Statue von Till Eulenspiegel

Music and literature

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.

The unique light and the vastness of the natural and cultural landscapes inspired painters such as Emil Nolde and Max Liebermann. Composers and writers found the leisure here to create world-class literature. Theodor Storm’s novella “Der Schimmelreiter” (The Rider on the White Horse) illustrates, like no other work, the life of the people on the North Sea coast in their struggle with the forces of nature – and still inspires its readers to this day.

Musical highlights

Musikfest auf Gut Hasselburg
© Axel Nickolaus

Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival

The Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival is one of the largest classical music festivals in Europe. A colourful programme mix of concerts and culinary delights stretches across the entire country during the summer months. The art of music is also celebrated in Hamburg, Lower Saxony and in the south of Denmark as part of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. Classical music is the main focus of the diverse performances on show, but other genres such as pop, jazz, theatre, electro, klezmer, comedy, readings and others can also be found in the programme. Well-known composers and musicians who normally perform in large concert halls demonstrate their talent in the most extraordinary venues the true north has to offer. Whether in a cowshed, a cosy church or on an impressive manor estate, the festive atmosphere delights visitors. Even for the very young, various music festivals and the children’s music workshop offer a fun and varied programme. Experience the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival and enjoy the wonderful sounds during a picnic, for example.

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Bühne beim Wacken Open Air
© ICS Festival Service GmbH

Wacken

Once a year, it’s that time again: When the sound of church bells and tractors in the district of Steinburg is drowned out by loud guitar riffs and celebratory bawling, the Wacken Open Air has started. Since 1990, one of the biggest metal festivals in the world has been celebrated here in the true north on an area spanning over 240 hectares. Around 85 000 people from all over the world take part in this spectacle and are thrilled by memorable concerts on more than eight stages. On the first weekend in August, friends of the heavy metal scene will be treated to all varieties of hard rock and metal. Many rock and metal legends, such as Ozzy Osbourne, Iron Maiden and Motörhead, have performed in the fantastic atmosphere of Nordic’s home of metal.

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Brahms Festival Lübeck

Since 1992, the Lübeck Academy of Music (Musikhochschule Lübeck) has dedicated an annual festival to the composer Johannes Brahms. Enjoy symphony and chamber music concerts, new music, club music and sound installations.

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Musikerinnen mit Instrumenten
© CC0

Nordic Personalities in Literature