The world's busiest man-made waterway, Kiel Canal connects the Baltic and the North Sea. At just under 100km in length, it runs through Schleswig-Holstein, stretching from the Kiel Fjord on the Baltic coast to the mouth of the Elbe on the North Sea. Appearing like a mirage on the horizon, the giant container ships look like they are gliding across the meadows. A cycle route runs alongside the canal or through nearby countryside for its entire length and every few miles there are resting spots, places to grab a bite to eat and observation points. With countryside as flat as a billiard table and views stretching as far as the eye can see, cycling along the canal is a great experience.

Just a few miles from Kiel is the Baltic information centre, which provides a highly visual and naturalistic picture of how the Baltic Sea came into existence, the animals and plants living in and around the Baltic Sea, threats to the Baltic and the efforts being made to protect it. There is also some fascinating information about fishing. The 'touch and feel' pool and seawater aquariums offer visitors an opportunity to learn about the creatures living underwater and observe native seabirds in their natural habitats.

With its modern Ostseekai, Schwedenkai and Norwegenkai terminals, Kiel is now one of Germany's most important cruise ship ports. Over 140 ocean liners drop anchor in Kiel every year, carrying more than 300,000 passengers to and from the city. All major European shipping companies base their Baltic tours out of Kiel. Whether you are heading north to Norway, Sweden and Lithuania or to one of the many other destinations offered, or whether you wish to spend some time in Kiel itself, the ferry terminal is a great place to sit and watch the boats.