Attractions and places to see around Oldenbüttel offer a blend of natural landscapes and historical points of interest in northern Germany. Situated along the Eider river in the district of Rendsburg-Eckernförde, the area provides access to the Kiel Canal. This region is suitable for outdoor activities such as cycling and hiking, with various routes available along waterways and through forested areas.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
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During the construction of the Kiel Canal (NOK), a connection between the Kiel Canal and the Eider River was created in Rendsburg. However, because the lock increasingly hindered road traffic in Rendsburg, an alternative lock was built further west in 1937: The Gieselau Lock. Since then, this lock has connected the Eider River with the Kiel Canal in the Gieselau Valley, south of Prinzenmoor. The Gieselau Canal is only navigable during the summer months.
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Who doesn't like @Dani's post here and why (?) is not clear to me 🤔
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Road traffic, and thus also the hiking trail, is routed through the truly picturesque Giselau Lock. Visitors rattle along wooden planks. The canal is beautifully situated and runs through a rather quiet, rural area.
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The Gieselau Canal has connected the Eider River with the Kiel Canal (NOK) since 1937. The approximately 2 km long canal serves primarily as a link between the two waterways for recreational boating. This requires a lock to balance water levels and currents.
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Crossing by bike is worthwhile
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The Gieselau Canal is approx. 2.8 km long and ships with a length of up to 65.0 m, a width of up to 2.70 m and a draft of up to 2.70 m can be navigated through the Gieselau lock. The Gieselau lock is primarily used by sports boats ⛵️...
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The Gieselau lock is the only connection between the NOK and the Eider. The lock connects the NOK with the Eider-Treene-Sorge river landscape. In the heart of the region, the three rivers Eider, Trennen and Sorge form the largest connected river and lowland area in Schleswig-Holstein 💙...
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Oldenbüttel is situated directly on the banks of the Eider River, offering picturesque landscapes for walks. The nearby Kiel Canal (Nord-Ostsee-Kanal) is another significant waterway, and the Oldenbütteler Holz provides moderate hiking opportunities through forests and meadows.
Yes, the region offers extensive hiking trails. You can explore paths along the Kiel Canal, through the Oldenbütteler Holz, or parts of the North Sea-Baltic Sea Trail. For specific routes, consider trails like the easy Kiel Canal – Gieselau Lock loop or the moderate Nature Trail Through the Moor – Gieselau Lock loop.
The area is excellent for cycling, with numerous routes along the Kiel Canal and the Eider River. Popular options include the "Deutsche Fährstraße" and a 6-day tour encompassing the Kiel Canal, North Sea, and Eider. You can find various routes, from easy to moderate, such as the Path Along the Gieselau Canal – Lexfähre Drawbridge loop or the Kiel Canal (Nord-Ostsee-Kanal) loop.
Yes, in summer, the Kiel Canal is ideal for water activities such as canoeing and sailing. The Eider River also provides opportunities for boating and exploring its scenic banks.
While Oldenbüttel itself is small, several significant cultural sites are within a reasonable distance. These include Gottorf Castle, the Haithabu Viking Museum, and the Rendsburg City Museum. Closer by, you can visit the Old Chain Ferry, Fischerhütte, which exhibits a disused ferry, and the historical Gieselau Canal Lock and Bascule Bridge.
Many attractions around Oldenbüttel are suitable for families. Watching ships pass on the Kiel Canal is always exciting. Crossing the canal on the free Breiholz Ferry is a unique experience. The Old Chain Ferry, Fischerhütte offers a place to relax with food and drinks, and children can play around the old ferry. The Gieselau Canal Lock and Bascule Bridge is also family-friendly, as is the Grünental High Bridge with its impressive views.
Yes, the Breiholz Ferry on the Kiel Canal is wheelchair accessible, allowing everyone to experience crossing the canal. The Gieselau Canal Lock and Bascule Bridge also features a separate fishing spot designed for wheelchair users, making it an inclusive historical site.
To truly experience the Kiel Canal, you can cycle or hike along its banks, observing the passing ships. Taking one of the free canal ferries, like the Breiholz Ferry, offers a unique perspective. Boat trips are also available, and you can visit the Gieselau Canal Lock, which connects the Eider River to the Kiel Canal.
Visitors frequently highlight the unique experience of watching large ships on the Kiel Canal, often combined with cycling or hiking along its scenic routes. The free canal ferries, such as the Breiholz Ferry, are also very popular for their novelty and views. Many appreciate the opportunity to relax at places like the Old Chain Ferry, Fischerhütte, enjoying the direct view of the canal.
You can observe ships passing along almost any stretch of the Kiel Canal (Nord-Ostsee-Kanal). Excellent spots include crossing on the Breiholz Ferry, from the banks near the Old Chain Ferry, Fischerhütte, or from the elevated vantage point of the Grünental High Bridge.
The Gieselau Canal is a 2.8-kilometer waterway that connects the Eider River with the Kiel Canal. Its primary feature is the Gieselau Canal Lock and Bascule Bridge, which allows sport and sailing boats to transition between the two waterways. It's a notable historical site and a popular spot for fishing.
Yes, the Grünental High Bridge offers an impressive view of the Kiel Canal and the shipping traffic below. Additionally, various points along the Kiel Canal and the Eider River provide scenic vistas of the surrounding natural landscapes.


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