Kiel

Kiel is the capital and largest city of the German state of Schleswig-Holstein, located on the southwestern shore of the Baltic Sea. With a population of approximately 250,000, it is known as an important maritime center of Germany. Founded in the 13th century, Kiel has a long history as a naval base and shipbuilding city. Today, it is home to the German Navy's Baltic fleet and hosts numerous research facilities focused on marine sciences, including the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research. Kiel is internationally famous for hosting Kiel Week (Kieler Woche), the largest sailing event in the world, which attracts millions of visitors each year. The city is also an important transportation hub, with the Kiel Canal (Nord-Ostsee-Kanal) connecting the Baltic Sea to the North Sea. This artificial waterway is the world's busiest canal in terms of traffic. Kiel University, founded in 1665, is one of the oldest, largest, and most prestigious universities in Germany. The city offers a blend of historical architecture, maritime atmosphere, and modern urban living, with its harbor being a focal point for both commerce and recreation.