Explore the harbor, historic ships, museums, old town and maritime history of this famous one-time rum-trading port.
Visit Flensburg to discover an architecturally impressive old town and museums celebrating Germany’s maritime history. Sail on a historic ship and relax on pretty beaches or sample locally brewed beer and rum at the town’s animated bars.
Flensburg is at the mouth of Flensburg Firth, on northern Germany’s Baltic Sea coast. Occupied by the Danes for over 400 years, the town was one of Denmark’s most important Baltic region trading ports by the 1500s. During the 18th century it became a center for rum trading with the Caribbean and Mediterranean, thus earning its Rumstasdt (Rum City) nickname.
Stroll around the atmospheric Old Town. Notice Danish-built merchant houses and half-timbered buildings, many now serving as antique stores, boutiques and galleries. On Rote Strasse, visit courtyard cafés and Kaufmannshöfe, traditional warehouses and merchant quarters. Admire notable landmarks, such as Marienkirche and Nikolaikirche.
See collections of period furniture and works by Hans Christiansen, among other painters, at Museumsberg Flensburg. Have fun with interactive exhibits at the Phänomenta science center.
In Flensburg Harbor, fishing boats, tall ships and yachts bob in the blue water of Flensburg Firth. Here, the Flensburg Maritime Museum and Shipyard Museum celebrate the town’s maritime heritage and rum trade. Step aboard the Dampfer Alexandra steamship and enjoy a cruise along the firth.
In summer, travel to nearby beaches via public buses, rented car or bicycle. A short drive from the town center are Holnis Beach and Solitüde Beach. Alternatively, take a guided tour of the resplendent Glücksburg Castle.
Enjoy a night out at the bars on Rote Strasse to drink rum or sample rum cakes and ice cream. Visit Flensburg Brauerei, a brewery that produces the well-known Flensburg Pilsener.
Located close to the German-Danish border, Flensburg has regular train connections to Hamburg and Kolding, Denmark. Flensburg’s location makes it a good base for interesting daytrips. Visit the oceanfront village of Wassersleben. From here, cross a footbridge into Denmark.