Kiel

Kiel sits at the end of a 17-kilometre fjord on the German Baltic coast, and the port is right in the city centre. Ships dock at either the Norwegenkai or the newer Ostuferhafen terminal. The Kiel Canal, one of the busiest artificial waterways in the world, connects the Baltic to the North Sea nearby, and watching the shipping traffic is a pastime in itself. The waterfront promenade runs along the fjord with harbour views. The Naval Memorial and the preserved U-995 submarine at Laboe, north of the city, cover Germany's naval history. Laboe also has a sandy beach if the weather cooperates. For food, Kieler Sprotten (smoked sprats) are the local specialty, served crispy at waterfront stands. Currywurst and döner kebab are everywhere and cheap. The city's train network makes it easy to reach Hamburg in about an hour if you want a day trip. Kieler Woche (Kiel Week) in June is a major sailing festival.