Kiel Canal

A waterway as world history

The canal was built under Kaiser Wilhelm II largely for military reasons, to move the Imperial Navy quickly between the Baltic and the North Sea. After eight years of construction it opened in 1895 and was already widened from 1907 to make room for larger battleships. Thousands of workers shifted enormous masses of earth, and the route has cut through the Holstein landscape ever since. Today the canal is an international symbol of engineering and links Kiel directly to global maritime history. Its 98-kilometre course spared ships the dangerous passage around the northern tip of Denmark.

Watching ships from the canal bank

Nowhere can canal traffic be followed as well as at the Kiel end near Holtenau. From the bank, container giants, tankers, sailing yachts and small pleasure boats glide past in a steady stream — often just a few metres away. In some places the freighters seem to drift over the fields, because the water lies higher than the surrounding land. If you don't know the exact timetable, simply wait: on average dozens of ships pass every day. The free canal ferry or a guided cruise bring visitors even closer to the action.

Cycling along the canal

Well-built service and cycle paths accompany the canal on both sides and are perfect for tours. From Holtenau the route runs almost level through meadows, woods and small harbour villages — ideal for relaxed day trips with a constant view of passing ships. Along the way, canal ferries, country inns and viewpoints invite a rest; all ferries across the canal are free. Spring and early summer offer the most pleasant cycling weather. If you like, combine the tour with a detour to the lock or ride as far as the Levensau high bridge.