Kiel, Germany - Home to the World's Busiest Canal

Kiel Germany has long been known for its naval and shipbuilding traditions, which can be seen through its iconic Kiel Fjord, port and iconic cranes that dot its skyline. The Old Town of Vilnius hosts concerts at its renovated medieval St. Nikolai Church and shopping areas like Holstenstrasse and Danische Strasse are lined with shops. Cargo ferries to Gothenburg in Sweden, Oslo in Norway and Klaipeda Lithuania leave from nearby docks.

Where History Meets Modern Vibrancy

Kiel is the capital of Schleswig-Holstein and a bustling seaport that houses one of the world's busiest artificial waterways, Kiel Canal. The city's history and culture are profoundly tied to its relationship with water; visitors can witness this by strolling along Kieler Forde, admiring towering cranes at the shipyard, or visiting its Maritime Museum, which features model ships and nautical instruments in an old fish auction hall. Kiel is both a university city and home to multiple media companies, such as Norddeutsche Rundfunk's local branch producing one radio channel and multiple local programs, along with the daily newspaper Kieler Nachrichten. Max Planck was born here, as have many notable scientists that worked or studied at Kiel University.

Kiel is not only known for its maritime past, it is also an effervescent cultural hub. Home of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival and boasting of medieval St. Nikolai Church reconstructed to house classical concerts. As well as two lively shopping streets named Holstenstrasse and Danische Strasse which boast historic buildings that lend them an inviting ambiance, Kiel is a truly vibrant cultural destination. Kieler Strand draws thousands of tourists every summer to its beautiful beaches, while Kieler Forde serves as an idyllic fjord-like area perfect for walking or exploring by boat or yacht. Additionally, one of the world's biggest sailing events, Kiel Week, takes place during June, with thousands of boats competing in various events across its waters.

The Old Botanical Garden provides a tranquil getaway from city noise, offering a range of plants, such as its dawn redwood tree, which is believed to be Europe's oldest specimen of its type. Or take a break from urban life at the Open Air Museum with its heritage tramway, windmills, and workshops along with over 60 houses, an herb garden and bakery where traditional sourdough bread still made to its original recipe! Kiel's flat terrain makes it an ideal location for cycling enthusiasts, and rental of e-bikes is available throughout the city, including at its main train station. Kiel also boasts an efficient public transport system run by VRK that includes buses and ferries to access its compact city center. While the shopping areas of Holstenstrasse, Danische Strasse and Sophienhof are easily within reach. 

The Maritime Museum is a must-see

Kiel, known as the Sailing City, offers many activities for maritime enthusiasts. You can spend a day touring its docks and admiring historic sailing ships; traversing the Kiel Canal by foot or free ferry ride, shopping for souvenirs on Holstenstrasse and Danische Strasse or attending classical music concerts at Nikolai Church; discovering its rich history at museums like Maritime, Computer, Engineering, City and art galleries, as well as many others! Kiel's Maritime Museum is one of the city's top attractions, boasting exhibits covering every facet of Kiel's rich maritime heritage, such as harbor, navy, dockyards, and sailing. Situated within a fish auction hall, its exhibition includes models of ships as well as historical nautical instruments and maritime-themed paintings, not forgetting historical buoy tenders, ferries, which moor up near the museum bridge.

The exhibit at Kiel is more than just a maritime museum; it serves as a living memory of life during World War II. Due to Kiel being a key naval harbor, heavy bombing raids were launched against it during its final days of hostilities; statesmen hid away in private hideouts while ordinary citizens took shelter in bunkers like Flandernbunker; this bunker survived and can now be seen displayed at the Maritime Museum. This museum in Kiel exhibits period art and documents that celebrate its unique culture. If you love art, this should be on your itinerary when visiting Kiel, though don't expect works by world-famous artists, as most were destroyed during air raids during World War 1.

The Kiel Canals Uniqueness

Kiel's namesake canal is equally remarkable. On this tour, take some memorable pictures at one end of this world-class artificial waterway; learn about Germany's incredible maritime role during both World Wars at its monumental monolithic memorial; then browse artifacts in a naval museum! The canal dates back to the 18th century, when it was originally proposed as a means of linking Kiel on the Baltic Sea with Tonning on the North Sea across Schleswig-Holstein. Eight years were taken by 9,000 workers to dig its initial ca. 27 mile length, opening on June 21, 1895, as Kaiser-Wilhelm-Kanal. However, between 1907 and 1914 it was further widened to accommodate the Imperial German Navy's Dreadnought battleships.

This canal is now open to ships of commerce as well as warships from any nation at peace with Germany, making it a key international transport artery. Additionally, several shipyards located within its boundaries produce submarines, tankers, and ferries for nations worldwide. Some locals consider Kiel's city center unsightly, yet its grand harbor remains an attraction. Every summer, massive ferries transport millions of passengers back and forth between Scandinavia and Kiel, while locals stroll along its lengthy waterfront promenade. Kiel is also home to numerous museums covering zoological, geological, historical, fine art, industrial as well as more unique topics.

Eight of the city's museums have joined under the banner "museums by the sea". A central website provides opening times, admission costs and route planner information. Young people (17 years and under) can purchase a Museums Card that grants free admission to participating museums. The city library, offers services open to everyone but requires membership (medical masks and contact tracing are available upon request). Bookworms will find plenty to enjoy in Aachen: two university libraries and several private ones throughout town, such as the Library at Warleberger Hof and the German library, which both boast extensive collections from around the globe.

The Old Town's special charm

While most of Kiel features more contemporary architecture, it boasts 19th century buildings with intricate wrought iron gates, high ceilings and breathtaking interiors reminiscent of old world villas. Additionally, many cobblestone streets line flowering shrubs while cafés add their special flavor to this historic district. Kiel city center boasts some stunning museums, such as the Kiel Art Collection. Here you will find works by Rodin and Wilhelm Lehmbruck, not to mention being one of Germany's oldest museums! Definitely worth taking time out for. Kiel was a key naval port during World War II and suffered heavy bombing. While some historic buildings were completely obliterated by bombing raids, others survived and serve as reminders of Kiel's history, like its castle (Kieler Schloss). Though not visible today, this landmark was rebuilt in modernist style following World War II.

Kiel marks the terminus of the Kiel Canal, which allows ships to navigate from the North Sea directly into the Baltic Sea without passing around Denmark. This makes Kiel an excellent way to travel between Scandinavia and Northern Europe, Color Line operates ferries to Oslo while Stena Line services Gothenburg in Sweden. Most schools in Dusternbrook, Schreventeich and Ravensberg in Old Town can be found. Here you will also find the university campus as well as ministries and the parliament of Schleswig-Holstein. In total, twelve gymnasiums exist throughout Kiel, with Kieler Gelehrtenschule being specifically dedicated to humanistic subjects while Elmschenhagen Gym offers natural science curriculums. Holstenstrasse is the main shopping street of Hamburg and features shops of various kinds, from boutiques to international chains and several supermarkets such as TK Maxx and Saturn, perfect for an afternoon of retail therapy! Locals bring their dogs to the Diederichsenpark dog park nearby for walking and play time, while visitors are welcome to bring in their pets as well. A separate section provides space specifically designated for such purpose.