Hotel Zur Schleuse

On the Kiel Canal in Holtenau

The Hotel Zur Schleuse lies in Holtenau directly on the Kiel Canal, overlooking the historic locks that connect the world's busiest artificial waterway with the fjord. From the hotel you can watch freighters, yachts and excursion boats passing through the lock – a spectacle found in only a handful of places. Holtenau sits a little outside the center; by car and bus the city is easily reached, however, and arrival is relaxed thanks to the quieter location.

Maritime base with fish cuisine

Cozy rooms and a restaurant with fish specialties underline the maritime character of this three-star house. Anyone who enjoys fresh fish and North German cooking needn't head out in the evening. The hotel suits ship and canal enthusiasts, cyclists on the Baltic coastal route and guests who prefer the activity by the water to a hectic city center. The unique position right at the lock turns an ordinary hotel stay into a small maritime experience – especially when the big ships glide slowly past the windows.

Lock, lighthouse and canal

Right outside the door lie the lock complex, the nearby lighthouse ensemble and the canal promenade. Walks run along the water with the best views of the ship traffic; cycle paths connect Holtenau with the Kiellinie and the center. From here you can also reach the naval quarter and, via the fjord ferry, the city. Tip: with a little luck you'll witness a large container ship locking through up close – best from the restaurant or the promenade, with a fish roll in hand.