Events
Throughout the year, Schleswig-Holstein plays host to an incredible variety of festivals and events.
Some are big and bold, drawing visitors from around the world, while others provide more of an intimate or traditional feel – perfect for joining in the fun with the locals.
May to August
June to September
Imagine yourself back in the Wild West around 1870, to Winnetou and Old Shatterhand! Indian raids, the bang of colt pistols, galloping horses, big explosions and thrilling duels await you in one of the most beautiful open-air theatres in Europe!
July
Every year in July, the national elite of yacht sailors and roughly one million visitors meet in Travemünde for ten days. The “Travemünder” Week is a family celebration, festival and sailing event all in one.
July to August
This well-established concert series takes place at numerous venues in Schleswig-Holstein’s inland region over the course of a month and a half. The performances combine classical music with modern accents in historical settings.
July to August
Every year, thousands of heavy metal fans are drawn to the small village of Wacken in inland Schleswig-Holstein. The most famous bands in the scene perform here, and their fans really give their all for an entire weekend.
August
The “Husumer Harbour Days” are an absolute highlight on the North Sea coast. The multi-day city event offers many cultural, maritime and culinary programme items. With three live stages, a tremendous atmosphere is guaranteed.
August to 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 will delight the whole family. Creative workshops, sports activities, and the evening light art festival NORDEN Lights make the festival an unforgettable experience.
April to May
The geese are loose on our Halligen! Whole flocks enjoy the lush green grass on the small islets in the North Sea in spring. The Halligen celebrate the “Ringelganstage” with many events centred around this beautiful animal.
May
Given that 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 on Schleswig-Holstein’s Baltic coast with a maritime supporting programme.
May
The surf festival on Fehmarn is a must for all water sports enthusiasts. A mixture of trade fair and sporting event, the latest products from the world of water sports can be tried out free-of-charge.
June
This is the largest sailing event in the world, and the biggest summer festival in northern Europe with around three million guests every year. Be it on the water, on land or in the air – impressive sailing regattas, a colourful stage programme, the “Balloon Sail” and so much more await you!
June
In Schleswig-Holstein, people like to celebrate their favourite delicacies. In Glückstadt, a special festival was dedicated to “matjes” – or soused herring. The town on the Elbe celebrates the “Glückstadter Matjes Weeks” for four days with the traditional matjes tasting.
June
Visit the jazz festival at “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 programme, the event attracts many visitors and continues to grow every year.
September to December
September to April
Trend-setting guest chefs from all over Europe cook up a variety of gourmet cuisine at various events in Schleswig-Holstein. A visit to the SHGF is definitely worthwhile!
June to September
Imagine yourself back to the Wild West around 1870, to Winnetou and Old Shatterhand! Indian raids, the bang of colt pistols, galloping horses, big explosions and thrilling duels await you in one of the most beautiful open-air theatres in Europe!
August to 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 will delight the whole family. Creative workshops, sports activities, and the evening light art festival NORDEN Lights make the festival an unforgettable experience.
September
Europe’s largest nature film festival takes place once a year in Eckernförde on the Baltic Sea. The GREEN SCREEN Festival brings together international film makers and film enthusiasts to watch spectacular nature films.
September
The cabbage harvest in Europe’s largest contiguous cabbage-growing region is celebrated with the “Dithmarscher Kohltage”. The “Kohltage” or “Cabbage Days” are packed with entertainment, games and fun. A classic North German autumn festival!
September to October
Competitions spanning the “Wave”, “Freestyle” and “Slalom” disciplines take place daily at the Windsurf World Cup Sylt. And all against a breath-taking backdrop. Supporting programme included!
October
On an area spanning more than 20 hectares and in eight historic buildings of the Molfsee Open-Air Museum, more than 130 participants offer handmade goods, culinary delicacies and regional products to be enjoyed.
October
A special festival has been dedicated to the North Sea crab in Husum: The “Husum Crab Days”. Be it on a bread roll or straight from the cutter – this weekend at the maritime Husum Harbour Mile on the North Sea, everything will revolve around this popular delicacy.
September to November
To welcome in the cold winds, the towns along the Baltic coast are bathed in a sea of lights from the end of September to the beginning of November. Experience fire shows, illuminations and torchlight walks.
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 the north and north-east of Europe will enchant guests.
November to February
When the sun has set in the winter months in various places on the Baltic Sea coast, cosy walks by torchlight begin again on the beach. You can experience this offer in Travemünde, for example.
November to December
Visit the numerous Christmas markets here in Germany’s true north. Right by the sea and with plenty of Scandinavian flair, you can relax and get in the mood for the festive season in Schleswig-Holstein in the run-up to Christmas.
January to April
September to April
Trend-setting guest chefs from all over Europe cook up a variety of gourmet cuisine at various events in Schleswig-Holstein. A visit to the SHGF is definitely worthwhile!
New Year
In Schleswig-Holstein, the new year kicks off with a dip in the ice-cold water. Daring swimmers are sought out every year for this traditional spectacle. You can experience this incredible event in many places on the North and Baltic Seas.
21 February
This custom from North Friesland was recently recognised as an example of German cultural heritage. Countless bonfires blaze along the North Sea coast of Schleswig-Holstein to drive away the winter spirits.
November to February
When the sun has set in the winter months in various places on the Baltic Sea coast, cosy walks by torchlight begin again on the beach. You can experience this offer in Travemünde, for example.
March
When the stately gardens of “Husumer Schlossgarten” are transformed into a sea of flowers every year, Husum celebrates in style for two days. Highlights include the crowning of the “Crocus Blossom Majesty” and an open Sunday.
February to March
Immerse yourself on a journey through time in the state capital of Kiel. The “Kieler Umschlag” can trace its roots back to the 15th century, and continues to delight young and old with a mixture of entertainment, regional cuisine and unusual goods.
April
The spa gardens in Mölln are transformed into a paradise for garden fans for the “Garden Romance” event. Hobby gardeners and professionals alike will find lots of inspiration, new trends and decoration ideas for their own gardens.
April to May
The geese are loose on our Halligen! Whole flocks enjoy the lush green grass on the small islets in the North Sea in spring. The Halligen celebrate the “Ringelganstage” with many events centred around this beautiful animal.