Cruises from Kiel

Kiel, the capital of Schleswig-Holstein in northern Germany, is a major seaport and cruise ship destination. The city sits on the tip of a peninsula, at the end of the Kiel Canal, which connects the Baltic Sea with the North Sea. The largest industry is shipbuilding, while the major employer and largest source of income is education.

Since 1999, the German National Tourist Board has focused on marketing Germany as an international tourist destination. The GNTB is bringing together the past, present and future of Germany by emphasising the natural resources its cities have to offer visitors. Tearing down “the Berlin wall” opened the hearts, minds and hands of Germany to the rest of the world.

During 1960’s and 70’s Kiel experienced a period of reconstruction. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, it has risen from its near total destruction, in WW2, to become one of the favourite tourist destinations in the country. Kiel is a city that blends modern architecture with the historic buildings that survived the war. The city now has wide streets dotted with beautiful squares and lovely green parks.

The sandy beaches of Kiel are one of the main attractions for tourists to this seaport city. The Ostseekai cruise terminal sees cruise ships entering and leaving the harbour almost daily. Among the unique points of interest in the city is the Horn Bridge, architecturally a modern technological miracle. The famous and remarkable sculpture, Ghost Fighter, is located inside the Church of Saint Nicholas, in old town. Kliener Kiel Lake forms a semi-circle around the old quarter, while the Maritime Museum, which is located in the old Fish Auction Hall, preserves many artefacts from the dismantled naval base.

‘Kiel Week’, held each June, is an exciting week of celebration, which includes a major sailing regatta. The annual international music festival, also held during Kiel Week, offers forty different venues and many concerts held across the city.

A wide range of hotel accommodation is available throughout the city. The Steigenberger Conti-Hansa, is the premier hotel, located in downtown Kiel. A favourite restaurant is the Zum Hirschen, in the Lüneburghaus or “old town”. It features gourmet cuisine in the form of regional and international dishes, all served in a conservatory or the fireside lounge. The main specialty dish in Kiel is sprats, which are small fresh smoked fish.

Nightlife is rather nostalgic when compared to that in many other tourist spots where partying rules the night. Most bars are small and while there may be singing and dancing, rowdiness does not normally set the tone. The most boisterous bar in town is the Hemingway, which draws a chic young crowd of partygoers every night. Food is available in most bars, where the main alcoholic drink is traditional German beer.

Shopping facilities include a variety of stores in the Holstenstrasse Shopping Mall, located in the pedestrian precinct. Across from the railroad station are the Sophienhof Shopping Centre and the Kleiner Herzog Arcade, where there are many exclusive shops, boutiques, music stores, restaurants and cafes. Sophie’s Market Hall is a daily market that specialises in fresh local produce.