Best attractions and places to see around Bornholt, a small municipality in the Rendsburg-Eckernförde district of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, are primarily characterized by its location along the Kiel Canal. Bornholt serves as a base for experiencing the natural beauty and broader attractions of the surrounding region. The area features wide fields, old oak forests, and meadows, reflecting its historical natural environment.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
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The Oldenbüttel Canal Ferry is a small cable-stayed ferry that transports pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles across the Kiel Canal. It uses the water current and a taut wire cable to enable the canal crossing without its own propulsion.
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Crossing by bike is worthwhile
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A total of 14 ferries cross the Kiel Canal. The passages are free, because when the canal was built it was agreed to provide free crossings for the traffic routes interrupted by the canal construction. You can find more information and the ferry times here: https://www.wsa-nord-ostsee-kanal.wsv.de/Webs/WSA/WSA-Nord-Ostsee-Kanal/DE/1_Wasserstrasse/2_Tunnel-Bruecken-Faehren/3_Faehren /Ferries_node.html.
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Change the side of the North Baltic Sea Canal quickly and free of charge with the NOK ferry.
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Oldenbüttel, one of the many canal ferries across the NOK.
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Free NOK hopping 🍀
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Wonderful view of the big pots --- and things are high
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By law, the Hochdonn canal ferry runs free of charge for everyone on the Kiel Canal. It is also in operation around the clock. At night she can be brought to the other side by telephone.
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Bornholt is primarily characterized by its location along the Kiel Canal, one of the world's busiest artificial waterways. You can enjoy watching impressive ocean-going ships from the canal embankment. The surrounding area features wide fields, old oak forests, and meadows, offering a tranquil setting for walks and cycling. The name Bornholt itself, derived from "Born" (spring) and "Holt" (wood), reflects its historical natural environment.
The region is known for its impressive bridges and ferries. You can visit the Hochdonn Ferry and Railway Bridge on the Kiel Canal, which provides a free, continuous ferry service. Another notable structure is the Grünental High Bridge, offering impressive views of the canal and its shipping traffic. The Hochdonn Railway Bridge, completed in 1920, is also a significant historical engineering feat.
While Bornholt itself is a small village, the surrounding region offers historical insights. You can see the Old Chain Ferry, Fischerhütte, where an original disused ferry is exhibited, providing a glimpse into the canal's past. Further afield, in Rendsburg, the historic Rendsburg High Bridge is a notable engineering marvel, and Gottorf Castle in Schleswig houses significant cultural and natural history museums.
The area around Bornholt is excellent for outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling and hiking along the banks of the Kiel Canal, which offers varied landscapes of water and forest. The region also features numerous bike rides, bikepacking routes, and hiking trails that explore the diverse landscapes of Schleswig-Holstein. For specific routes, you can explore options like those found in the Hiking around Bornholt or Cycling around Bornholt guides.
Yes, the region offers several hiking opportunities. Trails along the Kiel Canal provide scenic walks, allowing you to observe ships and enjoy the natural surroundings. For example, you can find routes like the 'Freighter on the canal – View from north to Grünentaler Hochbrücke loop from Beldorf' or the 'View of the Kiel Canal loop from Dückerswisch'. More hiking routes are available in the Hiking around Bornholt guide.
Absolutely. The area is very well-suited for cycling, with many routes along the Kiel Canal and through the rural landscape of fields and forests. Cyclists can use a ramp to access the canal steps and enjoy varied terrain. Popular cycling routes include the 'Hohenhörn Canal Ferry – Hochdonn Railway Bridge loop from Schafstedt' or the 'Grünental High Bridge – View from north to Grünentaler Hochbrücke loop from Bornholt'. Discover more options in the Cycling around Bornholt guide.
Many attractions along the Kiel Canal are suitable for families. Watching the large ships pass by from the canal banks is often a highlight for children. The free ferries, such as the one at Hochdonn Ferry and Railway Bridge, can also be an exciting experience. The Old Chain Ferry, Fischerhütte, offers a place where children can 'romp around under and on the ferry' while parents relax.
Several spots along the Kiel Canal offer opportunities for food and relaxation. Near the Old Chain Ferry, Fischerhütte, you can find a service station where you can buy food and drinks, including fresh fish rolls, and enjoy direct views of the canal. There are also small snack bars near the ferries, such as the one close to the Hochdonn Ferry.
Visitors frequently enjoy the unique experience of the free ferries across the Kiel Canal, appreciating their continuous operation and convenience. The impressive views from bridges like the Grünental High Bridge are also highly rated. Many find the opportunity to pause under old linden trees with direct canal views, especially at places like the Old Chain Ferry, Fischerhütte, to be a delightful experience.
Yes, the region offers several excellent viewpoints. The Grünental High Bridge provides an impressive vantage point for observing the canal and its shipping traffic. Similarly, the Hochdonn Railway Bridge offers panoramic views. Additionally, simply finding a bench on the canal embankment, which can be almost 30 meters high in some places, allows for a great perspective on the passing ships.
The area around Bornholt is generally pleasant for outdoor activities from spring through autumn. These seasons offer mild weather ideal for cycling, hiking, and enjoying the canal views. While attractions are accessible year-round, the natural beauty of the fields, forests, and canal banks is particularly vibrant during the warmer months.
The rural landscape around Bornholt, with its wide fields, forests, and canal paths, is generally very dog-friendly for walks and hikes. Many of the outdoor routes along the Kiel Canal are suitable for dogs, allowing them to enjoy the natural environment alongside their owners. Always ensure dogs are kept on a leash where required and respect local regulations.


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