Tourismus-Agentur Schleswig-Holstein GmbH

Schleswig-Holstein's regions offer diversity for nature and activity holidays

Welcome to the rugged North Sea

The endless expanse, a seemingly endless horizon and the daily spectacle of the tides - these are the characteristics of the Wadden Sea UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is much to discover in the National Park: Islands, Halligen, beaches, dikes and a special biodiversity. The North Sea air has a special healing effect and promotes health.

Welcome to the Baltic Sea and Holstein Switzerland

More than 80 beaches lie along the Baltic Sea coast of Schleswig-Holstein: idyllic harbour towns, steep coasts and the green hinterland offer many opportunities for bathing, but also nature and activity holidays. Schleswig-Holstein's only Baltic Sea island, Fehmarn, attracts visitors with around 2,000 hours of sunshine a year - making it one of the sunniest in Germany.

Welcome to the region between the coasts

Between the Elbe and the Baltic Sea is the Duchy of Lauenburg and Stormarn with its forests, over 40 lakes and typical Knick landscapes. Farm cafés and shops characterise the cultivated, rural surroundings. The Old Salt Road tells the story of a historic trade route.

The absolute insider's tip in Schleswig-Holstein is the beauty of the inland (www.sh-tourismus.de/binnenland) with kink and moor landscapes as well as hiking, pilgrimage and cycling trails. Here you can experience pure nature, away from big cities and the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Health and activity holidays

The invigorating climate of the coast is ideal for healing treatments: modern, lively spas offer special treatments for your well-being in their health and therapy centres: from treatments with natural remedies to high-tech medicine, especially from the areas of wellness, thalasso and fit & active. The healing power of the sea (Greek: thalassa) was already used by the Greeks!

Active on land and water

Active holidaymakers will find ideal conditions for their favourite sport in Schleswig-Holstein: inland, romantic lakes nestled in a gently rolling landscape are enchanting. Cycling and hiking trails offer countless opportunities to explore nature on foot and by bike, and to switch off from everyday life. In the Duchy of Lauenburg and Stormarn, extensive forests, more than 40 lakes and typical Knick landscapes entice you to take extensive active tours in nature.

Golf with a sea view

From blossoming rape in the midst of an enchanting lake landscape to direct views over the North Sea and Baltic Sea - golfing in the holiday region between the seas is a pure nature experience! There are more than 60 golf courses where you can practise your handicap.

Water sports

Around 300 marinas on the North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts, as well as rivers and lakes, are a paradise for water sports enthusiasts: whether sailors, surfers, divers or canoeists, everyone will find a suitable spot here.

Experience the Wadden Sea

In June 2009, UNESCO declared the Wadden Sea of the Netherlands and Germany a World Heritage Site. In Schleswig-Holstein, guests can experience this unique natural spectacle on mudflat walks through the mudflats or on excursions to islands and Halligen.

Cities

The towns up here have everything you could want and maybe even a bit more. They come with a view of the sea, a view of the lake, a view of the river, a view of the port, a view of the silt, a view of the folding bridge and when it’s foggy, sometimes no view at all. Great, in other words, for a short break with lots of variety. Experience lively culture, on small stages with exciting artists, or tangible history in unique museums. Discover shops off the beaten track on a stroll through old cobbled streets. Idyllically beautiful, at any time of year. Schleswig-Holstein can deliver much more than just flat expanses of countryside.

Find out more about our cities

Culture

Cultural landscapes shaped by the sea, historic old towns, museums and churches, castles, manor houses and parks, as well as numerous high-quality festival and concert series – Schleswig-Holstein offers diverse opportunities for cultural discovery trips.

Get more cultural tipps on our website.

UNESCO World Heritage Site Lübeck

Lübeck's city ensemble is considered one of the most important testimonies to brick Gothic architecture: the medieval layout with its street network, street structure, quarter and plot structure has remained almost unchanged - which is why the Old Town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. In addition, the Hanseatic city is famous for the Holsten Gate, the Buddenbrook House - and Lübeck marzipan from Niederegger.

The "Biikebrennen"

In 2014 it was added to the list of national cultural assets: the "Biikebrennen". Every year on 21 February, the North Frisians gather for a big bonfire to drive away the evil winter spirits. It was once a traditional ritual to bid farewell to the whalers before they set sail the next day. Today, locals and guests alike enjoy the warmth of the huge fires and the company of punch and music.

Schleswig-Holstein and the vikings

Situated at the end of the Baltic Sea fjord Schlei, the city of Schleswig has been one of the North’s most important trading places since Viking times. In the museum of the Viking Settlement Haithabu, you can immerse yourself for several hours in the world of the Norsemen, who engaged in crafts and trade here 1,000 years ago. Since 2018 the The Dannevirke fortifications and Hedeby, the Viking settlement, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Music Land Schleswig-Holstein

Whether Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival, JazzBaltica or rarities of piano music - Schleswig-Holstein is music country through and through. From "summer concerts" in churches to the "Brahms Weeks" in Germany's northernmost music museum, from festivals to chamber concerts, the spectrum of musical events ranges.

Sustainability in Schleswig-Holstein

Schleswig-Holstein is characterised by the UNESCO Wadden Sea World Heritage Site and numerous nature parks and protected areas. As popular tourist attractions, these are treated and marketed with great care and commitment. Throughout the state, there are already many successful projects related to sustainability. Some examples: The association FEINHEIMISCH - Genuss aus Schleswig-Holstein e. V., which has been committed to regionalism and resource conservation for years. A particularly sustainable region is the Schlei-Ostsee-Region - the first certified "sustainable destination" in Schleswig-Holstein (since 2018 according to TourCert). The Dithmarschen region has been certified as a sustainable travel destination since 2022, and also has the city of Lübeck since 2023. The DMO of Schleswig-Holstein (TA.SH) is TourCert certified since 2024. As part of the sustainability initiative FÖHRgreen, Föhr Tourismus GmbH is implementing numerous projects on the island to ensure that both the tourist destination and the living space meet the latest sustainability criteria.

In the spirit of an inclusive society, every person, whether with or without disabilities or mobility and activity limitations, should be given the opportunity to participate fully and equally in social life. This also applies to travel.

A wide range of holiday offers are available to travellers in the country between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, which people with disabilities can also discover and experience. In order to help you prepare your trip or excursion, Schleswig-Holstein has joined the "Travel for All" labelling system.

The hyphenated name of Germany’s northernmost region, Schleswig-Holstein, might well represent a geographic and historical link between the Scandinavian and the German cultures. That uniqueness makes Schleswig-Holstein an international destination and yet still sufficiently out of the spotlight to offer the privacy many companies and meeting planners wish for their meetings, events and incentive trips. Head to Schleswig-Holstein and discover her charm!

The Schleswig-Holstein Convention Bureau and its partners will come along. Let us show you how Schleswig-Holstein combines the comfort of small uncrowded cities like Kiel, Lübeck, Flensburg or Neumünster with the most varied and picturesque seaside and coastal landscapes, full of seafaring tradition, like Husum or Sylt. Looking for an ideal place to host your next event? Let Schleswig-Holstein surprise you!