Kiel Klaipeda Ferry

Kiel Guide

The city of Kiel is the capital and most populous city in the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein, and is around 90 km to the north of Hamburg. The city's port has become an important port for both commercial and pleasure vessels almost certainly because of its location on the south western shore of the Baltic Sea and to the south east of the Jutland Peninsula in Denmark. Kiel Week, which the city hosts annually, is known the world over and comprises of a number of international regattas. The city was also the host to the sailing events at the 1936 and 1972 Summer Olympics.

The 13th century St Nicholas' Church (Nikolaikirch) is the oldest building in the city which has a sculpture by Ernst Barlach in front of it. The city, which has a number of parks and lakes for visitors to enjoy, especially if they are seeking some peace and tranquillity, is the main shopping destination for the region. Holstenstrabe in the city is one of the longest shopping streets in Germany.

Kiel's busy port has around 50 crossings per week to destinations in Sweden, Denmark and Lithuania. The port has three passenger terminals with a good level of facilities including a number of shops and places to eat.

Klaipeda Guide

The city and port of Klaipeda is Lithuania's only ort and therefore its history and prosperity is inextricably linked to the sea. Popular attractions in the city include the summer Sea Festival and the biennial Tall Ships regattas and the sea museum. The city also has a sea faculty at the local university and is also home to major stevedoring companies. Ever since its establishment by the Teutonic Knights (as Memelburg) in 1252 the city was distinct from the rest of Lithuania. It was ruled by Germans together with the rest of Lithuania Minor. Even its Lithuanian name “Klaipeda”, first mentioned in the 16th century, is believed to mean “Bread eater”.

Visitors to the city should note that it is quite a windy city that experiences many storms during the year which are characterised by sea breezes from April to September and gales in the autumn and winter. It is also not uncommon for snow to fall during the autumn and winter months and can, on occasions, paralyze the city but fortunately the port remains mainly frost free.

Klaipeda's ferry port is located in the south-west part of the city and offers passengers services to Kiel and Karlshamn.