The average transit time through the Kiel Canal is eight hours. It is like a sight-seeing through Schleswig-Holstein, with a lot of things going on and interesting places passing by. ith some 40,000 vessel passages during a normal year, there are more than 100 vessel movements per day. No wonder the Kiel Canal is an Eldorado for ship spotters. During a beautiful summer day the banks of the canal are occupied with photographers – hard core enthusiasts who know every vessel passing by. Today it is much easier to spot the real gems thanks to the AIS, making ship movement available on the internet. The banks of the canal are also appreciated by ordinary people, just enjoying nature and watching pass by. There are families on picnic, fishermen, campers in their “Wohnwagens�, strollers, bikers and even sunbathers.
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The canal is easily accessible, especially for pedestrians and light vehicles. It is possible to walk or ride a bicycle along most of the canal. Car borne travellers may reach the canal banks easily in connection with the many road ferry crossings.
Although it is routine for many, also the crews of the vessels enjoy a passage through the canal. After perhaps several days on open sea it is a strong contrast to sail in a trench, not much wider than the ship, where the view changes all the time. For an occasional passenger the experience is even stronger. It is simply fantastic to see the nature slowly waking up already