Independent arrival in Kiel. Go for a walk along the “Kieler Förde” and take in the maritime flair and unique atmosphere of the capital of Schleßwig-Holstein. There is also a large variety of museum and cultural sights on offer. You spend the night in Kiel.

Starting at the train station, you set off on the “Fördeweg”, past the mooring places of huge cruise ships and Baltic Sea ferries. You cycle along the navy harbour and reach the water gates in Holtenau. (Tour of the water gates not included in price of trip.) You continue towards Rendsburg, where you spend the night. On the way you pass several historical ruins of the old Eider Canal, the predecessor of the Kiel Canal.

Today’s tour takes you around the Lake Hohner and Sorge River valley area. This region is known for its flora and fauna and it is an important habitat for birds dwelling in meadows and the tidal flats. Via Christiansholm and Bergenhusen you reach Friedrichstadt, where you spend the night. Take the time to walk around the market square and admire the townhouses with their typical gables.

Cycling along the Eider you reach Tönning. You pass the cutter port and the Katinger Watt nature reserve and finally reach the Eider Barrage, Germany’s largest coastal protection structure. From a view-point on the left side of the barrage, you can see the sea bird reservation. You continue on the North Sea Bike Trail to Büsum. Explore the city and try the world famous Büsum crabs in one of the many restaurants.

Today you bike alongside the mudflats through the extensive landscapes of the Dithmarsch. Since 2009, the Schleßwig – Holstein mudflats are an UNESCO World Nature Heritage site. You reach Meldorf via the “Speicherkoog”. A visit to the minster and a walk through down town are recommended! From here the route either continues to Friedrichskoog and the local seal station, or directly to Brunsbüttel through the varied countryside of St. Michaelisdonn.

Before you start today’s tour you have the opportunity to spend some time in Brunsbüttel. Visit the water gate museum and learn about the construction of the Kiel Canal or stroll through the historical town centre, where you can see the “Heimatmuseum” and the Matthias-Boie-House. You start your bike tour at the water gates of the world’s most used water road and set off towards Rendsburg. On the way you pass Hochdonn, where you will see the imposing 2.2km long and up to 56,38m high railway bridge. You spend the night in Rendsburg.

On the last part of the trip you cross to the southern side of the canal through a tunnel for pedestrian or by ferry. The lovely canal trail (not included in tour price) takes you past impressive high-bridges and the Holtenau water gates to Kiel, where you spend the night.