Kiel is the capital and most populous city in the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein.

Due to its geographic location in the north of Germany, the southeast of the Jutland peninsula and the southwestern shore of the Baltic Sea, Kiel has become one of the major maritime centres of Germany. For instance, the city is known for a variety of international sailing events, including the annual Kiel Week, which is one of the biggest sailing events in the world.

Kiel’s recorded history began in the 13th century, but the city was originally a Danish village, in the 8th century. Until 1864 it was administered by Denmark in personal union. In 1866 the city was annexed by Prussia and in 1871 it became part of Germany.

In Kiel the sea is always close by – you can even feel it in the city center. A stroll through the city in sight of the port, impressive cruise liners and the blue giant cranes of the shipyard.