides of the state. The 165-kilometer Eider-Treene-Sorge Cycle Route runs through Schleswig-Holstein’s largest lowland area. Rivers, meadows, forests, bogs and canals shape the landscape. The route is fully signposted; information boards along the way explain the cycling region, the river landscape and the local flora and fauna. Route improvements may result in slight changes to the stated distance. In the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park, you can explore around 200 small and large lakes on foot or by bike.

Fehmarn offers a distinctive Baltic Sea destination: it is Schleswig-Holstein’s only Baltic Sea island. Families and watersports enthusiasts enjoy relaxing vacations there. Alongside the Wadden Sea and the varied coastal landscapes, it offers another clearly defined island region to choose from.

Discover World Heritage and history

In Lübeck, the history is already visible in the silhouette of the medieval city center: seven towers define the cityscape. The city center was recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1987. Alongside its striking silhouette, key features include the well-preserved, cohesive pre-industrial building fabric.

North of Schleswig are two historic landmarks at a narrow passage between the Baltic Sea and the North Sea: Haithabu was an important Viking Age maritime trading center on the Baltic Sea inlet of the Schlei, near the North Sea lowlands. The Danevirke was a border fortification there. Haithabu and the Danevirke have been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since July 2018. The Haithabu Viking Museum is considered one of Germany’s most important archaeological museums.

Gottorf Castle in Schleswig is now home to two museums featuring artifacts from 120,000 years of human history. The Archaeological State Museum presents finds from the Neanderthals to the Middle Ages, including the Iron Age Nydam Boat and famous bog bodies. The cultural range extends from landmark sites in urban settings to archaeological finds spanning a long period of history.

Regional experiences and choosing accommodation

For a taste of regional products, farm shops are also worth a visit: most offer a sample, either as a small bite or a sip. Products include seasonal fruit and vegetables, cheese, homemade bread, juices, jams and home-distilled liqueurs. What you can sample at any particular farm shop may vary.

Choose your accommodation based on the themes you want to shape your trip. Schleswig-Holstein is accessible by car and train; for air travel, Hamburg Airport is one option. Check current schedules before you travel.

Discover more regions

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