A field report
With the double-decker through Kiel
There are so many ways to discover the fjord city of Kiel. By foot on a city walk, by bike on a guided cycle tour and so on and so forth. But none is as convenient as the hop-on hop-off tour with the red double-decker buses from City Sightseeing. Above all, the bus tour is great fun whether the sun is shining or it's raining cats and dogs. The first stop on the tour is at the railway station. From here you can really let yourself drift along. The first part of the journey takes you along the waterfront, giving you an impression of Kiel's maritime flair.
On the way, you can marvel at the really big cruise ships and at stop number 4 you will find the Schleswig-Holstein state parliament. It's worth taking a short walk here, as furry swimmers are waiting nearby for curious onlookers. The seals from GEOMAR show off their skills here. In the northern part of Kiel, the red bus travels past the Flanders Bunker - a remnant of the Second World War that houses various exhibitions - and into the city's maritime quarter.
Once you arrive at the Kiel Canal, the viewing terrace offers an excellent view of the goings-on in the lock. Did you know that the canal, which runs from Kiel to Brunsbüttel, is the busiest shipping route in the world? From this stop, a trip on the small ferry, the so-called shoebox, to the other side of the canal is almost obligatory, as this is where the maritime Thiessenkai with its historic lighthouse from 1895 is located. Then it's off towards the home straight. During the slightly longer journey between the last stops, you can take in the flair of the fjord city in comfort and reflect on what you have seen.
Passing the Holstein Stadium, where Kiel's "Störche" football team plays in the first division, the bus takes its passengers on to Kiel's Christian Albrechts University. Along Holtenauer Straße, Kiel's popular shopping street, you can find inspiration for your next purchase.
The round trip is perfect for getting an overview of the city and its sights. But it's not just visitors to Kiel who get ideas for an excursion here and during the trip - real Kiel locals will also discover one or two highlights. So hop on!