Kiel Ferry

Kiel Guide

Kiel Ferry Port

On the northern coast of Germany sits the proud maritime city of Kiel, home of the German Navy’s Baltic fleet and host of Kiel Week - an annual sailing event that ranks as the biggest of its kind in the world. The city’s reputation as a centre of sea-craft was cemented during the Olympic games of Germany in 1936 and 1972 when it was chosen as the location for all sailing heats. Kiel (meaning “quill” in German,) is named after the narrow inlet of the Baltic sea around which the city is built. Today the port is a lively transport hub and trade route. Ships arriving into port can make use of the manmade Kiel Canal, the world’s busiest artificial waterway that cuts all the way across the northern tip of Germany and into the North Sea. Nearly half a million passengers travel to and from the port of Kiel every year. There are 4 different cruise terminals across the harbour, all large facilities within walking distance of the Kiel HBF train station that services the city and ventures towards Hamburg just 60 miles south. There is also plenty of parking for those travelling by car and a luggage transfer service that makes disembarking a pleasantly smooth experience. Currently there are three passenger routes leaving from the port throughout the week. Two services sail north across the Great Belt strait of the Baltic sea to stops in the Swedish city of Gothenburg and the Norwegian capital of Oslo, both routes taking ferry-goers beneath the magnificent Storebælt suspension bridge. Another service makes the long journey eastwards to Klaipėda found on the west coast of Lithuania.