The Schlei – an arm of the Baltic Sea which stretches from Schleimünde in the east 42 kilometres to Schleswig in the west. The Schlei isn't a river but rather a fjord.

The Schlei has an average width of 1.3 kilometres with two extrema: the Missunder Enge (135 metres wide) and the "Große Breite" ('Great Breadth' which is the Schlei's widest spot with its 4 kilometres). With an average depth of 3 metres, the Schlei is considered a shallow part of the Baltic Sea.
Due to several narrows in the west of Arnis and a 2 metre depth of the naval water it is imperative to consider the correct draft of a vessel heading for Schleswig.

There's no significant tidal range in the Schlei but a strong northeaster can raise the water level up to 1.5 metres, whereas a southwester can reduce the water level up to 1 metre. Sailing boats meeting all the criteria can experience a beautiful landscape full of green forests, wide fields, amazing sunsets and clear starry nights between Schleswig and Kappeln. Not only nature presents itself in the best way possible but also many small Schlei villages along the shore with charming houses and colourful gardens.

At the Schlei, the aim is the way, as not only the different wind conditions make this a special sailing area; the quite versatile passages also make this trip unforgettable.

Whether you pass the historical flap bridge at Lindaunis opening at a quarter to every hour and the fish weir in Kappeln or beating about in Schleimünde passing the lighthouse until you reach the Baltic Sea – here you can forget about your daily hectic rush and enjoy a relaxing sailing holiday. Even if you don't have your own sailing boat, you can still enjoy a sailing trip. Besides the annual Mitsegeltag (tag-along day), there are several local rentals where you can charter a boat. A trip on a historical sailing ship can be just as exciting.