Kiel (pop 233,800), the state capital, is situated at the head of the 18 km long Kiel Fjord, a natural harbour which hosts Kiel Week, an international sailing regatta.

Take the train ride the 35 km. from Kiel to Rendsburg. The train has to get up and over the famous Kiel Canal high enough for the shipping to pass underneath and does so with some extraordinary feats of engineering.

Get a great view of the old town and fjord of Kiel from the tower of the City Hall (Rathaus).