Flensburg fjord between Denmark and Germany

Approaching the Flensburg fjord you find the eastern shore marked by a line between the lighthouses of Falshöft on the German side and Kegnæs in Denmark. Of course the true path of the border is not visible to the water sports enthusiasts and there are no clear markers. First of all set course for the lighthouse of Kalkgrund standing in the middle of the water warning of the southerly entrance into the fjord. You should never try to approach the lighthouse from the south especially with a west wind as it is dangerously flat there.

Denmark or Germany?
To the west of Kalkgrund the sailor faces a difficult choice - should he head for the cosy little spots on the Danish side or head for pretty harbours on the German side? Often it is the wind that takes the decision out of your hands as a strong west wind can mean a crossing to Flensburg of some five hours for a mid-sized vessel.

Sønderborg town from the sea

Truly "hyggelig"
With strong winds the harbours of Wackerballig and the Gelting-Mole yacht club offer safety and protection on the German side. If it prevails to the Danish side keep the Geltinger Bight to your left and set your course to idyllic Sønderborg. This pretty town of some 30,000 is always worth a visit. Truly "hyggelig" as the Danes say to portray that special mix of cosiness, comfort and warmth - Hørup Hav Bight to the south east of the pretty harbour Høruphav Bådelaug is a place typical of this word. From the mid-water of the Flensburg outer fjord westwards you head to Kragesand along the bluff tree-lined coast of the Skelde penninsular.

Flensburg's inner fjord
On the German side you pass the harbours of Langballigau as well as the Förde yacht club Bockholmwik, then on to the Holnis narrows leading into Flensburg's inner fjord. "Marina Minde" - a great harbour with every comfort offers visitors even at high season the very best places to stop over. Further into the fjord you pass a very narrow passage and you are advised strongly to keep to the line of buoys. Above all you are advised to keep clear of the "Mother-in-law" and those who pass on her landward side run the risk of the shallows - notably the Holnis-Haken. With the Holnis abeam you have succeeded in reaching the beautiful inner fjord.

Comfortable marinas and idyllic anchorages
The harbours in Schausende and in Glücksburg-Quellental as well as the communal facilities of the Flensborg yacht club and sailing clubs line up like beads on the Flensburg harbour in the distance. Visitors can find the whole host of comforts and facilities that one requires. There are no harbours on the Danish side apart from the idyll that is "Okseøer" (Ox island). Here there are anchorages, just as there are on both coasts along the fjord.

Flensburg town
Flensburg is the most northerly German city and does offer the whole gamut of facilities - wandering around the old town, strooling through the old courtyards you can take in all the glories of times gone by as well as shopping in the wonderfully individual shops.

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