Bike tour from Hamburg to Kiel

Your cycling tour begins along the NOK (Nord-Ostsee Kanal – Kiel Canal) route in the historic Hanseatic city of Hamburg. Germany’s second-largest city offers an abundance of attractions and activities to explore. After checking in to your hotel, take the opportunity to venture out on your bike to visit iconic landmarks such as the St. Pauli Piers, the Michel, and the Speicherstadt. Alternatively, why not embark on a harbour tour? From the water, you can appreciate the vibrant heart of Hamburg from a truly unique perspective.

Along the Elbe, the first stage of your bike tour from Hamburg to Kiel takes you past the Willkomm-Höft ship greeting facility in Wedel. Here, ships arriving or departing from the port of Hamburg are welcomed with their national anthem and flag, depending on their size. The journey continues at a relaxed pace to Glückstadt. Founded in the 17th century according to a carefully laid-out plan, the town is renowned for its Glückstädter Matjes, a delicacy crafted by hand in the traditional manner – a true culinary treat!

You continue along the North Sea Cycle Route towards Brunsbüttel, where the 100-kilometre-long Kiel Canal begins. It is well worth taking a longer break to explore the canal locks and the adjacent museum – even those with little interest in technology will find it fascinating. The route then leads you through Dithmarschen, a region characterised by the gently rolling Geest and the expansive, flat marshes. Your overnight stay will be in St. Michaelisdonn, home to the charming Dutch mill, Edda, or in Schafstedt, located along the Kiel Canal.

Today, you will cycle alongside the Kiel Canal, one of the world’s busiest artificial waterways, inaugurated in 1895. As you pedal at a relaxed pace, you’ll share the route with cruise ships, container vessels, and freighters. Passing towering bridges and ferry docks, you will eventually reach Rendsburg. To fully appreciate the city, we recommend a stroll along the blue line, which will guide you to all the major sights. Don’t miss a visit to the Rendsburg High Bridge, the city's iconic landmark, which offers a unique perspective of the area.

The final stage of your bike tour from Hamburg along the NOK route takes you to Kiel, the capital of Schleswig-Holstein. Explore the city on foot, watching the ships in the harbour and at the Norwegerkai and Schwedenkai piers from the Hörnbrücke, a charming folding bridge. Take the time to visit the Maritime Museum and unwind in the peaceful Ratsdienergarten. If you wish to enjoy more of the Baltic Sea, simply hop on your bike – Falckensteiner Strand is just a few kilometres from Kiel's city centre.

Your bike tour from Hamburg to Kiel concludes after breakfast. Should you wish to extend your stay, we would be delighted to arrange an additional night in either Hamburg or Kiel.