3 Days in Kiel

A walk along the Kiellinie

The Kiellinie is Kiel's maritime promenade right on the fjord — a good 3.5 kilometres of waterfront with views of sailing yachts, ferries and the navy. Past the Institute of Marine Sciences it leads towards Reventlou and Duesternbrook. This is where the heart of the seafaring city beats.

Tip: Start early — in the morning the promenade is quiet and the light over the water is at its loveliest.

GEOMAR Aquarium

Right on the Kiellinie lies the GEOMAR Aquarium with native and tropical sea creatures. The highlight is the seal pool outside — the feedings draw many visitors each day. A compact, instructive glimpse into the underwater world of the Baltic and the oceans.

A fish roll at the harbour

A maritime lunch is a must: at the harbour and along the Kiellinie there are stalls and eateries with freshly caught fish. A fish roll with matjes or fried fish, plus the view of the water — it doesn't get more Kiel than this.

Holstenstrasse and city centre

Holstenstrasse is one of the oldest pedestrian zones in Germany and Kiel's central shopping mile. From Asmus-Bremer-Platz to the Old Market, shops, cafes and the Holsten Fountain line the way. A relaxed stroll through the rebuilt post-war city.

St Nicholas' Church on the Old Market

St Nicholas' Church (Nikolaikirche) from the 13th century is Kiel's oldest building and stands on the Old Market in the heart of the city. In front of it, Ernst Barlach's bronze 'Geistkaempfer' (Spirit Warrior) makes a striking accent. Inside, the late-Gothic carved altar is worth a look.

Dinner on the fjord

To round things off, head to the fjord: around the boat harbours and in Duesternbrook there are restaurants with water views and northern German cuisine. From Labskaus to fresh cod, there is something for everyone.

Staying in Mitte or Duesternbrook

A central location in Mitte means short distances to the ferry and the city centre; for somewhere quieter with water views, stay in Duesternbrook. Both make a good base for the days ahead.

Fjord ferry towards Laboe

The fjord ferry is Kiel's loveliest means of transport: from the pier at the Bahnhofsbruecke it glides across the fjord, past shipyards, the naval harbour and the shores of Duesternbrook and Moeltenort. The trip to Laboe is an experience in itself.

Tip: A seat by the railing is worth it — from there you get the best view of the fjord.

Laboe Naval Memorial and submarine U-995

The 72-metre-high Laboe Naval Memorial is a landmark visible far across the fjord. From the observation tower the view reaches far over the Baltic and the fjord. Right in front lies the submarine U-995 as a technical museum on land — you can walk metre by metre through the narrow tube of a Type VII U-boat.

Tip: Buy a combined ticket for the memorial and U-995 — it saves at the till.

Lunch in the Baltic resort of Laboe

Laboe is a cosy Baltic resort with a promenade and harbour. Around the harbour there are fish restaurants and cafes — fresh fish, prawn rolls and an ice cream for dessert right by the water.

Beach and promenade in Laboe

Laboe's sandy beach invites you to linger — beach chairs, shallow water and the view back to the memorial. If you like, walk the promenade or watch the ships coming and going on the fjord.

Ferry back

In the late afternoon the ferry returns to Kiel. Gliding across the fjord in the evening light, with the city skyline ahead of the bow, is the perfect end to a day on the water.

An evening in the city centre

Back in Kiel, the venues around Holstenstrasse and the Old Market beckon — from a brewery with its own beer to international cuisine. A lively close to the day in the heart of the city.

Second night in Kiel

The same lodgings as the night before — the central location pays off on the third day, when the route leads to the Holtenau lock and the beaches.

Holtenau lock on the Kiel Canal

At the Holtenau lock the Kiel Canal flows into the fjord — the busiest artificial waterway in the world. From the viewing platform you can watch large freighters and small yachts pass through the lock chambers and lifting bridges. The landmark of the Holtenau district is its historic lighthouse.

Tip: Bring a little patience — watching a large ship pass through the lock is worth the wait.

Friedrichsort and Falckenstein Beach

Further north lies Friedrichsort with its historic fortress and the nearby Falckenstein Beach — Kiel's most popular city beach. Fine sand, shallow water and views of the ships coming and going on the fjord.

Lunch on the beach

At Falckenstein Beach and in Friedrichsort there are beach venues and snack stands — a fish roll or a salad with a sea view before continuing on to Schilksee.

Olympic centre and beach in Schilksee

Schilksee at the mouth of the fjord was the sailing venue of the 1972 Olympic Games. Today the Olympic harbour, beach and promenade define the place. Here you breathe real Baltic air, sailors cruise off the coast and the beach invites a final swim.

Farewell dinner with a fjord view

To say goodbye, one more visit to the water: in Schilksee, at the Olympic harbour or back in Duesternbrook, restaurants serve fresh fish and northern German cuisine with views of the fjord.