Port of Kiel Overview
Kiel is a Baltic ferry and cruise port at the end of the Kiel Canal. Several cruise terminals sit close to the city center and main station; Ostseekai and Schwedenkai are roughly 1–1.6 km from the station, about 15–20 minutes on foot through town.
Most visitors either stay local, enjoying a simple harbourfront and pedestrian-street day, or take trains to nearby cities like Lübeck or Hamburg.
A Little History
Kiel grew as a Hanseatic town and later as a major German naval and shipbuilding base. The canal and ferry links made it a transport hub, which is why the waterfront is packed with terminals and shipyards. WWII bombing and postwar construction left a mostly modern core with a few older buildings and churches.
Museums
Maritime and city-history museums near the waterfront cover Kiel’s naval and shipping story. There’s also a U-boat (U-995) at Laboe, across the fjord, often visited via tours. Museums often close Monday and may have reduced winter hours.
- Tip: If you’re staying in Kiel, pick one maritime site and then enjoy the fjord walks and pedestrian zone rather than museum-hopping.
Major Parks and Attractions
The harbourfront promenade, small parks, and pedestrian streets in the center are the main easy attractions. Longer walks along the fjord give ship and yacht views. Many cruise passengers use Kiel as a springboard: Lübeck for brick-gothic charm, Hamburg for a bigger city, or canal/bay boat trips.
Nearby Places (Easy Day Trips)
Lübeck (about an hour by train; half to full day), Hamburg (1–1.5 hours; full day), Laboe (U-boat and beach; half day), and canal boat trips (varied lengths).
Shopping
The pedestrian zone near the station has German chains, malls, and everyday shops. Souvenirs lean toward nautical themes and Baltic/German staples.
- Note: Sunday is very quiet; most non-tourist shops are closed.
Food and Drink
Expect German bakery items, sausages, fish, and standard pub food. There are also international options and café chains. Tipping around 5–10 percent is typical.
Practical eating tips:
- For quick food near the station and port, use bakeries and Imbiss stands.
- If heading to Lübeck or Hamburg, eat one main meal there; choices are broader.
- Outdoor seating along the fjord is pleasant on a sunny day but can get windy.
- As always, check train times so a long lunch doesn’t push you too close to all-aboard.
Currency, Payments, ATMs
Euro. Cards widely accepted. ATMs at the station and in shopping streets.
Opening Hours and Holidays
Shops generally open 10:00–18:00, later in malls. Museums close at least one weekday. Sunday is mostly shut for regular retail.
Holidays that may affect hours or services:
- Jan 1
- Good Friday–Easter Monday
- May 1
- Oct 3 (German Unity Day)
- Dec 24–26
Practical City Notes
Some terminals are directly in town; others are slightly further with a marked blue walking line into the center.
Local buses connect terminals and the station. English is common in tourist-facing businesses. If you’re training to another city, allow time to walk back from the station to your berth.
Quick Plans
- 3–4 hours: Walk from the ship through the pedestrian zone and harbourfront, grab a bakery lunch, and wander back.
- 6–8 hours: Train to Lübeck for its old town, then return for a quick Kiel harbour stroll.
- Full day: Hamburg day trip (harbor, Speicherstadt, quick city loop) with a buffer for the return train to Kiel.