The History of Schleswig-Holstein's Culinary Highlight

In 1987, seven desirable Michelin-stars were twinkling above six Schleswig-Holstein restaurants. Today, around 50 restaurants and hotels are part of this first league of the region between the North and the Baltic Sea. Thanks to the Schleswig-Holstein Gourmet Festival, a continuously growing gourmet tourism is giving new impetus to a relentless striving after culinary perfection. The 2010 Michelin Guide lists 11 restaurants in Schleswig-Holstein with 13 stars; three of these are partners in "Kooperation Gastliches Wikingland e.V."

The Schleswig-Holstein Gourmet Festival boasts a long and successful 24 year old history. During the first
Festivals, 12 restaurants pampered the Festival guests in the countryside and initiated "Kooperation Gastliches Wikingland e. V." in 1987. Reorientation to include the entire region between the two seas took place in 1989. Today's "Kooperation" includes 15 hotels and restaurants from all parts of the most northerly federal state. The basic ideas remain the same:

  • to breathe new culinary life into the area between Ahrensburg and Sylt
  • to boost tourism during the poor income months of autumn and winter
  • to give the teams of the member restaurants the opportunity to learn new tricks and trends from celebrity guest chefs
  • to broaden culinary horizons and build up a good network
  • to win over new guests to the member restaurants
  • to establish Schleswig-Holstein as the gourmet federal state

This concept has been a success in every aspect. The excellent restaurant landscape in the most northerly federal state has in recent years been building a reputation that is reaching beyond Germany's borders.

Other very positive effects of the Schleswig-Holstein Gourmet Festival are the established friendships between guest chefs and team members, and the fact that new ideas, tastes and trends are finding their way to Schleswig-Holstein#s restaurant menus. Many a career has been initiated within this new network. AND - as a very positive side-effect - our regional products are being ennobled by the hands of culinary masters.

The Executive:


Nicole Hesse
Board of sponsors
Klaus Peter Willhöft
President
Frank Behrens
Board of finances