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There are great many things to do in Germany, and so are in Kiel.
Set your sails and embark on an adventure in the coastal city of Kiel, where sights and sounds of the sea will awaken your senses and stir your soul.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Kiel:
1. Kiel Canal
The Kiel Canal, also known as the Nord-Ostsee-Kanal, is an artificial waterway that connects the North Sea and the Baltic Sea.
It stretches for 98 km and is one of the busiest waterways in the world, with around 40,000 vessels passing through every year.
What to see or do: Enjoy a leisurely cruise along the canal and take in the beautiful countryside and quaint towns along the way.
There are also several cycling and walking paths that run parallel to the canal, allowing visitors to explore the area at their own pace.
Don’t miss: If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of one of the massive cargo ships passing through the canal, as well as the impressive locks that allow them to navigate the different water levels.
Be sure to also visit the picturesque towns of Kiel, Rendsburg, and Brunsbüttel, which offer plenty of historic and cultural attractions.
Insider travel tips: If you’re interested in watching the ships navigate through the canal, the best time to visit is during the summer months when the weather is nicer and there are more vessels passing through.
Also, make sure to pack comfortable walking shoes and plenty of sunscreen, as the paths along the canal can get quite hot and exposed to the sun.
2. Kiel Rathaus
The Kiel Rathaus is the city hall of Kiel in northern Germany.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the impressive architecture of the neo-Gothic building and admire the intricate details of its facade.
The Rathaus also houses several important government offices and there are often public events held on the large square in front of the building.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the impressive tower of the Kiel Rathaus, which stands over 100 feet tall and offers stunning views of the city and surrounding landscape.
Insider travel tips: If you’re interested in learning more about the history and politics of Kiel, consider booking a guided tour that will take you behind the scenes of the Rathaus and offer insights into the building’s significance for the city and its people.
Additionally, the square in front of the Rathaus is a popular spot for outdoor concerts and festivals during the summer months, so be sure to check the local events schedule and plan your visit accordingly.
3. Kiel Opera House
Kiel Opera House is a historic performing arts venue located in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
What to see or do: Visitors can catch a variety of performing arts shows, including world-class opera, musicals, ballet, and symphony performances.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss a chance to see the beautiful interior of the theatre, which features an ornate chandelier and intricate architectural details.
Insider travel tips: – Book tickets in advance to secure the best seats and avoid disappointment.
4. Schlossgarten
What to see or do: Enjoy a leisurely stroll or bike ride through the park, take a picnic and relax on the lawns, admire the beautiful flowers and trees, and visit Kiel Castle.
Don’t miss: The Rose Garden with its impressive variety of roses, the Kiel Castle with its history museum, and the nearby Navy Memorial.
Insider travel tips: The park is a popular spot for locals to unwind, so try to visit during weekdays if possible. For a unique experience, attend one of the open-air concerts or events held in the park during the summer months.
5. Kunsthalle Kiel
Kunsthalle Kiel is a contemporary art museum located in the heart of Kiel, Germany.
What to see or do: The museum features rotating exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, showcasing works from both established artists and emerging talents. Visitors can also attend artist talks, lectures, and workshops hosted by the museum.
Don’t miss: A must-see at Kunsthalle Kiel is their exhibition on the works of Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson.
This exhibition features some of his most iconic installations, including his Weather Project, which creates an immersive sensory experience of a sunset.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is easily accessible by public transportation, with several bus and train stops located nearby.
6. Aquarium Kiel
The Aquarium Kiel is a public aquarium located in the city of Kiel, Germany. It contains various marine creatures, including sharks, rays, and seahorses.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the different aquatic exhibits, featuring both freshwater and saltwater species from around the world. The aquarium also offers interactive displays and educational programs for all ages.
Don’t miss: Make sure to check out the impressive shark tank, which holds several species of sharks and other predatory fish. Additionally, the seahorse exhibit is a popular attraction, showcasing these enchanting creatures in their natural habitats.
Insider travel tips: – Plan to arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds.
7. St Nicholas’ Church
A historic church located in the heart of Kiel, Germany.
What to see or do: Admire the beautiful brick architecture, intricate stained glass windows, and impressive pipe organ. Attend a Sunday service or enjoy a classical music concert inside the church.
Don’t miss: The 131-meter tall tower, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the harbor.
Also, take a close look at the sandstone sculptures on the exterior of the church, such as the Three Wise Men and the Crucifixion.
Insider travel tips: Visit the church during the annual Kieler Woche festival in June to witness a spectacular light show projected onto the exterior walls.
The tower observation deck can be accessed via a staircase, but be aware that it’s quite steep. Finally, keep in mind that entrance to the church is free, but donations are welcome.
8. Kiel Maritime Museum
The Kiel Maritime Museum is a fascinating museum dedicated to the history, technology and culture of Germany’s maritime history.
What to see or do: Explore the exhibits, vessels, and artifacts that highlight shipbuilding, navigation, and marine technology.
Enjoy a dynamic and interactive experience of the museum’s wide collections of model ships, navigational tools, maritime paintings, photographs, and documents.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to see the museum’s stunning ocean-going sailship, the “Flying P-Liner Peking” that was restored in 2017. The other highlight is the museum’s aquarium showcasing the beautiful world of fishes found in German waters.
Insider travel tips: Visitors can purchase the combined ticket for access to both the Kiel City and the Maritime museums.
9. Old Botanical Garden
The Old Botanical Garden is a historic garden located in the heart of Kiel, Germany.
The garden was established in the early 19th century and is home to a wide variety of plants from around the world.
What to see or do: Visitors to the Old Botanical Garden can take a leisurely stroll through the various gardens, enjoy the peaceful ambiance, and marvel at the beautiful and diverse collection of plants.
The gardens are a popular destination for those interested in botany or simply looking for a relaxing getaway from the bustling city.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the Old Botanical Garden is the stunning Palm House, a Victorian-style greenhouse that was constructed in the late 19th century.
The Palm House is home to a collection of exotic plants and trees, including palms, orchids, and cacti.
Insider travel tips: The Old Botanical Garden is open year-round and is free to the public.
10. Kiel Fjord
Kiel Fjord is a long and narrow inlet located in the eastern part of the German state of Schleswig-Holstein, which reaches from the North Sea to the city of Kiel.
What to see or do: Take a boat tour along the fjord to enjoy the picturesque landscapes and charming coastal towns.
Visit the Kiel Maritime Museum to learn about the region’s seafaring heritage or relax on one of the many beaches in the area.
Outdoor enthusiasts can hike or bike along the scenic trails surrounding the fjord.
Don’t miss: Make sure to see the locks at Kiel-Holtenau, which connect the Kiel Canal to the Baltic Sea, and watch the boats pass through.
Insider travel tips: Visit in June during the Kiel Week sailing regatta, where you can watch international sailing competitions and enjoy live music and delicious food.
Don’t forget to try a local delicacy called “Kieler Sprotten,” which are smoked sprats commonly found in the region.
Naval Memorial and Submarine U-995 is a unique attraction in Kiel, Germany.
The memorial commemorates the sailors who lost their lives during the World War II, while the submarine U-995 is a World War II German submarine that has been converted into a museum.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the submarine’s interior and learn about the history of submarine warfare.
The Naval Memorial offers stunning views of the Kiel Fjord and houses a museum that displays artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits that detail the history of the German navy.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to descend into the belly of the submarine and see how its crew worked and lived aboard the vessel during the war.
Also, make sure to explore the Memorial Tower and its surrounding gardens, as well as the impressive collection of naval artifacts and memorabilia.
Insider travel tips: – The Naval Memorial and Submarine U-995 are easily accessible by car or public transportation.
12. Kieler Woche
Kieler Woche is the biggest sailing event and festival in Northern Europe that takes place every year in the last week of June in the city of Kiel, Germany.
What to see or do:
Don’t miss:
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13. Schilksee Beach
Schilksee Beach is a renowned white sand beach located in the bustling city of Kiel, Germany.
What to see or do: Visitors can relax on the beach, sunbathe, swim, or engage in various water activities such as windsurfing, sailing, and canoeing. The beach is also perfect for long walks, picnics, and watching stunning sunsets.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of Schilksee Beach is the opportunity to watch diverse sailing competitions held here all through the year, the most popular being Kiel Week, the largest sailing event in the world, attracting over 3 million visitors annually.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit Schilksee Beach is during summer months when the beach is open to the public from 9 am to 9 pm, seven days a week.
14. Hörnbrücke
Hörnbrücke is a historic bridge in Kiel that connects the eastern and western sides of the city’s harbor canal.
What to see or do: Enjoy a walk along the bridge while taking in the picturesque views of the surrounding harbor and boats. Admire the unique architecture of the bridge, which represents an iconic symbol of Kiel’s maritime history.
Don’t miss: Take a stroll along the waterfront promenade on both sides of the bridge, offering a great opportunity to discover trendy cafes and local restaurants, perfect for relaxing with a drink or meal.
Insider travel tips: For an unforgettable experience, visit the Hörnbrücke at sunset or during one of the city’s many festivals and events throughout the year.
Don’t forget to bring your camera and capture some beautiful shots from the top of the bridge.
Laboe Naval Memorial and Museum is a famous historical site located in Kiel, Germany, that pays tribute to the victims of the First and Second World War.
What to see or do: Visitors can start exploring the memorial by taking the elevator to the top of the tower, which offers breathtaking views of the Baltic Sea, Kiel fjord, and the town.
The museum also has an excellent collection of war relics and artifacts like submarines, torpedo boats, cannons, etc. There are also several interactive exhibits providing insights into the history of Germany’s navy and the two world wars.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the memorial is the U-995, a Type VIIC/41 German submarine from WWII, which is now open for public exploration.
Visitors can go inside the submarine and see the living quarters, the torpedo tubes, and the control panel.
Insider travel tips: – The museum can get quite crowded, so it’s best to arrive early to avoid the crowd.
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