🇩🇪 Kiel, Germany
Hotel Birke
📍 Martenshofweg 2-8, Kiel, 24109
Photo: official website
Your stay — Hotel Birke
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Kiel.
The Property — Hotel Birke
Hotel Birke exudes a warm, modern Scandinavian feel, with its sleek, light-filled design and comfortable rooms that evoke a sense of calm. The hotel's USP lies in its commitment to sustainability, evident in its eco-friendly practices and locally sourced amenities. This 4-star hotel is ideal for business travellers and couples seeking a relaxing stay in the heart of Kiel. As you stand in the lobby, you're surrounded by the gentle hum of the city and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee from the in-house café.
Chronicles of Kiel
Kiel, the capital of Schleswig-Holstein, has a rich history dating back to the 13th century when it was a small trading post on the Baltic Sea. The city's architecture reflects its maritime heritage, with historic warehouses and buildings now converted into trendy bars, restaurants, and shops. Kiel's cultural identity is deeply rooted in its 200-year history as a hub for the German naval and shipbuilding industry, which is still celebrated at the Maritime Museum. Today, the city is a thriving cultural centre, hosting numerous festivals and events throughout the year, including the famous Kieler Woche sailing regatta.
Best Time to Visit
Full Kiel guide →Best months
June and July are ideal months to visit Kiel, with pleasant temperatures ranging from 17°C to 22°C and minimal rainfall. The city's parks and gardens are in full bloom, and the atmosphere is lively with festivals and events.
Peak / festival surge
August is the peak month for tourism in Kiel, with the Kieler Woche sailing regatta drawing thousands of visitors. Expect higher hotel prices and crowds, especially around the harbour and popular attractions. The event's popularity drives up prices, with a 20-30% increase in accommodation rates compared to the shoulder season.
Budget shoulder season
September and October are the best shoulder months to visit Kiel, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Prices are significantly lower than in the peak season, making it an excellent time for budget-conscious travellers to explore the city's cultural attractions and enjoy the scenic coastal walks.
Weather & packing
Kiel's climate is known for its unpredictable rain showers, so pack a waterproof jacket or umbrella to be prepared. Be sure to bring layers for cooler mornings and evenings, even in the summer months.
Live City Briefing — Kiel
- The Kiel tram network is undergoing a major upgrade, with new lines and stops being introduced in 2026. This will make it easier for visitors to get around the city and explore its many attractions.
- The historic Fährhaus restaurant, located near the harbour, has reopened after a major renovation and is now offering a refreshed menu featuring local seafood and seasonal produce.
- The Kieler Woche festival will take place from July 10th to 18th, with a range of events and activities celebrating Kiel's maritime heritage. Visitors can expect live music, sailing competitions, and traditional German cuisine.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Hotel Birke, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (above the 4th floor) for a quieter stay, as the Martenshofweg street can get busy with traffic. The hotel's lift is located near the entrance, so rooms on the higher floors will have less noise from the lift. Additionally, rooms on the south side (facing the courtyard) may be quieter due to reduced street noise.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the lift, especially on lower floors (1-3), as they may be more prone to noise from guests and staff using the lift.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's address on Martenshofweg does not offer views of the surrounding cityscape, but rooms on the higher floors may have a view of the courtyard.
Quietest floors
Fifth floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
The hotel's location on a main street means that rooms on lower floors may be affected by traffic noise, especially during peak hours. Additionally, the lift's proximity to the entrance may cause some disturbance.
Insider tips
Request a room with a balcony for a bit more space and a view of the courtyard. Also, consider checking in early to explore the nearby Kiel city center, which is within walking distance from the hotel.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Hotel Birke
free, 100 Mbps speed, no login constraints
serves all floors, no stairs-only sections
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) and local newspapers in the lobby
16:00, early bag-drop available from 10:00, late check-out until 14:00 for €20
available for €5.00 per day, limited capacity
step-free access, wheelchair ramp at main entrance, some rooms adapted for guests with disabilities
on-site parking €20.00 per night, nearest public car park 'Am Schalentor' €10.00 per day, EV charging available in the basement
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: €5.00 per person per night (mandatory)
Deposit & card hold: €100 deposit + €50 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Erlöserkirche (338 m · ~4 min walk)
- Church: Raphael-Kirche (1.4 km · ~18 min walk)
- Church: Sankt Birgitta und Thomas (1.9 km · ~23 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Mettenhofer Einkaufszentrum — 1.7 km · ~21 min walk
Tiergehege Hasseldieksdamm — 999 m · ~12 min walk
Waldwinkel — 200 m · ~3 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Förde Sparkasse — 1.7 km · ~22 min walk
Hofholz-Apotheke — 401 m · ~5 min walk
Kiel-Russee — 1.1 km · ~13 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
Travelers can exchange currency at the Kiel Hauptbahnhof train station or at a local bank, but be aware that airport bureaux de change often have poor exchange rates. Credit cards are widely accepted, but some small shops might not accept American Express.
Contactless payments and mobile payments are widely accepted in Kiel, especially in larger shops and restaurants.
Tipping in Germany is generally not expected, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% in restaurants and bars is considered polite.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical coffee can be found for around €1-2 at a café or bakery.
A budget-friendly lunch option is a currywurst from a street vendor or a bakery for around €5-6.
A hearty dinner at a local restaurant can be had for around €10-15 for a main course.
The area around the Kiel Hauptbahnhof and the waterfront have plenty of street food options, especially during the summer months.
Edeka and Rewe are common supermarket chains in the area.
The Sprengel-Passage shopping center has a variety of affordable high-street and market shopping options.
A day ticket for public transportation costs around €6-7, and the cheapest way to get around from the airport is to take the S-Bahn (S1) for around €2.50.
Buy a Kiel Card for free public transportation and discounts at local attractions.Take advantage of happy hour deals at bars and restaurants.Shop at local markets for fresh produce and unique souvenirs.
Good to know — Kiel
Type C/F · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ €0.87 · EUR
Emergency Contacts
Kiel112 is the single European emergency number for ambulance and fire. For police, dial 110. For non-urgent medical help, call 116117. The EU-wide standard for roadside assistance is 0800 887766.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
Book a table →💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Kiel, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Hotel Birke
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Förde Sparkasse — 1.7 km · ~22 min walk — pharmacy · Hofholz-Apotheke — 401 m · ~5 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Find train tickets →Hamburg Airport (HAM) → the niu Welly, Kiel
💡 Book a fixed-price ride via Kieler FunkTaxi (+49 431 499099) to avoid surge rates. Have the hotel address (Kieler Straße 16) ready in German.
Kiel Hbf (ZOB bus platform 3) → the niu Welly (stop: Schrevenpark)
💡 Download the 'KielMobil' app for single tickets or a day pass (€6.80). Board at the rear door and validate your ticket immediately – inspectors are common.
Hamburg Airport (S-Bahn to Hamburg Hbf, then RE7 or RE70) → Kiel Hbf
💡 Buy a Schleswig-Holstein-Ticket (€24 for one person) at the DB machine – covers the S-Bahn to Hamburg Hbf and the regional train to Kiel. Validate it before boarding.
Hamburg Airport (HAM) – bus stop outside Terminal 1 → Kiel central station (Kiel Hbf)
💡 Book online at least a day ahead — same-day tickets double in price. From Hbf, it's a 10-minute walk or short bus ride (line 6 or 33) to the hotel.
Hamburg Airport (HAM) → Kiel Hauptbahnhof
💡 Buy a Schleswig-Holstein-Ticket (€28 single, covers up to 5 people) if travelling on weekends or after 9am on weekdays – valid for the whole region.
Hamburg Airport (HAM) → Hotel Berliner Hof, Kiel
💡 Fix the price with the driver before departing – some take alternate routes via the A21 to avoid weekend A7 traffic jams.
Kiel Hauptbahnhof → Hotel Berliner Hof (near Schusterring stop)
💡 The tram was axed in 2022 – use bus line 6 instead, which runs the same route. Get a day ticket for €6.40 and explore all of central Kiel easily.
Hamburg Airport (HAM) → Kiel central bus station (ZOB)
💡 Book online in advance for the cheapest fares; boarding at the airport happens at the bus platform just outside terminal 1.
About Kiel
Wikipedia ↗
Kiel ( KEEL; German: [kiːl] ) is the capital and most populous city in the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein. With a population of around 250,000, it is Germany's largest city on the Baltic Sea. It is located on the Kieler Förde inlet of the Bay of Kiel and lies in the southeast of the Jut...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Hotel Birke?
Request a room on a higher floor (above the 4th floor) for a quieter stay, as the Martenshofweg street can get busy with traffic. The hotel's lift is located near the entrance, so rooms on the higher floors will have less noise from the lift. Additionally, rooms on the south side (facing the courtyard) may be quieter due to reduced street noise.
Which rooms should I avoid at Hotel Birke?
Avoid rooms near the lift, especially on lower floors (1-3), as they may be more prone to noise from guests and staff using the lift.
Is Hotel Birke noisy?
The hotel's location on a main street means that rooms on lower floors may be affected by traffic noise, especially during peak hours. Additionally, the lift's proximity to the entrance may cause some disturbance.
Which rooms have the best views at Hotel Birke?
Unfortunately, the hotel's address on Martenshofweg does not offer views of the surrounding cityscape, but rooms on the higher floors may have a view of the courtyard.
What are insider tips for staying at Hotel Birke?
Request a room with a balcony for a bit more space and a view of the courtyard. Also, consider checking in early to explore the nearby Kiel city center, which is within walking distance from the hotel.
What time is check-in at Hotel Birke?
Check-in at Hotel Birke is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Hotel Birke have Wi-Fi?
free, 100 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Hotel Birke?
€5.00 per person per night (mandatory)
Where can I eat cheaply near Hotel Birke?
A budget-friendly lunch option is a currywurst from a street vendor or a bakery for around €5-6.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Hotel Birke?
A day ticket for public transportation costs around €6-7, and the cheapest way to get around from the airport is to take the S-Bahn (S1) for around €2.50.
When is the best time to visit Kiel?
June and July are ideal months to visit Kiel, with pleasant temperatures ranging from 17°C to 22°C and minimal rainfall. The city's parks and gardens are in full bloom, and the atmosphere is lively with festivals and events.
Top Attractions in Kiel
💡 Walk to the tip of the promenade at Reventloubrücke around sunset for clear views across the water, especially in summer when the light lingers.
💡 Check for free guided tours in English on the first Sunday of each month. The café has decent coffee and a small terrace.
💡 Go early on a weekday when fewer people are around so you can rearrange the blocks without an audience. It’s surprisingly satisfying.
💡 The greenhouse interiors feel humid even in winter, so it’s a good refuge on rainy days. Free guided tours happen on Wednesdays at 15:00 (in German, but ask for an English leaflet).
💡 Save the interior tour for a quiet weekday to avoid queues. The nearby beach at Laboe is free and offers good views of the Baltic, a short walk from the sub.