Kiel vacation rentals

Maritime marvels will have you dropping anchor in Kiel

Heavily bombed during World War II—it was targeted because submarines were constructed in its shipyard—Kiel may not be as picturesque as other places in Germany, but don't take that to mean this historic port city on the Baltic Sea coast doesn't have bags of character. The centuries-old harbor is a testament to its rich maritime history, which continues on to this day. Whether you book a Kiel vacation rental that's right on the Kiel Canal, near the beach, in the suburbs, or set back from the city center, you'll have a good base for sailing, swimming, and sightseeing.

Kiel's GEOMAR Aquarium—the seals might seal the deal

Aptly housed in a former fish auction hall that was built in 1910, the Schifffahrtsmuseum (City and Maritime Museum) will tell you about Kiel's maritime heritage, aided by paintings, ship models, and nautical objects. Take the kids to the GEOMAR Aquarium, which is small, but still a worthwhile stop if you want to see marine life from the Baltic Sea and the North Sea. Or, you can just watch the seals outside. Finally, ogle modern art at the Stadtgalerie Kiel (Kiel Municipal Gallery of Contemporary Arts), which contains the City Art Library.

Give in to pier pressure and go see the Kiellinie

Not surprisingly, boating and sailing are among the most popular activities in Kiel. If you just want to stroll by the water and watch ships pull in and out of the harbor, Kiel's promenade, the Kiellinie, is the place to be. This long waterfront strip is home to boathouses, restaurants, and cafes. Or, go jogging and cycling on the banks of the busy 61-mile Kiel Canal. Head to Holsten Street for some shopping—it's said to be one of the longest shopping streets in Germany—before retiring to your Kiel vacation rental for the night.

Kiel—this city definitely keeps its cool

Thanks to Kiel's oceanic climate, you can expect cold and cloudy winters, and cooler-than-most summers. There's a fair chance of some rainfall all year round, so just keep an umbrella in your bag. At the peak of summer in July and August, the average temperature is only 62 degrees. Lows are in the mid-50s, while highs can reach 70 degrees. Kiel vacation rentals tend to have lower prices during the chilly months of December to February, when average winter temps are in the upper 30s. January is the coldest month, with temps between 32 and 40 degrees.

Exploring the natural landscape of Kiel

Whether you're an adventurous traveler or just want to spend some time taking in the scenery, Kiel is a great place to spend some time outside. These are some of the area's most enchanting natural features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:

• Kieler Förde (3.6 mi / 5.7 km)
• Schilksee Beach (7.2 mi / 11.6 km)
• Kalifornien Beach (12.1 mi / 19.5 km)
• Brasilien Beach (12.4 mi / 19.9 km)
• Eckernförder Bucht (13.1 mi / 21.1 km)
• Natural Park Holstein Switzerland (15.9 mi / 25.6 km)

Traveling to and around Kiel

Fly into Hamburg Airport (HAM), the closest airport, located 48 mi (77.3 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that's convenient for your trip, you might consider flying into Lübeck (LBC), which is 42.4 mi (68.3 km) away.

If you're traveling by train, Kiel Central Station, Kiel Schulen am Langsee Station and Kiel-Ellerbek Station are the main stations that serve the city.