Visiting Kiel
Strolling along the canal while taking in the massive shipyards of the port, complete with towering cranes and constant ferry traffic. Kiel offers an easygoing lifestyle shaped by the water surrounding it and its close proximity to the Baltic Sea. Founded in 1233 by the Holstein dynasty, the city gained town privileges from Lübeck as early as the 13th century. It joined the Hanseatic League between 1284 and 1518 before getting expelled for illegally harboring pirates in its harbor.
One of the Baltic Sea's major ports
Kiel's reputation in Germany and abroad rests largely on its port, historically the largest naval base in Prussia. Most of its strategic infrastructure was destroyed during the Second World War by Allied bombing raids. Today, the port of Kiel remains a key hub for maritime trade and exchange. It ranks as Germany's largest passenger port, with daily ferry lines connecting the city to Sweden, Norway, and Lithuania.
Walks along the canal are a highlight, thanks to paved walkways that invite pedestrians and cyclists to explore. Head into the downtown area via Dänische Straße, a street lined with shops, restaurants, and cafés. You cannot miss the city hall, or Rathaus, a local landmark featuring a 106-meter tower inspired by the bell tower of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice.
A northern German destination worth your time
Kiel functions much like a resort town, with its coastal setting, beaches, and various amenities. As you walk along the harbor, look out for the Gorch Fock II, a famous tall ship used for training by the German Navy. Plan your trip for June to catch Kiel Week, a sailing competition held annually since 1882 that evolved after 1945 into a massive public festival featuring an international market with food specialties from around the globe.
Another stop in Kiel is its botanical garden, one of the oldest in Germany, established in 1688. It started out as a plot for cultivating medicinal plants and now houses 280 species, including numerous exotic varieties.
When to go
June is an ideal time to visit since Kiel Week takes place then every year. July and August also offer great weather for exploring the area. Visiting Kiel in winter when snow covers the ground brings its own charm, particularly in February during Kieler Umschlag, another popular festival.
How to get there
Consider arriving in Kiel by ferry from Gothenburg (Sweden), Oslo (Norway), or Klaipėda (Lithuania). Alternatively, you can reach the city by train or bus from Hamburg, which hosts the nearest international airport.
I visit Kiel regularly to see a friend who lives in the area. It is always really pleasant, and the place is very lively and welcoming, just like its residents! Plus, you can catch a ferry there to go to Sweden for example. So, do not forget to stop by!