Source: Die Wappen von Schleswig-Holstein.
Schleswig (region) coat of arms
Description: The Schleswig coat of arms features a blue shield divided vertically. The right side shows the older version of the Schleswig coat of arms used until 1935. The text explains that the colors of the coat of arms changed over the centuries. In 1935, the design of the oldest city seal from 1299 was adopted. The colors gold and blue, representing the former Duchy of Schleswig, were primarily used.
Symbolism: The ducal hat (or crown) and the bishop’s palace refer to the city’s history. The waves at the bottom of the shield represent the Schlei (a narrow inlet of the Baltic Sea).
Historical Context: Schleswig was an important trading center in the early Middle Ages and later became the center of power for the Dukes of Jutland. It was also a residence for the Dukes of Gottorf from the 16th century onwards. Schleswig was the administrative center of the Prussian province of Schleswig-Holstein from 1867 to 1945 and has been the seat of a bishopric since 934 AD.
Schleswig: A City and Region Steeped in History
Schleswig, a city nestled on the banks of the Schlei fjord in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, boasts a rich and complex history intertwined with both Danish and German influences.
Early History: From Hedeby to the Danevirke
The roots of Schleswig can be traced back to the Viking Age and the important trading settlement of Hedeby (Haithabu), established in the 8th century. Strategically located at the narrowest point of the Jutland peninsula, Hedeby flourished as a vital hub connecting Scandinavia with the Frankish Empire and beyond. Its bustling harbor facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures, making it one of the most significant Viking Age settlements in Scandinavia. However, Hedeby was eventually destroyed in the 11th century, marking the end of its prominence.
The region’s strategic importance continued with the construction of the Danevirke, a series of defensive walls built across the neck of the Cimbrian Peninsula starting in the Viking Age and expanded over centuries. These fortifications served as a crucial buffer zone between the Kingdom of Denmark and the Frankish/Germanic realms to the south. The Danevirke witnessed numerous battles and sieges over the centuries, symbolizing the ongoing tensions and power struggles in the region.
The Rise of Schleswig and the Gottorf Dukes
Following the decline of Hedeby, the settlement of Schleswig gradually rose in prominence. Its location on the Schlei, coupled with its proximity to the Danevirke, made it a natural successor to Hedeby as a regional center. In the medieval period, Schleswig became the seat of a bishopric and a vital political center.
A significant turning point in Schleswig’s history came with the rise of the House of Gottorf. In the 16th century, the dukes of Gottorf, a branch of the Danish royal family, established themselves as rulers of the Duchy of Schleswig. Their court at Gottorf Castle, located near Schleswig, became a center of culture and power. The Gottorf dukes played a complex role, sometimes acting as vassals of the Danish crown, and at other times seeking greater autonomy, leading to ongoing conflicts and shifting allegiances.
Schleswig under the Danish Crown and Beyond
For centuries, the Duchy of Schleswig remained a contested territory, caught between the competing interests of Denmark and the Holy Roman Empire (later Germany). The region experienced periods of Danish rule, interspersed with periods of German influence. The complex interplay of these forces shaped the region’s cultural and linguistic landscape.
The 19th century witnessed growing nationalist movements in both Denmark and Germany, leading to renewed conflicts over Schleswig-Holstein. Following the Second Schleswig War in 1864, Schleswig was annexed by Prussia, later becoming part of the German Empire. The border between Denmark and Germany was finally redrawn after World War I, with a portion of Schleswig returning to Danish rule following a plebiscite.
The Danish monarchy approximately 1830. Source: Danmarks historie, volume 11, 1830-1870.
Contemporary Schleswig: Culture, Economy, and Tourism
Today, Schleswig is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends its rich history with modern life. Gottorf Castle, a magnificent baroque palace, stands as a testament to the region’s past and now houses the Schleswig-Holstein State Museums, showcasing art, culture, and history.
The local economy of Schleswig is diverse, with tourism, trade, and small and medium-sized enterprises playing significant roles. The city benefits from its location on the Schlei, attracting tourists with its scenic beauty and opportunities for water sports and recreation. The surrounding region (Kreis Schleswig-Flensburg) is characterized by rolling landscapes, agriculture, and a growing emphasis on renewable energy.
Schleswig remains a region where the echoes of history are palpable. From the Viking Age legacy of Hedeby to the imposing presence of the Danevirke and the grandeur of Gottorf Castle, the city and its surrounding region offer a fascinating glimpse into the complex tapestry of European history. Its unique position at the crossroads of Danish and German cultures has shaped its identity, making it a compelling destination for those seeking to explore the past and experience the vibrant present.
Top 3 – Schleswig-Flensburg
- Schleswig Cathedral (Dom St. Petri)
In the town of Schleswig, about 30 kilometers south of Flensburg, this Gothic brick cathedral looms over the Schlei fjord. Started in the 12th century, it’s got a towering spire—112 meters, the tallest in the state—and a backstory tied to bishops, wars, and Nordic saints. Inside, the Bordesholm Altar is the star: a 16th-century oak carving by Hans Brüggemann, packed with 400 tiny figures telling biblical tales with insane detail. Climb the tower if you’re game—the view stretches over the fjord and the old fishing village of Holm nearby. It’s a moody, majestic spot that feels like the region’s spiritual core. - Haithabu (Hedeby) Viking Settlement
Just outside Schleswig, this is one of Europe’s top Viking sites. Haithabu was a bustling trade hub from the 8th to 11th centuries, bridging Scandinavia, the Baltic, and the North Sea. Today, it’s an open-air museum with reconstructed longhouses, a jetty, and earthworks that hint at its old defenses. The museum itself has treasures like rune stones, a Viking ship replica, and tools that show how these folks lived and fought. You can walk the ramparts or sail the Schlei in summer—it’s raw history, not polished, and the quiet fields make it feel like the Vikings just stepped out. - Geltinger Birk
On the Baltic coast, northeast of Flensburg, this nature reserve is a wild escape. It’s a peninsula jutting into the Flensburg Fjord, with salt marshes, dunes, and meadows where wild horses and Highland cattle roam free. The birdlife’s unreal—think cranes, sea eagles, and waders—especially in spring and fall migrations. Trails loop through it, and you can hit the cliffs at Falshöft for a sea view that’s all wind and waves. It’s less about human history and more about nature doing its thing, a stark contrast to the region’s busier spots.
Bonus Tip – An Under the Radar Destination: Kappeln
Kappeln, on the Schlei fjord’s northern bank, flies under the radar compared to Schleswig’s historical heft. It’s a fishing town with a crooked bridge that swings open for boats—a quirky sight—and a herring museum that dives into its maritime past. The harbor’s lined with old warehouses turned cafes, and the Schlei’s calm waters reflect pastel houses. It’s got a slow pace, with locals biking along the waterfront and a windmill perched on the hill for a quick view. Summer’s the time to go, when the herring festival hits and the fjord sparkles.