The Laboe Naval Memorial rises 72 metres above the entrance to Kiel Fjord and has commemorated sailors lost at sea since its dedication in 1936, later rededicated as a memorial to seafarers of all nations lost in both World Wars. The tower's distinctive form, resembling a ship's stern cutting through waves, is visible for miles along the Baltic coastline and has become a landmark for ships entering and leaving Kiel. Inside, an elevator and stairs lead to an observation platform at the top offering panoramic views across the fjord, the Kiel Canal locks at Holtenau, and on clear days as far as the Danish coast. Below the tower, the memorial hall holds ship models, naval flags, and exhibits on German naval history, while the site also anchors the U-995 submarine moored alongside on the fjord shore. A visit to the tower and hall takes 1.5 to 2 hours, more if combined with the submarine tour next door. Clear days are essential for the view, since haze or low cloud can obscure the horizon from the observation deck; the tower draws its steadiest crowds in July and August, when a ferry from central Kiel makes it an easy half-day excursion.
| Admission | Adult Tower and hall EUR 7 (approx $8.10); combined with U-995 submarine EUR 11 (approx $12.75) · Child Reduced rate available, approx EUR 4 (approx $4.65) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Apr-Oct daily 9:00AM-6:00PM; Nov-Mar daily 10:00AM-4:00PM |
| Typical visit | 1.5-2 hours |
| Best time | Clear days for the best visibility from the 72-metre observation tower |
| Getting there | Ferry from Kiel city centre to Laboe, or bus 100/210 to Laboe Ehrenmal |
| Address | Strandstrasse 92, 24235 Laboe, Germany |
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Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Schleswig-Holstein.
Location
Strandstrasse 92, 24235 Laboe, Germany
54.4014, 10.2225 View on map
Highlights
- 72-metre tower shaped like a ship's stern, visible across Kiel Fjord
- Panoramic observation platform reaching toward the Danish coast on clear days
- Memorial hall with naval history exhibits and ship models
- Combined ticket access to the neighbouring U-995 submarine
- Direct ferry connection from central Kiel
Tips for visiting
- Check the weather forecast, since the view from the tower depends on clear conditions
- Buy the combined ticket with the U-995 submarine if visiting both on the same day
- Take the ferry from Kiel rather than driving for a scenic approach across the fjord
- Visit on a weekday to avoid the busiest July and August crowds
- Allow extra time at the top of the tower, since the elevator can queue during peak season
When to visit
Clear days give the best visibility from the observation tower; weekday visits avoid the busiest July and August crowds.
Accessibility
The observation tower has an elevator to the top platform, and the ground-floor memorial hall is wheelchair accessible.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
A visit to the tower and memorial hall takes 1.5 to 2 hours, longer if combined with the U-995 submarine.
Is it worth it for kids?
Yes, the tower's height and ship models generally appeal to children, especially paired with the submarine next door.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, photography is allowed both inside the memorial hall and from the observation platform.
Is the tower accessible by elevator?
Yes, an elevator serves the observation platform in addition to the stairs.