Schleswig, formerly an independent dukedom, is the most northern territory of Germany, situated between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. Since 1386 it has been united with Holstein {see planet  (6402)}, a duchy that borders it to the south. Prominent towns are Flensburg, the “Gate to the North”, and Schleswig, site of Gottorp castle and Petri cathedral. The poet Theodor Storm was born in North Frisia, a part of Schleswig. (M 25655) _ _.