Kiel

Understand

As a major passenger port (along with Travemünde and Rostock) and as the Baltic endpoint of the Kiel Canal, Kiel plays an important role in shipping. The death-knell of German monarchism sounded here when in 1918 the admirals wanted the fleet to sail out for one last glorious but militarily pointless battle. The sailors revolted against their officers, culminating in revolution and the formation of Soviets. During the Second World War, Kiel was severely bombed, because of its submarine-producing shipyard. Civil and military ships are being built in Kiel nowadays and the tall cranes dominate the eastern shore of the Förde (fjord). The bombing destroyed almost all historic buildings in Kiel (in fact, it destroyed 95% of the entire city); even the older-looking buildings were built after World War II. So if you come to the "Kieler Schloss" (Kieler Castle), don't be disappointed. There isn't much left of the original building. During the rebuilding after the war, mostly modern architecture was used, and the focus was on functionality and quick construction, not on timeless design or beautiful architecture.

Tourist information Kiel tourism website

Getting there

By boat

Kiel serves as the German ferry terminus for the ferries to Oslo, Norway with Color Line and Gothenburg, Sweden with Stena Line. It is the endpoint of the Kiel Canal, which connects the North Sea to the Baltic Sea (allowing ships to avoid rounding Denmark).

By train 1 Kiel Hauptbahnhof (next to the main bus terminal and across the road from the central shopping district). Kiel is connected to the DB rail system, with regular RE, IC, ICE and EC services to Hamburg and beyond. Transfers can be made in Flensburg or Lübeck to Danish Rail.

By bus 2 Kiel intercity bus station At the Auguste-Viktoria-Straße, bus lines run services to, or through, Kiel. A weekly bus leaves Kiel and travels via Poland and the Baltic states to Tallinn, Estonia. A comfortable bus operates daily from Berlin to Kiel via Lübeck (6 hours). Further bus operators serve domestic routes.

By plane 3 Kiel Airport (KEL IATA), in "Holtenau" (north-west). There is no commercial service to this airport. (updated Oct 2019) 4 Hamburg Airport (HAM IATA), Flughafenstr. 1-3 (90 km south of Kiel), ☏ +49 40 50750, [email protected]. The airport has a railway connection to Hamburg's Hauptbahnhof, from where there are multiple trains a day to Kiel. There is a shuttle bus service to and from the Airport (Kielius). Buy both tickets (from/to the airport) at the same time for a discount, and be sure to hold on to your voucher. Students get a discount (ISIC required). (updated May 2026)

By car Kiel is connected to two Autobahns, the A210 to Rendsburg and the A215, both of which also connect to the A7 (which is part of the European road E45). Alternatively, take the B503 from the north (Dänischenhagen), B76 from the northwest (Eckernförde) or southeast (Plön), B404 from the south (Bad Segeberg), B4/L318 from the south (Neumünster, though taking the A7/A215 will likely be faster), or the B502 from the northeast (Wisch).

Getting around

By bus and Förde ferry

Kiel has a public transport system based on buses and ferries operated by KVG. 1-, 3- and 7-day tickets are available, and offer good value for tourists. You can use the NAH SH App to purchase tickets. The group ticket "Kleingruppenkarte ohne Sylt-Bus" can be a particularly good value: for a total of €49.90 (as of May 2026) for unlimited transit starting 09:00 on Monday-Friday or starting 00:00 on Saturday, Sunday and holidays until 06:00 the subsequent day, a group of up to 5 adults (children free) can ride all buses and trains in the entire SH-Tarif Network (Schleswig-Holstein state plus Hamburg, excluding the island of Sylt).

By taxi The taxi service is expensive but reliable. Taxis are available 24/7 at the main train station (Hauptbahnhof) or can be ordered via phone or app. To call a taxi, dial +49 431 680101 (Taxi Kiel) or +49 431 73000 (Taxi-Zentrale Kiel-Ost). Mobile apps like taxi.eu or freenow also work well in the city. Most taxis accept credit cards, but it is recommended to confirm with the driver before starting the trip.

By bike Kiel is largely flat and suitable for cycling. The main bicycle hub is the Umsteiger station at the main train station, which offers a 24-hour guarded parking garage and a rental centre for city bikes and e-bikes. A common cycling route leads from the city centre to Laboe, followed by a ferry crossing to Strande, and a return trip to Kiel along the western shore. For short trips, the bike-sharing system Sprottenflotte is available via the Donkey Republic app. Nextbike is no longer active in Kiel. Bikes must be returned to designated stations (e-bikes and cargo bikes only at specific stations marked in the app).

Prices as of April 2026: Standard bikes: €0.50 per 15 min, max. €12 per 24h. E-bikes & E-Cargo bikes: €2 per 15 min, max. €35 per 24h. Cargo bikes (manual): €1 per 15 min, max. €20 per 24h. 3-Day-Pass: €9 (includes 18h of riding time over 3 days). Subscribers (e.g., €8/month or €45/year) get the first 30 minutes of each rental for free. Bikes can be reserved for free via the app for up to 15 minutes before rental. Don't expect high-quality bikes, and if you want a helmet, bring your own. Those staying for longer (such as exchange students) can rent a bike from Swapfiets for a monthly fee.

5 Swapfiets, Alter Markt 7, 24103 Kiel. M-Tu, Th-F 12:00-18:00; Sa 11:00-17:00; W, Su closed. Bicycle subscription service including repairs and theft protection. High-quality bikes with the characteristic blue front tire. The store at Alter Markt provides service and pick-up (booking v

See

1 Type VII-C U-boat U-995 (at the shore in Laboe (part of Kiel on the east-side of the fjord)). The only surviving U-boat from World War II. 2 Marine-Ehrenmal (Navy Memorial), Strandstraße 92. It has a high tower. 3 Kiel Canal (Nord-Ostsee Kanal). The world's busiest canal. It is possible to walk or cycle for almost the entire length (99 km) directly along the canal from Kiel to Brunsbüttel (estuary of the Elbe, on the North Sea Coast), staying overnight in the town of Rendsburg if necessary. 4 Gorch Fock. Kiel is the home of the German Baltic fleet, and it is common to see all types of German warships and submarines in the "Förde", including the training sailing vessel Gorch Fock. 5 Tiergehege Tannenberg (Tannenberger Gehölz), Projensdorfer Straße 276. A smaller forest area in the north of Kiel where different types of deer roam about freely and with relatively little fear of humans. There are some enclosures including one for boar. Not spectacular, but good for a relaxing walk and to see some of the local wildlife. Make sure to obey the feeding rules posted around the area. Entry is free. (updated Mar 2019) 6 Schönberger Strand (Bus route 200 or 201 from central Kiel (just over one hour)). Kiel's local seaside resort, with about 8km of sandy beaches. Two accommodation areas known as "Brazil" and "California", and huts selling fresh and smoked fish dishes. (updated Dec 2025)

Museums Eight museums of Kiel have created a common initiative called Museen am Meer, or "museums by the sea", where a common website brings together all details you need about their collections, opening times, admission prices etc. along with a route planner. For young travellers (17 years and younger), there is an app, "MuseumsCard", that offers information and free admission to many museums in Kiel and the rest of Schleswig-Holstein.

Antikensammlung (Collection of Classical Antiquities). Face to face with antiquity: collection of Greek vases as well as casts of important Roman and Greek sculptures unique to Schleswig-Holstein. Aquarium Geomar, Düsternbrooker Weg 20. Public aquarium that is part of an oceanic research centre. From Baltic Sea herring to tropical seahorse: local and exotic sea creatures presented in aquariums that simulate their natural habitats. Known for its outdoor seal pool which can be accessed for free without entering the aquarium itself. Seal feeding times every day at 10:00 and 14:00 except on Friday. €3; concession €2. (updated Mar 2019) 7 Kunsthalle zu Kiel (Museum of Fine Arts). Art from the Dürer era through to the present day: permanent coll

Do

There are two free monthly magazines listing activities and events. Paper copies of Station and Ultimo can be found in most cafes. Online information is available via Kiel Magazin and Fördeflüsterer.

1 Theater Kiel. (updated Aug 2020)

Kieler Woche The main tourist attraction is the Kieler Woche ("Kiel Week") at the end of June. Apart from being world's largest sailing event the Kieler Woche is one of Germany's largest festivals. Apart from the sailing, the entire centre of the town is transformed into an international food and craft fair, with regular big name performers appearing nightly. If you intend to visit Kiel during this time, book your hotel well ahead. The waterfront and major parts of downtown will be inaccessible for cars. Information on events is posted all over town and through a free magazine which will be distributed about a month before the event. Events include entertainment for kids during daytime throughout the entire week and lots of open air concerts. Most concerts end around 23:00 and nightlife moves to indoor venues and to the Eggerstedtstraße. Aside from an abundance of food and drink outlets along the streets the "International Market" on the Rathausmarkt is the place to go for food and drink. Dozens of countries operate booths on the open-air market offering their traditional foods and drinks. The Kieler Nachrichten newspaper runs a special about food on the market in its Saturday edition, with ratings. If you cannot decide from the endless choices head over to the Scandinavian area or to wherever crowds are gathering; the Poles also offer large portions for a surprisingly low price.

Sports 2 THW Kiel (Handball), Europaplatz 1, ☏ +49 431 98210 226. One of the most successful handball clubs in Germany, Kiel is also among the top addresses for the sport throughout Europe. They were the 2014/2015 German champion and hold the record for most national championships at 20. standing tickets from €14.50; seated tickets €18-50. (updated Feb 2016) Football: 3 Holstein Kiel, Holstein-Stadion, Westring 501 (4 km north of centre), ☏ +49 431 318 40040, [email protected]. Die Störche (The Storks) were relegated in 2025 and now play soccer in Bundesliga 2, the second tier. The stadium has a capacity of 15,000. (updated Jun 2025) 4 FC Kilia Kiel, Hasseldieksdammer Weg 165, ☏ +49 0431 18566. Kiel's second-most successful soccer club. They play down in the amateur leagues. (updated Feb 2025) 5 Kiel Baltic Hurricanes, Hasseldieksdammer Weg 165, ☏ +49 431 97997612. Kiel's local American football team. (updated Aug 2021)

Physical activ

Buy

A variety of shops are located in the pedestrian zone Holstenstraße and the mall Sophienhof. Another relatively big mall is the Citti-Park, which is also home to the Citti-Markt, Kiel's best (but probably also most expensive) supermarket. Several large furniture store are in the same general area as the Citti-Park: Ikea, Möbel Höffner and Sconto, Höffner's low-cost companion. Numerous cafés are located in the old town centre at the northern tip of the Holstenstraße near the "Nikolaikirche" (Nikolai church). An outdoor shopping area is the busy Holtenauer Straße with lots of cafés and more upscale stores towards the south end near the Dreiecksplatz.

Shopping malls and areas 1 Holstenstraße, Holstenstraße. Kiel's main downtown shopping street. Restricted to pedestrians, with many shops and eateries. Good for taking a stroll on a warm day. (updated Feb 2025) 2 Sophienhof (mall), Sophienblatt 20, ☏ +49 0431 673044. Kiel's first and oldest shopping mall, located in the city centre next to the train station. (updated Feb 2025) 3 CITTI-Park (mall), Mühlendamm 1, ☏ +49 0431 68930. Kiel's other shopping mall. Has its own train station and lots of free parking. (updated Feb 2025)

Furniture stores 4 IKEA Kiel, Westring 1, ☏ +49 06192 9399999. (updated Feb 2025) 5 Möbel Höffner (furniture store), Westring 5, ☏ +49 0431 533200. A large furniture store with a decent caféteria. (updated Feb 2025)

Specialty stores 6 2fach (floristics and pâtisserie), Saarbrückenstr. 14 (Hinterhof), ☏ +49 0431 530 23 33. Flowers and high-quality handmade truffles and chocolates. (updated Nov 2025) 7 Whiskyle (whisky and spirits), Kronshagener Weg 10, ☏ +49 0431 12814633. Whiskies and selected other spirits. Regular tastings (pre-booking required). (updated Nov 2025)

Eat

There are food courts in Kieler Hauptbahnhof (train station) and the shopping mall across from the train station (Sophienhof). Local specialties to try include Fischbrötchen (fish buns), which are available with a variety of fresh or processed fish and other seafood (notably shrimp). There is a local ice cream manufacturer, Packeis, whose wares are sold at many kiosks, beaches and so on in the summer; be sure to sample their wares. There is also an old local brewery, the aptly-named Kieler Brauerei (Kiel Brewery), which also has its own restaurant, and at least one new one, Czernys Küstenbrauerei, which produces not just a variety of beers but also spirits.

Budget

In the city centre 1 Fisch Maxx, Holstenstraße 92-94, ☏ +49 160 4802174. M-Sa 10:00-18:30, Su closed. Cheap fish and chips restaurant. (updated May 2022) 2 Grill-Maxx & Biergarten Holstenplatz, Holstenplatz 10, ☏ +49 431 5878580. M-F 10:00-19:00, Su closed. A barbecue restaurant. (updated May 2022) 3 Sviet - Asia Cuisine, Schloßstraße 21A, ☏ +49 431 28903068, [email protected]. M-F 11:30-15:00, 17:30-21:30, Sa Su 17:30-21:30. Family-run restaurant specializing in Asian cuisine, especially offering a wide range of Vietnamese dishes. (updated May 2022)

Near the city centre 4 Neumanns, Prüne 29, ☏ +49 431 79934779, [email protected]. M-F 07:30-14:00, Sa Su closed. A bistro. (updated May 2022) 5 Wiener Grillhaus, Kirchhofallee 31, ☏ +49 431 363669, [email protected]. Daily 14:00-23:00. Burger restaurant, which uses fresh ingredients and offers only homemade dishes. (updated May 2022) 6 Mein Döner und Co., Schülperbaum 14, ☏ +49 431 98280030, [email protected]. M 11:00-20:00, Tu-Su 11:00-23:00. (updated May 2022) 7 Asia Wok, Ringstraße 47, ☏ +49 431 9907554. M-F 11:00-23:00, Sa Su noon-23:00. A Thai restaurant. (updated May 2022) 8 Mr. Döner, Exerzierplatz 14, ☏ +49-431-6668444, [email protected]. 11:00-24:00. Very good and affordable döner (kebap). (updated Jul 2022)

Around the Schrevenpark 9 Garips Imbiss (corner of the Metzstraße and Wörthstraße(off of the Westring)), ☏ +49 431 2107987, [email protected]. Daily 10:00-23:00. Excellent German/Turkish Döner kebabs. (updated May 2022)

Mid-range 10 Bergklause, Schwester-Therese-Straße 9, ☏ +49 431 69662026. Daily 18:00-23:00, Tuesdays closed. (updated May 2022) 11 Cotidiano, Reventlouallee 2, ☏ +49 431 58781828, [email protected]​. Breakfast is available all day, not cheap but good quality and with a nice view of the Kieler Förde. (updated May 2022) 12 Sakura Sushi Restaurant, Schevenbrücke 7, ☏ +49 431 982

Drink & nightlife

Good cafes and pubs can be found in the old city centre.

Cafes and pubs 1 Subrosa, Elisabethstr. 25 (situated in Kiel-Gaarden), ☏ +49 431 76749, [email protected]. Tu-Th 17:00-23:00, F Sa 15:00-1:00, Su 17:00-23:00, M closed. Kiel's alternative pub and bistro. (updated Oct 2023) 2 Unrat, Spichernstr. 2 (to enter from Metzstr.), ☏ +49 431 6672211. Daily from 19:30-open end. The place for Kiel's students to talk philosophy, drink a cheap beer or listen to some live band. (updated Oct 2023) 3 Prinz Willy, Lutherstraße 9, ☏ +49 431 64081071. F Sa 15:00-23:00, Su 15:00-20:00, M-Th closed. A "creative" café that offers live music, arts and poetry. (updated Oct 2023) Exlex, Ziegelteich 14 (Right in the middle of Kiel). The number one meeting point for students and young folks downtown. 4 Blauer Engel, Kaistr. 47 (at the quai by the central station.), ☏ +49 431 8001919. A café, bar and nightclub with a nice view and outdoor serving. (updated Oct 2023) 5 Cafe Medusa, Medusastr. 16 (is situated in a backyard in Kiel's multicultural district Gaarden on the east coast of the Kiel Fjord.), ☏ +49 1522 9269788, [email protected]. M-Sa 19:00-2:00, Su closed. It hosts live-music and readings. (updated Oct 2023)

Bars 6 Astor Bar, Holstenplatz 1-2, ☏ +49 431 99790. One of Kiel's best cocktail bars. (updated May 2022) 7 Chaplin's, Waisenhofstraße, ☏ +49 431 92610, [email protected]. Tu-Sa 19:00-2:00, Su M closed. Piano player and cocktails. (updated Oct 2023)

Clubs Kiel's clubs are spread out all across the city. Although some locals prefer doing the one-hour drive to Hamburg to go out, Kiel has some clubs that are worth being checked out. Make sure you have had a look at the site Fördeflüsterer before going out to get the most accurate information on all night live events. Most clubs have a €5 cover fee.

8 Pumpe, Haßstr. 22, ☏ +49 431 2007650. M-F 10:00-16:00, Sa Su closed. A community-run cultural centre showing independent movies, providing room for community projects, concerts, bars and parties. On Thursday night students dance soul, reggae and funk at the FunkPump party. (updated Oct 2023) 9 Luna, Bergstraße 17A, ☏ +49 431 5192176. Rhis club hosts parties ranging from electronic tunes to Soul/Funk and Ragga. Cover charge might be higher if nationally-recognized DJs operate the turntables. (updated Oct 2023) 10 Max, Eichhofstr. 1, ☏ +49 431 1229955. Standard R'n'B, techno club with two floors. Also has metal/gothic/darkwave etc., watch out for Kontrollverlust and Praxis Dr. MosH. (updated Oct 2023) 11 Schaubude, Legienstr. 40, ☏ +49 431 556600, in

Sleep

The Youth Hostel is close to the Hauptbahnhof. There are a number of moderately priced hotels in the city centre. For some Olympic history, stay at Olympiazentrum in Schilksee, the sailing athletes village for the 1972 Munich Games. Top end is the Strande Hotel in Strande, or the Kieler Kaufmann just north of the city centre.

Budget Bekpek. Kronshagener Weg 130 a Kieler Zimmer. Bed & Breakfast, 550 m from Central Station (max. for 3 persons, shared bath with shower)

Mid-range 1 Nordic Hotel Astor, Holstenplatz 1-2 (city centre), ☏ +49 431 99790. Rooms have 1970s charm but are clean. Bar on highest floor has a great view of the city. Singles from €60, doubles €80. (updated Oct 2023) 2 Best Western Kiel, Hamburger Chaussee 2, ☏ +49 431 534020. Downtown, close to the main train station. (updated Oct 2023) 3 Hampton by Hilton, Exerzierplatz 5, ☏ +49 431 9968910. A new and modern hotel that's very central. (updated Aug 2021) 4 Rabe's Hotel, Ringstr. 30, ☏ +49 431 663070. Only a few hundred meters from the main train station. (updated Aug 2021) 5 Hotel Wiking, Schützenwall 1-3, ☏ +49 431 661090, [email protected]. Quite central. (updated Aug 2021) 6 Hotel Berliner Hof, Ringstr. 6, ☏ +49 0431 66340. Friendly hotel close to Kiel Central station. (updated Nov 2025) 7 B&B Hotel Kiel-Wissenschaftspark, Fraunhoferstr. 3, ☏ +49 06146 815363-9. Very close to Kiel University, good for visiting scholars. (updated Nov 2025)

Splurge 8 Steigenberger Hotel Conti-Hansa, Schloßgarten 7 (between the historic parts of Kiel and the Förde). Rates around €115. (updated Oct 2023) 9 Birke - Ringhotel Kiel, Martenshofweg 8. A few minutes away from city centre by car. Good service and amenities. Parking spaces available. (updated Oct 2023) 10 Hotel Kieler Yacht Club, Kiellinie 70 (right on the waterfront, north of the city centre). Ask for a room with a view of the fjord. (updated Oct 2023) 11 Youth Experiences, Andreas-gayk-Str. 31. (updated Oct 2023) 12 Romantik Hotel Kieler Kaufmann, Niemannsweg 102. Classic location in the middle of an extensive park area. House with a unique atmosphere. Parking spaces available. (updated Oct 2023)

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