Discover Kiel: Journey from Cruise Port to Stunning City Center
Kiel, a prominent port city in northern Germany, is a popular stop on many Baltic cruise itineraries. American cruise lines such as Celebrity, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean frequently include Kiel in their routes. I visited here aboard Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam.
Related: Check out my video review of Zuiderdam.
The Port of Kiel features several cruise terminals, with Ostseekai being the primary terminal for large cruise ships. I really like this port because it’s so close to the city center. The city makes visiting easy for tourists, by marking colored lines on the sidewalks right outside from the cruise terminal, making it simple to get where you’re going.
Kiel has a population of around 250,000 and serves as the capital of Schleswig-Holstein. It was heavily bombed during World War II, and much of the city was rebuilt in the post-war period. Because of its proximity to the bigger and more well known city of Hamburg, this cruise port is sometimes billed as “Kiel/Hamburg”.
The distance between Hamburg and Kiel is approximately 55 miles, so about an 1 hour and 15 minutes by car. I looked at Hamburg excursions and sites, but personally didn’t see much more there that looked more interesting than what is available in Kiel, so I opted to stay in Kiel and explore the city by foot.
From Kiel Cruise Port to the City Center
The cruise port is located about half-a-mile from Kiel’s city center. It makes it easy to access on foot, and as noted above, the marked lines on the sidewalk make getting from terminal to city center a breeze. Even at a leisurely pace, you can get there in about 15 minutes.
For those with mobility limitations, taxis are available, with fares typically ranging from $8-$12 USD. Public transportation, including buses and trams, offer an efficient and affordable option, costing about $3 USD per ride. Ride-sharing services like Uber are available in Kiel, providing another convenient way to reach the city center or wherever it is you wish to explore.
Top Things to do in Kiel
European cruise excursions tend to be quite expensive and somewhat limited. If you’re looking for things to do in Kiel, here are some of the top choices. You’ll likely find them offered as official cruise line excursions, or you can venture out and explore them on your own. Just make sure you’re aware first of the pros and cons (and risks) of independent excursions.
Exploring the City Center
If you’re like me and want to save money and just explore the free sites within walking distance from the port, Kiel is a great city in which to do this. Here are some of the best things to see.
St. Nikolai Church
St. Nikolai Church, located in the city center, is about 0.6 miles from the cruise port, a 15-minute walk. The church, originally built in the 13th century, is one of the oldest buildings in Kiel. The church features impressive Gothic architecture, stained glass windows, and historical artifacts, and there is no entrance fee to visit the church. Outside the church stands “The Spirit Fighter” statue, a monument to the struggle of the human spirit.
Kiel Town Hall and Tower
Kiel Town Hall, a landmark building, is located about right by St. Nikolai Church; about a five-minute walk. The town hall, built in the early 20th century, features a distinctive tower with an observation deck. Entry to the tower costs around $5 USD.
Visitors can take an elevator to the observation deck for panoramic views of Kiel and the surrounding area. The town hall itself is an architectural gem, with its grand facade and ornate interior. Guided tours are available, offering insights into the building’s history and significance.
Hiroshimapark
Hiroshima Park in Kiel is a tranquil urban park located near the city center. It is established as a symbol of peace and friendship between Kiel and its sister city, Hiroshima, Japan. The park features lush greenery, serene walking paths, and peaceful water elements. It offers a relaxing retreat (and great photo opp!) for cruisers and it’s en route from the cruise port to St. Nikolai Church and Kiel Hall.
Woolworth and TK Maxx
I love oddities and unconventional attractions when cruising, and let me tell you, I shrieked in delight when I stumbled upon two of them, side by side, while walking from the Kiel cruise terminal to the city center. First, is a Woolworth’s store, which I thought no longer existed and brought back so much childhood nostalgia (and also made me feel old for even remembering a time when Woolworth’s existed in the US).
Next to it is a TK Maxx… yes, you read that right — TK Maxx. Not TJ Maxx, although it looked like the exact same logo. My curiosity made me look this up, and I learned thatT K Maxx is the brand name used for the retail stores in Germany (and other European countries) instead of TJ Maxx, avoid confusion with an existing European retail chain, TJ Hughes.
Protip: Not far from here is Fiedler Bakery, which is amazing. Seriously, stop by and check it out if you love delicious things.
Kiel Maritime Museum
The Kiel Maritime Museum, located in a former fish auction hall, is about 0.7 miles from the cruise port, making it a 15-minute walk. The museum offers exhibits on Kiel’s maritime history, including shipbuilding, naval history, and marine research. Admission costs around $7 USD.
Visitors can explore various exhibits showcasing models of ships, historical artifacts, and interactive displays. The museum also features a section dedicated to the Kiel Week, the largest sailing event in the world, providing insights into its history and significance. The museum’s location along the waterfront offers scenic views, enhancing the visitor experience.
Kiel Botanical Gardens
A bit more off the beaten path, and not walkable from the cruise terminal, is the Kiel Botanical Gardens, which is about a 10-minute taxi/Uber ride. The gardens offer a diverse collection of plants from different climatic regions, spread over 14 hectares. There is no entrance fee to visit the gardens, making it a great option for budget-conscious cruisers.
The botanical gardens feature greenhouses with tropical and subtropical plants, a rock garden, and extensive outdoor areas. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, educational programs, and seasonal events. The peaceful environment makes it a perfect spot for nature lovers and those looking to relax amidst greenery.
Laboe Naval Memorial and Submarine U-995
Another great option, but one that also is not walkable form the cruise pier, is the Laboe Naval Memorial and Submarine U-995 are located about 10 miles from the cruise port. They can be reached by a 20-minute taxi ride or a combination of public transportation options. The entry fee for both attractions is around $12 USD.
The Laboe Naval Memorial honors the sailors who died in World Wars I and II. Visitors can climb to the top of the memorial for a breathtaking view of the Baltic Sea. The adjacent Submarine U-995 is a museum ship where visitors can explore the interior of a World War II-era submarine, providing a unique historical experience.
Language and Currency in Kiel
The official language of Kiel and the entire country of Germany is German, although many residents also speak English, especially in tourist areas. During our visit, all of the vendors we interacted with were fluent in English.
The official currency in Kiel and throughout Germany is the Euro (€), and most vendors do not accept US currency. Credit cards are widely accepted, and in most European locations, tap-to-pay or contactless payment is becoming very common and quite convenient. A tap-to-pay credit card, also known as a contactless card, allows users to make payments quickly and securely by simply tapping the card against a contactless-enabled payment terminal, eliminating the need to swipe or insert the card and enter a PIN.
Kiel Cruise Port Ship Schedule
The Kiel, Germany cruise ship schedule can be found directly at Cruisemapper.
Kiel Time Zone
Keeping track of time zones can get complicated when cruising, especially for Americans on European cruises with substantial time zone differences, and itineraries may result in time changes during the cruise. Your captain will make announcements during the cruise to update you on these changes, but it’s good to be aware of these differences ahead of time when planning your stop at the port, especially for excursions.
Kiel follows Central European Time (CET), which is UTC+1 during standard time, and Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is UTC+2 during daylight saving time. However, please note that time zones and daylight saving time rules may change, so it’s always a good idea to double-check the current local time when planning travel or activities.
Many cruise lines operate on “ship time” corresponding with the embarkation point, so if your cruise sails from Amsterdam or Ijmuiden, which follows Central European Time (CET) zone.
