Schleswig

Make your way to the autobahn A7 going north (Schleswig and Flensburg) and exit at the ancient Viking stronghold of Schleswig. Soon after you leave the autobahn (before you reach the main town), watch for signs to the road going to the left to the baroque Schloss Gottorf. The Archäologisches Landes-Museum (archaeological museum) displays Viking artifacts, such as dishes and fishing nets. Their prize exhibit is the 4th-century Viking ship, the Nydam-Schiff, a long and slender 36-oarsman boat that was preserved in the marshes. (9 am–5 pm, daily March to October; 9:30 am–4 pm, November to February, closed Mondays.) Schleswig’s old town (Altstadt) hugs the northern bank of the Schlei inlet. Its Gothic brick Dom (cathedral) dates from the 12th century and is noted for its handsome carved altar (1521) in the chancel. Admire the 14th-century cloisters with the floral motif on their vaults. Also in Schleswig (around Friedhofplatz) is the picturesque fishermen’s quarter called Holm. Don’t miss this tiny, but ever-so-special hamlet—it is truly picture-perfect. Explore its quaint lanes, follow the circular road that wraps around the park and toy-like church, and stroll down to see the fishing boats at the water’s edge.