Oldenbüttel on the Gieselau Canal

Oldenbüttel is characterized by its low population density, unspoiled nature and waterside landscape along the Kiel Canal and the Gieselau. This combination offers peace and relaxation for holiday and weekend stays. At the same time, the locks, a canal ferry and the history of the waterways provide concrete points of interest for planning your days. The quiet village streets invite you to take a stroll, while the canal area is also ideal for longer walks and bike rides.

Gieselau Canal and lock structures

The Gieselau Canal is 2.8 kilometres long and opened in 1937 as a replacement for the Rendsburg lock. It connects the Kiel Canal with the Eider. Construction of the Kiel Canal divided Oldenbüttel into northern and southern parts of the municipality. The canal thus shapes both the waterway and the layout of the municipality.

At the Gieselau Lock, there are two steel bascule bridges that also carry the sliding gates. The road bridge over the Gieselau Canal is modelled on Dutch bascule bridges. The lock makes an interesting short stop for technology enthusiasts, cyclists and anyone who enjoys being on the water. Seasonal operating conditions may affect access; check them before your visit.

Countryside, walks and bike rides

The Gieselau winds its way to the Eider and forms Oldenbüttel’s northwestern municipal boundary. Former spoil grounds near the canal banks have developed into valuable biotopes. Along with the unspoiled nature, these areas are part of the local landscape. The Nature Park Hiking Trail in the Rendsburg-Eckernförde district runs for 180 kilometres through the four nature parks there.

For cyclists, the canal offers a practical route choice: in the north of Oldenbüttel, they can choose which side of the Gieselau Canal to continue along. The Hanerau-Hademarschen–Hamdorf section of the Kiel Canal Route follows the canal to Oldenbüttel. Check the route and any possible detours before setting out.

The Oldenbüttel canal ferry provides access to the opposite bank and to the Gieselau Canal. It carries cars, bicycles and pedestrians between the canal banks and is free to use. Check the ferry’s operating conditions before travelling.

By the water and in the historic village centre

There are numerous moorings for sailing and leisure boats along the Gieselau Canal. Check the availability of individual moorings before arriving. Fishing is an important activity in Oldenbüttel because of its many waterways. Find out in advance about fishing access, permits and local restrictions.

The historic village centre near the canal is home to houses with thatched roofs. Another technical monument is located in nearby Steenfeld: the historic chain ferry “Alte Dame” has been preserved there and can be visited.

Oldenbüttel also has an inn that serves meals. Check before your trip whether this is currently available.

Discover more destinations: Kronshagen, Langwedel, Schönhorst, Neudorf-Bornstein, Holzbunge, Gettorf, Altenhof, Gokels

Back to the main travel overview: Rendsburg-Eckernförde.