ETR // Stage 29 // Esbjerg - Flensburg

55°29'16.3"N 8°24'40.1"E
55.487870, 8.411135
Esbjerg - Flensburg
VR EXPO - 60 Stages
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Distance

Esbjerg - Flensburg
Radius 100 km
225 km

Highlights

Man and the Sea
Højer Mill
Wadden Sea National Park
Black Sun (Sort Sol)
Løgumkloster Church
Ribe and Tønder
Zeppelin and Garrison Museum Tønder
Flensburg Fjord
Flensburg Old Town

The Black Sun and The Golden Horns

The region around Ribe and Tønder hosts a wealth of historical experiences, such as Løgumkloster Church, Højer Mill or the historic site where the Golden Horns were found. On the island of Rømø you can climb The Marsh Tower for spectacular views.

Wadden Sea National Park is a Unesco World Heritage Site and a unique ecosystem and biotope, where you can catch the Black Sun phenomenon (sort sol), where dense flocks of hundreds of thousands of starlings fly in tight formation for a unique show of aerobatic ability, sometimes blocking out the setting sun.

Ribe Viking Origins

Ribe is Denmarks oldest town and the atmosphere in the medieval city has a history that stretches back to around 710 AD. From here, trading between Scandinavia and the rest of Europe began, followed by the spreading of Christianity, with Ribe maintaining its greatness well into the Middle Ages. Vikings departed from Ribe in their wooden ships and set course for other parts of Europe to trade, expand and spread fear and terror.

The Hanseatic Trading Town of Tønder

Tønder was granted Hanseatic port privileges in 1243, and is Denmarks oldest market town. In 1532, the town was hit by severe flooding, with the water reaching 1.8 metres high in St Laurents church, 5.3 metres above normal levels.

Zeppelin and Garrison Museum Tønder

Between 1915 and 1918, a base for Zeppelin airships was operated in Tønder by the German Navy. The former site now houses a museum, the Zeppelin and Garrison Museum Tønder. An aircraft hangar from World War 1 survives, as do some of the other buildings from back then, but only the foundations remain of the large Airship hangars constructed to house the Zeppelins.

Photos

Dave O'Byrne
European Touring Route AS

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Schleswig-Holstein, Fresia and Flensburg Fjord

Crossing the border into Germany, the region along Flensburg Fjord offers an exciting palette of cultural locations, events and programs, and some cosy restaurants, original pubs, bars and a handful of clubs await in the nightlife of Flensburg.

Explore the great beaches and yachting harbours along the 150 kilometres of German-Danish coastline, in an idyllic natural environment. If you have time, you can explore some of the over 200 kilometres of cycle paths and footpaths that stretch along the coastline of Flensburg Fjord.

The many yachting harbours and 17+ sailing clubs situated along Flensburg Fjord have not only been the destination of many thousands of visiting sailors in recent years, but have also served as the starting-point of many important regattas and maritime events.

Peaceful and prosperous coexistence

Flensburg was ruled by the Danish King for over 400 years, and is therefore deeply rooted in both Danish and German cultures. After decades of conflict, the Danish minority on this side of the border like the German minority on the other side, still co-exist in harmonious and fruitful co-operation with the rest of the population. This integrated society, each honouring the other’s cultural identity, is an example for a united Europe.

The district councils of Schleswig-Holstein and North Friesia, and Flensburg’s town council on the German side and the district council of South Jutland on the Danish side work in cross-border co-operation to form the 'Schleswig-South Jutland Region'.

Check out the extensive restoration of the old town for which Flensburg is well-known, far beyond Germany’s borders. Flensburg has become a popular tourist destination for many German and international visitors, and this lively town with its distinctive architecture has a certain spirit that is undeniable.