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Old chain ferry as a monument on the Kiel Canal near Fischerhütte

📍 Sights

Fischerhütte on the Kiel Canal: ferry, chain ferry & ships

A tiny ferry spot right on the south bank of the Kiel Canal, practically on our guesthouse doorstep. A free ferry crosses here, the big ships pass close by and on land stands the last old chain ferry of the canal as a monument.

Fischerhütte is not a village in its own right but a tiny part of the municipality of Steenfeld, right on the south bank of the Kiel Canal at an old ferry crossing. The crossing sits at roughly canal kilometre 35.6 of the Kiel Canal, which everyone here simply calls the NOK. Do not expect grand sights, but rather the genuine article: a free ferry, a ferry snack stand serving fish rolls by the water, the big ships within touching distance and the last old chain ferry of the canal kept as a monument. For us Fischerhütte is more a local retreat than a day trip, since our guesthouse in Steenfeld is practically around the corner.

Steenfeld with Fischerhütte

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inhabitants

Fischerhütte does not even have its own population figure, the hamlet is simply too small. And rumour has it that on some days there are more fish rolls on the counter at the ferry than the place has inhabitants. By the time you try to count them, though, they are usually eaten.

Fischerhütte at a glance

  • A part of the municipality of Steenfeld, central Holstein, district of Rendsburg-Eckernförde
  • A ferry crossing on the south bank of the NOK, at about canal kilometre 35.6
  • A ferry snack stand with fish rolls and seating right by the water
  • A holiday and pony farm in the hamlet, about 300 metres from the canal
  • The municipality of Steenfeld has around 309 inhabitants in total
  • A free canal ferry for cars, bikes and pedestrians
  • Ferry service daily from 06:00 to 22:00, permitted load 45 tonnes
  • The last old chain ferry of the canal stands here as a monument
  • Only minutes from our guesthouse in Liesbüttel-Steenfeld

On the Kiel Canal

Free canal ferryhighlight

At the Fischerhütte crossing a free ferry takes you over the Kiel Canal, for cars, bikes and pedestrians. The ferries being free goes back to a promise from imperial times. The ferry runs daily from 06:00 to 22:00, with a permitted load of 45 tonnes.

Ship watchingCanal

Right at the bank the big seagoing ships pass by, on one of the busiest artificial waterways in the world. A bench, a fish roll and the vessels within reach, that is all you need for a fine afternoon. We show more places in our guide to ship spotting spots along the canal.

Ferry snack stand on the canalRefreshment

Right at the crossing, opposite the old ferry house, sits a snack stand with a service point. It serves fresh fish rolls, grilled sausage, cake and coffee, with benches and tables looking straight out at the ferry, the canal and the passing seagoing ships. It is open in season roughly from March to October and closed in winter. There is a charging point for e-bikes. Exact times vary, so it is best not to rely on it firmly.

The old chain ferry

The real sight in Fischerhütte is the old chain ferry. Built in 1950, it pulled itself across the water on a chain lying on the canal bed and was the last chain ferry on the whole Kiel Canal. It was taken out of service in 1990. Since 1992 the sturdy old lady has stood on land on the south bank as a technical monument that you can look at up close. It tells a piece of the canal’s everyday history, long before modern ferries took over the traffic.

Steenfeld and the ferry tradition

Fischerhütte belongs to the municipality of Steenfeld, which sits on a heath rise above the canal. Long before the Kiel Canal was built, ferries crossed the water at this point, for a crossing mattered to the farms on both sides. When the canal cut through the old landscape in 1895, the crossing became a fixed institution. The free ferry keeps that tradition alive to this day. Steenfeld itself is said to have been mentioned very early, but firm evidence for the earliest history is thin, so I would rather stay cautious here.

Nature, cycling and angling

Cycling and walkingTrails

Quiet paths run along the canal and through the flat heath surroundings, ideal for relaxed rides and walks. The long canal cycle path is quickly reached from here. More on cycling in central Holstein as well as walking near the canal.

Angling on the canalAngling

The Kiel Canal is a popular angling water, home to perch, zander, eel, bream and pike among others. To fish you need a valid fishing permit and the right licence. Where exactly angling is allowed near Fischerhütte is best checked locally. More on angling on the Kiel Canal.

The Gieselau nearbyWater

In the wider area the small Gieselau Canal connects the Kiel Canal with the Eider. Fischerhütte itself lies on the canal and on the Gieselau, not directly on the Eider.

Holiday and pony farm Fischerhüttefor children

In the middle of the hamlet lies a holiday and pony farm, only around three hundred metres from the canal. Children from about six can look after and ride their own pony in the pony programme, and there are farm animals such as calves, cats and rabbits to meet. A lovely addition if you want to combine a day by the water with a bit of farm air.

Worthwhile destinations nearby

Liesbüttel and SteenfeldHome

Fischerhütte belongs to Steenfeld. You will find what there is to discover in Liesbüttel and Steenfeld around our guesthouse on its own place page.

BornholtCanal

The tiny neighbouring village on the canal with steep canal steps and a viewing bench high above the water.

OldenbüttelCanal

Another ferry, the passing place and the Gieselau lock, all on the water and quickly reached.

Hanerau-Hademarschen~10 min

The larger neighbouring village with Storm traces, an estate and a watermill, good for shops and further day trips.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Fischerhütte?
Fischerhütte lies right on the south bank of the Kiel Canal and belongs as a hamlet to the municipality of Steenfeld in the district of Rendsburg-Eckernförde. From our guesthouse in Liesbüttel-Steenfeld it is only a few minutes away.
Is Fischerhütte a village of its own?
No, Fischerhütte is a tiny part of the municipality of Steenfeld, a small ferry settlement on the canal. The hamlet has no population figure of its own.
What can you do in Fischerhütte?
Mostly watch ships, cross on the free ferry, look at the old chain ferry and cycle, walk or fish along the canal. It is a quiet nature and water spot, not a hub of grand sights. Fitting theme pages are walking trails in the area as well as photo spots by the water.
Does the ferry in Fischerhütte cost anything?
No. The ferries across the Kiel Canal are free, going back to an old promise from imperial times. You cross by car, bike or on foot for free.
When does the ferry run?
The ferry at Fischerhütte runs daily from 06:00 to 22:00. It carries cars, bikes and pedestrians across the Kiel Canal free of charge.
How heavy may a vehicle on the ferry be?
The permitted load of the Fischerhütte ferry is 45 tonnes. That is ample for cars, normal-sized motorhomes and bicycles.
What is the story of the old chain ferry?
The chain ferry of 1950 was the last of its kind on the Kiel Canal and pulled itself across on a chain. It was retired in 1990, and since 1992 it has stood on the south bank as a technical monument on land.
Can you visit the chain ferry?
Yes, it stands freely accessible on land on the south bank and can be viewed up close. A rewarding stop for anyone who enjoys engineering and canal history.
Can you watch ships in Fischerhütte?
Yes, and very close. The big seagoing ships pass right at the bank. A bench, a fish roll and some patience, then the next vessel comes along.
Is there a snack stand in Fischerhütte?
There is a small snack stand at the crossing with fish rolls and the like. Opening times vary, so it is best not to rely on it firmly.
Can you fish in Fischerhütte?
The Kiel Canal is a popular angling water, home to perch, zander, eel, bream and pike. You need a valid fishing permit and the right licence, so it is best to check locally where angling is allowed. More on angling around the canal.
Is Fischerhütte on the Eider?
No. Fischerhütte lies on the Kiel Canal and on the small Gieselau. The Gieselau connects the big canal with the Eider as a narrow channel, but the Eider itself does not flow right by the village.
Is Fischerhütte good for cycling?
Yes. Quiet paths run along the canal and through the flat heath, and the long canal cycle path is quickly reached. Flat and with plenty of water views. Route ideas are on cycling routes through central Holstein.
Is Fischerhütte good for walking a dog?
Very good. The quiet waterside paths along the canal are perfect for walks with a dog. Please follow local rules, such as keeping dogs on a lead in sensitive areas. More tips on holidays with a dog.
Is Fischerhütte something for children?
Seeing the big ships so close and crossing on the ferry is a real treat for children. Add the old chain ferry to look at and the pony farm in the hamlet. Further ideas are on trips with children.
How do I get to Fischerhütte?
Most easily by car, only about ten to fifteen minutes from Hanerau-Hademarschen. From our guesthouse in Steenfeld you are there in just a few minutes.
How far is Fischerhütte from the guesthouse?
Very close. Fischerhütte belongs to Steenfeld, where our guesthouse is too, so it is practically on the doorstep and more a local retreat than a day trip.
What ships use the canal?
From small leisure boats to large container ships and tankers, almost everything passes. The Kiel Canal is one of the busiest artificial waterways in the world.
Is Fischerhütte worth a trip?
If you like quiet, water and ships, yes. It is lovely combined with Bornholt, Oldenbüttel and Hanerau-Hademarschen to form a small canal loop.
Are there shops in Fischerhütte?
No, the hamlet is very small. For shopping, Hanerau-Hademarschen and Hohenwestedt are reachable in a short time.
Where does the name Fischerhütte come from?
The name points to an old fishing and ferry settlement by the water. That sounds plausible, but the exact history of the name is not firmly documented.
Is there a snack stand at the Fischerhütte ferry?
Yes, right at the crossing there is a ferry snack stand with seating and a view of the canal. On the menu are fresh fish rolls, grilled sausage, cake and coffee. It is open in season roughly from March to October, and exact times vary.
Where exactly is Fischerhütte on the NOK?
The crossing lies on the south bank of the Kiel Canal, the NOK, at about canal kilometre 35.6. From there the free ferry crosses to the north bank. The bank with its benches is a popular place for ship spotting on the Kiel Canal.
Is there a pony farm in Fischerhütte?
Yes, the hamlet has a holiday and pony farm about three hundred metres from the canal. Children from around six can look after and ride their own pony, and there are farm animals to meet.
Can you stay at the Fischerhütte ferry with a motorhome?
There are a few pitches for motorhomes by the ferry house, but no large official site. If you want to be sure, it is better to plan a proper pitch in the surrounding area.
What is there to see on the canal at Fischerhütte?
The free canal ferry, the old chain ferry of 1950 as a technical monument, big seagoing ships within touching distance and a bank with benches. Plus the ferry snack stand with fish rolls right by the water.
Which municipality does Fischerhütte belong to?
Fischerhütte belongs to the municipality of Steenfeld in the Mittelholstein district, district of Rendsburg-Eckernförde. It is one of the parts of Steenfeld, lying right on the canal. More on our place page for Liesbüttel and Steenfeld on the canal.
How long have there been crossings at Fischerhütte?
There was a ferry crossing here early on, because the crossing mattered to the farms on both sides. With the building of the canal in 1895 it became a fixed institution, and today the free ferry takes care of it.
Is Fischerhütte wheelchair accessible?
The ferry and the bank area can be reached on the level, and there is a barrier-free fishing spot on the nearby Gieselau Canal at Oldenbüttel. For details it is best to ask locally.
Where can I stay nearby?
Very close by, at our small guesthouse Nord-West 1700 in Liesbüttel-Steenfeld, only minutes from the ferry and the old chain ferry. Our cosy rooms make the ideal base right on the canal.

Stay right by the canal

Would you like to think of the big ships over breakfast already? Our guesthouse in Steenfeld is only minutes from Fischerhütte, with a hearty breakfast and first-hand tips.

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More places to discover

📍 Liesbüttel & Steenfeld📍 Bornholt📍 Oldenbüttel

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