2026

Bike tour from Hamburg to Kiel

On the way along the Elbe and the Kiel Canal

Hamburg – Brunsbüttel – Rendsburg – Kiel

  • Radweg-Reisen Tour
  • Hanseatic city of Hamburg, Glückstädter Matjes
  • Brunsbüttel canal locks, Dithmarschen landscape
  • Rendsburg High Bridge, Kiel Fjord
  • Daily routes ●●●○○, altitude profile ●●○○○

Days
6

Ø km per day
50

Welcome to Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein! The bike tour from Hamburg to Kiel takes you from the Elbe to the Baltic Sea – virtually right across Germany's northernmost federal state. After getting to know Hamburg's Speicherstadt warehouse district and Michel and enjoying your first fish sandwich, you follow the Elbe towards the North Sea. Via the matjes town of Glückstadt, you reach Brunsbüttel and thus the Kiel Canal. With a length of around 100 kilometers, it is an important part of the European transport network and of great significance for regional and international shipping. After a detour to Dithmarschen, you cycle along the NOK (Nord-Ostsee Kanal –  Kiel Canal) route to Rendsburg, famous for its canal-spanning high bridge. Continue to Kiel, the destination of the bike tour on the NOK route. Enjoy the maritime flair along the harbour promenade and on the beaches of the Kiel Fjord. An ideal way to look back on an eventful bike tour.

 

Itinerary

  • Booking code
    OS-NOHK5
  • Accommodation level
    national 3* level
  • Duration
    6 days / 5 nights
  • Arrival days
    Daily
  • Travel documents languages
    German, English, Dutch, French
  • Print version PDF
    incl. hotel examples
  • Parking information
    Parking garages in Hamburg, cost approx. 12 – 20 € / day
    No reservation possible through Radweg-Reisen
  • Return to Hamburg
    On your own by train incl. bike, hourly direct connections, duration approx. 1 – 1.5 hours
Bike tour from Hamburg to Kiel

Day 1: Individual arrival in Hamburg

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.

 

Elbphilharmonie

View of the Hamburg Elbphilharmonie

Day 2: Hamburg – Glückstadt, approx. 55 km

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!

 

Hamburg Speicherstadt

Hamburg Speicherstadt

Day 3: Glückstadt – Schafstedt / St. Michaelisdonn, approx. 50 / 40 km

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.

 

Glückstadt

Port of Glückstadt

Day 4: Schafstedt – Rendsburg, approx. 50 / 65 km

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.

Rendsburg High Bridge

Suspension ferry at the Rendsburg High Bridge

Day 5: Rendsburg – Kiel, approx. 45 km

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.

Kiel Canal

On the Kiel Canal

Day 6: Individual departure

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.

Kiel

Boats in Kiel harbour

Dates / Prices / Services

Season times and prices 2026

Arrival daily from 25.04.2026 to 27.09.2026Early booking discount: -20 €

Bookable dates are shown in the booking form. The season is dictated by the arrival date.

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Saison A
25.04. - 12.05.
20.09. - 27.09.
from599 €
Saison B
17.05. - 20.05.
06.09. - 19.09.
from739 €
Saison C
13.05. - 16.05.
26.05. - 03.07.
16.08. - 05.09.
from879 €
Saison D
21.05. - 25.05.
04.07. - 15.08.
from929 €

All prices per person in a double room

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Services

  • 5 nights with breakfast, national 3*-level
  • Luggage transport from hotel to hotel to Kiel, no limit on the number of pieces, max. 20 kg / piece
  • Cycle route description with maps (1 x per room)
  • Service-Hotline (7 days, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
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Not included is the city or visitor's tax (if payable).

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Children discounts

discount-icon discount-icon-football

From 12 to 14 years

-25%

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From 15 to 17 years

-10%

Applies to accommodation in a room with two full-paying adults.
Due to the more demanding stages, we recommend this trip only for young people with good stamina.

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Additional services

Additional bookable services

Additional fee single room

249 €

All prices are per person

Additional nights

Room
Breakfast
Price
Hamburg
 DBL

95 €

 SGL

139 €

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-Gang Mietrad
30-Gear Rental Bike
179 €
E-Bike
E-Bike
289 €
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 / Destination
    Hamburg / Kiel
  • Length
    approx. 200 km
    Daily routes ●●●○○
    between 40 and 65 km, Ø 50 km
    Altitude profile ●○○○○
  • 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.
Map for the bike tour from Hamburg to Kiel

Days
6

Ø km per day
50