//
Photo: User: (WT-shared) Ypsilonatshared at wts wikivoyage, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
The world's busiest artificial waterway. It is possible to walk or cycle for almost the entire length (98 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.
The Kiel Canal is a 98-kilometer-long (61 mi) freshwater canal that links the North Sea to the Baltic Sea. It runs through the German state of Schleswig-Holstein, from Brunsbüttel, at the mouth of the Elbe, to Holtenau, on the Kiel Fjord. It was constructed between 1887 and 1895 and widened between 1907 and 1914. In addition to the two sea entrances, the canal is linked at Oldenbüttel to the navigable River Eider by the short Gieselau Canal.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Tannenberger Gehölz
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.
Kiel is the home of the German Baltic fleet, and it is common to see various German warships and submarines in the Fjord, including the training sailing vessel Gorch Fock. Checking the port schedule beforehand is recommended for visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of the ship.
Die Störche (The Storks) were relegated in 2025 and now play soccer in Bundesliga 2, the second tier. The stadium has a capacity of 15,000.
Outdoor minigolf next to the Nordmarksportfeld.
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.
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.