Holstenstraße

Pioneer of Pedestrian Zones

Holstenstraße was closed to car traffic back in 1953, making it one of the oldest pedestrian zones in Germany. In the post-war period this was a bold and pioneering step, long before car-free shopping streets became the norm in other cities. The roughly 600-meter axis was redesigned after the wartime destruction and developed into the city's most important shopping mile. To this day it connects Holstenplatz with the area near the Alter Markt and forms the commercial backbone of Kiel's city center.

Shopping and Lingering

Along Holstenstraße, fashion shops, department stores, drugstores, cafés and snack bars line up one after another. The Asmus-Bremer-Platz with its Holsten fountain forms a small widening that invites a pause. Weekly markets and seasonal events further enliven the street. Anyone needing a break will find plenty of seating and dining options. During Advent, the Christmas market turns the street into a festively lit row of stalls. So Holstenstraße remains a lively meeting point for locals and visitors in every season.

Central Location in the City

Holstenstraße lies at the heart of the city center and is easily reached from all sides. The main station is only a few minutes' walk away, and the fjord jetties and the town hall are also nearby. From here you can comfortably explore on foot the Alter Markt with St Nikolai Church, Dänische Straße with the Warleberger Hof and the promenade at the Hörn. Anyone wishing to discover the city center will find Holstenstraße the ideal starting point for combining shopping, history and maritime atmosphere.