SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN
- Alex P
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Schleswig-Holstein is a region where you can relax not only on the sea coast, but also on the shores of pristine lakes, among palaces and ancient estates.
SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN: ICONIC LANDMARKS
Schleswig-Holstein is the northernmost corner of Germany, tucked between the North and Baltic Seas. It's easy to find on a map; it occupies the southern part of the Jutland Peninsula and is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, ancient castles, and cozy towns.
The state capital, Kiel, annually becomes the center of world sailing, gathering the elite of the yachting world for grand competitions.
The Hanseatic city of Lübeck, famous for its marzipan, is a true gem of the region, while the ancient castles of Schleswig-Holstein transport you back to the era of knights and noble balls.
If your soul longs for sea air, visit the North Frisian Islands, a paradise for those seeking a secluded getaway. Inland, the region boasts stunning green landscapes adorned with twenty lakes. The natural beauty here is so beautiful that it is often compared to the Swiss landscape.
SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN: COAT OF ARMS' HISTORY
Schleswig-Holstein, a land with a turbulent history, stood at the crossroads of German and Danish influence. In the Middle Ages, Schleswig was part of Denmark, but in 1386 it became part of Holstein under the rule of the Counts of Holstein. In the 16th century, it was temporarily divided, and in the 19th century, the struggle for its sovereignty flared up with renewed vigor.
Then came the turmoil: anti-Danish resistance and German intervention failed to hold the region, and it again ceded to Denmark. However, after the war of 1864, Schleswig-Holstein became part of Prussia. After World War I, northern Schleswig returned to Denmark, and after World War II, the land finally became part of Germany.
Blue lions on gold are the heraldic animals of the Danish king. On the coat of arms of the Duchy of Schleswig, they demonstrated feudal dependence on the Danish kingdom.
Even today, three royal lions adorn the coat of arms of Denmark. However, as a possession of the Danish king, Schleswig was allowed only two of these majestic animals. Three lions remained reserved exclusively for His Majesty, the king of Denmark to fully comply with hierarchical proprieties.
It's believed that the Holstein coat of arms originally also depicted a lion. However, it disappeared in an unknown location by the 12th century, leaving only a blank shield. A blank shield, despite its expressiveness a la Kazimir Malevich's "Black Square," could not possibly be a coat of arms. Therefore, a nettle leaf was ceremoniously placed on the shield.
Don't be surprised; this strange white figure on a red zither is a nettle. At least, that's how its medieval creators positioned it. It may not be obvious, but isn't form more important than content? Or is it the other way around?
The Schleswig lions and the Holstein nettle leaf first appeared together in 1386 on the coat of arms and seal of Gerhard VI, Count of Holstein and Duke of Schleswig. Beginning in 1837, the combined coat of arms adorned, among other things, military uniforms and buttons.
The current coat of arms of Schleswig-Holstein was established and approved in 1957. Only government agencies and notaries are authorized to use it. Private individuals, clubs, and companies are granted a slightly modified version.
SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN: FUN FACTS
Of a troubleshooting and magical colored islands.
When Prussia annexed the Duchy of Schleswig and the Duchy of Holstein as provinces, their original coats of arms was retained. With a minor exception—the lions were turned around. Legend has it that German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck couldn't stand the fact that the Schleswig, or Danish, lions were facing, so to speak, with their hindquarters, toward a leaf of the Holstein, or German, nettle. A violation was deemed unacceptable and ordered to be removed.
A curious legend. In fact, in heraldry, so-called "meeting" animals from different coats of arms on the same shield sometimes face each other. This is called "heraldic courtesy," or politeness. In any case, this arrangement of the coat of arms emphasizes the unity of the two parts of Schleswig-Holstein.
One of Schleswig-Holstein's calling cards is Heligoland, a tiny island in the North Sea where romance is born not from comfort, but from wind and stone. Its red cliffs, composed of ancient sandstone, glow at sunset as if the earth remembers the fire of its origin. Over the centuries, the island has changed hands, languages, and flags, but the cliffs remain — mute witnesses to storms, exiles, and returns. Here, you feel especially clearly how fragile human history is and how enduring nature is. Heligoland doesn't invite you to stay — it teaches you to look, remember, and let go.
All this romance is beautifully captured in Heligoland's coat of arms: a green sky (let it be the refraction of light before a storm), a white sea (let it be icy northern waves), but the red cliffs are perfectly captured.
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