Events
Whether it’s a major maritime event, a folk festival, or a cultural festival—in Schleswig-Holstein, events make every vacation and every weekend special. Are you wondering what kinds of festivals there are? Here you’ll find a selection of the best event highlights in the “Real North.” Discover even more dates, concerts, markets, and festivals in our event calendar featuring events in Schleswig-Holstein throughout the year.
In the fall and winter, the true North reveals its most atmospheric side. Look forward to culinary festivals, film and cultural events, sparkling coastal towns, and special Christmas markets in Schleswig-Holstein.
September through April
Trendsetting guest chefs from all over Europe prepare a variety of gourmet dishes in Schleswig-Holstein at various events. A visit to the SHGF is definitely worth it!
September
Once a year, Europe’s largest nature film festival takes place in Eckernförde on the Baltic Sea. The GREEN SCREEN Festival brings together international filmmakers and film enthusiasts to watch spectacular nature films.
September
The cabbage harvest in Europe’s largest contiguous cabbage-growing region is celebrated with the Dithmarschen Cabbage Days. The Cabbage Days feature plenty of entertainment, games, and fun. A classic North German fall festival!
September through October
At the Windsurfing World Cup on Sylt, competitions in the disciplines of wave, freestyle, and slalom take place daily—all against a breathtaking backdrop. The supporting program is included!
September/October
Every year, the Husum Film Festival presents films with varying thematic focuses, such as writers or actors. The film program includes sections for children’s and youth films, New German Cinema, and films related to Schleswig-Holstein.
September through November
To welcome the cold winds, the towns along the Baltic Sea coast are aglow with a sea of lights from late September through early November. Experience fire shows, light displays, and torchlight walks.
October
Spanning more than 20 hectares and taking place in eight historic buildings at the Molfsee Open-Air Museum, more than 130 vendors offer handmade goods, culinary delights, and regional products.
October
A festival has been dedicated to the North Sea crab in Husum: the Husum Crab Days. Whether on a roll or straight from the boat—this weekend, everything along Husum’s maritime harbour mile on the North Sea revolves around this popular delicacy.
October
Colorful kites, a seaside atmosphere, and a varied family program make the Kite Festival on Fehmarn a highlight of the fall outing season. Giant kite displays on the South Beach provide unforgettable experiences for young and old alike.
November
Experience one of the world’s most traditional film festivals in Lübeck. For six days, the latest feature films, documentaries, and short films from northern and northeastern Europe will enchant guests.
November through February
Once the sun has set in various towns along the Baltic Sea coast during the winter months, the cozy torchlight walks on the beach begin. Experience this activity in Travemünde, for example.
November through December
For many years now, the highlight of winter in Holstein Switzerland has been Eutin, the “City of Lights.” The entire market square is bathed in a sparkling sea of lights, creating a truly magical atmosphere as viewed at night. Together with the night watchman, visitors light lanterns, marvel at sparkling rose beds, enjoy magnificent views, and take to the dance floor in Northern Germany’s largest ballroom.
November through December
Visit the many Christmas markets here in the “Real North.” Right by the sea and with a Scandinavian flair, Schleswig-Holstein is the perfect place to relax and get into the holiday spirit during the run-up to Christmas.
June through September
Let your imagination take you back to the Wild West around 1870, to Winnetou and Old Shatterhand! Indian raids, firing Colts, galloping horses, massive explosions, and thrilling duels await you at one of Europe’s most beautiful open-air theaters!
August through September
NORDEN – The Nordic Arts Festival brings the Nordic way of life to the Schlei in a unique atmosphere. Music, literature, street theater, art, and film delight the whole family. Creative workshops, sports activities, and the evening light art festival NORDEN Lights make the festival an unforgettable experience.
September
At the SH Netz Cup, world-class rowing meets rousing live music and a colorful family program. Along the Kiel Canal (Nord-Ostsee-Kanal) in Rendsburg, exciting competitions, concerts, and numerous hands-on activities create a true festival atmosphere.
At the start of the year, traditional festivals, fascinating customs, and the first spring events invite you to take special trips. Experience Biike bonfires on the North Sea coast, colorful flower festivals, and other event highlights in Schleswig-Holstein.
September through April
Trendsetting guest chefs from all over Europe prepare a variety of gourmet dishes in Schleswig-Holstein at various events. A visit to the SHGF is definitely worth it!
New Year's
In Schleswig-Holstein, the New Year begins with a dip in the freezing water. Every year, daring swimmers are sought for the traditional “Anbaden” event. You can experience this spectacle in many towns along the North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts.
February 21
This tradition from North Frisia was recently recognized as part of Germany’s cultural heritage. Countless bonfires blaze along the North Sea coast of Schleswig-Holstein, intended to drive away the winter spirits.
November through February
Once the sun has set over various towns along the Baltic Sea coast during the winter months, the cozy torchlight walks along the beach begin. Experience this activity in Travemünde, for example.
February through March
Take a trip back in time in the state capital of Kiel. The Kieler Umschlag has its roots in the 15th century and continues to delight young and old alike, today just as it did back then, with a mix of entertainment, regional cuisine, and unique goods.
March
Every year, when the Husum Castle Gardens transform into a sea of flowers, Husum celebrates in style for two days. Highlights include the coronation of the Crocus Queen and a Sunday when stores are open for business.
April
For the “Gartenromantik” event, the spa gardens in Mölln are transformed into a paradise for garden lovers. Here, both hobby gardeners and professionals will find plenty of inspiration, new trends, and decorating ideas for their own gardens.
April through May
The geese are out in full force on the Halligen! In the spring, whole flocks enjoy the lush green grass on these small islets in the North Sea. The Halligen celebrate Ringelgan Days with many events centered around these birds.
From May through August, numerous events in Schleswig-Holstein offer a wide variety of experiences between the North Sea, the Baltic Sea, and the inland regions. Discover maritime festivals, music festivals, sporting events, and cultural highlights for your summer vacation in the “Real North.”
April through May
The geese are out in full force on the Halligen! In the spring, whole flocks enjoy the lush green grass on these small islets in the North Sea. The Halligen celebrate Ringelgan Days with many events centered around these birds.
May
Because the people of Schleswig-Holstein love this famous delicacy so much, they have dedicated a special day to it—World Fish Sandwich Day. On this day, the fish sandwich is celebrated along Schleswig-Holstein’s Baltic Sea coast with a variety of maritime activities.
May
The Surf Festival on Fehmarn is a must-see for all water sports enthusiasts. Combining a trade show with a sporting event, it offers the chance to try out the latest products from the world of water sports for free.
June
In Schleswig-Holstein, people love to celebrate their favorite delicacies. In Glückstadt, for example, a festival has been dedicated to matjes herring. The city on the Elbe River celebrates the “Matjes Herring Weeks in Glückstadt (Glückstädter Matjeswochen)” for four days with the traditional matjes tasting.
June
Visit the jazz festival in Timmendorfer Strand on the Baltic Sea coast—a wide variety of entertainment awaits you: With over 20 concerts, nine open-air acts, and a children’s program, the event attracts many visitors and grows larger every year.
June
Visitors are often surprised by the sheer number of museums, galleries, and studios in Holstein Switzerland. One weekend each year, numerous studios and galleries in the region open their doors, with a red chair serving as a landmark for visitors.
June
It’s the world’s largest sailing event and, with around three million visitors each year, the biggest summer festival in Northern Europe. Whether on the water, on land, or in the air—impressive sailing regattas, a colorful stage program, the Balloon-Sail, and much more await you!
June through September
Let your imagination take you back to the Wild West around 1870, to Winnetou and Old Shatterhand! Indian raids, firing Colts, galloping horses, massive explosions, and thrilling duels await you at one of Europe’s most beautiful open-air theaters!
July
Every year in July, the nation’s top sailors and about one million visitors gather in Travemünde for ten days. Travemünde Week is a family celebration, a festival, and a sailing event all in one.
July
The popular Plön City Festival has been held for many years in the Stadtbucht, right on the shores of the Great Plön Lake. Three days of live music by the water, competitions on the water, plenty of hands-on activities for kids, and all kinds of culinary highlights.
July through August
The Kiel Boat Harbor Summer brings live music to the floating stage right in the heart of downtown. Enjoy a wide variety of music, culinary delights, and a maritime setting right on the water—all with free admission.
July through August
Over the course of one and a half months, this well-established concert series takes place at numerous locations throughout the inland region of Schleswig-Holstein. The performances blend classical music with modern touches at historic venues.
July through August
Every year, thousands of heavy metal fans flock to the small village of Wacken in the inland region of Schleswig-Holstein. The scene’s most famous bands perform here, and their fans go all out for a whole weekend.
July through August
Artistic straw figures, rustic charm, and genuine Probstei hospitality make the Probstei Corn days a special destination for a day trip. Regional events, bike tours, and the stamp rally invite you to discover and enjoy the Probstei in a variety of ways.
August
The Husum Harbor Days are an absolute highlight on the North Sea coast. This multi-day city event features a wide range of cultural, maritime, and culinary activities. With three live stages, a great atmosphere is guaranteed.
August through September
NORDEN – The Nordic Arts Festival brings the Nordic way of life to the Schlei in a unique atmosphere. Music, literature, street theater, art, and film delight the whole family. Creative workshops, sports activities, and the evening light art festival NORDEN Lights make the festival an unforgettable experience.
August through September
Late summer is the season for grape harvesting and enjoyment. That’s why the Eutin Wine Festival takes place every year. Culinary specialties and delicacies are offered in cozy wooden booths and at unique stalls, and live music sets the mood.
