Kiel Things to Do – 15 Attractions for a Day Trip

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Kiel, the capital of Schleswig-Holstein, attracts visitors with its relaxed seaside atmosphere and is also very popular with students. The city lies on the Kiel Fjord, an inlet of the Baltic Sea, and for many it is the starting point for onward travel to Scandinavia, whether by ferry or on a cruise.

Our Kiel Things to Do for a Day Trip to the Capital of Schleswig-Holstein

For many visitors, the city’s sights often get overlooked. With our Kiel things to do, we’d like to change that, because we truly enjoyed the city during a day trip. Stroll along the waterfront on the Kiellinie, enjoy a tasty fish sandwich, and discover some of the attractions. Kiel has a lot to offer, even outside the well-known Kiel Week.

Accommodation in Kiel – Our Hotel Tip

Just a few minutes from the main train station at the Kiel Fjord (Kieler Hörn) is the me and all Kiel. This boutique hotel is very modern and has a cozy atmosphere. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a TV, a minibar, a coffee machine, and other amenities. The free Wi-Fi also works perfectly. In addition, there is a delicious breakfast buffet that also includes vegetarian options. The hotel also offers free bike rentals so you can explore the city.

You can find more hotels directly on the Kiel Fjord in the city center as well as in the surrounding area here.

1. Kleiner Kiel

Not far from Kiel’s city center lies the Kleiner Kiel. Originally a side arm of the Kiel Fjord, today it serves as a recreational area with parks such as Hiroshima Park and the Ratsdienergarten. From here, you’ll also get great views of the Kiel City Hall. The view alone makes this spot one of our Kiel things to do.

2. City Hall

Since 1911, Kiel’s new City Hall has stood at its current location on Rathausplatz. It replaced the original town hall at the Old Market, and today, with its 106-meter-high tower, it is considered a landmark of Schleswig-Holstein’s capital city.

At City Hall, you can explore Kiel’s history, join guided tours, or even go up the City Hall Tower. The latter, however, is only available upon request for groups at a price of €65. You can visit City Hall for free Monday to Friday between 8.00 AM and 6.00 PM.

3. Holstenstraße

Holstenstraße is located in Kiel’s Old Town near City Hall and stretches from the Old Market to the Holstentörn shopping center. It was first laid out in the 13th century and has carried its current name since 1525.

Today, Holstenstraße is basically Kiel’s main shopping street, where you’ll find stores from various chains such as Only, H&M, Kaufhof, and many more. But there are also some restaurants, a playground for children, and the obligatory stands selling fish sandwiches. If you’re looking to shop, this is the right place. However, if you’re on a sightseeing tour of Kiel, a visit here isn’t absolutely essential.

4. St. Nikolai Church

You’ll find St. Nikolai Church right at the Old Market. Construction began as early as 1242, making it the oldest building in Kiel. Over the centuries and through the world wars, the church has been rebuilt, renovated, or reconstructed after severe damage caused by the war.

Two highlights of St. Nikolai Church are the Pomeranian Tapestry, which depicts King Christian III of Denmark, who was also Duke of Schleswig-Holstein, and the Ghost Fighter. The latter is a statue in front of the church that represents an angel’s victory over evil. It was unveiled in 1928 as a bronze sculpture, removed during the war, and then reinstalled at St. Nikolai Church in 1954.

5. Schwedenkai

Not far from Kiel’s city center lies the Schwedenkai with its futuristic building directly on the Kiel Fjord waterfront. The new Schwedenkai has existed in this form since 2010, as larger Stena Line ships were introduced on the route between Kiel and Gothenburg.

In addition, the Schwedenkai also serves as a terminal for cruise ships, which often dock in Kiel. So if you ever go on a Northern Europe cruise, there’s a good chance you’ll start here.

6. Kiel Maritime Museum

A short distance from the Schwedenkai, also directly on the Kiel Fjord, is the Kiel Maritime Museum. It is housed in a former fish auction hall, a building that has stood in the state capital since 1910.

Inside the Maritime Museum, you’ll find many exhibits showcasing Kiel, the city’s maritime history, the Kiel Canal, as well as fishing and shipbuilding. On Sundays, there are often free guided tours. Otherwise, you can visit the museum for free Tuesday through Sunday from 10.00 AM to 6.00 PM.

7. Castle Garden

Kiel’s Castle Garden was originally a Renaissance garden, and its appearance has changed dramatically over the many centuries and world wars. It was rebuilt in the mid-19th century and continues to be renovated even today. The most recent changes were made in 2010, when the old terraces were restored.

You can simply relax in the Castle Garden and enjoy some peace and quiet or check out the equestrian statue or the sculpture park located in the northern part. The sculpture park was established in 1986 by the Kiel Art Gallery.

8. GEOMAR Aquarium

The Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research is located on the Kiel Fjord and, with the GEOMAR Aquarium, offers one of our Kiel things to do for kids. Here, you can discover many animals from the North and Baltic Seas, as well as exotic species of underwater flora and fauna, which can be especially exciting for children.

The museum originally opened in 1972 and covers an area of 350 m². Jellyfish, crabs, fish, and even seals, where you can watch feedings, are just some of what you’ll find. It’s open daily from 9.00 AM to 6.00 PM, with admission costing €2.00 for children and €3.00 for adults.

9. Old Botanical Garden

Opposite the GEOMAR Aquarium lies Kiel’s Old Botanical Garden, which has existed since 1884. The public park stretches across 2.5 hectares. In addition to a wide variety of plants, the Old Botanical Garden is also home to the Schleswig-Holstein Literature House, which originally served as the inspector’s residence, and a pavilion with an iron crown at the highest point of the park. If you want a break from city life, you should definitely visit the garden.

10. Kiellinie

A walk along the Kiellinie is one of our top Kiel things to do! The Kiellinie is essentially Kiel’s promenade and stretches for over 3.5 kilometers along the Kiel Fjord. Along the way, you’ll pass the marina, navy ships, and the massive cruise liners anchored here.

The cruise ships are usually located near the GEOMAR Aquarium (see point 8). You’ll also find food stalls here offering fish sandwiches, fries, ice cream, and other snacks. The Kiellinie is perfect for a walk by the water. By the way, during Kiel Week many live concerts take place here, and the sailing regatta attracts countless spectators.

11. Seebar

Along the Kiellinie, directly on the Kiel Fjord, you’ll find the Seebar Düsternbrook. The restaurant is located right on the water and is a beautiful spot for a short break during a visit to Kiel.

Here you can either have a meal or just a drink, enjoy the view, or if you’re brave, jump into the water and try stand-up paddling. But be warned, the water can be very cold!

12. Kieler Hörn

You’re probably wondering, what is the Kieler Hörn, and why is it one of our Kiel things to do? Hörn is the term for a harbor tip, and the Kieler Hörn marks the southern end of the Kiel Fjord. The Hörn Bridge connects the east and west banks of the fjord. A highlight is the view of Kiel and watching the bridge fold open when ships pass through.

The entire area belongs to Kai-City Kiel, where residential and office buildings such as the Hörn Campus are being developed. In the old Germania Harbor, you’ll also find today’s museum harbor (see point 14). While it’s usually very quiet here, offering great views of Kiel and a chance to enjoy a drink on a museum ship, the area comes alive during Kiel Week.

13. Kiel Week

Originally, Kiel Week was a sailing regatta that has been held since the late 19th century. Over the centuries, it has grown into one of the largest sailing events worldwide, surrounded by a huge folk festival.

In addition to the sailing regatta, there are concerts by national and international artists, countless food and drink stalls, and the Windjammer Parade, where you can admire traditional sailing ships and steamships. Kiel Week concludes with a fireworks display.

The next Kiel Week will take place from June 20 to 28, 2026. You can find details about the events on the official website.

14. Museum Harbor

Kiel’s museum harbor is located not far from the Kieler Hörn. The association behind it was founded in 2003 to create a harbor for traditional ships, modeled after museum harbors in Flensburg or Lübeck. Today, more than 15 ships dock here, allowing you to admire and photograph some historic sailing vessels.

15. Kiel Holtenau Lighthouse

You can find several lighthouses in Kiel, but a visit to the Holtenau Lighthouse is particularly worthwhile, as it is considered one of the most beautiful in Germany. Built in 1895, it serves as a navigation aid at the entrance to the Kiel Fjord.

On its 100th anniversary in 1995, the Kiel Holtenau Lighthouse was extensively renovated and is now often used for wedding ceremonies. You can also combine a visit with a meal at Luzifer Foerdeblick, a restaurant located right next to the lighthouse offering delicious Nordic cuisine.

Bonus Thing to Do in Kiel: Trip to Laboe

Are you spending a few days in Kiel and still have some extra time? Then we recommend a trip to Laboe. This Baltic Sea resort is not far from Kiel and welcomes visitors with a beautiful beach for swimming.

But even if you don’t want to spend the whole day lying on the beach, you can simply stroll along the promenade, enjoy food and drinks at the local restaurants or cafés, or visit the Naval Memorial or the submarine located right on the beach. A great vacation spot on the Baltic Sea.

Food Tip: Kombüse Fischbrötchen

Across from the well-known restaurant Gosch on the Kiellinie, there is a small pier with several snack stands, including the Kombüse, which we can absolutely recommend. Delicious fish sandwiches, Fritz lemonade, and other fish dishes and burgers in a relaxed atmosphere by the water round off our Kiel things to do.

Kiel Things to Do: Tours and Tickets

Do you prefer to travel with a guide who knows the area very well? Then we recommend a guided tour with a local. This way you can get to know Kiel in a completely different way. GetYourGuide offers a wide selection of exciting tours for Kiel.

How to Get to Kiel

Getting to Kiel is quite straightforward. The city does not have its own airport, so only train or car remain as options, unless you fly via Hamburg Airport. From there, the train takes you directly to Kiel Central Station in about 1.5 hours.

Apart from the train, which also runs regularly from Hamburg Central Station to Kiel, you can use a private or rental car. The fastest route by car is via the A7 with a connection to the A210 or A215, depending on whether you are coming from the north or south. An alternative route would be via the A1 with a connection to the A21 and the federal road 404 directly into Kiel.

Have you already been to Kiel and explored the state capital of Schleswig-Holstein? Do you have any other things to do for Kiel? We look forward to your comment.

Photos: Photo 1 (Hotel room): me and all Kiel