Alter Markt (Old Market), Kiel

The Old Market in Kiel is the historic heart of the city's old town, dating back to 1242. It served as the city's central marketplace for centuries, where fresh goods, flowers, and everyday necessities were sold. Originally, the Old Market was at ground level, allowing traffic to flow smoothly between Holsten Street and Danish Street. However, in 1972, the square underwent a major redesign by architect Wilhelm Neveling, resulting in a lowered paved area with pavilions and granite stones at its center. Over time, numerous restaurants and shops have established themselves around the square, making it a vibrant spot for both locals and visitors. Despite these modern adaptations, the original shape of the marketplace has been largely preserved, maintaining its role as a social and commercial hub.

In its earlier days, the Old Market was the focal point of Kiel's daily life, especially before the devastation of World War II, which left much of the surrounding area in ruins. The St. Nicholas Church and the old town hall, once key landmarks of the square, were significantly damaged. During reconstruction, the city chose to install glass pavilion buildings and lowered copper roofs as a nod to the area's historical architecture, though the design was not well received by the locals. The lowered center of the square, accessible via stairs and ramps, remained a point of contention. In 1992, further modifications were made to slightly elevate the square and improve accessibility, making it a more open and inviting space.

Today, the Old Market is a lively meeting point, particularly after a shopping trip through Holsten Street. Visitors can relax with a local beer from the Kiel brewery, enjoy a cocktail or snack, or grab an ice cream while taking in the historical surroundings. The square is also home to the annual Kieler Umschlag festival, which revives medieval market traditions and attracts many visitors each year. The pavilions added to the square in the 1970s were officially recognized as historic monuments in 2018, securing their place in Kiel’s evolving cityscape.