2026
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 of Haithabu, Baltic Sea beach in Eckernförde
  • Daily routes ●●○○○, altitude profile ●●○○○

days
8

Ø km per day
45

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.

You would like to book the Bike tour around Kiel in the 2025 season?

No problem, we still have free dates this year.

 

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  • Booking code
    OS-KK7
  • Accommodation level
    national 3* / 4*-level
  • Duration
    8 days, 7 nights
  • Arrival Days
    Daily
  • Travel documents Languages
    German, English, Dutch, French, Italian
  • Print version PDF
    Incl. hotel examples
  • 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 for the cycle tour on the Schlei

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!

Kiel, harbor

The port of Kiel

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.

State Theater, Rendsburg

Rendsburg

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.

Cyclist, Eckernförde

Cyclists in Eckernförde

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.

Harbor, Kappeln

Kappeln

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.

Maasholm, Boats

Excursion to 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.

Harbor, Eckernförde

The harbor in Eckernförde

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.

Kiel, town hall tower, opera house

The town hall tower and the opera house in Kiel

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.

Kiel, harbor

Farewell to Kiel

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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Season A
25.04. - 12.05.
20.09. - 27.09.
from899 €
Season B
17.05. - 20.05.
06.09. - 19.09.
from1079 €
Season C
13.05. - 16.05.
26.05. - 03.07.
16.08. - 05.09.
from1279 €
Season D
21.05. - 25.05.
04.07. - 15.08.
from1349 €

All prices per person in a double room

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Services

  • 7 nights with breakfast, national 3* / 4*-level
  • Luggage transport from hotel to hotel, 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 Citys or visitors tax, if payable.

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Children's discount

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 challenging stages, we only recommend this trip for young people with good stamina.

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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 the other accommodation locations 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
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
    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.

days
8

Ø km per day
45