About Vikings, kings and cheeky monks (Medieval Schleswig)｜Germany

About Vikings, kings, and cheeky monks

Get to know Schleswig's history with its highlights with lots of hygge (Nordic coziness/serenity):

Together, we explore the historic cathedral (outside tour only – inside tour possible at an additional cost depending on the time), the picturesque old town, and the interesting fishing settlement of Holm with St. John's Monastery.

This walking tour takes you from the beginnings of Schleswig's history through the town's medieval history and shows its formative effects on the image of Schleswig in our time. We visit places that testify to the former greatness of Schleswig and are now among the city's landmarks.

In the early Middle Ages, Schleswig was a trading city known far beyond the region, with a bustling harbor district near today's city harbor. In the early Middle Ages, the Schlei was an important and busy shipping route. Why did Schleswig lose this prominent position in the trade network, and what changed in the city during this time? What significance did Schleswig and Schleswig Cathedral have for the Danish kings?
On our way through the fishing settlement of Holm, you will learn more about the Schlei and the old special rights of the Holm fishermen, which were reaffirmed by the "Schleibrief" of King Christian I of Denmark in 1480.

Passing by the Johanniskloster, which is considered the best-preserved medieval monastery in Schleswig-Holstein, we return to the start of our tour and wonder why not all of Schleswig's monks had a good reputation.

This guided tour is perfect for anyone interested in beautiful Schleswig and its history-rich past. The tour is also suitable for families and groups.