Best Things to do in Kiel, Germany

 Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Cologne, and Hamburg are a few of the cities that come to mind when one thinks of Germany. While these popular cities offer a lot of interesting attractions, Germany is not limited to them. In fact, the country has wonderful places that tourists do not know about. Keil in Germany is one such place. Located in northern Germany, near the Baltic Sea, Kiel is a vibrant, coastal city with a rich maritime history. It is not only the capital of Schleswig-Holstein but also the biggest city of this German state. Kiel is an integral part of the German Navy, as it uses the place for docking its Baltic fleet.

If you want to avoid the crowd of the major cities of Germany and want to enjoy some interesting landscapes and culture, Kiel is a place you must visit. Here are some of the best things to do in Kiel, Germany.

Enjoy the Breeze and Views at Kielline

A 3.5-kilometer-long waterfront promenade, located on the western banks of Kiel Fjords, Kielline is one of the most prominent locations of Kiel. It is the perfect place to go on a stroll in the evening while enjoying the gentle breeze and the views of cruise ships and sailboats passing by. The promenade is home to several restaurants, boat houses, and cafes, where you can enjoy a snack and a cup of coffee. The place is home to Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, where you will also find an outdoor seal aquarium. Kielline truly comes alive during Kiel Week.

Revel in the Festivities of Kiel Week

Come the last week of June, when Kiel celebrates the biggest sailing event in the world, Kiel Week. This event was started in 1972 and since then it has only grown bigger and grander  every year. During Kiel Week, more than 4000 ships from all over Germany and world come to Kiel. During the week-long Regatta, you get to see over 2000 events, the most exciting of all is the boat race of various categories. Apart from this, you get to enjoy live music, street performances, and entertainment for kids throughout the week.

Explore the Kiel Botanical Gardens

The Kiel Botanical Gardens is a part of Kiel’s Botanical Institute of the University and one of the best places to visit in Kiel. Home to more than 14,000 species of plants, you can see a variety of trees, plants, and flowers in this botanical garden. The garden is a research ground for university students. Visitors to the Kiel Botanical Garden can stroll along the place and admire and take pictures of the various plants, flowers, as well as the quaint buildings here. If you are visiting with children, do not forget to visit the beautiful playground made with wooden structures.

Visit Zoologisches Museum

An integral part of the University of Kiel, the Zoologisches Museum is a natural history museum founded by the famous naturalist, Karl Mobius. At this museum, you will get to learn about zoology history, evolution, butterfly ecology, German and tropical fauna, and systematics. You will also get to know about European birds, marine mammals, exotic birds, and deep-sea fish. Keep your eyes peeled out for the skeletons of 13 whales, including huge blue and sperm whales. The museum’s latest exhibition, Ocean of the Future, is centered on topics like rising ocean levels, ocean circulation patterns, acidification, fishing, etc.

Go on a Kiel Walking Tour

Sightseeing is a joy here, as there are many interesting things to do in Kiel. Moreover, the best way to explore the city is by foot. So, if you want to enjoy the numerous attractions of Kiel while knowing about its history, being part of a Kiel walking tour will be a good option. During the 2-hour walk, your guide will take you around the most fascinating attractions of the city, including the town halls, waterfront parks, and such amazing places. You will also get to hear stories and secrets about the city through the guides. The best part about these guided tours is that they are free. Yes, you do not have to pay any money to go on a Kiel walking tour.

Conclusion

Kiel has an interesting mix of things to do for tourists and visitors. Hence, if you are visiting the country with a Germany tourist visa, do make it a point to visit Kiel for a few days.