Why go
- German city, capital of Schleswig-Holstein.
- Served by Kiel-Holtenau Airport (KEL).
History
Kiel is the capital and most populous city in the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein. With a population of around 250,000, it is Germany's largest city on the Baltic Sea. It is located on the Kieler Förde inlet of the Bay of Kiel and lies in the southeast of the Jutland Peninsula, at the mouth of the Schwentine River, approximately 90 kilometres (56 mi) northeast of Hamburg. The world's busiest artificial waterway, the Kiel Canal, has a terminus in Kiel's Holtenau district. This canal connects the Baltic to the North Sea, with its other end in Brunsbüttel. Most of Kiel is part of Holstein. The boroughs north of the Schwentine also belong to Wagria, while those north of the Kiel Canal are historically part of Southern Schleswig.
Restaurants & places to go
292 more places in the Ultimate edition. See the Ultimate edition →
Airports
Getting there by ferry
Where things are
Photographs
credit: Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons · See source page
When to go
The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.
Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.
Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.
Getting there & around
Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Kiel-Holtenau Airport (KEL); 1 other airport serves the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below. By water: 6 ferry terminals within 20 km (nearest: Kiel Norwegenkai, 0.1 km); routes include Schwentinelinie F2, Fördelinie, Schwentinetalfahrt.
Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Kiel. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.