Ostseekuestenradweg Coastal Path, Schoenberg to Kiel

This stretch of the Ostseekuestenradweg Baltic coastal path begins on Strandstrasse in Schoenberg, reached by bus from Kiel, and follows the Baltic Sea coastline south to Kiel over 22 km of walkable sections; no permit is required, and the path is a shared cycling and walking route so hikers should keep to the pedestrian side where marked. Elevation gain is modest, under 40 m, as the route climbs and descends a series of gentle coastal bluffs known locally as the Schoenberger Steilkueste. The surface is mostly firm gravel and packed dirt path along the clifftop and beach promenade, with a few short paved sections through coastal villages; shade is minimal for most of the route since it hugs open coastline, though a few wooded bluff sections offer brief cover. Landmarks include the Schoenberg strand and pier at the start, the Kalifornien beach resort area partway along, and the approach into Kiel past the Kiel Lighthouse and Falckenstein beach, with the Kiel Firth providing wide sea views for much of the final stretch. A natural turn-around point for a shorter walk is Heikendorf, roughly at the midpoint, giving an 11 km round trip. Water and food are available at beach kiosks and cafes in the villages along the route, though not continuously, so carrying a bottle for the open stretches is sensible. There are no huts or formal shelters, but bus stops along the coastal road offer an option to cut the walk short if weather turns.