There’s plenty to discover in Kiel, even in winter. Visit exciting exhibitions in the city’s , theatre performances or other cultural events, and discover the region’s maritime history. If you fancy getting active, you can take part in the Stadtwerke Ice Festival or soak up the winter atmosphere in the shopping streets and shops of the city centre .
Experience Kiel in winter
Welcome to a new perspective on the Kiel Fjord – even in winter, the area between the harbour and the fjord’s shore has a charm all of its own. Whether it’s a stroll along the Kiellinie, a visit to one of the museums or a leisurely spot of shopping – here you’ll find plenty of ideas on how to experience Kiel in winter. Be inspired by the maritime atmosphere and special indoor experiences, and discover Kiel’s atmospheric side in winter.
© Jan-Michael Böckmann, Kiel-Marketing e.V.
The most important questions about winter in Kiel
Sightseeing & Activities
Discover Kiel in winter at a leisurely pace: explore the city on the fjord on foot or by bike and enjoy the special atmosphere at the Christmas markets. From the Ice Festival to festively decorated streets, a varied mix of maritime charm and winter experiences awaits you.
Changing the bedding
Municipal Utilities Ice Festival
Experiencing Kiel in winter: tips for days when the weather’s bad
Walks for beautifully frosty winter days
Walks for beautifully frosty winter days
Experience Kiel in winter: Here are some tips for short winter walks where you can warm up
City Art Tour with artist Marcus Meyer
Culture in Kiel
Lock viewing platform in Kiel-Wik
Winter swimming
SEALEVEL
Kiel Christmas markets
In and by the water
When the temperatures drop, Kiel reveals its maritime winter side. Explore the fjord from the water and visit the SEALEVEL, and enjoy the view of the large ships at the lock platform or take a stroll along the beaches, where fresh sea air, sweeping views and passing ships create a real winter atmosphere.
SEALEVEL
Beaches
Locks Viewing Platform
A Culinary Winter in Kiel
Winter in Kiel is all about the food: treat yourself at the cosy restaurants and cafés of this city on the fjord and savour regional specialities, homemade delicacies or a warming cup of coffee whilst taking in the view of the fjord. Fresh produce, seasonal treats and a genuine market atmosphere also await you at the popular Kiel weekly markets.
Vegan cafés
Weekly markets
Food & Drink
Restaurants & Cafés
Top 10: Pizza in Kiel
Top 10 – Kiel’s best fish rolls
© Jan-Michael Böckmann, Kiel-Marketing e.V.
Experience Kiel in winter: The Maritime Museum
Discover and learn about Kiel’s history as a port city, naval base and shipbuilding centre at the Maritime Museum. The impressive museum building on the banks of the fjord is well worth a visit, and not just for history buffs.
GEOMAR Aquarium
If you’re interested in both local and exotic underwater worlds, the GEOMAR Aquarium in Kiel is the place for you. The GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel offers an insight into the diversity and habitats of creatures from both local and exotic waters, and is particularly popular with families.
Media Centre with Planetarium
The Mediendom at Kiel University of Applied Sciences offers a varied programme, ranging from astronomy and educational activities to talks. There’s something to suit everyone, young and old alike. The 360-degree cinema allows you to immerse yourself in another world.
© Kai Kokott / Kiel-Marketing
Shopping in the dry
Even when it’s raining heavily, you can still go shopping in Kiel and stay dry: at the Sophienhof and Citti Park. If you haven’t packed a raincoat yet, you’re sure to find a particularly lovely one here.
Indoor play area
The indoor family play centre is ideal for rainy days when the children still want to let off steam. In the 2,200 square metre hall, a wide variety of giant climbing frames, a ball pit and trampolines await the next visitors – plenty of fun and games are guaranteed here!
Wellness
Fancy a bit of relaxation? That’s no problem at the Birke SPA or MARE Wellness & Sport. Whether in the swimming pool, the sauna or enjoying a range of treatments – here you can switch off and recharge your batteries.
© Marcus Geissler / Kiel-Marketing
Art exhibitions
Kiel has many wonderful and inspiring art exhibitions to offer, which can brighten up even the greyest of rainy days.