Kiel Canal Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
canal in the German state of Schleswig-Holstein
About Kiel Canal
Completed in 1895, it is one of the world's busiest canals. Due to the personal insistence of Kaiser Wilhelm II, all crossings (ferry bridge or tunnel) are and continue to be free of charge for pedestrians. The canal was built during the reign of the Navy-obsessed Wilhelm II to strengthen Germany's maritime warfare capabilities and allow it to move a fleet from Baltic to North Sea without Danish or other interference. One of the conditions of the Versailles Treaty that endedWorld War Iwas to open the Kiel Canal to international shipping, including military ships of nations with which Germany was at peace. As the formerHochseeflottehad sunk itself at Scapa Flow to avoid being turned over for use by the British, the Canal's military value for Germany approached zero after 1918. It has since
Kiel Canal Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 5 sections including: