Ausstellungsstück der NordArt

Culture

Cultural landscapes shaped by the sea, historic old towns, museums and churches, castles, manor houses and parks, as well as numerous high-quality festival and concert series – Schleswig-Holstein offers diverse opportunities for cultural discovery trips.

As diverse as the region are its museums. They document the history of Schleswig-Holstein from the Neolithic Age, the Viking era and the Hanseatic age up to today, show technology and shipping history, and present the lives and works of major artists, writers and composers.

Festivals and concert series, such as the  Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival , offer high calibre artists and music at unusual venues – with a special feature: you also have the opportunity to get to know unknown facets of Schleswig-Holstein.

© sh-tourismus.de/MOCANOX

The unique light and the expanse of natural and cultural landscapes provided inspiration for painters such as Emil Nolde and Max Liebermann. Here, composers and writers have found the peace and quiet to create world-class literature: Günter Grass, Thomas Mann and Carl Maria von Weber. Theodor Storm’s novella “The Rider on the White Horse” describes, like no other work, the lives of people at the North Sea coast in their battle against the forces of nature – and delights readers to this day. As the Queen of the Hanseatic League, Lübeck is the culturally most important city in the region: Since 1987, the historic old town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover more about the region, the people and their traditions. Discover the cultural highlights of Schleswig-Holstein and explore our “Hidden Champions”: insider tips and gems. 

Cultural Highlights

Besucherinnen vor einer Informationstafel im Ditmarsium
© sh-tourismus.de/MOCANOX

Around 240 museums in Schleswig-Holstein tell stories of the land, its people and the sea. They present art and cultural history from the Stone Age until today, explain scientific phenomena and illustrate technical developments.

Holstentor Lübeck und der Salzspeicher
© LTM

UNESCO has been awarding the title of World Heritage Site to natural and cultural sites of exceptional importance and unique character since 1972. 51 of the 1,000+ World Heritage Sites worldwide are located in Germany. And three of them are in Germany’s true north!

Aerial view of Ahrensburg Castle
© sh-tourismus.de

Whether it’s a moated castle or a mansion – the majestic residences and estates are rich in historical treasures and artworks. Magnificent rooms with elegant curtains reveal the lives of counts, dukes and barons.

Statue von Till Eulenspiegel
© sh-tourismus.de

Whether it’s classical concerts in unique settings or headbanging to the best bands in the metal world – in Germany’s true north, there is something for all music lovers. In addition to musical highlights, exhibitions on well-known Nordic literary personalities offer interesting insights into their lives and works. Cultural diversity in Schleswig-Holstein that inspires.

Cultural highlights in the regions