The Nikolaikirche witnessed controversial sermons by the rabble-rousing Anabaptist Melchior Hoffman in 1528. The most dramatic were in the 1870s when it was updated in a Gothic Revival style, and again after the war when modern materials like reinforced concrete were used in the reconstruction.Д«ut although the appearance has changed, thereвЂ™s still a lot of history to uncover. In its time it has come through a lot of changes. The cityвЂ™s principal church has been at this location on Alter Markt since the 13th century. Source: RГјdiger Stehn / flickr Nikolaikirche One look at the tower and youвЂ™ll know where the idea came from, as it bears a striking resemblance to St MarkвЂ™s Campanile in Venice.ДЄt the time of writing this post the tower was closed for refurbishment, but ordinarily it welcomes visitors for tours of the Art Nouveau interiors and up to the observation platform at 67 metres.ДЄ neat feature inside is one of the worldвЂ™s last paternosters, a slow-moving, open, two-passenger lift that is in constant motion. When this Art Nouveau edifice was constructed during the 1900s it was actually in the suburbs to the west of the Old Town. The City Hall is an indelible part of KielвЂ™s skyline thanks to its 106-metre tower. Source: Arne List / flickr Kieler Rathaus Lined up are a fireboat, a lifeboat launched in 1944 and finally a buoy tender, the Bussard, from 1966. The museum has its own dock where a few historical vessels are moored. There are logbooks, maps, model ships, navigation instruments and a cross-section of the Seehund midget submarine from the Second World War. One exhibition here charts the construction of the Kiel Canal, which was completed in 1895 and connected the North Sea with the Baltic. The interior has been whitewashed and in this airy space is an exhibition on KielвЂ™s fishing and seafaring history. Right on the water, the cityвЂ™s Gothic Revival fish auction house was repurposed as a maritime museum in 1978. Source: RГјdiger Stehn / flickr Schifffahrtsmuseum Kiel On land thereвЂ™s live music, an international market on Rathausplatz, and street performers and entertainment kids throughout the city centre and along the waterfront.

More than 100 historic vessels dock in the city and many welcome visitors aboard. The are 2000 events packed into the week, including boat races for a host of categories setting off from the Schilksee harbour, where the sailing events for the 1972 Olympics were staged. Going back to 1882, Kiel Week is a Volksfest at its heart, and thereвЂ™s no better time to soak up the cityвЂ™s maritime atmosphere and get some amazing photographs. The worldвЂ™s biggest sailing event kicks off during the last week of June, bringing millions of visitors and some 4,000 ships to the city from across Germany and abroad. LetвЂ™s have a look at the best things to do in Kiel: 1. Museums and attractions in Kiel tend to have a seafaring theme, whether itвЂ™s a preserved U-Boat, lighthouse, monumental naval memorial or maritime museum. The city is also at the eastern lock of the busiest artificial waterway on the planet, the Kiel Canal, tying the North Sea to the Baltic.ДЄt Kiel Week in June thousands of competitors set sail for the city to compete in the largest regatta in the world, together with a big party that sweeps across the whole city. That is a huge natural harbour, just the spot for GermanyвЂ™s Navy to dock its Baltic fleet. Return to the city center to walk among the fountains of Hiroshima Park, and discover a former estuary at the Kleinen Kiel.The capital of Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel is a maritime city in the 17-kilometre Kiel Fjord. See the tower of the Kiel Opera House and the ruins of Kiel Castle. Admire the Holtenauer Lighthouse, and get panoramic views of City Hall Tower in the distance. Journey through the locks of the Kiel Canal, before driving through the former fishing village of Holtenau. See the distinctive towers of the shipyards and submarine memorial at Laboe from the eastern shore. An informative and live audio commentary will provide you with information about Kiel's history and monuments, as well as interesting facts about the vibrant city along the way.

Due to the natural seawater harbor, the imposing offshore ferries and cruise ships can be seen directly in the city. Look at the many sailboats, ferries and freighters in the Kiel Fjord.

Marvel at the boats in the port from the open-top bus, and travel to the extreme end of the North Sea-Baltic Canal to visit the former fishing village of Kiel-Holtenau.

Experience the maritime atmosphere of Kiel from a different perspective with a 24-hour ticket for the hop-on and hop-off sightseeing bus.

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