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Kiel

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Kiel is the capital city of Schleswig-Holstein in northern Germany.

SatSchleswigHolstein Hamburg
SatSchleswigHolstein Hamburg

It is the largest city in Germany located on the Baltic Sea. The city has a population of approximately 250,000 people. It sits on the southeast side of the Jutland Peninsula. The city is positioned at the mouth of the Schwentine River. It also lies on a deep water inlet known as the Kieler Förde.

Luftbildaufnahme Kieler Förde Bickrichtung Hörn
Luftbildaufnahme Kieler Förde Bickrichtung Hörn

This location makes the city a vital maritime center for the region.

Waterways are central to the geography and economy of Kiel. The Kiel Canal is located in the Holtenau district. This is the world's busiest artificial waterway. The canal provides a vital link between the Baltic Sea and the North Sea. Its opposite end is located in Brunsbüttel.

Admiralty Chart No 696 Kieler Hafen, Published 1971
Admiralty Chart No 696 Kieler Hafen, Published 1971

Because of this, Kiel serves as a major sea transport hub. Passenger ferries depart from here for Sweden, Norway, and Lithuania. The Port of Kiel also attracts many large cruise ships.

Kiel has a complex history involving many different rulers. Count Adolf IV of Holstein founded the settlement in 1233. It was originally named Holstenstadt tom Kyle. The city received official city rights in 1242.

Kiel by Braun Hogenberg (middle size) (109097477)
Kiel by Braun Hogenberg (middle size) (109097477)

For a long time, the King of Denmark ruled the area. This happened through a personal union from 1773 to 1864. In 1864, the city became part of the Kingdom of Prussia after the Second Schleswig War. Later, it became part of West Germany and eventually the unified Germany.

The 20th century brought massive changes to the city's size and role. In 1864, the population was only 18,770 people. By 1910, the population had grown to about 200,000. This growth happened because Kiel became a main naval base. In 1871, the German Empire designated Kiel as an Imperial War Harbour. The city also became a major center for shipbuilding. However, the Second World War caused great destruction. Heavy bombing destroyed over 80% of the old town. It also destroyed 83% of the industrial areas.

A significant political event occurred during the First World War. This event is known as the Kiel Mutiny. In late 1918, sailors refused orders to engage the British Navy. They believed the mission was a suicide mission with no effect on the war. This refusal sparked the German Revolution. The revolution led to the abdication of the Kaiser. It also led to the formation of the Weimar Republic.

Kiel, Royal Air Force Bomber Command, 1942-1945 CL2772
Kiel, Royal Air Force Bomber Command, 1942-1945 CL2772

Today, Kiel is a center for education and marine science. The University of Kiel was founded in 1665. It is the home of the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel. This is one of the largest ocean research centers in the world. The city is also famous for its sailing culture. Kiel Week is the largest sailing event on Earth. It takes place every year during the last full week of June.

Holsten strasse Kiel
Holsten strasse Kiel

Visitors also enjoy the long Holstenstraße shopping street.

The city's layout shows a mix of different eras. Some districts like Düsternbrook feature 19th-century villas and tree-lined streets. Other areas like Mettenhof are large housing estates built in the 1960s and 1970s. The city center has a modern style due to post-war rebuilding. There are also plans to restore the historic Kleiner Kiel Kanal. This project aims to improve the waterfront and the inner city.

Kiel Population Density
Kiel Population Density

This blend of history and modern science makes Kiel a unique maritime hub.

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🖼️ Images & Media (13)
File:Kiel by Braun Hogenberg (middle size) (109097477).jpg
Kiel by Braun Hogenberg (middle size)...
File:SatSchleswigHolstein Hamburg.jpg
SatSchleswigHolstein Hamburg.jpg
File:Kiel, Royal Air Force Bomber Command, 1942-1945 CL2772.jpg
Kiel, Royal Air Force Bomber Command,...
File:Admiralty Chart No 696 Kieler Hafen, Published 1971.jpg
Admiralty Chart No 696 Kieler Hafen,...
File:Kiel Population Density.svg
Kiel Population Density.svg
File:Geistkaempfer Barlach Kiel.jpg
Geistkaempfer Barlach Kiel.jpg
File:Ayuntamiento, Kiel, Alemania, 2019-09-10, DD 51-53 HDR.jpg
Ayuntamiento, Kiel, Alemania, 2019-09-10,...
File:2018 Kiel City Council election.svg
2018 Kiel City Council election.svg
File:Holstein-Stadion Luftbild 2019.jpg
Holstein-Stadion Luftbild 2019.jpg
File:Holsten strasse Kiel.JPG
Holsten strasse Kiel.JPG
File:Wappen Kiel.svg
Wappen Kiel.svg
File:Kiel Karte 1.png
Kiel Karte 1.png

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