Kanalmuseum ATRIUM

About the museum

The museum is located on the grounds of the Waterways and Shipping Office (Wasserstraßen- und Schifffahrtsamt) in Brunsbüttel, directly at the canal marina and the lock complex where the Kiel Canal (Nord-Ostsee-Kanal) meets the Elbe. It was set up by the Waterways and Shipping Administration; previously the exhibition was in the middle of the large lock island. Since 2017 the museum has been run by the Volkshochschule Brunsbüttel (adult education center) on behalf of the office; its guides also offer the lock tours.

In terms of content, the exhibition spans from the older Eider Canal through the construction of the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Kanal, which opened in June 1895, to today's shipping traffic. Display boards, landscape and functional models of locks and bridges, ship models, photographs, paintings, and technical objects explain how the canal was built and how the locks work. In a film room, videos on nautical topics and historic footage of the canal's construction are shown; maritime objects stand in the outdoor area.

The offering is complemented by the SchleusenInfoZentrum on the north side of the locks, which the administration set up for the construction of the fifth lock chamber and which can be visited on guided tours.

Highlights

• Functional models of locks and bridges
• Ship models and historic photos of the canal's construction
• Film room with historic footage
• Location directly at the locks of the Kiel Canal
• Play ship "Bruni" and play corner for children

Permanent exhibitions

• Geschichte des Nord-Ostsee-Kanals – Display boards, ship, landscape, and functional models as well as historic exhibits on the construction, operation, and significance of the canal and its locks, plus films in the video room.

Operated by

Volkshochschule Brunsbüttel e.V. im Auftrag des Wasserstraßen- und Schifffahrtsamts Nord-Ostsee-Kanal

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission to the museum is free for everyone; lock tours cost extra.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Accessible parking spaces at Gustav-Meyer-Platz, on Koogstraße and Kautzstraße. The lock grounds are largely accessible (two ramps, manageable with an assistant); the viewing platform can only be reached via about 30 steps. The SchleusenInfoZentrum is accessible and has a wheelchair-accessible restroom. Accessible lock tours for groups and on selected dates for individual visitors.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Playground / play area

Small play corner inside and play ship "Bruni" outdoors. Lock tours for families with children aged 4 and over (75–90 minutes, with stairs): the canal and lock are explained in a playful way and recreated as a model; registration requested.

Getting there & parking

Right next to the tourist information office. By car via the A 23 to Itzehoe, then B 5 to Brunsbüttel; from the south side of the canal take the canal ferry. Boat moorings in the marina at the lock; by bike via the NOK route, the North Sea Coast Cycle Route, or the Elbe Cycle Route.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Plan your visit