Kiel Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Kiel which includes heritage architecture, a castle and a lake or waterhole
Kiel which includes a coastal town, a bay or harbour and a city
Kiel featuring a park and a lake or waterhole
Kiel featuring a city and street scenes as well as a large group of people
Kiel featuring street scenes, outdoor eating and a city
Despite being the largest city in the region, Kiel is the perfect size to be discovered during a mini-break. Excitement is guaranteed when taking a city trip to Kiel!

Enormous cruise ships and gigantic ferries provide a unique backdrop which is unparalleled in Germany. The old town extends from the port of Kiel which forms the heart of this port city. Here you will find the Sparkassen-Arena, one of the largest event locations in Germany, as well as the shopping arcade Holstenstein. The beginnings of Kiel are located here, as this area was already populated during the 13th century and remained largely intact after World War II. While on a short trip, discover the historic buildings, such as the Nikoali Church, the monastery or the shipping museum and take a deep breath of the maritime air.

The Gaarden neighbourhood will enchant visitors who are travelling to Kiel. This district is shaped by the development of the wharfs, and to this day, many wharf workers live in this area. A walk across the rail bascule bridge leading across the Hörn River is especially recommendable. In Holtenau, there is water where ever you look. The Holtenau Locks, for example, as well as the steam bridges invite you for a visit. Maybe you would like to take a quick trip to Denmark while on your city trip? The district Schilksee is located on the Danish peninsula Wohld. Visit the Olympic Centre or enjoy the wonderful beach in Schilksee.

The state capital of Schleswig-Holstein impresses not only with its marvellous location right on the Baltic Sea but also with city life, as it has much to offer in terms of culture, leisure and events.

The art hall is located right on the Kiel Fjord and offers visitors a look at its own collections and changing exhibitions as well as a number of workshops, concerts and lectures. Anyone who loves city trips and still does not want to do without nature, should plan a visit to the Botanical Garden while on a mini-break. It was founded in the 17th century and is home to an impressive number of plants from the entire world. A visit to the theatre in Kiel is also obligatory while on your city trip. The stage of the theatre is located in a listed, former opera house of the city. The impressive red brick building is noticeable from afar already.

Where to stay in Kiel

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Vorstadt

4/5(4 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Vorstadt, Wunderino-Arena and Kiel Town Hall are top sights worth seeing.

Vorstadt
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Pries

Though Pries may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Friedrichsort Lighthouse and Schilksee Beach.

Pries
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Russee - Hammer

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Russee - Hammer and surrounding area, you can visit CITTI-PARK Kiel and Sophienhof.

Russee - Hammer

Gaarden-Süd - Kronsburg

While Gaarden-Süd - Kronsburg isn't home to many top sights, Sophienhof and Norwegenkai Cruise Terminal are some notable places to visit nearby.

Gaarden-Süd - Kronsburg
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Damperhof

4/5(2 area reviews)

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Damperhof and surrounding area, you can visit Kiel Town Hall and Old Market Square Kiel.

Damperhof
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Wellingdorf

When in Wellingdorf, you can plan a visit to Ostseekai Cruise Terminal and Norwegenkai Cruise Terminal, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Wellingdorf
Hampton by Hilton Kiel City Centre
Hampton by Hilton Kiel City Centre
Exerzierplatz 5, Kiel, SH
The price is £68 per night from 18 May to 19 May
£68
includes taxes & fees
18 May - 19 May
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kiel. Enjoy free breakfast, a 24-hour fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,032 reviews)
Great hotel for business trips.
"Great location. Very quiet."

Reviewed on 12 Apr 2025

Hampton by Hilton Kiel City Centre
Holiday Inn - the niu, Welly Kiel by IHG
Holiday Inn - the niu, Welly Kiel by IHG
Andreas-Gayk-Straße 10, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein
The price is £50 per night from 4 May to 5 May
£50
includes taxes & fees
4 May - 5 May
Stay at this hotel in Kiel. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (813 reviews)
"Hotel was clean, walkable to shopping. There were many dining options available close by. Parking was not available onsite, that was my only downside."

Reviewed on 13 Mar 2025

Holiday Inn - the niu, Welly Kiel by IHG
Maritim Hotel Bellevue Kiel
Maritim Hotel Bellevue Kiel
Bismarckallee 2, Kiel, SH
The price is £64 per night from 4 May to 5 May
£64
includes taxes & fees
4 May - 5 May
Stay at this hotel in Kiel. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (997 reviews)
"Really good value for money. Great views from the top floor"

Reviewed on 17 Feb 2025

Maritim Hotel Bellevue Kiel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Enjoy stunning views over Kiel and nature
Enjoy stunning views over Kiel and nature
Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein
Stay at this holiday home in Kiel. Enjoy a garden, an in-room coffee maker and sunloungers. Popular attractions Ostseekai Cruise Terminal and Grusellabyrinth ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (42 reviews)
Sonderurlaub
"Schön. Ruhig. Gemütlich."

Reviewed on 25 Nov 2024

Enjoy stunning views over Kiel and nature
Boaters Inn, Olympiahafen Schilksee
Boaters Inn, Olympiahafen Schilksee
Kiel, SH
Stay at this apartment in Kiel. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, balconies and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Schilksee Beach and Olympic Center Schilksee ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (32 reviews)
Das war toll!
"Wir hatten ein paar wunderschöne Tage in Schilksee. Nur 1min laufen und schon waren wir im Segelhafen am Wasser. Die Wohnung ist klein aber fein. Alles, was versprochen wurde, wird gehalten."

Reviewed on 10 Apr 2025

Boaters Inn, Olympiahafen Schilksee
Vacations on the Kiel Fjord
Vacations on the Kiel Fjord
Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein
Stay at this apartment in Kiel. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, cable/satellite TV service and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Ostseekai Cruise Terminal and Norwegenkai ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (128 reviews)
Very nice stay
"Nice cozy apartment and nice host"

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2025

Vacations on the Kiel Fjord
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Kiel

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
2
5 - Excellent 17%
4 - Good
9
4 - Good 75%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

WE arrived from a Cruise Ship. Kiel is a quiet town, good shops and eating options. Good rail links with other parts of Germany.

Cities near Kiel