This one of the sixteen states of Germany, Schleswig-Holstein is located in the northernmost part of the country. Comprised of the historical duchy of Holstein and the southern part of which is the Duchy of Schleswig. The main capital is Kiel but other known cities of the state are Lübeck, Flensburg and Neumünster.

The state of Schleswig-Holstein border the country of Denmark to the north, the west is the North Sea, east is the Baltic Sea and to the south is the German states of Hamburg, Lower Saxony and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

Geography

The state is located right at the base of the Jutland Peninsula between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. It also consists of Holstein, Lauenburg and Lübeck which was formerly an independent city.

As for landscape, the western parts are lowlands with no hills. In the North Sea you will find Germany’s only high sea island which is the Heligoland. In the east of Schleswig- Holstein is the Baltic Sea and marks the area with cliff lines, bays and fjords. Most hills and lakes can be found in the eastern part of Holstein and the former Duchy of Lauenburg. The only island found in the eastern coastline is Fehmarn. Aside from the Elbe being the longest river, there is also the river Eider, here is the most important waterway located which is the Kiel Canal in which connect the Baltic sea to the North Sea.

History

Schleswig-Holstein. The term Holstein comes from the Old Saxon, Holstea Land which means “the land of those who dwell in the wood.” Holz in standard German means wood.

Saxon Holstein became part of the Holy Roman Empire after the Saxon’s campaigns of Charlemagne; this was in the later part of the eight century. Schleswig on the other hand comes from the name of the city itself. It is derived from Schleiinlet from the east and “vik” which means inlet or settlement this is from Old Norse and Old Saxon.

Southern Jutland or the Duchy of Schleswig was formerly an integral part of the country of Denmark. Although in medieval times became a fief under the Kingdom of Denmark. It was 1100 that the Duke of Saxony gave Holstein to Count Adolf I of Schauenburg. Both Schleswig and Holstein either became part or belonged completely to Denmark and Germany. They have been independent to both nations in one time or another. Schleswig became part of Germany only until in 1864, which is the Second war of Schleswig.

Culture

The mixture and combination of Danish and German cultures is what compromises the state of Schleswig-Holstein. Dotted along the area are historical places where there are castles and manors which showcase the culture and tradition of both countries. Some local dishes are a mixture of both, having a little bit of both tastes sharing it through the centuries.

Festivals are a big part of the country Germany therefore it will especially run through the states as well. They celebrate the annual classic music festival called Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival, and the annual film festival for movie entries from Scandinavian countries which is held in Lübeck is called the, Nordische Filmtage. There is also the heavy metal rock festival, which is the largest event in the world, the annual Wacken Open Air.

The city of Lübeck is considered as one of the world’s heritage sights. Tourists from all over even within Germany flock to this state since they are very well known for their islands and beaches. The cities itself are tourist attractions already.