Flensburg

Introduction

You will find Flensburg situated in the German state of Schleswig-Holstein. Located just a short distance from the Danish border, the town offers a location defined by its proximity to neighboring regions.

Before you go

Prepare for a trilingual atmosphere where Danish and German influences blend seamlessly due to the city's proximity to the border. You will find that government offices and museums provide information in German, Danish, and often English. While Low German is a traditional local tongue, it is currently being preserved through active community efforts.

Because of its location across the fjord from Denmark, you will notice a cross-border flow of people; Danes frequently visit to purchase goods that are less available or more expensive in their own country, while locals often cross into neighboring areas for sightseeing and shopping. You can find assistance at the tourist information centre located within the old town centre.

Getting there

You can reach the city via several transport methods, depending on your starting point. If you travel by train or bus from Hamburg or Denmark, you can arrive at Flensburg station or the Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof Flensburg (ZOB). While the historic main station is located further from many points of interest, the ZOB—situated on the site of that former station—provides closer access to local sights. For those arriving by car, the city sits along a major route connecting Nordic countries and Central Europe, positioned near the border of Germany and Denmark and adjacent to motorways leading toward Hamburg and Kolding.

Air travel options include flying into nearby airports in either Germany or Denmark. From the airport in Hamburg, you can take a train directly to Flensburg. If you fly into Sønderborg, you can catch a taxi to the rail station followed by a train connection. Additionally, you may arrive by boat at the local harbor, which accommodates private vessels and occasional cruises while featuring a museum harbor exhibit.

Getting around

You will find that walking is the best way for you to navigate and explore the city centre.

Where to stay

You can choose from a variety of accommodations depending on your preferred atmosphere and location. For those seeking an experience outside the city center, you can find budget-friendly options in the Mürwik area where the staff is known for being kind and helpful.

Hotel am Wasserturm
Hotel Seewarte
Hostel Flensburg
Jugendherberge Flensburg
Hotel Alte Post

Food & drink

Explore a variety of culinary styles within the city centre to suit your appetite. You can enjoy traditional German cuisine with vegetarian options at Strandgut, grab a quick bite at dönerWERK Flensburg Galerie, or visit China Bai for Chinese dishes. For those seeking Italian flavors, Pizzateca da Tonis offers authentic options, while Burrito provides a different flair nearby.

For a more relaxed dining experience, you can choose from several mid-range establishments:

Dionysos serves Greek cuisine on the first floor of a local hotel.
Goldene Lilie features a Chinese buffet and an extensive menu.
Restaurant Galerie provides a selection of pizza and pasta in a garden setting.

If you are looking for something sweet, visit Marien-Café, or indulge in a high-end dining experience at Piet Henningsen.

What to see and do

Explore the historic charm of the city by wandering through a shopping district characterized by old houses and gardens. You can experience the maritime atmosphere of the harbour, which serves as a hub for sailing regattas and events. For those interested in local history and art, visit the "Museum mountain" to see various collections, including a science museum and a shipping museum that features an exhibit on rum. Other nearby sites include the Robbe & Berking Yachting Heritage Centre, the Eiszeit-Haus for geological samples, and the interactive Phänomenta science museum.

The waterfront offers several ways to engage with the local culture:

Take a tour on one of the ferries, including the Alexandra, which is the oldest passenger steam boat still in use in Germany.
Visit the Museumswerft directly on the harbour to see and build old ships and boats.
View various churches, such as the Lutheran St. Nikolai or the Danish Helligåndskirken, and see the iconic Lutheran Church St. Jürgen from the eastern shore of the harbour.
Experience local performing arts at the Nedderdütsche Bühn, Theaterwerkstatt Pilkentafel, or Det lille Teater Flensborg.

You can also admire significant architecture like the 15th-century Nikolai-Apotheke, the castle-like Naval Academy Mürwik, and the white Glücksburg Castle located just outside the city.

Three days in Flensburg

Day one, you can begin your stay in the heart of Flensburg. You can explore the local area and experience the atmosphere of this region located near the Danish border.

Day two, you can visit the nearby areas of Schleswig-Holstein or travel toward the Danish side to see Kolding or Sønderborg. You can also take in the sights of Mürwik.

Day three, you can enjoy a variety of cuisines including Chinese at China Bai or Italian dishes before heading toward the ZOB for your onward journey.

Flensburg travel guide