Eine verschneite Stadt mit Kirche und Schloss in der Ferne in Schleswig-Holstein. Im Vordergrund befinden sich verschneite Felder und Seen.

Winter in Schleswig-Holstein

The true north is multifaceted and a place for vacation and relaxation all year round. Especially in winter, you will find quiet places and tranquil spots on the coasts and in the heart of the country where the clocks seem to stand still.

An icy wind blows across the country. On the beaches of the North Sea and Baltic Sea, some travelers brave the cold and enjoy a long walk. There is no sign of the summer hustle and bustle that prevails on the beaches in the warmer months. It's best not to forget your bobble hat and scarf when stormy gusts of wind really blow you through. Nature is also in deep hibernation in the heart of Schleswig-Holstein. Hoarfrost envelops the landscape in the true north in countless tiny ice crystals and offers a glittering natural spectacle.

Seebrücke Grömitz im Winter
© www.ostsee-schleswig-holstein.de / Oliver Franke

Wintertime in the true north

The sun rises slowly and makes its way through the small slit between the curtains of your hotel room. You draw the curtains and quickly scurry back under the warm blanket. Now you can enjoy the view of the sea. Despite the icy fog, you spot a few seagulls on the horizon, making their rounds over the water. Everything is still quiet where holidaymakers from near and far flock in high season. No one is out and about on the dyke at this time of day either. You are relaxed and rested and simply let the day take its course. You are not thinking about your everyday life today.

Sylter Leuchtturm im Winter
© Beate Zoellner

Winter on Schleswig-Holstein's coasts

The vast land lies in diffuse light. Fog. Infinity. Solitude. Wonderful peace. The wind tosses the waves wildly onto the beach. Rough, honest nature. The icy cold is a real soul warmer. The snow mixes with the sand of the dunes. The beach is lonely and deserted, not a soul in sight. Relaxation to breathe in. But now quickly: hat on, boots on, experience the slippery weather. Later: open the café door, light the fireplace and experience the cozy atmosphere. This unique fascination with contrasts is pure bliss on Schleswig-Holstein's coasts. The colder the north, the warmer it is inside us afterwards.

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Experience winter

Dünentherme in St. Peter-Ording
© Sven Wied / Raufeld Medien
Familie im Schifffahrtsmuseum Kiel
© sh-tourismus.de / Jens König
Weihnachtsmarkt in Scharbeutz
© www.ostsee-schleswig-holstein.de / Oliver Franke
Rathausturm Kiel
© Sven Meier, Güby
Geschäfte im Designer Outlet Neumünster
© sh-tourismus.de

Events in winter

Auffliegende Wildgänse im Naturschutzgebiet an der Nordsee
© Beate Zoellner

Tips for your winter break

  • The beaches on the North Sea and Baltic Sea are manageable at this time of year. Take a walk along the water's edge and feel the salt on your lips.
  • For those who prefer shopping tour or sightseeing, you should visit the shopping centers, small shopping arcades with their individual stores and the museums in the cities Schleswig-Holstein should pay a visit.
  • Use your time out in the true north to get a good night's sleep. Open the curtains - perhaps you will be able to sleep in your special accommodation even see the sea from your bed.
  • Wintertime is digital detox time. Leave your smartphone at home today and enjoy the peace and quiet and the fantastic view that lies before you.
  • Whether in the hotel's fireplace room or in the cosy vacation apartment right by the sea: relax with a hot cup of your favorite drink in front of the fireplace and let your gaze wander over the horizon.
  • Let yourself be pampered with a wellness day! Treat yourself to an extensive massage, a delicious breakfast buffet or spend a day at the spa. You've earned it!
  • If you want to brave cold temperatures and wild waves, you can enjoy the surf spots on the North Sea and Baltic Sea with kitesurfing or windsurfing show off your skills.
  • Go in search of the gold of the sea! Strong winds wash many amber stones onto the coasts, especially at this time of year. For example in St. Peter Ording on the North Sea or in Grömitz on the Baltic Sea.
  • After a long walk, enjoy a little refreshment in the warmth and try regional specialties. How about a typical North Frisian "Tote Tante", which smells of rum and hot chocolate?

The first snowflakes

Winterliche Dünen an der Nordsee
© sh-tourismus.de / Jan-Christoph Schultchen

The North Sea breeze blows blusterily over the snow-covered dyke. You hide your nose in your scarf and enjoy the breathtaking view of the UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea. The healthy, clear air and the powerful tides make a stay on the west coast at this time of year so special. Take a deep breath, pause for a moment and enjoy the wonderful tranquillity of the North Sea. A storm surge is also not uncommon in winter and is an impressive spectacle when the sea rages and overflows its banks. Frozen through from the soothing walk, the numerous wellness offers are particularly suitable for warming up and relaxing.

Verschneite Seebrücke in Grömitz an der Ostsee
© www.ostsee-schleswig-holstein.de / Oliver Franke

A thick woollen blanket warms your legs and a hot punch steams in front of you as you take a break on the terrace of a small café on the promenade. There is a pleasant silence. A long walk on the beach lies behind you and the cold air whets your appetite - regional specialties such as kale with smoked pork, boiled sausage and fried potatoes make your mouth water. The piers, adorned with giant icicles, rise up to 435 meters into the water and light your way atmospherically towards the horizon in winter. With flushed cheeks, you stroll to your accommodation and are already looking forward to a warming sauna session.

Tannenbaum auf einem Marktplatz
© Sven Meier, Güby

The icy leaves crackle under your shoes as you walk along the quiet hiking trail in the middle of an idyllic lake landscape in Holstein Switzerland. The winter sun makes its way through the treetops and makes the frost-covered trees in the Duchy of Lauenburg sparkle. If the odd snowflake makes its way to the true north, you can whizz down the Bungsberg - Schleswig-Holstein's highest elevation - on your sledge. Then warm up in your accommodation in front of the cozy fireplace. Put on your thick cozy socks and enjoy a winter break in the heart of Schleswig-Holstein.

Rotkohlrouladen angerichtet auf einem gedeckten Tisch
© BjörnWeinbrandt

Red cabbage roulades