Beautiful Houses
Due to its "size," Arnis does not have a real center. Therefore, the Lange Straße serves as a point of orientation. It runs the entire length of the former island from southwest to northeast. It's worth strolling along the street and admiring the small houses with their timber framing. You will particularly notice the Utluchten, extensions to the living rooms that project beyond the facade. The Lange Straße is lined on both sides by impressive old lime trees. Not far from your affordable holiday apartment or house is the town hall, also located on Lange Straße. Various exhibitions take place here in the summer. Another attraction in the city is the sailing and yacht harbor at the town exit towards Grödersby.
A beach holiday in Arnis is always popular in the summer. However, it is also worth visiting surrounding communities. The idyllic fishing village of Maasholm is located at the end of the Schlei, near the Schleimünde nature reserve. Visitors appreciate the peace and relaxation they find here.
Ostsee Lifestyle
Renting an apartment or house in Arnis definitely means you're not far from the beach. In a beautiful setting, you can soak up the sun and enjoy the soothing air of the Schlei and the Baltic Sea. From a meadow with a beach volleyball field, the sand slopes gently into the waters of the Schlei. Nearby, you'll find a boules court, a playground, and a restaurant. A trip to Kappeln is also worthwhile during your vacation in Arnis. The town is halfway between Kiel and Flensburg and impresses mainly because of its museum harbor and the Schlei Museum. The St. Nicolaikirche from the 18th century is also worth a visit. Since 2002, a folding bridge has connected the Angeln shore with the Schwansen shore. The bridge, with its four lanes, is opened every summer 15 minutes before the hour. Very impressive! Back in Germany's smallest city, you can explore nature on your own and get to know the locals better. It's worth getting acquainted with local customs to truly experience the lifestyle.
Natural and Action-Packed
Experience an idyllic vacation with water, beach, and the sound of the sea. Ideal for these conditions is a vacation with the whole family, including pets, with an affordable holiday apartment or house from private owners. A vacation with a dog in Arnis is a highlight for every family member - including the four-legged ones. Explore together the Arnisser Noor, a private shipyard beach, or more secluded areas of the former island of Arnis. A highlight for the whole family is the Schlei ferry. It crosses from Arnis to Sundsacker over the Schlei. The landscapes of Schwansen and Angeln are connected. The ferry is powered by a rope that lies across the Schlei on the ground. Here you get a different kind of view of the Schlei. Your children will be especially delighted if you visit the Altenhof high ropes course near Eckernförde. The climbing park includes eleven courses with varying levels of difficulty. Also great for kids: the Maasholm Nature Experience Center. Located in the middle of a nature reserve, you can learn about the local wildlife and plant life. Numerous participatory offers delight both young and old - e.g., amber grinding or exciting nature excursions.
Sugar on (Almost) Everything
Outside your holiday apartment or house, you can also explore the interesting culinary world of Arnis and the Schlei. Naturally, fresh Baltic Sea fish tops the menus. However, meat dishes and soups are also gaining importance, especially in the growing gourmet cuisine. Visitors might initially find the typical Schwarzsauer unusual. It consists of pork belly, trotters, snout, pig's blood, and slaughter broth. It is often served with applesauce, flour dumplings, or stewed fruit. A typical local would also sprinkle sugar on it. Don't be surprised - people in this region sprinkle sugar on almost everything. Even sugar on kale is allowed. A Holstein potato soup is finely spiced and served almost like a stew. It gets particularly fruity when you order an elderberry soup with semolina dumplings. The regional stew of beans, pears, and bacon is also typical. This traditional home-cooked meal is prepared with bacon, green beans, and small pearl pears.
As for drinks, grog is highly popular among many locals, especially when a stiff breeze is blowing. Glühwein, Geele Köm punch, or egg grog also have a particularly warming effect. Yet, a cool beer is not frowned upon in Schleswig-Holstein. It is usually brewed very hoppy locally.
Rustic Railway, Impressive Mill
Enjoy a wonderful vacation with an apartment or house offering a fantastic view of the Schlei and its surroundings. Yet, it's not just the location in nature that regularly attracts numerous visitors. One of the major cultural attractions is the Schifferkirche, where settlers held their first church service in 1673. The original timber-framed building still has its north wall intact. The wooden bell tower was erected in 1825 as a replacement for the bell frame that had collapsed. Particularly impressive are the votive ships hanging from the church ceiling, donated by sailors in thanks for their rescue from sea distress.
The town of Kappeln is also worth a day trip from your house or apartment. Railway enthusiasts will find something to enjoy here as well. The Angeln-Bahn Museum Railway operates several times a day, covering 15 kilometers to Süderbrarup. The Angeln Steam Railway runs on a standard gauge and is operated by the Friends of Rail Transport Flensburg Association. Another cultural attraction is the 30-meter-tall Dutch mill Amanda in Kappeln. Built in 1888 and operational until 1964, the mill is now a protected monument. From the fourth floor, you get a great view over Kappeln and the surroundings.
Many Ways to Germany's Smallest City
With fewer than 300 residents and an area of just 0.45 km², Arnis is the smallest city in Germany. Arnis (formerly known as "Bad Arnis") is located on a peninsula in the Schlei (Angeln region, Schleswig-Flensburg district). If you want to travel to this special place, you can, for example, fly to Hamburg. Smaller airports are available in Schleswig-Kropp and Flensburg-Schäferhaus. By train, you can travel to Süderbrarup (Flensburg - Eckernförde - Kiel route). From the central bus station, buses continue the journey. By car, from Hamburg, take the A7 to Rensburg/Büdelsdorf. Continue on the B203 via Eckernförde and Kappeln to your holiday apartment or house in Arnis. From Flensburg, take the B199 and B201. From the North Sea coast, take the B201 via Schleswig and Süderbrarup to Arnis. You can also reach your destination by boat. Alternatively, you can cycle from Kappeln.