About this Destination
Kiel Canal (Nord-Ostsee-Kanal) represents world busiest artificial waterway engineering marvel built 1887-1895 connecting North Sea to Baltic Sea across 98 kilometers through Schleswig-Holstein. 32,000 ships annually including cargo vessels, cruise ships, private yachts utilize canal saving 460km navigation route around Denmark peninsula, reducing travel time 14-18 hours. Engineering specifications include 45ft depth, 310ft water edge width, massive locks accommodating ships up to 235m length enabling international maritime commerce. Strategic importance encompasses German naval access, commercial shipping efficiency, international trade facilitation, maritime infrastructure. Historical construction employed 9,000 workers over 8 years creating Kaiser Wilhelm Canal (original name) for German naval strategic purposes, commercial benefits. Modern operations include 11 bridges, ship traffic management, pilot services, maritime safety, environmental protection. Tourism includes canal cruises, lock observation, maritime museums, engineering appreciation, cultural education. International recognition attracts maritime enthusiasts, engineering tourists, shipping industry visitors, cultural heritage appreciation. Economic significance encompasses shipping efficiency, international trade, regional development, maritime employment creating exceptional German engineering achievement, maritime heritage, international commerce.