First mentioned at the end of the 12th century, Eckernförde is a historic German town on the Baltic Sea coast. Its fascinating history is on display at Museum Eckernförde, with the town previously ruled by the Holy Roman Empire and Denmark. Now a popular tourist destination, Eckernförde features a colourful Old Town and a lively waterfront lined with global restaurants.
Things to do in Eckernförde
Learn about the people and events that have shaped the town at Museum Eckernförde, which has been housed within the Old Town Hall since 1987. Browse the archaeological artefacts that have been uncovered in the region and discover Eckernförde’s role as a seaside resort in the “Bathing Life Then and Now” exhibit. The Museum Eckernförde also showcases a collection of paintings by Max Linienbach and Carl Bössenroth.
Enjoy a stroll along the waterfront of Eckernförde to see the Meerjungfrau “MareMinde”, a metal mermaid sculpture created by Eckhard Kowalke. Continue walking north to the blue-and-yellow-striped Old Lighthouse, which has been painted the colours of Eckernförde’s coat of arms. It stands juxtaposed against the red-and-white New Lighthouse.
Also on Eckernförde’s waterfront is the Baltic Sea Information Center, which houses several aquariums, pools and touch tanks where you can get up close to the region’s marine life. Learn about the coastal landscapes of the Baltic Sea while exploring the model cliffs, salt marshes and beaches, then admire native vegetation on the rooftop botanical garden.
Getting around Eckernförde
Eckernförde is around 30 minutes’ drive from Kiel and an hour from Flensburg while Hamburg Airport is 1.5 hours away. Regular trains connect to the Eckernförde railway station while buses travel throughout the town. Eckernförde is compact enough to explore on foot and bicycle rentals are available.