Schleswig
Schleswig Stadthafen · Haithabu · Hedeby
54°30.9'N 09°33.6'E
Depth
2–4m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
60m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
60m
60m for the inland Schlei pool in 2–4m of mud. Complete shelter — this is as far inland as any sailing vessel can reach on the Schlei. The anchor will set easily in the deep mud.
About This Anchorage
Schleswig at the head of the Schlei is one of the historically most significant sailing destinations in Germany — the city was founded as Haithabu (Hedeby), the most important Viking Age trading city in northern Europe. From 770–1050 AD, Hedeby was the crossroads where goods from the Rhine (glass, wine), Baltic (amber, furs), and Arabia (silver, silk) were traded. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Haithabu is located directly across the Schlei from the city — accessible by dinghy or ferry. The Haithabu museum is the finest Viking museum in Germany. The Schleswig Dom (Cathedral of St. Peter, begun 1134) is the largest church in Schleswig-Holstein, with the magnificent Bordesholm altarpiece (1521). Reaching Schleswig by yacht is an achievement — the 40km up the Schlei is one of the great inland waterway experiences in Germany.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · SW · W · NW
Exposed To
None (fully sheltered)
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free (pool); harbour fee approx €10–14/night
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Speed limit 9kt throughout Schlei; Schleswig bridge clearance 3.3m — masted vessels cannot proceed further; draught limit 1.8m; nature protection zones in upper Schlei.
Hazards
- !Schleswig bridge (3.3m clearance) — masted vessels CANNOT pass; this is the head of navigation
- !Draught limit 1.8m throughout upper Schlei (above Kappeln) — do not attempt with 2.0m draught
- !Speed limit 9kt strictly enforced on entire Schlei
- !40km inland passage on the Schlei — allow full day each way; winds in the narrow fjord are variable and often unhelpful; motor or motorsail likely required
Skipper's Tips
- →The Haithabu (Hedeby) Viking museum directly across the Schlei is unmissable — the reconstructed Viking longhouses, the ship museum, and the original archaeological site cover 1,300 years of history; arrive by dinghy (200m row) from the anchorage
- →The Schleswig Dom (St Peter's Cathedral) has the finest medieval altarpiece in Northern Germany — the Bordesholm Altar (1521) is 12m high and 6m wide, carved from a single oak trunk; free entry
- →The 40km Schlei passage is best done under motor — winds in the narrow fjord are unpredictable; allow 5–6 hours from Schleimünde; carry extra fuel
- →The Schleswig Stadthafen quay (below the bridge) is usually quiet and unguarded — anchor off or take a line to the quay wall; the harbour master is informal
- →Arnis (12km from Schleimünde) is Germany's smallest town — the rope ferry across the Schlei and the tiny harbour are charming; stop for lunch on the passage to/from Schleswig
Facilities
Schleswig city: full urban facilities, supermarkets, restaurants, cafes. City is 15 minutes walk from the Stadthafen. Haithabu museum restaurant (seasonal).
Nearest provisions: Schleswig city centre (15 min walk) (0.8nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, July, August, September
May–September. The Schlei passage to Schleswig is one of the longest inland sailing passages in Germany — plan a full day each way and ensure adequate fuel and provisions for the round trip.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 60m
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