Kieler Horn (Kiel Fjord), Kiel

Kiel Fjord is a stunning natural harbor located in the city of Kiel, Germany. It is a long, narrow inlet of the Baltic Sea that extends about 17 kilometers inland from the open sea. The fjord is surrounded by rolling hills and picturesque landscapes, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. One of the most remarkable features of Kiel Fjord is its deep blue waters, which are crystal clear and perfect for swimming, sailing, and other water sports. The fjord is also home to numerous marinas and yacht clubs, making it a hub for sailing enthusiasts from all over the world. Another notable attraction of Kiel Fjord is its many beaches, which offer visitors the chance to relax and soak up the sun while enjoying stunning views of the water. Some of the most popular beaches include Falckenstein Beach, Schilksee Beach, and Laboe Beach. In addition to its natural beauty, Kiel Fjord is also steeped in history and culture. The fjord has been an important center of maritime trade and commerce for centuries, and visitors can explore this rich history by visiting the many museums and historical sites in the area. Overall, Kiel Fjord is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Kiel. Its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and range of activities make it a perfect place to relax, explore, and enjoy all that this beautiful region has to offer.

Since 1997, the Hörn has been spanned by the three-part Hörn Bridge (three-span bascule bridge) for pedestrians and cyclists. It connects the city center on the west bank near the main train station with the Gaarden-Ost district and the Norwegenkai on the east bank. The high-rise center at the Germaniahafen was completed there in 2007. Various traditional work ships are housed in the adjacent Germaniahafen. On the west bank, the station bridge is a landing stage for the scheduled ferries of the Kiel Tug and Ferry Company in regional traffic, including to Laboe. From the Hörn Bridge you have a beautiful view of the southern Hörn Campus, the Gablenz Bridge to the southwest, the main train station and the Kiel skyline to the northwest with St. Nicolai Church and Kiel Harbor with its portal cranes. Open-air events are regularly held on the Hörn, particularly during Kiel Week. During herring season you can also see anglers standing here, as the Hörn is an important herring spawning area. On the southeast side of the Hörn, after the Hörn was rebuilt, a corresponding surface was created again using granite blocks, which is marked as a restricted area for watercraft by yellow and black marker buoys.

Water is the dominant element of this city, where the sea has forged a path right into its centre. You can feel, see and breathe the magical maritime atmosphere wherever you go: along the elongated Kiel Fjord, around the port or amidst the iconic container cranes of the shipyards, which are among the largest in Europe. The Gorch Fock, a well-travelled training ship and a star attraction at international sailing events, is as much part of the cityscape as the huge ferries docked at the Skandinavienkai quay. The impressive Kiel Week regatta, the annual international sailing festival, firmly cements the city's status as the maritime centre of the north. ***PH***