#1 Tour in Kiel · TripAdvisor
Meet your guide.
Kirk.
New Zealander. Kiel local. Almost every review mentions him by name. That's not a coincidence.
New Zealander. Kiel local. Almost every review mentions him by name. That's not a coincidence.
The story
I'm a New Zealander who chased a beautiful girl to Germany, accidentally stayed, and somehow became a professional guide along the way.
When I first arrived in Kiel, I didn't expect much. Most visitors don't. But the longer I stayed, the more I realised the city was full of wonderful stories hiding in plain sight. Stories about emperors, sailors, scientists, shipbuilders and ordinary people caught up in extraordinary events.
I founded Kiel Walking Tours in 2016 to help visitors discover the side of Kiel that most people miss and since then, I've guided thousands of cruise passengers, students and curious travellers throughout the city.
I'm not a historian with a head for dates. I'm a storyteller and my tours aren't about memorising facts or sitting through a boring history lecture. They're about understanding a place through its stories and people. And if I've done my job properly, you might just leave with a few memorable stories, some unexpected laughs, and a better understanding of Kiel than most visitors will ever get.
"Kirk gives one of the most enjoyable walking tours in Europe. He entertained us with humorous anecdotes, delightful stories and historical facts. Besides, he renders his knowledge in a very clear and understandable way."
TripAdvisor reviewer"Ended up being one of our favourite days of the entire cruise. Kirk was terrific - easy to understand, kept it together during a downpour. He's a born teacher."
TripAdvisor reviewer"Kirk's walking tour is precisely that - an informative, good-humoured walk around Kiel with no fee involved. Difficult on a pensioner's budget to put a price on something that's priceless."
TripAdvisor reviewerIn their words
"Must be that Kiwi charm."TripAdvisor · Baltic cruise passenger
"He's a born teacher."TripAdvisor · Cruise passenger
"Kirk gave an excellent, informative and very humorous tour of Kiel. A very large group of 50 people were held captivated throughout."TripAdvisor · Cruise passenger, group of 50
"Brilliant VoiceMap-based audio tour from a very knowledgeable guide. GPS-based so you can't lose your way - it redirects you back on track automatically."TripAdvisor · Audio Tour reviewer
"Difficult on a pensioner's budget to put a price on something that's priceless."TripAdvisor · Free Walking Tour
A few questions
Why did you move to Kiel?
For a girl. Plus flights back to New Zealand are expensive.
Why is the tour free?
Because Kirk believes Kiel's history should be accessible to everyone who comes here, not just people who can afford a shore excursion. Tips are always welcome. They're never expected.
What makes the audio tour different from just reading a guidebook?
Kirk wrote and narrated all the tours himself. It's not an AI voice reading facts. It's a local from an outside perspective who finds Kiel fascinating, telling you the things that aren't in any guidebook. Plus, who says history and walking tours have to be boring. You're here on holiday. Enjoy it.
What's the best story on the tour?
He'll say the rabbits. The one about Kaiser Wilhelm II's arm, the bag of dead rabbits, and how a Victorian medical treatment may have accidentally created the Imperial German Navy. You'll have to join the tour to hear the full version.
Has he ever cancelled a tour due to bad weather?
Never.
Audio tour available any time. Free tour when ships and schedules allow.
