Kiel Germany
Country: Germany · Region: Baltic · Currency: Euro
Kiel is Germany's capital of Schleswig-Holstein and a major Baltic Sea passenger port at the end of the Kiel Canal. The city offers maritime history, museums, and access to Baltic attractions, though most historic buildings were rebuilt after WWII bombing.
Top sights
U-995 U-boat (Laboe), Marine-Ehrenmal (Navy Memorial), Kiel Canal, Schönberger Strand beach, Tiergehege Tannenberg wildlife area, Gorch Fock training vessel
Things to do
- U-995 Type VII-C U-boat
- The sole surviving German submarine of the Type VII class, beached at Laboe and operating as a walk-through technical museum.
- Marine-Ehrenmal (Navy Memorial)
- An 85-meter brick tower at Laboe with observation decks over the Kiel Fjord and a memorial hall for lost sailors of all nations.
- Kiel Canal (Nord-Ostsee Kanal)
- The world's busiest artificial waterway, walkable or cyclable for nearly its entire 98 km length from Kiel to Brunsbüttel.
- Aquarium Geomar
- Public aquarium part of an oceanic research centre featuring Baltic Sea and tropical sea creatures, with a free outdoor seal pool and daily feeding times.
Beaches
- Schönberger Strand
- Kiel's local seaside resort featuring about 8 km of sandy beaches with sections humorously named 'Brazil' and 'California', and kiosks selling fresh and smoked fish.
- Minigolf und Meehr
- Outdoor minigolf facility located directly at the Baltic Sea in Kiel-Friedrichsort.
Where to eat
- International Market at Rathausmarkt
- During Kieler Woche festival, dozens of countries operate booths offering traditional foods and drinks on this open-air market.
- Schönberger Strand kiosks
- Local kiosks at Schönberger Strand serving fresh and smoked fish dishes.
Forecast for Kiel
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Weather in Kiel by month
Averages from 2015 to 2024, not a forecast. Within about two weeks of a date, the live forecast above is the one to trust.
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rainfall | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 40°F | 33°F | 2.8 in | 14 |
| February | 43°F | 33°F | 2.7 in | 12 |
| March | 47°F | 35°F | 2.3 in | 11 |
| April | 53°F | 39°F | 2.1 in | 11 |
| May | 62°F | 46°F | 2.4 in | 11 |
| June | 69°F | 54°F | 2.6 in | 11 |
| July | 70°F | 56°F | 3.2 in | 14 |
| August | 72°F | 57°F | 2.7 in | 12 |
| September | 66°F | 53°F | 2.4 in | 10 |
| October | 57°F | 47°F | 3.0 in | 14 |
| November | 47°F | 39°F | 2.5 in | 14 |
| December | 43°F | 36°F | 2.6 in | 13 |
Getting around
Use the KVG public transport system (buses and ferries) with 1-, 3-, or 7-day tickets, rent bikes from Umsteiger station or Sprottenflotte app, or take taxis and e-scooters.
What to eat
Visit the International Market at Rathausmarkt during Kieler Woche festival (late June) for diverse global cuisines, or try fresh and smoked fish dishes at Schönberger Strand.
Tips
Book accommodations well in advance if visiting during Kieler Woche (late June), as the city transforms into one of Germany's largest festivals with the world's largest sailing event.
Best for
Maritime history, sailing, festivals
More ports in Baltic
Copenhagen · Gdansk (Gdynia) · Helsinki · Skagen · Stockholm · Tallinn · Visby · Warnemunde