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Kiel Canal
The Kiel Canal (German: Nord-Ostsee-Kanal) is the world's busiest artificial waterway for seagoing vessels, connecting the North Sea at Brunsbüttel with the Baltic Sea at Kiel-Holtenau. The 98-kilometer-long canal saves ships the long and often stormy detour around the Danish Jutland peninsula, shortening the journey by approximately 250 nautical miles. It was constructed between 1887 and 1895 under Kaiser Wilhelm II and was originally of great strategic importance for the rapid deployment of the German fleet. Today, over 30,000 ships pass through the canal annually, making it indispensable for regional economies and global trade. Numerous vantage points along the canal allow for the observation of ocean giants, and the ten imposing high bridges, such as the Rendsburg High Bridge with its famous transporter bridge, represent significant engineering achievements.
- Location: Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
- Top sights: Kluesbarg · Boxberg · Itzespitze
- Nearby: Kellinghusen (14 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 1 | 1 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 14 | 10 | 6 | 2 |
| Rain mm | 74 | 60 | 52 | 40 | 57 | 74 | 85 | 81 | 65 | 74 | 70 | 78 |
📋 Practical info
History & landmarks
empire
1895
Geography
Facts
- The canal has a depth of 11 meters and a width of up to 162 meters at the water's surface.
- The construction cost 156 million marks and employed over 8,000 workers.
- The waterway was originally named the 'Kaiser Wilhelm Canal'.
- Ships are permitted to navigate the canal at a maximum speed of 15 km/h.
- There are 14 canal ferries, all of which are free of charge by law.
- A full transit takes approximately 7 to 9 hours depending on ship size and traffic.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Kiel Canal (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to watch ships?
Is cycling allowed along the canal?
Are the ferries across the canal free?
How long is the Kiel Canal?
What kind of ships pass through the canal?
Kiel Canal: where is it located?
Kiel Canal: what is there to see?
Kiel Canal: when is the best time to visit?
Kiel Canal: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
