This morning we sailed down the Kiel Fjord from the Baltic Sea.  Kiel is the capital of the German state of Schleswig-Holstein and has a significant maritime ship building industry.  Located in what was the former West Germany near Denmark, it was largely destroyed in WWII and rebuilt in a much more modern urban style.  They host Kiel Week annually; the largest sailing event in the world.  Finally, it is home to the Kiel Canal which connects the Baltic Sea to the North Sea.  Our ship docked right by the city center. 

The package we booked this cruise under came with some ship excursion credits and today was a short tour we booked with some of those credits: a brief walking tour of the City with a brewery tour and tasting.  Many folks chose to go to Hamburg or Lubeck.  They are both well over an hour away one way and after this port intensive busy itinerary, spending over two hours to go to another large city did not appeal.  A quiet local day however did appeal.

Our walk started waterside as we made our way towards the City Hall passing a true sailing ship and the maritime museum.

Then crossed over to the market square to the Monastery and St. Nikolai Church.  The church has a massive stunning crucifix at its center point. 

It was time for the Kiel Brewery right in the center square.  How could you not visit a brewhouse and have a pretzel while in Germany?  Unfiltered house made beer on tap with a fresh hot pretzel.  Yummy.

After we wandered though town and some gardens, we took a stroll along the Fjord where there are boats, kayaking, crew and food huts. 

One last stop: Moby’s for a fried fish sandwich.   A very typical local snack: fresh, crispy and delicious. 

And we are back.