Top 3 Itineraries in Kiel

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Kiel.

If you only have a few days, Kiel weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Kiel offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Kiel are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Kiel’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Kiel offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Germany's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Kiel truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Kiel belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Kiel are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Kiel and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Kiel itinerary with our handpicked list. Each of these 3 itineraries is crafted to match different travel styles. So whether you're in Kiel just for a weekend, or you plan to see more on a longer city break or road trip, there's an itinerary for you!

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these itineraries will help you experience the best of Kiel without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Kiel!

A scenic 13-day road trip through Hamburg, Köln, Bremen, Bonn, and Königswinter is one of the best ways to experience Germany. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 13-day itinerary means that Kiel can easily be combined with other top destinations in Germany without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Hamburg, Köln, Bremen, Bonn, and Königswinter by public transport, renting a car in Germany opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 13 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Bremen

• Arrival city: Bremen
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Bremen, e.g., H+ Hotel Bremen
• Sightseeing: Town Musicians of Bremen

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Bremen. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Bremen

• Destinations: Bremen
• Driving distance: 18.29 km, approx. 50 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Bremen, e.g., H+ Hotel Bremen
• Sightseeing: Overseas Museum, Bremen, Rhododendron-Park Bremen, Universum Bremen, and Schnoor

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Overseas Museum, Bremen, Rhododendron-Park Bremen, Universum Bremen, and Schnoor. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Bremen, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest.

Day 3: Discover Norden and Osterloog

• Destinations: Norden and Osterloog
• Driving distance: 238.4 km, approx. 3 hours and 24 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Wilhelmshaven, e.g., Fanø Krogaard
• Sightseeing: Waloseum, Ostfriesisches Teemuseum, Seehundstation Nationalpark-Haus, and Automotive & Toy Museum

Spend the day exploring Waloseum, Ostfriesisches Teemuseum, Seehundstation Nationalpark-Haus, and Automotive & Toy Museum. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Wilhelmshaven.

Day 4: Experience Norden, Greetsiel, and Hauen

• Destinations: Norden, Greetsiel, and Hauen
• Driving distance: 398.43 km, approx. 5 hours and 24 seconds
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Essen, e.g., Hotel Essener Hof, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western
• Sightseeing: Pilsum lighthouse, Schlosspark Lütetsburg (Eingang/Ausgang), and Hafen Greetsiel

Continue your journey through Norden, Greetsiel, and Hauen, where you can explore Pilsum lighthouse, Schlosspark Lütetsburg (Eingang/Ausgang), and Hafen Greetsiel. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Essen.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Essen and Duisburg

• Destinations: Essen and Duisburg
• Driving distance: 115.49 km, approx. 2 hours and 14 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Cologne, e.g., Hostel die Wohngemeinschaft
• Sightseeing: Duisburg Zoo, Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord, UNESCO-Welterbe Zollverein, and Duisburg Inner Harbour
• Recommended tour: Cologne City Tour Experience cathedral city on the Rhine

Drive through Essen and Duisburg, stopping to visit Duisburg Zoo, Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord, UNESCO-Welterbe Zollverein, and Duisburg Inner Harbour. Embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems off the beaten path.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Düsseldorf

• Destinations: Düsseldorf
• Driving distance: 40.1 km, approx. 1 hour and 10 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Hanover, e.g., H4 Hotel Hannover Messe
• Sightseeing: Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum Dusseldorf, Nord Park, Rhine Tower, Schloss Benrath, and Japanese Garden

Spend time discovering Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum Dusseldorf, Nord Park, Rhine Tower, Schloss Benrath, and Japanese Garden, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture.

Day 7: Spend Time in Aachen and Eckdorf

• Destinations: Aachen and Eckdorf
• Driving distance: 178.59 km, approx. 2 hours and 33 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Kiel, e.g., Ostseeblick
• Sightseeing: Carolus Thermen, Elisenbrunnen, and Phantasialand
• Recommended tour: Lübeck Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour

Explore Carolus Thermen, Elisenbrunnen, and Phantasialand at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant. Finish the day by checking into another comfortable hotel in the center of Kiel.

Day 8: Explore Bonn, Königswinter, and Heisterbacherrott

• Destinations: Bonn, Königswinter, and Heisterbacherrott
• Driving distance: 88.99 km, approx. 1 hour and 44 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Hamburg, e.g., Cab 20
• Sightseeing: Siebengebirge, Freizeitpark Rheinaue, Schloss Drachenburg, and House of the History of the Federal Republic of Germany
• Recommended tour: The Local Tour of Hamburg Historic Centre

Continue your road trip through Bonn, Königswinter, and Heisterbacherrott, enjoying the flexibility to explore Siebengebirge, Freizeitpark Rheinaue, Schloss Drachenburg, and House of the History of the Federal Republic of Germany and nearby points of interest.

Day 9: Wander Through Köln and Heidekreis

• Destinations: Köln and Heidekreis
• Driving distance: 453.75 km, approx. 5 hours and 17 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Hamburg, e.g., Cab 20
• Sightseeing: Lüneburg Heath, Cologne Cathedral, and Cologne Zoological Garden
• Recommended tour: Private 2-Hour Hamburg Highlights Walking Tour

Visit Lüneburg Heath, Cologne Cathedral, and Cologne Zoological Garden as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye. At the end of the day, check-in at a comfortable hotel in central Hamburg.

Day 10: Uncover Hamburg

• Destinations: Hamburg
• Driving distance: 22.61 km, approx. 1 hour and 4 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Hamburg, e.g., Cab 20
• Sightseeing: St. Pauli Piers, Hagenbeck Zoo, St. Michael's Church, and Alter Elbtunnel
• Recommended tour: Reeperbahn Tour with a Local Guide in Hamburg

Continue your exploration of St. Pauli Piers, Hagenbeck Zoo, St. Michael's Church, and Alter Elbtunnel, taking your time to enjoy scenic drives or leisurely strolls that add to the adventure.

Day 11: Journey Through Hamburg

• Destinations: Hamburg
• Driving distance: 294.48 km, approx. 3 hours and 53 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Hamburg, e.g., Cab 20
• Sightseeing: Miniatur Wunderland, Hamburg Dungeon, Stadtpark, Planten un Blomen, and Elbphilharmonie Hamburg
• Recommended tour: Sightseeing Tour - Free Tour - Historic Center-Hamburg On Foot

Take in the highlights of Miniatur Wunderland, Hamburg Dungeon, Stadtpark, Planten un Blomen, and Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, with plenty of opportunities to pause for a break in charming villages or serene natural settings. Conclude your day with a stay at a different hotel in the heart of Hamburg.

Day 12: Travel Through Berlin

• Destinations: Berlin
• Driving distance: 397.35 km, approx. 4 hours and 34 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Bremen, e.g., H+ Hotel Bremen
• Sightseeing: Berlin Zoological Garden, Alexanderplatz, Brandenburg Gate, and Checkpoint Charlie

Take the opportunity to explore Berlin Zoological Garden, Alexanderplatz, Brandenburg Gate, and Checkpoint Charlie, some of the top attractions in the area. Discover the surroundings by taking detours through charming villages and serene nature. After a day of adventures, check into another conveniently located hotel in Bremen.

Day 13: Enjoy the Best of Bremen

• Destinations: Bremen
• Driving distance: 3.94 km, approx. 14 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Wilhelmshaven, e.g., Fanø Krogaard
• Sightseeing: Martinianleger

Explore Martinianleger as you near the end of your road trip. Take advantage of the opportunity to delve into local culture, whether through a museum visit or a tasting experience. Wrap up the day by settling into a new hotel in central Wilhelmshaven.

Day 13: Bid Farewell to Bremen

• Departure city: Bremen
• Driving distance: 3.94 km, approx. 14 minutes
• Sightseeing: Martinianleger

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Bremen. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along the route is around 1702 EUR for two people, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Kiel. So, if you’re ready to explore iconic landmarks, scenic routes, and charming towns at your own pace, this 13-day road trip itinerary through Hamburg, Köln, Bremen, Bonn, and Königswinter is an excellent choice.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Kiel for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 7-day city break in Kiel with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 7-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Kiel without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Kiel

Arrive in Kiel and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Hörn.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at Fuego del Sur, a top local restaurant—the ideal way to kick off your getaway!

Day 2: Discover Nearby Attractions and Iconic Landmarks

Enjoy your first full day in Kiel by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Tiergehege Hasseldieksdamm, Schrevenpark, and Botanical Garden.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in Kiel. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Kiel in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 6: Connect With the Local Culture

No Kiel itinerary is complete without learning something about the local culture. The large selection of cultural tours in Kiel has something for every traveler.

If you prefer sightseeing on your own, head out to explore Zoological Museum of Kiel University and Old Botanical Garden, Kiel, other popular attractions in Kiel.

End the day with a sunset walk and dinner around Zoological Museum of Kiel University.

A 5-day weekend getaway in Kiel offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Kiel itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 5 days to spend, this is the perfect Kiel weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Kiel

Arrive in Kiel around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Schrevenpark, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover Kiel’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Kiel with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit Machinery Museum Kiel Wik early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to Schleusen Kiel-Holtenau, stopping by Tiergehege Tannenberg for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
• Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in Kiel and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Immerse in the Local Culture of Kiel

No itinerary in Kiel is complete without trying the city's top local delicacies and experiencing the culture.

• Morning: Start with a traditional breakfast to fuel up for the day and then head to St. Nikolai Church.
• Afternoon: Explore Kiel Maritime Museum Fish Market & Museum Bridge and Boat harbour, stopping at markets, boutiques, museums, or exhibitions along the way.
• Evening: Enjoy a dinner featuring regional specialties and finish with a night tour of the city’s illuminated landmarks.

Day 5 - Depart from Kiel

Make the most of your last few hours in Kiel before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Kiel. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Kiel itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Kiel, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Kiel for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Kiel in a way that feels truly unforgettable!