Germany: Kiel. The city's attractions

The city of Kiel, Germany - an amazing corner on the Baltic coast. What is remarkable about this city? What interesting things can you find in it?

Germany: Kiel

Kiel is a small town that is located on the coast of the Baltic Sea. It belongs territorially to the federal state of Schleswig-Holstein and is considered its capital. The city is on the shore of the Kiel Bay, which connects to the North Sea channel. This arrangement favored the development of Kiel as a major port.

Kiel has good transport links. From the city you can easily get to other cities in the country (Flensburg, Lübeck, Hamburg, Hanover, etc.), and to countries with which Germany is next. Kiel is informed by ferry with the Norwegian capital Oslo and with the Lithuanian city of Klaipeda. By rail, you can get to Denmark.

Its population is about 300 thousand people, nevertheless, it is one of the cities that Germany is famous for all over the world. Kiel has gained such fame thanks to the annual competition in sailing, as well as a music festival.

During the Second World War, much of Kiya's ancient architecture was destroyed. The main city castle also suffered. Some buildings still managed to survive, and the destroyed quarters were rebuilt later.

Kiel, Germany: sights of architecture

The symbol of the city is the town hall, and the inhabitants of Kiel for the most part appreciate its architectural style, rather than antiquity. Traditionally, 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 hours informs every quarter of an hour.

The Church of St. Nicholas is considered the oldest building in Kiel. Its erection dates back to the 13th century. Since then, the building retains its former features, although it has undergone many reconstructions. The church is executed in the restrained Gothic style, characteristic for the German buildings of that time. Inside, there remained a carving on wood, made in the XVI century. At the entrance to the church there is a sculpture of the "Duhoborts" by Ernst Barlach, which along with the town hall is a symbol of Kiel.

The University of Christian Albrecht 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 18th century.

Other attractions

We must not forget that the city of Kiel (Germany) has long been a major port of the country. A lot shows about this here. On the embankment, which stretches along the canal, you can see the ships, boats, and even submarines. In the historical district of Labe there is a submarine involved in battles in the Second World War. Nearby is a memorial.

The building of the former fish warehouse now houses a naval museum. Among the expositions are small copies of military equipment, for example, the legendary Bismarck and Seydlitz. In the museum you can see the only copy of the submarine Brandtaucher in the world.

Interesting exhibits on the art and history of the city can be seen in the exhibition center "Varleberger Hof". It is located in the mansion of the XVII century, on Danish Strass, 19. There are both antique and European art samples. In addition, in Kiel, you can visit the Industrial, Zoological and Geological Museums, as well as the Museum of Navigation.

Kiel Week

Historical architecture and museums are not all that Germany is known for. Kiel every year is gaining increasing popularity among lovers of sailing. At the end of June, the "Kiel Week" takes place here. Hundreds of ships annually participate in the regatta.

For the first time the race took place on June 23 in 1882, then the yacht was 20. Already in 1907, more than 6,000 vessels participated in the race. Recently, the regatta has turned into a real holiday. Competition between the courts was only a supplement to the large-scale operation.

One of the traditions of the Kiel Week is now the "Parade of the old dishes". Centennial multi-storey vessels swim one after another, lining up a ruler. Guests are invited on board ships, where later they arrange a festive dinner.

The parade of ancient ships takes place on the last day of the holiday, and throughout the whole week Kiel's guests are entertained by the participants of the international music festival.