Förde

A Förde is a long, narrow inlet of the sea along the coasts of northern Germany, particularly in Schleswig-Holstein. The term denotes a coastal formation shaped by glacial action, with water that is often brackish due to mixing of seawater and freshwater. Förden typically connect to the open sea through relatively shallow outlets and may host extensive harbors or urban waterfronts. In German toponymy, the word is used to distinguish these inlets from open bays or larger gulfs.

The best known Förden in Schleswig-Holstein include the Flensburger Förde, the Kieler Förde, and the Eckernförder Förde. The Flensburger Förde lies near Flensburg and forms a natural harbor area that serves the city and the surrounding region, including borders with Denmark. The Kieler Förde runs along the city of Kiel and hosts its major harbor and naval facilities, connecting to the Baltic Sea and forming part of the region’s maritime infrastructure. The Eckernförder Förde is situated near Eckernförde on the Baltic coast, featuring marinas and coastal communities that rely on the inlet for tourism, fishing, and recreation.

Historically and today, these inlets are important for transport, industry, and tourism. They support ferry routes, commercial and naval activity, and a variety of water sports, while also presenting ecological value as brackish habitats with diverse marine life. The term Förde remains a distinctive element in northern German geography, reflecting a characteristic coastal landform that combines natural beauty with significant human use.