Kiel City Guide
Situated in Northern Germany the maritime city of Kiel offers the best of both worlds, city and beach. Watch the boats in the harbour, listen to the bells of the monastery and relax on sandy beaches in lively Kiel.
What to do and see in and around Kiel
Kiel harbour
Based along the busiest and biggest shipping lane in the world, affectionately known as the Kiel Canal, this port is the hub of Kiel. Not only does it bring vast amounts of business to the region but also many tourists arrive here by ship all year round.
Naval Museum
Located in what used to be a fish auction hall on the quayside, Kiel Naval Museum displays a range of fascinating artifacts from models, instruments, and paintings linked to the maritime history of Kiel to the especially impressive vintage ships moored at the pier.
Hörn Bridge
Boasting the best and most beautiful panoramic view of Kiel Harbour, a stroll over the Horn Bridge is well worth it. But it’s not just the view that makes this bridge special. It is one of only a few folding bridges in Europe and a feat of technical engineering in itself.
St Nikolai Church
Dating back to the 13th century St Nikolai Church was destroyed in the Second World War but this attractive building is still well worth a visit.
Old City Hall
Kiel’s Old City Hall or Altes Rathaus was built at the beginning of the 20th century and standing at a height of 106 m is an important part of the town’s skyline. The design of the Old City Hall was based on that of the Venetian Campanile.
Alter Markt
The pretty Alter Markt or Old Market as well as being home to the Church of St Nikolai is a lovely square with a range of cafes, bars and restaurants at which to sit and relax.
Beaches
For a city obsessed with water, you would expect there to be beaches, and once again Kiel doesn’t disappoint. Take your pick from the sandy beaches of Strande, Schilksee, Laboe and Falckenstein.
Monastery
It shouldn’t be too hard to find Kiel’s historic Monastery, just follow the sound of the 50 bells which ring three times a day.
Aquarium of the Oceanographic Institute
Belonging to Kiel University, this aquarium is home to species from the North Sea, Baltic Sea and North-eastern Atlantic. In addition to this there are also tropical tanks with colourful inhabitants and freshwater tanks containing species from the lakes in Holstein.
The highlight of the aquarium however is the feeding of the seals which takes place daily (except Fridays) at 10 am and 2.30pm.
Botanical Garden
Covering 8 hectares of land Kiel’s Botanical Garden is home to plant life from around the globe. Take a walk through a North American wood, explore the alpine rock garden and experience the orient in the Chinese coppice. Orchids, cacti and tropical flowers can be found in the vast greenhouse.
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