All About Kiel
The north German port town of Kiel, bordering the Baltic Sea, has been a historically momentous city through the centuries since its inception in 1242. Economically, it started to flourish after joining the German Hanse League in 1284. The town came under Danish rule in 1773. It was here that Denmark later relinquished Norway to Sweden in 1812 through the Treaty of Kiel. 1866 saw the city change hands again as Prussia took control until Kiel became a part of Germany in 1871. Taking a ferry to Kiel is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets.
Kiel has forever had a strong maritime heritage and industrial setup. Consequently, it was heavily bombarded and destroyed during WWII. Having a strategic location near the Jutland Peninsula, modern-day Kiel is famous for its parks, lakes, and architecture. A well-known destination in the seafaring world, all the sailing competitions of the 1936 and 1972 Olympics took place in the Bay of Kiel.
Routes and Ferries to Kiel
Ferry tickets to Kiel allow passengers from across the world to reach one of Germany’s admiringly charming seaside towns in style. Travelers can use Ferryscanner to book boats from Gothenburg in Sweden. The journey through Kattegat takes 14 hours and 30 minutes with return fares ranging between €200 to €300. Stena Line has seven sailings a week on this route. DFDS has vessels from Klaipeda that take 20 hours and cost as low as €80 per passenger traveling without any vehicle. One can also buy ferry tickets to Kiel from Oslo. This scenic voyage takes 20 hours and sets the mood for a relaxing holiday.
Well-connected to German rail and road networks, one can happily travel to Kiel on land. There are several trains from all over Germany to Hamburg with further links to the port town. Bus service from Berlin runs daily, whereas a weekly bus to Poland is also available.
Air travelers wanting to reach Kiel will have to land at Hamburg Airport, situated 100 km from the city. Kiel has an aerodrome, 8.3km from the center, but only for charter flights, air shows, helicopters, and military-related purposes.
Port of Kiel
The present-day Port of Kiel is an essential trade, commerce, and tourism destination of Germany. Its most significant advantage is that the port connects with the 98km long Kiel Canal. Having direct access to the North Sea, the canal is now the ‘most frequented artificial waterway in the world’.
Taking over a large section of the city, particularly the eastern side, the Kiel Fjord harbor has four cruise and ferry terminals, a cargo port, and two canal ports. Ostuferhafen caters to ferries from the Baltic States, Western Sweden, and Russia. When arriving with ferry tickets to Kiel from Oslo or Gothenburg, passengers disembark at Norwegenkai or Schwedenkai. Located in the city’s heart, both state-of-the-art terminals are only a five-minute walk from the shopping district and a 10-minute bus ride from major attractions.
Best Beaches of Kiel
Beautiful beaches dot along both sides of the 17km long Kiel Fjord, providing locals and tourists with heavenly waterside spots to spend an entire day lounging in the sun. Among the many unique features of the city’s beaches is the possibility to see passengers with ferry tickets to Kiel sail past on boats arriving from faraway places.
Strand Heidkate
A flat, shallow, and sandy beach, Strand Heidkate is perfect for a day by the water with the kids. Forty minutes by car from the city, it’s a quiet shoreline away from the excitement of the fjord. Having uninterrupted views of the Baltic Sea, this dog-friendly beach offers sunseekers a lively promenade with bargain stalls, chair renting facilities, kiosks selling ice cream and sandwiches, and a chance to indulge in some beach football. Parking near the strip costs €3 for the day, or you can take the one-hour bus from the city instead.
Falckenstein Beach
Falckenstein Beach is 20 minutes away from the city, easily reachable by using the local bus service. An expansive sandy stretch on the western shores, it faces the Baltic Sea and offers sunbathers a chance to relax in nature. Amenities on the beach are limited. Toilets, a few barbeque pits, free parking, and some stalls serving snacks keep the ambiance low-key and uncrowded. Those searching for stimulation can visit the lighthouse or the mini-golf center close by. Falckenstein has separate sections for nudists and dog walkers. If you prefer not to go in the water, the beach is still a lovely place for a walk.
Schilksee Strandbad
Lying on the western side of the city, at the mouth of the fjord, is the most popular beach in Kiel. During summers, Schilksee Strandbad is full of life as various seaside activities attract families for a fun time by the coast. Visitors can rent boats or sunbathe under the warm rays after hiring beach chairs. Children have ample space to run around freely or slide and swing at the nearby playground. There is free parking, food stalls, basic facilities, and an excellent bus connection from the city center. The water here is shallow for a few meters but gets deep enough for a good swim further out into the sea. When planning your day, set aside a little time to check out the fabulous Olympic Center next to the beach.
Hundestrand Laboe
A dog-friendly beach on the northeastern side of the fjord, Hundestrand Laboe is a tranquil and long stretch of shore with panoramic views. A favorite with families, the beach’s sandy nature and shallow waters are its two most prominent features. Restaurants nearby are ideal for a relaxed brunch. With little to no shade at the beach, remember to take your own umbrellas.
Strand Hasselfelde
Strand Hasselfelde’s convenient location near the harbor makes it a favored beach on warm weekends. The water here tends to be slightly cold but still swimmable. Situated on the east bank of the fjord, this free beach with fine sand is famous for its sunsets. Locals often come here after hours to light up bonfires.
Things to Do Around Kiel
Massive destruction during WWII resulted in Kiel losing a substantial part of its 750-year-old heritage. A town rapidly assembled following the war, Kiel continues to relish some of its traditions amidst the city’s modern façade that tourists, in particular, find amusingly fascinating.
Party During the Kieler Woche
The most fun thing to do in Kiel is taking part in the world-famous Kieler Woche. A momentous event, the week-long celebrations honor the Sailing City’s seafaring and shipbuilding legacy. Kieler Woche happens during the last full week of June every year and welcomes over 3 million international and regional participants who come to Kiel with classic and new boats. Among the attractions during the week are regattas, boat tours, music, dance, and culinary offerings.
Visit U-995 German Submarine
The U-995 Museum in Laboe presents visitors with an unmissable opportunity to look inside a previously active and infamous U-boat from WWII. Among the last few remaining submarines of its kind globally, U-995 served in the Norwegian Navy for a few years after the war. Germany finally bought the boat in 1971. Now, it makes for an educational trip to take with kids who can learn more about submarines as they actually walk through the boat’s interiors. The museum ticket price for adults is €4.50. However, for €9, tourists can also visit the Laboe Memorial Museum next door that commemorates German soldiers who died during WWI.
Shop till You Drop
Kiel is every shopaholic’s dream come true. Within walking distance from the port, tourists can enjoy retail therapy at malls as well as stand-alone boutiques. Cafes and restaurants make sure everyone is replenished and bursting with energy to explore more of the city. Holstenstrasse is one of Kiel’s biggest draws. This pedestrian shopping street built in 1953 is among the oldest in Germany. Other places of interest for bargain hunters are the district of Pries-Friedrichsort, the Centraal Station shopping mall, and the farmer’s markets of Exerzierplatz and Blücherplatz.
Relax at the Botanical Gardens
The botanical gardens in Kiel have a quirky character in that they have changed locations five times since 1985. A previous site, known as the Old Botanical Garden, is now a public park with colorful flora, fountains, and a high vantage point perfect for panoramic views. The actual Botanical Gardens take up 8 hectares of space and consist of over 14000 species of plants. Located in Kiel University, the gardens stay open 365 days a year and are free to visit. If in town between April to October, plan a trip to coincide with the informative Sunday Walk at the gardens.
Drink at the Kieler Brauerei
While Germany and beer are synonymous, the practice of making craft beer in Kiel goes back seven centuries. An art form that lost its spark over time, brewing underwent a revival ever since the inauguration of the Kieler Brewery in 1988. A visit to this culinary institution in the city is a must. Visitors get to learn about the process of making beer and taste some of the classics. The brewery has a restaurant that serves delectable regional dishes. Expect a cozy setting and large portions of scrumptious preparations like homemade labskaus, pork schnitzel hunter style, and warm apple strudel.
Transportation Around Kiel
Kiel’s excellent public transport system makes it easier for tourists to travel around without any hassles. The bus and ferry services are extensive. Thirty-six bus lines cover seven zones in the city and neighboring areas, all the way up to Hamburg. Bus tickets are available for single trips, multi-rides, or for daily, weekly, and monthly use. Canal ferries are free and ideal for visitors who want to enjoy a bit more sailing after utilizing their ferry tickets to Kiel. Do keep in mind that some local ferries take passengers and bicycles only, while others accommodate cars and bikes.
The city center and shopping districts of Kiel are pedestrian-friendly. Renting bicycles to venture into the quaint suburbs is a popular activity with travelers returning to Kiel. Taxis are quickly obtainable. While a comfortable option for point-to-point local transportation, they are an expensive alternative.
User Account