Kiel

Kiel

Liel is a city in northern Germany, capital of the Schleswig-Holstein Bundesland. Located at the Baltic Sea, the city was the countries long time main naval base until the installations were dismantled after the Second World War. Kiel is famous for sailing events. Every year the "Kieler Woche" is held (the first time in 1882), a series of sailing regattas with a cultural framework. In 1936 and 1972, when the Olympic Games were held in Berlin and Munich, respectively, the Olympic yachting competitions were held in Kiel.

Activities

The main tourist attraction is the Kieler Woche ("Kiel Week") at the end of June, the largest sailing event of the world and one of Germany's largest festivals. Apart from the sailing, the entire centre of the town is transformed into an international food and craft fair, with regular big name performers appearing nightly. Due to Kiels proximity to the North Pole, it stays light until well into the evening making for a spectacular event. Also famous is in Laboe (part of Kiel on the east-side) a submarine from the 2. World War at the shore and the "Marine-Ehrenmal" (Navy Memorial) with a high tower. Kiel is famous for the Nord-Ostsee Kanal, the worlds busiest canal. It is possible to walk almost the entire the length of the canal from Kiel to Hamburg, overnighting in the town of Rendsburg. Kiel is the home of the German Baltic fleet, and it is common to see all types of german warships and submarines in the "Förde", including the sail training vessel Gorch Fock

Shopping

A lot of shops are located at the pedestrian zone "Holstenstraße" and in the mall "Sophienhof". There is also a number of good ships and cafes in the old town centre near the "Nikolaikirche" (Nikolai church), and on "Holstenaustraße" near "Dreicksplatz".

Food

The best ever German/Turkish Doner kebabs can be gotten from the Kieler Hauptbahnhof. For something different, try the "Kartoffel Keller" (Potato cellar), where everything has potato as the theme - the potato pizza is very good. Other good cafes and pubs can be found in the old city centre. Nice breakfast buffet in the weekend in Cafe Loft next to the water near the "Reventlobrücke".

Currency

The Euro (EUR), the currency of the European Union, is the official currency of Germany.

Weather Forecast

Sailing Calendar

Click to view sailings.