Flensburg Firth

Flensburg Firth stretches for around 40 kilometres from the open Baltic Sea into the heart of the city of Flensburg. It is Germany's northernmost firth and a true border sailing area: the German-Danish border runs right through the middle of the water. That's what makes this area so appealing. One day you enjoy fresh fish rolls on a German pier, the next you stroll through a small Danish harbour town. The firth is well sheltered, deep enough throughout, and lined with numerous well-kept marinas on both shores – ideal for relaxed harbour-hopping.

Arriving from the sea, you pass the wide entrance between the Geltinger Birk nature reserve and the Danish island of Als. On the German southern side, the Sporthafen Gelting-Mole and Jachthafen Wackerballig invite you to a first stop, and a little further in follow Langballigau and the Förde-Yacht-Club Bockholmwik. On the Danish northern side, the harbours around Sønderborg beckon, along with the idyllic berths in Høruphav. Those wishing to continue north through the Alssund pass the swing bridge Kong Christian X's Bro: from April to October it opens hourly at 45 minutes past the hour between 6:45 am and 9:45 pm (no opening at 7:45 am on weekdays), and from November to March only until 3:45 pm. Outside these times, the bridge keeper can be reached by phone (+45 88 72 41 10) or on VHF channel 16.

A worthwhile detour leads into the northern side arm to the Nybøl Nor: behind the Egernsund swing bridge lie Marina Minde, Egernsund Havn and the picturesque castle town of Gråsten with Marina Fiskenæs. The bridge opens year-round hourly at 15 minutes past the hour: from April to October between 6:15 am and 10:15 pm, from November to March only until 3:15 pm. It stays closed in winds above force 8; outside opening hours, call +45 88 72 41 10 or use VHF channel 16.

Deeper into the firth, at the foot of Glücksburg Castle, lies Sonwik Yachthafen, a modern marina with every comfort. At the innermost end, sailors finally reach Flensburg itself. Right in the historic harbour lies im-jaich Stadthafen. From here it's just a few steps to the lively old town with its captains' courtyards, rum warehouses and cosy cafés. Whether shipyard history, natural shores or Danish flair – Flensburg Firth connects two countries into an unforgettable voyage.