Kiel Maritime Museum | Kiel

Information

Landmark: Kiel Maritime Museum
City: Kiel
Country: Germany
Continent: Europe

Kiel Maritime Museum, Kiel, Germany, Europe

Kiel Maritime Museum (Kieler Schifffahrtsmuseum) is a specialized museum documenting the naval and maritime history of the city, housed in the former municipal fish hall.

Visual Characteristics

The museum is housed in a distinctive red-brick, Neo-Renaissance building known as the Fischhalle (Fish Hall). It features high, vaulted ceilings and large industrial-style windows. Outside, the "Museum Bridge" (Museumsbrücke) at the quay hosts several historic seagoing vessels.

Location & Access Logistics

Located at Wall 65, 24103 Kiel.

Public Transit: 10-minute walk from Kiel Hauptbahnhof. Located directly on the waterfront (Kieler Förde).

Access: Paid admission for the main hall. The Museum Bridge is accessible for viewing from the quay.

Hours: Tuesday–Sunday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Closed on Mondays.

Parking: Use "Parkhaus am Schloßgarten" or "Parkhaus Querpassage."

Historical Origin

The building was constructed in 1910 as a central fish market for the city. After sustaining damage in WWII and being used for various purposes, it was converted into a maritime museum in 1978. It serves to preserve Kiel's identity as a primary German naval base and shipbuilding center.

Key Highlights & Activities

Historic Ships: The museum owns three vintage ships moored at the quay: the salvage tug Seefalke, the fireboat Kiel, and the passenger steamer Stadt Kiel.

The 1850 Submarine: A replica of Wilhelm Bauer's Brandtaucher, the first German submarine.

Naval Artifacts: Exhibits include figureheads, navigation instruments, and detailed models of the Krupp Germania shipyard.

Paintings: A significant collection of maritime art depicting the Kiel Fjord and the Imperial Navy.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The museum is fully wheelchair accessible. A small cafe is located nearby on the quay. Guided tours are available by appointment. 5G signal is robust.

Best Time to Visit

Summer Weekdays: To view the ships on the Museum Bridge in calm weather.

Kiel Week (June): The museum area becomes a central hub for the world’s largest sailing event.

Facts & Legends

A technical oddity is the preservation of the building's floor; parts of the original 1910 tiling and drainage systems from the fish market era are still visible, integrated into the museum's design. Legend states that the salvage tug Seefalke was so sturdily built that it could withstand Arctic ice conditions that would have crushed modern ships of its size.