Pries between fjord views, beach and history

Pries appeals to visitors with two distinct perspectives: the largely preserved natural surroundings at Falckenstein Beach, with views of the Kiel Fjord, and the historical traces in Pries and Friedrichsort. Falckenstein Beach and its surroundings are part of the “Zwischen Heischer Tal und Schilkseer Steilküste” landscape conservation area. Those who want to combine beach, nature and maritime history will find various starting points here for planning their own trip.

Beach, landscape and village square

The beach and its surroundings from the Friedrichsort Lighthouse to Schilksee-Süd also belong to the same landscape conservation area. In the village of Pries, Friedrich-Karl-Gotsch-Platz is planted with ten linden trees and a peace oak. This gives you different starting points: protected coastal landscape on the one hand, and a specific planted village square on the other.

Pries and its fortress history

The village of Pries was established around 1300 as a Slavic circular settlement. During the Thirty Years’ War, Friedrichsort Fortress was built near the village of Pries under its original name, Christianspries. Today, it is Germany’s only surviving sea fortress; parts of both moats are still preserved. The historical focus therefore extends from the early settlement history to visible elements of the fortress complex.

Cultural route and events

The cultural route in Pries/Friedrichsort is approximately 1.5 kilometres long. The Church of the Good Shepherd, built in the Heimatstil architectural style by Kuno von Pentz, was inaugurated in 1911. The approximate length provides a clear indication for time planning. The church and the sculpture offer different points of emphasis: historic architecture on the one hand, and a public artwork from 1982 on the other. In Friedrichsort, the public sculpture “Wind Harp” was created by Max Schegulla in 1982. Kulturladen Leuchtturm in the centre of the northern Kiel districts of Pries and Friedrichsort offers a wide range of events and projects for adults and children. Once a year, the district centre in Pries-Friedrichsort is transformed into a colourful festival mile.

Water sports and maritime destinations

The “High Spirits” nature and woodland high ropes course is located at Falckenstein Beach. Windsurfing courses are also offered at the same beach. From the Falckenstein SUP station, paddling tours lead along the cliffs towards Schilksee; the Friedrichsort Lighthouse is a special destination along the way. The activities therefore appeal to different forms of coastal exploration: windsurfing at the beach and paddling along the cliffs. The lighthouse stands at the Friedrichsort narrows north of the Kiel Canal.

Boat and bicycle for getting around

Förde-Schifffahrt regularly calls at the Friedrichsort landing stage. In summer, the Falckenstein landing stage is also served by Förde-Schifffahrt. The Friedrichsort landing stage and the Pries district centre are SprottenFlotte stations where bicycles can be rented via an app. This places both maritime connections and an app-based bicycle service at the centre of exploring the area.

For further orientation, you can include Kiel and Schilksee in your comparison alongside Pries.

To the higher-level travel overview: Kiel.