Kiel Canal: Key Details

The Kiel Canal, also known as the Nord-Ostsee-Kanal (North Sea-Baltic Sea Canal), is an artificial waterway located in Germany. While it is an important shipping route, it is not considered the most extreme canal in the world. However, I can provide information about the Kiel Canal if you’d like.

The Kiel Canal stretches across the northern part of Germany, connecting the North Sea at Brunsbüttel to the Baltic Sea at Kiel-Holtenau. It was officially opened in June 1895 and serves as a major shortcut for maritime traffic traveling between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, avoiding the need to navigate around the Jutland Peninsula.

Here are some key details about the Kiel Canal:

Length: The canal spans approximately 98 kilometers (61 miles) in length.

Width: The canal’s width varies, but it generally measures around 102 meters (335 feet) at its narrowest point, allowing for the passage of large vessels.

Locks: The Kiel Canal features two large locks, one at Brunsbüttel on the North Sea side and the other at Holtenau on the Baltic Sea side. These locks help to regulate water levels and accommodate vessels of different sizes.

Traffic: The canal is an essential waterway for international shipping and is one of the busiest artificial seaways globally. It is used by a wide range of vessels, including container ships, bulk carriers, tankers, and cruise ships.

Scenic Route: In addition to its importance for commercial shipping, the Kiel Canal is a popular route for leisure boating and cruises. The scenic surroundings and the passage through various landscapes make it an attractive journey for tourists.

While the Kiel Canal is a remarkable feat of engineering and plays a significant role in maritime trade, it is not considered the most extreme canal in the world. Canals like the Panama Canal and the Suez Canal are often regarded as more extreme due to their challenging geographic locations and the engineering complexities involved in their construction and operation.