Laboe lies 18 km east of Kiel on the outer Kiel Fjord and is reached in 25-45 minutes by KVG bus lines 14 or 102 from Kiel Hauptbahnhof, or, from April to October, by the seasonal Foerdedampfer passenger ferry that crosses the fjord directly to the village. The trip suits a half-day or full-day outing built around the fjord's naval landmarks and beach. The Laboe Naval Memorial (Marine-Ehrenmal), a 72-metre brick tower visible from across the fjord, commemorates German sailors lost in both World Wars and has an elevator to an observation deck with views over the Baltic and the shipping lane into Kiel. At its base sits U-995, a preserved World War II U-boat open for visitors to walk through its cramped interior compartments. A morning arrival allows time to tour the memorial and submarine before the crowds build, followed by a stroll along Laboe's sandy beach and promenade, lined with kiosks selling fish rolls (Fischbroetchen) and ice cream. Afternoons can be spent watching the steady traffic of ferries, sailboats, and the occasional cruise ship using the fjord, or taking the Foerdedampfer back across to Kiel's Falckenstein or Moeltenort landings for a different perspective on the coastline before returning to the city center. The fjord's beaches and ferry service run at their best from May through September, when swimming and boating are viable, while the naval memorial and submarine remain open year-round for visitors more interested in the historical sights than the seaside. Laboe is a compact village, so the memorial, submarine, beach, and harbor are all within a 15-20 minute walk of each other, keeping the day's walking light regardless of season.
| Distance | Kiel to Laboe: 18 km |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 25-45 minutes by bus (line 14 or 102); seasonal ferry takes about 1 hour |
| Getting there | Mode: Bus or ferry; Detail: KVG bus 14 or 102 from Kiel Hauptbahnhof, or the seasonal Foerdedampfer passenger ferry across the fjord (April-October) |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Strandstrasse, 24235 Laboe |
How to get there
- Bus: KVG line 14 from Kiel (about 45 min)
- Bus: KVG line 102, weekdays only (about 25 min)
- Ferry: seasonal Foerdedampfer across the Kiel Fjord (April-October)
- Car: coastal road along the eastern shore of the Kiel Fjord
Weather through the year in Schleswig-Holstein
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Schleswig-Holstein.
Location
Strandstrasse, 24235 Laboe
54.4001, 10.2201 View on map
Highlights
- Laboe Naval Memorial observation tower over the Kiel Fjord
- U-995 preserved World War II submarine at the memorial's base
- Sandy beach and promenade with Fischbroetchen kiosks
- Seasonal Foerdedampfer ferry crossing the fjord
- View of shipping traffic entering the Kiel Fjord
Tips for visiting
- Take KVG bus line 14 from Kiel Hauptbahnhof if traveling on a weekend, since line 102 runs weekdays only
- Use the seasonal Foerdedampfer ferry between April and October for a scenic alternative to the bus
- Buy submarine and memorial tickets on site; no advance booking is required outside peak summer weekends
- Bring a jacket even in summer, as the fjord-side wind can be brisk on the memorial's observation deck
- Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the largest tour groups at U-995
When to visit
May through September for the ferry crossing and beach; the memorial and submarine can be visited year-round.
Frequently asked questions
How do visitors get from Kiel to Laboe?
KVG bus lines 14 or 102 run from Kiel Hauptbahnhof in 25-45 minutes, and a seasonal ferry crosses the fjord from April to October.
Can visitors go inside the U-995 submarine?
Yes, U-995 is open to the public and visitors can walk through its interior compartments for a ticketed fee.
Is the Laboe Naval Memorial open all year?
Yes, the memorial and its observation deck are open year-round, unlike the fjord ferry, which only runs seasonally.
Is Laboe a good beach destination?
The village has a sandy Baltic beach that is most popular for swimming from May through September.