The capital of Schleswig-Holstein is situated directly on the Baltic Sea; hence the reference to everything connected with the sea, ships and sailing is quite understandable. Surely everyone has heard of the summer highlight “Kiel Week“. This greatest sailing sport event in northern Europe offers around 1000 events over 9-10 days each year, which has helped make it an international cultural meeting place.

But Kiel also has a series of events for the rest of the year – rock, pop and jazz concerts. Kiel is also one of the locations of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival and there are many other folk festivals held throughout the year. The two summer months of July and August offer festivals for all age groups within the framework of the “Summer of Culture in Kiel“. Within the scope of this event some of the city’s museums and galleries hold open-air exhibitions.

When the (in)famous northern bad weather takes over, visitors can brighten up their days in the extensive shopping malls situated directly on the sea watching the "tubs“ sailing past or spend some time in cafes with views of the fjord.