The easiest way to get to Kiel is by flying into the Hamburg Airport, which is about two hours from Kiel. From the airport you can take another means of transportation such as train or coach. You can rent a car and take the Autobahn into Kiel as well.
The ICE (Inner-City Express Train) is the most popular way to travel around Kiel. This train has a variety of passes available. Kiel also has a popular passenger port that ferries travelers in and out daily. If you have an international driver's license you can rent a car and take Autobahns A210 or A215.
Kiel is situated along the Baltic Sea with long, sandy beaches. This area is popular for swimming and fishing, but most popular for sailing. Because of the access to the Baltic Sea, Kiel has a rich Navy history. One popular day excursion is taking a ferry from Kiel to Laboe to see the Navy Monument that honors the marines who died in World War I and II.
Historical attractions are one of the many appealing aspects of Kiel. The Maritime Museum and former fish hall draw hundreds of visitors a day to experience what old Kiel was like. This building is in the Old Quarter along the Kiel Canal. Visitors can even step foot on "Gorch Fock," the ship used to train naval officers. When it is not sailing the world it is docked at Kiel Canal.
Kiel is known as the most popular shopping district in the Baltic region. The two major shopping areas include Sophienhof Shopping Center and the Holstenstrasse pedestrian precinct. The Sophienhof offers the most exclusive shopping with small boutiques and designer shops while Holstenstrasse is full of walking arcades with small shops and cafes. Summer is a busy time in Kiel because there are a number of festivals and outdoor theater and music programs.
