Rendsburg can be explored through a variety of themes: its medieval old town, shipping on the Kiel Canal, cycling and activities on the water. When looking for a hotel in Rendsburg, it helps to decide in advance what you want your stay to focus on: culture, technology or outdoor activities. The city offers specific places to explore each of these interests; the 14-hectare city park also provides a green focal point of its own.
Old town, synagogue and maritime history
Rendsburg’s historic town centre has narrow, winding streets. The stepped-gable town hall stands in Altstädter Markt. The ceiling paintings and largely wooden altar stand out in St. Mary’s Church. Together, these buildings give the old town a distinctive architectural character.
The Rendsburg Jewish Museum is housed in the only originally preserved synagogue in Schleswig-Holstein. It is a historic site, a monument and a memorial. This adds a distinct focus on remembrance to the old town’s architecture.
The Rendsburg Maritime Archive offers a different perspective on the city. Across 550 square metres, it presents the past and present of Rendsburg’s shipping industry, shipowners and shipyards. Exhibits include sextants, nautical charts and more than 120 ship models. The exhibition thus connects the broader story of shipping with nautical instruments and models.
Technology and shipping on the canal
The Rendsburg High Bridge is an important technical monument and carries a transporter ferry for pedestrians and vehicles. This combination draws attention both to the structure and to the ferry’s distinctive design.
The only ship greeting station on the Kiel Canal is located at the bridge terraces. A team of former captains explains the passing ships to visitors. They are welcomed with the national anthem of their country of origin. While the high bridge puts a technical structure centre stage, this is about the ships and where they come from.
Cycling route, tunnel and activities on the water
The Kiel Canal Route runs alongside the canal from BrunsbĂĽttel to Kiel, passing through Rendsburg. It is mostly flat, with only a few inclines, making it well suited to cycling. Another point to consider in planning is the 130-metre-long tunnel beneath the Kiel Canal, which can be used by pedestrians and cyclists.
SUP and canoeing are also among the activities available on Rendsburg’s waterways. At the Lower Eider, a freely accessible jetty installed in 2025 lets recreational users launch SUP boards or canoes. The route, tunnel and jetty appeal to different interests: a longer cycling connection, a way to cross beneath the canal, or a place to launch your own watersports equipment.
The city park as a green focal point
The 14-hectare city park is a green recreational area connecting the old town with Neuwerk. The Stadtsee, a branch of the Eider, runs through the park. More than 70 tree species and numerous animals make up the character of the area. This sets the park apart from the buildings and exhibitions associated with the old town and shipping: here, the focus is on green space, the Stadtsee and biodiversity. If you are looking for accommodation in Rendsburg, these different interests can help guide your plans for your stay.
Discover more destinations: Alt Duvenstedt, Osterrönfeld, Owschlag, Grevensberg, Flintbek, Sehestedt, Krogaspe, Oldenbüttel.
For the full travel overview: Rendsburg-Eckernförde.
