Port of Kiel

About Kiel, Guide and Tourist Attractions
(Kiel, Schleswig Holstein, Germany)

Located in the north of Germany, Kiel is an important passenger port and also an excellent tourist destination, especially for those with an affinity for shopping.

Although bombed heavily at the end of the war, Kiel still retains some historical treasures and also boasts Germany's biggest indoor shopping centre.

What to do in Kiel

Perhaps the most popular pastime in Kiel is sailing; the harbour is huge and there are lakes all around the city. The waters are open to professional and amateur sailors alike and the attractive coastline is a big hit with day cruisers. If you are here in June, don't miss the Kieler Woche, one of the world's biggest sailing events that attracts sailors from all four corners of the globe.

Also in the region and right on the border with Denmark is the town of Flensburg, with its unbeatable waterfront setting and profusion of cafés and restaurants. The city centre offers much more in the way of medieval architecture and historical ambience than Kiel and a regular boat ride will take in some of Germany's most spectacular scenery.

Tourist Attractions

Apart from the waterfront, Kiel also boasts numerous other quality tourist attractions and tourist areas. As would be expected in such an important maritime city, Kiel excels in its offering of water-theme museums. The Maritime Museum is very popular with visitors. The Oceanography Institute Aquarium and the Warleberger Hof City Museum are also immensely popular. For art lovers, it is worth visiting the Stadtgalerie as it has regular art exhibitions.

The tourist information office is not far from the main Kiel railway station in the city centre and you can learn all about the local ferries on the Kieler Förde. Many Scandinavians also come to Kiel for the shopping and the huge Sophienhof superstore, just up the road from the tourist information centre, has numerous quality outlets. Night time revellers might like to try Alter Markt square, with its many bars and pubs. Another popular night time venue is the Ostseehalle, which holds concerts year-round.