Pries offers a trip shaped by village history and a variety of ways to explore the Förde: the village was founded around 1300 as a Slavic circular village. The surrounding area adds protected coastal landscapes, a naval fortress, culture and waterside activities. When choosing a holiday apartment, it may help to decide first what you want to focus on during your stay: should your days be shaped by local history, a nature experience or activity on the water? The following places show the different facets to discover in and around Pries.

Village History and a Protected Förde Landscape

Ten lime trees and a peace oak stand at Friedrich-Karl-Gotsch-Platz in the village of Pries; the square is planted with these trees. Falckensteiner Strand and its surroundings are part of the “Between Heischer Tal and Schilksee Cliff” landscape conservation area. The protected area includes the beach and its surroundings from Friedrichsort Lighthouse to Schilksee-Süd. The largely unspoilt natural surroundings at Falckensteiner Strand offer views of Kiel Fjord.

The village and its surroundings therefore offer different impressions side by side: the historic village centre with its square, and the open, protected landscape along the Förde. Those who want to include both nature and local history in their stay will find two distinct themes here, without needing to combine them into a single destination.

Naval Fortress, Lighthouse and Art

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 naval fortress. Parts of both moats remain to this day. The historical accounts and surviving features tell different chapters: the fortress’s construction during wartime and traces of its fortifications that are still visible.

Another chapter in public art is the sculpture “Wind Harp” in Friedrichsort. Max Schegulla created the artwork in 1982. Friedrichsort Lighthouse stands at the Friedrichsort Narrows, north of the Kiel Canal. This makes historic architecture, an artwork and a prominent landmark three distinct themes to explore during a visit, without suggesting that they share the same history.

Cultural Route and Events

The cultural route in Pries and Friedrichsort is approximately 1.5 kilometres long. The Church of the Good Shepherd (“Zum guten Hirten”) was built in the Heimatschutz architectural style by Kuno von Pentz and inaugurated in 1911. Its architectural style and year of inauguration provide a tangible cultural point of reference in the local history.

Kulturladen Leuchtturm, in the centre of Kiel’s northern districts of Pries and Friedrichsort, offers a wide range of events and projects for adults and children. Once a year, the district centre in Pries-Friedrichsort is transformed into a colourful festival street. If you want to plan your visit around a particular event or the festival, check the latest dates and programme.

Water, Activity and Seasonal Offerings

The “High Spirits” nature and forest high ropes course is located at Falckensteiner Strand. Windsurfing courses are also offered there. Facilities, course arrangements, offerings and dates may change; if you have a specific visit in mind, check the latest information.

Paddling tours from the Falckenstein SUP station follow the cliffs towards Schilksee, with Friedrichsort Lighthouse as a special destination. Windsurfing courses and the paddling tours described here differ mainly in the type of activity: courses on the beach on the one hand, and a tour along the coast with the lighthouse as its destination on the other. Tours and operating conditions may change; check in advance if you are planning around them.

Getting Here and Getting Around

Ferry services on the Förde regularly call at the Friedrichsort landing stage. In summer, they also call at the Falckenstein landing stage. This seasonal detail is important when planning: check the latest timetable, especially if you want to use the Falckenstein landing stage.

SprottenFlotte bike-share stations are located at the Friedrichsort landing stage and the Pries district centre; bikes can be hired there via an app. If a rental bike suits your plans, check the latest station and service information in advance. The ferry and bike hire are two separate transport options that you can take into account depending on your destination and planned activities.

Discover more destinations: Schilksee, Kiel.

Go to the main travel overview: Kiel.