Kiel Canal Holtenau Locks
Schleusen Kiel-Holtenau
The eastern locks of the Kiel Canal, the world’s busiest man-made waterway, where you can watch freighters rise and fall through the locks at close range.
The Kiel Canal (North Sea–Baltic Canal) is 98 km long and opened in 1895. Measured by the number of vessels that pass through, it is the world’s busiest artificial waterway. The Holtenau Locks at its eastern end consist of two sets of locks, old and new. From the observation platform on the north bank and from the lockside, visitors can watch freighters and sailing boats enter the chamber, rise or fall with the water level, and sail out again. A vessel passes roughly every dozen minutes or so. The old lighthouse and lock exhibits on the north bank tell the canal’s history, and guided tours require advance booking. Viewing is free. From the city centre, take bus 11 or cycle for about 20 minutes, or take the fjord ferry to Holtenau.
Opening hours
Viewing platform open during daytime
Nearby sights
- Botanical Garden of Kiel University
- Kiellinie
- Kunsthalle zu Kiel
- Zoological Museum of Kiel University
- Kiel Maritime Museum
- St. Nikolai, Kiel
- Kiel City Hall
- Falckensteiner Strand