NORDEN — The Nordic Arts Festival

Scandinavia in Schleswig

The NORDEN Festival is one of Schleswig-Holstein's youngest and most ambitious cultural festivals. Founded in 2018 after a trip to the Baltic region by festival organisers Manfred Pakusius and Marno Happ, it has become the most important showcase for Northern European arts in Germany. "NORDEN" stands for the idea that the North German cultural area has natural connections to Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland, and the Baltics — and these connections must be kept alive.

Königswiesen as Festival Grounds

The venue is the Königswiesen, a wide meadow area in Schleswig's city park, directly on the Schlei river. Several stages are set up here: the Open-Air Stage for major concerts, the Culture Tent for readings and talks (with German Sign Language interpretation at selected events), the Theatre Square for performing arts, and the Water Stage directly by the water for intimate concerts. The Königswiesen park, as a spacious area, offers room for around 11 days of programming.

Headliners and Line-up 2026

The festival management has put together a remarkable line-up for 2026. Alli Neumann, who lives in Schleswig-Holstein and has gained supra-regional recognition with her pop sound, is one of the headliners. Jan Plewka, former Selig singer and one of the prominent voices of German rock, forms the second main act. Further confirmed acts: Agassi from Hamburg (Post-Punk with NDW elements), Bellefolie from Norway (Alternative Pop), Kakkmaddafakka from Norway (Indie-Rock), Raum27 (German-language Pop), The Sensitives from Sweden (Ska/Punk/Rock), and Tequila & The Sunrise Gang.

Literature and "Nordic Talking"

The festival is more than just music. Readings play a central role: "Young Literature from Schleswig-Holstein" introduces emerging young female authors, Finnish crime writer Eva Frantz reads from her works, as does musician and writer Johann Scheerer. The discussion format "Nordic Talking" is moderated by Linda Zervakis and Lars Haider, editor-in-chief of the Hamburger Abendblatt.

Tickets, Travel, Engagement

Festival pass for all 11 days: €99 plus fees. Day tickets: €19–€25. Weekend pass: €59. Travel by public transport is encouraged: NAH.SH SMILE24 service, €5 discount with train ticket, bicycle parking directly at the entrance. Accessibility is a central concern: reduced tickets for individuals with a GdB of 50+, free entry for escorts, mobile induction loops in the Culture Tent, Sign Language interpretation. The event uses "rescued porcelain tableware" for meals and a reusable cup system.

Schleswig — Old Capital, Young Festival Culture

Schleswig, with just under 25,000 inhabitants, is the district seat of Schleswig-Flensburg. In the 9th century, along with Haithabu, it was one of the most important Viking trading centres in the world. Today, it is characterised by Gottorf Castle, St. Peter's Cathedral, and the waters of the Schlei. The NORDEN Festival fits this historically rich city and culturally brings the old Nordic connections into the present.