Kiel

Travel Guide

Kiel showing a castle, heritage architecture and a lake or waterhole
Kiel featuring a bay or harbor, a city and a coastal town
Kiel which includes a garden and a lake or waterhole
Kiel featuring a city and street scenes as well as a large group of people
Kiel showing street scenes, outdoor eating and a city

Go on outings to World War II landmarks and naval museums, and experience a massive annual sailing party at this busy port city.

With its shipbuilding industry, proud naval heritage and sailing regattas, Kiel is a city where water is a big part of life. The city benefits from a picturesque setting on the Kiel Fjord by the southwest shore of the Baltic Sea.

During World War II, Kiel was a major production site for submarines. As a result, the city attracted heavy bombing, which obliterated many of its old buildings. However, a few survived. Stop by the Nikolaikirche, a 13th-century church that features a grand Gothic exterior and a beautifully carved altarpiece. Nearby, admire the imposing architecture of Kiel Rathaus, the city's austere town hall. Go to Kieler Schloss, a former castle residence of the Gottorf dukes.

Despite only having a few pre-war buildings, Kiel preserves its history through a host of dedicated museums. Investigate Kiel's early years with a tour of the Stadtmuseum Warleberger Hof, the City Museum.

Visit the Laboe Naval Memorial, a large tower dedicated to sailors who died in both world wars. Go to the observation platform at the top of the structure for superb views. When you come back down to ground level, explore the tight confines of the German U-boat. Journey underground at the Flandernbunker, an old bunker that protected soldiers and citizens from air raids.

In addition to history, Kiel’s museums and galleries cover a host of other fascinating genres. Delve into Kiel's natural history at the Zoologisches Museum, and see lots of marine creatures at the Aquarium GEOMAR.

Browse several centuries’ worth of paintings and sculptures at Kunsthalle zu Kiel and view modernist works at the Stadtgalerie Kiel, a contemporary art museum.

Visit Kiel during Kieler Woche (Kiel Week) in mid-June to witness the city in full swing. This claims to be the world’s largest sailing event and is supported by markets, hundreds of concerts and many other events.

Get to Kiel by plane, train or car from many German cities. With so many historical and cultural attractions, Kiel promises a fun-filled and educational vacation.

Where to stay in Kiel

Kiel showing outdoor art and flowers

Mitte

While visiting Mitte, you might make a stop by sights like Wunderino-Arena and Kiel Town Hall.

Mitte
New Year’s Day stroll in the neighborhood.

Wik

You'll enjoy the monuments and historic sites in Wik. You might want to make time for a stop at Kieler Förde or Kiel Canal.

Wik
The beautiful lake in front of Opera House Kiel
#architecture


#BestOf5

Vorstadt

4/5(2 area reviews)

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

Vorstadt
New Year’s Day stroll along Kiel‘s finest.

Holtenau

While visiting Holtenau, you might make a stop by sights like Kieler Förde and Kiel Canal.

Holtenau
Great food, made with serious love, and taste great!

Ravensberg

Ravensberg might not have many top sights, but Holstein-Stadion and Kiel Town Hall are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Ravensberg
Winter. Baltic Sea. All blue!

Düsternbrook

You'll enjoy the restaurants and museums in Düsternbrook. You might want to make time for a stop at Kieler Förde or Old Botanical Garden.

Düsternbrook
Maritim Hotel Bellevue Kiel
Maritim Hotel Bellevue Kiel
Bismarckallee 2, Kiel, SH
$105 nightly
The price is $112 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$112 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Kiel. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (997 reviews)
"Really good value for money. Great views from the top floor"

Reviewed on Feb 17, 2025

Maritim Hotel Bellevue Kiel
Hampton by Hilton Kiel City Centre
Hampton by Hilton Kiel City Centre
Exerzierplatz 5, Kiel, SH
$88 nightly
The price is $94 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$94 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kiel. Enjoy free breakfast, a 24-hour fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,044 reviews)
"New place good room confirm, breakfast could be better, and the lifts are really busy in the morning when everyone goes to breakfast! Overall it’s nice hotel with great location and facilities."

Reviewed on Jun 4, 2025

Hampton by Hilton Kiel City Centre
unique by ATLANTIC Hotels Kiel
unique by ATLANTIC Hotels Kiel
Kaistraße 30, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein
$113 nightly
The price is $121 total per night from Jul 7 to Jul 8
$121 total
Jul 7 - Jul 8
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Kiel. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (294 reviews)
Family Vacay
"Nice large room with plenty of storage options for a family of four. Beds were comfortable with modern amenities. We wish we were staying in this room for a couple of days versus a quick night."

Reviewed on Apr 6, 2025

unique by ATLANTIC Hotels 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.
Boaters Inn, Olympiahafen Schilksee
Boaters Inn, Olympiahafen Schilksee
Kiel
Stay at this apartment in Kiel. Enjoy free WiFi, balconies, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Schilksee Beach and Olympic Center Schilksee ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (33 reviews)
Kurztrip mit Familienbesuch
"Der Aufenthalt war gut, gerne wieder. Wunderbar geschlafen und die Nähe zum Strand war unbezahlbar."

Reviewed on May 26, 2025

Boaters Inn, Olympiahafen Schilksee
Schwalehof Gästewohnungen
Schwalehof Gästewohnungen
Bönebütteler Damm 161, 12, Bönebüttel, Schleswig-Holstein
Stay at this aparthotel in Bönebüttel. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and Netflix. Popular attractions Gerisch Sculpture Park and Designer Outlet Neumünster ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (82 reviews)
"Very clean, friendly staff!"

Reviewed on May 27, 2025

Schwalehof Gästewohnungen
Landhuus Dieksee
Landhuus Dieksee
Diekseepromenade 23, Malente, Schleswig-Hostein
Book a stay at this spa apartment in Malente. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Kurpark Malente and The Groom ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (24 reviews)
"Eigentlich hätte das Landhuus Dickensee die Bewertung “hervorragend”verdient. Aber wir bekamen ein Zimmer im EG und dies war von der Promenade her einsehbar. Leider gab es nur schwere Vorhänge, mit der man die Einsicht hätte verhindern können. Bei gleicher Ausstattung wäre ein Appartement im 1. OG ..."

Reviewed on May 11, 2025

Landhuus Dieksee
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

3.5
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
1
5 - Excellent 17%
4 - Good
1
4 - Good 17%
3 - Okay
4
3 - Okay 67%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

It's a welcoming city with nice opportunities

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Die Kiellinie ist bei schönem Wetter der Hammer und unbedingt einen Spaziergang wert!

Cities near Kiel