The Bay of Kiel, located on the Baltic Sea, is a paradise for beach lovers and adventurers alike. Whether you want to relax, enjoy nature or discover cultural highlights - there is something for everyone here. In this article, I will introduce you to some of the best activities and sights around the Bay of Kiel.
Beach activities
Beach walks and sunbathing
The eastern shore of Kiel's inner fjord impresses with its picturesque and well-developed fjord hiking trail, which stretches for more than 30 kilometres. This path invites you to take long walks or cycle tours and offers spectacular views of the fjord. Heikendorf, an idyllic little town with a beautiful sandy beach, is located along the trail. Here you will find charming beach bistros that invite you to linger - perfect for unwinding after a break exploring and enjoying the fresh sea air.
Just a little further up from Heikendorf is Laboe, a place that is known above all for its impressive view of the busy shipping traffic. Here you can enjoy a fresh fish sandwich while watching the international shipping traffic, as numerous freighters, cruise ships and sailors pass by every day on their way to the Kiel Canal. This is not only a highlight for ship enthusiasts, but also for anyone who wants to experience the maritime flair of the region up close.
Just a short drive from Laboe are the popular beaches of Schönberg and California. These neighbouring coastal towns offer a spacious, fine sandy beach that is popular with families and water sports enthusiasts alike. Here you can easily reserve a beach chair via our booking page, sit back, relax and enjoy the magnificent view of the sea. Incidentally, the place owes its unusual name to a fisherman who once found a ship's plank with the word 'California' engraved on it - the place has borne this memorable name ever since.
Water sports
If you love water sports or would like to give them a try, you will find plenty of opportunities to let off steam in the Bay of Kiel. Windsurfers and kitesurfers in particular get their money's worth here, as the conditions with constant winds and open water are ideal. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced surfer, courses are offered in popular coastal resorts such as Schönberg/California and are in great demand. Professional surf schools offer comprehensive training and personalised coaching so that everyone can learn at their own pace.
But it's not just surfers who get their money's worth here - Kiel is known as the ‘sailing Mecca’ of Germany and offers a wealth of opportunities for sailing enthusiasts. If you don't have your own boat, you can easily hire one, and sailing schools invite both beginners and advanced sailors to improve their skills on the water. Things get particularly exciting during the annual Kiel Week (German: Kieler Woche), one of the biggest sailing events in the world. During this week, the city becomes a hotspot for sailors and water sports fans from all over the world, who not only enjoy the sporting competitions, but also the colourful supporting programme and the special atmosphere.
The Baltic Sea around Kiel also has a lot to offer underwater. A fascinating underwater world with historic wrecks and an astonishingly diverse marine fauna opens up for diving enthusiasts. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver - the region offers numerous diving spots just waiting to be explored. Diving schools in the area not only offer courses for beginners, but also guided dives for advanced divers who want to gain deeper insights into the fascinating underwater landscapes. From starfish to mysterious shipwrecks - the Baltic Sea has many surprises in store.
Sightseeing
The impressive naval memorial in Laboe is a memorial to those of all nations who remained at sea and at the same time a memorial to peaceful seafaring on open seas. The monumental complex towers majestically over the coast and offers a breathtaking panoramic view over the Bay of Kiel from the viewing platform. Right next to the memorial is the U-995 submarine, a fascinating relic from the Second World War. This walk-through museum gives you the opportunity to see the inside of a submarine up close and gain an authentic insight into the life of the crew.
A stroll through Kiel's old town is just as worthwhile. Here, historic buildings are lined up next to modern shops and cosy cafés that invite you to linger. A particular highlight is the idyllic Germaniahafen harbour in the heart of the city, where beautiful vintage boats are often moored - a perfect photo opportunity and a real eye-catcher.
Gottorf Castle awaits you around an hour away from Kiel. The imposing baroque palace is home to the Museum of Art and Cultural History and the Museum of Archaeology. Here you can admire works of art, historical artefacts and important archaeological finds that bring the history and culture of the region to life in an impressive way. The magnificent halls and historic atmosphere of the castle make a visit an unforgettable experience.
Gettorf Zoo is a worthwhile excursion destination for nature and animal lovers. A diverse mix of exotic and native animals awaits you here. The lovingly designed park offers numerous opportunities to discover the animal world up close and gain fascinating insights into the behaviour and way of life of the various species. The zoo is an exciting and educational experience, especially for families, which encourages a connection with nature in a playful way.
Summary
The Bay of Kiel offers an impressive variety of activities and sights with something for everyone. With its kilometres of fine sandy beaches, it invites you to relax and sunbathe, while the water offers perfect conditions for swimming, sailing and windsurfing. For nature lovers, the picturesque coastal paths are a paradise for hiking and cycling, lined with breathtaking views of the glittering sea and lush green landscapes.
Visit the charming coastal towns with their picturesque old towns, explore beautiful castles and immerse yourself in the vibrant maritime history. Numerous events provide entertainment and cultural highlights throughout the year.
Pack your bags and experience the diversity of this beautiful region for yourself!
