Kiel Hauptbahnhof (Kiel Central Station), Kiel

Kiel Hauptbahnhof (Kiel Central Station), Kiel

Kiel Central Station is the most important railway hub in the Schleswig-Holstein state capital, serving as a key connection point for both regional and long-distance travel. Opened at its current location on June 1, 1899, the station has since undergone multiple expansions and renovations to accommodate growing passenger numbers. Today, the station sees approximately 37,000 travelers and visitors daily, making it the second busiest railway station in Schleswig-Holstein after Lübeck Central Station. Kiel Hauptbahnhof serves as the starting point for rail routes to Hamburg, Lübeck, and Flensburg, and its prime location on the Kiel Fjord places it just a few hundred meters from ferry terminals to Oslo and Gothenburg. The station operates as a terminus, with a three-aisled platform hall measuring 121 meters in length and 55 meters in width.

Historically, Kiel had three other railway stations before the construction of the current central station. The first, built in 1844, was a temporary station located beyond the Gablenz Bridge, followed by the station "an der Klinke", completed in 1846 near Stresemannplatz. However, due to increasing traffic demands, plans for the current station were drawn up in 1889, with construction beginning in 1895 and the grand opening in 1899.

The station underwent several expansions, completed by 1911, but suffered heavy damage during World War II. Reconstruction took place between 1950 and 1955, and further renovations were undertaken for the 1972 Olympic Games, including extended platforms and a steel pedestrian bridge to the central bus station. The electrification of the railway line to Hamburg in 1995 allowed for ICE trains to serve the station, further enhancing its connectivity.

Between 1999 and 2004, Kiel Central Station underwent a complete modernization, transforming it into an attractive and modern transport hub. The reception building was redesigned, and a new station hall was constructed, offering improved facilities for passengers. Today, the station houses 21 shops that operate 365 days a year, providing restaurants, retail stores, travel supplies, and essential services for commuters and visitors. The area around the station is one of the busiest locations in Kiel, with over 100,000 people passing through daily, including bus passengers and pedestrians.

Kiel Hauptbahnhof (Kiel Central Station) on Map

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Leaflet © OpenStreetMap contributors
Sight Name: Kiel Hauptbahnhof (Kiel Central Station)
Sight Location: Kiel, Germany (See walking tours in Kiel)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Kiel, Germany

Create Your Own Walk in Kiel

Create Your Own Walk in Kiel

Creating your own self-guided walk in Kiel is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Kiel Introduction Walking Tour

Kiel Introduction Walking Tour

Kiel has a long shipbuilding and naval tradition but is characterised today by its vibrant student scene, laid-back lifestyle and urban flair. You can sense this in its modern city centre as much as you can on Dänische Strasse, a street of 19th-century buildings full of maritime charm. ***PH***

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles