Ports
Kiel is a German port town on the Baltic coast, widely known for its yearly ‘Kiel week’ – the biggest yearly regatta in the world! Many thousands of boats and ships of all kinds and eras take part in the parade. Kiel Week is also a festival, Volksfest and fair as well as a maritime event. But Kiel offers more: a slew of museums (zoological, geological, historical, fine art, industrial, and military museums), a city centre with relaxed atmosphere, and the water and shores of the Kieler Fjord.
Stavanger is a modern port, but retains a small historic district. The lovely old harbour is a favourite stopover for big cruiseships, that tower over the buildings. The city has a lively cultural scene, and is surrounded by numerous outdoor destinations well worth a visit. Explore the narrow, rocky Lysefjord and the mountains Preikestolen and Kjerag, or relax on Jæren's beaches. Make sure to bring hiking boots, as the mountains stand over 1000 meters tall.