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State in Germany
Photo: User: (WT-shared) Ypsilonatshared at wts wikivoyage, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Schleswig-Holstein is the northernmost state of Germany. Situated between the North Sea to the west and the Baltic Sea to the east, it shares a northern border with Denmark and is bounded to the south by the states of Lower Saxony, Hamburg, and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. With an area of 15,763 km² and a population of approximately 2.95 million, the state is characterized by its maritime landscape, ranging from the flat marshes and mudflats of the North Sea coast to the hilly, wooded terrain of the "Holstein Switzerland" region in the east. It is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking the unique cultural heritage of the coastal towns and islands.
The coast and islands are some of the most popular destinations in Northern Germany. Head out into the Wadden Sea to explore a World Heritage Site stretching all the way into Denmark and the Netherlands.
The north of the region still retains some Danish flair even with some Viking sites still visible. Other highlights are Kiel with its maritime heritage and Holsteinische Schweiz with the most mountainous parts of this flat state.
Lübeck, once the headquarters of the Hanse, is the heart of this region which is overall a gateway to the Baltic Sea and Scandinavia.
Not just Hamburg's northern suburbs, this region includes some interesting places off the beaten path.
By boat
There are many boat services from Scandinavia. From the Danish Jutland you can get to Schleswig-Holstein by car.
By train
Westerland (on Sylt) and Lübeck have Intercity and occasional ICE stops.
By bus
The long-distance bus market opened around 2012/13 in Germany, and prices and routes are still changing.
By bike
As the landscape is mostly flat, riding a bicycle is an excellent way of getting around Schleswig-Holstein, especially for short to medium distances.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Sønderborg · Regional · SGD
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the state capital, a major seaport and the gateway to the Kiel Canal, the busiest artificial waterway in the world.
famous for its annual Karl May festival held in the scenery of a limestone quarry
the German city closest to Denmark, known for its maritime history and harbour flair
a tourist resort and gateway to the North Frisian Islands, famous for its tides and cultural heritage
a Hanseatic port city with a UNESCO-listed old town, famous for its brick Gothic architecture and marzipan
known for its rowing tradition on the surrounding lakes and its beautiful old town on an island
one of Germany's prime beach and windsurfing destinations on the North Sea
a city with deep historical roots dating back to the Viking Age and home to Schloss Gottorf, which houses the State Museums of Art and Cultural History, featuring the Nydam Boat and extensive archaeological collections
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