We were getting to know northern Germany and the path took us to Flensburg, which lies just before the border with Denmark. But we started feeling the Scandinavian country an hour before when we started driving by half-wooden houses with thatched roofs. The old city centre of Flensburg with characteristic houses shows the impact of Danes. The city was the second biggest Danish harbour until 1864 when it became Prussian territory. Flensburg was known after cods, which they exported all around Europe. Harbour was important for fishermen and for merchants.
We were amazed by the harbour, which lies in deep bay, which reminded us of a fjord. We were all admiring a sailing boat with three masts. This is “Gorch Fock”, told us in the information centre. The sailing boat from 1958 is a part of German navy. Students of the city marine academy are learning on it. It is 81 metres long and is named after the pseudonym of writer and sailor Johann Kinaua. Flensburg was an important harbour in Middle Ages, boats from all over the world were sailing to Flensburg. They were bringing sugar cane, which was then distilled into rum. In the middle of 18th century, this was the centre of rum production and sale. There were many factories, but A. H. Johannsen is still distilling rum today. The locals are proud of beer Flensburger Pilsener, which they call Flens. The city has many events. The most attention get thematic regattas. One of the most picturesque is Rum-regatta in May where more than 100 old sail boats compete with each other.
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The oldest part of Flensburg is well preserved because it hasn’t been bombarded during World War II. The most beautiful medieval buildings are by the harbour. Along with them you’ll find more than a kilometre long street, reserved for pedestrians where you’ll find cafés, museums and shops. One of the museums is dedicated to rum. Shops are also hidden in beautiful old buildings. Most of them are boutiques, here and there is a small shopping centre. While browsing the stores, you’ll find an adult shop named Beate Uhse. This is one of the leading companies in selling erotic products. Its founder was a military pilot Beate Uhse Rotermund who opened the first sex shop in the world in 1962 under the name Institute for marital hygiene.
Hostel by the Park
We found the cheapest accommodation in a
hostel, which is a part of Hostelling International. It lies about 2 kilometres from the city centre but can be easily reached by city bus. It is close to the park and the sea is easily accessed. When we arrived, the kind receptionist welcomed us with local greeting “moin”, which means hi and is used in this part of Germany. The old and the young use it. The hostel is kind to the cyclers as well. There is a room for storing bicycles and they have basic things to fix them. They will also provide you with all the tips for popular cycling routes. Hostel is great for families, the young and the old. As everywhere in Germany, the breakfast is delicious and included in the price. In the evening we tried the local beer Flens, which is served in nice bottles with ceramic cork.
Some rooms are suitable for guests on wheelchairs and guests with restricted mobility. Hostel is also pet-friendly. Our dog Lia felt good under the bunk bed in a family room. There are six beds in the biggest rooms. Some have joined bathrooms, which are always just a few steps away. Location was perfect for us. Behind the hostel, there’s a park with many paths, which lead to the closest harbour and beach.
You can also take a trip in the bay, which is shared by Germany and Denmark. Warmer months are great for sailing and surfing enthusiasts. And around the bay, there are more than 200 kilometres of cycling paths.
The prices in Flensburg are definitely cheaper than in Denmark so we went shopping and got fuel before we headed north.
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