Kiel: Fjord, Beach and Culture
Accommodation in Kiel
In Kiel, you can choose between walks right by the water, a beach with views of shipping traffic, and cultural insights into the city’s history. The Kiellinie and Falckensteiner Beach represent different sides of a stay: one is a promenade along the fjord, while the other is defined by fine sand and passing cruise ships and ferries. Gardens and museums also offer their own ways to explore Kiel.
Kiellinie and Falckensteiner Beach
The Kiellinie promenade runs right along the water, from the Ostseekai to the naval base in Wik. It is a popular place for walking, cycling and relaxing. If you like to spend your time being active, you can explore the route along the water; if you prefer to linger, the Kiellinie also offers a place to unwind.
Falckensteiner Beach is Kiel’s longest beach. Fine sand is as much a part of its character as the striking views of cruise ships and ferries passing by seemingly within arm’s reach. The beach thus offers a different perspective on the maritime surroundings than the Kiellinie: sand and shipping traffic take center stage. If you are deciding whether to focus on a beach visit or a promenade by the water during your stay, you can take these differences into account when planning your trip.
Botanical Garden: Plants from different habitats
The Kiel Botanical Garden has a history spanning 350 years. It is open 365 days a year; admission is free except for some special events. This means you can include a visit to the garden in your travel plans regardless of the day of the week. Please note the exception for special events.
The greenhouses showcase a variety of habitats from around the world and their typical plant species. Visitors can experience the distinctive features of the different climate zones firsthand. The focus is therefore not only on individual plants, but also on the different habitats to which they belong. This makes the garden a great addition for anyone who wants to explore plants and climate zones alongside the coast and shipping.
City history and art
The Warleberger Hof City Museum is housed in one of Kiel’s oldest buildings: a former nobleman’s residence dating from 1616. The historic building offers a distinct starting point if you are interested in Kiel’s history. Its focus differs from attractions that center on the city’s maritime history or art.
The Flandernbunker hosts exhibitions, guided tours and events exploring Kiel’s role as a military base, past and present. The site commemorates the Allied air raids on Kiel and the forced labor used in its construction. Anyone interested in the city’s military history and its consequences will find an experience here focused on these topics.
The Kunsthalle zu Kiel is situated on elevated ground above Kiel Fjord, by the Schlossgarten. Its collection includes highlights of 19th-century art, Expressionism and international contemporary art. Outdoor sculptures extend the exhibition space into the palace gardens; these include works by Per Kirkeby. Both the collection and the outdoor sculptures are among the art-related themes you can consider when planning your visit.
Maritime history at the Fish Market Hall
Founded in 1978, the Fischhalle Maritime Museum underwent extensive renovations in 2014. It offers a comprehensive insight into Kiel’s maritime history, with a focus on the 19th and 20th centuries. The historic fish market hall has been listed as a protected monument since 1972 and is included in the City of Kiel’s register of cultural monuments. When planning your trip, you can consider the museum as a distinct focus alongside art, city history and time by the water.
Find more information about these places under Kiel, Pries and Schilksee.
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