Are you thinking about visiting Kiel, Germany? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Kiel worth visiting?
Kiel is worth visiting for one to three days so that you can explore everything that the city has to offer. Kiel is a historic port city on the Baltic Sea that still prioritizes its maritime past. You'll find several museums, an interesting submarine, and a few good shopping streets to explore. There are also a couple of family-friendly beaches in the area.
Kiel, Germany
Reasons to Visit Kiel
Museums
You'll find museums and landmarks that focus on the city's maritime past. These include Submarine U-995, the Naval Memorial, Schifffahrtsmuseum Kiel, and Leuchtturm Bülk.
Food
The local cuisine, Schleswig-Holstein cuisine, is similar to much of Germany in that the dishes are hearty and filling. There are many British and Scandenavian influences. Local dishes that you should try include Kieler Sprotte (herring-like fish), Schnüüsch (veggie stew), and Mehlbüdel (bread dumpling with pork belly)
Nightlife
The nightlife scene is low key and relaxing. You can sip a cocktail at a trendy bar or enjoy a beer on a floating beach bar.
Beaches
The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Shopping
There's a mix of retail shopping centers and pedestrian shopping streets like Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.
Authenticity
Kiel has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Kiel worth visiting in the Summer?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during summer with average temperatures around 16°C (61°F).
The peak season for travel is summer in Kiel, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is somewhat popular with travelers, and in the high season it's busier than usual.
This is a great time of year to relax at the beach, wander through the museums, and enjoy the city's energy. Also, you'll be able to enjoy an evening out.
Summer Weather in Kiel
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 16°C (61°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| August | 16°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| September | 14°C (56°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
Is Kiel worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Kiel. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.
The weather in Kiel can be quite cold during autumn, and averages around 10°C (50°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to browse through museums and discover the big city activities.
Autumn Weather in Kiel
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 10°C (50°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| November | 5°C (41°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| December | 2°C (35°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
Is Kiel worth visiting in the Winter?
This is the low season for travel in Kiel. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.
The weather in Kiel can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 0°C (33°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums, the cuisine, and the nightlife scene. Also, you can soak up the big city atmosphere.
Winter Weather in Kiel
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 0°C (33°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| February | 1°C (34°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| March | 3°C (38°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
Is Kiel worth visiting in the Spring?
The weather in Kiel can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 7°C (44°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Kiel, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.
This is a great time of year to browse the shops, browse the museums, and enjoy the evening activities.
Spring Weather in Kiel
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 7°C (44°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 11°C (53°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| June | 15°C (59°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Kiel
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Kiel might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Kiel here or see if Kiel is expensive here.
Related
What is Kiel most famous for?
Kiel is most famous for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. The city is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping. It is often described as waterfront, maritime, authentic, and off-the-beaten-path.
What is the most famous sight in Kiel?
The most popular sight in Kiel is The Kiel Castle. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Kiel on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Kiel Castle and other attractions here.
How touristy is Kiel? Is it a popular city to visit?
Kiel is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Lubeck Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $246
- Private Sightseeing Tour 1,5 hours Lindau Island Lake Constance: $139
- Private Walking Tour of Kiel: $97
- Lindau Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $209
- Laboe Naval Memorial: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Lindau Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
- Fascinating Pearls of Lubeck - Guided Walking Tour: $190
- Kiel Self-Guided Audio Tour: Explore this Historic Port: $12
How long should I spend in Kiel?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Kiel is one to three days. Since Kiel has activities such as nightlife, beaches, and shopping, most people visit for up to three days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Kiel? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Kiel?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.