Homage to the fish sandwich: Coastal snack gets its own song

It's the currywurst of the north, a must-try on any coastal vacation—and tastes best with a view of the sea: the fish sandwich. And in Schleswig-Holstein, on the Baltic Sea, the fish sandwich even has its own day. On the first Saturday in May, this delicious coastal snack is celebrated. What does "celebration" mean? In addition to unusual fish sandwich combinations, shanty choirs, and guided bike tours along Schleswig-Holstein's Baltic coast, there's something for all fish sandwich fans to enjoy this year.

On May 3, this year's World Fish Sandwich Day, the fish sandwich gets its own song. "Star der Waterkant" (Star of the Waterfront) was written by singer, songwriter, and producer Peter Struck from Malente in Holstein Switzerland. The chorus invites you to sing along (even with your mouth full) – and stirs anticipation for your next vacation.

Not only does it taste good, but it also finally gets its own song for World Fish Sandwich Day on May 3rd: The Fish Sandwich.

Source: Baltic Sea-Holstein Tourism Association

You can now listen to the song on Spotify, at www.weltfischbrötchentag.de, or on the Baltic Sea region of Schleswig-Holstein's social media channels. What does the song sound like? After summer vacation, after a long day at the sea with sand between your toes, and that first beach holiday as a child. Your next Baltic Sea vacation is already planned, and you want to arrive with the lyrics memorized? Here's a taste of the chorus:

“And every morning the little boat comes, brings the delicacies ashore,

Humans and animals reach out their paws to the star of the waterfront.

Of course, we sometimes talk nonsense here, in this beautiful seafaring country.

But a bite into your fish sandwich gives you joy and sanity.

Hey, hey, hooo. Hey, Hey, Hooo”

You can find the whole song here:

One thing is certain: the fish sandwich originates from the north. Where exactly it comes from—and who invented it—isn't entirely clear. It doesn't have to be, as long as it tastes good. What's essential? Besides Bismarck herring, smoked eel, or other fish specialties, it requires a fresh bread roll that crunches when you bite into it, a lettuce leaf, and, depending on your taste, fresh onions, a delicious remoulade—or another sauce.

Tip: Some fish sandwich stalls now even offer vegetarian or vegan options. For example, at Fischeria Seegold in Grömitz, the sandwich is topped with seaweed spice in addition to a delicious cauliflower filling. Hauswald's Fischbar in Niendorf serves avocado as a topping. Other stalls along the coast also offer the fish-free version.

The ingredients for a good fish sandwich are as simple as they are ingenious: fish, bread roll, salad, sauce, and onions to taste. There are now many more unusual creations available – and even vegan options.

Source: Baltic Sea-Holstein Tourism Association

If you'd like to learn more about the fish sandwich, discover different fish sandwich creations, and get tips from fish sandwich stall owners between Glücksburg and Travemünde (and aren't currently on the coast), check out the YouTube series "aufgefiSHt" from Ostsee-Holstein-Tourismus eV (Baltic Sea Holstein Tourism Association). Click here to access the series: https://www.ostsee-schleswig-holstein.de/entdecken/ostsee-magazin/aufgefisht/

Are you feeling a bit craving and would love to spend the upcoming Fish Sandwich Day on May 3rd in Schleswig-Holstein? This year, World Fish Sandwich Day will be expanded into the "Fish Experience Weeks." Under this motto, the region's towns can offer several weeks of events and educational programs on the topic of fish, sustainable fishing, and tours, such as boat trips. This means that even if you're not in Schleswig-Holstein on May 3rd, but are in Schleswig-Holstein around the time of the day, you still have the opportunity to celebrate the fish sandwich.

Tip for anyone booking their vacation ahead of time: World Fish Sandwich Day will be celebrated again next year, and the program surrounding the "Fish Experience Weeks" will be expanded even further. Here's more information about the day and the event program in the coastal towns: www.weltfischbrötchentag.de and www.fischerlebniswochen.de

Can't make it to Schleswig-Holstein for Fish Sandwich Day, but you've already planned your next Baltic Sea vacation? Don't worry, the fish sandwich is celebrated there with activities throughout the year. For example, there's a scavenger hunt in the Bay of Lübeck, where adventurers of all ages can search for the stolen fish sandwich. The interactive scavenger hunt is free and can be easily completed via an app—and while you solve the fish sandwich mystery, you'll also learn interesting facts about the region. Tip: Successful fish sandwich detectives can pick up a small reward at the Scharbeutz Tourist Information Center.

Whether as a snack during a bike ride or as a rustic “dinner” on the beach: a fish sandwich is always a good choice.

Source: Baltic Sea-Holstein Tourism Association

Those who prefer to explore the region by bike during their vacation can take a pedal-assisted route along the "Bicycle Finds Fish Route": Between Rettin and Travemünde, there are three bike tours of varying lengths along the Fish Sandwich Road. Sea views are guaranteed, as is the excellent infrastructure of fish sandwich stalls. On the Ostsee-Holstein-Tourismus eV website, you'll find maps with marked "supply points" in case you get a little or a lot of fish sandwich cravings.

Click here for the scavenger hunt around the kidnapped fish sandwich: https://www.luebecker-bucht-ostsee.de/fischbroetchenkrimi

More information about the Fish Sandwich Street: https://www.ostsee-schleswig-holstein.de/entdecken/essen-und-trinken/fischbroetchen#c574

How can you best enjoy the first warm days? For example, with a fish sandwich in hand overlooking the sea—ideally on World Fish Sandwich Day on May 3rd.

Source: Baltic Sea-Holstein Tourism Association

Whether on your way to a Baltic Sea vacation, on a scavenger hunt, or on your bike: From now on, the fish sandwich song will get all fish sandwich fans in the mood – and it's also a good cure for Baltic Sea wanderlust and cravings for fish sandwiches. On World Fish Sandwich Day, simply search for "Star der Waterkant" on Spotify or visit the Ostsee SH social media channels.