Exploring Schleswig-Holstein, Germany

Ostsee

Flensburg to Maasholm (70 km)

1. Flensburg 

a. Schiffartsmuseum (Ship Museum)

b. Flensburg Brauerei (brewery and restaurant)

c. St Nikolai Kirche and nearby Rotestrasse for botique shopping

d. St Petri Dom

e. Schloss Gluecksburg - Schlossallee. 

f. Fussganger zone

g. Johannistrepper (scenic view)

h. Koenigswiesen Stadtpark

i. Holm

2. Der Schlei fjord

• Lotseninsel Naturschutzgebiet - Lotsen peninsula nature preserve on the mouth of the Schlei. Near Maasholm. Starting point for sailors and water sportsmen.
• Port Schleimuende. Mouth of the Schlei on the north side. Has Leuchtturm Schleimuende (lighthouse). Apparently the Giftbude restaurant is closed and little else to do.
• Kappeln
• Schaufelraddampfer Schlei-princess. Fake paddle wheel but good views of coastline; travels the length of the inlet. 42 km up to Schleswig. Good service.
• Cross the drawbridge.
• Arnis - smallest city in Germany. 300 residents. North side. Founded in 17th cent. Fachwerkkirche (half-timbered church fm 1669). Ship models inside. Take the ferry.
• Siseby - first documented 1267. South side. Gasthof Siseby to dine. Significant detour if Lindaunis bridge not open due to construction.
• Lindaunis. Drawbridge. On-going construction so may not be open to cross for pedestrians. Must check.
• Lindauhof. "Landartzhaus" (Country Doctor) - setting for ZDF tv show that ran 26 years. 
• Missaunde. Take the ferry.

3. Schleswig. 

• 800 A.D. Viking trade settlement aka Holm
• Schloss Gotthauf (1530 a.d.). Globus Planetarium. Gartens. 
• Luisenbad - coffee, view of fjord
• St Petri Dom (c 1130) and cemetary (in Holm)
• Fischersiedlung Holm und Schleimoewe Fisch-Restaurant for the "Scholle" (Plaice - a flatfish)
• Haithabu - viking settlement museum (760 a.d.) Freilicht Museum (7 houses)

4. Eckernfoerde. 

• Ostsee Info-Center
• 3-km beach.

Schlei Muende to Schleswig (50 km)

Kiel Canal

Kiel Canal: Kiel to Brunsbuettel (100 km )

1. Kiel

• Maritime Museum: Explore Kiel's maritime history through model ships and nautical instruments displayed in a former fish market.
• U-Boot U-995: Tour the German submarine U-995, which is a preserved World War II U-boat.
• Aquarium GEOMAR: Discover the marine life of the Baltic Sea at this aquarium.
• Kiel Fjord: Walk along the Kiel Fjord or visit the Kiel Cruise Center.
• St. Nikolai Church: See the rebuilt medieval St. Nikolai Church in Kiel's old town.

2. Rendsburg

• Landmarks and architecture:
• Rendsburg High Bridge: A railway viaduct and transporter bridge that crosses the Kiel Canal.
• Rendsburg Transporter Bridge (Schwebefähre): A historic transporter bridge.
• Museums and culture
• Jüdisches Museum (Jewish Museum): Features exhibits on Jewish life, religion, and culture.
• Museen im Kulturzentrum: Museums located within the cultural center.
• Stadttheater: Rendsburg's city theater.
• Parks and outdoors
• Stadtpark: The city park provides a green space for relaxation.
• Rendsburger Fußgäengertunnel: A pedestrian tunnel.
• Kiel Canal: Rendsburg is situated on the Kiel Canal, so you can watch large ships pass by.
• ShoppingPedestrian zone: Explore the shopping area between Schiffbrückenplatz and Stegen for boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.

3. Brunsbuettel

• Maritime and industrial sights
• Schleusenanlage Brunsbuettel: A major industrial sight with piers and boardwalks to view the large ships passing through.
• Nord Ostseekanal (Kiel Canal): A key waterway where you can watch ships navigate between the North and Baltic Seas. The locks are a must-see.
• Kanalmuseum ATRIUM: A museum dedicated to the history of the Kiel Canal.
• Cultural and historical sites
• Churches: Several churches are worth visiting, including Paulus-Kirche and Jakobuskirche.
• Elbeforum Brunsbüttel: A theater that hosts a variety of shows.
• Dampfkornbranntwein Brennereimuseum: A museum focusing on the history of the local distillery and spirit production.
• Druckereimuseum: A museum dedicated to printing.
• Other attractions- Shopping and dining: 
• Find specialty shops at Haya Markt
• Enjoy food and drink at places like Gitta's Erlebnisgastronomie.
• Parks and recreation: Visit Bero's Kinderwelt for a park.  

Hamburg

A Month of Winter Magic at Heiligengeistfeld

Visit the DOM website.

From 7 November to 7 December 2025, the Heiligengeistfeld transforms into a glittering winter wonderland as the 695th Winter DOM opens its gates. Northern Germany’s largest funfair invites visitors to enjoy fast rides, cosy lights, festive flavours and shared moments of joy. Whether you’re coming for a family outing, a romantic evening or pure adrenaline, the Winter DOM offers something for everyone.

Thrills, Delights and New Attractions

Strolling down the lively DOM mile, visitors will discover around 230 attractions and the unmistakable festive atmosphere that makes this fair such a beloved Hamburg tradition. This year brings two world premieres, one DOM debut, beloved comebacks and a host of culinary highlights. On the programme are special events such as the spooky Parade of Ghosts, the Lantern Procession, and the ever-popular St Nicholas celebration for children.

Diablos Residenz (World Premiere)

One of Europe’s longest mobile ghost trains makes its debut in Hamburg! Spread across three floors with a 33-metre-long façade and elaborate 3D design, it’s a visual spectacle even from the outside. Inside, visitors ride in three-seater cars through eerie corridors filled with over 35 special effects and giant animatronics, including the terrifying Diablo himself. By day, the attraction offers a family-friendly thrill, while in the evening, live actors turn it into a spine-chilling horror experience.

Tiki Taki XXL (World Premiere)

This mega swing offers a breathtaking experience for true thrill-seekers. Set in a tropical island world, twenty daring riders soar skyward at up to 130 km/h and experience forces of up to 4 G at a swinging angle of 120 degrees. With gondolas arranged in a square so that all riders face each other, every scream, laugh and moment of excitement is shared — a unique high-energy adventure and the only attraction of its kind in northern Germany.

Anubis (DOM Debut)

Standing 55 metres high, this giant propeller ride offers a sensation somewhere between weightlessness and rocket launch. Dedicated to the Egyptian god Anubis, it combines striking design with extreme performance. Reaching speeds of up to 120 km/h and generating 0 – 4 G, the ride delivers loops, spins and an extraordinary aerial view across Hamburg before plunging back down at full speed.
Classic Favourites and Comebacks

Alongside the new rides, many DOM icons return for 2025. Visitors can look forward to the Ghost Rider, High Impress, Mike’s Pitstop, Infinity, Mach 1, the Wilde Maus, and the ever-popular ferris wheel with its sweeping city views. For younger guests, fun houses like Fuzzy’s Laugh Saloon and Happy Family, as well as carousels and mirror mazes, provide hours of family entertainment.

And of course, the air will once again be filled with the irresistible scent of Schmalzkuchen, roasted almonds, crêpes, chocolate-coated fruit and countless other sweet and savoury treats. Whether you prefer to grab a snack between rides or relax in one of the fairground restaurants, there’s no shortage of indulgent options.
Events and Highlights

Family Day

Every Wednesday
Many rides and food stalls offer reduced prices

Bummel the Bear (DOM mascot)

Wednesdays: 4 – 6 p.m.
Location: Near the ferris wheel
Note: If it rains, Bummel prefers to stay in his cosy bear cave

Fireworks

On three Fridays during the Winter DOM
Start time: 10:30 p.m.
First display: Opening night on 7 November

Regular Hours

Monday to Thursday: 3:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Friday and Saturday: 3:00 pm – 12:00 am
Sunday: 2:00 pm – 11:00 pm