Kiel: Discover Historic Streets, Landmarks & the Fjord

Completed in 1911, the Town Hall replaced the much smaller medieval Rathaus on the Alter Markt and remains one of Kiel's most prominent landmarks. Admire its distinctive architecture and soaring tower, which rises approximately 106 metres above the city and has become an important part of Kiel's skyline. The surrounding Rathausplatz also hosts seasonal events and provides an excellent introduction to the city's modern history.

re and one of the city's principal cultural landmarks. Designed by architect Heinrich Seeling and completed in 1907, the building was severely damaged during the Second World War and subsequently rebuilt. Today, it remains home to a varied programme of opera, ballet, musicals and other musical performances, making it an important part of Kiel's cultural life.

Stroll along Holstenstrasse, one of Kiel's best-known shopping streets and an important pedestrian thoroughfare connecting the modern city centre with the historic heart of Kiel. Browse its shops and cafés as you follow the route towards the Old Market, while learning about the street's historical importance as part of the former approach to Kiel's medieval town. The city's historic records identify Holstenstraße with the former location of the medieval inner Holsten Gate.

The square was established when Kiel was founded in 1242 and developed around the medieval town hall and St. Nikolai Church. Here, admire St. Nikolai, Kiel's oldest surviving church, dedicated to Saint Nicholas, and discover how this historic landmark reflects the city's medieval origins as well as the destruction and reconstruction that shaped modern Kiel. The Alter Markt is also a pleasant place to pause and take in the surrounding historic streets, restaurants and cafés.

of the most attractive streets in central Kiel. Admire its traditional façades and explore the quieter side streets around the Alter Markt as your guide brings the city's maritime and commercial history to life. This section provides a welcome contrast to the modern shopping areas and helps reveal the character of Kiel's historic centre.

Pause for a photograph at the statue of Peter III, the Russian emperor and former Duke of Holstein-Gottorp, whose family history is closely connected with Schleswig-Holstein and Kiel. The monument provides an opportunity to explore the fascinating links between Kiel, the House of Holstein-Gottorp and the Russian imperial family.

Continue towards the Schlossgarten, one of Kiel's central green spaces, before making your way towards the waterfront. This section introduces Kiel's close relationship with the Baltic Sea and the Kiel Fjord, which has played a fundamental role in the city's development as a maritime and naval centre. The nearby waterfront also offers opportunities to see ships and enjoy views across the fjord. Kiel's own tourism authority highlights the area around the town hall, Kleiner Kiel, Hiroshimapark, Ratsdienergarten and Schlossgarten as a recommended sightseeing route for visitors.

Established as part of Kiel's historic botanical tradition, the garden is particularly notable for its mature trees and diverse plant life. Its location beside the fjord creates a distinctive microclimate, allowing plants to flourish that would normally struggle in the region's climate. It also provides a relaxing conclusion to your exploration of Kiel's historic centre and waterfront.