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Schleswig-Holstein

geography Maturity 11-13 Next article →

Schleswig-Holstein is the northernmost federal state of Germany.

Schleswig-Holstein
Schleswig-Holstein

It is a region shaped by its proximity to the sea and its neighbors. To the north, it shares a border with Denmark. To the south, it borders Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Lower Saxony. The city-state of Hamburg is also located nearby. The state is composed of two major historical territories. These are the Duchy of Holstein and the southern part of the former Duchy of Schleswig.

Schleswig-Holstein
Schleswig-Holstein

Its capital is the city of Kiel. Other major cities include Lübeck and Flensburg. Covering a specific area, it ranks as the fifth smallest state in Germany.

The history of this land involves many shifting borders and different groups. Originally, the name Holstein comes from the Old Saxon term "Holseta Land." The word "Holz" refers to woods or forests. In the early days, the area was divided among several Saxon tribes. One group, the Holsts, lived between the Stör River and Hamburg. Later, the region became part of the Holy Roman Empire. This happened after the Saxon campaigns led by Charlemagne in the late eighth century. From 811 onward, the River Eider served as the northern border of Holstein.

AreasSettlementSchleswig-HolsteinText
AreasSettlementSchleswig-HolsteinText

In the north, the Jutland peninsula was once home to the Jutes and the Angles. A dyke once marked the boundary between these two groups. Eventually, the Angles moved north and established a new dyke. The Danes also migrated into the peninsula and settled the area. To protect themselves from raids by Saxons and Wagrians, the Danes built the Danevirke. This was a massive earthwork and fortification. It stretched for 30 kilometers across the narrowest part of the peninsula.

Hærvejen
Hærvejen

The Danevirke was not just a defense; it was also a toll station. Danish leaders collected fees from merchants traveling through the gates. This made the area very wealthy through trade.

Trade was a vital part of life along a main route called the Hærvejen. This path is also known as the "Cattle Way" or "Ochsenweg."

Hærvejen
Hærvejen

Merchants used this route to transport goods like honey, furs, amber, and glass. Livestock was also very important to this economy. In the 800s, Frisian people arrived and settled on the islands. They lived in areas like Sylt, Föhr, and Amrum. These Frisians became experts in maritime trade. They supplied salt, fish, and pottery to other regions, including England.

13-09-29-nordfriesisches-wattenmeer-RalfR-05
13-09-29-nordfriesisches-wattenmeer-RalfR-05

Political disputes over the region are known as the "Schleswig-Holstein Question." For a long time, both Danes and Germans claimed the territory. Schleswig had been under Danish control since the fifth century. However, Holstein was part of the Holy Roman Empire. By 1460, the King of Denmark ruled both areas as their duke. In the 19th century, tensions grew between the two nations. Denmark tried to annex the area in 1848, which led to the First Schleswig War. Prussia then invaded in 1864 during the Second Schleswig War. Prussia and Austria won that conflict. Consequently, the territory was absorbed into Prussia in 1867.

After World War I, the sovereignty of the land was decided by the people. The Allies required plebiscites, which are direct votes by the citizens.

Abstimmung-schleswig-1920
Abstimmung-schleswig-1920

The 1920 Schleswig plebiscites resulted in a split. The Danish-speaking North Schleswig was returned to Denmark. This area was renamed South Jutland to honor its historical name. This change followed the era when Gerhard III of the House of Schauenburg had renamed it. Following World War II, the state also faced the challenge of welcoming over a million refugees.

Today, Schleswig-Holstein has a diverse and modern economy. Its location near the Atlantic Ocean makes it a center for trade and shipbuilding. The Kiel Canal is a major feature that helps ships move through the region. The state also produces significant energy through offshore oil wells and wind farms. Agriculture remains a very important industry. The region is famous for its Holstein cows.

Posing - Flickr - Tobi NDH
Posing - Flickr - Tobi NDH

Fishing is another major economic driver. It is so central to the culture that it defines the local cuisine. Because of its beautiful coasts and islands, it is a popular place for tourists to visit.

13-09-29-nordfriesisches-wattenmeer-RalfR-05
13-09-29-nordfriesisches-wattenmeer-RalfR-05
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🖼️ Images & Media (32)
File:AreasSettlementSchleswig-HolsteinText.png
AreasSettlementSchleswig-HolsteinText.png
File:Hærvejen.gif
Hærvejen.gif
File:Limes.saxoniae.wmt.png
Limes.saxoniae.wmt.png
File:Abstimmung-schleswig-1920.png
Abstimmung-schleswig-1920.png
File:Schleswig-Holstein.png
Schleswig-Holstein.png
File:Schleswig-Holstein Kreise (nummeriert).svg
Schleswig-Holstein Kreise (nummeriert).svg
File:DEU Kreis Dithmarschen COA.svg
DEU Kreis Dithmarschen COA.svg
File:Wappen Herzogtum Lauenburg alt.svg
Wappen Herzogtum Lauenburg alt.svg
File:Wappen Kreis Nordfriesland.svg
Wappen Kreis Nordfriesland.svg
File:DEU Kreis Ostholstein COA.svg
DEU Kreis Ostholstein COA.svg
File:DEU Kreis Pinneberg COA.svg
DEU Kreis Pinneberg COA.svg
File:Wappen Kreis Ploen.svg
Wappen Kreis Ploen.svg

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