Flensburg – city of two cultures
Mayors reveal their insider tips in the deutschland.de series “My city”. Part 6: Mayor Simon Faber talks about Flensburg.
Mr. Faber, what is special about your city?
The city rises up the slopes of the Flensburger Fjord, which extends into the city centre. This results in an especially attractive cityscape. Flensburg belonged to the Danish crown for a greater part of its over 725-year history. That made it a city of two cultures – German and Danish – with a special Scandinavian charm.
What do you see when you look out of your office window?
Since my office is on the top floor of the city hall, I have a view over the entire old town and can look across Flensburger Fjord to Denmark.
Where in your city do you most like to spend your time?
I especially enjoy strolling through our long and attractive pedestrian precinct. The experience is rounded off by detours into historical inner courtyards, to the Rote Strasse and the nearby harbour.
Which of your city’s personalities do you value most?
In addition to famous figures in Flensburg’s history like Queen Margaret I of Denmark, the inventor Hugo Eckener and sexual aids entrepreneur Beate Uhse, I would like to draw attention (as a musician) to the composer Hans Matthison-Hansen (1807–1890). He wrote very wonderful duets that I have also performed.
What would you like to show tourists?
The steep Friedastrasse and the beautiful Mathildenstrasse are special places away from the usual tourist haunts that are well worth visiting. I would also recommend taking a look at some of the buildings of thriving international companies.
Where can visitors best get to know the people of your city?
During the annual Flensburger Hofkultur festival in July/August. This special summer festival transforms the old merchants’ and artisans’ courtyards in the city centre into a stage for several weeks. There are concerts, theatre performances, cabaret shows and films in the open air.
And where do you most like to spend your vacations?
My family and I like most of all to travel to the Adriatic coast of Croatia in our old camper van.
