Holding the title of Germany’s northernmost town, Glücksburg lies on the south side of the Flensborg Fjord. In the 19th century, it was ruled by the House of Glücksburg (which also reigned over parts of Denmark, Norway and Greece) and their Renaissance summer residence still stands today.
Things to do in Glücksburg
Perched on the edge of a lake is the Glücksburg Castle, which is considered one of the most important Renaissance residences in northern Europe. Once the seat of the House of Glücksburg and occupied by Danish Kings, it is now open to the public as a museum. The castle interior has remained largely unchanged over the last 400 years, while the garden is planted with more than 500 different roses.
Birdwatchers shouldn’t miss a visit to the Holnis Peninsula Nature Reserve, which encompasses lakes, wetlands and grasslands that provide habitat for around 65 species of breeding birds. Soak up the views from the lookout tower and admire the Scottish highland cattle that graze the reserve. In the winter months, it provides a resting site for red-necked grebes, herring gulls and golden plovers.
Combine your visit to the Holnis Peninsula Nature Reserve with a stop at the Leuchtturm Schausende, a red and white lighthouse constructed in the 1960s. It is the northernmost lighthouse on Germany’s Baltic coast and can be admired along a coastal walking trail that connects to a wooden bathing jetty.
Getting around Glücksburg
Glücksburg is around 15 minutes’ drive from Flensburg and one hour from Sønderborg Airport, which has regular flights to Copenhagen. The much larger Hamburg Airport is just under two hours away. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting to Glücksburg and exploring the surrounding region. The centre of Glücksburg can easily be explored on foot.