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. 

Sail 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, making it a perfect city to explore by foot and car alike.

Kiel is full of centuries-old architecture and modern marvels. You'll find stunning gardens and greenspaces, beautiful parks and a modern seaside esplenade. Stroll around busy pedestrian streets full of great shops and unique street art. Take well-deserved breaks in the many cafés throughout the city. This is a city that rewards exploration – a place where enjoying quiet moments and the bustle of a lively maritme city are equally enjoyable. 

Kiel’s vibrancy is on full display around the long-established Dänische Strasse shopping street and the Holstenstrasse pedestrian precinct. In the sprawling CItti Markt, you'll find 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 – a free shuttle bus in front of the Stena LIne check-in will transport you here to shop in 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.

Be sure to bring your appetite when visiting Kiel. No matter your taste, Kiel's food scene is sure to satisfy with its mix of casual cafes, international restaurants, tranditional German cuisine and unique street-food scene. Be sure to sample some locally produced beech-smoked ham (Holsteiner Katenschinken) – cold-smoked for up to 8 weeks – or flavourful Kieler sprotten smoked sprat. To sample German craft beer, head to Kieler Brauerei am Alten Markt, Kiel's own traditional brewery right in the centre of the old town., to tast their house-brewed beers alongside schnitzel in a historic, family friendly setting. 

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 that features an indoor bath for cooler weather fun. 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. 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.

Kiel is a fantastic city to visit most any time of the year, but the city is particularly vibrant during Kieler Woche. Held every year since 1882, the early summer event is one of the largest sailing events in the world, drawing million to witness world-class regatta racing, the iconic Windjammer Parade and more. The excitement also includes a huge fireworks display, concerts and more as the whole city embraces the festival spirit. 
 

Are you ready to explore this great city?