Kiel Canal
Cruise liners and large ships on the Kiel Canal
The Kiel Canal between Brunsbüttel and Kiel is the world’s busiest artificial water route. Along the 99-kilometre-long canal you can marvel at the 10 bridges, 14 ferry crossings, impressive locks and technological masterpieces such as the transporter bridge in Rendsburg, whilst in the hinterland, between lush green fields and forests, explorers will be met with impressive properties and stately homes.
Anyone taking a bike ride down the Kiel Canal between April/May and September will be able to ride within touching distance of real cruise liners almost every day and soak up the scent of the big, wide world as they catch sight of the large ships, known locally as ‘dicke Pötte’. There is a cruise liner calendar with destination harbours and arrival times available at www.tinok.de so everyone can see the ship of their dreams.
The Rendsburg High Bridge is one of the largest and most significant rail bridges in Europe. Anyone climbing up to the viewing platform – accompanied by a guide and wearing a safety helmet – will soon forget the wobbling in their knees as they take in the stunning view over the canal and the surrounding area. Providing not such a high-level crossing, but nevertheless slightly over the waterline, is Germany’s only transporter bridge, which hangs directly under the rail bridge from twelve steel cables.
© Alexander Seidlich