Kiel - Germany

Located on the picturesque Baltic Sea coast, Kiel is a charming city that seamlessly blends its rich history with modern innovation. As the capital and most populous city in the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel boasts an impressive population of 246,243 residents (2021). Strategically situated approximately north of Hamburg and south of the Danish border, this vibrant metropolis has evolved into one of Germany's major maritime centers. Kiel's stunning harbor and scenic coastline have made it a mecca for sailing enthusiasts. The city is renowned for hosting the world-famous Kiel Week, an annual international sailing extravaganza that attracts thousands of visitors from around the globe. Moreover, the Bay of Kiel has had the honor of hosting the Olympic sailing competitions in 1936 and 1972. Beyond its maritime attractions, Kiel is a city with a storied past. The city played a pivotal role in shaping Germany's history during World War I, particularly with the Kiel Mutiny, which ultimately led to the German Revolution and the birth of the Weimar Republic. This rich heritage has been beautifully preserved in the city's numerous museums and historical landmarks. Kiel is also an important hub for high-tech shipbuilding, with a strong focus on innovation and research. The GEOMAR – Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel at the University of Kiel, founded in 1665, is one of Europe's leading institutions for oceanographic studies. Furthermore, the city's strategic location on the Kiel Fjord and its proximity to the bustling Kiel Canal (Nord-Ostsee-Kanal), the world's busiest artificial waterway, have solidified Kiel's position as a major sea transport hub. A popular destination for cruise ships touring the Baltic Sea, Port of Kiel welcomes numerous passenger ferries from Sweden, Norway, Lithuania, and other countries. According to statistics, Kiel's GDP per capita was an impressive €35,618 in 2005 – significantly higher than Germany's national average and a remarkable 159% above the European Union's average. Kiel's commitment to environmental sustainability has earned it recognition as one of the founding cities of the original European Green Capital Award in 2006. Today, this beautiful city offers its residents an exceptional quality of life, with high scores in amenities (A), health (A-), culture (A), and childcare & education (A+). Commute times are relatively short, earning a score of B+, while noise pollution is the only area where Kiel falls slightly behind, scoring C-. Overall, this magnificent city by the sea has solidified its position as an attractive destination for both residents and tourists alike.

Kiel

Country: Germany

Population: 247717

Elevation: 5

Area: 118.6

Web: https://www.kiel.de/

Area code: 0431