Flensburg: cobbled streets and pig-fest on the waterfront

Flensburg: cobbled street behind the Johannis Kirche
Flensburg: cobbled street behind the Johannis Kirche

The drive from Osnabrück to Flensburg starts under showers and grey skies, but by mid-morning the clouds temporarily clear as we veer off the motorway towards Buxtehude. The road goes through the Altes Land, an area developed by Dutch settlers in the 14th century, and it’s a pleasant change from the relentless motorway. It’s fertile land still, with orchards and soft fruits, although Christmas trees appear to be a popular line too.

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Osnabrück: city of peace and mellow friendliness

Osnabrück's townhall: where Europe started
Osnabrück’s townhall: where Europe started

The people of Osnabrück are the happiest in Germany, according to a country-wide survey ten years ago which measured living standards, amenities, and public services. That was before the financial crisis and the pan-European austerity drive, and today it’s not immediately obvious why the town would top the happiness charts. But it looks friendly enough, and we’re certainly happy to be there, the first stopover of our four-week road trip to Finland.

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