Kappelner Fischmarkt am Nordhafen

Maritime Market on the Schlei

Kappeln is located on the northern bank of the Schlei in the district of Schleswig-Flensburg, state of Schleswig-Holstein, and was once one of the most important herring towns on the German Baltic Sea coast. This history can be felt at the Nordhafen, where the traditional fish market keeps the town's maritime heritage alive every month. A small but active fleet of cutters ensures that fresh herring, cod, eel, and other catches from the Schlei and Baltic Sea are sold directly from the boat or from ice stands on Sunday mornings.

Herring Town Kappeln

Until the 19th century, Kappeln lived from herring. A visible sign of this is the Kappelner Heringszaun — the last functional herring fence in Europe, a Reusenfang (fish trap) system over 500 years old, in operation since the 15th century. On fish market days, visitors often find stalls explaining this tradition and offering smoked fish from their own production.

More Than Just Fish

Despite its name, the market today is far more than just a fish market. The market stalls offer:

• Freshly caught fish — herring, cod, eel, flatfish, and depending on the season, mackerel and sprat
• Smoked fish — smoked herring, smoked eel, smoked salmon
• Local arts and crafts — ceramics, wood, textiles
• Jewelry and children's fashion
• Baked goods — rye bread, Friesentorte, fresh pastries

The Schlei in the Background

The Nordhafen, with its historic cutters and the bascule bridge over the Schlei, provides a special setting for the market. From the market quay, you look out onto the Schlei estuary, see the yachts of the summer season, and can combine your market visit with a stroll across the bascule bridge or a boat trip on the Schlei.