Hörn Campus & Germania Harbour

From shipyard site to science quarter

For decades the area around the Hörn was the heart of Kiel's shipyard industry, before a modern quarter emerged here in recent decades. In place of old harbour areas came glass buildings for science, offices and apartments, making the city's transformation visible. Kiel managed not to suppress its maritime past but to weave it into the new development. The quarter is thus a prime example of the structural shift from industrial shipbuilding to a hub for research and living by the water. History and the present meet here in a compact space.

Museum ships in the Germania Harbour

In the Germaniahafen historic museum ships lie at anchor, including a lightship and traditional sailing vessels that recall the seafaring past. They form an appealing contrast to the modern glass façades all around and invite viewing, and in part visiting. The harbour is freely accessible and a popular destination for a walk by the water. Between the old hulls and the contemporary architecture, a distinctive atmosphere arises that keeps Kiel's maritime heritage alive. For photographers, the juxtaposition of old and new offers attractive subjects.

Promenades, dining and the Hörn Bridge

Waterside promenades, cafés and restaurants make the quarter a lively meeting point that fills up especially on mild evenings. Its proximity to the striking Hörn Bridge and the main station makes the quarter easily reachable and an ideal starting point for exploring the inner fjord. A walk along the water combines views, maritime history and modern architecture into a varied city experience. If you like, combine the visit with the folding spectacle of the Hörn Bridge or a stroll into the nearby city centre. The quarter shows today's forward-looking face of Kiel by the water.