flensburg germany baltic sea
Eye of the Wind Full Sail
Eye of the wind guests map
Germany Hamburg
Eye of the Wind harbour
flensburg germany town baltic sea
Eye of the Wind guests helm
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Tall Ship Sailing through the Kiel Canal: Hamburg to Flensburg

Vessel:
Where: Germany
Duration: 0 days / nights
Activity: Level 1
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Join traditional tall ship Eye of the Wind on a sailing adventure through the Kiel Canal in Germany from Hamburg to Flensburg.

Climb aboard traditional tall ship Eye of the Wind for a 6-day voyage as she sets sail from Hamburg in the west to Flensburg on the east coast of Germany. Enjoy the diversity of sailing the Kiel Canal through the heart of Germany before entering the Baltic Sea and setting her bow north along the coastline towards Flensburg.

This voyage is perfect for adventure travellers seeking a shorter tall ship experience combining both canal and coastal sailing. Guests can take part in setting sails, taking the helm, or simply relax on deck and enjoy the passing landscape before heading ashore to explore on foot.

  • Fully crewed tall ship
  • Kiel canal experience
  • Great for beginners
  • Tall ship taster
  • Private ensuite cabins
decorative underline

Need some help?
Talk to the team

Telephone: +44 (0)1872 487288
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 7804 472592

Sail area

Kiel canal

Embark on this 6-day voyage from Eye of the Wind’s previous home port of Hamburg. Known as Germany’s ‘Gateway to the World’, Hamburg has one of the largest seaports in Europe and provides one of the city’s many outstanding sights. As Eye of the Wind leaves the harbour, you will sail down the Elbe, passing riverside docks, shipyards and historic waterfront architecture before reaching the entrance to the Kiel Canal.

Sailing the Kiel Canal is a highlight of this voyage. It is the busiest artificial waterway in the world, and the tall ship’s traditional rig will stand out among the varied traffic of barges, cargo vessels and pleasure craft. Canal sailing brings a slower pace and a close view of the landscapes of northern Germany, with time to watch the waterway at work from the comfort of the deck.

Arriving in the Kiel Fjord, there is a potential onshore visit in Kiel-Holtenau, where the canal meets the Baltic Sea. From here, the voyage continues along the coast into open Baltic Sea waters, where the scenery shifts to quiet bays, low islands and small harbour towns.

The itinerary for this voyage and the exact onshore visit locations will depend on the wind and weather conditions. Taking guests’ wishes into account where possible, the skipper will make decisions on the route to ensure the best sailing holiday experience for all on board.

The ship may sail into the Baltic Sea fjord Schlei, and allow for a further onshore visit to the town of Kappeln on the northern bank. This fjord is a scenic waterway well known for sailing in Northern Germany, stretching between Kappeln at its mouth and Schleswig at its western end. Kappeln is a popular tourist spot known for its maritime charm and traditional architecture set in beautiful natural surroundings.

Venturing further along the eastern coast, guests may enjoy one more onshore visit in the Danish South Sea town of Sønderborg. Sønderburg is a sheltered harbour town with a picturesque historic waterfront and good opportunities to explore the local area.

The final stretch of sailing leads through the Flensburg Fjord into Flensburg harbour on the border between Germany and Denmark, forming part of the western Baltic Sea.  The fjord is dotted with small islands in its sheltered waters, making it a popular sailing area with easy access to both Danish and German coastal destinations.

Eye of the Wind will arrive in time for her upcoming participation in the Flensburgs’ celebrated Rum Regatta. It is well worth staying in the local area to enjoy the regatta before making onward travel plans.

Travel insurance notes

As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.

Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.

This voyage will be not more than 12miles offshore.

Life on board

Sailing with Eye of the Wind is an experience that will sit close to your heart as you learn the ways of traditional, authentic sailing and explore breath-taking destinations. Sailing with such a historic vessel is a wonderful privilege and the pride that the crew have for working with such a vessel, is truly inspiring.

Getting involved

With her impressive red sails and traditional square rig, guests are actively encouraged to get involved with all aspects of sailing Eye of the Wind. The crew are friendly, professional multi nationals, who are well-versed in showing guests the ropes, so you don’t need any experience to climb aboard her voyages. There is no expectation to get involved with sailing this magnificent vessel but guests are encouraged to take part in sail hoisting, navigation and taking the helm. A good sense of humour and a sense of adventure is a must and if guests just want to sit back and relax with the harmony of the sails, that’s fine too!

A Typical Day

Most of Eye of the Wind’s voyages are designed to sail by day to explore new destinations and spend the nights in harbour or on a sheltered anchorage. The day to day itinerary is not set in stone so the Captain can make best use of the weather and winds. Once you board, a rough plan for the week will be explained and some basic sail functionings explained too! 

Sailing on the high seas is hungry work, and your appetite will be easily satiated by our excellent on-board kitchen. From morning till evening, the chef will surprise you with varied recipes from his gourmet cookbook. Depending on the sailing season, local food and ingredients often end up in the cooking pot or on the plate. From a continental breakfast to lunch served either at anchor or underway. Dinner and drinks are normally served at around 7pm as you relax with your fellow guests and crew. 

The day is a good balance of authentic traditional sailing with time to explore secluded bays, different cultures, cuisines and history ashore. Down-time is as encouraged as hands-on sailing, with air-conditioned bunks, comfortable lounges and a sun-drenched deck, ensuring that there are plenty of spaces to relax on board.

Sleeping and Relaxation

Thanks to the 6 luxurious cabins, all with ensuite bathrooms, Eye of the Wind can sleep a total of 16 guests ensuring voyages can be travelled in true comfort. A large dining area sits with the galley at deck level offering 360 degree views of the horizon. A library and cosy saloon sit below decks – the perfect place for relaxation and sharing sea-faring tales after a day at sea.

Above decks there’s cushioned bench seating, sun decks and a multitude of different spaces to unwind. Out at sea, you have time for yourself and time to get to know the ship as a place of rest, where you can leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind you. Stress has no place on the ocean, and you will find yourself unwinding in harmony with the wind and the sea on board Eye of the Wind.

What’s included

  • All inclusive (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and soft/hot drinks)
  • All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet) and a wash towel
  • Full crew plus tuition
  • Marina and fuel fees
  • All tender trips to and fro the boat
  • Lifejacket

What’s not included

  • Alcohol
  • Swim towel
  • Waterproofs
  • Any flights
  • Transit hotels
  • Travel to and from the boat on the day of joining/leaving
  • Travel insurance
  • Sailing Insurance (Please read our Sailing Insurance page for more information)
  • Crew tips
  • Personal expenses

Eye of the Wind has plenty of space within the cabin (including hanging space) to put your things away, but no storage for rigid/hard cases.  Please pack your items in a soft bag or rucksack, something that can be packed flat or rolled up.

We recommend a travelling-light approach with lightweight, easy-drying layers. Below is a list of recommended items. It can be a few degrees colder out at sea; please bring layers even if the forecast seems like a warm week. These are not mandatory, and those who have sailed before may have their own preferences!

  • Lightweight, quick-dry clothes (base layers, fleece and synthetic tops are all lightweight and quick-drying)
  • Walking boots/shoes for onshore & light shoes/trainers for onboard use (with good grip)
  • Please consider waterproof rubber/wellington boots/sailing (something to keep your feet dry)
  • Swimsuit and swim towel
  • Warm, windproof and waterproof coat/trousers 
  • Fingerless gloves for hoisting sails (sailing or cycling are best; these are optional)

  • Sun cream (please use reef-safe, eco products where possible)
  • Sunglasses, a cap and a warm hat
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Consider a small backpack/bag for onshore exploring
  • Personal wash kit (please use reef-safe, eco products where possible)
  • A small personal first aid kit and any medication you may need
  • Camera/binoculars 
  • Charging cables for personal devices (there are EU 2-pin sockets – please bring an adaptor as required)
  • Cash as required
  • A good book to read!
  • Consider using sleep masks and/or earplugs if you’re sharing a cabin
  • If you wish to sleep on deck under the stars, please bring your own lightweight sleeping bag.

Travel Documents

  •  Please assume full responsibility for checking and verifying any passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements for the country/as required.

From: Hamburg, Germany

To: Flensburg, Germany

Port of Hamburg

BY AIR
Hamburg Airport (HAM) is easy to get to/from Hamburg’s centre. The S1 train operated by S-Bahn Hamburg is about 30 minutes into the centre; you could also take the 30-minute journey on the N73 or 172 bus operated by FlixBus that runs twice daily, alternatively, a taxi is just a 15-minute journey.

Flights go direct to Hamburg Airport (HAM) from;
London Heathrow (LHR) w, Eurowings, British Airways
London Gatwick (LGW) w, easyJet
London Stansted (STN) w, Ryanair
Edinburgh (EDI) w, Ryanair
Manchester (MAN) w, easyJet

BY RAIL
Hamburg Central Station is best left by taxi, which would take around 22 minutes to the Port.

BY COACH/BUS
Neuhofer Damn is the closest bus stop to the port, at an 11-minute walk away.

PARKING

For 24-hour parking options, try one of the following:

Parkhaus Elbphilharmonie APCOA : Platz d. Deutschen Einheit
Contipark Parkhaus Speicherstadt: Am Sandtorkai 6

Eye of the Wind

Guest berths: 12 Rig: Brig

Eye of the Wind is a 1911 brig, which is why it has been featured in several movies, including White Squall. She offers hands-on sailing holidays while cruising some of the most stunning locations in the world. Although the ship has a large and capable engine, traditional sailing is naturally the preferred mode of travel, providing an authentic and immersive sailing experience. 

Eye of the Wind is a magnificent ship that combines an impressive amount of original character with modern amenities. The ship’s interior features teak maritime décor, which adds to its authentic and charming appeal. The ship is steeped in maritime history, and just the opportunity to sail on it is an experience of a lifetime.

The crew is extremely experienced, friendly, and welcoming. They are always ready to teach you the workings of a classic tall ship, so no prior knowledge is necessary. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or just looking for a unique vacation experience, Eye of the Wind provides an unforgettable adventure and an excellent opportunity to explore the world’s most stunning locations in style and comfort. 

With six spacious cabins, all with ensuite bathrooms, Eye of the Wind can sleep a total of 12 guests, ensuring that voyages can be travelled in true comfort. The ship has a large dining area, library, and sun deck, offering many spaces to unwind and get to know your fellow guests and crew. The ship has a large dining area, library, and sun deck, offering many spaces to unwind and get to know your fellow guests and crew.

Deck plan

Eye of the Wind deck plan information More about Eye of the Wind

Are all meals included?

Yes. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, hot and soft drinks are included in your ticket price.

Can you cater for dietary needs?

Yes, please let us know when making your booking.

Are there any added extras?

There's an honesty bar for alcohol.

What are the sleeping arrangements?

There are 6 twin bunk, ensuite cabins.

Is there a porthole in my cabin?

Yes, there are ventilation hatches.

How many toilet/showers does she have?

Eye of the Wind has an ensuite shower and toilet in each cabin.

Are bedding and towels included?

All bedding and a towel is included but please bring your own swim towels (if needed). Micro-fibres are a great lightweight, quick-drying alternative.

Is there a hairdryer on board?

No, we would prefer you let your hair dry naturally in the sea breeze!

Will I be able to wash my clothes?

No, Eye of the Wind does not laundry on board.

What language is spoken on board?

English and German

Is there heating/air conditioning?

Yes, Eye of the Wind has air con/heating in each cabin.

Do I need to tip the crew?

Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

Is there WIFI?

No! It's time to disconnect from the modern tech and reconnect with nature! When within shore range, you should be able to reach 4/5G. Please make sure you have international roaming set up on your data plan.

Can I charge my phone/camera?

Yes, there are European 230 volt power outlets in each cabin so please bring an adaptor.

What is the currency on board?

It will be the local currency depending on the voyage destination.

Are there life jackets provided?

Yes.

How do I get on and off the boat?

Eye of the Wind is often at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy and climbing up the boats step ladder over the gunwale - there will always be a crew member to steady.

Are Waterproofs provided?

No, please bring your own.

Do I need sailing experience?

Not at all. We give everyone who joins us on board the choice to do as much or as little as they like.

Does the boat have any water toys/fishing lines?

There is fishing gear on board, which is usually used by our chefs. If interested, this can certainly be used in consultation with the cook on board.

Will I be seasick?

Everyone reacts differently but if you are unsure, we recommend taking tablets up to 24 hours travelling.

Is there an age limit?

No! Please double check for under 8's.

Voyage
Set Sail
Days
Cost p/p
6 Jun 2026
8 days Days
£2,320.00€2,590.00
13 Jun 2026
6 days Days
£1,670.00€1,850.00
30 Jun 2026
9 days Days
£2,224.00€2,500.00
8 Jul 2026
9 days Days
£2,224.00€2,500.00
16 Jul 2026
10 days Days
£2,560.00€2,900.00
8 Aug 2026
8 days Days
£2,300.00€2,590.00
15 Aug 2026
8 days Days
£2,300.00€2,590.00
22 Aug 2026
8 days Days
£2,300.00€2,590.00
29 Aug 2026
8 days Days
£2,600.00€2,950.00
6 Sep 2026
9 days Days
£2,224.00€2,500.00
3 Oct 2026
8 days Days
£2,300.00€2,590.00

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