Luftaufnahme der Eutiner Altstadt: Kirchturm, rote Ziegeldächer, Grünflächen und See im Umfeld.

St. Petri Dom zu Schleswig mit grünem Turmspitz, Kirchtürmen am Hafen, Boote am Ufer im Abendlicht.

Blick auf enge Kopfsteinpflasterstraße in Lauenburg mit roten Backstein- und Fachwerkhäusern, Kirchturm im Hintergrund

Kopfsteinpflastergasse mit bunten Häusern und rankenden Pflanzen an Fassaden, ruhige charmante Altstadtansicht

Luftaufnahme einer idyllischen Inselstadt mit roten Dächern, Marina, Booten und umliegenden Grünflächen am Flussufer

Löwenstatue auf Steinpedestal vor roter Backsteinmauer, Dom im Hintergrund, von Bäumen umrahmt.

Belebte Straßenzug mit bunten Altbauten, Geschäften und Cafés; rechts eine Baumallee, Stadtzentrum-Charakter.

Charming towns between the North Sea and Baltic coasts

We have more than flat land; between the coasts of the North Sea and Baltic Sea there are many a lively city and romantic town in the far north that invite you to explore. Culture, enjoyment and shopping amidst half-timbered flair; here are the tips for your next excursion.

Eutin: Nature meets culture

Eutin is idyllically nestled between lakes and forests in the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park. Highlights include the historic old town and the magnificent castle, as well as numerous cultural events ranging from cabaret and culinary festivals to the nationally renowned Eutin Festival, where classical music, jazz, folklore and cabaret take to the stage.

Neumünster: So many possibilities

Time for an excursion? How about a visit to Neumünster? This is the city in the center of Schleswig-Holstein that offers colorful diversity. Whether it’s a shopping spree in the city center, a visit to the zoo or a contemplative pause in front of beautiful buildings such as the neoclassical Vicelin Church, boredom is certainly not an option here.

Schleswig: City beauty on the Schlei

Marvel at sailing ships on the Schleipromenade, experience cultural history in the Viking Museum, stroll through the baroque garden at Gottorf Castle. You can experience all this and much more in Schleswig. The small town at the end of the long Baltic Sea fjord is considered the cultural center of the Schlei-Baltic Sea region.

Lauenburg: Like something out of a picture book

Welcome to the southernmost city in Schleswig-Holstein! It almost looks like a picture book here with old cobblestones, historic half-timbered houses and medieval churches characterize the picture. Simply beautiful! Tip: A boat tour on the surrounding waterways opens up charming views of the riverside landscape.

Flensburg: Maritime and casual

The third largest city in the country and yet somehow still cozy and informal, Flensburg manages this balancing act with maritime nonchalance. Visitors should not miss out on a stroll through the historic harbor and the museum shipyard. Afterwards, head to one of the many cafés in the picturesque old town for refreshments.

Arnis: teeny-tiny city favorite

With an area of 0.45 square kilometers and just under 300 inhabitants, Arnis on the Schlei peninsula is the smallest town in Germany. The only street in the town leads past pretty facades to the water. This walk through the town is wonderfully relaxing, but also ends quickly, leaving all the more time to explore the pretty, gently undulating landscape around the small town.

Ratzeburg: water sports and old buildings

Once the residence of the Dukes of Saxe-Lauenburg, the small town has now become a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts. No wonder, as the cathedral city, whose historic center is located on an island, is surrounded by four lakes and lies in the middle of the Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park. Culture enthusiasts will also get their money’s worth; the cathedral is the oldest of its kind in northern Germany and is considered the town’s most important sight.