Germany’s Smallest City

1 - At the end of 2022, exactly 273 people lived in this town. Its houses and streets cover 0.45 square kilometres, equivalent to an area 1,000 metres long and 450 metres wide. The town is called Arnis, making it the smallest town in Germany. It lies on a peninsula in the Schlei in Schleswig-Holstein. 2 - Most of the houses stand on Lange Straße, including the town hall. Linden trees have been planted along the street. The houses are low, and some have been home to many generations. Most businesses in Arnis specialise in services for sailing. 3 - There is a small church, a boat harbour, three boatyards where boats are built and repaired, and a motor ferry that takes you to the other side of the Schlei. There is just one bakery, but you can eat and drink at several restaurants. Arnis is a popular destination for tourists. 4 - The town was founded in 1667. At the time, 65 families moved here from nearby Kappeln. They objected to having to pay dues to the nobleman Detlef von Rumohr. To protect themselves better, they dug a wide ditch between the settlement and the mainland, so Arnis remained on an island for a long time. Arnis was granted town status in 1934. 5 - In the 19th century, more than 1,000 people lived here. At the time, Arnis residents owned 88 merchant ships. Fishing also played an important role. However, shipping declined in importance, and many residents left the town.

6 - Tourists can walk around the town on a hiking trail in about 30 minutes. Along the way, they discover gardens where residents grow their own vegetables and get repeated glimpses of the Schlei. 7 - At one spot, colorful signs show the distances to famous beaches around the world. Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, is 16,245 kilometers away, while the small bathing cove in Arnis is just 20 meters away. So if you ever visit Arnis, bring your swimsuit.