Flensburg

Flensburg is a harbor town in northern Schleswig-Holstein, near the Danish border, extending along the western shore of Flensburg Fjord. Cobblestone lanes climb from the water up to gabled brick houses, while sailing boats and excursion vessels rest in the harbor.

The town grew from the Middle Ages through trade and shipping, with the harbor becoming a hub for rum and goods from the Caribbean in the 1700s. After the Second Schleswig War in 1864 it remained German, though its Danish character has stayed visible ever since.

The city carries its Danish past in daily life: shops, schools and associations display bilingual names, and you often hear Danish spoken alongside German in the streets. Many residents have ties to both sides of the border, which runs just a few kilometers away.

The center is easy to explore on foot, as most sights and shops lie close together. In summer a walk along the fjord is rewarding, when outdoor terraces and beach sections come to life.

A red-and-white gabled warehouse by the harbor recalls the time when barrels of rum were stored here before being transported further inland. The building with its slanted facade once served as a storage hall and is now a popular photo subject.

Location: Schleswig-Holstein

Elevation above the sea: 12 m

Shares border with: Schleswig-Flensburg

Website: http://stadtgeschichte-flensburg.de

GPS coordinates: 54.78194,9.43667

Latest update: December 12, 2025 19:58