Discover Schleswig: Archaeology, Holm and the Schlei

Schleswig brings together archaeological history spanning millennia, urban history and experiences on the Schlei. Its history ranges from finds dating back thousands of years to the story of Holm and boat trips from the town harbour. So if you’re looking for accommodation, start by asking yourself: Would you like your stay to focus mainly on museums and culture, the harbour and the Schlei, or a little of both?

Discover archaeology and art

The Museum of Archaeology at Gottorf Castle preserves more than 10 million artefacts spanning 80,000 years of human history. The collection offers a broad timeframe for exploring the past. The Nydam Boat and bog bodies are among the archaeological finds on display at the Gottorf Museum Island. Gottorf Castle Museum Island in Schleswig also brings together the Museum of Archaeology and the Museum of Art and Cultural History. The sculpture park on Schleswig’s castle island offers a different perspective: more than 50 figurative and abstract sculptures range from the late 19th century to the present day. Archaeological finds and sculptures thus cater to different cultural interests—from history reaching far back in time to art spanning several centuries.

Urban history and Holm

The cathedral tower is a landmark rising above Schleswig’s old town. The town hall complex includes a hall built in the second half of the 13th century, where extensive medieval wall paintings have been uncovered. The Holm Museum documents how the Holm district has changed through historical and more recent photographs. Holm was an island for centuries, until the fishing district was connected to the Schleswig mainland in 1933. This brings together different historical perspectives: a landmark above the old town, the architectural history of the town hall complex and the documented transformation of a district. Cultural attractions also include St. Peter’s Cathedral and the town museum.

The harbour and excursions on the Schlei

Schleswig’s town harbour offers something for a range of interests. It has 185 berths for visiting and long-term boats; the harbour also has a bicycle rental service and offers boat trips on the Schlei. Cafés, bistros and restaurants serve a range of options, including fish rolls. You can plan around whether a boat trip, bicycle rental or a stop for food and drink appeals most to you. If you’re planning a boat trip, check the current departure dates in advance.

Haithabu and the Danevirke nearby

Near Schleswig, Haithabu and the Danevirke form a UNESCO World Heritage Site associated with Viking Age trade, border fortifications and the Schleswig isthmus. Visitor museums include the Haithabu Viking Museum and the Danevirke Museum. This adds another historical focus to Schleswig’s archaeological collections: here, you can compare the city’s themes with the Viking Age and the history of border fortifications.

Consider whether you’d like to explore mainly museums and urban history, or also include boat trips and the nearby World Heritage Site. You can then compare accommodation based on your own preferences for location and stay.

Discover more destinations: Langballig, Hürup, Kappeln, Maasholm, Husby, Harrislee

Go to the regional travel overview: Schleswig-Flensburg.