To The Places Of Maritime History

An Adventure By Foot Or Bike

Undertake this exploration and experience everything worth knowing about the maritime history of the city of Kiel.

Map of Blue Path

 
Download the outline map (PDF)

Come and get a taste of Schilksee, Kiel’s northernmost harbour, or go for a stroll along Tiessenkai with its serene harbour atmosphere and catch a glimpse of times gone by: historic sailing ships moored along the quay; the former offices of old trading companies; the old warehouse and the Holtenau lighthouse. From here you can watch the large container vessels passing through the locks, beyond which lies the Kiel Canal.

Following the fjord’s coastline further south, you come to the narrowest, and thus the strategically most important, part of the Kiel Fjord. Here, in 1632, Germany's only sea fortress was built. If shipbuilding takes your fancy, the Skagerrakufer is the place for you. From here, you can view the bustle of work at the Lindenau shipyard.

The navy occupied a prominent place in Kiel's history, and an impression of the naval ships can be gained at Tirpitzhafen. The historically significant parks along Kiellinie form an ideal opportunity for a short repose. Their location makes for a fantastic panoramic view of Kiel Fjord, reminiscent of the paintings of Hermann Wehrmann.

The “grand old lady” among Kiel’s seaside public bathing sites, the Seebadeanstalt Düsternbrook, offers a chance to go for a refreshing swim in the Baltic while enjoying the sun and the fresh sea breeze.

Other points of interest are the former Naval Academy, today the seat of the Land Government of Schleswig-Holstein, and the majestic cranes of the Howaldtswerke - Deutsche Werft (HDW) shipyard.

Continuing south along the Kiellinie, you pass the impressive research vessels moored there and the large cruiseliners and ferries at the Ostseekai. With over 300 years of experience, Kiel today is at the cutting edge of maritime research worldwide.

The neighbouring Kiel Maritime Museum, featuring exhibits on the history of the City of Kiel and its former trade port - today’s boat harbour - form another point of interest and repose in Kiel’s historical centre.

By fjord ferry, which leaves directly from the dock Bahnhofskai near Kiel’s central station, it is only a short trip to the fjord’s east shore, offering a unique view of the city as it glides by. Visitors who prefer to enjoy the sea breeze a bit longer can extend their trip into the outer fjord, and board the ferries to Laboe or Schilksee, or go on a harbour sightseeing tour, which also departs from the dock Bahnhofsbrücke.

The Hörn, as the innermost part of the Kiel Fjord is called, is also where the large ferries of the daily service to Oslo lie berthed. These huge vessels are an impressive sight as they leave their berths, just a stone’s throw from any onlookers on the opposite quay, and almost soundlessly glide out to sea.

The next points of interest on the east shore of Kiel Fjord form the end of the Blue Path: Today’s Volkspark, originally a park for the recreation of the shipyard labourers, offers a great view of the shipyard premises of HDW; the sea fish market on the premises of the former “Stocks und Kolbe“ shipyard and the Institute for Marine Research.

What more could you want? Visit the 20 stops along the Blue Path that lines Kiel Fjord!