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Schleswig-Holstein
Art, History & Archaeology Sites & Museums

Schleswig-Holstein is Germany’s most northern state, extending into the Jutland peninsular, with the North Sea to the west and the Baltic Sea to the east. The western coastline of this state is part of the largest unbroken ecosystem of intertidal mudflats anywhere in the world – this is the Wadden Sea. With such a strong maritime connection. the region has a fascinating and rich maritime heritage. The UNESCO listed Hanseatic City of Lübeck was the Queen City of the Hanseatic League. While in North Frisia the centuries long attempts by the various communities on both  the mainland and the many halligen (islands) to reclaim the sea is evident in a characteristic way of life still today. Another way of life has been reconstructed at the archaeological site of Hedeby, another UNESCO  listed site. Until the 11th century this part of Germany was controlled by the Vikings. From their trading port near the present day town of Schleswig, Vikings exercised great power and influence over northern Europe.

Historical Towns & Cities in Schleswig-Holstein

Friedrichstadt

Friedrichstadt was founded in 1621 by Frederick III, Duke of Holstein-Gottorp in an attempt to set up a trading port between Spain and the East Indies via routes though Russia. He offered religious and cultural freedom to Dutch groups facing religious persecution in their homeland. The Dutch presence in the 17th and 18th century accounts for the characteristic Dutch architecture. The Dutch soon returned to the Netherlands, and the town never quite achieved the status hoped for. Today it is a popular summer attraction.

Hanseatic City of Lübeck

As the ‘Queen of the Hanseatic League’, Lübeck was the most powerful member city of the Hansa Medieval trade network. Despite suffering considerable damage during World War Two, the old city has retained much of its Medieval character. In 1987 historic quarter of Lübeck was added to the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites. Winding streets many still lined with the 15th and 16th centuries residences of wealthy merchants, the original salt storehouses from which many of these traders made their fortunes, the impressive Holstentor city gate, the seven spires of Lübeck are just some of the must-see historical attractions.

Archaeology & History Sites in Schleswig-Holstein

A memorial stone in Langenberger Forest commemorating the victims of the forced labour camp.

Memorial to the Victims of Langenberger Forest Labour Camp

At the entrance to Langenberger Forest just outside of Leck is a large rock, with the inscription: “Human dignity is inviolable. In memory of the victims of forced labour in the Langenberger Forest Camp 1943 – 1945.” It was laid on 8 May 2002.  The memorial is set between a two of a number of ditches, which were dug by inmates held at the nearby prisoner of war camp. These trenches were anti-tank ditches, thought to have been dug sometime in the first half of 1944 in anticipation of a land attack by the Allies. Nothing remains of the prisoner of war camp today.

Castle outside Husum

Construction on Schloss Vor Husum began in 1577 on the site of a Franciscan monastery. It was built for Adolf I, the first Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorf. At this time the castle was situated just beyond the town gate, hence its name. Just as this part of Schleswig-Holstein has changed hands between the Germans and the Danes, so too the castle has changed its role, from a ducal house to a royal residence for the Danish royal family. In May the park that surrounds the castle is a popular local attraction for the crocus blooms.

Museums & Art Galleries in Schleswig-Holstein

Ostfelder Farmhouse, Husum

Founded in 1899, the Ostenfelder Bauernhaus is Germany’s oldest open-air museum. The house, built sometime before 1600 in Lower Saxony, was rescued from being taken to Denmark by a local teacher, and re-constructed in his home town of Husum in 1899. The museum gives visitors an idea of what everyday farming life and work was like in former times. The house is from a time when animals and people shared the same building. The furniture is typical of farmhouses in the 18th and 19th centuries, as are the household items and farm tools.

Frisian Museum, Niebüll

A two-hundred year old long house, that was until 1929 a functioning agricultural residence, is the setting for a local history museum with an impressive exhibition of ethnographic artefacts. The collection has its origins when in 1864 Friedrich August Feddersen, a local pastor, began collecting objects of local Frisian life and culture. Today these objects are displayed in various living spaces and stables of the 23-metre longhouse to give an idea of Frisian daily life, from an extensive set of kitchen appliances to the tools that were used in roofing.