Photo spots on the Kiel Canal and in Dithmarschen

Here you get as close to the ships as almost nowhere else, plus the historic 1950 chain ferry. In the morning the sun favours shots towards the east, in the evening the light reflects on calm water. A wide angle captures ferry and freighter together, a telephoto picks out single ships. A quiet spot by the water where you can also take a break.

The walkable combined road and rail high bridge (405 m long, built 1986) on the L316 between Hanerau-Hademarschen and Albersdorf is a top spot for ship photos. From above you look far along the canal in both directions. The south bank is better until midday, the north bank from late afternoon. There is parking on both sides, and in summer a canal kiosk at the south car park. Take care: a train crosses the east side hourly, so stay off the track.

The twin-track steel high bridge spans the canal at 42 m, a striking lattice silhouette. From the bank or the ferry landing you catch ships with the bridge behind, especially lovely with a low sun and morning mist. Use a wide angle for the bridge, a telephoto for the ships.

The 1913 landmark spans the canal at 42 m, with the transporter ferry swinging below. The best spot is the south bank in Osterrönfeld, plus the ship greeting station. A longer exposure suits the moving ferry, and the blue hour is especially atmospheric.

In May the rapeseed bloom bathes the landscape in bright yellow, for example between Schafstedt and Hochdonn or around St. Michaelisdonn. The yellow works well with the canal, a ship or wind turbines behind. Early morning or evening with soft light is best.

A wide, quiet stretch of the canal with hardly any visitors. In still air the banks and ships reflect in the water, and mist often drifts over it in the morning. A tip for calm, almost painterly shots away from the busy spots.

A shallow lake with a viewing platform, waterfowl and wide landscape. Especially worth it at sunset and for nature and landscape photography, easy to combine with a trip towards Brunsbüttel.

On the coast you find sunsets over the mudflats, tidal creeks, wide horizons and big flocks of birds. Check the tides beforehand; the light in the late afternoon and at the blue hour is loveliest here.