Culture, nature and Vikings – cycling on the Baltic Sea fjord Schlei

The German town of Schleswig fascinates with its fantastic location, on the Baltic Sea fjord Schlei, and inspires with spellbinding museums and cultural monuments. Sailing, swimming and cycling go hand in hand with the town too. In this Collection, we introduce you to what is probably the most beautiful way to get to know the town and its surroundings: on five varied cycling Tours between 20 and 50 kilometres (12.5 - 31 mi) in length, you discover the sights, history and natural beauty of the area.

Schleswig itself is a genuine Viking town that was an important trading centre for the settlers. Haithabu was one of the largest Viking cities, as well as one of their most important coastal settlements. Today, there’s an exciting museum where this bustling settlement once was. The Gottorf Dukes, who ruled the area from 1544 until the beginning of the 18th century, also contributed to Schleswig becoming the cultural centre of northern Europe.

The Schlei Baltic Sea fjord is 42 kilometres (26 mi) long and has brackish water: seawater with a low salt content. Since October 2008, the region around the Schlei has been recognised as a Schlei Nature Park. Rather than steep banks, enchanting valleys or mountains, the fjord-like Schlei enchants with the flair of a natural river with its reeds, friendly little harbours and villages along its shore.

Each of the Tours have an exciting theme. On the Viking route, you follow in the footsteps of the Vikings in Haithabu and at the Danewerk border wall, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2018. It’s one of the largest archaeological monuments in Northern Europe and once protected the Danish Kingdom. The attraction of the church rotue (KirchTörn) is in its name, as you visit the most beautiful churches and romantic fishing villages around Schleswig.

On a hot day, the bathing lake route (BadenseeTörn) is just the thing for you. You pass two lakes, a lido, various bathing spots on the Schlei and the 30 kilometres (18.5 mi) are a breeze. On the history route (HisTourSüd) you can visit museums and learn more about the Vikings and the traces they left here.

Look forward to lots of variety, delicious fish sandwiches and the fresh air blowing in from the Baltic Sea – let's go on an unforgettable adventure in Schleswig!