Kiel is the capital and largest city of Schleswig-Holstein, a northern state in Germany, with a population of approximately 248.000. The city is strategically located on the eastern shore of the Kiel Fjord, which is part of the Baltic Sea, and it lies about 90 kilometers north of Hamburg and south of the Danish border.

Kiel is recognized for its significant maritime culture, with the Kiel Canal (Nord-Ostsee-Kanal), the busiest artificial waterway in the world, facilitating maritime trade between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. The city also serves as a vital transport hub, with passenger ferries operating to various destinations including Sweden, Norway, and Lithuania. The Port of Kiel is a popular stop for cruise ships touring the Baltic region. Kiel Week, or “Kieler Woche,” is an annual sailing event and is recognized as the world’s largest sailing event. The event is typically held at the end of June and lasts for around ten days.

Kiel offers a vibrant cultural scene characterized by its student population and laid-back lifestyle. The city hosts several notable events, including the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival, and features attractions such as the Zoological Museum, the Aquarium GEOMAR, and the U-Boat U-995 museum. The Dänische Straße, a historic street lined with 19th-century buildings, is a focal point for shopping and dining.