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Wooden jetty extending into the Schlei with moored boats. Blue water, green shoreline with trees and wind turbines under a bright sky.

Bike tour around Kiel

On the way along the River Schlei in eastern Schleswig-Holstein

8 Days / 7 Nights
Medium
Wooden jetty extending into the Schlei with moored boats. Blue water, green shoreline with trees and wind turbines under a bright sky.

Our cycle tour along the Schlei takes you to a region of Schleswig-Holstein that is perfect for a relaxing and eventful cycling vacation. You start in the Schleswig-Holstein state capital of Kiel, experience the Kiel Canal, get to know the Schlei, the longest arm of the Baltic Sea in Germany, and enjoy the wide Baltic Sea beaches around Eckernförde and the Schwansen and Dänischer Wohld peninsulas. From Kiel, you first cycle along the Kiel Canal and Rendsburg, famous for its high bridge. After a short detour to the Baltic Sea, you will get to know the former royal seat of Schleswig and follow in the footsteps of the Vikings at the Haithabu open-air museum just outside the city. Along the Schlei you will come across small idyllic towns, including Arnis, the smallest town in Germany. Not far from where the Schlei flows into the Baltic Sea, you will get to know Kappeln and the fishing village of Maasholm. On your way back to Kiel, there are many opportunities to take a dip in the Baltic Sea and discover one or two manor houses off the cycle path. On our cycle tour along the Schlei, you will cycle through many different and varied landscapes and nature experiences in eight days. At the same time, you will experience small and large places and towns worth seeing, which will inspire you with their exciting history.

Kiel – Rendsburg – Kappeln – Kiel

  • The maritime city of Kiel
  • The Kiel Canal
  • The Schleimündung area around Maasholm
  • The Viking settlement of Haithabu
  • The Baltic Sea beaches at Eckernförde

Facts & Map

  • Booking code
    DE-SHRKK-08X
  • Accommodation level
    national 3* / 4*-level
  • Duration
    8 days, 7 nights
  • Arrival Days
    Daily
  • Travel documents Languages
    German, English, Dutch, French, Italian
  • Parking information
    Parking garage ZOB Kiel, costs approx. 10 euros / day.
    Parking garage CAP, costs approx. 10 euros / day.
    Hotel parking spaces (available in individual hotels, subject to a charge, details in the travel documents). No reservation possible through Radweg-Reisen.
Map showing cycling route through Schleswig-Holstein from Kappeln via Schleswig, Eckernförde, and Rendsburg to Kiel, with Baltic Sea and waterways marked.

Map - Bike tour around Kiel

Itinerary

Day 1

Individual arrival in Kiel

Your bike tour around Kiel begins in Kiel, the state capital of Schleswig-Holstein. Founded in the 13th century, the city developed into Germany's northernmost city in the centuries that followed. After checking into your hotel, grab your bike and explore the city center and the promenade along the Kiel Fjord with its many small and large ships. Or how about a visit to Falckenstein beach on the western shore of the fjord? It is the longest bathing beach in the city. As you can see, it's worth arriving early!

Day 2

Kiel – Rendsburg

approx. 40 km

Today you will get to know the Kiel Canal! Marvel at the railroad bridge at your destination Rendsburg. It spans the Kiel Canal and is one of the longest railroad bridges in Germany. At the foot of the bridge is the Rendsburg ship welcome system. Passing ships are greeted by the dipping of the respective national flag and the playing of the national anthem. Rendsburg's historic old town is just a stone's throw away. Along the blue line, a path marked with a blue line, you will get to know all of the city's sights.

Day 3

Rendsburg – Eckernförde – Schleswig

approx. 50 km

Your cycle tour takes you to the Schlei today. First you pass Lake Wittensee in the middle of the Hüttener Berge Nature Park. You reach the Baltic Sea at Eckernförde. The harbor town is known for its miles of sandy beach and has an old town peppered with narrow streets and small fishermen's cottages. Before you reach Schleswig, it is worth visiting the Viking Museum Haithabu. It shows how people lived in Viking times. Back on the bike, you cycle to your destination for the day, Schleswig. St. Peter's Cathedral, visible from afar, is the town's landmark. From its viewing platform, you have a wonderful view of the city and the Schlei.

Day 4

Schleswig – Kappeln

approx. 40 / 50 km

On your cycle tour along the Schlei today, you will first cycle to Arnis, Germany's smallest town. The small town is idyllically situated on a peninsula. Visit the 17th century boatmen's church with its votive ships and take a walk to the pretty little harbor. Kappeln is your destination for the day. Particularly worth seeing are the bascule bridge over the Schlei, the museum harbour and the Dutch windmill Amanda, the tallest windmill in Schleswig-Holstein at 32 meters. Get to know the Schlei on an excursion to its mouth in the Baltic Sea and treat yourself to a delicious fish sandwich at the harbor on your return.

Day 5

Excursion to Maasholm

approx. 30 km

Today's cycle tour along the Schlei takes you to the small fishing village of Maasholm. Located not far from the mouth of the Schlei, Maasholm was originally an island. Today, the village is connected to the mainland. Take a boat trip to Lotseninsel, a peninsula whose southern end is marked by a green and white lighthouse. Not far from the lighthouse is the poison shack. The unusual name goes back to a well-known name for a simple restaurant in northern Germany. Treat yourself to a longer break before returning to Kappeln via Maasholm.

Day 6

Kappeln – Eckernförde

approx. 45 km

After crossing the Schlei, the Baltic Sea cycle path takes you across the Schwansen peninsula. Not far from the Baltic Sea coast, you cycle leisurely through a landscape characterized by manor houses, castles, small avenues and untouched nature. Along the way, there are always opportunities to take a detour to the numerous natural beaches and enjoy the sound of the Baltic Sea and the sand beneath your feet. Or how about letting your gaze wander over the sea from one cliff or another? Spend a relaxing evening at the harbor in your stage destination of Eckernförde and treat yourself to delicious fish dishes in one of the restaurants.

Day 7

Eckernförde – Kiel

approx. 50 km

With a view of Eckernförde Bay, you set off today on the last stage of your cycle tour along the Schlei. With the Baltic Sea almost always within reach, you follow the coastline of the Dänischer Wohld peninsula. Along the way, you have the opportunity to discover one or two beaches off the cycle path and take another dip in the Baltic Sea. Before you reach Kiel, it is worth making a detour to the Bülker lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse on the Kiel Fjord. From the tower's viewing platform, you have a wonderful view of the Baltic Sea and the surrounding area. In Kiel, a walk along the harbor promenade is a great way to round off your cycle tour along the Schlei.

Day 8

Individual departure

After breakfast, your cycle tour on the Schlei ends. We are happy to extend your stay in Kiel with an extra night.

White neoclassical theater building in Rendsburg with domed roof, framed by pink cherry blossoms and green lawn under blue sky.

The Theatre in Rendsburg

Two cyclists in blue and red jackets walking with bikes on a wooden footbridge. Red wooden buildings and green trees in background.

Cyclists in Eckernförde

Eckernförde harbor with traditional sailing boats and yachts moored in calm water. Historic buildings and trees line the waterfront under a blue sky.

The harbour in Eckernförde

Kiel City Hall Tower with red-tiled buildings reflected in a calm pond. A fountain sprays water on the left, green trees line the shore, and a duck swims.

The town hall tower and the opera house in Kiel

Prices and dates

Prices per person in EUR

Services & Information

  • 7 nights with breakfast, national 3* / 4*-level
  • Luggage transport from hotel to hotel, max. 20 kg / piece
  • Digital route book
  • Navigation-app and GPS-data
  • Service-Hotline (7 days, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)

Not included is the Citys or visitors tax, if payable.

Children’s discount on the basic tour price
  • 12 - 14 years = 25%
  • 15 - 17 years = 10%


Applies to accommodation in a room with two full-paying adults.

Due to the more challenging stages, we only recommend this trip for young people with good stamina.

  • Start / Destination
    Kiel
  • Length
    approx. 280 km
    daily routes between 30 and 55 km, Ø 45 km
    altitude profile between 80 and 240 hm, Ø 170 hm
  • Tour operated by
    Radweg-Reisen
  • Mobility note
    The trip is only conditionally suitable for people with limited mobility.
    Please do not hesitate to contact us regarding your individual needs.

Our rental bikes

The success of your cycling holiday depends largely on the quality of your bike! You’ll usually cover hundreds of kilometres during a cycling holiday. That’s why we place the utmost importance on our hire bike fleet, which consists of well over 1,000 bikes. We can cater to almost any hire bike request:

Types of rental bikes

  • 27-gear unisex bike, derailleur gears with freewheel (men’s bike from 1.80 m)
  • 30-gear unisex bike, derailleur gears with freewheel (men’s bike from 1.80 m)
  • E-bike / pedelec with freewheel (minimum age for e-bike rental: 16 years)
  • Teenager's bike (26 inch)


Fittings

Pannier, handlebar bag, milometer, bike lock, pump, repair kit

Red men's touring bike with 27-speed chain gearing, blue Radweg Reisen pannier bag, black handlebar bag, fenders, and kickstand on white background.
Men´s Touring Bike with Freewheel
10 or 27-speed derailleur gears
  • Comfortable men´s touring bike with a classic diamond frame
  • suitable for people between 1.75 m and 1.90 m tall
55 cm |
60 cm |
65 cm
Red trapeze frame bicycle with 30-speed gearing, disc brakes, fenders, and blue Radweg-Reisen pannier bag on rear rack against white background.
Premium Touring Bike with Freewheel
30-speed derailleur gears
  • Premium Touring Bike for outstanding comfort and a sporty riding experienxe 
  • Suitable for people between 1.60 m and 1.90 m tall
45 cm |
50 cm
Red step-through e-bike with black saddle, handlebar bag, and blue Radweg Reisen pannier bag on rear rack, shown against white background.
Unisex Electric Bike with Freewheel
8-speed electric bike with hub gears
  • Comfortable Electric Bike with a low step-through design
  • suitable for persons with a height between 1.45m and 1.90m 

 

Minimum age for e-bike hire: 16 years

42 cm |
45 cm |
50 cm |
55 cm |
60 cm
White youth bicycle with blue accents, rear rack, kickstand, and suspension fork on white background.
Youth bike
7–9-speed derailleur gears with freewheel
  • Shimano derailleur with an ‘easy-to-use’ gear system
20 cm |
24 cm |
26 cm
Red logo with white silhouette of cyclist with backpack riding a bicycle above the text 'RADWEG REISEN' in white capital letters.
Radweg-Reisen Team
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