Car Hire Schleswig

Schleswig is a charming town located in the northeastern part of Germany. It has a population of about 27.000, the main industries being leather and food processing. It takes its name from the Schlei, an inlet of the Baltic Sea at the end of which it sits and vig which means bay in the old Viking language and modern Danish language. Schleswig was first settled by the Vikings in the 9th century AD. It was a powerful settlement in the Baltic region, dominating the area for more than 200 years. In 1544, Gottorf Castle became the residence of the local rules. Nowadays, Schleswig is a wonderful holiday destination, that combines both the German and the Danish culture, history and civilisation.

Top Attractions Within Schleswig

Schleswig Cathedral is the main church of Schleswig and was the cathedral of the Bishop of Schleswig until the diocese was dissolved in 1624. Nowadays, it is a church of the North Elbian Evangelical Lutheran Church, seating one its bishops and ranks among the most important architectural monuments of Schleswig. The church is built in a Gothic architectural style, perfected in the 16th century.

Gottorf Castle is another landmark in Schleswig and the ancestral home of the Holstein Gottorp branch of the House of Oldenburg. The castle was first settled as an estate in 1161 as the residence of Bishop Occo of Schleswig when his former residence was destroyed. During World War II, the estate was used as a displaced persons camp. Since 1947, the palace has been renovated and restored through a series of efforts. The castle is an amazing attraction that must not be missed.

Hedeby is another place in Schleswig that must not be missed. If you are passionate about Vikings, then you should definitely visit this place. Archaeological work on the site began in 1900 and many important discoveries have been made, such as a whole Viking ship and some settlements. Nowadays, visitors can enjoy copies of some of the original Viking houses that have been rebuilt.