The city of Kiel, Germany is an amazing corner on the Baltic coast. What is remarkable about this city? What is interesting to find in it?
Germany: Kiel
Kiel is a small town located on the coast of the Baltic Sea. Geographically, it belongs to the federal state of Schleswig-Holstein and is considered its capital. The city is located on the shores of Kiel Bay, which connects to the North Sea Canal. This location contributed to the development of Kiel as a major port.
Kiel has good transport links. From the city you can easily get to other cities of the country (Flensburg, Lübeck, Hamburg, Hanover, etc.), as well as to countries with which Germany is adjacent. Kiel is connected by ferry with the Norwegian capital Oslo and the Lithuanian city of Klaipeda. By rail you can get to Denmark.
Its population is about 300 thousand people, however, this is one of the cities that Germany is famous for the whole world. Kiel gained such fame thanks to the annual sailing competition, as well as the music festival.
During the Second World War, a significant part of the ancient architecture of Kia was destroyed. The main city castle was also affected. Some buildings still managed to survive, and the destroyed quarters were rebuilt later.
Kiel, Germany: Architecture Attractions
The town hall is considered a symbol of the city, and the inhabitants of Kiel for the most part appreciate its architectural style rather than antiquity. By tradition, the town hall is located on the former market square. In 2011, the city celebrated the 100th anniversary of the building. The height of the tower of the town hall is 106 meters, the ringing of its clock tells the time every quarter of an hour.
St. Nicholas Church is considered the oldest building in Kiel. Its construction dates back to the 13th century. Since then, the building has retained its former features, although it has undergone many reconstructions. The church is made in a restrained Gothic style, characteristic of German buildings of that time. Inside preserved woodcarving, made in the XVI century. At the entrance to the church is a sculpture of Ernst Barlach's The Dukhobort, which along with the town hall is a symbol of Kiel.
Christian Albrecht University was opened in 1664. Now it is one of the most famous universities in Germany. Its oldest building is located on the territory of the monastery. New buildings are also worthy of attention, they were built around the XVIII century.
Other attractions
We must not forget that the city of Kiel (Germany) has long been a major port in the country. This is evidenced by a lot. On the embankment, which stretches along the canal, you can look at ships, boats, and even submarines. In the historical district of Labe, there is a submarine involved in the battles in World War II. Nearby is a memorial.
The building of the former fish warehouse now houses the Naval Museum. Among the expositions are small copies of naval equipment, for example, the legendary Bismarck and Seidlitz. In the museum you can see the world's only instance of the Brandtaucher submarine.
Interesting exhibits on the art and history of the city can be seen at the Varleberger Hof Exhibition Center. It is located in a 17th-century mansion, on Danish Strasse 19. Both antique and European pieces of art are represented here. In addition, in Kiel, you can visit the Industrial, Zoological and Geological Museums, as well as the Maritime Museum.
Kiel Week
Historical architecture and museums are far from all that Germany is known for. Kiel is gaining more and more popularity every year among sailing enthusiasts. At the end of June, Kiel Week is held here. Hundreds of vessels annually participate in the regatta.
For the first time the race took place on June 23 in 1882, when there were 20 yachts. Already in 1907, more than 6,000 ships participated in the race. Recently, the regatta has become a real holiday. Competition between courts was only an addition to large-scale action.
One of the traditions of Kiel Week is now the "Parade of Old Pots." Centennial multi-story ships sail one after another, lining up with a ruler. Guests are invited to board the ships, where they later arrange a gala dinner.
The parade of old ships takes place on the last day of the holiday, and throughout the week the guests of Kiel are entertained by the participants of the international music festival.