2025
Steg, Schlei

Bike tour around Kiel

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

Kiel - Rendsburg - Kappeln - Kiel

  • Radweg-Reisen Tour
  • Naval city of Kiel, Kiel Canal, Viking settlement Haithabu, Baltic Sea beach in Eckernförde
  • Daily routes ●●○○○, Altitude profile ●●○○○

Days
8

Ø km per day
45

Our bike tour around Kiel and along the river Schlei takes you to a region of Schleswig-Holstein that is perfect for a relaxing and eventful cycling holiday. You start in Kiel, the capital of Schleswig- Holstein, experience the Kiel Canal, get to know the Schlei, the longest arm of the Baltic Sea in Germany, and enjoy the wide beaches around Eckernförde and the peninsulas of Schwansen and Danish Wohld. 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 residential town of Schleswig and walk in the footsteps of the Vikings in the open-air museum Haithabu just outside the town. 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, you will have many opportunities to take a dip in the Baltic Sea and discover one or two manor houses. On our bike tour around Kiel and 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 towns and cities that are worth seeing and that will delight you with their exciting history.

Itinerary

  • Booking code
    OS-KK7
  • Accommodation level
    national 3* / 4* level
  • Duration
    8 days, 7 nights
  • Arrival Day
    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 (available in individual hotels, subject to a charge, details in the travel documents)
    No reservation possible through Radweg-Reisen.
     
Map for the cycle tour on the Schlei

Day 1: Individual arrival in Kiel

Your bike tour begins in Kiel, the capital of Schleswig-Holstein. Founded in the 13th century, the city developed into Germany's northernmost major city in the following centuries. After checking in at your hotel, grab your bike and explore the city centre as well as 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!

Kiel, harbor

The port of Kiel

Day 2: Kiel - Rendsburg, approx. 50 km

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

State Theater, Rendsburg

Rendsburg

Day 3: Rendsburg - Eckernförde - Schleswig, approx. 55 km

Your bike tour takes you to the river Schlei today. First you pass Lake Wittensee in the middle of the Hüttener Berge Nature Park. With Eckernförde you reach the Baltic Sea. The harbour town is known for its kilometre-long sandy beach and has an old town peppered with narrow alleys and small fishermen's cottages. Before you reach Schleswig, it is worth visiting the Haithabu Viking Museum. It shows how people lived in the Viking Age. Back on your bike, you head for your destination of 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 town and the Schlei.

Cyclist, Eckernförde

Cyclists in Eckernförde

Day 4: Schleswig - Kappeln, approx. 50 km

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

Harbor, Kappeln

Kappeln

Day 5: Excursion to Maasholm, approx. 30 km

Today your bike tour around Kiel takes you to the small fishing village of Maasholm. Not far from the mouth of the River Schlei, Maasholm was originally an island. Today the village is connected to the mainland. Take a boat trip to Lotsen Island, a peninsula whose southern end is marked by a lighthouse painted green and white. Treat yourself to a longer break before returning to Kappeln via Maasholm.

 

Maasholm, Boats

Excursion to Maasholm

Day 6: Kappeln - Eckernförde, approx. 45 km

After crossing the Schlei, the Baltic Sea Cycle Route takes you across the Schwansen peninsula. Not far from the Baltic Sea coast, you cycle leisurely through the landscape characterised by manor houses, castles, small avenues and unspoilt nature. On 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 or the other of the cliffs? Spend a relaxing evening at the harbour in your stage destination Eckernförde and treat yourself to delicious fish dishes in one of the restaurants.

Harbor, Eckernförde

The harbor in Eckernförde

Day 7: Eckernförde - Kiel, approx. 50 km

With a view of Eckernförde Bay, you start today on the last stage of your bike tour around Kiel. With the Baltic Sea almost always within reach, you follow the coastline of the Danish Wohld peninsula.On the way, you have the opportunity to discover one or the other beach and plunge into the waters of the Baltic Sea once again. 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 over the Baltic Sea and the surrounding area. In Kiel, you can round off your bike tour along the Schlei with another walk along the harbour promenade.

Kiel, town hall tower, opera house

The town hall tower and the opera house in Kiel

Day 8: Individual departure or extension

After breakfast, your bike tour around Kiel along the Schlei already ends. We are happy to extend your stay in Kiel or Schleswig with an extra night.

Kiel, harbor

Farewell to Kiel

Dates / Prices / Services

Season times and prices 2025

Arrival daily from 27.04.2025 to 28.09.2025Early booking discount: -20 €

Bookable dates are displayed in the booking form. The day of arrival determines the season time.

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Season A
27.04. - 03.05.
21.09. - 28.09.
from899 €
Season B
04.05. - 16.05.
07.09. - 20.09.
from1049 €
Season C
17.05. - 23.05.
09.06. - 04.07.
17.08. - 06.09.
from1199 €
Season D
24.05. - 08.06.
05.07. - 16.08.
from1279 €

All prices per person in a double room

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Services

  • 7 nights with breakfast, national 3* / 4* level
  • Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel, no limit on the number of pieces, max. 20 kg / piece 
  • Travel documents with maps (1 x per room)
  • Service hotline (7 days, 8 a.m.- 8 p.m.)
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Not included is the tourist tax, if payable.

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Children's discount

discount-icon discount-icon-football

From 12 to 17 years

-25 %

Applies for accommodation in rooms with 2 full-paying guests.

Due to the more challenging sections, we recommend this tour for young people only in good physical condition.

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Additional services

Additional bookable services

Additional fee single room

299 €

All prices are per person

Additional nights

Room
Breakfast
Price
Kiel
 DBL

89 €

 SGL

135 €

All prices are per person

The prices for additional nights in other places can be found in the booking form.

 

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Rental bikes

Rental Bikes

Rental Bike
Rental Bike
99 €
30-gear rental bike
30-Gear Rental Bike
169 €
E-Bike
E-Bike
269 €
Teenager's bike
Teenager's bike
49 €

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

Here you find further information and pictures of our rental bikes.

Radweg-Reisen 27-gear unisex bike
27-gear unisex bike, derailleur gears with freewheel
Radweg-Reisen 27-gear men's bike
27-gear men's bike, derailleur gears with freewheel
Radweg-Reisen 30-gear unisex bike
30-gear unisex bike, derailleur gears with freewheel, trapezoidal frame
Radweg-Reisen 30-gear men's bike
30-gear men's bike, derailleur gears with freewheel, diamond frame
Radweg-Reisen e-bike
Unisex e-bike, 8-gear hub gears with freewheel
Teenager's bike
26 inch teenager's bike

Route profile

  • Start / Destintion
    Kiel
  • Length
    approx. 280 km
    Daily routes ●○○○○
    between 30 and 55 km, Ø 45 km
    Altitude profile ●●○○○
    between 80 and 240 m, Ø 170 m elevation gain
  • 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.

Days
8

Ø km per day
45