Located in the northern part of Schleswig-Holstein, the Schlei is not only the widest river in the state. It is one that is laden with history. The Schlei was an important waterway for the Vikings when they settled in the region in the 10th Century. Before the Eider Canal and even the present-day Baltic-North Sea Canal, it used to be an important waterway between the two seas. From the mouth of the Baltic Sea at Kappeln to its terminus in Schleswig, the Schlei stretches for 42 kilometers, presenting the tourist with hills and marshes, but also opportunities to go yachting or fishing. There are possibilities for cycling, but there are a lot of sight-seeing in the region, as each town along the river has its own culture and heritage, offering the tourist with an opportunity to enjoy the hospitality the residents give you, be it in Arnis, Fahrdorf or Maasholm.
A documentary on the region was produced by German public TV WDR two years ago. There, the moderator takes you on a nearly 90-minute tour through each and every single place along the river, providing the viewer with an opportunity to explore the region, try the local specialties and take a little bit of the Schlei with you. We are presenting this to you in full, to provide you with a chance to explore the region.
On October 20/21, 2023, the storm from the Baltic Sea and its record-setting high tide made its way all the way along the Schlei and into Schleswig. And with that, widespread damage to the areas along the river, with flooded houses and businesses, breached dikes, and boats tossed over or sunk. Residents have been cleaning up and finding ways to rebuild. And rightfully so, as the Schlei is one of the more popular places to go, regardless of which time of year.
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A video which shows the region before, during and after the Sturmflut can be found in detail here:
Link: Jahrhunderthochwasser 2023- a film by Birger Herzog
Fundraising efforts and projects to rebuild are ongoing for even this region. If you are interested in helping, click on the links below:
Helping Residents Affected by the Storm: Sturmflut: Donation Drives for Flensburg Fjord, Holnis and Kappeln
Go Fund Me has a series of fundraising drives underway as well. Much of them originate from another area hit by the storm, Schleswig and along the Schlei. A link is enclosed for you to click on to help:
Go Fund Me: https://www.gofundme.com/de-de/c/act/sturmflut-an-der-ostsee-wie-du-helfen-kannst#/
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We’re right behind you and will make sure you rebuild better and stronger. Together, we are Schleswig Holstein. ❤
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THE FLENSBURG FILES 