Kiel is the capital city of the state of Schleswig-Holstein, and it lies in the northernmost part of Germany. Tourists who are visiting for a while but not sure where to stay can enjoy plenty of accommodation options, including Airbnb vacation rentals in Kiel. The city is a very historic place that shows connections from the time of Vikings to the Roman Empire; however, it only became known to us after the Great War. Kiel was already a major naval base and shipyard before the first war, but the sailor mutiny of 1918 and the heavy air raids during the Second World War put Kiel on the world map. This city has much to tell its visitors, but a tourist will need much more than history. If you are planning a trip soon, continue reading to find out more about the top things to do in Kiel, Germany.
1. Embark on a self-guided audio tour (from USD 11.0)
Wondering about what to do in Kiel? Embark on a self-guided audio tour in which you’ll delve into the captivating journey through Germany’s rich naval heritage and the intriguing era of the last German Kaiser. This activity offers a unique blend of exploration and education, allowing you to set your own pace and follow your interests. The audio tour, which you can conveniently access through your smartphone, guides you through significant sites, sharing fascinating stories and insights about Kiel’s maritime past.
It’s a delightful opportunity to wander through the footsteps of history, uncover hidden gems, and gain a deeper appreciation for Kiel’s role in shaping Germany’s maritime legacy.
Germany Self-Guided Audio Tour in the Historic Port of Kiel
Duration: 60 to 90 minutes
2. Explore the beauty of Kiel Botanical Garden
One of the many great places to visit in Kiel, Kiel Botanical Garden is situated within the University of Kiel campus and offers a captivating sanctuary that seamlessly blends scientific exploration with natural beauty, making it a compelling destination for travelers to discover. With a rich history dating back to the 17th century, the garden showcases an astonishing array of plant species from diverse ecosystems, including meticulously curated themed gardens and vibrant greenhouses.
Beyond its aesthetic allure, the garden serves as an educational hub, providing insights into botanical research and conservation efforts. Travelers have the opportunity to engage with rare and exotic plants, learn about ecological sustainability, and witness the wonders of plant evolution up close.
Kiel Botanical Garden
Address: Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, 24118 Kiel, Germany
Website: Kiel Botanical Garden
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
3. Learn about the naval history of Kiel at Kiel Maritime Museum
Kiel is popularly known as ‘the sailing city’, so let’s start this index with a related attraction. When visiting this destination, be sure to stop by Kiel Maritime Museum, locally known as Schifffahrtsmuseum. It’s located in the Satorikai territory and situated inside a former fish auction building. Inside the exhibition hall, you will get to see the maritime history of Kiel in the form of model ships, artifacts, documents, and pictures. A tour to this gallery is bound to be an excellent experience for those who are curious about naval history from World War times, plus the entry is absolutely free.
Kiel Maritime Museum
Address: Wall 65, 24103 Kiel, Germany
Website: Kiel Maritime Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
Price: Free
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4. Look for the specimen of various fauna and flora at Zoologischen Museum Kiel
Zoologischen Museum has been a part of the University of Kiel for centuries, and a short visit is totally recommended if you’re coming here for the first time. This museum shows you an extensive collection of evolutionary changes in fauna, and this includes various samples of birds, reptiles, and mammals. Also a dozen frames of several whale species, including a 14-m (46-ft) long sperm whale skeleton. But the most remarkable highlight of this attraction is their exhibition of deep-sea creatures, and this feature makes it the most unique kind of zoological museum.
Zoologischen Museum Kiel
Address: Hegewischstraße 2, 24105 Kiel, Germany
Website: Zoologischen Museum Kiel
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 9am - 5pm; Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 2.20 - 4.41 USD
5. Check out the art gallery Kunsthalle zu Kiel
Kunsthalle zu Kiel is an art museum in Kiel, and if you’re an art lover, a tour is highly advised. Although this gallery doesn’t have any works by well-known artists like Picasso, you will still get to see famous artworks that date as far back as the 17th century. Unfortunately, a big part of its original collection was ruined by a couple of air raids during the Great War, otherwise, this place would have been even lovelier. Still, the exhibition and its sculpture garden are worth checking out.
Kunsthalle zu Kiel
Address: Düsternbrooker Weg 1, 24105 Kiel, Germany
Website: Kunsthalle zu Kiel
Opening hours: Thu - Tue: 10am - 6pm; Wed: 10am - 8pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 7.71 USD
6. Plan a picnic at Schrevenpark
Every bustling city usually holds a fine public park in its center. New York City has Central Park, and Kiel has Schrevenpark. Although Kiel’s version is not as massive as Central Park, it does contain a lake in the middle. You can come here anytime to walk your dog, jog, or have a picnic. This attraction is best for your kids in Kiel and they will enjoy feeding the ducks and geese by the lake, and you can spend a lovely day with your family. So the next time you want to escape from the crowd, plan a day at Schrevenpark.
Schrevenpark
Address: Goethestraße 15, 24116 Kiel, Germany
Website: Schrevenpark
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
7. Watch playful seals and exotic fish at Aquarium GEOMAR
This place is a relatively small outdoor aquarium in Kiel, and a great experience for you if you haven’t been to this type of enclosure before. There is an aquarium section in the building that features species of fish and various crustaceans from the Baltic, Mediterranean, and the tropics. Other than that, you can even watch an oceanography documentary and learn more about marine life by joining tours. If you’re curious about fish and seals, Aquarium GEOMAR is a must-visit place for you.
Aquarium GEOMAR
Address: Düsternbrooker Weg 20, 24105 Kiel, Germany
Website: Aquarium GEOMAR
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
8. Pay a visit to St. Nikolai church
The church of St. Nikolai was built in the 13th century in memory of Saint Nikolas of Myra, one of the early Christian bishops in the Roman Empire. This place has always been a landmark for Kiel, however, the church was totally destroyed due to the air raids from the Second World War. The present building is a reconstruction, but it is still the same Gothic architecture. This place is great to visit even if you’re not religious, as the experience will be divine regardless of your faith. Luckily, it’s located in the city center, near the town hall and various restaurants. You wouldn’t even have to walk too much if you’re already in this area.
St. Nikolai
Address: Alter Markt, 24103 Kiel, Germany
Website: St. Nikolai
9. Stroll around Hiroshimapark
When you want a more relaxed day in the city, you can take a stroll around Hiroshimapark. This place was named in remembrance of the horrifying event that happened in the Second World War, the first dropping of the nuclear bomb over Japan. Before it was renamed, this park was titled after the German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck. This is a small green zone between the town hall and Kiel Theater, so if you need some time to relax in or around these areas, you can go here. The highlight of this park is its pond and fountain.
Hiroshimapark
Address: Lorentzendamm, 24103 Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
10. Tour the Old Botanical Garden and other famous attractions in Kiel (from USD 396.0)
The given tour package is suitable for people who are coming to Kiel in a big group. They can make use of this opportunity to divide the listed price with the member count. It is important to note that this private tour will take the group to six of the city’s best landmarks, including the Old Botanical Garden, Town Hall, Opera House, and more. This is a golden chance to learn more about the city’s history as well as explore its cultural side. See the oldest streets and listen to stories about the air raid destruction during the Second World War. The duration of this trip will be nearly three hours, and it will be conducted in English.
Kiel - Private Historic Walking Tour
Duration: 2 hours
11. Shop at CITTI-PARK
Do not confuse CITTI PARK with a real green park, because it is actually the largest shopping mall in Kiel. It only has two floors, but you will find a vast number of stores here - nearly hundreds of shops, which include groceries, clothing, shoes, bookstores, electronics, as well as cafés and restaurants. Escalators are plenty, so walking around will not be a problem. It is also wheelchair accessible. This place will definitely be a one-stop solution for your every need while you are in Kiel.
CITTI-PARK
Address: Mühlendamm 1, 24113 Kiel, Germany
Website: CITTI-PARK
Opening hours: Mon - Wed, Fri - Sat: 9am - 8pm; Thu: 9am - 10pm (closed on Sun)
12. Check out the air raid bunker Flandernbunker
Kiel has always been an important naval harbor for Germany, so it is no wonder why this city received very heavy bombing raids in the final phase of the Second World War. The statesmen had their private hideouts in preparation for these air raids, while the ordinary citizens had to rely on the construction of bunkers that might stand a chance against fire and fury. This particular bunker has a ceiling that is 4 meters (13 feet) thick and inner walls that measure 2 meters (7 feet), however, safety was still not guaranteed. There were more such bunkers, but none could endure the shelling. Flandernbunker almost blew up, too, and it was sheltering nearly 800 citizens.
Flandernbunker
Address: Kiellinie 249, 24106 Kiel, Germany
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 3pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm (closed on Sat)
13. See Kiel Town Hall and its antiques
When you are touring this city, be sure to check out Kieler Rathaus or Kiel Town Hall. Constructed in the year 1911, this structure was virtually untouched during the bombings in the Great War, and not much was destroyed during the air raids from the Second World War. After its restoration, this architectural landmark was opened to the public. The highlights of Rathaus include its sheer size, the beautiful antiques housed inside, and a dated paternoster lift.
Kiel Town Hall
Address: Fleethörn 9, Schleswig-Holstein, 24103 Kiel, Germany
Website: Kiel Town Hall
Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 7:30am - 4pm; Wed: 7:30am - 12pm; Thu: 7:30am - 6pm; Fri: 7am - 12pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
14. Witness an event at Sparkassen-Arena
Sparkassen-Arena is a popular indoor venue in this city that is used for sporting events, tradeshows, and rock or pop concerts. It also serves as the home base for THW Kiel, a premier team in German professional handball league - Handball-Bundesliga. When you will visit this city, be sure to check the agenda at Sparkassen-Arena, as there could be something scheduled. Add a new activity to your tour by watching a game or show. The venue can hold up to 13,500 guests, so buying a ticket will not be a great problem.
Sparkassen-Arena
Address: Europapl. 1, 24103 Kiel, Germany
Website: Sparkassen-Arena
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm; Sat: 9am - 1pm (closed on Sun)
15. Savor Thai food in Germany at TanTamar
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you’re a foodie then you must have tasted various delicacies around the world, including Thai food. However, if you haven’t tasted Thai cuisine before, you are missing out. The spicy curries, savory dishes, and delicious aromas are enough to make anyone hungry. Now the real question is where you can get authentic Thai flavors in Germany. The answer to this is TanTamar. This is a well-known Thai restaurant in the city, and they also serve other Asian delights at reasonable prices. When you’re in Kiel and craving for Asian flavors or authentic Thai, do remember this name.
TanTamar
Address: Steinstraße 1, 24118 Kiel, Germany
Website: TanTamar
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12pm - 2:30pm, 6pm - 10pm; Sat - Sun: 5pm - 10pm
16. Appreciate Renaissance-era art at City Museum Warleberger Hof
Although museums are always special to people who are curious about history, City Museum Warleberger Hof has another reason to be noteworthy. Constructed in the year 1616 as a noble court, this manor house is among the oldest structures in Kiel. After the house was transformed into a museum, it has become a permanent exhibition space for period art. It also contains pictures and documents from the Great War. This place is definitely worth visiting when in Kiel.
City Museum Warleberger Hof
Address: Dänische Str. 19, 24103 Kiel, Germany
Opening hours: Fri - Sat, Tue - Wed: 10am - 6pm; Thu: 10am - 8pm (closed on Mon)
17. Walk the Kiellinie promenade
Kiel is internationally recognized as the ‘Sailing City’, and it features an annual sailing event known as Kieler Woche or Kiel Week. This water sports event is best enjoyed from the Kiellinie or Kiel Line, a four-kilometer (three-mile) long waterfront promenade next to the harbor. Besides its usefulness during such events, this pathway features many of Kiel’s landmarks like Grammerstorf Bridge, Marine Memorial, and Ferry Terminal. Make sure to cover this bustling street when you go here.
Kiellinie
Address: An die Kiellinie, 24103 Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
18. Sail on the Kiel Canal
It’s a known fact that Germans were very much navy-obsessed prior to the First World War, and Kaiserliche Marine or the Imperial German Navy always wanted to enhance their maritime warfare capabilities. This resulted in the construction of the Kiel Canal during the final decade of the 1800s. The waterway is 98 kilometers (61 miles) long and joins the North Sea with the Baltic. It’s currently one of the busiest canals out there, as it accommodates thousands of ships per year, excluding small boats and yachts. If you want to cover this beautiful waterway, it’s best to join a boat tour.
19. Taste craft beers at Kieler Brauerei am Alten Markt
This place will be beneficial to everyone who loves beer, and fresh beer has a distinct flavor, so check out the local breweries instead of the pub. If you’re curious, you may want to go to Kieler Brauerei am Alten Markt. This place can seat up to 200 guests and offers great food and tasty beer. Brewing beer is an art because it needs to retain the taste, so a brewer must take care of all of the ingredients such as malt, water, and yeast, among other factors. The menu has so many options, so be sure to sample a few.
Kieler Brauerei am Alten Markt
Address: Alter Markt 9, 24103 Kiel, Germany
Website: Kieler Brauerei am Alten Markt
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10:30am - 11pm; Sat: 10am - 1am; Sun: 11am - 10:30pm
20. Hang out at Olympic Center Schilksee Kiel Landeshauptadt
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
This is another wonderful place in the city where you can hang out - nearby amenities at this sailing harbor include restaurants and cafés, a beach, and a promenade. Olympic Sailing Center of Kiel was actually a yacht harbor during the 1972 Olympics. Now it is used for Kiel Week’s boat races. You can enjoy this beach when regattas are not scheduled, and you can even try swimming at the marina if the weather permits.
Olympic Center Schilksee Kiel Landeshauptadt
Address: Soling 38, 24159 Kiel, Germany
21. Watch the Hörn Bridge in action
You may have seen the Tower Bridge of London in operation - it has a double-leaf bascule design that lifts both sides in order to clear the boat traffic. If that bride design looks interesting to you, check out another fancy design in Kiel. Hörn Bridge uses a three-segment bascule mechanism that folds on one side and makes an N shape. Built back in 1997, this pedestrian bridge is a fairly new addition to the city’s landmark list. The bridge is folded every hour to let boats and ships cross, so there are plenty of chances to watch this bridge in action.
Hörn Bridge
Address: Hörnbrücke, Kiel, Germany
22. Solve riddles at Final Escape - Live Escape Game Kiel
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you’re not familiar with escape games, it is basically a fun game where you have to get out of a locked room within a given timeframe in order to win the round. The room will show you different scenarios in the form of a riddle, and you will have to solve them to get the clues that will earn you the keys to get out. Final Escape in Kiel features a total of 12 rooms that are based on levels of difficulty. The given time is either 60 or 120 minutes, and up to 12 people can take part in a challenge.
Final Escape
Address: Küterstraße 14, 24103 Kiel, Germany
Website: Final Escape
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)
23. Learn about the history of machines at Machinery Museum Kiel Wik
We are living in the age of technology, but it is important to learn about how we got here. A few decades ago, our world was not totally dependent on computers, but the scene is totally different now. The older generation has seen this world growing with them, but most of the youngsters apparently have no idea about the evolution of technology. This is why a visit to Machinery Museum is crucial, especially for your children. Come to this place and have a look at antique inventions, steam and fuel-powered engines, and dated types of machinery. Try this educational tour - you will surely appreciate it.
Machinery Museum Kiel Wik
Address: Am Kiel-Kanal 44, 24106 Kiel, Germany
Website: Machinery Museum Kiel Wik
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
24. Learn about space and science at Mediendom
Mediendom or Media Dome is a 360-degree planetarium theater in Kiel, located within the campus of the University of Applied Sciences. The dome theater was primarily built to encourage children of every age to be interested in this field of science through interactive sessions. However, Mediendom has another function, which is why it’s sometimes referred to as ‘the cultural hemisphere’. This dome features seating for over 60 guests, making it possible to organize small scientific lectures, seminars, or other events.
Mediendom
Address: Socratespl. 6, 24149 Kiel, Germany
Website: Mediendom
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 6:30am - 8pm; Fri: 5pm - 8pm; Sat: 3:30pm - 8pm; Sun: 3:30pm - 6:30pm (closed on Mon)
25. Spot relics at Anschar Park
Another park that’s worth visiting is Anschar Park. This place gets its name from a former naval and garrison hospital that was built on this land some 70 years ago, known as Anschar Hospital. The hospital was pretty massive and had nearly 20 buildings - the main block, pavilions, boiler, morgue, chapel, and more. Unfortunately, most of these buildings were demolished in recent years for the development of this park, but you can still see some unaffected pieces of history here, so make sure to have a good camera with you when you visit.
Anschar Park
Address: Anschar Park, 24106 Kiel, Germany
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
26. Check out the quiet Werftpark
If you do not like crowds and you’re looking for a peaceful setting in the middle of Kiel, make an escape to this lovely park. You should know that it’s locally known by two other names as well: Volkspark and Shipyard Park. This green zone is not very far from the city center, so you will be amazed to find such quiet surroundings within this busy city. You will also notice a little theater at the park’s entrance, so you can consider watching a live performance here as well.
Werftpark
Address: Ostring 187 A, 24143 Kiel, Germany
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
27. Meet locals and fellow travelers at Ida-Hinz-Platz park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
This green corridor is another place for relaxation, but bear in mind that it may not be as calm as Werftpark. This place was developed with the idea that everyone should be met with open arms. Hence, you will see people from different ethnicities enjoying a picnic, walking their dog, or playing frisbee. Ida-Hinz-Platz also has a small circuit, so you can come here for a morning or evening jog.
Ida-Hinz-Platz
Address: Buschfeldstrasse 11, 24143 Kiel, Germany
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
28. See some animals at Wildgehege Hasseldieksdamm
This is the only wildlife park on this list, and fortunately, the admission is free. People should visit this place as it is supposedly the most serene location in Kiel. The animals you will see here include sika deer, bison, highland cattle, aurochs, as well as some bird species. The bison are not tame, so you should keep a safe distance from them. All the other animals can be touched and petted, provided they allow it.
Wildgehege Hasseldieksdamm
Address: K2 83, 24109 Kiel, Germany
Website: Wildgehege Hasseldieksdamm
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
29. Walk your dog and enjoy the sea view at Hundewiese im Diederichsen Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you happen to be a dog-lover, then this place should be on your itinerary. Hundewiese im Diederichsenpark is the finest dog park in Kiel, where you can safely walk your dog, play with them, and meet other people and their pets. If you’re coming to Kiel without your dog, you will like the experience anyway since you can see the water on one side and watch people playing with their adorable puppies on the other.
Hundewiese im Diederichsen Park
Address: Niemannsweg 205, 24105 Kiel, Germany
Website: Hundewiese im Diederichsen Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
30. Watch a drama at Kiel Opera House
Opernhaus Kiel or Kiel Opera House is the most significant auditorium here, and it is also a historic landmark in the city, built over a hundred years ago. As the name suggests, this site is primarily used for opera and ballet, but Kiel Opera House also serves as a theater. It is in fact known as Theatre Kiel too - renowned in all of Germany for producing remarkable drama performances. If you’re interested in watching one of these, be sure to check out the schedule when you’re here.
Kiel Opera House (Theatre Kiel)
Address: Rathauspl. 4, 24103 Kiel, Germany
Website: Kiel Opera House
31. Pass the time at Pastor-Husfeldt Park
Pastor-Husfeldt Park is another green space in Kiel where you can hang out, plan a picnic, or walk your dog. However, it’s a very small park and there is not much to do here apart from leisure. This was actually once a nameless green space, and it was only named in 1999. If you’re staying near this location, do consider going for a walk in this park.
Pastor-Husfeldt Park
Address: Pastor-Husfeldt Park, 24105 Kiel, Germany
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
32. Go for a hike at Tiergehege Tannenberg
Although there are a total of five animal enclosures in Kiel, Tiergehege Tannenberg is the largest of all, with a massive land area of 40 hectares (99 acres). This beautiful woodland features slow-moving streams, grassland, and some wildlife. Mostly you will see deer, wild boar, cattle, and bison. There are some species of birds that come only in seasons. The entrance is free, so make a plan to hike when you visit Kiel.
Tiergehege Tannenberg
Address: Projensdorfer Str. 276, 24106 Kiel, Germany
Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)
Enjoy a visit to Kiel
Since this city shows many historic structures and exhibitions, you can learn more about its brutal history from the Great War after seeing the bombed structures and exhibits. However, there are also amusing places and tourist attractions in Kiel that will surely cheer you up. You will be amazed when you visit this city.
Should you also decide to venture out further into the neighboring areas, there are plenty of Airbnb vacation rentals in Neumünster for your accommodation needs. Some of the most comfy and unique Airbnb vacation rentals in Laboe also lie at your disposal and the pristine place is only half an hour’s drive away.
Frequently asked questions about things to do in Kiel
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