Things To Do
in Handewitt

Handewitt is a tranquil town in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, just inland from Flensburg and near the Danish border. It blends broad farm landscapes with easy access to the Baltic coast and the Angeln region. Though small, Handewitt serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby castles, markets, and nature reserves.

Visitors will find a friendly, low-key vibe with straightforward road and rail links to larger cities.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at a local café in Handewitt, savoring fresh pastries and coffee. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets, admiring the beautiful architecture and unique shops. Visit the nearby St. Nicholas Church, where you can appreciate its historical significance and serene atmosphere.

afternoon
:

For lunch, enjoy traditional German cuisine at a cozy restaurant, trying dishes like schnitzel or bratwurst. Spend the afternoon exploring the local museums, such as the Handewitt Museum, which offers insights into the region's culture and heritage. Don't forget to take a walk in the nearby park, where you can relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.

evening
:

As the sun sets, indulge in a delicious dinner at a restaurant featuring local seafood, as Handewitt is known for its fresh catches. After your meal, take a stroll along the waterfront, watching the boats glide by and the stars appear. End your day with a nightcap at a local pub, mingling with friendly locals and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

day 2
Nature Walks and Scenic Views
morning
:

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation or a nearby bakery, fueling up for an adventure in nature. Head out to the scenic countryside, where you can find numerous walking trails that wind through lush forests and picturesque fields. Take in the fresh air and vibrant colors of the landscape as you trek along the trails.

afternoon
:

Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy amidst nature, perhaps at one of the designated picnic spots along the trails. After lunch, continue your exploration by visiting the Handewitt Nature Reserve, where you can observe local wildlife and diverse plant species. Capture stunning photographs of the unique flora and fauna that inhabit the area.

evening
:

Return to town in the evening and treat yourself to a meal at a restaurant that specializes in farm-to-table cuisine, showcasing local ingredients. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll through the town center, admiring the quaint shops and local art displays. Wind down your day with a relaxing evening in a nearby park, listening to the sounds of nature and reflecting on your day’s adventures.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee/tea$2-4
🚆One-way public transport ticket$2-3
🥖Groceries (basic staples)$5-12
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$80-150

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Quiet, safe, and scenic base for exploring northern Schleswig-Holstein
  • Excellent cycling and hiking opportunities, close to Denmark
  • Rich maritime history and charming harbor towns
  • Strong regional cuisine with hearty dishes and fresh seafood
  • Good rail connections to Hamburg, Kiel, and beyond
  • Limited nightlife within Handewitt itself; larger towns nearby offer more options
  • Some services may require a short drive to Flensburg or Schleswig
  • Seasonal tourist crowds can appear in peak markets and coastal towns
  • Weather can be changeable; plan for rain and wind, especially near the coast
  • "Hallo" - Hello
  • "Guten Tag" - Good day
  • "Danke" - Thank you
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Wo ist die Toilette?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much is this?
  • "Ich hätte gern..." - I would like...
  • "Können Sie mir helfen?" - Can you help me?

Places to Visit in Handewitt

Visit one of these nice places.

Schloss Glücksburg

A pristine white castle set against water and parkland; classic angle for exterior shots and reflections in the moat.

Flensburg Harbor and Old Town

Colorful gabled buildings, ships at the quay, and narrow lanes—perfect for street and architectural photography.

Flensborg Fjord Viewpoints

Coastal vistas and quiet shorelines ideal for sunset and landscape photography.

Schleswig Cathedral and Old Quarter

Historic stone architecture, cobblestones, and atmospheric streetscapes just a short drive away.

Culinary Guide

Food in Handewitt

Handewitt and the surrounding region celebrate hearty Northern German flavors with Danish influences, seafood, and farm-to-table produce.

Handewitt Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Grünkohl mit Pinkel

A classic winter dish of kale and sausage, deeply rooted in the region’s hearty cold-weather cuisine.

Must-Try!

Labskaus

A robust mix of corned beef, potatoes and onions, often served with pickled beet, fried eggs, and herring.

Frischer Matjes (Hering) oder Dorsch

Freshly marinated or lightly smoked herring or cod, commonly enjoyed with rye bread and onions.

Birnen, Bohnen und Speck

A traditional dish of pears, beans, and bacon, reflecting regional harvest flavors.

Kohlraaben und Kartoffelpuffer

Cabbage dishes and crispy potato pancakes with applesauce, a comforting staple in the area.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Flensburg Weekly Market

Morning market in the city center near the harbor with local produce, fish, cheeses, and prepared foods.

Harbor Market in Glücksburg

Coastal market offering regional snacks, seafood samples, and crafts with sea views.

Street Food by the Fjord

Seasonal pop-ups along the Flensburg Fjord with quick bites like fish sandwiches, pretzels and regional pastries.

Climate Guide

Weather

The region experiences a temperate maritime climate with relatively mild winters and cool summers. Rain is common throughout the year, so layering and a light rain jacket are handy. Average highs range from the mid-20s C in summer to around 0-5 C in winter, with humidity often making the air feel cooler. Spring and autumn bring changeable weather with windy days and frequent cloud cover.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Formality and Greetings

Use Sie with strangers and older people; a firm handshake is common in business and first meetings.

Punctuality and Quiet Contours

Be punctual for appointments; speak in a calm, reserved tone in public; keep noise down in residential areas at night.

Safety Guide

Safety

Handewitt and the Flensburg region are generally safe for travelers. Standard precautions apply: keep valuables secure, be mindful of traffic when walking along coastal roads, and take care near water and during night outings in unfamiliar areas. Emergency numbers in Germany are 112 (fire/medical) and 110 (police).

Tipping in Handewitt

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In Germany, rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% as a tip is customary if service is good; you can hand it directly to the server.

Payment Methods

Cash and cards (including contactless and EC/debit cards) are widely accepted; smaller venues may prefer cash.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures with budding trees and blooming flowers; bring a light layer and enjoy city walks and early-season markets.

Summer

Long days and pleasant temperatures; ideal for harbor strolls, coastal hikes, and outdoor dining; expect occasional rain showers.

Autumn

Cooler days with vibrant fall foliage; great for cycling along forest trails and visiting harvest markets.

Winter

Colder weather with potential snow; festive markets in nearby towns and plenty of warm inns to retreat to after a day of sightseeing.

Nightlife Guide

Handewitt at Night

Handewitt itself has a quiet, village rhythm, but Flensburg offers a lively nightlife scene with harbor bars, pubs, and live music venues along the old town and waterfront. Expect a mix of traditional taverns, casual eateries, and clubs that stay active into the late evening during weekends and summer events. Seasonal festivals and outdoor concerts also provide opportunities to socialize in a relaxed Nordic atmosphere.

Hiking in Handewitt

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Flensburg Fjord Coastal Path

A scenic, moderate hike along the fjord with water views, possible wildlife sightings, and small villages along the way.

Angeln Panorama Loop

A longer rural forest and meadow walk through the Angeln region with rolling hills and countryside scenery.

Schleswig Forest Trails

Well-marked forest trails near Schleswig, offering shaded paths and opportunities to spot local birds.

Airports

How to reach Handewitt by plane.

Sønderborg Airport (SGD)

Closest regional airport with connections to Denmark and Germany; convenient for quick international or domestic hops.

Hamburg Airport (HAM)

Major international hub with frequent connections; good for long-haul and intercontinental flights; well-connected by rail and road.

Lübeck Airport (LBC)

Small regional airport serving limited flights; convenient for light travel and domestic routes.

Billund Airport (BLL)

Large Danish airport with broad European connections; a longer drive but useful for Denmark-based trips.

Aarhus Airport (AAR)

North Jutland airport serving several European destinations; useful for a broader Scandinavian itinerary.

Getting Around

Walkability

Handewitt is very walkable for a small town with parks and local shops. For broader exploration, Flensburg’s historic center and harbor are a short train or car ride away and walkable once there. The region has cycling-friendly routes, but distances between some sights may require a bike or rail connection.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Residents

A predominantly German population with a notable Danish minority; families, commuters, and retirees living in a quiet, small-town setting.

Visitors

Seasonal travelers from Germany, Denmark, and beyond seeking coastal scenery, cycling, and cultural excursions.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Soccer (Fußball)

Widely followed and played across the region, with local amateur and school teams.

Handball

Popular in northern Germany; local clubs offer community games and events.

Cycling

Extensive bike routes through the Angeln region and along the Flensburg Fjord; suitable for day trips.

Sailing and water sports

Close to the water, with opportunities for sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing along the coast.

Transportation

Traffic

The area is well-connected by road to Flensburg and Kiel, with a network of regional buses and rail services. Trains from Flensburg provide convenient access to Hamburg and Copenhagen via connection routes; expect moderate traffic on peak coastal travel days and busy market hours in town centers. Car rental is common for day trips to Angeln and Glücksburg, while bicycles are a practical option for shorter hops.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Handewitt.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Navigate Northern German cuisine by choosing dishes built around potatoes, cabbage, mushrooms, and locally grown vegetables; most restaurants can adapt menus for vegetarians and offer cheese, eggs, or plant-based options on request.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is accessible via local GP clinics in Handewitt and larger hospitals in Flensburg for more specialized care. For emergencies, Flensburg's hospital facilities provide comprehensive services, and dental or specialist care is available in the nearby towns. Travel insurance and international health coverage are recommended for visitors.

Discover Germany

Read more in our Germany 2025 Travel Guide.

Germany Travel Guide