Kiel

Travel Guide
Kiel featuring a bay or harbor, a city and a coastal town
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

Hampton by Hilton Kiel City Centre
Hampton by Hilton Kiel City Centre
Exerzierplatz 5, Kiel, SH
The price is $89 per night from Jul 2 to Jul 3
$89
per night
Jul 2 - Jul 3
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kiel. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (542 reviews)
"Everything was perfect but parking facilities."

Reviewed on Jan 1, 2023

Hampton by Hilton Kiel City Centre
Steigenberger Conti Hansa
Steigenberger Conti Hansa
Schlossgarten 7, Kiel, SH
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $108 per night from Jul 9 to Jul 10
$108
per night
Jul 9 - Jul 10
Stay at this hotel in Kiel. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the WiFi in our reviews. Popular attractions Ostseekai ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (276 reviews)
"Great location, walking distance to the Kiellinie and direct bus to the main train station. Very nice and comfortable rooms. USB charging plugs are convenient! Breakfast had plenty of delicious options, including vegan and gluten free. Only minus: there is "conditioning shampoo" only, not shampoo ..."

Reviewed on Jun 12, 2022

Steigenberger Conti Hansa
the niu Welly
the niu Welly
Andreas-Gayk-Straße 10, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein
The price is $98 per night from Jul 5 to Jul 6
$98
per night
Jul 5 - Jul 6
Stay at this hotel in Kiel. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (491 reviews)
Good atmosphere
"The lobby is pretty and with good atmosphere. Stuffs are very friendly."

Reviewed on Oct 8, 2022

the niu Welly
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.
Ferienwohnung Family Basic in Kiel
Ferienwohnung Family Basic in Kiel
Kiel
Stay at this family-friendly apartment in Kiel. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a kitchen. Popular attractions CITTI-PARK Kiel and Open Air Museum Molfsee ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (38 reviews)
großes Appartment
"Alles bestens, gerne wieder!"

Reviewed on Jun 9, 2023

Ferienwohnung Family Basic in Kiel
Ein Appartment was Gefällt
Ein Appartment was Gefällt
Kiel
Stay at this apartment in Kiel. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a balcony. Popular attractions Olympic Center Schilksee and Strander Katamaransegler e.V. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (5 reviews)
Urlaub
"Ich und mein Hund Moritz sind sehr zufrieden und kommen gerne wieder im Juli.Vermieterin sehr nett."

Reviewed on Apr 26, 2023

Ein Appartment was Gefällt
"Charm meets flair and individuality"
"Charm meets flair and individuality"
Kiel
Stay at this family-friendly apartment in Kiel. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions CITTI-PARK Kiel and Grusellabyrinth Kiel are located ...
7/10 Good! (4 reviews)
Trip nicht zustande gekommen
"Leider kam der Trip nicht zustande, da der Vermieter- leider erst nach meiner Nachfrage nach der Schlüsselübergabe- mir mitteilte, dass die Wohnung nicht zur Verfügung steht. Buchungsbestätigung kam allerdings ein paar Wochen vorher. Ganz bestimmt meine letzte Buchung mit fewo. Von dem Vermieter ..."

Reviewed on Oct 17, 2022

"Charm meets flair and individuality"
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.

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Reviews of Kiel

3.5
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
1
" "5 - Excellent 16.666666666666668%
4 - Good
1
" "4 - Good 16.666666666666668%
3 - Okay
4
" "3 - Okay 66.66666666666667%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Jan 22, 2020

It's a welcoming city with nice opportunities

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Oct 11, 2018

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

Cities near Kiel