The history of the Fehmarnsund area is inextricably linked with the island of Fehmarn and the namesake strait that separates it from mainland Germany. Although traces of human presence here date back to the Neolithic era, the region began to appear in written sources during the Middle Ages. Originally, these lands were inhabited by the Slavic Wagrian tribes. The name of the area comes from the ancient name of the island "Fe mere," meaning "situated in the sea," while the suffix "sund" indicates a strait.
Settlements in this area formed as key crossing points. The first mentions of regular communication across the strait appear in church and trade chronicles, highlighting the importance of this route for connecting Scandinavia with the continent.
Key Factors in its Formation
The development of Fehmarnsund as a settlement and strategic point was determined by several factors:
Geography and Logistics: The narrow strait was a natural location for a ferry crossing, around which infrastructure for travelers and traders developed.
Strategic Importance: Control over the strait provided power over the sea routes in the western Baltic Sea, attracting the attention of Danish kings and the Dukes of Holstein.
Trade Routes: The area lay on the path of the so-called "Bird's Flight Line" (Vogelfluglinie)—the shortest migration route for birds, which people have used for centuries to travel north.
Early Cultural and Economic Features
The region's early economy relied on agriculture and fishing. Due to its exceptionally fertile soil, the island portion was often called the "Golden Crown" of the Baltic Sea. Cultural life was characterized by a unique blend of German and Danish traditions. An interesting feature was the existence of the "Fehmarn Land Law" (Fehmarnsches Landrecht), which granted local residents significant autonomy and regulated social life until the 19th century.
Timeline
Early History and the Development of the Crossing
1076: The chronicler Adam of Bremen first describes the region as an important maritime hub and a fertile area.
1210: King Valdemar II of Denmark builds Glambek Castle on the island's southern spit to protect the strategically vital strait.
1580: Documentary evidence confirms the existence of a regular ferry service linking the island to the mainland.
1867: The territory around the strait and the island of Fehmarn officially become part of the Prussian province of Schleswig-Holstein.
The Era of Modernization and Bridge Construction
1903: Launch of the first steam ferry across the Fehmarnsund, significantly speeding up the transport of goods and passengers.
1927: The first specialized car ferry begins operation, adapted to the growing traffic flow.
1951: Opening of the ferry terminal in Grossenbrode, making this route a key link in communication between Germany and Scandinavia.
1958: Large-scale construction begins on the Fehmarnsund Bridge to replace the ferry crossing.
1963: Ceremonial opening of the Fehmarnsund Bridge, nicknamed "The Coat Hanger" for its unique shape.
Modern Period
1999: The bridge across the Fehmarnsund strait is officially recognized as a protected historical and architectural monument.
2003: Following an administrative reform, all settlements on the island are merged into the single town of Fehmarn.
2020: Plans are announced for the construction of a new underwater tunnel for rail and road transport, which will complement the historic bridge.
Milestones
Key Stages of Transformation and Development
The development of the area now known as the town of Fehmarn (including the Fehmarnsund district) has seen it evolve from an isolated agrarian community into a key transport and tourism hub for Northern Europe. The following key milestones defined the modern face of the region:
The "Golden Crown" Era (Middle Ages – 19th Century) Thanks to exceptionally fertile soil, the island remained a wealthy agrarian region for a long time. This created a unique class of prosperous free farmers whose capital laid the foundation for future urban architecture and the economic independence of local communities.
Development of Burgstaaken Port The transformation of a small harbor into a significant trading port allowed for the export of grain and the import of goods from Scandinavia. This was the first step toward integrating the local economy into international Baltic trade.
Launch of the "Bird’s Flight Line" (Vogelfluglinie) The implementation of the shortest transport corridor concept between Germany and Denmark in the 1960s radically changed the region's status. It transformed from a dead-end point into a strategic transit hub of European importance.
Construction of the Fehmarnsund Bridge (1963) The erection of the bridge was the most significant urban development event of the 20th century for this area. A permanent land connection to the mainland ended the island's isolation, reduced logistics costs, and gave a powerful boost to residential and commercial construction.
Reorientation Toward Tourism (Late 20th Century) The declining role of agriculture was offset by the rapid development of the recreational sector. The construction of campsites, hotels, and resort infrastructure along the coast turned the region into one of Germany's most popular holiday destinations.
Administrative Reform of 2003 The merger of the town of Burg and all the island's rural communities into the single town of Fehmarn allowed for centralized management and budgeting. This simplified the planning of major infrastructure projects and the creation of a unified tourism brand.
Architecture
Architectural Landscape and Styles
The architectural landscape of Fehmarnsund and the adjacent island of Fehmarn has been shaped over centuries by the harsh maritime climate and the understated traditions of Northern Germany. Here, medieval sacred architecture, utilitarian rural building traditions, and the bold modernism of the late 20th century intertwine seamlessly.
Key Eras and Styles
Brick Gothic (13th–15th centuries): The dominant feature of the historic core (the town of Burg) is St. Nicholas Church. This is a classic example of North German Brick Gothic. The style is characterized by the use of red brick, massive walls, pointed arches, and stepped gables, emphasizing the building's verticality.
Traditional Rural Architecture (18th–19th centuries): The area around the strait and across the island is dominated by historic red-brick residential buildings. Low-slung farmhouses designed to withstand the winds are common, often featuring timber-framed elements hidden beneath a brick facade. Roofs are traditionally covered with red tiles or thatch.
Modernism and Functionalism (1960s–1970s): The era of the tourism boom introduced modern architecture to the region. A landmark project is the resort complex in the Burgtiefe district, designed by the famous Danish architect Arne Jacobsen. The buildings are characterized by strict geometry, flat roofs, and the minimalism typical of Scandinavian design.
Engineering Architecture (1963): The Fehmarnsund Bridge (Fehmarnsundbrücke) itself is an outstanding monument of modernist industrial architecture. Its famous steel arch, which earned the bridge the nickname "The Coat Hanger," showcases the aesthetics of functionality and technological progress of the mid-20th century.
Urban Development
The evolution of the region's layout reflects the transition from an agrarian way of life to its current importance for tourism and transit:
Centric Medieval Structure: Historically, urban planning centered around the town of Burg as the sole major trading hub, with a market square and town hall from which roads radiated out to smaller villages. The historic cobblestone paving (Kopfsteinpflaster) has been preserved in the center.
Resort Zoning (20th Century): With the growth of tourism came a clear separation of urban zones. New coastal districts (such as Südstrand) were established, featuring high-rise hotels and health resorts, creating a contrast with the low-rise historic center.
Linear Infrastructure Development: Following the opening of the Fehmarnsund Bridge, the urban planning focus shifted to the north-south transport axis, along which service and logistics facilities began to develop.
Notable People
Famous Residents and Guests of the Region
Fehmarn and the Fehmarnsund area have attracted creative minds and served as a home to outstanding personalities for centuries. Local landscapes have inspired artists, while the region's strategic position has drawn architects and musicians.
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner (1880–1938) Expressionist painter and a founding member of the "Die Brücke" (The Bridge) group.
Kirchner spent his summers on the island between 1908 and 1914. It was here, inspired by the coastal nature and the Staberhuk lighthouse, that he created many of his famous canvases capturing the "primordial" beauty of local life. This period is considered one of the most productive in his career.
Jimi Hendrix (1942–1970) Legendary American guitar virtuoso and rock musician.
Although Hendrix did not live here permanently, his name is inextricably linked to the history of Fehmarn. In September 1970, he gave his last official concert at the "Love-and-Peace Festival" near Fehmarnsund. A memorial stone stands on the island in honor of this event, serving as a pilgrimage site for rock fans.
Arne Jacobsen (1902–1971) World-renowned Danish architect and designer.
Jacobsen left a significant mark on the architectural appearance of the region. He designed the famous resort complex in the Burgtiefe district, including the "Haus des Gastes" and the seawater swimming pool. His works here are recognized as masterpieces of functionalism and are protected as architectural monuments.
Charlotte Niese (1854–1935) Writer, poet, and educator.
Born in Burg auf Fehmarn, Niese often turned to themes of life in Holstein in her works, describing the daily lives and traditions of the local people. Her writing is an important source for understanding the cultural atmosphere of the region at the turn of the 20th century.
Peter Wiepert (1890–1980) Local historian, chronicler, and author.
Known as the "Chronicler of Fehmarn," Wiepert dedicated his life to collecting and preserving local folklore, legends, and historical facts. Thanks to his work, much knowledge about the dialects and customs of the island and coastal residents has been preserved. The local history museum in the town is named in his honor.