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 In-store pickup Outlet mall · ★ 4.3 · 26k Closes soon · 8 PM
Sophienhof Kiel Cheery shopping mall with 120+ stores Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 16k Closes soon · 8 PM
Citti-Park Kiel Airy retail center with 90+ shops Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 15k Closes soon · 8 PM
Naval Memorial Unmissable place on the baltic sea shore near Kiel! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 7k Closed · Opens 10 AM Wed
Forstbaumschule European comfort food & a beer garden Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 6k
Laboe-Strand Onsite services Public beach · ★ 4.6 · 6k
L'Osteria Kiel Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No-contact delivery Italian · ★ 4.2 · 5k
Open Air Museum Molfsee - State Museum of Ethnology The Museum is unique in North of Germany. attraction · ★ 4.6 · 5k Closed · Opens 10 AM Wed
Das Wirtshaus Bavarian cuisine & beers on tap German · ★ 4.3 · 5k
Aquarium GEOMAR Highly recommended for anyone visiting Kiel! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 5k Closed · Opens 9 AM Wed
BLOCK HOUSE Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Steak · ★ 4.5 · 4k
Botanical Garden Fantastic way to spend a few hours in Kiel! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 3k Closed · Opens 9 AM Wed
GALERIA Kiel High-end crystal jewelry & accessories Department store · ★ 4.1 · 3k Closed · Opens 10 AM Wed
Primark Discount fashion & accessories retailer Clothing store · ★ 3.9 · 3k Closed · Opens 10 AM Wed
Mikomi Kitchen Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 3k
Seebar Kiel im Seebad Düsternbrook | Restaurant & Eventlocation Global dishes at a waterfront space Bar · ★ 4.7 · 3k
Schrevenpark My favorite park in Kiel Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 3k
Nordlicht Shopping mall with a supermarket Shopping mall · ★ 4 · 3k Closes soon · 8 PM
Aussichtsplattform Schleuse Entrance to the Kiel - Elb Canal. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 2k
Kiel Maritime Museum Fish Market & Museum Bridge Great stop when in Kiel, nice fish & chips - lovely warm welcoming staff Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 2k Closed · Opens 10 AM Wed
Schweinske Kiel Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No-contact delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 2k
Farina di Nonna - Handmade Pizza in Kiel Dine-in·Takeout·No-contact delivery Italian · ★ 4.8 · 2k
elMövenschiss Portside venue for organic cuisine Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 2k
Fuego del Sur Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Steak · ★ 4.5 · 2k
Gaststätte Ratskeller Old-world venue for German classics German · ★ 4.6 · 2k
Mango's Kiel Casual stop for burgers, pizzas & drinks Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 2k
Zoological Museum of Kiel University Hidden gem in Kiel, great for half an hour to one hour, never crowded. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 2k Closed · Opens 9 AM Wed
Hörn Cozy and nice to see kiel from there! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 2k
SANDHAFEN Dine-in·Drive-through Bar · ★ 4.6 · 2k
Pogue Mahone Irish Pub Dine-in·No delivery Irish pub · ★ 4.4 · 2k
Café Resonanz Quirky cafe & brunch spot with a garden Cafe · ★ 4.4 · 2k Closed · Opens 8 AM Wed
Boat harbour Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 2k
Jan & Hein & Klaas & Pit Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 2k
Restaurant Alte Mühle Dine-in·Curbside pickup·Delivery German · ★ 4.4 · 2k
Lagom Restaurant & Bar Airy, waterside locale with Nordic fare Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Old Botanical Garden, Kiel When visiting Kiel, it was great being in this beautiful old garden 🌸 Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 9 AM Wed
Seehundbecken Aquarium · ★ 4.3 · 1k
Einkaufsbahnhof Kiel Hbf In-store shopping·In-store pickup Shopping mall · ★ 3.9 · 1k Open · Closes 10 PM
Cafe Brunswik Kiel Hip spot for breakfast & light bites Cafe · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Der Alte Mann - Kiel Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Cafe · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 10 AM Wed
Hiroshimapark Very peaceful and beautiful park with lake in the middle of Kiel State park · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Holstentörn Onsite services Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 1k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Wed
Zum Mohrenkopf Regional dining in a relaxed setup Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Romantik Hotel Kieler Kaufmann Chic retreat in an upscale 1911 mansion Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Bakeliet Kaffee Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Coffee shop · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 8 AM Wed
Medea Restaurant Traditional Georgian dishes to share Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Heikendorf Strand Lake shore swimming area · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Falckenstein Beach You can get there from the centre of Kiel either by bus or on the F1 ferry. Lake shore swimming area · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Pane Vino Restaurant Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No delivery Italian · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Haveli | FINE FOOD Dine-in·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k
impuls Kaffeemanufaktur Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Cafe · ★ 4.8 · 1k Closed · Opens 8 AM Wed
MUM*DAD Warm cafe for coffee, bites & wine Bar · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Hörn Bridge Bridge · ★ 4.3 · 1k
Germaniahafen Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 1k
Quer Passage Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 1k Closes soon · 8 PM
Verde Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No-contact delivery Mexican · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Badestelle Mönkeberg Beach · ★ 4.2 · 1k
Schilksee Strandbad Beach · ★ 4.4 · 1k
Restaurant BOOTSHAUS 1862 Dine-in·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k
SubZero Cocktailbar Lively spot with a huge cocktail menu Cocktail bar · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Cafe Hilda Coffee shop with nibbles & terrace seats Cafe · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 9 AM Wed
Ostseestrand Lake shore swimming area · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Strand Hasselfelde Beach · ★ 4.2 · 1k
Pastis Kiel GmbH - Restaurant Grill Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery French steakhouse restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Mc Lang's Irish Pub Homey tavern for TV sports & live music Pub · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Stadtmuseum Warleberger Hof Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Wed
Nebenan Café Dine-in·No delivery Cafe · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Wed
Chaplins Cocktail Bar Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Cocktail bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Deck 8 - Die Bar Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Bar · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Strongbows Pub British watering hole with darts & TVs Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Nonna Rosa Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No delivery Italian · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Mamajun Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No delivery Fusion restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Lüneburg-Haus Snug, wood-lined space for German food Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Manufactur Restaurant Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Fischers Fritz Restaurant - Kiel Convivial stop for regional cuisine Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closes soon · 9 PM
Flygge Restaurant Nordic fare in contemporary surrounds Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Restaurant am Blaschke Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k
ICHI Japanese Cuisine Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No delivery Fine Dining · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 6 PM Wed
Kaufmannsladen - Restaurant im Romantik Hotel Kieler Kaufmann Dine-in·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Café Alma Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No delivery Cafe · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Rathausturm Kiel Historical landmark · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 12:20 PM Wed
Naturstrand Schilksee Lake shore swimming area · ★ 4.3 · 0k
SKAI by Haveli Dine-in Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Strandbad Schilksee Lake shore swimming area · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Ahlmanns im Romantik Hotel Kieler Kaufmann Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 6:30 PM Wed
Badestelle Kiellinie Swimming facility · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Wed
Badestelle Bellevue Outdoor swimming pool · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Holstenfleet (Kleiner Kiel Kanal) Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Soll & Haben - die Bar im Kieler Kaufmann Dine-in·No delivery Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k

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.