Kiel, the capital of the state of Schleswig-Holstein in Germany, not only offers a picturesque location on the Baltic Sea, but also numerous opportunities for hiking and walking. The city lies on the western shore of the Kiel Fjord and stretches over hills and valleys, resulting in a varied landscape.
Maps and trails
The 10 most beautiful hikes in Kiel
Hiking Trail
· Baltic Coast of Schleswig-Holstein
Lighthouse route Strande, Alt-Bülk and the Baltic Sea
recommended route
Difficulty
easy
10.5 km
2:38 h
34 m
34 m
This round route leads over forest and field paths, partly also over paved or cobbled paths, from Strande via Alt-Bülk and then along the Baltic Sea past the Bülk lighthouse back to Strande.
Hiking Trail
· Schleswig-Holstein inland
Danish border - Kiel
recommended route
Difficulty
difficult
185.6 km
45:20 h
506 m
507 m
Partly on the E1, the Fördesteig and the Jakobsweg, always along the Baltic Sea coast to Eckernförde, then to the Kiel Canal and on to Kiel
Hiking Trail
· Baltic Coast of Schleswig-Holstein
From Preetz to Strande - European long-distance path E1: From Reutlingen to the north - Day 44
recommended route
Difficulty
difficult
37 km
8:00 h
100 m
150 m
The E1 today leads from Preetz along the Schwentine to Kiel. From the state capital of Schleswig-Holstein, the route first goes north on asphalt. After the second ferry of the day, this quickly changes again. Great paths lead me to the Baltic Sea near Strande.
Hiking Trail
· Baltic Coast of Schleswig-Holstein
Up and down stairs on the eastern edge of Kiel
recommended route
Difficulty
difficult
11.9 km
2:59 h
100 m
96 m
Schönkirchen - Sports and tennis courts - Sculpture park - Schönhorst - Großholz - Holzkate - Oppendorf settlement and sports field - Oppendorf hiking trail - Kiel-Dietrichsdorf - Steinbergskamp
Hiking Trail
· Baltic Coast of Schleswig-Holstein
Wellsee and Rönner Holz
recommended route
Difficulty
easy
11.4 km
2:51 h
50 m
50 m
A beautiful, varied hike along the Wellsee, through forest and field landscapes, back to the starting point at Elmschenhagen station.
Hiking Trail
· Baltic Coast of Schleswig-Holstein
Dietrichsdorfer Beach and Oilberg
recommended route
Difficulty
easy
2.2 km
0:36 h
23 m
24 m
Hike from Dietrichsdorfer Beach over the Oilberg with a view over the Kiel Fjord.
Hiking Trail
· Baltic Coast of Schleswig-Holstein
Kiel - Rastorfer Mühle - Klausdorf
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Difficulty
T1
easy
18.4 km
4:30 h
35 m
35 m
Along the Schwentine into Holstein SwitzerlandFrom its mouth in the Bay of Kiel, the European long-distance hiking trail and the eastern variant of the Via Jutlandica follow the Schwentine on near-natural paths upstream to Oppendorfer Mühle, Rastorfer Mühle and Rosensee.
Hiking Trail
· Baltic Coast of Schleswig-Holstein
Holtenau Lighthouse - Dankeskirche
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Difficulty
T1
easy
6.6 km
1:45 h
27 m
27 m
Street of Dream ShipsThe Holtenau Lock at the mouth of the Kiel Canal into the Kiel Fjord is an impressive technical monument, the imperial-era Old Holtenau Lighthouse with panoramic views of the fjord is considered by many as the most beautiful lighthouse on the Baltic Sea coast of Schleswig-Holstein, and the cemetery of the neo-Gothic Dankeskirche built as a seafarers' church up on the hillside features a 110-year-old avenue of lindens.
Hiking Trail
· Baltic Coast of Schleswig-Holstein
Across the "Golden Gate Bridge" to the recreational area - or vice versa
recommended route
Difficulty
easy
11.9 km
3:00 h
102 m
105 m
Domänental - Ottendorf - Heitholm - Mettenhof - Russeer Gehege - Hasseldieksdammer Gehölz - Hofholz
Hiking Trail
· Baltic Coast of Schleswig-Holstein
Field, forest and two canals
recommended route
Difficulty
moderate
18.7 km
4:36 h
105 m
95 m
Manor house Stift - Gut Knoop - Asparagus farm Gut Friedrichshof (farm shop) - Gut Rathmannsdorf - Rathmannsdorfer lock (refreshment: "Schleusengarten") - Stud farm Gut Projensdorf - Kiel Canal (refreshment: "Kanalfeuer") - Knoop - Kiel-Holtenau
For nature lovers there are many beautiful walking tours in Kiel. One popular route, for example, is along the Kiel Canal. This 100-kilometre-long canal connects the North Sea with the Baltic Sea and offers breathtaking views of passing ships as well as idyllic landscapes along the way. There are well-marked hiking trails along the canal that are suitable for both experienced hikers and families with children.
Another highlight is the Westensee Nature Park area southwest of Kiel. Here, visitors can walk through forests on various hiking routes or stroll around the lake of the same name. Westensee is characterised by its clear waters and offers a rich flora and fauna to discover.
In the city centre of Kiel is the Botanical Garden, a beautiful place to walk in the middle of the city. On the well-kept paths you can explore different themed gardens and admire exotic plants.
The best seasons for walking in Kiel are spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasantly mild and nature is in full bloom or shows its colourful autumn colours. In summer it can get a bit hot, but you can still enjoy beautiful walks along the coast.
Overall, Kiel offers a variety of walks for every taste. Whether you like to walk along the water, roam through the woods or just want to explore the city - you are sure to find the right route here. So grab your walking shoes and explore Kiel's picturesque surroundings on foot!
Another highlight is the Westensee Nature Park area southwest of Kiel. Here, visitors can walk through forests on various hiking routes or stroll around the lake of the same name. Westensee is characterised by its clear waters and offers a rich flora and fauna to discover.
In the city centre of Kiel is the Botanical Garden, a beautiful place to walk in the middle of the city. On the well-kept paths you can explore different themed gardens and admire exotic plants.
The best seasons for walking in Kiel are spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasantly mild and nature is in full bloom or shows its colourful autumn colours. In summer it can get a bit hot, but you can still enjoy beautiful walks along the coast.
Overall, Kiel offers a variety of walks for every taste. Whether you like to walk along the water, roam through the woods or just want to explore the city - you are sure to find the right route here. So grab your walking shoes and explore Kiel's picturesque surroundings on foot!
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Localization
Parts of this content were machine translated from German.


