Holiday Inn - the niu, Welly Kiel LOCAL AREA

Just a 10-minute walk from our hotel in Kiel, the Opera House welcomes you with opera, ballet and concerts in a beautifully historic setting. Together with Theater Kiel, it’s a true cultural institution and a cornerstone of the city’s arts scene. Both promise first-class entertainment for anyone who loves culture. For bigger shows & tours head to Merkur Ostseehalle in the same time, perfect for a stylish evening out in Kiel’s cultural heart.

Take a stroll along the famous Kielinie, the 3.5 km waterfront promenade on the Kiel Fjord, and soak up the lively maritime atmosphere. Just a 20-minute walk from our central hotel in Kiel, you can watch cruise ships, sailboats, cargo vessels glide by. Pause at one of the many restaurants for fresh seafood or a casual snack. Admire the playful seals at the free GEOMAR outdoor exhibit, and with a bit of luck, catch a glimpse of the iconic Gorch Fock at her home berth.

Head up to Kiel Holtenau, just a 20-minute drive or a scenic 30-minute bike ride away, where the Kiel Fjord meets the Kiel Canal. Watch the lively action at the locks, take a long walk or hop on your bike and follow the paths along the water. And don’t miss the free ferry crossing the canal — a simple little perk that gives you proper views from the water. It’s an authentic Kiel moment you really shouldn’t skip.

Laboe is only a 25-minute drive and ideal for a half-day escape. Its long, sandy beach is great for families, sunseekers and anyone who loves the sea. If you love panoramas or are into history, head up the Laboe Naval Memorial for sweeping views from 85 metres above sea level, then walk down to the shore to see U-995, the impressive preserved WWII submarine. A powerful and fascinating slice of maritime history, all right by the beach.

Sure, Kiel shines in the sun, but a trip without a rainy day isn’t a proper northern adventure. When it pours, you can explore the nearby GEOMAR Aquarium or enjoy a show at the Mediendom – fun for the whole family. Bounce around in the trampoline park or try 4D indoor mini golf. For a quieter moment, cosy up at Yggdrasil Café with drinks, snacks and plenty of board games. Rainy days can be just as memorable.

Experience Kiel’s sailing DNA in Schilksee. Spot sailboats with colourful spinnakers “flying” over the fjord, and if you’re lucky, catch a thrilling regatta in the bay. Relax at the Olympiazentrum Schilksee, host of the 1972 Olympic sailing events, or spend a leisurely day at the Schilksee Strandbad beach. For a local culinary treat, don’t miss Goldfisch Schilkseer Fischbrötchen – a true favourite among locals.

Falckensteiner Strand is Kiel’s longest beach, stretching about 2 kilometers. Fine sand, shallow entry into the water, and a lifeguard-supervised area make it ideal for families, sunseekers, and water sports enthusiasts. A highlight is the view of passing ships, including Stena Line and Color Line ferries. The beach also offers barrier-free access, a dog-friendly area, as well as amenities like mini golf and food options. In summer, the beach is easily reached via the fjord ferry from Kiel.

A true visit to Kiel isn’t complete without trying a Fischbrötchen. These fresh, harbour-style fish sandwiches feature local catches like herring, smoked mackerel, salmon or Kieler Sprotten on a crusty roll with onions, pickles and remoulade or horseradish. The best spots to try them are MOBY on the Kiellinie, Goldfisch in Schilksee, or Schiffercafé in Holtenau. A true taste of the northern coast.