Kiel Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Kiel which includes a coastal town, a bay or harbour and a city
Go on outings to World War II landmarks and naval museums, and experience a massive annual sailing party at this busy port city.

With its shipbuilding industry, proud naval heritage and sailing regattas, Kiel is a city where water is a big part of life. The city benefits from a picturesque setting on the Kiel Fjord by the southwest shore of the Baltic Sea.

During World War II, Kiel was a major production site for submarines. As a result, the city attracted heavy bombing, which obliterated many of its old buildings. However, a few survived. Stop by the Nikolaikirche, a 13th-century church that features a grand Gothic exterior and a beautifully carved altarpiece. Nearby, admire the imposing architecture of Kiel Rathaus, the city's austere town hall. Go to Kieler Schloss, a former castle residence of the Gottorf dukes.

Despite only having a few pre-war buildings, Kiel preserves its history through a host of dedicated museums. Investigate Kiel's early years with a tour of the Stadtmuseum Warleberger Hof, the City Museum. 

Visit the Laboe Naval Memorial, a large tower dedicated to sailors who died in both world wars. Go to the observation platform at the top of the structure for superb views. When you come back down to ground level, explore the tight confines of the German U-boat. Journey underground at the Flandernbunker, an old bunker that protected soldiers and citizens from air raids. 

In addition to history, Kiel’s museums and galleries cover a host of other fascinating genres. Delve into Kiel's natural history at the Zoologisches Museum, and see lots of marine creatures at the Aquarium GEOMAR. 

Browse several centuries’ worth of paintings and sculptures at Kunsthalle zu Kiel and view modernist works at the Stadtgalerie Kiel, a contemporary art museum. 

Visit Kiel during Kieler Woche (Kiel Week) in mid-June to witness the city in full swing. This claims to be the world’s largest sailing event and is supported by markets, hundreds of concerts and many other events.  

Get to Kiel by plane, train or car from many German cities. With so many historical and cultural attractions, Kiel promises a fun-filled and educational holiday. 

Where to stay in Kiel

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Vorstadt

4/5(4 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Vorstadt, Wunderino-Arena and Kiel Town Hall are top sights worth seeing.

Vorstadt
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Damperhof

4/5(2 area reviews)

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Damperhof and surrounding area, you can visit Kiel Town Hall and Old Market Square Kiel.

Damperhof
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Russee - Hammer

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Russee - Hammer and surrounding area, you can visit CITTI-PARK Kiel and Kiel Ferry Terminal.

Russee - Hammer
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Wellsee

While there might not be top attractions in Wellsee, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Norwegenkai Cruise Terminal and Wunderino-Arena.

Wellsee

Gaarden-Süd - Kronsburg

While Gaarden-Süd - Kronsburg isn't home to many top sights, Kiel Ferry Terminal and Norwegenkai Cruise Terminal are some notable places to visit nearby.

Gaarden-Süd - Kronsburg
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Wellingdorf

When in Wellingdorf, you can plan a visit to Ostseekai Cruise Terminal and Norwegenkai Cruise Terminal, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Wellingdorf
the niu Welly
the niu Welly
Andreas-Gayk-Straße 10, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein
The price is ₹6,779 per night from 20 May to 21 May
₹6,779
per night
20 May - 21 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews.
9/10 Wonderful! (638 reviews)
"Staff was helpful"

Reviewed on 16 Sep 2023

the niu Welly
Hampton by Hilton Kiel City Centre
Hampton by Hilton Kiel City Centre
Exerzierplatz 5, Kiel, SH
The price is ₹8,104 per night from 20 May to 21 May
₹8,104
per night
20 May - 21 May
Enjoy free breakfast, a 24-hour fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews.
8.2/10 Very Good! (878 reviews)
"Hotel is very clean and the staff are very friendly. The hotel is within walking distance of many great places to eat. Definitely enjoyed my stay"

Reviewed on 27 Apr 2024

Hampton by Hilton Kiel City Centre
Maritim Hotel Bellevue Kiel
Maritim Hotel Bellevue Kiel
Bismarckallee 2, Kiel, SH
The price is ₹7,091 per night from 19 May to 20 May
₹7,091
per night
19 May - 20 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service.
8.2/10 Very Good! (997 reviews)
"Awesome"

Reviewed on 1 May 2024

Maritim Hotel Bellevue Kiel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Limehome Flensburg Holm
Limehome Flensburg Holm
Holm 22, Flensburg
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and an in-room espresso maker.
9/10 Wonderful! (99 reviews)
"Releasing access codes les than 30 mins before check in time. When travelling not everyone has easy access to WiFi or a charged phone."

Reviewed on 30 Apr 2024

Limehome Flensburg Holm
Hotel Flensburg Akademie
Hotel Flensburg Akademie
Jens-Due-Weg 1, Flensburg
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping.
8.8/10 Excellent! (432 reviews)
"No soft furniture in the room at all! My body had a very long and restless night!!"

Reviewed on 31 Aug 2019

Hotel Flensburg Akademie
Klassik Appartments
Klassik Appartments
Kurpromenade 29, Helgoland
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a sauna.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (15 reviews)
"Schönes Haus direkt an der Promenade Nähe Osthafen. Zentrum mit Geschäften ist um die Ecke. Klassik ist Programm, das ganze Ambiente im 50-60er Style. Erstausstattung minibar und Kaffee/Tee kostenlos"

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2023

Klassik Appartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Kiel

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
2
" "5 - Excellent 16.666666666666668%
4 - Good
9
" "4 - Good 75%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 8.333333333333334%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
1 Aug 2019

WE arrived from a Cruise Ship. Kiel is a quiet town, good shops and eating options. Good rail links with other parts of Germany.

Cities near Kiel