Kiel in winter

Welcome to a new perspective on the Kiel Fjord - even in winter, the region between the harbour and the shores of the fjord has a charm all of its own. Whether it's a walk along the Kiellinie, a visit to one of the museums or a relaxed shopping trip - here you will find a wide range of ideas for excursions during the cold season. Be inspired by the maritime atmosphere and the special indoor experiences and discover Kiel from its wintry and atmospheric side.

Kiel Christmas markets

Enjoy the festive atmosphere at Kiel's five Christmas markets and be enchanted by the scent of mulled wine and roasted almonds.

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Stadtwerke Ice Festival

From 19 November to 18 January, the Stadtwerke Ice Festival transforms the Germaniahafen into a covered ice rink for ice skating, curling, children's birthday parties and company celebrations

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Bed change

Stay overnight as a Kieler*in between November 2025 and May 2026 at discounted prices in many hotels on the Kiel Fjord.

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La Noria" Ferris wheel at the railway station

Float with up to 6 people at a height of 50 metres in one of the largest Ferris wheels in Europe. In 36 panoramic glass gondolas you get a breathtaking view over the whole city.

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Town hall tower ride to the Christmas market

Enjoy a bird's eye view - from the atmospherically illuminated stalls of the Christmas village in the heart of the city to the festively illuminated cruise harbour.

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Public holiday offers

Here you will find gift ideas, accommodation offers, workshops or special events around the holidays - browse through our holiday offers.

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Excursion tips for bad weather days

Even if the weather is really bad, you will find ideas and tips for excursions in and around Kiel here.

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City Art Tour with artist Marcus Meyer

2-hour tour with stops at selected works by Marcus Meyer.

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Stadtwerke Kiel MASTERS

Qualify yourself and your team for the grand final on 16 January 2026 by registering for the Stadtwerke MASTERS in curling on a synthetic track.

To the registration

Culture in Kiel

Kiel's cultural landscape is multifaceted and diverse. Theatres, museums, exhibitions, readings and much more - find your personal highlight.

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Brewery diploma with tour

During the tour of the brewery, the master brewer will introduce you to the art of brewing beer. This is followed by a rustic meal in a cosy
atmosphere.

Lock viewing platform in Kiel-Wik

From the lock viewing platform you have an all-round view of the fjord, the canal and the lock system. The platform can be visited from sunrise to sunset.

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Winter swimming

Jump into the water quickly from the jetty or wade slowly through the ice-cold water on the beach. Real winter swimmers also use Kiel's bathing areas and beaches in the cold season.

Bathing spots

SEALEVEL

The SEALEVEL experience room takes you on a fascinating journey into the sea and the oceans.

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Children's ice DISCO

At the end of the Christmas holidays, a real highlight awaits all children aged 3 to 12 on 5 January 2026: the Children's Ice DISCO with DJ Ronny at the Stadtwerke Ice Festival.

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20% discount promotion for Holiday On Ice

When you purchase your Holiday On Ice tickets at the Welcome Centre Kieler Förde, you will receive a 20% discount on the original ticket price.

Secure your tickets for "Cinema of Dreams" now.

Holiday On Ice Banner Cinema of Dreams Kiel

Maritime museum

Experience and learn about Kiel's history as a harbour city, naval and shipyard location in the Maritime Museum. The impressive museum building on the banks of the fjord is not just worth a visit for history buffs.

To the Maritime Museum

Aquarium im Geomar Kiel. Papa und Sohn schauen sich die Fische an.

Aquarium GEOMAR

If you are interested in the local and exotic underwater world, the GEOMAR aquarium in Kiel is the right place for you. The GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel gives an impression of the diversity and habitat of the inhabitants of local and exotic waters and is particularly popular with families.

To the GEOMAR aquarium

Media dome with planetarium

The Media Dome at Kiel University of Applied Sciences offers a varied programme. From astronomy and knowledge to lectures. There is something suitable for young and old. The 360-degree cinema allows you to immerse yourself in another world and be amazed.

To the media dome

Shopping in the dry

If it rains heavily, you can also shop dry in Kiel: at Sophienhof and Citti Park. If you don't yet have a mackintosh in your luggage, you are sure to find a particularly nice model here.

To the shopping centres

Indoor playground

The family indoor playground is ideal for rainy days when the children still want to let off steam. In the 2,200 square metre hall, many different giant climbing frames, a ball pool and trampolines await the next visitors - lots of fun and games are guaranteed here!

To the Sum Sum

Wellness

Fancy relaxing and unwinding? That's no problem at the Birke SPA or MARE Wellness & Sport. Whether in the swimming pool, sauna or with various treatments - here you can switch off and recharge your batteries.

Art exhibitions

Kiel has many wonderful and inspiring art exhibitions to offer, which make even the greyest rainy day appear colourful.

To the museums