kiel tourist guide

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Kiel: seaside city and gateway to the Baltic

Kiel has a long shipbuilding and naval tradition but is characterised today by its vibrant student scene, laid-back lifestyle and urban flair. You can sense this in its modern city centre as much as you can on Dänische Strasse, a street of 19th-century buildings full of maritime charm.

Water is the dominant element of this city, where the sea has forged a path right into its centre. You can feel, see and breathe the magical maritime atmosphere wherever you go: along the elongated Kiel Fjord, around the port or amidst the iconic container cranes of the shipyards, which are among the largest in Europe. The Gorch Fock, a well-travelled training ship and a star attraction at international sailing events, is as much part of the cityscape as the huge ferries docked at the Skandinavienkai quay. The impressive Kiel Week regatta, the annual international sailing festival, firmly cements the city's status as the maritime centre of the north.

City and Maritime Museum

Around the long-established Dänische Strasse shopping street and the Holstenstrasse pedestrian precinct, Kiel city centre flaunts its vibrant flair. Did you know that Kiel is a major host city for the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival, one of the world's biggest classical music festivals? Kiel Castle, Kiel Fjords, the opera house and even the Howaldt shipyards are transformed into fabulous stages here. Even the city's museums are of international standing. Kiel Canal is the world's busiest man-made waterway and connects the city to the North Sea. The canalside path for pedestrians and cyclists is ideal for days out and for visiting restaurants that offer stunning views of the many ships that pass through the canal on their way into the big wide world.

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Some locals admit that Kiel, the capital of Schleswig-Holstein, has a city centre that's grottenhässlich (ugly as sin). And unfortunately it is true; it was obliterated during WWII by bombing raids on its U-boat pens and then rapidly rebuilt. Today, it is a series of charmless indoor malls linked by pedestrian bridges.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Nord-Ostsee-Kanal

The 99km-long Nord-Ostsee-Kanal reaches the Baltic Sea from the North Sea at Kiel, with some 60,000 ships passing through every year. It's easy to view…

The splendid waterfront promenade known as the Kiellinie begins northeast of the Schlossgarten. Sailing clubs, a tiny aquarium, cafes and restaurants line…

Schiffahrtsmuseum

Atmospherically located in an imposing former fish market, Kiel's maritime museum tells the story of the city's maritime heritage. Newly redone, it's a…

Aquarium Geomar

This small aquarium has a good collection of marine life from the Baltic and North Seas.

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Home » Travel Guides » Germany » 15 Best Things to Do in Kiel (Germany)

15 Best Things to Do in Kiel (Germany)

The capital of Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel is a maritime city in the 17-kilometre Kiel Fjord. That is a huge natural harbour, just the spot for Germany’s Navy to dock its Baltic fleet. The city is also at the eastern lock of the busiest artificial waterway on the planet, the Kiel Canal, tying the North Sea to the Baltic.

At Kiel Week in June thousands of competitors set sail for the city to compete in the largest regatta in the world, together with a big party that sweeps across the whole city. Museums and attractions in Kiel tend to have a seafaring theme, whether it’s a preserved U-Boat, lighthouse, monumental naval memorial or maritime museum.

Let’s have a look at the best things to do in Kiel :

1. Kiel Week

The world’s biggest sailing event kicks off during the last week of June, bringing millions of visitors and some 4,000 ships to the city from across Germany and abroad.

Going back to 1882, Kiel Week is a Volksfest at its heart, and there’s no better time to soak up the city’s maritime atmosphere and get some amazing photographs.

The are 2000 events packed into the week, including boat races for a host of categories setting off from the Schilksee harbour, where the sailing events for the 1972 Olympics were staged.

More than 100 historic vessels dock in the city and many welcome visitors aboard.

On land there’s live music, an international market on Rathausplatz, and street performers and entertainment kids throughout the city centre and along the waterfront.

2. Kiellinie

On the west bank of the Kiel Fjord is a waterfront promenade beginning in the north at the naval base.

The route takes you past rows of boathouses for rowers, sailors and canoeists as well as the Heimholtz Centre for Ocean Research, which has an outdoor seal aquarium.

During Kiel Week the promenade has a real bustle to it as there are concert stages, and crowds two or three people deep gather to watch the races in the fjord.

At any other time there are a few places to stop for a coffee to get out of the cold in winter.

There are stirring views over to the ThyssenKrupp shipyards on the east bank, and you can watch the colossal cruise ships pulling into the harbour.

3. German Submarine U-995

On a beach on the eastern lip of the fjord at Laboe is a wartime U-boat that has been turned into a technical museum.

You can get there from Kiel on the 100 or 102 buses.

U-995 was built by Blohm & Voss in Hamburg in 1943. The submarine was damaged in 1944 and spent the remainder of the war at a dock in Trondheim.

After the war it was commissioned by the Norwegian navy and was in service until the 60s, before ending up close to the Naval Memorial in Laboe and opening as a museum in 1972. Little has changed inside, and if you don’t mind cramped spaces you can poke around the engine room, control station, bunks and torpedo tubes.

4. Marine-Ehrenmal Laboe (Naval Memorial)

You can easily spot this landmark several kilometres away at the Kiellinie.

The Naval Memorial is a tower 72 metres high, built between 1927 and 1936. The tower has a concrete frame and brick cladding, and was first erected to commemorate sailors killed during the First World War.

Following the Second World War the structure is now a monument to peaceful seafaring and victims from all nations killed during the World Wars.

You can go up to viewing platform via two elevators or 341 stairs and survey the Kiel Fjord, while below is a memorial hall and a small museum exhibition.

You’ll find a model of the Bismarck battleship the size of a car and a porthole window salvaged from the MV Wilhelm Gustloff, a military transport ship sunk in the Baltic at huge loss of life while evacuating Gdynia.

5. Schifffahrtsmuseum Kiel

Right on the water, the city’s Gothic Revival fish auction house was repurposed as a maritime museum in 1978. The interior has been whitewashed and in this airy space is an exhibition on Kiel’s fishing and seafaring history.

One exhibition here charts the construction of the Kiel Canal, which was completed in 1895 and connected the North Sea with the Baltic.

There are logbooks, maps, model ships, navigation instruments and a cross-section of the Seehund midget submarine from the Second World War.

The museum has its own dock where a few historical vessels are moored.

Lined up are a fireboat, a lifeboat launched in 1944 and finally a buoy tender, the Bussard, from 1966.

6. Kieler Rathaus

The City Hall is an indelible part of Kiel’s skyline thanks to its 106-metre tower.

When this Art Nouveau edifice was constructed during the 1900s it was actually in the suburbs to the west of the Old Town.

One look at the tower and you’ll know where the idea came from, as it bears a striking resemblance to St Mark’s Campanile in Venice.

At the time of writing this post the tower was closed for refurbishment, but ordinarily it welcomes visitors for tours of the Art Nouveau interiors and up to the observation platform at 67 metres.

A neat feature inside is one of the world’s last paternosters, a slow-moving, open, two-passenger lift that is in constant motion.

7. Nikolaikirche

The city’s principal church has been at this location on Alter Markt since the 13th century.

In its time it has come through a lot of changes.

The most dramatic were in the 1870s when it was updated in a Gothic Revival style, and again after the war when modern materials like reinforced concrete were used in the reconstruction.

But although the appearance has changed, there’s still a lot of history to uncover.

The Nikolaikirche witnessed controversial sermons by the rabble-rousing Anabaptist Melchior Hoffman in 1528. The church’s art was also safeguarded in the war: There’s a highly ornate wing altar carved in 1460, a triumphal cross from 1490 and oldest of all, a Hanseatic bronze baptismal font cast in 1344.

8. Zoological Museum of Kiel University

The building for this museum was designed in the 1870s by one of the eminent architects of the day, Martin Gropius, great uncle of Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius.

The museum’s collections are much older, and were first gathered in the 1600s.

An exhibit you won’t soon forget is in the main hall, where there are 13 whale skeletons and massive blue and sperm whales are suspended from the ceiling.

A new exhibition titled “Ozean der Zukunft” (Ocean of the Future), reveals the latest findings on topics like rising ocean levels, fishing, acidification and ocean circulation patterns using interactive displays.

9. Schleusenanlage Kiel-Holtenau

The busiest man-made waterway in the world (busier than Suez or Panama) begins just a few kilometres north of the centre of Kiel at Holtenau.

More than 120 years after it opened, the Kiel Canal is used by 31,000 ships and 15,000 recreational boats, cutting 460 kilometres from a journey around the Jutland Peninsula.

The easternmost locks at Holtenau are where construction began in 1887. On the south side is an outdoor visitor centre with information boards and telescopes set up for you to watch the traffic.

On the north side are the remnants of the old Eider Canal (1784-1887), which was a predecessor to the Kiel Canal but had to be replaced at the advent of steam shipping.

10. Kunsthalle Kiel

The bulk of the art museum’s collection is from the 19th and 20th centuries and there are some influential German artists here, like the Romantic Carl Spitzweg and Impressionists like Lovis Corinth, Max Slevogt and Max Liebermann.

Moving into the 1900s there are Expressionists and New Objectivity artists such as Emil Nolde, Karl Hofer and Alexander Kanoldt.

The other strong-point is contemporary art by German big-hitters like Sigmar Polke, Gerhard Richter and Georg Baselitz.

The museum was also one of the first in Germany to create a video art collection, while there’s also sculpture by Rodin, Wilhelm Lehmbruck and a contemporary installation by Kazuo Katase in the inner court.

11. Leuchtturm Bülk

On a small cape at the western entrance to the Kiel Fjord is a lighthouse begun by the Danes when they controlled this territory in 1862. Construction was interrupted by the Second Schleswig War, after which Schleswig-Holstein belonged to Prussia.

Leuchtturm Bülk is the oldest lighthouse on the fjord and issues a red signal to warn ships of the treacherous sandbank (shoal) at the entrance.

The lighthouse is open to the public and you head up 25 metres to the lantern and pick out sights on the horizon like the Naval Monument on the opposite bank.

At the foot of the tower is a cafe serving hot drinks, cakes and snacks from 10:00.

12. Stadtmuseum Warleberger Hof

As a naval base, Kiel sustained more bombing than most German cities during the Second World War.

And it so happens that the oldest building to survive the destruction was a noble residence built for Frederick III, Duke of Holstein-Gottorp in 1616. Warleberger Hof is the kind of townhouse that was once found all over the Altstadt, and has a sandstone portal, painted stucco ceilings, silk wallpaper and murals from a plush makeover in the 18th century.

The vaulted cellar also merits a look, and among an exhibition of 18th-centruy faience and silverware there’s a well that still carries water.

On the first floor are rotating exhibitions charting Kiel’s past.

13. Kieler Sprotte

Appropriate for a maritime city, Kiel’s traditional delicacy is smoked fish.

These are sprats, which are a bit like herring, and are caught when they’re about 10 centimetres long.

If you can get hold of authentic Kieler Sprotte, they’ll have been smoked in a wood-burning oven, over beech and alder boughs and will be presented in wooden boxes.

Now, the proper way to eat them is by eating the whole thing, head, tail bones and all, because the fish is so soft.

But it is possible to remove the head and pull the bones out via the tail in one easy motion.

14. Holstenstraße

Linking the big Karstadt department store in the Vorstadt with the Nikolaikirche in the Altstadt, Holstenstraße is one of the oldest streets in the city.

The street was almost totally obliterated during the war, and during reconstruction in 1953-1957 it was closed off to road traffic, becoming the first pedestrian street in West Germany.

Holstenstraße has always been Kiel’s traditional shopping mile, and is lined with big international brands like Foot Locker, TK Maxx, Starbucks and at its upper end has a shopping centre hosting branches of C&A and the German department store Saturn.

15. Citti-Park

Good for a rainy day or for parents travelling with fashion-conscious teenagers, the Citti-Park is Kiel’s largest mall and has quick transport links from the centre of the city on the 300 bus.

There are more than 60 stores on two levels for German and International fashion brands like H&M, NewYorker and Esprit.

If you’re in Kiel for an extended amount of time you can do your supermarket shop at the ALDI here, while if you get peckish on your visit there are cafes, bakeries and tee houses, and a refreshing absence of fast food chains.

15 Best Things to Do in Kiel (Germany):

• German Submarine U-995
• Marine-Ehrenmal Laboe (Naval Memorial)
• Schifffahrtsmuseum Kiel
• Kieler Rathaus
• Nikolaikirche
• Zoological Museum of Kiel University
• Schleusenanlage Kiel-Holtenau
• Kunsthalle Kiel
• Leuchtturm Bülk
• Stadtmuseum Warleberger Hof
• Kieler Sprotte
• Holstenstraße

The Top 6 Attractions in Kiel, Germany

Kiel, the state capital of Schleswig-Holstein, is located about 50 miles north of Hamburg . As the gateway to the Baltic and to Scandinavia , Kiel is one of Germany’s most important cruise ship ports, home to the country’s Navy's Baltic fleet and its center for shipbuilding and naval tradition.

Here’s what you can do and see in Kiel, from an original war submarine to the busiest man-made ship canal in the world.

Kiel's Harbor

Kiel’s heart beats at the waterfront, so start your visit at the harbor.

Watch the giant ocean liners and container ships glide by, as big as buildings. Take a walk along one of Germany’s longest harbor promenades, known as Kiellinie, which runs from the castle gardens to the Hindenburgufer . Places to eat, drink, and shop line the way. Or get the best view of the city by seeing it from the water on one of the many boat tours .

Navy Memorial and Submarine in Laboe

During the War, Kiel was the home base for the German submarine fleet. Nearby Laboe is situated about 10 km northeast of Kiel and is a treat for history buffs or fans of the movie “ Das Boot ”. Here visitors can see and even walk through the only surviving Second World War U-995 submarine . There is also a Marine-Ehrenmal (Navy Memorial) from 1936 with a 280-foot-high tower and an observation deck which offers wonderful views of the region.

An underground memorial hall, dedicated to sailors of all nationalities who died in the World Wars, and a museum detailing the history of the German Navy.

Kiel is home to the world's busiest man-made canal. The nearly 100-kilometer long (62-mile) Nord-Ostsee Kanal (Kiel Canal) connects the Baltic with the North Sea and saves 30,000 ships a year an average of 250 nautical miles (460 km) instead of going around the Jutland Peninsula.

There is a viewing platform at Holtenau to watch ships pass through the locks as well as a small museum to learn more about the location's history and operations.

You can also cycle along the canal in its entirety or take a day trip; the bike path goes right along the water so you can ride side by side by side with giant container ships. There are lots of restaurants, observations points, and hotels along the bike route, which is very bicycle friendly: it's flat and for the most part car-free!

Stadt und Schifffahrtsmuseum

Matthias Süßen

Set on Kiel’s waterfront, the Stadt und Schifffahrtsmuseum (Maritime Museum) documents the city’s rich maritime history. Housed in the historic fish auction hall, the museum shows everything from models of ships, nautical instruments, naval paintings, and figureheads. Don’t miss the Kaiser Panorama which shows 3D stereoscopic pictures and the panoramic picture of the harbor. It measures 27m² and is the largest ever painting of the city. You can also visit the three historic museum ships that are moored next to the museum, the "Hindenburg" lifeboat, the "Kiel" fire-fighting ship, and the "Bussard" from 1905.

Kunsthalle zu Kiel

The Kunsthalle Zu Kiel is the city’s largest museum and houses one of Northern Germany's best collections of modern art. Enter between the two bison to see Russian art from the 19th and 20th century, German expressionism, and contemporary international art after 1945. It also has the Antikensammlung Kiel collection which was founded in 1895 and consists of ancient sculptures.

Along with the impressive art collection, there is a lecture hall, cafe and a sculpture garden.

Kieler Woche

wogo24220 / flickr

Held every year for a week at the end of June , Kiel Week or Kiel Regatta (or Kieler Woche ) is said to be the largest sailing event in the world. It attracts 5,000 sailors, 2,000 ships, and more than three million visitors every year.

The event dates back to 1882 and offers regattas, historic ship parades, and a cultural program that transforms the city center of Kiel into the largest summer festival stage in Northern Europe. Kiel Week is also one of the largest tall ship conventions in Germany.

If you prefer to stay on land, the festival is one of the largest Volksfeste in Germany with many stages and live music and a large fireworks display to end the festivities on Sunday.

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Kiel travel guide

Kiel tourism | kiel guide, you're going to love kiel.

Sitting at the edge of the Kieler Förde is Kiel, the capital city of the German state of Schleswig-Holstein. It's home to the annual Kieler Woche festival, which turns the city into a hotbed of travelers, food lovers, and festival-goers. At other times of the year, you can enjoy an authentic German city with plenty of natural vistas, canals, and parks, as well as a thriving nightlife.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Kiel

1. bike along the nord-ostsee kanal.

The route along the canal, nearly 61 miles long, can we walked or biked. You can explore smaller towns like Rendsburg along the way.

2. Experience the Kieler Woche

Even though it's the largest sailing festival in the world, the Kieler Woche draws millions from around the world, and the entire town turns into an international craft and food fair.

3. Take Advantage of the "museen am meer" Tradition

In a celebration of arts and sciences, eight of Kiel's museums come together to create special joint exhibits.

4. Enjoy German Gastronomy

Located right on the corner of the Metzstrasse and Wörthstrasse is Garips Imbiss, where you can enjoy German/Turkish Döner kebabs right by the water. Or dig in at the potato-themed Kartoffel-Keller.

5. Check Out Some Great Live Music

What could be better than live music acts to serenade your pleasant evenings? Check out the Schaubude or the Nachtcafe for some great live, lesser-known acts.

What to do in Kiel

1. kiel rathaus: great views and catchy tunes.

Undoubtedly the city's crown jewel, Kiel's Rathaus (town hall) is crowned by the 106 meter tall Rathausturm, which provides some of the best views by far of Kiel. Built between 1907 and 1911 in the graceful Jugendstil style, the tower has a viewing deck around two thirds of the way up. Aside from the views, the other great attraction at the Rathaus is the quirky clock, which signals the time via a glockenspiel melody, so try to be there on the hour to be serenaded before your ride up the tower.

2. Laboe Naval Memorial: A Must-Sea Naval Attraction

Situated about 15 miles up the coast from Kiel itself, Laboe is an attractive port with one major attraction: it's impressive and solemn naval memorial. This brick built tower cuts a dash with its curved construction, and was built after World War I to commemorate German naval deaths, but was reconsecrated in the 1950s to remember those on all sides who died in both World Wars. Aside from the memorial, Laboe also includes U-995, an actual U-Boat, which visitors can board for a window into World War II's submarine warfare.

3. Opernhaus Kiel: A Sublime Performance Space

Kiel's premier arts venue, the Opernhaus stages opera, concerts, theater and ballet and is located right next to the Rathaus. Built in 1902 in a classical Renaissance style, the theater is even more impressive inside than out, particularly when the crowd goes quiet, the conductor raises his baton, and the orchestra readies themselves to begin the show. Every season features major operas from the genre's greats, so check the schedule in advance and be sure to book seats to coincide with your visit.

4. Kirche Sankt Bonifatius: A Beautiful Medieval Survivor

Kiel's cathedral is also the oldest building in the city, and miraculously survived the intense bombing during World War II. Most of the structure dates back to at least the 15th century, and inside you'll find some genuine treasures, with sumptuous sculptures, a huge pipe organ and - outside the main doors - Ernst Barlach's "Spirit Fighter", which was denounced by the Nazis as degenerate, but hidden by locals and restored to its rightful place after the war was over.

5. Open Air Museum: Fresh Air, Food, and Festivals

Not far south of Kiel in the suburb of Molfsee, you'll come across this superb open air museum. Spread over 140 acres, the Open Air Museum sets out to preserve the heritage of Schleswig-Holstein, with period farm buildings, flower meadows, fish ponds, craft workshops, and even a funfair to enjoy. It's a fascinating catalog of German culture, but aside from the historical interest on offer, there's a fantastic smokehouse and beer hall on site, which makes it a wonderful place to relax. And, during the summer the museum becomes a lovely music venue when the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival opens its doors, giving you the chance to combine education, food and classical melodies.

Activities & attractions in Kiel

Where to Eat in Kiel

If traditional German food is what you're craving then head to Ratskeller Kiel for delicacies like schnitzel and bratkartoffel - along with incredible, locally brewed beer. Two can dine comfortably for EUR40.

When to visit Kiel

Those who love warmer temperatures should arrive in the summer, especially from the months of June to September. Winter in Kiel is pretty but temperatures drop to 32.

How to Get to Kiel

Travelers visiting Kiel arrive at the Kiel Airport (KEL) in Holtenau, but this is for smaller planes and usually reserved for domestic flights as well as charters from Scandinavian countries. If you're an international traveler, the closest airport is either in Hamburg or Lübeck, and visitors can catch either a train or bus to Kiel (the train journey from Lübeck is 1.5 hours).

Trains coming in to Kiel arrive at the Hauptbahnhof. The city is connected to the German rail system as well as the Danish rail system. Fares can be anywhere between EUR15-25 but do depend on whether you're taking a direct train and the city of origin.

Germany is well connected by a great highway system. Use the A42, for example, to drive in from Berlin to Kiel.

There are several bus services that come to Kiel from other German cities like Berlin and even from neighboring countries like Poland. Fares vary by city of origin but a trip from Berlin to Kiel is EUR41.

Airports near Kiel

Airlines serving kiel, where to stay in kiel.

Rest up in luxury and style at Steigenberger Hotel Conti-Hansa. Those who love economy but also want to be centrally located should book a room at the Nordic Hotel Astor. A room at the Peanuts Hostel is perfect for those on a budget.

Popular Neighborhoods in Kiel

Alstadt - located right by the water is Alstadt, the "Old City", where historical buildings meet modern shopping stores.

Vorstadt - right beside Alstadt is Vorstadt, home to the town hall, opera house, museums, and the beautiful Sophienhof mall.

Gaarden-Ost - right across the Kieler Förde is this mostly residential neighborhood, with its own local shops and eateries as well as public spaces like Werftpark and Sommerbad Katzheide, an outdoor swimming pool.

Where to stay in popular areas of Kiel

Most booked hotels in kiel, how to get around kiel, public transportation.

The public transit system in Kiel is run by KVG and a single, one-way ticket costs EUR2.50. You can also buy a monthly pass for a longer stay for EUR56.

Taxis are easy to come by in Kiel. The starting flat rate is EUR3.50 and it's EUR1.24 per mile thereafter.

Europcar, Sixt, and Enterprise have multiple locations where you can rent a car. Fares vary by company but a standard fare starts at EUR15 a day for a 4-door, compact car.

The Cost of Living in Kiel

Shopping streets.

Check out the pedestrian zone Holstenstraße for a collection of local stores or the Sophienhof and Citti-Park malls.

Groceries and Other

A quart of milk costs EUR3.30 and a dozen eggs costs EUR1.80.

Explore Kiel

Plan your trip to kiel: best of kiel tourism.

Essential Kiel

Trending in the forums

Kiel Is Great For

Historical tours.

Eat & drink

Art & history

Ports of Call Tours

• Atlantic Hotel Kiel
• me and all hotel Kiel, part of JdV by Hyatt
• Hotel Birke
• Hampton By Hilton Kiel
• Steigenberger Conti Hansa
• LAGOM Restaurant & Bar
• Kieler Brauerei
• BLOCK HOUSE Kiel
• Ratskeller Kiel
• Botanic Gardens Kiel
• Fischhalle Maritime Museum
• Aquarium GEOMAR
• Holtenauer Straße
• Kieler Woche
• All-in-One Hamburg: Tour from the port of Kiel for Cruise Ship Passengers
• Kiel Self-Guided Audio Tour: Explore this Historic Port
• City Sightseeing Kiel Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
• Private Lübeck from Kiel Port - Shore Excursion for Cruise Ships
• Beautiful Lübeck: Shore Excursion from Kiel Port

• 1.1 Tourist information
• 2.1 By boat
• 2.2 By train
• 2.4 By plane
• 3 Get around
• 4.1 Museums
• 5.1 Kieler Woche
• 5.2 Libraries
• 5.4 Physical activity
• 7.1.1 In the city center
• 7.1.2 Near the city center
• 7.1.3 Around the Schrevenpark
• 7.2 Mid-range
• 7.3 Splurge
• 8.1 Cafes and pubs
• 8.4 Parties
• 8.5 Live music
• 9.2 Mid-range
• 9.3 Splurge
• 10.1 Internet access

Kiel is the capital city of the German state of Schleswig-Holstein and has a population of roughly 248,000 (2018). It is on the Baltic Sea at the end of the "Kieler Förde".

Understand [ edit ]

Kiel is a maritime city and has been for a long time, it remains one of Germany main passenger ports (besides Travemünde and Rostock ) and as the Baltic endpoint of the Kiel Canal plays an important role in shipping. The death-knell of German monarchism sounded here when in 1918 the admirals wanted the fleet to sail out for one last glorious but militarily pointless battle. The sailors revolted against their officers, culminating in revolution and the formation of Soviets.

During the Second World War, Kiel was severely bombed, because of its submarine-producing shipyard. Civil and military ships are being built in Kiel nowadays and the tall cranes dominate the eastern shore of the Förde (fjord).

The bombing destroyed almost all historic buildings in Kiel; even the older looking buildings were built after World War II. So, if you come to the "Kieler Schloss" (Kieler Castle) don't be disappointed. There isn't much left of the original building. During the rebuilding after the war, mostly modern architecture was used.

Tourist information [ edit ]

• Kiel tourism website

Get in [ edit ]

By boat [ edit ].

Kiel serves as the German ferry terminus for the ferries to Oslo , Norway with Color Line and Gothenburg , Sweden with Stena Line [dead link] . It is also the endpoint of the Kiel Canal, which connects the North Sea to the Baltic Sea (allowing ships to avoid rounding Denmark).

By train [ edit ]

By bus [ edit ].

54.316714 10.133291 2 Kiel intercity bus station

This is the new station since November 2022 at the Auguste-Viktoria-Straße. Bus lines run services to, or through, Kiel. A weekly bus leaves Kiel and travels via Poland and the Baltic states to Tallinn , Estonia . A comfortable bus operates daily from Berlin to Kiel via Lübeck (6 hours). Further bus operators serve domestic routes .

By plane [ edit ]

By car [ edit ].

Kiel is connected to two Autobahns , the A210 to Rendsburg and the A215, both of which also connect to the A7 (which is part of the European road E45). Alternatively, take the B503 from the north ( Dänischenhagen ), B76 from the northwest ( Eckernförde ) or southeast ( Plön ), B404 from the south ( Bad Segeberg ), B4/L318 from the south ( Neumünster , though taking the A7/A215 will likely be faster), or the B502 from the northeast ( Wisch ).

Get around [ edit ]

Kiel has a public transport system based on buses and ferries operated by VRK . 1-, 3- and 7-day tickets are available, and offer good value for tourists. The taxi service is expensive but good. As of January 2023, medical masks (surgical or FPP2/KN95/...) are not obligatory anymore on public transportation, but remain recommended.

Kiel is very flat, and bicycles can be rented at various places. The main train station has a large bicycle garage and bicycle rental centre ( Radstation ), with regular bicycles and e-bikes available. It is quite easy to ride from Kiel to Laboe, catch a ferry to Strande, and cycle back to Kiel.

For short trips, Sprottenflotte bikes can be rented by using a smartphone app. Prior to 2023, bikes were provided by Nextbike; from 2023 they're provided by Donkey Republic, but you may still encounter the old bikes as well, so it's best to have both apps installed. Use the apps to scan the bikes' QR codes, and return them at any Sprottenflotte station in the city (e-bikes can only be returned at designated e-bike stations, marked in red in the app). Prices are as follows (for details, see the price list [dead link] , under "Sprottenflotte Kiel"):

• Regular bikes: the first 30 minutes are free; each additional 30 minutes cost €1, up to a maximum of €9 per 24 hours.
• Cargo bikes: 30 minutes cost €1 (the first 30 minutes are not free), up to a maximum fo €12 per 24 hours.
• E-bikes, including cargo e-bikes: the first 30 minutes cost €2; each additional 30 minutes cost €1, up to a maximum of €25 per 24 hours.

Bikes can be reserved in the app at no cost for up to 15 minutes, and it's a good idea to do this when walking to a station. Don't expect high-quality bikes, and if you want a helmet, bring your own.

Electric scooters are also available, with at least Bolt, Lime and Tier operating in Kiel. All scooters can be rented in the respective apps.

When crossing the Kiel canal, you can go across one of several bridges (Holtenauer Hochbrücken, Levensauer Hochbrücken), or take a ferry shuttle. The Adler 1 at Kiel-Holtenau only takes pedestrians and bicycles; the ferries at Landwehr and Sehestedt also carry cars and motorcycles. All canal ferries are free, but medical masks are obligatory, as of August 2021.

See [ edit ]

• 54.41242 10.228886 1 Type VII-C U-boat ( at the shore in Laboe (part of Kiel on the east-side of the fjord) ). The only surviving U-boat from World War II.  
• 54.412222 10.230556 2 Marine-Ehrenmal ( Navy Memorial ), Strandstraße 92 . It has a high tower.  
• Kiel Canal ( Nord-Ostsee Kanal ). The world's busiest canal. It is possible to walk or cycle for almost the entire length (99 km) directly along the canal from Kiel to Brunsbüttel (estuary of the Elbe, on the North Sea Coast), staying overnight in the town of Rendsburg .  
• Gorch Fock . Kiel is the home of the German Baltic fleet, and it is common to see all types of German warships and submarines in the "Förde", including the training sailing vessel Gorch Fock.  
• 54.364677 10.114932 3 Tiergehege Tannenberg ( Tannenberger Gehölz ), Projensdorfer Straße 276 . A smaller forest area in the north of Kiel where different types of deer roam about freely and with relatively little fear of humans. There are some enclosures including one for boar. Not spectacular, but good for a relaxing walk and to see some of the local wildlife. Make sure to obey the feeding rules posted around the area. Entry is free . ( updated Mar 2019 )

Museums [ edit ]

Eight museums of Kiel have created a common initiative called Museen am Meer , or "museums by the sea", where a common website brings together all details you need about their collections, opening times, admission prices etc. along with a route planner. For young travellers (17 years and younger), there is an app, " MuseumsCard [dead link] ", that offers information and free admission to many museums in Kiel and the rest of Schleswig-Holstein.

• Antikensammlung ( Collection of Classical Antiquities ). Face to face with antiquity: collection of Greek vases as well as casts of important Roman and Greek sculptures unique to Schleswig-Holstein.  
• Aquarium Geomar , Düsternbrooker Weg 20 . Public aquarium that is part of an oceanic research centre. From Baltic Sea herring to tropical seahorse: local and exotic sea creatures presented in aquariums that simulate their natural habitats. Known for its outdoor seal pool which can be accessed for free without entering the aquarium itself. Seal feeding times every day at 10:00 and 14:00 except on Friday. €3; concession €2 . ( updated Mar 2019 )
• 54.32837 10.14594 4 Kunsthalle zu Kiel ( Museum of Fine Arts ). Art from the Dürer era through to the present day: permanent collection spanning all artistic genres, including works by Repin, Nolde and Richter, as well as special exhibitions on specific topics and artists.  

Do [ edit ]

There are two free monthly magazines listing activities and events. Paper copies of Station [dead link] and Ultimo can be found in most cafes. Online information is available via Kiel Magazin and Fördeflüsterer .

Kieler Woche [ edit ]

The main tourist attraction is the Kieler Woche ("Kiel Week") at the end of June.

Apart from being world's largest sailing event the Kieler Woche is one of Germany's largest festivals. Apart from the sailing, the entire centre of the town is transformed into an international food and craft fair, with regular big name performers appearing nightly. If you intend to visit Kiel during this time, book your hotel well ahead. The waterfront and major parts of downtown will be inaccessible for cars.

Information on events is posted all over town and through a free magazine which will be distributed about a month before the event. Events include entertainment for kids during daytime throughout the entire week and lots of open air concerts. Most concerts end around 23:00 and nightlife moves to indoor venues and to the Eggerstedtstraße.

Aside from an abundance of food and drink outlets along the streets the "International Market" on the Rathausmarkt is the place to go for food and drink. Dozens of countries operate booths on the open-air market offering their traditional foods and drinks. The Kieler Nachrichten newspaper runs a special about food on the market in its Saturday edition, with ratings. If you cannot decide from the endless choices head over to the Scandinavian area or to wherever crowds are gathering; the Poles also offer large portions for a surprisingly low price.

Libraries [ edit ]

Kiel's public library, the Stadtbücherei , is open to all visitors (medical masks and contact tracing are required as of Aug 2021). The main library is in the city centre (Andreas-Gayk-Str. 31, 24103 Kiel), but there's a couple more throughout the city, of which the ones in Gaarden (Elisabethstr. 64, 24143 Kiel) and Mettenhof (Sibeliusweg 2a, 24109 Kiel) offer the largest selection. Anyone can come in and read; a membership is required to check out media, with 1-month memberships being available for €3.

Kiel University operates its own libraries. The central library (Leibnizstr. 9, 24118 Kiel) is open to everyone; checking out books requires membership, but this is not restricted to university members. Departmental libraries may or may not be open to the general public. The focus is, obviously, on scientific literature.

Sports [ edit ]

• THW Kiel ( Handball ), Europaplatz 1 , ☏ +49 431 98210 226 . One of the most successful handball clubs in Germany, Kiel is also among the top addresses for the sport throughout Europe. They were the 2014/2015 German champion and hold the record for most national championships at 20. standing tickets from €14.50; seated tickets €18-50 . ( updated Feb 2016 )
• Football: 54.3488 10.1243 2 Holstein Kiel , Holstein-Stadion, Westring 501 ( 4 km north of centre ), ☏ +49 431 318 40040 , [email protected] . Die Störche (The Storks) play soccer in 2. Bundesliga, Germany's second tier. The stadium has a capacity of 15,000. ( updated Oct 2023 )

Physical activity [ edit ]

• High Spirits Hochseilgarten , Falckensteiner Strand 15 , ☏ +49 431 3104947 . A forest adventure park with a number of treetop ropes courses. ( updated Jul 2022 )

Buy [ edit ]

A variety of shops are located in the pedestrian zone Holstenstraße and the mall Sophienhof . Another relatively big mall is the Citti-Park , which is also home to the Citti-Markt , Kiel's best (but probably also most expensive) supermarket. Several large furniture store are in the same general area as the Citti-Park: Ikea , Möbel Höffner and Sconto , Höffner's low-cost companion.

Numerous cafés are located in the old town centre at the northern tip of the Holstenstraße near the "Nikolaikirche" (Nikolai church).

An outdoor shopping area is the busy Holtenauer Straße with lots of cafés and more upscale stores towards the south end near the Dreiecksplatz .

Eat [ edit ]

There are food courts in Kieler Hauptbahnhof (train station) and the shopping mall across from the train station (Sophienhof).

Budget [ edit ]

In the city center [ edit ].

• 54.319893 10.133771 1 Fisch Maxx , Holstenstraße 92-94 , ☏ +49 160 4802174 . M-Sa 10:00-18:30, Su closed . Cheap fish and chips restaurant. ( updated May 2022 )
• 54.318894 10.133677 2 Grill-Maxx & Biergarten Holstenplatz , Holstenplatz 10 , ☏ +49 431 5878580 . M-F 10:00-19:00, Su closed . A barbecue restaurant. ( updated May 2022 )
• 54.323836 10.141744 3 Sviet - Asia Cuisine , Schloßstraße 21A , ☏ +49 431 28903068 , [email protected] . M-F 11:30-15:00, 17:30-21:30, Sa-Su 17:30-21:30 . Family-run restaurant specializing in Asian cuisine, especially offering a wide range of Vietnamese dishes. ( updated May 2022 )

Near the city center [ edit ]

• 54.320135 10.125739 4 Neumanns , Prüne 29 , ☏ +49 431 79934779 , [email protected] . M-F 7:30-14:00, Sa-Su closed . A bistro. ( updated May 2022 )
• 54.317439 10.1243 5 Wiener Grillhaus , Kirchhofallee 31 , ☏ +49 431 363669 , [email protected] . Daily, 14:00-23:00 . Burger Restaurant, which uses fresh ingredients and offers only homemade dishes. ( updated May 2022 )
• 54.319068 10.128607 6 Mein Döner und Co. , Schülperbaum 14 , ☏ +49 431 98280030 , [email protected] . M 11:00-20:00, Tu-Su 11:00-23:00 . ( updated May 2022 )
• 54.316541 10.125262 7 Asia Wok , Ringstraße 47 , ☏ +49 431 9907554 . M-F 11:00-23:00, Sa-Su noon-23:00 . A Thai restaurant. ( updated May 2022 )
• 54.320793 10.126805 8 Mr. Döner , Exerzierplatz 14 , ☏ +49-431-6668444 , [email protected] . 11:00-24:00 . Very good and affordable döner (kebap). ( updated Jul 2022 )

Around the Schrevenpark [ edit ]

• 54.32512 10.116313 9 Garips Imbiss ( corner of the Metzstraße and Wörthstraße(off of the Westring) ), ☏ +49 431 2107987 , [email protected] . Daily, 10:00-23:00 . Excellent German/Turkish Döner kebabs. ( updated May 2022 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

• 54.37093 10.14068 10 Bergklause , Schwester-Therese-Straße 9 , ☏ +49 431 69662026 . Daily, 18:00-23:00, Tuesdays closed . ( updated May 2022 )
• 54.334011 10.152488 11 Cotidiano , Reventlouallee 2 , ☏ +49 431 58781828 , [email protected]​ . Breakfast is available all day, not cheap but good quality and with a nice view of the Kieler Förde . ( updated May 2022 )

Splurge [ edit ]

• 54.31712 10.071749 12 Fischers Fritz , Martenshofweg 2-8 , ☏ +49 431 5331 300 , [email protected] . Part of Hotel Birke (see below); excellent food but expensive. Be sure to book in advance. ( updated Dec 2022 )

Drink [ edit ]

Good cafes and pubs can be found in the old city centre.

Cafes and pubs [ edit ]

• 54.314629 10.14897 1 Subrosa , Elisabethstr. 25 ( situated in Kiel-Gaarden ), ☏ +49 431 76749 , [email protected] . Tu-Th 17:00-23:00, F-Sa 15:00-1:00, Su 17:00-23:00, M closed . Kiel's alternative pub and bistro. ( updated Oct 2023 )
• 54.325722 10.116888 2 Unrat , Spichernstr. 2 ( to enter from Metzstr. ), ☏ +49 431 6672211 . Daily from 19:30-open end . The place for Kiel's students to talk philosophy, drink a cheap beer or listen to some live band. ( updated Oct 2023 )
• 54.315224 10.116952 3 Prinz Willy , Lutherstraße 9 , ☏ +49 431 64081071 . F-Sa 15:00-23:00, Su 15:00-20:00, M-Th closed . A "creative" café that offers live music, arts and poetry. ( updated Oct 2023 )
• Exlex , Ziegelteich 14 ( Right in the middle of Kiel ). The number one meeting point for students and young folks downtown.  
• 54.31562 10.13439 4 Blauer Engel , Kaistr. 47 ( at the quai by the central station. ), ☏ +49 431 8001919 . A café, bar and nightclub with a nice view and outdoor serving. ( updated Oct 2023 )
• 54.310627 10.148265 5 Cafe Medusa , Medusastr. 16 ( is situated in a backyard in Kiel's multicultural district Gaarden on the east coast of the Kiel Fjord. ), ☏ +49 1522 9269788 , [email protected] . M-Sa 19:00-2:00, Su closed . It hosts live-music and readings. ( updated Oct 2023 )

Bars [ edit ]

• 54.32008 10.134576 6 Astor Bar , Holstenplatz 1-2 , ☏ +49 431 99790 . One of Kiel's best cocktail bars. ( updated May 2022 )
• 54.321632 10.131473 7 Chaplin's , Waisenhofstraße , ☏ +49 431 92610 , [email protected] . Tu-Sa 19:00-2:00, Su-M closed . Piano player and cocktails. ( updated Oct 2023 )

Clubs [ edit ]

Kiel's clubs are spread out all across the city. Although some locals prefer doing the one-hour drive to Hamburg to go out, Kiel has some clubs that are worth being checked out. Make sure you have had a look at the site Fördeflüsterer before going out to get the most accurate information on all night live events. Most clubs have a €5 cover fee.

• 54.324467 10.138129 8 Pumpe , Haßstr. 22 , ☏ +49 431 2007650 . M-F 10:00-16:00, Sa-Su closed . A community-run cultural centre showing independent movies, providing room for community projects, concerts, bars and parties. On Thursday night students dance soul, reggae and funk at the FunkPump party. ( updated Oct 2023 )
• 54.328018 10.133981 9 Luna , Bergstraße 17A , ☏ +49 431 5192176 . Rhis club hosts parties ranging from electronic tunes to Soul/Funk and Ragga. Cover charge might be higher if nationally-recognized DJs operate the turntables. ( updated Oct 2023 )
• 54.332748 10.111711 10 Max , Eichhofstr. 1 , ☏ +49 431 1229955 . Standard R'n'B, techno club with two floors. Also has metal/gothic/darkwave etc., watch out for Kontrollverlust and Praxis Dr. MosH . ( updated Oct 2023 )
• 54.327713 10.130324 11 Schaubude , Legienstr. 40 , ☏ +49 431 556600 , [email protected] . ( updated Oct 2023 )
• Traum GmbH . Incorporating a restaurant, an independent movie theater, and a club, the Traumgmbh is likely to offer something that is just right for you. If you're over the age of 30, the Ü30 party is the party to go to. They will check your ID!  
• Tucholsky . Being by far the most famous club in Kiel, this somewhat battered and shady place is located in a former parking garage. A formerly very popular club among students now hosts a fairly young crowd that dances to pop, rock, r'n'b, techno, punk, and indie on four dance-floors (on the weekends). You can still get a feeling for the old days on Tuesdays at the Tequila-Party. The Tucholksy has the most diverse crowd, the cheapest drinks and the poorest air-conditioning - especially in the summer. Not a clean and neat place but the only option if you feel like partying on Sundays through Wednesdays. No cover on weeknights.  
• Weltruf . The interior of the Weltruf is dominated by a ship which has been built inside and cannot be removed.  

Parties [ edit ]

Not exactly in the category of clubs are the various parties that take places in different parts of the city. Traditionally on Thursdays between October and April all the big university departments organize Studentenparties on and off campus. Expect somewhat cheap drinks and hundreds of university students dancing to a mix of pop, rock and r'n'b. Sometimes there are even live bands or second dance floors. On the weekends several fancier parties are hosted in unusual locations throughout Kiel. You'll be dancing to house music in a show room of a car dealer or in the terminal of the ferry to Scandinavia. Tickets for these parties can bought in advance which will save you money and time. Check the Kiel4Kiel site to find out where tickets are sold or ask a local student.

Live music [ edit ]

When it comes down to live music, Kiel is not the city where you'll be able to see big headliners. If you're into that you'll have to go to Hamburg. Still, you might be able to listen to some decent live music while staying in Kiel. The Halle400 , the MAX and the community-operated Pumpe host local and international acts. Surprisingly good German or Scandinavian acts can sometimes be spotted in the Schaubude or the Nachtcafé for very little money. On occasion, some clubs like the Luna host national-recognized DJs. The city's own Kulturforum has concerts (as well as stage plays etc.) almost every night. The best place to find out who's playing and to get a ticket is Konzertkasse Streiber close to the Ostseehalle .

Sleep [ edit ]

The Youth Hostel is close to the Hauptbahnhof. There are a number of moderately priced hotels in the city centre. For some Olympic history, stay at Olympiazentrum in Schilksee, the sailing athletes village for the 1972 Munich Games. Top end is the Strande Hotel in Strande, or the Kieler Kaufmann just north of the city centre.

• Bekpek . Kronshagener Weg 130 a  
• Kieler Zimmer . Bed & Breakfast, 550 m from Central Station (max. for 3 persons, shared bath with shower)  
• 54.32008 10.134576 1 Nordic Hotel Astor , Holstenplatz 1-2 ( city centre ), ☏ +49 431 99790 . Rooms have 1970s charm but are clean. Bar on highest floor has a great view of the city. Singles from €60, doubles €80 . ( updated Oct 2023 )
• 54.30838 10.124676 2 Best Western Kiel , Hamburger Chaussee 2 , ☏ +49 431 534020 . Downtown, close to the main train station. ( updated Oct 2023 )
• 54.320724 10.128907 3 Hampton by Hilton , Exerzierplatz 5 , ☏ +49 431 9968910 . A new and modern hotel that's very central. ( updated Aug 2021 )
• 54.315769 10.127222 4 Rabe's Hotel , Ringstr. 30 , ☏ +49 431 663070 . Only a few hundred meters from the main train station. ( updated Aug 2021 )
• 54.319641 10.121771 5 Hotel Wiking , Schützenwall 1-3 , ☏ +49 431 661090 , [email protected] . Quite central. ( updated Aug 2021 )
• 54.326382 10.142634 6 Steigenberger Hotel Conti-Hansa , Schloßgarten 7 ( between the historic parts of Kiel and the Förde ). Rates around €115 . ( updated Oct 2023 )
• 54.317017 10.071555 7 Birke - Ringhotel Kiel , Martenshofweg 8 . A few minutes away from city centre by car. Good service and amenities. Parking spaces available. ( updated Oct 2023 )
• 54.339729 10.155951 8 Hotel Kieler Yacht Club , Kiellinie 70 ( right on the waterfront, north of the city centre ). Ask for a room with a view of the fjord. ( updated Oct 2023 )
• 54.319172 10.13451 9 Youth Experiences , Andreas-gayk-Str. 31 . ( updated Oct 2023 )
• 54.338676 10.151453 10 Romantik Hotel Kieler Kaufmann , Niemannsweg 102 . Classic location in the middle of an extensive park area. House with a unique atmosphere. Parking spaces available. ( updated Oct 2023 )

Connect [ edit ]

Internet access [ edit ].

• The local Internet Service Provider TNG operates free wireless access points in the downtown area; watch out for #SH_WLAN . Access will be blocked after-hours. A list of locations is available on the TNG Spot website (German).
• Many larger stores, malls and supermarkets offer free WiFi.
• Deutsche Bahn (Germany's national railway company) offers free WiFi at the main train station (and on many trains). Access to the station, including the platforms, is not limited.
• The public library offers free Wi-Fi if you ask for a voucher with an access code.
• Commercial Wi-Fi based access can be found throughout most parts of Kiel provided by various operators. Most will not allow you to use your international roaming plan like iPass, though.

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Navigation menu

Watch cruise ships at close range, shop to your heart’s content, stroll along Kiellinie, discover Kiel’s museums or feel the wind in your sails on Kieler Förde (Kiel Fjord). This and much more besides make a stay in the state capital so special. Enjoy the maritime atmosphere of this fjord city and inhale the fresh sea breeze that blows through the city centre.

Exciting experiences on the water’s edge

Sailing camp & bathing area

May-September

From optimists, to keel yachts, to cutters; at the sailing camp powered by Stadtwerke Kiel, you can choose from 30 different courses from May to September.

“Schlafstrandkorb” – a perfect place to to spend the night

With the sound of waves and the cry of seagulls, you will experience an unforgettable night directly on the beach.

“Sandhafen”

In Germany’s only completely floating beach bar, you can make yourself comfortable on a 500sqm floating pontoon.

Sea bar complete with sea bath

March-October

The “SEEBAR” is located directly on the Kiel Fjord and is the ideal place to relax with a drink and enjoy the great view of the Baltic Sea.

“Cheese meets wine”

July (14.07-16.07.23)

Cheese dairies meet vintners from southern Germany against a maritime backdrop, and invite you to feast, while away the hours and enjoy to the accompaniment of live music!

Boat harbour summer

July-August (21.07-27.08.23)

Artists from a wide range of styles, from punk to classical to reggae, provide the soundtrack to summer for every taste against a maritime backdrop.

“Kiel Week”

Nine days full of sporting and cultural highlights: “Kiel Week” is the biggest sailing event in the world, and the biggest summer festival in northern Europe.

NOK Lock viewing platform

All year round

Experience up close how small sailing boats pass through the locks alongside large cargo and cruise ships as they enter and leave the canal.

“Lore & Lay” theatre freighter

The “Lore Lay” theatre freighter has been permanently moored in Kiel’s Hörn since August 2019.

Kiel means breathing in the sea air, feeling the fresh sea breeze and marvelling at cruise ships – experience the sea with all your senses.

Town, beach, ships: where do you want to start? First, a private guided tour of the town, followed by a spot of shopping, topped off with a jaunt into the cultural landscape of Kiel filled with museums, galleries and the theatre? Or maybe fill your lungs with the fresh sea air as you watch the big ferries and cruise ships come into dock. The quality of life in Kiel is determined by life on and with the water.

With its locks and viewing platform, the Kiel Canal also boasts a special maritime atmosphere. Time for a leisurely bike ride, perhaps? Then head off along Kiel fjord – a great view of the big ships as well as traditional and modern sailing ships is thrown in for free. By the way, Kiel not only plays host to what is both the world’s largest sailing event and Europe’s largest folk festival – Kiel Week – it’s also home to "Camp24/7", a unique sailing project on Kiel's "Kiellinie" promenade. A veritable maritime delight!

Discover Kiel

Falckenstein Beach

Falckenstein Beach is a large and beautiful area of beach on the edge of the town. It’s a popular local area of rest and recreation whose special charm stems from its largely preserved, natural environment and the view it offers of Kiel Fjord.

Holtenau lighthouse

Located on the north bank of the entrance to Kiel Canal in Kiel-Holtenau, this lighthouse which has been in service as an entry beacon since 1895, is one of the most beautiful in Germany.

Over a length of 3.5 kilometres, Kiellinie leads from Ostseekai, past the fish stalls, sailing and rowing clubs and jetties to the naval base in Wik. Kiellinie is the perfect spot for strolling, feasting and watching ships.

Your contact

Welcome Center Kieler Förde

Stresemannplatz 1-3 24103 Kiel

• +49 431 679-100
• [email protected]
• http://www.kiel-sailing-city.de

Kiel travel guide

Kiel tourism | kiel guide, you're going to love kiel.

With a population of 232,758, Kiel is the largest city in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany by the number of inhabitants. It is one of the most popular cities to visit in the country. Kiel deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

Where to Eat in Kiel

If you’re looking for affordable options, Restaurant und Parkcafé Forstbaumschule (Düvelsbeker Weg 46) and Steak - House Nr. 1 (Preußerstr. 4-6) are great picks.

When to visit Kiel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Kiel in July, when the average temperature is 16 °C, and the highest can go up to 20 °C. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as -1 °C, with an average temperature of 1 °C. You’re likely to see more rain in November, when precipitation is around 90 mm. In contrast, February is usually the driest month of the year in Kiel, with an average rainfall of 50 mm.

How to Get to Kiel

Although Kiel doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Hamburg Luebeck-Blankensee (LBC), which is located 69 km from Kiel. The shortest flight to Kiel from Canada departs from Toronto and takes around 10h 40m.

Deutsche Bahn is the most popular train carrier serving Kiel, followed by Lufthansa. The train journey from Kiel to Berlin takes 1h 43m and costs around C$ 31 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Düsseldorf, expect to pay about C$ 14 for a 3h 27m trip. Located 0.7 km from the city centre, Kiel Hauptbahnhof Kaistraße is the busiest station in Kiel. Another popular train station is Kiel Suchsdorf, located 4 km from the centre.

Another option to get to Kiel is to pick up a car rental from Berlin, which is about 295 km from Kiel. You’ll find branches of Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Europcar, among others, in Berlin.

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Kiel, including FlixBus, Vy and BlaBlaBus. From Bremen, the bus ride to Kiel takes 145 km and will cost you around C$ 25. From Hannover, the ticket costs about C$ 34 for a journey of 177 km. Kiel’s bus station is located 0.3 km from the downtown.

Airports near Kiel

Airlines serving kiel, where to stay in kiel.

If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Hotel am Kieler Schloss Kiel by Première Classe and Novum Akademiehotel Kiel . There are also lots of vacation rental options in Kiel, with prices from C$ 71 to C$ 1,131 per night. Pries-Friedrichsort is the neighbourhood with the highest amount of rentals to choose from. On average, vacation rentals in Kiel are about 4% cheaper than a hotel room in the city.

Where to stay in popular areas of Kiel

Most booked hotels in kiel, renting a car in kiel.

Expect to pay C$ 2.71 per litre in Kiel (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between C$ 32.46 and C$ 43.28. Compact (Renault Captur or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Kiel, while also 71% cheaper than other types, on average.

Kiel Travel Guide

Kiel, the capital of Schleswig-Holstein and a major port city in northern Germany, offers a unique blend of maritime history, cultural attractions, and scenic beauty. Here’s a comprehensive travel guide to help you make the most of your visit to Kiel:

Places to Visit in Kiel:

Kiel Fjord: Start your visit with a stroll along Kiel Fjord, where you can watch boats and ships pass by.

Kieler Woche: If you visit in late June, don’t miss Kieler Woche, one of the world’s largest sailing events, featuring parades, concerts, and maritime activities.

Kiel Maritime Museum: Explore the city’s maritime history at the Kiel Maritime Museum, which showcases ship models, maritime artifacts, and exhibits on naval history.

Kiel Town Hall: Admire the impressive architecture of Kiel’s Town Hall, a historic building with a striking façade.

Botanical Garden: Enjoy a peaceful escape at the Botanical Garden, home to a wide variety of plants and beautiful landscapes.

Best Time To Visit Kiel:

The best time to visit Kiel depends on your interests. Summer (June to August) is perfect for enjoying outdoor activities and the Kieler Woche festival. Spring and early autumn offer milder weather and fewer crowds.

Things to Do in Kiel:

Sailing and Watersports: Kiel is a paradise for sailors and watersports enthusiasts. Consider taking a sailing excursion or trying windsurfing or kayaking.

Beach Time: Relax on one of Kiel’s sandy beaches, such as Schönberger Strand or Falckenstein Beach.

Visit Museums: Besides the Maritime Museum, explore other museums like the Zoological Museum and the Kunsthalle Kiel (Art Gallery).

How to Get Around in Kiel:

Public Transport: Kiel has an efficient public transport system, including buses and ferries, which are ideal for getting around the city and reaching nearby attractions.

Bicycles: Kiel is a bike-friendly city with numerous cycling paths, and bike rentals are available.

Walking: Many of Kiel’s attractions are within walking distance of each other, especially in the city center.

Where to Eat in Kiel:

Kieler Sprotte: Try the local specialty, Kieler Sprotte, a type of smoked herring.

Waterfront Restaurants: Enjoy fresh seafood at restaurants along the waterfront, offering beautiful views of the fjord.

Famous Street Stalls in Kiel:

Fish Stalls: Look out for fish stalls along the waterfront, offering fresh seafood and local specialties. Where to Stay in Kiel:

Hotels: Kiel has a range of hotels, from luxury options to budget-friendly accommodations.

Hostels: Budget travelers can find comfortable hostels in the city center.

Travel Tips for Kiel:

Language: German is the official language, but many people in the tourist industry speak English.

Currency: The currency used is the Euro (EUR), and credit cards are widely accepted.

Kieler Woche: If you plan to visit during Kieler Woche, book accommodations well in advance as the city gets crowded during this time.

Maritime Events: Check for maritime events and regattas happening during your visit for a taste of Kiel’s nautical culture.

Kiel offers a delightful mix of maritime heritage, natural beauty, and cultural attractions. Whether you’re exploring its maritime history, relaxing on the beaches, or enjoying the lively Kieler Woche, this city has something for every traveler.

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• Top 10 Things To Do...

Top 10 Things to Do and See in Kiel

Kiel is a coastal city in North Germany with many maritime-themed attractions – here you can peek into a Nazi wartime submarine, watch sailboats on one of the world’s busiest artificial waterways, and cheer at the Kiel Week regatta. But that’s far from it – check out our list of the top 10 things to see and do for more inspiration.

1. maritime museum.

Market, Bridge, Market, Museum

Set in an old fish auction hall, the Kiel Maritime Museum showcases exhibits that tell of the city’s maritime history and explore the importance of the harbour, navy, dockyards and sailing. Displayed items include fishing boats, historical nautical instruments and maritime-themed paintings. Don’t miss the collection of antiques that were gifted to the museum by a private collector. Outside, near the museum bridge, anchor several historical buoy tender, ferries and a fireboat.

Wall 65, Kiel, Germany , +49 4319 0134 28

2. Kiellinie

Kiel’s most popular waterfront promenade runs for 3.5 kilometres (2.2 miles) between the castle gardens and the Hindenburgufer. Locals come here to get a whiff of the salt-breeze and watch the passing cruise ships and sailboats. Restaurants, cafés and boat houses line the esplanade and offer a view of dockyards and Kiel’s emblems, the goliath cranes.

Kiellinie, Kiel, Germany

Check out the elegant sailboats I © Foerdegirl / Pixabay

3. Kiel Week

The Kielline promenade only really comes to life when the world’s largest sailing event hits town. Every year in June, millions of watersport fans from across Europe rush to the city for Kiel Week and enjoy a week-long regatta. What started out a fairly simple racing event has developed into one of Germany’s biggest festivals with live music, cultural events, food markets and a tall ship convention.

Fleethörn 9-17, Kiel, Germany

Kiel has a lot of lovely green spaces to explore. At the fringe of the old town, the former botanical gardens have been converted into a public park with flower beds, fountains, ponds, and grassy areas. From the hilltop pavilion, you can see all the way to the fjords. In 1985, the new botanical gardens on the university grounds opened and today showcase more than 14,000 species across the outdoor area and in the seven greenhouses.

Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, Kiel, Germany , +49 4318 8042 75

4. Kiel Canal

The 99-kilometre (62-mile)- long Kiel Canal links the North Sea and the Baltic Sea . With more than 30,000 ships passing through every year, the canal ranks among the world’s busiest artificial waterways. A viewing platform at Holtenau overlooks the busy locks, and the small museum on the southern side gives you an insight into the history of the lock operation.

Schleuseninsel 2, Kiel, Germany , +49 0431 3603 0

5. German Submarine U-995

Set up on Laboe beach on the eastern side of the fjord is a Nazi Germany submarine. The wartime U-boat was damaged in 1944 and transported to Trondheim , and after the end of World War II, the Norwegian navy used the vessel until the 1960s. Today, the U-995 serves a museum and offers a glance into the tight interior of the engine room, cabins, control stations and torpedo tubes.

Strandstraße 92, Laboe, Germany , +49 4343 4948 4962

Submarine interior I © Misphan / Flickr | © Misphan / Flickr

6. Laboe Naval Memorial

Memorial, Museum

Right next to the U-boat museum, the tower of the Naval Memorial soars 72 metres (236 feet) high. The landmark can be seen from miles away, and was erected to commemorate the sailors who lost their lives during World War I. Today it symbolises all seafarers killed in both world wars. The ground floor houses a small exhibition, while the platform grants stunning views of the area.

7. Nikolai Church

Building, Church

Kiel’s main church is also the city’s oldest building. Construction began shortly after the founding of the city in 1242 but since, the building has been reconstructed and extended several times. Allied bomb raids ravaged Kiel in World War II and devastated Nikolai church, but luckily the ecclesiastical treasures and artworks had been removed years previously. In 1950, the church was reconstructed using modern-day elements and materials.

Alter Markt, Kiel, Germany , +49 4319 5098

Inside the church I © Clemensfranz / WikiCommons

8. Kieler Brauerei

Beer brewing in Kiel has a 750-year long tradition. Back in the days, small breweries and pubs were at the centre of the enterprising activities in the buzzing harbour town. Kieler Brauerei has brought the tradition back to life and since 1988 has brewed a cloudy craft beer. Guided tours include a tasting of all their home-brewed beers, but should be booked in advance.

Alter Markt 9, Kiel, Germany , +49 4319 0629 0

9. Molfsee Open-Air Museum

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Kiel Walking Tours

 Discover the secrets and stories of Kiel today. 

FREE WALKING TOUR

Check our schedule.

Leaves from outside your cruise ship terminal.

3 kilometres / 2 miles. 

There's no catch!

FIXED START TIME

Fixed start point,  relaxed pace, absolutely free.

If your cruise is stopping off in Kiel this summer and you're looking for a fantastic shore excursion consider exploring the city on foot with us. Our guides are passionate, energetic, knowledgeable and love to share the stories and secrets of Kiel. Be sure to check out our  tour calendar to make a booking , or contact us  to confirm your place on a walking tour.

Winding through the city, our guided walk will introduce you to all the best bits of this wonderful maritime centre taking in the waterfront, parks, town hall and many other sights along the way.

The tour will take 1.5 - 2 hours, and we’ll be walking rain or shine. Our walking tours are conducted at an easy and comfortable pace totalling about 3 kilometres (2 miles) overall. Along the way, your guide will also be more than happy to answer your questions and offer personal recommendations for how to spend the rest of your time in the city. Whether you're looking for a great seafood restaurant, or boutique shopping, your guide can help you plan the rest of your trip in Kiel.

Our tours leave from the Ostseekai main  cruise ship terminal on days when a cruise ship is in port. Please check our  Frequently Asked Questions for more details. Our friendly guide will be waiting for you directly outside the cruise ship terminal. We promise you won't miss them. We're looking forward to guiding you around this wonderful city soon.

Enjoy the magnificent harbour.

Discover the vibrant history.

Watch the locals perform.

Explore the old town. 

What a find!

... a great combination of historical facts and humor. We enjoyed it immensely and would highly recommend joining this tour if possible.

Excellent tour

... a brilliant tour by a very knowledgeable and humorous guy.

Great walking tour

We would highly recommend giving this tour a go.

Thank you so much!

 TOUR BOOKINGS

If you'd like to do a tour on a date not listed above then check out our private tours for more information. 

FREE TOUR MEETING POINT

Simply meet your guide directly outside the Ostseekai main cruise ship terminal when a cruise ship is in port.  

Our guide will arrive at least 15 minutes early for a tour directly outside your cruise ship terminal holding a Kiel Walking Tours sign. We promise you won't miss them! 

Our tours start right on time, so to ensure that you don't miss anything we recommend arriving 5 minutes early. Once the group starts walking, there is no way to catch up.

Kiel Travel Essentials

Ideal duration: 1-2 days

Best Time: May - September

Planning a Trip? Ask Your Question

"Maritime City and Sailing Traditions"

Kiel tourism.

Kiel, situated in northern Germany on the Baltic Sea, is a beautiful city with a lot to offer for tourists. It is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, spectacular views and great shopping. It is also home to some of the best museums, galleries and monuments in the country.

Kiel is a great destination for visitors looking to explore the city and its surroundings. The Old Town and Kieler F_rde are two of the most popular attractions in the city, while the Kiel Canal is a great way to get to the North Sea. There are plenty of activities to enjoy while in Kiel, such as sailing, hiking, and cycling. Those looking for a more leisurely experience can take a leisurely stroll along the promenade and visit one of the many cafes. The Kieler Woche is another highlight of Kiel and is an annual sailing event that attracts thousands of visitors every year. It is a great way to explore the city and witness the vibrant culture and atmosphere that it has to offer. Kiel is also a great place to shop, as it is home to many boutique shops, as well as major department stores. The city also has a wide variety of restaurants and bars to explore, from traditional German cuisine to modern eateries. For those looking to explore further afield, the city is well connected by rail and bus, and there are plenty of other cities and towns to explore nearby. Kiel is also a great base for exploring the rest of Germany and the Baltic Sea. When visiting Kiel, it is important to remember to carry your passport and valid insurance documents. The city also has strict laws in place regarding the consumption of alcohol, and it is always best to be aware of these before embarking on a night out in the city.

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Kiel Travel Guide

Experience kiel.

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Things to See in Kiel

For the best overall look at the city and harbor, go to the Rathaus's 107m (350-ft.), century-old tower, much of which was restored after the devastating bombs of World War II. May to September, guided tours (in English and German) are offered Wednesday at 2pm for 9€ per person. For a closer view over the harbor, take a stroll along the Hindenburgufer (Hindenburg Embankment) , which stretches for 3km (2 miles) along the west side of the fiord, opposite the shipyards. Perches along this embankment are especially favored by spectators during regattas. Call Tourist Information Kiel for additional details.

If you'd like to go to the beach, take a short steamer trip to one of the nearby Baltic towns, such as Laboe, about 15km (10 miles) to the north. Besides the beach, the town's main attraction is the restored World War II submarine U-Boot 995, Strandstrasse 92, Kiel-Laboe (tel. 04343/42700; www.deutscher-marinebund.de; bus: 100 from the Kiel Hauptbahnhof). April to October, you can tour it every day 9:30am to 7pm (Nov-Mar to 5pm). Admission is 3.50€ adults, 2.30€ students and children ages 6 to 17.

The open-air Schleswig-Holsteinisches Freilichtmuseum , Alte Hamburger Landstrasse (tel. 0431/659660; www.freilichtmuseum-sh.de; bus: 501 or 502), is in Molfsee, 6km (4 miles) south of Kiel. Farms and rustic country homes, dating from the 16th to the 19th century, have been assembled here. Craftspeople operate shops while working animals perform their tasks. A half-timbered inn serves tasty lunches. The site is open April to October daily 9am to 5pm, November to March Sundays and holidays 11am to 4pm. Admission is 7€ for adults, 5€ students and children, free for children 5 and under, and 14€ for a family ticket.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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Welcome to Kiel.Sailing.City.

"Moin!", that's how briefly and succinctly we greet each other here in the north, because as you may know, we are sometimes said to be a little short of words. That's not always true, of course, because we do like to have a chat or two. But let's be honest: Who needs big words when he or she is at, in or on the sea? There's nothing better than sitting on the beach or harbour , enjoying the peace and quiet, and watching the ships go by. Soak up the whole Kiel feeling during your stay!

Big city flair and maritime lifestyle. What must you have seen and done in Kiel?

Signposts and a sense of home - lighthouses exert a fascination. The perfect place to watch ships!

The bottom rocks, a fresh breeze blows, the view over the horizon. A boat trip on the fjord is an experience!

An extended shopping trip, an inspiring visit to the theater or experiences for your palate?

Kiel knows service! The Service Award Kiel regularly honors Kiel's service quality. 

Overnight stay at the Kiel Fjord

27. - 28.04.2024

Kiel is blooming!

07. - 08.06.2024

Marine Conservation City Day

22. - 30.06.2024

Kieler Woche

12. - 14.07.2024

Cheese meets wine

Lighthouse Swim Open Water

August 2024

Bootshafensommer

30.08. - 01.09.2024

German Sailing League

Friedrichsort Lighthouse Festival

NOK Romantika

04. - 06.10.2024

Farmers' and regional market

02. - 03.11.2024

Kieler Lichtermeer

15.11.23 - 14.01.24

Stadtwerke Ice Festival

25.11. - 23.12.2024

Christmas markets

There's always something going on here! Check the calendar to see what awaits you. 

I FEEL KIEL! Shopping with a sea breeze and the sound of seagulls.

Choose your personal cultural highlight from over 30 museums, galleries and much more.

Sightseeing

City tours, walks or watching ships and lighthouses. So many possibilities.

Easter offers

Rough sea, the sound of waves and a fresh breeze - the beaches on the Kiel Fjord are worth a visit even in winter!

Food & drink

Attention foodies and gourmets! Our restaurateurs are waiting for you!

Wednesdays and Saturdays Hop-on Hop-off City tour 

On the round trip with the double-decker bus you will discover Kiel in a comfortable way and enjoy the tourist highlights of the fjord city in about 70 minutes with a 360-degree panoramic view in 4 meters height.

Group offers

Whether it's a company outing, family reunion or hen party, you'll find the right offer for every occasion here. From exciting city tours through the city center to a leisurely boat trip on the fjord. Here you will get your money's worth together.

April 27th - 28th 2024 Kiel blüht auf

The spring event Kiel blüht auf (Kiel blossoms) immerses Kiel's city centre and Holtenauer Straße in a sea of flowers and welcomes spring with a colorful program of craft activities and outdoor sports.

Book sailing courses

The Kiel sailing camp offers children, young people and families the perfect introduction to sailing as well as fun and enjoyment of water sports. Individual visitors can book the new courses now. The 2024 season starts on May 7th.

August 7th - 10th 2025 The Ocean Race Europe

In August 2025, The Ocean Race Europe can be experienced up close in Kiel. In 2025, Kiel will play an even more significant role than in the Fly-By: The Ocean Race Europe is coming to Kiel for the very first time and we are both proud and thrilled to be the starting port of this exciting, challenging regatta. 

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@kielsailingcity, news from the fjord.

Get the latest event and leisure tips first-hand with our newsletter! If you wish, you can also receive our weekend tips with recommendations for activities on the Kiel Fjord from Friday to Sunday.