Culture of Kiel. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

St. Nicholas' Church (Nikolaikirche) is the oldest building in the city. It's a beautiful Gothic-styled edifice built in the 13th century. The church has been reconstructed for many times in the whole field of its history, but it has managed to retain the original style. The interior of the church is decorated in simple and low-key style; some elements date back hundreds of years.

The most notable region in the historical perspective is the region of Laboe; the World War II submarine is the main object of interest here. Not far from the iconic place where submarine rests, a beautiful memorial was found. The Kiel Canal, opened in the late 19th century, remains the undisputable symbol of the city. The length of the canal is 99 kilometers; every year it hosts the largest sailing regatta in the world.

While strolling along the promenade along the canal, you can admire ancient ships and submarines; every excursion requires walk through the port area. Be sure to visit the Christian Albrecht University of Kiel, which is one of the most famous in Germany. It was founded in 1664 and was named after its founder - Duke Christian Albrecht, whose name it has being bearing for more than three hundred years. The oldest building of the university is located in an old convent; the construction of new buildings began only a hundred years after the opening of the school. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Today the large-scale architectural complex is surrounded by an extensive parkland. Not far from the University the Botanical Garden is located; it was opened in 1688. University staff was directly involved in setting out the garden. Today it assembles one of the richest collections of exotic flowers and plants in the country. Guests will enjoy a huge number of museums and theaters, which are strongly recommended to be included in the entertainment program.

The City Museum (Stadtmuseum) will introduce the history of Kiel to visitors as it has an interesting collection of historical artifacts and household items. Both adults and children would be amused with tour around geological and zoological museums. The exhibition of the Historical Museum is dedicated to the most important events that citizens had to endure; the significant part of the collection is devoted to the World War II. Excursions to the military and industrial museums would be amazing too.

Kiel boasts of many interesting sculptures located on its territory. Thus, here there are monuments to great people (Otto von Bismarck, Peter III of Russia, Asmus Bremer), as well as very interesting sculptures (“Light becomes an object”, “Floating object”, “Good house spirit”), and memorial complexes (The Laboe Naval Memorial). All of them form the face of the city, being a kind of its hallmarks. Discovering them on your sightseeing route is an undeniable pleasure. Another church in Kiel deserves special mention. This is the International Church of Kiel where the main language is English. It is also interesting from an architectural point of view. Having quite an untypical building for a religious shrine, it strikes the imagination with its stunning stained glass windows.

No one will remain indifferent to visiting the Freilichtmuseum Molfsee. Here you can get acquainted with the traditional way of life of local people in the Middle Ages. The complex includes a windmill, a mini-zoo with graceful horses (available for riding), craft workshops (smithy, pottery), residential buildings, a church. The amazing pastoral atmosphere contributes to getting a great unique experience. Other remarkable museums that would be of interest to travelers include the Computermuseum with exhibits belonging to different times, thanks to which one can trace the evolution of computers. The Kunsthalle is worthy of a visit as well, especially if you are a fan of arts.

The Hauptbahnhof, from which many tourists begin getting acquainted with the city, is another remarkable place in Kiel. Built in Baroque style in 1911, it is nevertheless famous for its functionality and comforts. The Kiel Rathaus deserves special mention due to its architecture. Its Art Nouveau building was built in the same year, 1911. It holds regular guided tours, during which travelers can climb up to the level of 67 meters and look at Kiel and its surroundings from a bird's-eye view.

The Flandernbunker is a living reminder of the tragic times in the history of Germany. Once an anti-aircraft bunker, this place breathes some horror so every visitor feels an irresistible desire to do everything possible so that this does not happen again in our history. Kiel has two interesting lighthouses: Leuchtturm Friedrichsort built in 1971 that plays an important transportation role, as well as Leuchtturm Bülk dating back to 1865, which is famous for its magnificent views of the Baltic Sea (an observation deck is available for tourists).