This short trip is an excellent way to get a taste of traditional sailing! From our berth in Kiel-Holtenau, we will sail along the Schleswig-Holstein Baltic Sea coast. A port in the Danish South Sea is planned as a stopover and turning point. Depending on the weather and wind direction, Bagenkop, Marstal or Sønderborg are possible choices. This trip takes place during Kiel Sailing Week – a varied programme of events on land and spectacular views of the fjord are therefore guaranteed. During your few days on board, you will enjoy the comfort and excellent cuisine, experience genuine traditional seamanship and discover how it feels to go ashore in the evening after a day at sea.

Good reasons to join this sailing trip

• Balanced ratio between sailing time at sea and shore leave
• Suitable for beginners: Coastal sailing in the Western Baltic Sea region
• Experiencing some of the most beautiful spots of the Danish South Sea and the Kiel Fjord from the water
• Active sailing on a 100-year-old windjammer – you can join in!
• Excellent onboard cuisine with delicious meals from morning to evening
• Convenient travel to and from: departure and arrival port identical (Kiel)
• Our friendly and experienced crew know this region from many previous trips

In Holtenau, on the western shore of the Kiel Fjord, our friendly crew welcome you on board. Boarding takes place at 7 p.m. After a welcome drink and during dinner in the deck saloon, you will get to know your fellow passengers and immediately feel at home on the planks of the Eye of the Wind.

Active or leisurely sailing – the choice is yours

After a safety and sailing briefing from the ship's crew, you can actively participate in the onboard operations yourself. Active assistance on deck is always voluntary, so you can of course also simply relax and watch the sailing manoeuvres and the traditional seafaring skills practised daily. As they say, the fresh sea air makes you hungry – so look forward to our excellent onboard cuisine, which will surprise you every day with varied creations from the galley's cookbook.

Kiel Bay and the Danish South Seas 

After breakfast, it's „cast off!“ On the eastern shore of the fjord, we see the Laboe Naval Memorial; shortly afterwards, at the height of the Kiel Lighthouse, we reach the open Baltic Sea. After a day sailing, we cross the invisible German-Danish sea border and find a berth for the night in the protected harbour of Marstal in the southeast of the Danish island of Ærø.

The port town's fame as Denmark's centre for sailing ships is not exaggerated. In the years around the turn of the century, a fleet of over 300 trading sailing ships was based here. The harbour is still a busy place today, with steel and wooden shipyards, engine factories and a ferry terminal. The sailors' houses are built close to the harbour in a typically Danish, tranquil fashion. Between them, narrow streets and alleys wind in charming disarray. By the harbour lies the internationally renowned maritime museum, which houses over 200 ship models and other exhibits from all seven seas.

Baltic Sea fjord Schlei

We leave Marstal on time and set course for the Schleimunde area: once again fresh air and sailing off the Baltic coast of Schleswig-Holstein. With good weather and calm seas, it will be possible to take a photo tour around the ship with the Eye of the Wind's dinghy.

A possible daily destination is the Baltic Sea fjord Schlei, the mouth of which is marked by the well-known green and white lighthouse. There are good opportunities for a shore excursion in the fishing village of Maasholm or in the harbour town of Kappeln. A walk along the Schlei offers a great view of the panorama of this beautiful sailing area and the nature of the coastal landscape.

Instead of sailing up the Schlei, we have the alternative option of spending a night at anchor in front of Strande on the west coast of Kiel Fjord or at the edge of Eckernförde Bay – another highlight of any sailing trip and a fantastic, nature-oriented maritime experience! The culinary conclusion to this last day at sea is the traditional Captain’s Dinner in a cosy gathering of crew members and fellow travellers. In the evening, we reach our destination port, Kiel-Holtenau.

The times and ports mentioned are to be understood as an exemplary and non-binding itinerary. In the Danish South Sea area, there are many other port towns and anchorages available for a stopover. The route described here may change at short notice due to prevailing wind and weather conditions. The ship's command will decide on stopovers and the course of the journey – whenever possible – also taking your wishes into consideration. This way, you will experience the cruise as a pleasant mix of adventure and comfort, of participation and enjoyment.

Our tip for a comfortable arrival and departure: Take advantage of our favourable event offer "Rail & Sail".

• 3 nights on the traditional sailing ship Eye of the Wind.
• Accommodation in a comfortable double cabin (single cabin at extra cost, if available).
• Full board (incl. all meals; water / coffee / tea).
• Saloon with TV / DVD player and extensive on-board library.
• Hot and cold running water, shower and toilet in each cabin, bed linen, towels and air conditioning.

• Arrival and departure, shore excursions, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
• For the individual planning of your arrival and departure, we will be happy to arrange a reliable partner travel agency for you, please contact us in good time if required.