Fehmarn

Fehmarn is an island in the Baltic Sea, located off the eastern coast of Germany. It is the country's third-largest island, after Rügen and Usedom. The island is separated from the German mainland by the Fehmarn Sound and from the Danish island of Lolland by the Fehmarn Belt.

Fehmarn is connected to the mainland by the Fehmarn Sound Bridge. Important towns on the island include Burg auf Fehmarn and Puttgarden, where ferries depart. The island is part of the district of Ostholstein.

A major transportation route, called the Vogelfluglinie, crosses Fehmarn. This route links Copenhagen in Denmark to Hamburg in Germany through Lübeck. Two large tunnels are currently being built nearby: the Fehmarn Belt Tunnel and the Fehmarn Sound Tunnel.

History

Fehmarn has had many names over time, like Femera and Fimbria. Long ago, people called the Wagri lived there during the Early Middle Ages. The island’s name means “in the sea” in an old language.

Many villages were started by these early people. Later, others came to live there too. Over time, Fehmarn became part of different places and countries. Today, a big bridge connects Fehmarn to the German mainland. In the future, it will also connect to a nearby Danish island through an underwater tunnel.

Geography

See also: Puttgarden

Fehmarn is an island that covers 185 km². It has a coastline that stretches for 78 km. The highest points on the island are two hills called "Hinrichsberg" and "Wulfener Berg." The largest town on the island is Burg, where about 6,000 people live. There are also many smaller villages such as Vadersdorf.

Climate

Fehmarn has a mild climate because it is surrounded by water. The island has warm summers and cool winters, making it a nice place to visit all year. The sea helps keep the weather comfortable, even during very hot or very cold times.

Transport

The Fehmarn Belt is a narrow stretch of water between Fehmarn and the island of Lolland. People can cross it by ferry between Puttgarden in Germany and Rødbyhavn in Denmark. The trip takes about 45 minutes.

In 2007, Denmark and Germany agreed to build a special tunnel called the Fehmarn Belt Fixed Link, which they hope to complete by 2028. There is also a large bridge named the Fehmarn Sound Bridge that connects Fehmarn to the German mainland near Großenbrode.

Nature

Fehmarn’s coasts are important resting places for birds that travel long distances. This makes it a favorite spot for bird watchers. The island’s bird reserves are cared for by a nature group at the Wallnau Waterbird Reserve.

In the town of Burg, there is a big aquarium with many tanks full of fish.

Fehmarn is well-known for its beautiful nature and places to relax, especially in the summer months from July to September. The island is also famous for activities like windsurfing and kitesurfing, with many spots for these sports.

Culture

Scharwenzel is a fun card game for teams that people on Fehmarn have played for over 300 years. People there still enjoy it today.

Fehmarn was where famous musician Jimi Hendrix gave his last concert on September 6, 1970, at an event called the Open Air Love & Peace Festival. You can still see a memorial stone at Flügge Beach where it happened.

The St. Nicholas Church has a very old baptismal font that was made in the year 1391.

Notable residents

Fehmarn has been home to many interesting people throughout history. Some well-known residents include Johann Horkel, a doctor and plant expert, and Benedikt Niese, a scholar who studied old writings. The island is also where Charlotte Niese, a writer and teacher, was born, and where Frederick W. Schumacher, an American who helped others and worked in business, lived.

Famous artists, like painter Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, lived on Fehmarn for several years. Another well-known person is Peter Wiepert, a builder and writer who was born in Bisdorf; there is a museum on the island named after him. The island was also the birthplace of boxer Jürgen Blin.