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Explore Kiel

Plan your trip to kiel: best of kiel tourism.

Essential Kiel

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Kiel Is Great For

Historical tours.

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Ports of Call Tours

• Atlantic Hotel Kiel
• me and all hotel Kiel, part of JdV by Hyatt
• Hotel Birke
• Hampton By Hilton Kiel
• Steigenberger Conti Hansa
• LAGOM Restaurant & Bar
• Kieler Brauerei
• BLOCK HOUSE Kiel
• Ratskeller Kiel
• Botanic Gardens Kiel
• Fischhalle Maritime Museum
• Aquarium GEOMAR
• Holtenauer Straße
• Kieler Woche
• All-in-One Hamburg: Tour from the port of Kiel for Cruise Ship Passengers
• Kiel Self-Guided Audio Tour: Explore this Historic Port
• City Sightseeing Kiel Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
• Private Lübeck from Kiel Port - Shore Excursion for Cruise Ships
• Beautiful Lübeck: Shore Excursion from Kiel Port

Kiel travel guide

Kiel tourism | kiel guide, you're going to love kiel.

Sitting at the edge of the Kieler Förde is Kiel, the capital city of the German state of Schleswig-Holstein. It's home to the annual Kieler Woche festival, which turns the city into a hotbed of travelers, food lovers, and festival-goers. At other times of the year, you can enjoy an authentic German city with plenty of natural vistas, canals, and parks, as well as a thriving nightlife.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Kiel

1. bike along the nord-ostsee kanal.

The route along the canal, nearly 61 miles long, can we walked or biked. You can explore smaller towns like Rendsburg along the way.

2. Experience the Kieler Woche

Even though it's the largest sailing festival in the world, the Kieler Woche draws millions from around the world, and the entire town turns into an international craft and food fair.

3. Take Advantage of the "museen am meer" Tradition

In a celebration of arts and sciences, eight of Kiel's museums come together to create special joint exhibits.

4. Enjoy German Gastronomy

Located right on the corner of the Metzstrasse and Wörthstrasse is Garips Imbiss, where you can enjoy German/Turkish Döner kebabs right by the water. Or dig in at the potato-themed Kartoffel-Keller.

5. Check Out Some Great Live Music

What could be better than live music acts to serenade your pleasant evenings? Check out the Schaubude or the Nachtcafe for some great live, lesser-known acts.

What to do in Kiel

1. kiel rathaus: great views and catchy tunes.

Undoubtedly the city's crown jewel, Kiel's Rathaus (town hall) is crowned by the 106 meter tall Rathausturm, which provides some of the best views by far of Kiel. Built between 1907 and 1911 in the graceful Jugendstil style, the tower has a viewing deck around two thirds of the way up. Aside from the views, the other great attraction at the Rathaus is the quirky clock, which signals the time via a glockenspiel melody, so try to be there on the hour to be serenaded before your ride up the tower.

2. Laboe Naval Memorial: A Must-Sea Naval Attraction

Situated about 15 miles up the coast from Kiel itself, Laboe is an attractive port with one major attraction: it's impressive and solemn naval memorial. This brick built tower cuts a dash with its curved construction, and was built after World War I to commemorate German naval deaths, but was reconsecrated in the 1950s to remember those on all sides who died in both World Wars. Aside from the memorial, Laboe also includes U-995, an actual U-Boat, which visitors can board for a window into World War II's submarine warfare.

3. Opernhaus Kiel: A Sublime Performance Space

Kiel's premier arts venue, the Opernhaus stages opera, concerts, theater and ballet and is located right next to the Rathaus. Built in 1902 in a classical Renaissance style, the theater is even more impressive inside than out, particularly when the crowd goes quiet, the conductor raises his baton, and the orchestra readies themselves to begin the show. Every season features major operas from the genre's greats, so check the schedule in advance and be sure to book seats to coincide with your visit.

4. Kirche Sankt Bonifatius: A Beautiful Medieval Survivor

Kiel's cathedral is also the oldest building in the city, and miraculously survived the intense bombing during World War II. Most of the structure dates back to at least the 15th century, and inside you'll find some genuine treasures, with sumptuous sculptures, a huge pipe organ and - outside the main doors - Ernst Barlach's "Spirit Fighter", which was denounced by the Nazis as degenerate, but hidden by locals and restored to its rightful place after the war was over.

5. Open Air Museum: Fresh Air, Food, and Festivals

Not far south of Kiel in the suburb of Molfsee, you'll come across this superb open air museum. Spread over 140 acres, the Open Air Museum sets out to preserve the heritage of Schleswig-Holstein, with period farm buildings, flower meadows, fish ponds, craft workshops, and even a funfair to enjoy. It's a fascinating catalog of German culture, but aside from the historical interest on offer, there's a fantastic smokehouse and beer hall on site, which makes it a wonderful place to relax. And, during the summer the museum becomes a lovely music venue when the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival opens its doors, giving you the chance to combine education, food and classical melodies.

Activities & attractions in Kiel

Where to Eat in Kiel

If traditional German food is what you're craving then head to Ratskeller Kiel for delicacies like schnitzel and bratkartoffel - along with incredible, locally brewed beer. Two can dine comfortably for EUR40.

When to visit Kiel

Those who love warmer temperatures should arrive in the summer, especially from the months of June to September. Winter in Kiel is pretty but temperatures drop to 32.

How to Get to Kiel

Travelers visiting Kiel arrive at the Kiel Airport (KEL) in Holtenau, but this is for smaller planes and usually reserved for domestic flights as well as charters from Scandinavian countries. If you're an international traveler, the closest airport is either in Hamburg or Lübeck, and visitors can catch either a train or bus to Kiel (the train journey from Lübeck is 1.5 hours).

Trains coming in to Kiel arrive at the Hauptbahnhof. The city is connected to the German rail system as well as the Danish rail system. Fares can be anywhere between EUR15-25 but do depend on whether you're taking a direct train and the city of origin.

Germany is well connected by a great highway system. Use the A42, for example, to drive in from Berlin to Kiel.

There are several bus services that come to Kiel from other German cities like Berlin and even from neighboring countries like Poland. Fares vary by city of origin but a trip from Berlin to Kiel is EUR41.

Airports near Kiel

Airlines serving kiel, where to stay in kiel.

Rest up in luxury and style at Steigenberger Hotel Conti-Hansa. Those who love economy but also want to be centrally located should book a room at the Nordic Hotel Astor. A room at the Peanuts Hostel is perfect for those on a budget.

Popular Neighborhoods in Kiel

Alstadt - located right by the water is Alstadt, the "Old City", where historical buildings meet modern shopping stores.

Vorstadt - right beside Alstadt is Vorstadt, home to the town hall, opera house, museums, and the beautiful Sophienhof mall.

Gaarden-Ost - right across the Kieler Förde is this mostly residential neighborhood, with its own local shops and eateries as well as public spaces like Werftpark and Sommerbad Katzheide, an outdoor swimming pool.

Where to stay in popular areas of Kiel

Most booked hotels in kiel, how to get around kiel, public transportation.

The public transit system in Kiel is run by KVG and a single, one-way ticket costs EUR2.50. You can also buy a monthly pass for a longer stay for EUR56.

Taxis are easy to come by in Kiel. The starting flat rate is EUR3.50 and it's EUR1.24 per mile thereafter.

Europcar, Sixt, and Enterprise have multiple locations where you can rent a car. Fares vary by company but a standard fare starts at EUR15 a day for a 4-door, compact car.

The Cost of Living in Kiel

Shopping streets.

Check out the pedestrian zone Holstenstraße for a collection of local stores or the Sophienhof and Citti-Park malls.

Groceries and Other

A quart of milk costs EUR3.30 and a dozen eggs costs EUR1.80.

Kiel Travel Essentials

Ideal duration: 1-2 days

Best Time: May - September

Planning a Trip? Ask Your Question

"Maritime City and Sailing Traditions"

Kiel tourism.

Kiel, situated in northern Germany on the Baltic Sea, is a beautiful city with a lot to offer for tourists. It is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, spectacular views and great shopping. It is also home to some of the best museums, galleries and monuments in the country.

Kiel is a great destination for visitors looking to explore the city and its surroundings. The Old Town and Kieler F_rde are two of the most popular attractions in the city, while the Kiel Canal is a great way to get to the North Sea. There are plenty of activities to enjoy while in Kiel, such as sailing, hiking, and cycling. Those looking for a more leisurely experience can take a leisurely stroll along the promenade and visit one of the many cafes. The Kieler Woche is another highlight of Kiel and is an annual sailing event that attracts thousands of visitors every year. It is a great way to explore the city and witness the vibrant culture and atmosphere that it has to offer. Kiel is also a great place to shop, as it is home to many boutique shops, as well as major department stores. The city also has a wide variety of restaurants and bars to explore, from traditional German cuisine to modern eateries. For those looking to explore further afield, the city is well connected by rail and bus, and there are plenty of other cities and towns to explore nearby. Kiel is also a great base for exploring the rest of Germany and the Baltic Sea. When visiting Kiel, it is important to remember to carry your passport and valid insurance documents. The city also has strict laws in place regarding the consumption of alcohol, and it is always best to be aware of these before embarking on a night out in the city.

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• 1.1 Tourist information
• 2.1 By boat
• 2.2 By train
• 2.4 By plane
• 3 Get around
• 4.1 Museums
• 5.1 Kieler Woche
• 5.2 Libraries
• 5.4 Physical activity
• 7.1.1 In the city center
• 7.1.2 Near the city center
• 7.1.3 Around the Schrevenpark
• 7.2 Mid-range
• 7.3 Splurge
• 8.1 Cafes and pubs
• 8.4 Parties
• 8.5 Live music
• 9.2 Mid-range
• 9.3 Splurge
• 10.1 Internet access

Kiel is the capital city of the German state of Schleswig-Holstein and has a population of roughly 248,000 (2018). It is on the Baltic Sea at the end of the "Kieler Förde".

Understand [ edit ]

Kiel is a maritime city and has been for a long time, it remains one of Germany main passenger ports (besides Travemünde and Rostock ) and as the Baltic endpoint of the Kiel Canal plays an important role in shipping. The death-knell of German monarchism sounded here when in 1918 the admirals wanted the fleet to sail out for one last glorious but militarily pointless battle. The sailors revolted against their officers, culminating in revolution and the formation of Soviets.

During the Second World War, Kiel was severely bombed, because of its submarine-producing shipyard. Civil and military ships are being built in Kiel nowadays and the tall cranes dominate the eastern shore of the Förde (fjord).

The bombing destroyed almost all historic buildings in Kiel; even the older looking buildings were built after World War II. So, if you come to the "Kieler Schloss" (Kieler Castle) don't be disappointed. There isn't much left of the original building. During the rebuilding after the war, mostly modern architecture was used.

Tourist information [ edit ]

• Kiel tourism website

Get in [ edit ]

By boat [ edit ].

Kiel serves as the German ferry terminus for the ferries to Oslo , Norway with Color Line and Gothenburg , Sweden with Stena Line [dead link] . It is also the endpoint of the Kiel Canal, which connects the North Sea to the Baltic Sea (allowing ships to avoid rounding Denmark).

By train [ edit ]

By bus [ edit ].

54.316714 10.133291 2 Kiel intercity bus station

This is the new station since November 2022 at the Auguste-Viktoria-Straße. Bus lines run services to, or through, Kiel. A weekly bus leaves Kiel and travels via Poland and the Baltic states to Tallinn , Estonia . A comfortable bus operates daily from Berlin to Kiel via Lübeck (6 hours). Further bus operators serve domestic routes .

By plane [ edit ]

By car [ edit ].

Kiel is connected to two Autobahns , the A210 to Rendsburg and the A215, both of which also connect to the A7 (which is part of the European road E45). Alternatively, take the B503 from the north ( Dänischenhagen ), B76 from the northwest ( Eckernförde ) or southeast ( Plön ), B404 from the south ( Bad Segeberg ), B4/L318 from the south ( Neumünster , though taking the A7/A215 will likely be faster), or the B502 from the northeast ( Wisch ).

Get around [ edit ]

Kiel has a public transport system based on buses and ferries operated by VRK . 1-, 3- and 7-day tickets are available, and offer good value for tourists. The taxi service is expensive but good. As of January 2023, medical masks (surgical or FPP2/KN95/...) are not obligatory anymore on public transportation, but remain recommended.

Kiel is very flat, and bicycles can be rented at various places. The main train station has a large bicycle garage and bicycle rental centre ( Radstation ), with regular bicycles and e-bikes available. It is quite easy to ride from Kiel to Laboe, catch a ferry to Strande, and cycle back to Kiel.

For short trips, Sprottenflotte bikes can be rented by using a smartphone app. Prior to 2023, bikes were provided by Nextbike; from 2023 they're provided by Donkey Republic, but you may still encounter the old bikes as well, so it's best to have both apps installed. Use the apps to scan the bikes' QR codes, and return them at any Sprottenflotte station in the city (e-bikes can only be returned at designated e-bike stations, marked in red in the app). Prices are as follows (for details, see the price list [dead link] , under "Sprottenflotte Kiel"):

• Regular bikes: the first 30 minutes are free; each additional 30 minutes cost €1, up to a maximum of €9 per 24 hours.
• Cargo bikes: 30 minutes cost €1 (the first 30 minutes are not free), up to a maximum fo €12 per 24 hours.
• E-bikes, including cargo e-bikes: the first 30 minutes cost €2; each additional 30 minutes cost €1, up to a maximum of €25 per 24 hours.

Bikes can be reserved in the app at no cost for up to 15 minutes, and it's a good idea to do this when walking to a station. Don't expect high-quality bikes, and if you want a helmet, bring your own.

Electric scooters are also available, with at least Bolt, Lime and Tier operating in Kiel. All scooters can be rented in the respective apps.

When crossing the Kiel canal, you can go across one of several bridges (Holtenauer Hochbrücken, Levensauer Hochbrücken), or take a ferry shuttle. The Adler 1 at Kiel-Holtenau only takes pedestrians and bicycles; the ferries at Landwehr and Sehestedt also carry cars and motorcycles. All canal ferries are free, but medical masks are obligatory, as of August 2021.

See [ edit ]

• 54.41242 10.228886 1 Type VII-C U-boat ( at the shore in Laboe (part of Kiel on the east-side of the fjord) ). The only surviving U-boat from World War II.  
• 54.412222 10.230556 2 Marine-Ehrenmal ( Navy Memorial ), Strandstraße 92 . It has a high tower.  
• Kiel Canal ( Nord-Ostsee Kanal ). The world's busiest canal. It is possible to walk or cycle for almost the entire length (99 km) directly along the canal from Kiel to Brunsbüttel (estuary of the Elbe, on the North Sea Coast), staying overnight in the town of Rendsburg .  
• Gorch Fock . Kiel is the home of the German Baltic fleet, and it is common to see all types of German warships and submarines in the "Förde", including the training sailing vessel Gorch Fock.  
• 54.364677 10.114932 3 Tiergehege Tannenberg ( Tannenberger Gehölz ), Projensdorfer Straße 276 . A smaller forest area in the north of Kiel where different types of deer roam about freely and with relatively little fear of humans. There are some enclosures including one for boar. Not spectacular, but good for a relaxing walk and to see some of the local wildlife. Make sure to obey the feeding rules posted around the area. Entry is free . ( updated Mar 2019 )

Museums [ edit ]

Eight museums of Kiel have created a common initiative called Museen am Meer , or "museums by the sea", where a common website brings together all details you need about their collections, opening times, admission prices etc. along with a route planner. For young travellers (17 years and younger), there is an app, " MuseumsCard [dead link] ", that offers information and free admission to many museums in Kiel and the rest of Schleswig-Holstein.

• Antikensammlung ( Collection of Classical Antiquities ). Face to face with antiquity: collection of Greek vases as well as casts of important Roman and Greek sculptures unique to Schleswig-Holstein.  
• Aquarium Geomar , Düsternbrooker Weg 20 . Public aquarium that is part of an oceanic research centre. From Baltic Sea herring to tropical seahorse: local and exotic sea creatures presented in aquariums that simulate their natural habitats. Known for its outdoor seal pool which can be accessed for free without entering the aquarium itself. Seal feeding times every day at 10:00 and 14:00 except on Friday. €3; concession €2 . ( updated Mar 2019 )
• 54.32837 10.14594 4 Kunsthalle zu Kiel ( Museum of Fine Arts ). Art from the Dürer era through to the present day: permanent collection spanning all artistic genres, including works by Repin, Nolde and Richter, as well as special exhibitions on specific topics and artists.  

Do [ edit ]

There are two free monthly magazines listing activities and events. Paper copies of Station [dead link] and Ultimo can be found in most cafes. Online information is available via Kiel Magazin and Fördeflüsterer .

Kieler Woche [ edit ]

The main tourist attraction is the Kieler Woche ("Kiel Week") at the end of June.

Apart from being world's largest sailing event the Kieler Woche is one of Germany's largest festivals. Apart from the sailing, the entire centre of the town is transformed into an international food and craft fair, with regular big name performers appearing nightly. If you intend to visit Kiel during this time, book your hotel well ahead. The waterfront and major parts of downtown will be inaccessible for cars.

Information on events is posted all over town and through a free magazine which will be distributed about a month before the event. Events include entertainment for kids during daytime throughout the entire week and lots of open air concerts. Most concerts end around 23:00 and nightlife moves to indoor venues and to the Eggerstedtstraße.

Aside from an abundance of food and drink outlets along the streets the "International Market" on the Rathausmarkt is the place to go for food and drink. Dozens of countries operate booths on the open-air market offering their traditional foods and drinks. The Kieler Nachrichten newspaper runs a special about food on the market in its Saturday edition, with ratings. If you cannot decide from the endless choices head over to the Scandinavian area or to wherever crowds are gathering; the Poles also offer large portions for a surprisingly low price.

Libraries [ edit ]

Kiel's public library, the Stadtbücherei , is open to all visitors (medical masks and contact tracing are required as of Aug 2021). The main library is in the city centre (Andreas-Gayk-Str. 31, 24103 Kiel), but there's a couple more throughout the city, of which the ones in Gaarden (Elisabethstr. 64, 24143 Kiel) and Mettenhof (Sibeliusweg 2a, 24109 Kiel) offer the largest selection. Anyone can come in and read; a membership is required to check out media, with 1-month memberships being available for €3.

Kiel University operates its own libraries. The central library (Leibnizstr. 9, 24118 Kiel) is open to everyone; checking out books requires membership, but this is not restricted to university members. Departmental libraries may or may not be open to the general public. The focus is, obviously, on scientific literature.

Sports [ edit ]

• THW Kiel ( Handball ), Europaplatz 1 , ☏ +49 431 98210 226 . One of the most successful handball clubs in Germany, Kiel is also among the top addresses for the sport throughout Europe. They were the 2014/2015 German champion and hold the record for most national championships at 20. standing tickets from €14.50; seated tickets €18-50 . ( updated Feb 2016 )
• Football: 54.3488 10.1243 2 Holstein Kiel , Holstein-Stadion, Westring 501 ( 4 km north of centre ), ☏ +49 431 318 40040 , [email protected] . Die Störche (The Storks) play soccer in 2. Bundesliga, Germany's second tier. The stadium has a capacity of 15,000. ( updated Oct 2023 )

Physical activity [ edit ]

• High Spirits Hochseilgarten , Falckensteiner Strand 15 , ☏ +49 431 3104947 . A forest adventure park with a number of treetop ropes courses. ( updated Jul 2022 )

Buy [ edit ]

A variety of shops are located in the pedestrian zone Holstenstraße and the mall Sophienhof . Another relatively big mall is the Citti-Park , which is also home to the Citti-Markt , Kiel's best (but probably also most expensive) supermarket. Several large furniture store are in the same general area as the Citti-Park: Ikea , Möbel Höffner and Sconto , Höffner's low-cost companion.

Numerous cafés are located in the old town centre at the northern tip of the Holstenstraße near the "Nikolaikirche" (Nikolai church).

An outdoor shopping area is the busy Holtenauer Straße with lots of cafés and more upscale stores towards the south end near the Dreiecksplatz .

Eat [ edit ]

There are food courts in Kieler Hauptbahnhof (train station) and the shopping mall across from the train station (Sophienhof).

Budget [ edit ]

In the city center [ edit ].

• 54.319893 10.133771 1 Fisch Maxx , Holstenstraße 92-94 , ☏ +49 160 4802174 . M-Sa 10:00-18:30, Su closed . Cheap fish and chips restaurant. ( updated May 2022 )
• 54.318894 10.133677 2 Grill-Maxx & Biergarten Holstenplatz , Holstenplatz 10 , ☏ +49 431 5878580 . M-F 10:00-19:00, Su closed . A barbecue restaurant. ( updated May 2022 )
• 54.323836 10.141744 3 Sviet - Asia Cuisine , Schloßstraße 21A , ☏ +49 431 28903068 , [email protected] . M-F 11:30-15:00, 17:30-21:30, Sa-Su 17:30-21:30 . Family-run restaurant specializing in Asian cuisine, especially offering a wide range of Vietnamese dishes. ( updated May 2022 )

Near the city center [ edit ]

• 54.320135 10.125739 4 Neumanns , Prüne 29 , ☏ +49 431 79934779 , [email protected] . M-F 7:30-14:00, Sa-Su closed . A bistro. ( updated May 2022 )
• 54.317439 10.1243 5 Wiener Grillhaus , Kirchhofallee 31 , ☏ +49 431 363669 , [email protected] . Daily, 14:00-23:00 . Burger Restaurant, which uses fresh ingredients and offers only homemade dishes. ( updated May 2022 )
• 54.319068 10.128607 6 Mein Döner und Co. , Schülperbaum 14 , ☏ +49 431 98280030 , [email protected] . M 11:00-20:00, Tu-Su 11:00-23:00 . ( updated May 2022 )
• 54.316541 10.125262 7 Asia Wok , Ringstraße 47 , ☏ +49 431 9907554 . M-F 11:00-23:00, Sa-Su noon-23:00 . A Thai restaurant. ( updated May 2022 )
• 54.320793 10.126805 8 Mr. Döner , Exerzierplatz 14 , ☏ +49-431-6668444 , [email protected] . 11:00-24:00 . Very good and affordable döner (kebap). ( updated Jul 2022 )

Around the Schrevenpark [ edit ]

• 54.32512 10.116313 9 Garips Imbiss ( corner of the Metzstraße and Wörthstraße(off of the Westring) ), ☏ +49 431 2107987 , [email protected] . Daily, 10:00-23:00 . Excellent German/Turkish Döner kebabs. ( updated May 2022 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

• 54.37093 10.14068 10 Bergklause , Schwester-Therese-Straße 9 , ☏ +49 431 69662026 . Daily, 18:00-23:00, Tuesdays closed . ( updated May 2022 )
• 54.334011 10.152488 11 Cotidiano , Reventlouallee 2 , ☏ +49 431 58781828 , [email protected]​ . Breakfast is available all day, not cheap but good quality and with a nice view of the Kieler Förde . ( updated May 2022 )

Splurge [ edit ]

• 54.31712 10.071749 12 Fischers Fritz , Martenshofweg 2-8 , ☏ +49 431 5331 300 , [email protected] . Part of Hotel Birke (see below); excellent food but expensive. Be sure to book in advance. ( updated Dec 2022 )

Drink [ edit ]

Good cafes and pubs can be found in the old city centre.

Cafes and pubs [ edit ]

• 54.314629 10.14897 1 Subrosa , Elisabethstr. 25 ( situated in Kiel-Gaarden ), ☏ +49 431 76749 , [email protected] . Tu-Th 17:00-23:00, F-Sa 15:00-1:00, Su 17:00-23:00, M closed . Kiel's alternative pub and bistro. ( updated Oct 2023 )
• 54.325722 10.116888 2 Unrat , Spichernstr. 2 ( to enter from Metzstr. ), ☏ +49 431 6672211 . Daily from 19:30-open end . The place for Kiel's students to talk philosophy, drink a cheap beer or listen to some live band. ( updated Oct 2023 )
• 54.315224 10.116952 3 Prinz Willy , Lutherstraße 9 , ☏ +49 431 64081071 . F-Sa 15:00-23:00, Su 15:00-20:00, M-Th closed . A "creative" café that offers live music, arts and poetry. ( updated Oct 2023 )
• Exlex , Ziegelteich 14 ( Right in the middle of Kiel ). The number one meeting point for students and young folks downtown.  
• 54.31562 10.13439 4 Blauer Engel , Kaistr. 47 ( at the quai by the central station. ), ☏ +49 431 8001919 . A café, bar and nightclub with a nice view and outdoor serving. ( updated Oct 2023 )
• 54.310627 10.148265 5 Cafe Medusa , Medusastr. 16 ( is situated in a backyard in Kiel's multicultural district Gaarden on the east coast of the Kiel Fjord. ), ☏ +49 1522 9269788 , [email protected] . M-Sa 19:00-2:00, Su closed . It hosts live-music and readings. ( updated Oct 2023 )

Bars [ edit ]

• 54.32008 10.134576 6 Astor Bar , Holstenplatz 1-2 , ☏ +49 431 99790 . One of Kiel's best cocktail bars. ( updated May 2022 )
• 54.321632 10.131473 7 Chaplin's , Waisenhofstraße , ☏ +49 431 92610 , [email protected] . Tu-Sa 19:00-2:00, Su-M closed . Piano player and cocktails. ( updated Oct 2023 )

Clubs [ edit ]

Kiel's clubs are spread out all across the city. Although some locals prefer doing the one-hour drive to Hamburg to go out, Kiel has some clubs that are worth being checked out. Make sure you have had a look at the site Fördeflüsterer before going out to get the most accurate information on all night live events. Most clubs have a €5 cover fee.

• 54.324467 10.138129 8 Pumpe , Haßstr. 22 , ☏ +49 431 2007650 . M-F 10:00-16:00, Sa-Su closed . A community-run cultural centre showing independent movies, providing room for community projects, concerts, bars and parties. On Thursday night students dance soul, reggae and funk at the FunkPump party. ( updated Oct 2023 )
• 54.328018 10.133981 9 Luna , Bergstraße 17A , ☏ +49 431 5192176 . Rhis club hosts parties ranging from electronic tunes to Soul/Funk and Ragga. Cover charge might be higher if nationally-recognized DJs operate the turntables. ( updated Oct 2023 )
• 54.332748 10.111711 10 Max , Eichhofstr. 1 , ☏ +49 431 1229955 . Standard R'n'B, techno club with two floors. Also has metal/gothic/darkwave etc., watch out for Kontrollverlust and Praxis Dr. MosH . ( updated Oct 2023 )
• 54.327713 10.130324 11 Schaubude , Legienstr. 40 , ☏ +49 431 556600 , [email protected] . ( updated Oct 2023 )
• Traum GmbH . Incorporating a restaurant, an independent movie theater, and a club, the Traumgmbh is likely to offer something that is just right for you. If you're over the age of 30, the Ü30 party is the party to go to. They will check your ID!  
• Tucholsky . Being by far the most famous club in Kiel, this somewhat battered and shady place is located in a former parking garage. A formerly very popular club among students now hosts a fairly young crowd that dances to pop, rock, r'n'b, techno, punk, and indie on four dance-floors (on the weekends). You can still get a feeling for the old days on Tuesdays at the Tequila-Party. The Tucholksy has the most diverse crowd, the cheapest drinks and the poorest air-conditioning - especially in the summer. Not a clean and neat place but the only option if you feel like partying on Sundays through Wednesdays. No cover on weeknights.  
• Weltruf . The interior of the Weltruf is dominated by a ship which has been built inside and cannot be removed.  

Parties [ edit ]

Not exactly in the category of clubs are the various parties that take places in different parts of the city. Traditionally on Thursdays between October and April all the big university departments organize Studentenparties on and off campus. Expect somewhat cheap drinks and hundreds of university students dancing to a mix of pop, rock and r'n'b. Sometimes there are even live bands or second dance floors. On the weekends several fancier parties are hosted in unusual locations throughout Kiel. You'll be dancing to house music in a show room of a car dealer or in the terminal of the ferry to Scandinavia. Tickets for these parties can bought in advance which will save you money and time. Check the Kiel4Kiel site to find out where tickets are sold or ask a local student.

Live music [ edit ]

When it comes down to live music, Kiel is not the city where you'll be able to see big headliners. If you're into that you'll have to go to Hamburg. Still, you might be able to listen to some decent live music while staying in Kiel. The Halle400 , the MAX and the community-operated Pumpe host local and international acts. Surprisingly good German or Scandinavian acts can sometimes be spotted in the Schaubude or the Nachtcafé for very little money. On occasion, some clubs like the Luna host national-recognized DJs. The city's own Kulturforum has concerts (as well as stage plays etc.) almost every night. The best place to find out who's playing and to get a ticket is Konzertkasse Streiber close to the Ostseehalle .

Sleep [ edit ]

The Youth Hostel is close to the Hauptbahnhof. There are a number of moderately priced hotels in the city centre. For some Olympic history, stay at Olympiazentrum in Schilksee, the sailing athletes village for the 1972 Munich Games. Top end is the Strande Hotel in Strande, or the Kieler Kaufmann just north of the city centre.

• Bekpek . Kronshagener Weg 130 a  
• Kieler Zimmer . Bed & Breakfast, 550 m from Central Station (max. for 3 persons, shared bath with shower)  
• 54.32008 10.134576 1 Nordic Hotel Astor , Holstenplatz 1-2 ( city centre ), ☏ +49 431 99790 . Rooms have 1970s charm but are clean. Bar on highest floor has a great view of the city. Singles from €60, doubles €80 . ( updated Oct 2023 )
• 54.30838 10.124676 2 Best Western Kiel , Hamburger Chaussee 2 , ☏ +49 431 534020 . Downtown, close to the main train station. ( updated Oct 2023 )
• 54.320724 10.128907 3 Hampton by Hilton , Exerzierplatz 5 , ☏ +49 431 9968910 . A new and modern hotel that's very central. ( updated Aug 2021 )
• 54.315769 10.127222 4 Rabe's Hotel , Ringstr. 30 , ☏ +49 431 663070 . Only a few hundred meters from the main train station. ( updated Aug 2021 )
• 54.319641 10.121771 5 Hotel Wiking , Schützenwall 1-3 , ☏ +49 431 661090 , [email protected] . Quite central. ( updated Aug 2021 )
• 54.326382 10.142634 6 Steigenberger Hotel Conti-Hansa , Schloßgarten 7 ( between the historic parts of Kiel and the Förde ). Rates around €115 . ( updated Oct 2023 )
• 54.317017 10.071555 7 Birke - Ringhotel Kiel , Martenshofweg 8 . A few minutes away from city centre by car. Good service and amenities. Parking spaces available. ( updated Oct 2023 )
• 54.339729 10.155951 8 Hotel Kieler Yacht Club , Kiellinie 70 ( right on the waterfront, north of the city centre ). Ask for a room with a view of the fjord. ( updated Oct 2023 )
• 54.319172 10.13451 9 Youth Experiences , Andreas-gayk-Str. 31 . ( updated Oct 2023 )
• 54.338676 10.151453 10 Romantik Hotel Kieler Kaufmann , Niemannsweg 102 . Classic location in the middle of an extensive park area. House with a unique atmosphere. Parking spaces available. ( updated Oct 2023 )

Connect [ edit ]

Internet access [ edit ].

• The local Internet Service Provider TNG operates free wireless access points in the downtown area; watch out for #SH_WLAN . Access will be blocked after-hours. A list of locations is available on the TNG Spot website (German).
• Many larger stores, malls and supermarkets offer free WiFi.
• Deutsche Bahn (Germany's national railway company) offers free WiFi at the main train station (and on many trains). Access to the station, including the platforms, is not limited.
• The public library offers free Wi-Fi if you ask for a voucher with an access code.
• Commercial Wi-Fi based access can be found throughout most parts of Kiel provided by various operators. Most will not allow you to use your international roaming plan like iPass, though.

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Kiel: seaside city and gateway to the Baltic

Kiel has a long shipbuilding and naval tradition but is characterised today by its vibrant student scene, laid-back lifestyle and urban flair. You can sense this in its modern city centre as much as you can on Dänische Strasse, a street of 19th-century buildings full of maritime charm.

Water is the dominant element of this city, where the sea has forged a path right into its centre. You can feel, see and breathe the magical maritime atmosphere wherever you go: along the elongated Kiel Fjord, around the port or amidst the iconic container cranes of the shipyards, which are among the largest in Europe. The Gorch Fock, a well-travelled training ship and a star attraction at international sailing events, is as much part of the cityscape as the huge ferries docked at the Skandinavienkai quay. The impressive Kiel Week regatta, the annual international sailing festival, firmly cements the city's status as the maritime centre of the north.

City and Maritime Museum

Around the long-established Dänische Strasse shopping street and the Holstenstrasse pedestrian precinct, Kiel city centre flaunts its vibrant flair. Did you know that Kiel is a major host city for the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival, one of the world's biggest classical music festivals? Kiel Castle, Kiel Fjords, the opera house and even the Howaldt shipyards are transformed into fabulous stages here. Even the city's museums are of international standing. Kiel Canal is the world's busiest man-made waterway and connects the city to the North Sea. The canalside path for pedestrians and cyclists is ideal for days out and for visiting restaurants that offer stunning views of the many ships that pass through the canal on their way into the big wide world.

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This is the taste of germany, a lifeline through germany – the green belt, experience nature and national parks as completely accessible, interesting facts about germany, heal naturally: kneipp, felke and schroth cures, romantic advent: christmas cookies, advent calendars, saint nicholas and christmas markets, explore the surroundings.

10 Travel Ads That Would Make Great Posters, March 2014 Edition

Rafat Ali, Skift

March 17th, 2014 at 7:00 AM EDT

At Skift, we're obsessed with vintage travel posters, and hoping some of these become those icons sometime in the future.

Skift, at its heart, is about inspiring people working in the world’s largest industry to be better informed, to help them make smart decisions about travel.

Part of that mission is to highlight the creative parts of the travel industry and sometimes that translates into the creative ads by travel brands.

We’re starting a regular mini-series around travel ads that would make great travel posters, the ones below from the start of 2014 till now. Click on the images below to see the full sized version.

1. Kuoni: Scents of Adventure Advertising Agency: DigitasLBi, UK Creative Director: Gemma Butler Creative Director: Gavin Gordon-Rogers Producer: Nikki Godley Illustrator: Emma Ahlqvist

2. American Airlines: The Legend Is Back – Gregory Advertising Agency: McCann, New York, USA Chief Creative Officers: Sean Bryan & Tom Murphy Executive Creative Director: R. Vann Graves Associate Creative Director / Copywriter: Cameron Fleming Associate Creative Director / Art Director: Alex Yoo Agency Executive Producer: Andrea Kaye Photographer: Patrick Demarchelier

3. American Airlines: The Legend Is Back – Grace Advertising Agency: McCann, New York, USA Chief Creative Officers: Sean Bryan & Tom Murphy Executive Creative Director: R. Vann Graves Associate Creative Director / Copywriter: Cameron Fleming Associate Creative Director / Art Director: Alex Yoo Agency Executive Producer: Andrea Kaye Photographer: Patrick Demarchelier

4. TOP Destinos: Waterfall Advertising Agency: ALMAPBBDO, Brazil Chief Creative Officer: Marcello Serpa Executive Creative Director: Luiz Sanches Creative Director: Marcos Medeiros/Andre Kassu/Bruno Prosperi/Renato Simões Art Director: Caio Tezoto Illustrator: 6B Estudio

 5. Kielo Travel: Snowboarder

Advertising Agency: New Moment New Ideas Company Y&R, Belgrade, Serbia

Creative Director: Svetlana Copic Copywriters: Slavisa Savic, Svetlana Copic Art Director: Slavisa Savic Photographer: Nemanja Spoljaric

6. Norwegian Air: Gift wrap Advertising Agency: 358, Helsinki, Finland Copywriter: Antti Tähtinen Creative Director / Art Director: Antero Jokinen Graphic Designer: Isa Jokela-Gomes Producer: Elina Tähtinen Strategists: Dan Goodall, Peter Barmer Client Team Director: Kimmo Tupala

7. Gautrain: Baby Advertising Agency: JWT, Johannesburg, South Africa Executive Creative Director: Ashley Bacon Creative Directors: Ross Ventress, Ronnie Malden Art Directors: Assaf Levy, Alan Lewus Copywriters: Lawrence Katz, Charles Foley Photographer: Clive Stewart Retouchers: Rob Frew, Collin Gradwell Agency Producer: Tammy Chetty Account Director: Nikki Miller Account Manager: Caroline Mogotsi

8. Planet Hospitality: Travel Advertising Agency: PencilWings, India Creative Director: Parvej Pathan Creative Director / Copywriter: Ravi Sodhan Art Director: Rajendra Gavali Illustrator: Amol Thakur Additional credits: Rishika Dave, Abhijeet Mahajan

9. Jamaica Tourist Board: Jerk chicken Advertising Agency: DraftFCB, New York, USA Group Creative Director: Roald Van Wyk Executive Creative Director: Gary Resch Chief Creative Officer: Javi Campopiano Art Director / Assistant Creative Director: Rodrigo Burdman Copywriter / Assistant Creative Director: Greg Wikoff Illustrator: Rodrigo Burdman Photographer: Justin Francis

10. Campanile: Punk Advertising Agency: PONK, Paris, France Creative Director / Copywriter: Franck Pralong Art Director: Clémentine Damolini Photographer: Ilario Magali

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Some locals admit that Kiel, the capital of Schleswig-Holstein, has a city centre that's grottenhässlich (ugly as sin). And unfortunately it is true; it was obliterated during WWII by bombing raids on its U-boat pens and then rapidly rebuilt. Today, it is a series of charmless indoor malls linked by pedestrian bridges.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Nord-Ostsee-Kanal

The 99km-long Nord-Ostsee-Kanal reaches the Baltic Sea from the North Sea at Kiel, with some 60,000 ships passing through every year. It's easy to view…

The splendid waterfront promenade known as the Kiellinie begins northeast of the Schlossgarten. Sailing clubs, a tiny aquarium, cafes and restaurants line…

Schiffahrtsmuseum

Atmospherically located in an imposing former fish market, Kiel's maritime museum tells the story of the city's maritime heritage. Newly redone, it's a…

Aquarium Geomar

This small aquarium has a good collection of marine life from the Baltic and North Seas.

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Schleswig-Holstein, Germany

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Kiel is an important port on Germany’s Baltic Sea coast and a city host for one of the world's biggest classical music festivals . On Ferryhopper, you can take a look at available ferry routes from the port of Kiel, our travel tips for your vacation, and book your tickets  easily and quickly!

Find useful information about the port of Kiel and read our suggestions for your dreamy holidays there:

Kiel ferry port

Vacation in kiel.

The beautiful canal of Kiel surrounded by greenery

The port of Kiel is one of the most versatile ports in the Baltic region consisting of the city ports ( Schwedenkai, Sartorikai, Ostseekai , and Norwegenkai ), the Ostuferhafen and the canal ports (Nordhafen and Nordmole). 

Its geographic location makes the port very attractive having intense maritime traffic , with daily departures and arrivals of cargo ships, and passenger ferries .

Ferries of Stena Line ferry company depart to Gothenburg  in Sweden from Schwedenkai terminal . Also, ferries to the Baltic Countries leave from Ostuferhafen consisting   of 6 berths . 

However, if you’re planning to travel to Norway , the only direct ferry connection from Germany is operated by Color Line with ferries departing from the Norwegenkai terminal to Oslo. 

As for the cruise ships, there are frequent departures from terminals 27 and 28 in the Ostseekai area offering bright and modern check-in areas with comfortable waiting areas and beautiful views to the Kiel Fjord.

In the port area, you can find ticket offices , bars, restaurants, a left-luggage office, and a shuttle bus service for internal port transfer.

Ferries from Kiel port: schedules and tickets

Kiel is connected weekly with the port of Gothenburg in Sweden and the port of Oslo in Norway and the city of Klaipėda in Lithuania.

There are usually several weekly crossings from the port of Kiel with travel times ranging between  14 hours and 30 hours with all-day boarding. So, below you can find all the information on the available ferry routes depending on the destination and the ferry operator.

Ferry from Kiel to Gothenburg

The Kiel-Gothenburg ferry crossing is usually operated 7 times per week by Stena Line . The ferry trip takes about 14 hours .

Ferry from Kiel to Klaipėda

There is 1 daily ferry crossing connecting Kiel to Klaipėda in Lithuania that is operated by the DFDS ferry company. The ferry time is about 21 hours .

Ferry from Kiel to Oslo

Ferries of Color Line connect the city of Kiel to the capital of Norway, Oslo . The ferry from Kiel to Oslo is operated with up to 8 weekly crossings . There is a ferry crossing connecting Kiel to Norway. The ferry trip takes around 20 hours .

Where is the ferry port in Kiel

The port area of Kiel is divided into 4 main areas (Schwedenkai, Sartorikai, Ostseekai, and Norwegenkai) and the Ostuferhafen. Therefore, depending on where you are traveling to, you have to reach different terminals. 

The port area is easily accessible by public transport. It is about 8 km and a 15-minute drive from Kiel airport . The parking lot of the port is also 5 minutes by car from the city's  central railway station .

How to get to Kiel port

You can get to the port of Kiel by car , taxi , train or bus . You can take the train from the central train station in about 5 minutes by car and 10 minutes by bus from the city center.

The night lights in the port of Kiel

Kiel was founded back in 1233 and it is the capital city of the German state of Schleswig-Holstein, located at the end of the Kiel Fiord . Its large port connects Germany to the Nordic countries and the Baltic Region and evidences the city’s long naval tradition .

However, Kiel has also a vibrant student scene and a charming city center filled with cute shops, cafes, and restaurants .

The best time to visit Kiel is from June to August  when the weather is pleasantly warm . 

How to get to Kiel

You can travel to Kiel by plane, train, bus,  or ferry . You can take a flight to Kiel Airport (KEL) in Holtenau. However, it is for smaller planes and serves domestic flights and connections between Germany and the Scandinavian countries . 

Also, there are several  frequent international flights  from/to the airport of Hamburg or the airport of Lübeck. From there, you can take the train to Kiel lasting between 1.5  and 3 hours .

However, if you are traveling by car , Kiel is well-connected to other cities in Germany. Also, you can reach the city of Kiel by train or bus . There are several bus services and train routes connecting the city to other German cities such as Berlin and Hambourg.

Alternatively, you can reach Kiel by ferry . There are ferry crossings connecting Germany to Sweden (Gothenburg), Norway (Oslo), and Lithuania (Klaipėda). Traveling by ferry may take longer but you can embark your vehicle.

Also, you can book a cabin for a comfortable trip while enjoying the fascinating crossing and the breathtaking views from the ferry’s dock. Therefore, if you're planning to travel by ferry you can find more information about ferry routes and schedules to Germany on our Map of ferries .

What to do in Kiel

Kiel is a city with a long, fascinating history that also suffered the consequences of the First and Second World Wars. However, nowadays is a charming city , with a mixture of old vintage buildings, new indoor malls, and picturesque pedestrian bridges .

From impressive museums and verdant parks to shopping streets, Kiel has a vibrant fair with its grand harbor and the beautiful Fjord stealing the scene. While there, make sure to visit the rectangle Kiel Castle and the imposing old Lighthous e. 

Go for a long walk parallel to the Kiellinie promenade to explore the districts of Düsternbrook and Wik or enjoy window-shopping in the main shopping streets of Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

And of course, you can’t miss Kieler Woche ! Kiel Week is the biggest sailing regatta in the world. The festival is usually held in  June featuring sailing competitions , live music concerts, and several foods stands near the port. What do you say? Are you interested in joining Germany's second-largest public festival after the world-famous Oktoberfest?

Houses in the Old Town of Kiel

Sightseeing in Kiel

Kiel is a charming city with a vibrant city center, a picturesque Old Town, museums, and long promenades by the sea. Among the most beautiful attractions to discover in Kiel we recommend:

• Kiel Castle , one of the oldest buildings in the city of Kiel since 1230
• Kiel Fjord , an approximately 17 km long inlet of the Baltic Sea
• The St. Nikolai Church , the city's oldest building
• The Opera house , the major venue for opera, ballet, and orchestral performances
• The Maritime Museum , showing the maritime history of Kiel
• The Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse , the city’s main shopping streets 
• The Aquarium Geomar , exhibiting a variety of fish and crustaceans
• The Zoological Museum , one of the oldest natural history museums in Germany
• The Laboe Naval Memorial , a memorial for the sailors of all nationalities who were lost at sea 
• The Kiellinie , a promenade in the Kiel districts of Düsternbrook and Wik
• The Schrevenpark , a beautiful park with a lake 
• The Kiel-Holtenau Lighthouse , signaling the ships into the Kiel Canal with its bright beacon since 1895

The charming Lighthouse of Kiel 

Nightlife in Kiel

Kiel has a quiet and stylish nightlife but it can also be loud and wild thanks to the vibrant student scene. Therefore, the city offers something for every taste from karaoke nights , and stand-up comedy to disco nights .

So, If you wish to relax after a long walking tour in Kiel you can visit the Old Town (Altstadt) for a beer or a glass of wine . However, if you are into dancing, plunge into the vibrant nightlife and visit the clubs on Harms street .

Food in Kiel

There are several nice restaurants in Kiel offering a wide spectrum of different flavors , varying from local specialties such as fresh seafood from the Baltic Sea and splendid barbeque sausages to bavarian typical food.

Here are some of the most delicious local delicacies to try during your stay in Kiel:

• schnüüsch (local soup or stew with beans, peas, potatoes, and kohlrabi)
• Kieler Sprotte (a fish delicacy made with sprats)
• mehlbüdel (a kind of dumpling served with sugar, liquid butter, and pork meat)
• fliederbeersuppe (elderberry juice, diced apples and plums)
• rote grütze  (traditional sweet with raspberry and cream)
• spicy barbeque sausages with smashed potatoes

Rote grütze, the most delicious traditional German sweet with raspberries

Here are some tips that we hope will be useful to you during your stay in Kiel:

• Once a week museums are admission fee free so check the free days before visiting your short-listed museums of Kiel.
• Make sure to wear comfortable shoes when having a walking tour in the city. Especially the old part of Kiel is full of picturesque, however, cobblestone alleys .
• Public transport is quite efficient. However, keep in mind that the subway operated from 4 am to midnight.
• If you are driving to the city of Kiel or planning to rent a car, make sure to comply with the traffic rules  as even minor speeding violations entail substantial traffic fines.

Useful information about Kiel

In Kiel, you can find many restaurants and cute shops around the historic center of the city. The hub of Kiel also develops around the main shopping   streets of Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse with many attractions at close distance.

In regard to your accommodation , you can find many options depending on your style and budget. If you want to go sightseeing, the best area to stay is near the Old Town (Altstadt). However, the city offers various options for all budgets from hotels, hostels, and Bed & Breakfasts.

As for health care, there are several hospitals both in the city and in the province of Kiel. 

Important phone numbers for your stay in Kiel

Here are some useful contacts to keep within reach during your trip to Kiel:

• Municipality of Kiel: ++494319015000
• Kiel Police Station: +494311601310 
• Kiel Port Authority: +494319822100
• Tourist Information Center: +49431679100
• Roadside Assistance: 116
• European emergency number: 112

Transportation in Kiel

Kiel is a great city with an efficient public transportation network . If you visit Kiel during the summer, you can enjoy the sunshine and have a long stroll instead of taking public transport as the city is really easy to explore on foot .

However, you can get around the city easily by bus . A single, one-way ticket costs around € 2.50 . Also, you can opt for a day pass or a 3-day pass if you plan to use public transport often.

Alternatively, you can rent a bicycle or a car if you’re planning to explore the state of Schleswig-Holstein. Fares vary by company but a standard fare for a family car starts at € 30 a day.

The imposing Opera House and the St.Nikolai Church at night

Where to book Kiel ferry tickets online

On Ferryhopper, you can find all available ferry routes to and from/to Kiel, compare prices, departure times, and book cheap ferry tickets to Kiel online  at the same prices as ferry companies !

Kiel ferry timetable

View the complete ferry schedule from and to Kiel for the upcoming week. Find up-to-date trip information, including departure and arrival dates and times, ferry operators and ticket prices.

Frequent ferry connections

Nearby destinations, kiel has direct ferry connections to 3 ports :.

Trans-Siberian Railway Prices

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Home » Prices and Trans-Siberian Tickets » Trans-Siberian Railway Prices

Ticket prices for the Trans-Siberian Railway also depend on the current ruble exchange rate.

Is the Trans-Siberian Railway expensive?

Before starting on your Trans-Siberian Railway adventure you naturally want to know what the entire trip will cost. Although this sounds like a simple question, it is pretty difficult to answer. The Trans-Siberian Railway price of travel depends on the following factors:

• Which travel class do I want to use? The price for a first class ticket is about three times the price of a 3rd class ticket
• Am I willing to buy the tickets myself and assume responsibility for the organisation of the trip?
• How many stopovers do I want to make? The more breaks, the higher the total price.
• What sort of accommodation do I want? Will it be a luxury hotel or will a hostel dormitory be sufficient?
• What tours and excursions would I like to go on?
• What is the current exchange rate for rubles?

Basically, everything from a luxury to a budget holiday is available. If you buy yourself a 3rd Class nonstop ticket at the counter, a few hundred Euros will cover the price. All you will experience is a week on the Trans-Siberian train and will see nothing of the cities on the way. There is, however, any amount of room for upward expansion. Everyone makes different choices about which aspects they are willing to spend money on. I personally prefer to save money on accommodation and railcar class, visit as many cities and do as many trips as possible. To enable better classification of your travel expenses I have contrasted two typical traveler types. In the third column you can calculate the total cost of your own journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Please keep in mind that these are only rough estimations and not exact prices.

The all-in costs seem fairly high at first. However, they cover everything and it is quite a long journey taking four weeks. Many people forget to consider that when looking at the list. We should also deduct the running costs for food and leisure at home. I think most visitors to this page will classify themselves somewhere between the two categories, that is around the € 2,000 – € 2,500 range. When comparing these prices with other travel packages, you get the impression that it is hardly worthwhile travelling individually on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Please keep in mind that most packages last no more than 14 days and you are herded like cattle through the most beautiful locations.

If you spend less time on the Trans-Siberian Railway you will, of course, pay less. I chose this particular travel length because I prefer not to do things by halves. If you fulfill your dream of travelling on the Trans-Siberian Railway, enjoy it and don’t rush things. But it’s up to you, of course. Try playing around with the form a bit to find the appropriate price for your trip.

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#FollowFriday: Kielo Travel

July 19, 2013

Our #FollowFriday subject this week is unique as they don’t have a social media presence that we can find. We suggest checking out Kielo Travel’s homepage at the minimum. With such a fantastic ad as this, we can at least give them a few clicks.

The one thing any ad must do is drive its audience to action. It has to capture the imagination and make a person want to DO something. If those are the requirements, it is rather shocking how little of that you see in print ads when you flip through a magazine. Be it models draped over some dude or models standing in awkward looking positions  it seems like advertising execs have lost their desire to be creative.

Then we come across this ad from Kielo Travel, a travel agency based in Serbia. When an ad jumps off the page (or in this case, screen) and grabs both of your eyeballs screaming, “LOOK AT ME!” we pay attention. To be completely honest, we lost track of all thought for a minute the first time we saw this. All we could think about was a relaxing poolside seat and a drink with an umbrella (NOTE: Michael and Nelly going on vacation next week is completely unrelated. We think.).

The optical illusion here is cool, but what’s really smart about the ad is that the art is done in a way that everyone can relate with. Maybe not flipping through binders full of what we’re assuming is really boring information, but doing whatever it is at your job that just makes you want to find a pool somewhere. You don’t want to put much thought or effort into going on vacation, you just want to go. Enter Kielo Travel. This is what well done creative work looks like. It doesn’t need to be epic. It doesn’t need to be complicated. It just needs to drive people to do something and capture their attention.

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Independent Travel to Moscow and St. Petersburg

My wife and I have traveled independently to many European countries and, after reading many of the comments in this forum, feel like we may be able to do so in Moscow and St. Petersburg as well, although we feel somewhat less comfortable than the other countries where we have traveled in Europe.

My biggest question is how much we will miss by visiting the main sites without a tour guide. In the other European countries we have visited on our own we have been comfortable and satisfied with the level of knowledge we have gained by studying and visiting on our own, although we believe a tour guide or tour company in any country would normally be able to provide greater insight than visiting a site on our own, but about in Moscow and St. Petersburg?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Unless you speak at least some Russian and read the alphabet it would be difficult without a guide. Very few signs in English especially in Moscow. Also not too many people speak English there.

I visited St Petersburg last Autumn for a protracted period , and did not find it anymore daunting than any other European city . As Ilja says , learning the Cyrillic alphabet is a big plus . I also found that it was fairly easy to grasp . It will , among other things , enable you to read signs with relative ease . I would answer the main part or your question ( about tour guides ) thus - I am not enamored of tour guides or tours. While I only use a tour under duress ( A sites rules prohibiting an independent visit - ie Glasgow School of Art , Municipal House in Prague , etc ) . Doing your own preparation and homework is the best way , in my opinion . My wife and I ventured through St Petersburg with nary a concern ,and made two day trips outside of the central district ( one was twenty five miles away , and no English speakers in sight ) Figuring out the logistical details , did not present any difficulties . While I never use tours , I am an inveterate eavesdropper , have done so many times , and find , that on balance , the information that they impart is fairly elementary . If you want greater detail , they are unlikely to supply it . I also prefer to go at my own pace , not being rushed and being able to dwell on things that most other visitors barely give a passing glance . If you are interested , let me know . I would be happy to provide you with information that will enable you to travel independently

Thank you, Steven. I am encouraged by your comments and feel the same way you do about tour groups. We are very much willing to prepare in advance and learn the basics of the Cyrillic alphabet to help us have a better experience.

I would be very interested in learning more about your experience in Russia and receiving any additional information you can provide on independent travel there, starting perhaps with obtaining the visa.

I am not opposed to hiring a private or small group guide for a specific site or for a day trip outside St Petersburg and Moscow, but, like you said, I much prefer the freedom of staying at places as long or short as I want and seeing the sites that interest me most. For example, neither my wife nor I are big into shopping, yet most tour itineraries leave afternoon time for just that. Not interested!

Please provide whatever you may feel would be helpful for us.

Russ , I see you are quite near San Francisco - you can start by looking at the VISA procedure , it's fairly straightforward . Since there is a consulate in San Francisco - look here http://www.consulrussia.org/eng/visa-sub1.html

And here - http://ils-usa.com/main.php

Having always traveled independently, we thought we could do a better job than any tour. How misguided (pun intended) we were. Now that we have had the experience of having someone native to the area walk us around and explain things through a personal perspective we realize how much we missed. For St. Petersburg I highly recommend http://www.peterswalk.com/tours.html . This is not a traditional guided tour, but an opportunity to receive some orientation to the area as well as insight into the "Russian soul". I think if you did this upon arrival the rest of your time would be much more meaningful. We really liked the http://www.pushka-inn.com . The location is superb (just around the corner from the Hermitage square), the rooms lovely, the included breakfast at the restaurant next door ample and overall an excellent value. We used this company to get our visa: https://www.passportvisasexpress.com/site/san_francisco_customer_service Note that it costs about the same for a 3-year visa as a one-year, and you never know if you might want to return within that more extended window of time. It is not cheap, so factor that into your planning.

If you like traveling without a guide in other countries and find this satisfying, the same will be true in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Of course it's not either/or - you can certainly take a guided walk or boat tour, for instance.

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of learning Cyrillic if you're going on your own. The book I used was Teach Yourself Beginner's Russian Script, which was great. It breaks down the alphabet into letters that are the same as English, letters that look the same but are pronounced differently, etc. It's out of print, but you can get used copies on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Teach-Yourself-Beginners-Russian-Script/dp/0071419861/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1459701143&sr=8-2&keywords=teach+yourself+russian+script

Russia is indeed a bit more "foreign" than say, Italy. However, in Moscow and St. Petersburg, I found enough English to be able to get by. Many restaurants had English menus and/or English speaking staff, for instance. This was most emphatically not true in Vladimir and Suzdal (two cities in the Golden Ring outside Moscow). I went with my sister, a Russian speaker, and if she hadn't been there, I would have been in big trouble. So, if you want to see places outside these two big cities, use a guided tour (even if just for that part). Also, Moscow and St. Petersburg are huge cities. Coming from New York, I wasn't intimidated, but those not used to a megacity may not be so cavalier (even I found them overwhelming at times, especially Moscow).

I found both Lonely Planet and Rough Guide to be helpful, and both to have various errors. Look at both, buy whichever one has a more recent edition, and then be prepared to have to discard some of the advice therein. Also, these places change more quickly than places in Western Europe. Be very careful of outdated advice. For instance, I was there in 2001 and 2010, so I won't give you any specifics on getting a visa - that changes constantly.

Just as a teaser, two things I saw and loved that I doubt would be included in any escorted tour are the Gorky House in Moscow (an Art Nouveau wonder) and the Sheremyetov Palace in St. Petersburg (it's now a museum of musical instruments, and the decor is amazing, particularly in the Etruscan Room).

Thanks for all the good advice. Any additional thoughts are welcomed.

One of history's seminal works pertaining to Russian history and culture and a MUST for anyone contemplating a visit or simply interested , is this fine work from 1980 - http://www.amazon.com/Land-Firebird-The-Beauty-Russia/dp/096441841X

This is about you and not about Petersburg. Do you like guided tours? We don't and didn't find that a guide added to our experience in China where we did hire private guides mostly for the logistics; it was easy to have someone drive us places. But once at a site, we didn't need the guide. I felt the same way about our 9 nights in Petersburg. We did hire a guide for the trip to the Catherine Palace again for the ease of logistics for us Olds. Here is our visit: https://janettravels.wordpress.com/2016/01/23/an-easy-trip-to-the-catherine-palace/ There are also snapshots of the Church on Spilled Blood in this photo journal. Having someone pick us up at the apartment and get us in without line ups and shepherd us through the palace steering clear of the tour groups was lovely. But we didn't need commentary because we can read and prepare.

You certainly don't need a guide for the Hermitage (we spent 4 days there), the Russian Museum, the Kazan Cathedral or Church on Spilled Blood or the Faberge Museum. We enjoyed a number of self guided walking tours including a couple from Rick Steves guidebooks. We took the canal cruise suggested by RS that had an English commentator. I would not take one without that as you will be totally clueless. The commentator was not all that good but at least we had some idea what we were seeing. So for people like us who like to do our own thing and can read a guidebook and don't particularly like to be led about, a tour is not needed. If you enjoy tour groups, then go for it. Petersburg is easy to negotiate. It helps if you can read the cyrillic alphabet and it is also useful to have the google translate ap on your phone. We found ourselves translating packages in grocery stores with it and the occasional museum sign or menu. I have one food I need to avoid and so it was handy to have the translator to talk with waiters (I could either show them the sentence, or play it for them or play it to myself and then repeat it to the waiter -- that all worked well)

Dear Russ, I cannot help you with Moscow, but about four years ago, my husband and I went to St Petersburg on our own. But, we did use a private guide for 4 half days. We both feel that our guide absolutely made our trip (we stayed 6 or 7 nights). We used a company owned by Tatyana Chiurikova, www.tour-stpetersburg.com I cannot say enough good things about her and our experience. I emailed her and we worked out a schedule/ sights that was tailored to our interests. She also offered some recommendations, which we took. The guide will meet you at your hotel. And frequently, at certain places, with the guide, we were able to skip the long entrance lines. We had an half day driving tour of the city (car, driver, & guide). You are taken to & go in places such as Peter & Paul Fortress, some of the cathedrals, etc. We had a half day with the guide at the Hermitage which ensured that we would see the major sights there. And, of course, you can stay after your guide leaves or return another day. Also, we had the guide for Peterhof (a must & go by boat) and Catherine's Palace. I hope that you will go to the website. As I said, our guide made our trip. I am positive that we would have missed quite a bit on our own everyday. And I'm sure we would have wasted a lot of time trying to get to various place.This was the best of both worlds, a guide where needed and plenty of time on our own. Whatever you do, I'm sure that you will love St Petersburg! Ashley

I am curious about the lines as we encountered no lines on our trip -- but it was in September. We got tickets for the Hermitage at machines and skipped those lines and our guide for the Catherine Palace which was our only guided experience (as noted before, chosen for the logistics of getting there) had arranged tickets and we didn't have a line, but then we also didn't see lines. We did not find lines at any other site.

Both Moscow and St Petersburg I've done on my own, that is together with the Dear Partner. I can't remember any problem getting where we wanted to go. The Metro systems are well signed, and with a little exercise and patience you can recognize the station names. With a good map and a good guide - we had the Rough Guides - that part of the logistics is solved. The language is a major problem, but the usual tricks of pointing, looking helpless, and making a joke of it all do wonders. I would hate to be led by a guide, but for others it is a comfortable thought.

We also did both cities on our own. I found the DK Eyewitness guide for Moscow has the best map. I used the one from our library (kept the book at home). Took the smaller RS book for St. Petersburg ( his book on northern cities). His map and restaurant ideas were all good. We also downloaded the Google maps in our Android Samsung tablets/phones for both cities and then could get directions to any place we typed in. The blue ball guided us everywhere. I'm sure we missed somethings by not having a guide, but we just enjoy walking around and getting a sense of a place. If you like art, The Hermitage is great. We went 3 times and still missed alot. In St. Peterburg we stayed at the 3 Mosta which we loved (quite and not far from the Church of Spilled Blood.) We also loved the Georgian food in both cities. There's a great Georgian restaurant near the 3 Mosta hotel. We're now in Belarus- very scenic. Enjoy your trip!!

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