DISTANT PLACES
Travel tips for destinations far from the Hanseatic City of Bremen
A stroll through Kiel
Sights in the fjord city and a visit to Laboe
Page 6 of 7
To Schilksee and Strande
The view from the city bus is beautiful but brief as it passes by the airport on its way to Schilksee, crossing one of the bridges over the canal. Schilksee has only been part of Kiel since 1959 as a district and was the venue for the Olympic sailing competitions in 1972. Even today, the former Olympic center - where the charm of the 1970s is still clearly visible - remains the heart of Schilksee. In front of the expansive facility with shops, restaurants, a swimming pool, and apartments, countless boats sway in the water at the Olympic Harbor, creating a forest of moving masts. The marina offers almost 900 berths and becomes a popular destination for many sailors during the Kiel Week, which, by the way, was first held in 1882.
Boats in the Olympic Harbor
Originally, Hamburg and Kiel planned to jointly bid as hosts for the 2024 Summer Olympics. In case of winning the bid, plans were already in place in the port city to modernize the aging facilities around the Olympic Harbor. However, after Hamburg's citizens voted against submitting a bid in a referendum on November 29, 2015, the idea was quickly abandoned. In Kiel, only just over 31% of citizens had participated in the vote, suggesting that public interest in bringing Olympic sailing competitions back to the city since 1972 was not very high.
Beach next to the Olympic Harbor
Beyond sailing, leisure by the water is a key theme in Schilksee. In addition to the harbor, the main beach offers space for sunbathing, building sandcastles, or sitting in beach chairs. The sandy bottom also slopes gently underwater, making it easy even for small children to swim safely, as the tidal range here - unlike at the North Sea - does not significantly impact safety or create dangerous currents. Toward Kiel's city center, the beach becomes rockier, and the shoreline behind it increasingly steep. Wooden stairs lead up from there, offering a beautiful view of the Baltic Sea, the fjord, and Laboe.
And even more sand: Beach section in Strande with a view of Laboe and one of the Scandinavia ferries
If you leave Schilksee in the other direction and walk along the water following the bay, you also leave Kiel, as the town of Strande - located about a kilometer further away - belongs to the district of Rendsburg-Eckernförde. This small seaside resort on the peninsula of Dänischer Wohld, with its population of around 1,500, is a popular destination for day-trippers both by land and sea, thanks to its beautiful beach, cafés, and restaurants along the long promenade, as well as its harbor. A paved footpath and bike trail runs along the water all the way to the Bühlker Lighthouse, which can also be visited. Right next to this navigational marker, you can stop at the lighthouse pavilion for a snack before heading back. The return trip can also be quite comfortable, as those traveling from Strande - say, to Kiel's city center or main train station - can simply take the bus.
Path along the water leading to the Bühlker Lighthouse
Map
Information
Tourist Information Kiel
Andreas-Gayk-Straße 3
24103 Kiel
Phone: +49 (0)431 / 679 100
Email: info@kiel-sailing-city.de
Internet: www.kiel-sailing-city.de
Transportation
Train
The state capital is easily accessible by train. However, during storms, trees sometimes fall onto the tracks, disrupting rail services as there are no alternative routes.
Car
You can also comfortably reach Kiel by car via the highway. While a car isn’t necessary within the city, it is practical for trips to nearby attractions like Eckernförde.
Public Transport
Kiel’s tram service was discontinued in 1985 - a decision many now regret. However, the well-organized bus network extends throughout Kiel and its surroundings, provided buses aren’t stuck in traffic. Tickets are purchased from the driver upon boarding. Depending on your plans, day passes, group tickets, or small-group tickets may be cost-effective. In my experience, drivers are generally very friendly and willing to provide information - a quality many of their colleagues in other cities could learn from, especially since it costs nothing to do so. More info: www.kvg-kiel.de
For public transport connections beyond Kiel, visit: www.nah.sh
By Water
The Schlepp- und Fährgesellschaft Kiel mbH is a municipal service operating ferry and tugboat services. It offers passenger transport on the Kieler Förde with small ships known colloquially as "Fördedampfer" (ferry). These vessels depart from the central station and serve multiple stops along both sides of the fjord, including Laboe, Schilksee, and Strande. Bicycles are allowed in moderation. The company is part of the Verkehrsverbund Region Kiel, so regional tickets are valid on board. Students can use their semester ticket for free rides. However, schedules vary, so check the timetable: www.sfk-kiel.de/en
Additional Information
www.zoologisches-museum.uni-kiel.de
www.kunsthalle-kiel.de
www.uni-kiel.de/nickol/botgar.html
www.geomar.de/en/
www.maritimesviertel.de
www.mahnmalkilian.de
www.strande.de
www.laboe.de
www.seenotretter.de
www.deutscher-marinebund.de
www.stenalinetravel.com/routes/kiel-gothenburg
www.colorline.com
"Fördedampfer"
Rügen by the Baltic Sea
Active holiday featuring cycling and hiking
Enjoy an active holiday featuring cycling and hiking along the Baltic coast in Mönchgut on the island of Rügen. Long sandy beaches, rolling hills, and lush forests provide a varied and beautiful setting for your getaway. Often, the only thing breaking the peace is the distant whistle of the historic 'Rasender Roland' steam train. Despite its name (which suggests something "racing" or fast), it’s actually quite the opposite. A journey by train is simply part of the holiday experience.
read more about Rügen ...
