In 1946, Kiel, under British occupation, became the capital of the new, autonomous German federal state of Schleswig-Holstein. The population, including many refugees, rebuilt their city almost completely from nothing, following standards which were quite modern at the time. Thus, as early as 1953, one of the first pedestrian zones in Germany was created, with the Holstenstrasse as its shopping centre.
Seat of the Schleswig-Holstein Parliament: the Landeshaus in Kiel.
Traditionally strong
links with Scandinavia
Kiel quickly developed into a gateway into the international community for the young Federal Republic of Germany. In this process, the Kieler Woche, with its celebratory, and at the same time relaxed atmosphere, played a special part. In the years which followed, Kiel practised an unofficial – but effective – form of “foreign policy at municipal level“, which was initially directed towards establishing contacts in the Scandinavian countries, and later particularly towards Eastern Europe.
Kiel concluded twin-city partnerships with Brest (France), Coventry (Great Britain), Gdynia (Poland), Kaliningrad/Königsberg and Sovetsk/Tilsit (both in the Russian Federation), Stralsund (Germany), Tallinn (Estonia) and Vaasa (Finland).
Kiel is a member of a number of different associations of towns and cities, including the “Union of the Baltic Cities“, and the worldwide initiative “Inter-City Solidarity for Peace and Nuclear Disarmament“ sponsored by the Japanese city of Hiroshima. In addition, like many other cities in the world, Kiel has decided to implement a local version of “Agenda 21“ which is directed at achieving both ecological and social improvements.
Kiel lies at the centre of the European Union. The Baltic Sea area is one of the regions with the greatest development potential on the entire continent. Kiel will accept the challenge of playing its part in that development.
Travel around the world in just one day. It’s easy during Kieler Woche at the International Market where food and culture from 30 nations are represented. In all, about 70 nations take part in the Kieler Woche – in sporting, diplomatic, and cultural events.
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