The great seaport of Rendsburg in Schleswig-Holstein, actually sits inland. Strategically placed on the Kiel Canal, this capital city is an area of great trade and local importance, but also a location for relaxing and exploration.
With ownership of the whole peninsula switching several times between Danish and German over the centuries (finally becoming German in 1866) there is a great combining of culture and architecture in this important city. With its fortifications, city wall, majestic buildings and winding streets filled with centuries of character, you will certainly need your camera around here! ;-)
One engineering structure that will certainly get your attention in Rendsburg is the intriguing transporter bridge across the main canal. The bridge itself dominates the skyline, but as you get closer you can spy its secret! The steel bridge carries trains across the top — but cars and people suspended from underneath!
One of only a handful ever built, this “bridge” is suspended on cables and slowly drags itself from one side to the other — and it draws attention from passers-by every time it does. It really is the strangest idea — but works so well.
Don’t want to risk the crossing? Then just soak up the atmosphere of passing cruise ships and pleasure boats and become one of many people sitting on the worlds longest bench — at an amazing 501 meters long! And if its the water you like, it is possible to join up on one of the Deutsche Fährstaße routes taking you 250 km around bridges, dams and locks in the region, by car, by cycle or by boat!
Another famous trail passes through Rendsburg: the Oxen Trail (Ochsenweg). Used for many hundreds of years by farmers, pilgrims and military troops, this historic route through northern Germany and southern Denmark is well signposted and can be followed for any length through the peninsulas great countryside.
On your way through make sure to stop at one of the three nature parks in the area for some brisk sea air and great wildlife spotting. ;-)