Kiel

Travel to Kiel on Germany’s Baltic Sea coast and the capital of Schleswig-Holstein; a beautiful maritime city that’s well worth a visit. 

Travel directly by ferry from Gothenburg to Kiel and step out directly into the city from our terminal. This modern city is known for its harbour, its vibrant student scene, laid-back lifestyle and urban flair. The Gorch Fock, a well-travelled training ship and a star attraction at international sailing events, is as much part of the cityscape as the huge ferries docked at the Skandinavienkai Quay. Kiel really is the maritime centre of the north.

Stroll around the pedestrian streets, shop for everything from fashion to fine German delicacies in the malls and take well-deserved breaks in the many cafés. Around the long-established Dänische Strasse shopping street and the Holstenstrasse pedestrian precinct Kiel’s vibrancy is on full display. Not only can you visit the Bordershop when you travel by ferry with Stena Line but you can also visit CITTI Markt, Kiel’s giant supermarket offering everything from charcuterie, fish, fruit & vegetables to cheese and over 2,000 types of wine and beer. CITTI-Park is another popular destination for shoppers: Here, you’ll find over 80 name-brand stores in addition to numerous cafes and restaurants. For families who love to shop, the outlet centre at McArthurGlen in Neumünster, located between Kiel and Hamburg is the place to find designer clothing at discounted prices.

When in Kiel enjoy some locally produced beech-smoked ham (Holsteiner Katenschinken) that has been cold-smoked for up to 8 weeks, along with white asparagus, buttered potatoes and hollandaise/. A fish sandwich is also a great option when visiting Kiel – it’s a local and unique specialty. Head to Kieler Brauerei am Alten Markt, Kiel's own traditional brewery right in the centre of the old town., to sample their house-brewed beers in a historic, family friendly setting. Feinheimisch in Schleswig-Holstein is an active network of local food producers, restaurateurs, bakeries, fish smokehouses and farms that offer locally produced, high quality food experiences. The area also has many great apple orchards which are great to visit in autumn.

If you’re travelling with children there are lots of fun things near Kiel to keep the family entertained. Visit Weissenhäuser Strand, a sub-tropical bathing paradise and holiday resort directly on the Baltic Sea. Prefer to stay dry? Just north of Lübeck, directly by the sea, is Hansapark, a theme and experience park with a huge number of rides, attractions and activities for all ages. Miniatur Wunderland, where you will find the world's largest model railway as well as miniature ferries, ships and planes, is a memorable experience for the whole family. Watch Lemurs, monkeys and other exotic species at the Gettorf Zoo. In the bird hall, macaws and cockatoos, rhinoceros birds and crowned pigeons sing. And amongst the cacti and palm trees in the tropical house, it's hard to believe you're in Germany. At Golf- und Landclub Gut Uhlenhorst, just outside Kiel, you can play a round of golf in a scenic setting with stunning sea views. Both the 18 and 9 hole courses are open year round.

Did you know that Kiel is a host city for the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival, one of the world's biggest classical music festivals? Kiel Castle, Kiel Fjords, the opera house and even the Howaldt shipyards are transformed into fabulous stages for the festival. In the old town, the medieval St. Nikolai Church hosts classical concerts too. Along the Kiel Fjord, the Maritime Museum displays model ships and nautical instruments in a former fish auction hall. Cruise ships dock at the Ostseekai Terminal in Germania Harbour.

Are you ready to explore this great city?