Oldenbüttel: Waterways, a Lock and Quiet Village Streets

Oldenbüttel combines a sparse population and unspoiled nature with waterways and traces of canal construction. The quiet village streets invite you to take a stroll; the canal area is also ideal for longer hikes and bike rides. When choosing accommodation, you can consider whether you are mainly looking for peace and quiet, time by the water or activity along the canal.

Waterways, tranquillity and traces of canal construction

The 2.8-kilometre-long Gieselau Canal opened in 1937 as a replacement for the Rendsburg Lock. It connects the Kiel Canal with the Eider. The Gieselau itself winds its way to the Eider and forms Oldenbüttel’s north-western municipal boundary. The history of the larger waterway also shaped the village: construction of the Kiel Canal divided the municipality into northern and southern parts.

Near the canal, former spoil grounds have become valuable biotopes. Together with the unspoiled natural landscape, this shapes the peaceful character that makes Oldenbüttel a distinctive destination for holidaymakers and weekend visitors. In the historic village centre near the canal are houses with thatched roofs. If you enjoy walking, you can combine the landscape views with a stroll through the quiet village streets.

Getting around on foot, by bike or on the water

The canal landscape is ideal for long walks and bike rides. On the Hanerau-Hademarschen–Hamdorf leg, the Kiel Canal Route follows the canal to Oldenbüttel. In the north of the village, cyclists can choose which side of the Gieselau Canal to continue along. Check the route and any possible diversions before setting off on a bike ride.

The Oldenbüttel ferry connects the banks of the canal and carries cars, bicycles and pedestrians. It provides access to the opposite bank and the Gieselau Canal, and is free to use. Check the operating conditions before travelling. Those travelling in their own boats will find numerous berths for motorboats and sailboats on the Gieselau Canal; check the availability of individual berths before your arrival.

Fishing is also important in Oldenbüttel because of its many bodies of water. Check in advance which permits and local restrictions apply to your planned fishing spot. This lets you include the different opportunities by the water in your day’s plans without having to combine a walk, bike ride and fishing trip into a single itinerary.

Engineering structures and local history

The Gieselau Lock offers those interested in engineering, cycling tourists and water enthusiasts a brief stop to explore; seasonal operating conditions may affect access. Two steel bascule bridges at the lock also serve a function for the sliding gates. The road bridge over the Gieselau Canal is also noteworthy: it was modelled on Dutch bascule bridges. The two structures illustrate the engineering on the water in different ways.

Another historic engineering monument is the chain ferry “Alte Dame”: it has been preserved in nearby Steenfeld and can be visited there. Oldenbüttel has an inn serving meals. Check its current status and opening arrangements before your trip.

Plan further afield in the region

If you expand your search beyond Oldenbüttel, the wider Rendsburg-Eckernförde destination offers a broader area to explore. The Rendsburg-Eckernförde district has 55 kilometres of Baltic Sea coastline and a 1,000-kilometre network of signposted cycle routes. This regional information can help you plan further destinations; it describes the district, not Oldenbüttel itself.

Discover more destinations: Owschlag, Dänischenhagen, Lütjenwestedt, Brodersby, Thumby, Gettorf, Krummwisch, Schinkel.

Go to the regional travel overview: Rendsburg-Eckernförde.