Schleswig-Holstein Historical Geography

In the second half of the 7th century the Slavs arrived in East Holstein. They were the Wagrier and the Polaben, who pushed forward to the Kiel Fjord and down to the river Elbe. They built castles and settled around them. During the first half of the 8th century, the Jüten (Danish tribe) started to settle areas around the river Schlei (Haithabu)