As capital of the state of Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel is Germany’s northernmost capital city, with the Kiel Fjord stretching right into the heart of it. With its cruise and ferry terminals, Kiel harbour connects the city to Scandinavia and the Baltics. The Kiel Canal is the busiest artificial waterway in the world. All of this put together makes Kiel an important transport hub for the entire Baltic Sea Region.

Wide horizons, the wind and the sea – that is what makes Kiel special and also what shapes the people living here.

The fjord and its beaches provide ideal conditions for water sports and recreation. Every year the city celebrates Kieler Woche (Kiel Week), the biggest summer festival in northern Europe and the world’s largest sailing event with more than three million visitors.

Away from its waterfront, Kiel has much more to offer: theatres, museums, galleries and a broad range of restaurants and events, Kiel is also the cultural centre of Schleswig-Holstein.

Starting with its kindergartens, passing through schools and universities, and stopping by its vocational training centre, one can only admire Kiel’s commitment to lifelong learning. The city is well equipped for it too, with all types of schools, four universities – Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel – Kiel University, Muthesius Academy of Fine Arts and Design, Kiel University of Applied Sciences and Schleswig-Holstein Cooperative State University – as well as various institutes of further education.

As a university city, Kiel is also home to a range of outstanding scientific research institutions – such as the University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, the renowned Kiel Institute for the World Economy or the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, which is one of Europe’s leading marine research institutions.

With projects like Digital Week Kiel – Germany’s biggest public digital festival focused on citizens, ambitious climate and maritime protection strategies – a successful diverse business destination and an open-minded and welcoming atmosphere, the city is on its way to becoming one of Germany’s leading regions for innovation.