Ahoy Kiel!
Kiel is situated on the coast of the Baltic Sea. This city with about 250 000 inhabitants is the capital city of the German state of Schleswig-Holstein. Since 1860s Kiel has been a major naval base, and also today the majority of the German Baltic fleet is stationed here. Therefore, those interested in ships can find a walk or bicycle tour along 17 km long Kieler Förde (fjord) quite attractive.
Attractions and things to do
Kiel was heavy bombed during WWII and there is not many historical buildings left to see here. The last surviving U 995, the type VII-C U-boat from WWII, can be visited in the Marine-Ehrenmal und U-Boot-Museum in nearby seaside resort Laboe.
However, the mayor attraction in Kiel is the Kiel Week (Kieler Woche), held annually in the end of June. This is one of the world´s biggest sailings events, with hundreds of sailing boats, and larger ships the visiting city. Kiel welcomes all visitors by arranging an international food and craft fair.
Hotels
Since Kiel has many visitors during Kieler Woche, the accommodations are many: hotels of diverse rates are situated in and around the centre, or close to the Fjord of Kiel.
Getting here and getting around
By air: Nearest mayor airport is in Hamburg or Lubeck. There are some charter flights to Kiel´s own little airport.
By sea: from Oslo, Norway and Gothenburg, Sweden; during summer, also from the Danish Island of Langeland.
By train: connections from Hamburg and beyond. The main station is close to the bus terminal and the main shopping centre.
By bus/car: Buses from – among other cities – Berlin and Tallinn.
Buses, taxis and bikes in Kiel provide a good way of getting around the town.
Shopping
In the pedestrian zone Holstenstraße and Holtenauer Straße, as well as in the mall Sophienhof.
Climate & weather
This part of Germany has temperate climate with varying temperatures – in average 18°C/64°F during summer, and between 1-9°C/34-48°F in winter. Rain is likely all year round.
Time zone: UTC (GMT)+1. Daytime saving time (DST) is observed.
Currency: Euro (EUR, €).
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