The state capital of Schleswig-Holstein is the most northern major city in Germany and famous for Kiel Week, during which professional and recreational sailors from all over the world compete in exciting races. Even outside the annual sailing regatta, Kiel is a popular city break destination with numerous cultural sights such as the Kunsthalle or the theatre. This list can be extended to include maritime attractions such as the Maritime Museum, the Aquarium with its 30 tanks and the Kiel Lighthouse due to its unique location on the sea.
The best way to experience the casual and relaxed character of the city is to take a walk through Kiel's old town with impressive buildings from the Wilhelminian period such as the opera house. A walk along the waterfront, along the Kiellinie, takes you past beautiful villas and interesting boathouses.
A must for every Kiel tourist is a day at the beach. A trip to the nearby Baltic resort of Laboe with its fine sandy beach and exclusive sailing yacht club is worthwhile - Ahoy!