Discover Pries: Village History and Coastal Landscapes

Pries combines village history with coastal landscapes: the village was founded around 1300 as a Slavic circular village. The surrounding area offers different facets of a stay, including views of Kiel Fjord, Friedrichsort Fortress, art and activities on the water. When planning your trip, you can start by deciding whether you want to focus mainly on local history, landscapes, culture or activity. This will also help guide your search for accommodation.

Village History and Protected Landscapes

Friedrich-Karl-Gotsch-Platz is in the village of Pries and is planted with ten lime trees and a peace oak. The combination of the square, trees and peace oak forms a small, clearly defined part of the local landscape. Nearby, Falckensteiner Strand and its surroundings are part of the “Between Heischer Tal and Schilksee Cliffs” nature conservation area. The stretch of coast from Friedrichsort Lighthouse to Schilksee-Süd is also part of this protected area. The largely preserved natural surroundings offer views of Kiel Fjord.

Fortress, Art and Culture

Friedrichsort Fortress was built near the village of Pries during the Thirty Years’ War under its original name, Christianspries. Today, it is Germany’s only surviving sea fortress; parts of both moats remain to this day. Its origins and surviving structures give the fortress particular historical significance.

Friedrichsort Lighthouse stands at the Friedrichsort Narrows, north of the Kiel Canal. Friedrichsort is also home to Windharfe, a public sculpture created by Max Schegulla in 1982. Another source of architectural inspiration is the Church of the Good Shepherd: built in the traditional regional style by Kuno von Pentz, it was inaugurated in 1911. The cultural route in Pries/Friedrichsort is approximately 1.5 kilometres long.

Kulturladen Leuchtturm is located in the centre of Kiel’s northern districts of Pries and Friedrichsort and offers a wide range of events and projects for adults and children. Programme details may change. Once a year, the district centre in Pries-Friedrichsort turns into a colourful festival street. If you want to plan your trip around this event, check the latest event dates in advance.

Enjoy the Water

The “High Spirits” nature and woodland high ropes course is located at Falckensteiner Strand. Windsurfing courses are also offered there. Course availability and schedules may change; checking the latest information before your visit will help you plan.

Paddling trips follow the cliffs towards Schilksee, with Friedrichsort Lighthouse as a special destination. Windsurfing and paddling offer different ways to spend a day on the water. Check the latest operating information for courses and trips in advance.

Getting Here and Finding Accommodation

Ferry services on Kiel Fjord regularly call at Friedrichsort pier; in summer, they also serve Falckenstein pier. Friedrichsort is served regularly, while the additional stop at Falckenstein is seasonal. If you plan to travel by boat, compare the latest timetable with your travel dates.

SprottenFlotte stations are located at Friedrichsort pier and the Pries district centre. You can rent bicycles by app at both locations. Locations and service conditions may change, so check the latest rental information. When choosing your accommodation, you can then consider whether village history and culture, the waterside landscape, or activities such as windsurfing and paddling should shape your trip.

Discover more destinations: Kiel, Schilksee.

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