Kiel's maritime district
The Wik: between history, pleasure and garrison

Did you know that the famous Gorch Fock is moored right in the Wik? The impressive naval training ship is moored in the naval base right at the end of the Kiellinie - and is not only photogenic, but also a real piece of maritime history.

Although she is not permanently accessible and occasionally sails around the world, the sight alone is impressive enough. And if you want a little more naval flair: Kiel naval base opens its doors on the first weekend of Kieler Woche for the "Open Ship", where you have the opportunity to gain an insight into the everyday life of naval crews.

Just a few steps further on, you will reach Anscharpark - once a naval hospital, now a creative neighbourhood. Here, old and new merge in a particularly charming way: The historic brick buildings are now home to studios, co-working spaces and cultural projects. Between Adalbertstraße and Weimarer Straße, the spirit of change can be felt here.

Directly opposite: the imposing St Peter's Church, one of the largest art nouveau churches in Germany. Inside, you can not only marvel at the impressive architecture - home-baked cakes, savoury snacks and a really good atmosphere await you in the adjoining Café Dreimaster. Bonus: The apples for the cake come directly from the parish garden. It doesn't get much more regional than that.

And if you want to make a maritime toast in the evening, we recommend a detour to Pinasse in Adalbertstraße. A cosy pub atmosphere, cold beer and genuine Wiker soul - the Pinasse is one of Kiel's oldest pubs and Helmut, a former frigate captain, will be happy to pour you a Flens from the barrel. In the cosy sailor's pub you can marvel at many a maritime gem.

Did you know that world history was once written in the Wik? The sailors' uprising of 1918, which heralded the transition from an empire to a republic, took place right here. If you want to follow in the footsteps of this exciting time, it's worth taking a look at the KulturSpuren homepage. It takes you to the most important sites of the revolutionary movement - history at your fingertips!

Tip: If you take the Hop-on hop-off bus get off at the Herthastraße stop and dive straight into the historical heart of the Wik.
The Kiel Canal exhibition by the Maritime Quarter Association awaits you in the former naval technology school in Arkonastraße, which focuses on the legendary locks of the Kiel Canal - a real highlight for anyone who wants to get a maritime feel for Kiel.

Hungry? Then head to Tante Suse in Holtenauer Straße! The lovingly furnished organic food stall - a mix of bistro and kiosk - scores with delicious organic food, freshly filled rolls, vegan soups, cinnamon buns and an extra portion of cosiness. Inside, you can sit among fresh fruit and wooden shelves, while sunny spots outside invite you to linger. It feels a bit like being with friends here - only with better coffee.

Anyone who loves ships will love the Lock viewing platform because this is the gateway to the Kiel Canal (or the end - depending on how you look at it). Giant freighters and small yachts leisurely push their way through the lock chambers, accompanied by the cries of seagulls and the clacking of the bollards. The lockage takes about 20 minutes.

Need a little green break from the hustle and bustle? No problem! In the Wik you will find the Tannenberg animal enclosure a green oasis that is guaranteed to slow you down. Here you can stroll through the forest on around 40 hectares, encounter fallow deer and mouflon or simply enjoy the peace and quiet. Despite its location between the industrial railway line and the elevated bridge ramp, you'll quickly forget that you're actually in the middle of the city.

Fancy a mini cruise? Then hop aboard the Adler I! The free passenger ferry travels daily between Wik and Kiel-Holtenau - and yes, you can even take your bike on board for free. The journey only takes about five minutes, but you get a real shipping feeling and can wave at the one or other giant ship from up close.

It towers proudly above the treetops in the centre of the district: the Wiker water tower, built in 1904, is an architectural gem that you can see particularly well from Rostocker Straße. Although you can't enter it, it makes a great photo opportunity - and is further evidence of how beautifully tradition is preserved in the Wik.

Ahoy technology fans! It's all happening at the Maschinenmuseum Kiel - historic steam engines pound, hiss and rattle here. Between shiny brass and oil-smeared cogwheels, you can feel the pulse of industrial history. Come on board and be inspired by the true art of engineering! A must for anyone who finds spanners more exciting than sailing boats.