Arnis: Sailors’ Church, bathing area and nature trails

Arnis combines a seafaring history with paths along the Schlei, a bathing area and facilities for boating visitors. This gives you several options for a family trip: culture, time by the water and activities on land. You can weigh up which of these you want to shape your stay when choosing your destination.

The Sailors’ Church and its maritime history

Completed in 1673, the Sailors’ Church is the oldest building in Arnis. An original half-timbered wall has been preserved on its north side. Inside are four votive ships, donated by sailors in gratitude for protection at sea. The church thus brings together a historic architectural feature and maritime offerings of thanks.

Artists and craftspeople in Arnis also open their studios to visitors. Opportunities for specific visits may vary. If visiting a studio is important to you, it is best to check availability in advance.

Explore Arnis on foot

For your visit, you can leave your car in the car park at the entrance to the town and explore Arnis on foot. Parking within the town is reserved for residents with a permit, except for access to the ferry. This is especially useful if you would like to combine your visit with a walk.

The nature trail follows Pappelweg to the grazing project on the Arnisser Noorwiesen. There is also a walking path along the Schlei by the bathing area. For a circular walk, you can choose the 13.60-kilometre Arnis–Kappeln route. Conditions on the route may change; check the latest information before setting out. This lets you choose between a waterside walking path, the route to the Noorwiesen and a signposted circular walk.

In the wider Schleswig-Flensburg destination, the 25-kilometre SchleiUferTörn also starts in Arnis. The circular cycling route goes around the central part of the Schlei and complements the walking options with a longer ride.

Bathing area, boats and the Schlei

The bathing area in Arnis is shallow, with a gentle entry into the water, making it suitable for families with small children. Seasonal conditions may change, so it is worth checking the current situation before your visit. The walking path along the Schlei offers another way to combine time by the water with some exercise.

Boating visitors can use moorings for boats and ships of different sizes and draughts, as well as slipways and crane facilities. Availability may change. The Arnis–Sundsacker cable ferry connects Angeln and Schwansen across the Schlei. Check the ferry’s current operating status through its official channels before travelling, as it may vary.

In the wider Schleswig-Flensburg destination

Beyond Arnis, the Schleswig-Flensburg destination also offers nature and history. Haithabu and the Danewerk have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since June 2018. At 773 hectares, Geltinger Birk is the largest nature reserve in Schleswig-Flensburg district. In Schlei Nature Park, the landscape is shaped by gentle hills, forests, hedgerows, rapeseed and grain fields, sandy beaches and bathing coves. The Schlei’s brackish-water areas provide a habitat for numerous endangered bird species.

Discover more destinations: Karschau, Oersberg, Grödersby, Rabenkirchen-Faulück.

Go to the wider travel overview: Kappeln-Land.