Schleswig-Holstein
Art, History & Archaeology Sites & Museums
This page, part of our Germany Travel Guide, provides details of the art, archaeology and history sites, museums and related attractions to visit in the state of Schleswig-Holstein. Readers wishing to visit these places will find visitor information, links to official websites as well as other helpful resources. Those who have an account (free of charge) can create their own travel lists and itineraries. To benefit fully from this website’s travel planning features, see the User’s Guide. The information on this page has been put together by various members of the Archaeology Travel team, based on both personal visits and research. The page was last checked and/or updated on 25 October 2023.
Create Your Schleswig-Holstein Itinerary & Travel Lists
If you are planning a trip to Schleswig-Holstein, and other regions in Germany, you can use our Itinerary Builder with the list of sites and museums below to create your own travel lists (such as places you have been to, places you would like to visit) and itineraries. These can be shared with your friends, privately and on social media. To make use of this feature, however, you will need to login or register as a new user. Registering to use these features is free of charge. Once registered and logged in, you can use the lists below to select sites and museums you would like to add to your itinerary and/or travel lists. Please Note: the lists below only include sites and museums in the German state of Schleswig-Holstein, go to the German Travel Guide to find places to visit in the other states.
Historical Towns & Cities in Schleswig-Holstein
Friedrichstadt
Friedrichstadt was founded in 1621 by Frederick III, Duke of Holstein-Gottorp in an attempt to set up a trading port between Spain and the East Indies via routes though Russia. He offered religious and cultural freedom to Dutch groups facing religious persecution in their homeland. The Dutch presence in the 17th and 18th century accounts for the characteristic Dutch architecture. The Dutch soon returned to the Netherlands, and the town never quite achieved the status hoped for. Today it is a popular summer attraction.
Hanseatic City of Lübeck
As the ‘Queen of the Hanseatic League’, Lübeck was the most powerful member city of the Hansa medieval trade network. Despite suffering considerable damage during WW2, the old city has retained much of its historic character. Winding streets, many still lined with 15th and 16th century residences of wealthy merchants, original salt storehouses from which these traders made their fortunes, the Holstentor city gate, the seven spires of Lübeck are just some of the must-see attractions. The historic quarter of Lübeck was added to the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites in 1987.
Archaeology & History Sites in Schleswig-Holstein
Arnkiel-Park
About 8 km south of Flensburg is Arnkiel archaeological park, a two-hectare space with six funerary monuments. Including one large, 70 m long reconstructed ‘Hünenbett’, or ‘long bed’ burial chamber. The megalithic structures at Arnkiel-Park date to the Neolithic period between 4200 – 1700 BC. An onsite information centre provides extensive information in different languages about the archaeology of the site and the area.
Castle outside Husum
Construction on Schloss Vor Husum began in 1577 on the site of a Franciscan monastery. It was built for Adolf I, the first Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorf. At this time the castle was situated just beyond the town gate, hence its name. Just as this part of Schleswig-Holstein has changed hands between the Germans and the Danes, so too the castle has changed its role, from a ducal house to a royal residence for the Danish royal family. In May the park that surrounds the castle is a popular local attraction for the crocus blooms.
Memorial to the Victims of Langenberger Forest Labour Camp
At the entrance to Langenberger Forest just outside of Leck is a large rock, with the inscription: “Human dignity is inviolable. In memory of the victims of forced labour in the Langenberger Forest Camp 1943 – 1945.” It was laid on 8 May 2002. The memorial is set between a two of a number of ditches, which were dug by inmates held at the nearby prisoner of war camp. These trenches were anti-tank ditches, thought to have been dug sometime in the first half of 1944 in anticipation of a land attack by the Allies. Nothing remains of the prisoner of war camp today.
Oldenburg Slavic Burg
In the middle of the town of Oldenburg in Holstein stands a typical Slavic burg – fort or castle. The first phase of this structure was built towards the end of the 7th century AD, making this the oldest Slavic castle in Germany. And one of the most important archaeological sites in Schleswig-Holstein. Even in the 11th century it was known as the ‘old castle’, hence the origins of the name of the town. Excavations in the 1970s and the 1980s revealed the site was a princely court in the 9th and 10th centuries, with an episcopal church and pagan sanctuary.
Museums & Art Galleries in Schleswig-Holstein
Frisian Museum, Niebüll
A two-hundred year old long house, that was until 1929 a functioning agricultural residence, is the setting for a local history museum with an impressive exhibition of ethnographic artefacts. The collection has its origins when in 1864 Friedrich August Feddersen, a local pastor, began collecting objects of local Frisian life and culture. Today these objects are displayed in various living spaces and stables of the 23-metre longhouse to give an idea of Frisian daily life, from an extensive set of kitchen appliances to the tools that were used in roofing.
Haithabu Viking Settlement
Within the semi-circular 10th century rampart, and not far from the Wikinger Museum Haithabu, is a reconstructed Viking village. The reconstructions, including its location, is based on the results of archaeological excavations of the Viking commercial port. Visitors are free to wonder around the various buildings. Regular Viking-themed events are held at the site, at which time period foods and crafts are on sale. An entry ticket to the museum includes entry to the reconstructed village.
Oldenburger Wall Museum
Not far from the site of the site of the Oldenburg Slavic Castle is the Oldenburg Wall Museum. Here visitors can explore around 20 reconstructed buildings, among them domestic dwellings and a pre-Christian religious building. The reconstructions are based on archaeological finds in the area. Exhibitions present the early medieval history of Oldenburg as a centre of trade, politics and religion in Ostholstein 1,000 years ago. During the summer season, costumed re-enactors are on hand to show visitors what life was like for the Slavic people of these times.
Ostfelder Farmhouse, Husum
Founded in 1899, the Ostenfelder Bauernhaus is Germany’s oldest open-air museum. The house, built sometime before 1600 in Lower Saxony, was rescued from being taken to Denmark by a local teacher, and re-constructed in his home town of Husum in 1899. The museum gives visitors an idea of what everyday farming life and work was like in former times. The house is from a time when animals and people shared the same building. The furniture is typical of farmhouses in the 18th and 19th centuries, as are the household items and farm tools.
Roter Hahn Historical Experience
At the Roter Hahn Historical Experience in Lübeck-Kücknitz, Schleswig-Holstein, visitors are taken back to the Middle Ages. The attraction opened in 1999 and since that time has focused on educational activities, particularly for children. The site includes reconstructions of various 10th century buildings, including a pit-house, log-house, and longhouse, accompanied by a reconstructed 12th century chapel which is designed to be the centrepiece of a monastic complex. There is also livestock at the centre.
Wikinger Museum Haithabu – Hedeby Viking Museum
On the banks of a navigable inlet, the Schlei, and near the Medieval town of Hedeby (Haithabu or Haddeby) this museum focusses on the Viking history of the region. Following a major refurbishment in 2010, the museum now presents over one hundred years of archaeological research on the Vikings. From the museum reconstructions of thatched roof Viking Age houses can be seen, and visited. During the summer months, the museum hosts demonstrations of crafts and skills. Entry to the museum includes entry to the reconstructed Viking village nearby.