Kiel

Kiel

Germany

Wander through centuries of maritime history at the majestic Kiel Canal, where massive cargo ships and yachts pass within arm's reach of the waterfront.

💱 Currency Euro (EUR)
🗣 Language German
🕐 Time Zone CET (UTC+1)
☀️ Best Time to Visit May–Sep
🚢 Typical Duration 7-14 nights
💰 Price Range From $789 pp
Port Type Departure & Port of Call
🚤 Tender Port No

Gateway to Scandinavian fjords and Baltic cruises, offering access to Norway's stunning natural landscapes and Northern European cultural destinations.

Cruises that visit Kiel

Build Your Day in Kiel

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 7:00 PM
Usually about 11 hours ashore
🛳 Embarkation port — worth arriving early
Getting around:
Designer Outlet Neumünster You can get cheap designer and brand clothes as well as decent food. Outlet mall · ★ 4.3 · 25k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Sophienhof Kiel Very nice selection of shops and clean throughout. Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 16k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Citti-Park Kiel Large mall, has some really nice stores and good deals. Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 15k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
German submarine U-995 This is a really cool and unique experience. Technology museum · ★ 4.6 · 8k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Naval Memorial 12/10 would recommend you to go visit if you're in the area. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 7k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Das Wirtshaus Great service, great food, great beer and great prices. German · ★ 4.3 · 5k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Aquarium GEOMAR The exhibits are well-maintained and provide an immersive experience. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 4k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
BLOCK HOUSE Staff is very friendly and their steaks are the best we have ever eaten. Steak · ★ 4.5 · 4k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
GALERIA Kiel Everything is well accessible, prices are fair, nice employees Department store · ★ 4.1 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Botanical Garden Fun place with good walkways and nice plants and flowers to see. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Primark Great selection of up to the minute fashions with great prices! Clothing store · ★ 3.9 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Mikomi Kitchen Exceptional food, cozy and relaxing atmosphere, friendly staff. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Schrevenpark Great for reading a book and chill Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 3k 🕐 Open 24 hours
Leuchtturm Kiel-Holtenau Definitely worth the visit Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 3k 🕐 Open 24 hours
Nordlicht Love the place people were so friendly and helpful.. Shopping mall · ★ 4 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Aussichtsplattform Schleuse It was free when I came. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Kiel Maritime Museum Fish Market & Museum Bridge Exhibition hall in beautifully rennovated 1900's interior of the Fish Hall. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Gaststätte Ratskeller Everything we ordered was delicious and the portions were huge. German · ★ 4.5 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Farina di Nonna The food was good, the server was attentive and the place was nice. Italian · ★ 4.8 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Hörn Perfect for a morning coffee or an evening stroll. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 2k 🕐 Open 24 hours
Pogue Mahone Irish Pub Great atmosphere, live music, pub Quiz etc Irish pub · ★ 4.4 · 2k
Zoological Museum of Kiel University Many great artifacts as well as interactive exhibitions. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Boat harbour I often go there when getting bored Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 2k 🕐 Open 24 hours
SANDHAFEN Upbeat music, sandy floors and a wide variety of drinks. Bar · ★ 4.6 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 2 PM
Lagom Restaurant & Bar Good service good food and nice atmosphere Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Einkaufsbahnhof Kiel Hbf A little high the price ,but ok ,you find almost everything Shopping mall · ★ 3.9 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6 AM
Old Botanical Garden, Kiel Oh, how wonderful is the old botanical garden in spring! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Holstentörn Connected shopping malls also the christmas village Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9:30 AM
Seehundbecken This place always attracts kids and not only kids ;) Aquarium · ★ 4.3 · 1k 🕐 Open 24 hours
Hiroshimapark Cool place to chill State park · ★ 4.5 · 1k 🕐 Open 24 hours
Falckenstein Beach Spacious and clean. Lake shore swimming area · ★ 4.6 · 1k 🕐 Open 24 hours
Pane Vino Restaurant Nice ambiance, good food and great service. Italian · ★ 4.8 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Hörn Bridge That was great experience. Bridge · ★ 4.3 · 1k 🕐 Open 24 hours
Germaniahafen A place to relax. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 1k 🕐 Open 24 hours
Quer Passage Shopping shopping shopping Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9:30 AM
SubZero Cocktailbar Great place, i recommend the subzero cocktail or the big apple Cocktail bar · ★ 4.5 · 1k 🕐 Closes soon · 12:30 AM
Pastis Kiel GmbH - Restaurant Grill Nice restaurant with a smaller, but very well prepared menu. French steakhouse restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6 PM
Stadtmuseum Warleberger Hof Very interesting exhibitions on ground and first floor. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Chaplins Cocktail Bar Great cocktails, nice relaxed vibe. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 PM
Deck 8 - Die Bar Great service, (Frippe is fantastic) Well made drinks, great selection. Bar · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Closes soon · 12:30 AM
Strongbows Pub No loud music, convenient for having conversations while sipping your beer. Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 PM
Heinrich Bar - Kiel Very cool ambiance, cozy vibes and nice drinks and service. Bar · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Flygge Restaurant Absolutely loved our dinner here - the beef tartare was incredible! Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5:30 PM
ICHI Japanese Cuisine The highlight of the evening - small bites of heavenly-tender wagyu beef. Fine Dining · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6 PM
Rathausturm Kiel Beautiful town hall and square. Historical landmark · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10:50 AM Sat
High5Bar Kiel Dine-in·No delivery Sports bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closes soon · 1 AM
THE AURA Good vibes, very fair prices and amazing service Hookah bar · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM
Soll & Haben - die Bar im Kieler Kaufmann I enjoyed the drinks, which are expertly prepared and served. Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Kiel is an embarkation port. Many cruises start or end here — it's worth arriving a day early or extending your stay to explore beyond a single port day.

Next Departures from Kiel

About Kiel

Kiel stands as one of Northern Europe's most vibrant cruise hubs, welcoming travelers aboard vessels from MSC Cruises, Holland America Line, Oceania Cruises, and Carnival Cruise Line. With 129 upcoming cruises and a strong presence as both an embarkation port and port of call, this German city offers exceptional sailing opportunities. Most cruises departing from Kiel span seven nights, taking passengers on memorable journeys through the Nordic region to iconic destinations like Copenhagen, Ålesund, Flåm, Hellesylt, and Geiranger. The port experiences its busiest season from May through September, with particular peaks in July and August.

When your ship docks in Kiel, you'll discover a charming waterfront city with a rich maritime heritage waiting to be explored. The picturesque harbor district invites leisurely strolls, while the city's blend of historic architecture and modern attractions provides something for every traveler. Whether you're embarking on your Scandinavian adventure or enjoying a port day, Kiel's convenient location and welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal starting point for unforgettable Northern European cruising.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Naval Heritage at Laboe

Explore Kiel's maritime legacy at the iconic Laboe Naval Memorial, a striking 85-meter tower offering panoramic Baltic Sea views. The adjacent U-995 submarine museum lets you descend into an actual WWII vessel, providing an immersive glimpse into naval history that shaped this strategic port city.

2

Fresh Seafood at Fischmarkt

Savor authentic Baltic cuisine at Kiel's bustling fish market near the waterfront, where vendors sell freshly caught herring, salmon, and local specialties. Grab a traditional fish sandwich or sample smoked eel while mingling with locals in this vibrant, centuries-old marketplace.

3

Scenic Kiel Fjord Strolls

Walk along the picturesque Kiel Fjord promenade, where sailboats dot sparkling waters and tree-lined paths reveal charming waterfront neighborhoods. The peaceful Botanical Garden nearby offers serene green spaces perfect for stretching your legs between ship time.

4

Holländerbastei Shopping District

Discover independent boutiques, galleries, and cafés in the charming Holländerbastei quarter, Kiel's historic old town with colorful facades and cobblestone streets. Browse local crafts, designer goods, and regional products while soaking in authentic German maritime culture.

5

Kiel Week Festival Spirit

If visiting in June, experience the legendary Kiel Week—the world's largest sailing festival with international yacht races, maritime parades, and cultural celebrations. Even outside peak season, the sailing culture permeates the city, offering unique insights into Northern European maritime traditions.

Cruise Lines at Kiel

Cruises Departing From Kiel

Cruises Visiting Kiel

Ship Schedule at Kiel

Kiel Location

Other Cruise Ports in Germany

Frequently Asked Questions

What cruise lines sail from Kiel, Germany?

Four major cruise lines operate from the port of Kiel: MSC Cruises, Holland America Line, Oceania Cruises, and Carnival Cruise Line. With 129 upcoming cruises available, you'll have plenty of options to choose from across these operators.

When is the best time to cruise from Kiel?

The peak cruise season from Kiel runs from May through September, with the busiest months being May, June, July, August, and September. These months offer the best weather for exploring Northern Europe and visiting popular destinations like the Norwegian fjords.

How much do cruises from Kiel cost?

Cruise prices from Kiel range from $789 to $91,949 per person, depending on the cruise line, duration, cabin type, and itinerary. This wide range allows travelers with different budgets to find suitable options for their Northern European cruise vacation.

What are the top destinations from Kiel?

Popular destinations from Kiel include Copenhagen, Denmark, and several stunning Norwegian ports: Ålesund, Flåm, Hellesylt, and Geiranger. These itineraries showcase the natural beauty of Scandinavia and the dramatic Norwegian fjords.

How do I get from Kiel port to the city center?

Kiel's cruise port is conveniently located just 2 kilometers from the city center, making it easily accessible on foot or by a short taxi ride. Local buses and rental cars are also available if you wish to explore the surrounding Schleswig-Holstein region during your port day.

What can I see and do in Kiel in one day?

In a day at Kiel, you can visit the Naval Memorial, explore the Kiel Canal, stroll through the Botanical Garden, or visit the City Museum to learn about the port's maritime history. The waterfront promenade offers shops, restaurants, and cafes, while nearby attractions include the Laboe Naval Memorial and beautiful beaches along the Baltic coast.

Is Kiel a port of embarkation or port of call?

Kiel serves as both an embarkation port and a port of call, making it a versatile destination for cruise passengers. Whether you're boarding your cruise or visiting as part of a larger itinerary, the port offers excellent facilities and convenient access to the city.