TOP 20
Things you should have done in Kiel

The Kiellinie is Kiel’s main promenade and the place to be, whatever the season. In other words: it feels as though the whole of Kiel meets here – people who want to go for a walk, go for a jog, walk their dog, eat an ice cream, watch the ships or simply enjoy the panoramic view of the fjord. Our tip: Stop off at the seal pool at GEOMAR and say hello to the Kiellinie’s secret animal stars.

📍 Kiellinie

Right in the city centre lies Kiel’s urban heart: the Holstenfleet. Surrounded by shops and restaurants, it’s a particularly relaxing spot – perfect for a break whilst strolling through the city! And just a few metres further on, the marina invites you to linger with its similarly laid-back atmosphere. Every now and then, there are even some really cool events here – such as the ‘Cheese Meets Wine’ series, the ‘Boat Harbour Summer’ with live music and street food, or the ‘Together Kiel’ winter market.

📍 Holstenfleet

📍 Boat Harbour

It goes without saying that you’ll spot the odd ship or two in Kiel. But if you want to see the really massive vessels up close, you should head to the lock viewing platform on the Kiel Canal! Pop along between sunrise and sunset and watch live as small sailing boats pass through the lock alongside large cargo ships as they enter and leave the canal.

📍 Maklerstraße 1, Kiel-Holtenau

A real hidden gem for the best view over Kiel: a trip up the Town Hall tower! You’ll climb 67 metres up the tower, which stands 106 metres tall in total, and the view stretches across Kiel city centre and, of course, all the way to the fjord. By the way: the tower is modelled on the Campanile in Venice – and is actually a few metres taller than it.

📍 Fleethörn 9, Kiel

Yeah, we’ll admit it: Kiel’s old town isn’t exactly what you’d expect from a typical old town. It’s all down to the Second World War, when, sadly, a large part of the city was destroyed. But better a small old town than no old town at all, isn’t it? Around the Alter Markt you’ll find cafés, bars and the shopping street Dänische Straße – a great spot for a stroll. Our tip: treat yourself to a beer at the Kieler Brauerei and soak up the atmosphere on the square.

📍 Alter Markt

Holtenauer Straße is a colourful and lively place. Kiel’s most popular shopping street boasts an incredible variety – from souvenir shops to fashion and delicatessens, right through to cosy cafés and charming boutiques. It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll. And if you fancy a break, just grab a bowl of ice cream, a coffee or a slice of cake – there are plenty of places to enjoy a treat on every corner.

📍 Holtenauer Straße

Schrevenpark (affectionately known as ‘Schrevi’) is the green heart of Kiel. Students, families and walkers flock here, especially in summer. Grab an ice cream or a portion of chips at Castello, sit by the pond and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere, or round up your loved ones and have a barbecue together on the large lawn.

📍 Schrevenpark

The people of Kiel swear by it: their much-loved market breakfast! Meeting up in the morning at one of Kiel’s weekly markets, strolling from stall to stall, sipping a cup of coffee and having a cosy natter – that’s exactly how it is! The markets at Exerzierplatz (every Wednesday and Saturday) and Blücherplatz (every Monday and Thursday) are particularly popular, both running from 8 am to 1 pm.

📍 Blücherplatz

📍 Exerzierplatz

You can find an overview of all Kiel’s weekly markets and their opening times here.

Situated right on the fjord, the Old Botanical Garden impresses with its diverse wildlife, its mature trees and a stunning view across the Kiel Fjord. The best place to enjoy the view is from the pretty pavilion with its wrought-iron canopy, situated at the highest point of the garden.

📍 Old Botanical Garden

A must-do in Kiel: tuck into a juicy fish roll! MOBY on the Kiellinie is a fish stall with absolute cult status, but of course that’s not all! In our blog post ‘TOP 10 Fish Roll Spots in Kiel’, you’ll find even more places that serve up the best fish rolls.

📍 MOBY

Speaking of MOBY: Not only can you get fish sandwiches here, but right next door is the Kiellinie bathing spot at the sailing camp. Just a few hundred metres further on, you’ll find a second access point to the water: the Bellevue bathing spot. Both include toilet facilities and changing rooms – and are completely free to use!

📍 Kiellinie bathing spot

📍 Bellevue bathing spot

Are you looking for Kiel merchandise, local products or a souvenir? Then the Welcome Centre Kieler Förde is the place for you. What’s more, you’ll become a Kiel expert here: at the digital information points, you can find out everything the region has to offer, and if you’d like, the team can give you personalised advice and valuable tips.

📍 Welcome Centre Kieler Förde

A boat trip is great fun, a boat trip is… a must-do in Kiel! On the fjord steamer, you can enjoy a relaxing cruise from Kiel to Laboe – past the large ships and numerous sailing boats. You can find the timetable here. Once there, as well as Laboe beach, you’ll find historical sights such as the Naval Memorial and the Submarine Museum, housed in an actual submarine.

📍 Laboe

Whenever we Kielers say we live where others go on holiday, we’re thinking in particular of our beautiful beaches! After all, beach + sun = holiday, doesn’t it?! Falckensteiner Strand is known as one of Kiel’s favourite beaches – and, by the way, it’s also accessible by ferry.

(In our blog post ‘TOP 10 Beaches in & around Kiel’, we’ll show you our other favourites.) --> add link later, once it’s ready

📍 Falckensteiner Beach

If you fancy soaking up a bit of that nostalgic harbour atmosphere, Tiessenkai in Holtenau is the place for you! This sheltered harbour is a popular stop for old cargo sailing ships, barge trains and tugs – as well as for tourists who want to visit the Holtenau lighthouse or stop for a bite to eat at the cosy Schiffercafe.

📍 Tiessenkai

The Maritime Museum is now housed in the former fish market at Kiel harbour. Here you can learn all about Kiel’s maritime history – from fishing to the sailors’ mutiny of 1918 – and take a closer look at model ships, marine paintings, nautical instruments and a host of other exhibits.

📍 Kiel Maritime Museum

In Kiel, you’re not just BY the water, but ideally also ON the water – or perhaps even IN the water – whilst enjoying water sports! Why not give stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing or kitesurfing a go? Or how about sailing and a visit to the Kiel Sailing Camp?

📍 Sailing Camp powered by Stadtwerke Kiel

… and with a sea view, no less! That’s typical of Kiel. You can do this, for example, at the RUNE Sauna right on the Kiellinie, or in Saunli’s mobile sauna vans, for instance in Heidkate or Laboe. If you’re really hardy, why not take a refreshing dip in the sea after your sauna session!

📍 RUNE Sauna

📍 Saunli Heidkate

📍 Saunli Laboe Harbour

📍 Saunli Laboe Submarine

A well-maintained cycle path runs alongside the Kiel Canal – always following the water’s edge, past locks, bridges and cargo ships. One of our favourite destinations: the Obstcafé Warleberg. To get there, take the free Landwehr ferry for the final few metres to reach the other side of the canal. Once you arrive at the café, you’ll be treated to some absolutely delicious cake with a view of the canal – perfect for a breather!

📍 Warleberg Fruit Café