The journey takes us right through the heart of Schleswig-Holstein, along green banks and under railway viaducts that we almost seem to touch with the top of our mast. Make yourself comfortable on deck or in the cosy saloon, browse through the extensive on-board library, read a book, explore the ship and enjoy delicious food from the galley.
For your enjoyment: a trip through the Kiel Canal
After almost 100 kilometres, we reach the eastern canal locks and, just beyond them, the Kiel Fjord. Mooring in the lock chambers is always a special experience. Around 40,000 ships pass through the exits of the Kiel Canal every year – ship lovers can look forward to numerous photo opportunities. The canal was opened in 1895 by Wilhelm II – the construction costs were later covered by a sparkling wine tax introduced by the emperor.
A stopover is possible at Kiel's Tiessenkai. Take a short walk to the small Holtenau lighthouse and soak up the nostalgic harbour atmosphere – old cargo ships and schooners often moor here at the quay, lending the area a maritime flair.
Set sail on the Kiel Fjord
For safety reasons, the passage through the Kiel Canal is usually completed entirely under engine power and without setting sail. On the Elbe between Hamburg and Brunsbüttel, it may be possible to set one or two sails. On the next stage of our short trip, we want to experience the ship under sail! Passing the green and white Friedrichsort lighthouse, we soon see the Laboe Naval Memorial on our starboard side, and right next to it we discover the former submarine U 995, which looks particularly impressive from this perspective as it sits enthroned on the beach. On the opposite shore of the fjord, we recognise the silhouette of the Schilksee Olympic Centre – this is where the Olympic flame burned during the 1972 Games. Soon after, we reach the open Baltic Sea at the Kiel lighthouse.
Soon we cross the invisible German-Danish maritime border and find a berth for the night in the sheltered harbour of Sønderborg on the island of Als. The main attraction is the castle and its park, which is within sight of our mooring. It is also worth taking a stroll through the old town with its typical Danish tranquillity and along the harbour front with its historic merchant houses.
As a possible alternative to spending the night in the harbour, we can also seek out a sheltered anchorage, for example in Hørup Hav bay – a night at anchor is always a special experience.
„Farewell“ in Flensburg
We leisurely make our way towards our destination through the Flensburg Outer Fjord, past the Holnis Peninsula and the Danish Ox Islands. Cruising along the green shores of the Flensburg Fjord, we enter the maritime city centre of Flensburg. The highlight of our last day at sea is our traditional Captain's Dinner – a cosy get-together to round off our trip!
After a delicious breakfast the next morning, you say goodbye to our crew and your fellow travellers at the end of this spring cruise. You disembark with a duffel bag full of memories. Varied days on the Elbe, the Kiel Canal and the Baltic Sea are now behind you.
