# Kiel

Kiel is a maritime city and has been for a long time, it remains one of Germany main passenger ports. It is on the Baltic Sea at the end of the "Kieler Förde".
Kiel is the capital city of the German state of Schleswig-Holstein and has a population of roughly 248,000 (2018). It is on the Baltic Sea at the end of the "Kieler Förde".

## Understand

As a major passenger port (along with Travemünde and Rostock) and as the Baltic endpoint of the Kiel Canal, Kiel plays an important role in shipping. The death-knell of German monarchism sounded here when in 1918 the admirals wanted the fleet to sail out for one last glorious but militarily pointless battle. The sailors revolted against their officers, culminating in revolution and the formation of Soviets.
During the Second World War, Kiel was severely bombed, because of its submarine-producing shipyard. Civil and military ships are being built in Kiel nowadays and the tall cranes dominate the eastern shore of the Förde (fjord).
The bombing destroyed almost all historic buildings in Kiel (in fact, it destroyed 95% of the entire city); even the older-looking buildings were built after World War II. So if you come to the "Kieler Schloss" (Kieler Castle), don't be disappointed. There isn't much left of the original building. During the rebuilding after the war, mostly modern architecture was used, and the focus was on functionality and quick construction, not on timeless design or beautiful architecture.

### Tourist information

* Kiel tourism website

## Get in
### By boat

    See also: Baltic Sea Ferries
Kiel serves as the German ferry terminus for the ferries to Oslo, Norway with Color Line and Gothenburg, Sweden with Stena Line$^{[deadlink]}$. It is the endpoint of the Kiel Canal, which connects the North Sea to the Baltic Sea (allowing ships to avoid rounding Denmark).

### By train

* 54.314810.13181 Kiel Hauptbahnhof (next to the main bus terminal and across the road from the central shopping district). Kiel is connected to the DB rail system, with regular RE, IC, ICE and EC services to Hamburg and beyond. Transfers can be made in Flensburg or Lübeck to Danish Rail.

### By bus

* 54.31671410.1332912 Kiel intercity bus station
At the Auguste-Viktoria-Straße, bus lines run services to, or through, Kiel. A weekly bus leaves Kiel and travels via Poland and the Baltic states to Tallinn, Estonia. A comfortable bus operates daily from Berlin to Kiel via Lübeck (6 hours). Further bus operators serve domestic routes.

### By plane

* 54.37944410.1452783 Kiel Airport (KEL ), in "Holtenau" (north-west). There is no commercial service to this airport. (updated Oct 2019)
* 53.6302789.9911114 Hamburg Fuhlsbüttel (HAM), Flughafenstr. 1, 22335 Hamburg (southwest). The nearest major airport is Hamburg, about 100 km away (one hour by car). The airport has a railway connection to Hamburg's Hauptbahnhof, from where there are multiple trains a day to Kiel. There is a shuttle bus service to and from the Airport (Kielius). Buy both tickets (from/to the airport) at the same time for a discount, and be sure to hold on to your voucher. Students get a discount (ISIC required).

### By car

Kiel is connected to two Autobahns, the A210 to Rendsburg and the A215, both of which also connect to the A7 (which is part of the European road E45). Alternatively, take the B503 from the north (Dänischenhagen), B76 from the northwest (Eckernförde) or southeast (Plön), B404 from the south (Bad Segeberg), B4/L318 from the south (Neumünster, though taking the A7/A215 will likely be faster), or the B502 from the northeast (Wisch).

## Get around
### By bus and Förde ferry

Kiel has a public transport system based on buses and ferries operated by VRK. 1-, 3- and 7-day tickets are available, and offer good value for tourists. You can use the NAH SH app to purchase tickets.
The group ticket "Kleingruppenkarte ohne Sylt-Bus" can be a particularly good value: for a total of €45.90 (as of May 2024) for unlimited transit starting 09:00 on Monday-Friday or starting 12:00 on Saturday, Sunday and holidays until 06:00 the subsequent day, a group of up to 5 adults (children free) can ride all buses and trains in the entire SH-Tarif Network (Schleswig-Holstein state plus Hamburg, excluding the island of Sylt).

### By taxi

The taxi service is expensive but good. Taxis are always available at the main train station, and will otherwise come quickly to pick you up when ordered.

### By bike

Kiel is very flat, and bicycles can be rented at various places. The main train station has a large bicycle garage and bicycle rental centre (Radstation), with regular bicycles and e-bikes available. It is quite easy to ride from Kiel to Laboe, catch a ferry to Strande, and cycle back to Kiel.
For short trips, Sprottenflotte bikes can be rented by using a smartphone app. Bikes are provided by Donkey Republic, but you may still encounter the old Nextbike bikes as well, so it's best to have both apps installed. Use the apps to scan the bikes' QR codes, and return them at any Sprottenflotte station in the city (e-bikes can only be returned at designated e-bike stations, marked in red in the app). Prices are as follows (for details, see the price list$^{[deadlink]}$, under "Sprottenflotte Kiel"):
* Regular bikes: the first 30 minutes are free; each additional 30 minutes cost €1, up to a maximum of €9 per 24 hours.
* Cargo bikes: 30 minutes cost €1 (the first 30 minutes are not free), up to a maximum of €12 per 24 hours.
* E-bikes, including cargo e-bikes: the first 30 minutes cost €2; each additional 30 minutes cost €1, up to a maximum of €25 per 24 hours.
Bikes can be reserved in the app at no cost for up to 15 minutes, and it's a good idea to do this when walking to a station. Don't expect high-quality bikes, and if you want a helmet, bring your own.
Those staying for longer (such as exchange students) can rent a bike from Swapfiets for a monthly fee.
* 54.32350210.1361345 Swapfiets, Alter Markt 7, 24013 Kiel.

### By e-scooter

Electric scooters are also available, with at least Bolt, Lime and Tier operating in Kiel. All scooters can be rented in the respective apps.

### By canal ferry

When crossing the Kiel canal, you can go across one of several bridges (Holtenauer Hochbrücken, Levensauer Hochbrücken), or take a ferry shuttle. The Adler 1 at Kiel-Holtenau is a small ferry that only takes pedestrians and bicycles; the larger ferries at Landwehr and Sehestedt also carry cars and motorcycles. All canal ferries are free to use for everyone.

## See

* 54.4124210.2288861 Type VII-C U-boat (at the shore in Laboe (part of Kiel on the east-side of the fjord)). The only surviving U-boat from World War II.
* 54.41222210.2305562 Marine-Ehrenmal (Navy Memorial), Strandstraße 92. It has a high tower.
* 54.36855810.1327723 Kiel Canal (Nord-Ostsee Kanal). The world's busiest canal. It is possible to walk or cycle for almost the entire length (99 km) directly along the canal from Kiel to Brunsbüttel (estuary of the Elbe, on the North Sea Coast), staying overnight in the town of Rendsburg if necessary.
* 54.35339610.143164 Gorch Fock. 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 training sailing vessel Gorch Fock.
* 54.36467710.1149325 Tiergehege Tannenberg (Tannenberger Gehölz), Projensdorfer Straße 276. A smaller forest area in the north of Kiel where different types of deer roam about freely and with relatively little fear of humans. There are some enclosures including one for boar. Not spectacular, but good for a relaxing walk and to see some of the local wildlife. Make sure to obey the feeding rules posted around the area. Entry is free. (updated Mar 2019)

#### Museums

Eight museums of Kiel have created a common initiative called Museen am Meer, or "museums by the sea", where a common website brings together all details you need about their collections, opening times, admission prices etc. along with a route planner. For young travellers (17 years and younger), there is an app, "MuseumsCard$^{[deadlink]}$", that offers information and free admission to many museums in Kiel and the rest of Schleswig-Holstein.
* Antikensammlung (Collection of Classical Antiquities). Face to face with antiquity: collection of Greek vases as well as casts of important Roman and Greek sculptures unique to Schleswig-Holstein.
* Aquarium Geomar, Düsternbrooker Weg 20. Public aquarium that is part of an oceanic research centre. From Baltic Sea herring to tropical seahorse: local and exotic sea creatures presented in aquariums that simulate their natural habitats. Known for its outdoor seal pool which can be accessed for free without entering the aquarium itself. Seal feeding times every day at 10:00 and 14:00 except on Friday. €3; concession €2. (updated Mar 2019)
* 54.3283710.145946 Kunsthalle zu Kiel (Museum of Fine Arts). Art from the Dürer era through to the present day: permanent collection spanning all artistic genres, including works by Repin, Nolde and Richter, as well as special exhibitions on specific topics and artists.
* 54.327610.14387 Medizin- & Pharmaziehistorische Sammlung (Museum of Medical & Pharmaceutical History), medmuseum@med-hist.uni-kiel.de. Insight into the history of medicine and pharmaceuticals: exhibition of historic instruments, collection of pathology specimens, interior of an old pharmacy and a doctor’s office.
* 54.322710.14368 Schifffahrtsmuseum (City and Maritime Museum), Wall 65. In the former fish auction hall, built in 1910: permanent exhibition on Kiel’s maritime history, pier with historic ships.
* 54.31910.13419 Stadtgalerie Kiel (Kiel Municipal Gallery of Contemporary Arts), stadtgalerie@kiel.de. New contemporary art: exhibitions of regional and international contemporary art, art from the Baltic Sea region, permanent exhibition of the works of the Expressionist artist Heinrich Ehmsen.
* 54.324410.14110 Stadtmuseum Warleberger Hof (City and Maritime Museum), Stadt-undSchifffahrtsmuseum@kiel.de. Traces of Kiel history: permanent exhibition on the early history of the city and exhibitions on social and cultural history.
* 54.328210.144211 Zoologisches Museum (Zoological Museum Kiel). Experience marine and evolutionary research at first hand: exciting display on the subject of marine science and research, Germany’s most extensive exhibition of whale species, presentation of the origins of zoology in Kiel.

## Do

There are two free monthly magazines listing activities and events. Paper copies of Station$^{[deadlink]}$ and Ultimo can be found in most cafes. Online information is available via Kiel Magazin and Fördeflüsterer.
* 54.323110.13331 Theater Kiel. (updated Aug 2020)

### Kieler Woche

The main tourist attraction is the Kieler Woche$^{[deadlink]}$ ("Kiel Week") at the end of June.
Apart from being world's largest sailing event the Kieler Woche is 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. If you intend to visit Kiel during this time, book your hotel well ahead. The waterfront and major parts of downtown will be inaccessible for cars.
Information on events is posted all over town and through a free magazine which will be distributed about a month before the event. Events include entertainment for kids during daytime throughout the entire week and lots of open air concerts. Most concerts end around 23:00 and nightlife moves to indoor venues and to the Eggerstedtstraße.
Aside from an abundance of food and drink outlets along the streets the "International Market" on the Rathausmarkt is the place to go for food and drink. Dozens of countries operate booths on the open-air market offering their traditional foods and drinks. The Kieler Nachrichten newspaper runs a special about food on the market in its Saturday edition, with ratings. If you cannot decide from the endless choices head over to the Scandinavian area or to wherever crowds are gathering; the Poles also offer large portions for a surprisingly low price.

### Sports

* 54.32081710.1286382 THW Kiel (Handball), Europaplatz 1, ☏ +49 431 98210 226. One of the most successful handball clubs in Germany, Kiel is also among the top addresses for the sport throughout Europe. They were the 2014/2015 German champion and hold the record for most national championships at 20. standing tickets from €14.50; seated tickets €18-50. (updated Feb 2016)
* 54.348810.12433 Holstein Kiel (Football/soccer), Holstein-Stadion, Westring 501 (4 km north of centre), ☏ +49 431 318 40040, info@holstein-kiel.de. Die Störche (The Storks) were promoted in 2024 and now play soccer in Bundesliga, the top tier. The stadium has a capacity of 15,000. (updated Jun 2024)
* 54.31897110.0988164 Kiel Baltic Hurricanes, Hasseldieksdammer Weg 165, ☏ +49 431 97997612. Kiel's local American football team. (updated Aug 2021)
* 54.31896710.09885 FC Kilia Kiel (Football/soccer), Hasseldieksdammer Weg 165, 24114 Kiel, ☏ +49 0431 18566. Kiel's second-most successful soccer club.bThey play in the fourth tier (Regionalliga Nord). (updated Feb 2025)

### Physical activity

* 54.39964310.1859146 High Spirits Hochseilgarten, Falckensteiner Strand 15, ☏ +49 431 3104947. A forest adventure park with a number of treetop ropes courses. (updated Jul 2022)
* 54.3294039.9882257 Bowfire, Herrenhaus, Am Gut 7, 24107 Quarnbek, ☏ +49 151 207 30 333, hr@bowfire.de. 10:00-17:00 on Saturdays and Sundays (closed in winter). Intuitive archery on a natural parcour in an old forest/park in nearby Quarnbek. Beginners with no experience should complete the introductory course (10:00 on Saturdays and Sundays) first, experienced archers need to participate in the introduction to the parcour once. Bows and equipment are available - or bring your own. (updated Feb 2025)
* 54.32611310.0589318 4D Minigolf, Göteborgring 83, 24109 Kiel, ☏ +49 0431 533330. M-Th 15:00-20:00, F 15:00-22:00, Sa 11:00-22:00 Su 11:00-20:00. Blacklight indoors minigolf course. (updated Feb 2025)
* 54.33722610.1109619 Minigolf am Norder, Eckernförder Straße 180, 24118 Kiel (via Olshausenstraße/Mühlenweg), ☏ +49 0431 380 13 12, info@minigolf-am-norder.de. M-F from 14:00, Sa from 12:00, Du from 11:00; closed in winter. Outdoor minigolf next to the Nordmarksportfeld. (updated Feb 2025)
* 54.40348310.18717510 Minigolf und Meehr, Falckensteiner Strand 69, 24159 Kiel-Friedrichsort, ☏ +49 0171 28 63 867. Outdoor minigolf at the Baltic Sea. (updated Feb 2025)
* 54.30875810.13231111 Hörnbad, Anni-Wadle-Weg 1, 24143 Kiel, ☏ +49 0431 901 1400. 06:00-21:00 (sports area), 12:00-19:00 (recreational area), exact times vary by day. Kiel's newest public pool, run by the city. Decent for swimming, but don't let the gruffness of the staff get to you. (updated Feb 2025)

## Buy

A variety of shops are located in the pedestrian zone Holstenstraße and the mall Sophienhof. Another relatively big mall is the Citti-Park, which is also home to the Citti-Markt, Kiel's best (but probably also most expensive) supermarket. Several large furniture store are in the same general area as the Citti-Park: Ikea, Möbel Höffner and Sconto, Höffner's low-cost companion.
Numerous cafés are located in the old town centre at the northern tip of the Holstenstraße near the "Nikolaikirche" (Nikolai church).
An outdoor shopping area is the busy Holtenauer Straße with lots of cafés and more upscale stores towards the south end near the Dreiecksplatz.
* 54.32115910.1325931 Holstenstraße, Holstenstraße, 24103 Kiel. Kiel's main downtown shopping street. Restricted to pedestrians, with many shops and eateries. Good for taking a stroll on a warm day. (updated Feb 2025)
* 54.3162410.1260382 Sophienhof (mall), Sophienblatt 20, 24103 Kiel, ☏ +49 0431 673044. Kiel's first and oldest shopping mall, located in the city centre next to the train station. (updated Feb 2025)
* 54.31220210.0968553 CITTI-Park (mall), Mühlendamm 1, 24113 Kiel, ☏ +49 0431 68930. Kiel's other shopping mall. Has its own train station and lots of free parking. (updated Feb 2025)
* 54.31388610.1048194 IKEA Kiel, Westring 1, 24114 Kiel, ☏ +49 06192 9399999. (updated Feb 2025)
* 54.3180510.1063165 Möbel Höffner (furniture store), Westring 5, 24114 Kiel, ☏ +49 0431 533200. A large furniture store with a decent caféteria. (updated Feb 2025)

## Eat

There are food courts in Kieler Hauptbahnhof (train station) and the shopping mall across from the train station (Sophienhof).

### Budget
#### In the city centre

* 54.31989310.1337711 Fisch Maxx, Holstenstraße 92-94, ☏ +49 160 4802174. M-Sa 10:00-18:30, Su closed. Cheap fish and chips restaurant. (updated May 2022)
* 54.31889410.1336772 Grill-Maxx & Biergarten Holstenplatz, Holstenplatz 10, ☏ +49 431 5878580. M-F 10:00-19:00, Su closed. A barbecue restaurant. (updated May 2022)
* 54.32383610.1417443 Sviet - Asia Cuisine, Schloßstraße 21A, ☏ +49 431 28903068, asia.cuisine21@yahoo.de. M-F 11:30-15:00, 17:30-21:30, Sa Su 17:30-21:30. Family-run restaurant specializing in Asian cuisine, especially offering a wide range of Vietnamese dishes. (updated May 2022)

#### Near the city centre

* 54.32013510.1257394 Neumanns, Prüne 29, ☏ +49 431 79934779, info@bistro-neumanns.de. M-F 07:30-14:00, Sa Su closed. A bistro. (updated May 2022)
* 54.31743910.12435 Wiener Grillhaus, Kirchhofallee 31, ☏ +49 431 363669, info@wiener-grillhaus.de. Daily 14:00-23:00. Burger restaurant, which uses fresh ingredients and offers only homemade dishes. (updated May 2022)
* 54.31906810.1286076 Mein Döner und Co., Schülperbaum 14, ☏ +49 431 98280030, cemre-gulsin@hotmail.de. M 11:00-20:00, Tu-Su 11:00-23:00. (updated May 2022)
* 54.31654110.1252627 Asia Wok, Ringstraße 47, ☏ +49 431 9907554. M-F 11:00-23:00, Sa Su noon-23:00. A Thai restaurant. (updated May 2022)
* 54.32079310.1268058 Mr. Döner, Exerzierplatz 14, ☏ +49-431-6668444, info@mr-doener.de. 11:00-24:00. Very good and affordable döner (kebap). (updated Jul 2022)

#### Around the Schrevenpark

* 54.3251210.1163139 Garips Imbiss (corner of the Metzstraße and Wörthstraße(off of the Westring)), ☏ +49 431 2107987, mail@garips.de. Daily 10:00-23:00. Excellent German/Turkish Döner kebabs. (updated May 2022)

### Mid-range

* 54.3709310.1406810 Bergklause, Schwester-Therese-Straße 9, ☏ +49 431 69662026. Daily 18:00-23:00, Tuesdays closed. (updated May 2022)
* 54.33401110.15248811 Cotidiano, Reventlouallee 2, ☏ +49 431 58781828, kiellinie@cotidiano.de​. Breakfast is available all day, not cheap but good quality and with a nice view of the Kieler Förde. (updated May 2022)
* 54.32000910.13088112 Sakura Sushi Restaurant, Schevenbrücke 7, 24103 Kiel, ☏ +49 431 982 689 48, info@sakura-kiel.com. Nice atmosphere and good sushi. All-you-can-eat on Monday and Thursday nights. (updated Feb 2025)

### Splurge

* 54.3171210.07174913 Fischers Fritz, Martenshofweg 2-8, ☏ +49 431 5331 300, info@hotel-birke.de. Part of Hotel Birke (see below); excellent food but expensive. Be sure to book in advance. (updated Dec 2022)
* 54.33490110.13149214 Haveli, Holtenauer Str. 100, 24105 Kiel, ☏ +49 431 2394 5080, info@haveli-kiel.de. Fine Indian food. (updated Feb 2025)

## Drink

Good cafes and pubs can be found in the old city centre.

### Cafes and pubs

* 54.31462910.148971 Subrosa, Elisabethstr. 25 (situated in Kiel-Gaarden), ☏ +49 431 76749, subrosa1995@riseup.net. Tu-Th 17:00-23:00, F Sa 15:00-1:00, Su 17:00-23:00, M closed. Kiel's alternative pub and bistro. (updated Oct 2023)
* 54.32572210.1168882 Unrat, Spichernstr. 2 (to enter from Metzstr.), ☏ +49 431 6672211. Daily from 19:30-open end. The place for Kiel's students to talk philosophy, drink a cheap beer or listen to some live band. (updated Oct 2023)
* 54.31522410.1169523 Prinz Willy, Lutherstraße 9, ☏ +49 431 64081071. F Sa 15:00-23:00, Su 15:00-20:00, M-Th closed. A "creative" café that offers live music, arts and poetry. (updated Oct 2023)
* Exlex, Ziegelteich 14 (Right in the middle of Kiel). The number one meeting point for students and young folks downtown.
* 54.3156210.134394 Blauer Engel, Kaistr. 47 (at the quai by the central station.), ☏ +49 431 8001919. A café, bar and nightclub with a nice view and outdoor serving. (updated Oct 2023)
* 54.31062710.1482655 Cafe Medusa, Medusastr. 16 (is situated in a backyard in Kiel's multicultural district Gaarden on the east coast of the Kiel Fjord.), ☏ +49 1522 9269788, medusa@gaarden.net. M-Sa 19:00-2:00, Su closed. It hosts live-music and readings. (updated Oct 2023)

### Bars

* 54.3200810.1345766 Astor Bar, Holstenplatz 1-2, ☏ +49 431 99790. One of Kiel's best cocktail bars. (updated May 2022)
* 54.32163210.1314737 Chaplin's, Waisenhofstraße, ☏ +49 431 92610, chaplinslascari@web.de. Tu-Sa 19:00-2:00, Su M closed. Piano player and cocktails. (updated Oct 2023)

### Clubs

Kiel's clubs are spread out all across the city. Although some locals prefer doing the one-hour drive to Hamburg to go out, Kiel has some clubs that are worth being checked out. Make sure you have had a look at the site Fördeflüsterer before going out to get the most accurate information on all night live events. Most clubs have a €5 cover fee.
* 54.32446710.1381298 Pumpe, Haßstr. 22, ☏ +49 431 2007650. M-F 10:00-16:00, Sa Su closed. A community-run cultural centre showing independent movies, providing room for community projects, concerts, bars and parties. On Thursday night students dance soul, reggae and funk at the FunkPump party. (updated Oct 2023)
* 54.32801810.1339819 Luna, Bergstraße 17A, ☏ +49 431 5192176. Rhis club hosts parties ranging from electronic tunes to Soul/Funk and Ragga. Cover charge might be higher if nationally-recognized DJs operate the turntables. (updated Oct 2023)
* 54.33274810.11171110 Max, Eichhofstr. 1, ☏ +49 431 1229955. Standard R'n'B, techno club with two floors. Also has metal/gothic/darkwave etc., watch out for Kontrollverlust and Praxis Dr. MosH. (updated Oct 2023)
* 54.32771310.13032411 Schaubude, Legienstr. 40, ☏ +49 431 556600, info@kieler-schaubude.de. (updated Oct 2023)
* Traum GmbH. Incorporating a restaurant, an independent movie theater, and a club, the Traumgmbh is likely to offer something that is just right for you. If you're over the age of 30, the Ü30 party is the party to go to. They will check your ID!
* Tucholsky. Being by far the most famous club in Kiel, this somewhat battered and shady place is located in a former parking garage. A formerly very popular club among students now hosts a fairly young crowd that dances to pop, rock, r'n'b, techno, punk, and indie on four dance-floors (on the weekends). You can still get a feeling for the old days on Tuesdays at the Tequila-Party. The Tucholksy has the most diverse crowd, the cheapest drinks and the poorest air-conditioning - especially in the summer. Not a clean and neat place but the only option if you feel like partying on Sundays through Wednesdays. No cover on weeknights.
* Weltruf. The interior of the Weltruf is dominated by a ship which has been built inside and cannot be removed.

### Parties

Not exactly in the category of clubs are the various parties that take places in different parts of the city. Traditionally on Thursdays between October and April all the big university departments organize Studentenparties on and off campus. Expect somewhat cheap drinks and hundreds of university students dancing to a mix of pop, rock and r'n'b. Sometimes there are even live bands or second dance floors. On the weekends several fancier parties are hosted in unusual locations throughout Kiel. You'll be dancing to house music in a show room of a car dealer or in the terminal of the ferry to Scandinavia. Tickets for these parties can bought in advance which will save you money and time. Check the Kiel4Kiel site to find out where tickets are sold or ask a local student.

### Live music

When it comes down to live music, Kiel is not the city where you'll be able to see big headliners. If you're into that you'll have to go to Hamburg. Still, you might be able to listen to some decent live music while staying in Kiel. The Halle400, the MAX and the community-operated Pumpe host local and international acts. Surprisingly good German or Scandinavian acts can sometimes be spotted in the Schaubude or the Nachtcafé for very little money. On occasion, some clubs like the Luna host national-recognized DJs. The city's own Kulturforum has concerts (as well as stage plays etc.) almost every night. The best place to find out who's playing and to get a ticket is Konzertkasse Streiber close to the Ostseehalle.

## Sleep

The Youth Hostel is close to the Hauptbahnhof. There are a number of moderately priced hotels in the city centre. For some Olympic history, stay at Olympiazentrum in Schilksee, the sailing athletes village for the 1972 Munich Games. Top end is the Strande Hotel in Strande, or the Kieler Kaufmann just north of the city centre.

### Budget

* Bekpek. Kronshagener Weg 130 a
* Kieler Zimmer. Bed & Breakfast, 550 m from Central Station (max. for 3 persons, shared bath with shower)

### Mid-range

* 54.3200810.1345761 Nordic Hotel Astor, Holstenplatz 1-2 (city centre), ☏ +49 431 99790. Rooms have 1970s charm but are clean. Bar on highest floor has a great view of the city. Singles from €60, doubles €80. (updated Oct 2023)
* 54.3083810.1246762 Best Western Kiel, Hamburger Chaussee 2, ☏ +49 431 534020. Downtown, close to the main train station. (updated Oct 2023)
* 54.32072410.1289073 Hampton by Hilton, Exerzierplatz 5, ☏ +49 431 9968910. A new and modern hotel that's very central. (updated Aug 2021)
* 54.31576910.1272224 Rabe's Hotel, Ringstr. 30, ☏ +49 431 663070. Only a few hundred meters from the main train station. (updated Aug 2021)
* 54.31964110.1217715 Hotel Wiking, Schützenwall 1-3, ☏ +49 431 661090, info@hotel-wiking.com. Quite central. (updated Aug 2021)

### Splurge

* 54.32638210.1426346 Steigenberger Hotel Conti-Hansa, Schloßgarten 7 (between the historic parts of Kiel and the Förde). Rates around €115. (updated Oct 2023)
* 54.31701710.0715557 Birke - Ringhotel Kiel, Martenshofweg 8. A few minutes away from city centre by car. Good service and amenities. Parking spaces available. (updated Oct 2023)
* 54.33972910.1559518 Hotel Kieler Yacht Club, Kiellinie 70 (right on the waterfront, north of the city centre). Ask for a room with a view of the fjord. (updated Oct 2023)
* 54.31917210.134519 Youth Experiences, Andreas-gayk-Str. 31. (updated Oct 2023)
* 54.33867610.15145310 Romantik Hotel Kieler Kaufmann, Niemannsweg 102. Classic location in the middle of an extensive park area. House with a unique atmosphere. Parking spaces available. (updated Oct 2023)

## Connect
### Internet access

* The local Internet Service Provider TNG operates free wireless access points in the downtown area; watch out for #SH_WLAN. Access will be blocked after-hours. A list of locations is available on the TNG Spot website (German).
* Many larger stores, malls and supermarkets offer free WiFi.
* Deutsche Bahn (Germany's national railway company) offers free WiFi at the main train station (and on many trains). Access to the station, including the platforms, is not limited.
* The public library offers free Wi-Fi if you ask for a voucher with an access code.
* Commercial Wi-Fi based access can be found throughout most parts of Kiel provided by various operators. Most will not allow you to use your international roaming plan like iPass, though.
* Students and academic staff with eduroam access can connect to eduroam at the university.

### Libraries
#### Public libraries

Kiel's public library, the Stadtbücherei, is open to all visitors. There's the main library downtown and a couple more throughout the city, of which the ones in Gaarden and Mettenhof offer the largest selection. Anyone can come in and read; a membership is required to check out media, with 1-month memberships being available for €3.
* 54.31886410.1321341 Stadtbücherei Zentralbücherei (Hauptstelle), Andreas-Gayk-Str. 31, 24103 Kiel. The main public library, in the city centre. (updated Feb 2025)
* 54.3238710.0493732 Stadtteilbücherei Mettenhof, Siebeliusweg 2a, 24109 Kiel, ☏ +49 0431 524075. The public library in Mettenhof. (updated Feb 2025)
* 54.31179310.1434253 Stadtteilbücherei Gaarden, Elisabethstr. 64, 24143 Kiel, ☏ +49 0431 736601. The public library in Gaarden. (updated Feb 2025)

#### Scholarly libraries

Kiel University operates its own libraries. The central library (Leibnizstr. 9, 24118 Kiel) is open to everyone; checking out books requires membership, but this is not restricted to university members. Departmental libraries may or may not be open to the public. The focus is on scientific literature.
* 54.34687310.1053794 Universitätsbibliothek Kiel (Central university library), Leibnizstr. 9, 24118 Kiel, ☏ +49 0431 880 4701. The university's main library. Free access for everyone. Membership required to check out books; external (non-student, non-staff) memberships available for a fee. (updated Feb 2025)
* 54.33880210.1548735 Zentralbibliothek Wirtschaft (ZBW), Düsternbrooker Weg 120, 24105 Kiel, ☏ +49 0431 881 4555. The Zentralbibliothek Wirtschaft is an academic library catering to the economic profession. It's not open to the public but may be of interest to visiting scholars. (updated Feb 2025)

## Go next

* Lübeck
* Neumünster
* Plön
* Rendsburg
* Schleswig