Germany's 16 states: Schleswig-Holstein

White sandy beaches, redwhite lighthouses and a constant steady breeze shape the coasts of Schleswig-Holstein. The northern coastal state boasts two seas to explore: the North Sea and the Baltic Sea.

The northernmost of all German states calls itself the land between the seas. While the North Sea coast is only thinly settled, the state's three biggest cities, Flensburg, Kiel and Lübeck, lie on the Baltic Sea coast. A green, flat state, rich in protected nature reserves, extends between the North and Baltic Seas.

The Wadden Sea

The Wadden Sea of the North Sea is one of the largest ecosystems in Europe, a landscape in constant change, shaped by the tides. Since 2009, the Wadden Sea of the North Sea has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check-in presenter Nicole Frölich traveled through this fragile habitat, met mudflat dwellers and learned about the remoteness of a Hallig. The shooting took place before the coronavirus pandemic.

Where the vikings lived Haithabu and Danewerk are among the best preserved Viking sites in the world. In 2019 they were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Let's fly you there!

The Schlei and Flensburg Picturesque locations and a lot of nature at the Schlei estuary, a maritime atmosphere and flourishing rum trade in the old port of Flensburg —Checkin presenter Nicole Frölich went on a casual summer excursion to the far north of Germany.

Red cliffs in the ocean: Helgoland

50 kilometers (31 mi) off the German North Sea coast you will find the tiny archipelago of Heligoland. No cars, not even bicycles — no noise, just good air. A square kilometer of island bliss between sky and sea.

Sylt

Vacations on the North Sea between crashing luxury and Frisian coziness, wild surf and gentle Wadden Sea — on Sylt guests can relax wonderfully. As early as the middle of the 19th century, the first visitors came to the North Sea island for a swim; today there are almost one million guests annually. Timmendorf Beach

There's a whiff of Sylt on the Baltic Sea in Timmendorfer Strand, one of the most fashionable seaside resorts on the Baltic. Its three piers are very distinctive. At 150 meters, the Seeschlösschenbrücke is the longest and, with the Japanese tea house at its end, the most unusual.

Hanseatic City of Lübeck

600 years ago, Lübeck was one of the most important trading centers in northern Europe. Water, magnificent redbrick houses and churches are still part of the cityscape today. The city is world-famous for a

culinary specialty: marzipan.

Kiel, the state capital

Cruise ships can berth right in the middle of Kiel, and increasing numbers of tourists are using that mode of transport to visit this venerable seafaring city. Its closeness to the sea is constantly evident on land as well.

Specialty from SchleswigHolstein

Traveling gives you an appetite. A quick shrimp sandwich always helps. In the coastal towns, whether in Büsum, Husum or Tönning they are cult: shrimp sandwiches. You can find them in every fish store, in snack bars and yes, even at the bakery. We present a popular variation to prepare at home: Bread with shrimps and fried egg - known locally as the Halligbrot. Here is a recipe how to make it.

Your trip to Germany

Are you looking for recommendations for your visit to Germany? We've got them: Tips for Germany — state by state.