Is Kiel worth visiting on a cruise?

Kiel is the most authentic German maritime port, offering a unique combination of naval history, the legendary Kiel Canal, and sailing heritage that you won't find elsewhere.

What is the best thing to see in Kiel?

The Kiel Canal transit experience combined with the Laboe U-boat museum. The canal is one of the world's busiest artificial waterways, and U-995 is one of the last surviving Type VII U-boats from WWII.

How long does it take to visit Laboe?

Allow 3 hours round-trip from Kiel cruise terminal to properly see both the Naval Memorial tower and U-995 submarine museum.

Can you walk from the cruise port in Kiel?

Yes — the Ostseekai cruise terminal is right in the heart of the city, with a ten-minute walk putting you in the center and directly into sailing central.

Kiel

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Photo Gallery

Historical photochrom of Kiel harbor with naval vessels and warehouses — Kiel harbor with naval fleet, c. 1900Photo: WikiMedia Commons

Historical photochrom of Kiel harbor from across fjord with thatched farmhouse — Kiel from the eastern shore — thatched farmhouse and church spirePhoto: WikiMedia Commons

Historical photochrom panoramic of Kiel harbor with naval fleet in the Kieler Förde — The Kieler Förde — naval fleet at anchorPhoto: WikiMedia Commons

Historical photochrom of Kiel harbor with ships, church spire, and half-timbered house, c. 1900 — Kiel harbor — ships and church spire, c. 1900Photo: WikiMedia Commons

Historical photochrom of Kiel harbor with warships and green hillside, c. 1900 — Kiel harbor — warships along the fjordPhoto: WikiMedia Commons

Historical photochrom of Kiel harbor promenade with Victorian-era crowds during Kieler Woche — Kiel harbor promenade — Kieler Woche festivitiesPhoto: WikiMedia Commons

Image Credits

All port images are sourced from Wikimedia Commons under Creative Commons licenses (CC BY-SA). Original photographers retain copyright. Used with gratitude and attribution.

Last reviewed: February 2026

Weather & Best Time to Visit

From the Pier

Harbour Promenade
Waterfront walk, maritime museums, restaurants — right at the terminal
5 min
Holstenstrasse
Pedestrian shopping street — one of Germany's oldest
10 min
Laboe Naval Memorial & U-995
WWII submarine you can walk through — memorial tower with bay views
20 min
Kiel Canal Observation
World's busiest artificial waterway — 30,000+ ships per year
15 min
Hamburg
Speicherstadt, Elbphilharmonie, Miniatur Wunderland — 1 hour by train
1 hr

Ships dock at Ostseekai in the city centre — walkable to most attractions. Bus 100/102 to Laboe (20 min). Kiel is primarily an embarkation port for Baltic cruises. If you have a day, Laboe's submarine and Hamburg by train are the best options.

Quick Answer: Kiel is the sailing capital of Germany — Olympic harbor, massive locks, and the world's busiest canal right at your gangway.

Port Snapshot

CountryGermany

PortOstseekai cruise terminal, city centre

CurrencyEuro (EUR)

LanguageGerman / English widely spoken

Best ForNaval history, Kiel Canal transit, sailing heritage

WalkingFlat, walkable — 10 min to city centre from pier

Key Facts

Country: Germany
Region: Schleswig-Holstein
Port: Ostseekai cruise terminal
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Language: German
Climate: Maritime temperate; summers 15-22 °C, changeable Baltic weather

About the Author

Ken Baker

Founder of In the Wake; writer and editor of the logbook.

Flickers of Majesty

Author's Note

Until I have sailed this port myself, these notes are soundings in another's wake — charts drawn from research, captain's wisdom, and the accounts of fellow travelers. I write them knowing that the truest understanding comes only when you stand on the pier, smell the salt air, and trace the streets with your own feet. When my anchor finally drops here, I will return to these pages and tell you what I found.

Kiel Port Map

Interactive map showing cruise terminal and Kiel attractions. Click any marker for details.

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Ships That Visit Here

Cruise ships with Kiel on their itineraries:

Royal Caribbean

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Celebrity Cruises

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Princess Cruises

Enchanted Princess

Holland America Line

Noordam

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Spirit

MSC Cruises

MSC Euribia

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