Kiel Cruise Port: Terminals, Fjord and City Visit

Photo: Markus Lenk

In Kiel, ships are part of the cityscape. Cruise ships and ferries dock along the fjord, and the history of shipyards, the navy and sailing is present on shore, too. Arriving at Ostseekai, you can explore both the city centre and the waterfront from here. A visit to the city from Ostuferhafen, by contrast, begins with a journey—something to bear in mind when planning your arrival.

Norway cruises from Kiel

In the summer 2026 schedule, AIDAnova and MSC Euribia will make regular returns to Kiel. AIDAnova uses Ostseekai, while MSC Euribia calls at Ostuferhafen. Their itineraries connect Kiel with destinations including Bergen, Oslo and Stavanger, as well as Flåm and Copenhagen. The Norway and Northern Europe itineraries offer different highlights, from fjords to coastlines.

Which terminal is yours?

Cruise terminals 27 and 28 at Ostseekai are right in the city centre, and the main railway station is within walking distance. If you are embarking with luggage, check in advance which entrance is designated for check-in and where to drop off your bags. Large cruise ships also berth at Liegeplatz 1 in Ostuferhafen. From the main station or city centre, take a taxi or a bus towards Dietrichsdorf and get off at Grenzstraße.

Ferry terminals serve different destinations: Color Line sails to Oslo from Norwegenkai, while Stena Line sails to Gothenburg from Schwedenkai. These ferry trips are also offered as mini-cruises. From the station, walk across the Hörn Bridge to Norwegenkai. The Kiel port arrival information explains how to reach the right terminal.

Railway station, airport bus and the final leg to the quay

Ostseekai is about a 10- to 15-minute walk from Kiel main station. If you have suitcases or need assistance, you can take a taxi to the designated check-in entrance instead. Buses 11 and 60S towards Dietrichsdorf go to Ostuferhafen; get off at Grenzstraße, then allow time to walk from the stop to the passenger entrance.

From Hamburg Airport, the KIELIUS bus travels via Neumünster to Kiel’s central bus station (ZOB), next to the main railway station. From there, take the appropriate connection to Ostseekai or Ostuferhafen. A transfer booked through your cruise line or a taxi will take you to your ship’s terminal. Keep your luggage tags and check-in time slot handy. On your return, allow time to collect your luggage and get back to the railway station or airport bus. The KIELIUS information includes timetables and booking details.

A stroll between the fjord and the Old Market

Our suggestion from Ostseekai: combine a waterfront walk with a visit to the Old Market. The square is at the end of Holstenstraße and leads on to Dänische Straße. With its restaurants and cafés, it is a good place to take a break before heading back to the fjord.

If you are coming from Ostuferhafen, you can take the same city stroll, but allow time for the journey in both directions. It is best to check your return connection before setting off. Make sure you also leave enough time to get from the port entrance back to the ship, including any possible waits, before the all-aboard time.

The history behind the ships

Housed in the former fish market hall at Wall 65, the Maritime Museum tells the story of Kiel’s close ties to shipbuilding, the navy and sailing. Ship models, nautical instruments and maritime paintings offer another perspective on the vessels now out on the fjord. If you are interested in the work and everyday life connected with the port, this is an ideal focus for your time ashore.

The fish market hall will be closed for renovation from 19 October to 4 December 2026. During this time, you can focus your visit on the city centre and the fjord instead. For later opening hours, see the Maritime Museum visitor information.

Sails on the water, shore power at the quay

During Kiel Week, sailing regattas and a city festival come together. Cruise passengers can check the programme for the relevant Kiel Week in advance and choose a date or event that suits them. This is a great way to add a taste of the festival to even a short stay.

Less visible, but important to port operations, is the power supply for ships at berth. Since the second shore-power facility for cruise ships at Ostseekai began operating in September 2025, two cruise ships can be supplied there at the same time, with another at Ostuferhafen. Ships equipped to connect can draw the electricity for their onboard systems from shore. Their generators, which would otherwise provide that power, can then be switched off.

From Kiel to Berlin aboard MS SANS SOUCI

A published river cruise also departs from Kiel: from 5 to 12 November 2026, MS SANS SOUCI travels along the Kiel Canal to Hamburg, then via the Elbe-Seitenkanal and the Havelland to Berlin-Spandau. The Plantours itinerary links Kiel Fjord with the inland waterways of the Elbe and the Havel. For embarkation, use the separate landing stage specified in your travel documents. You can arrange a taxi for the final leg from the main railway station or ZOB; luggage drop-off and boarding times are specific to this cruise.