Discover Pries: Fjord views and local history

Coastal landscape and village character

The Falckenstein beach and its surroundings near Pries are part of the “Between Heischer Valley and Schilksee Cliffs” landscape conservation area. The beach and surrounding area from Friedrichsort Lighthouse to Schilksee-South are also under landscape protection. The largely preserved natural surroundings offer views of Kiel Fjord. So, in addition to the village itself, a protected coastal landscape is another possible focus for your stay.

For a more local impression, visit Friedrich-Karl-Gotsch-Platz in the village of Pries: the square is planted with ten lime trees and a peace oak. This offers a different perspective on the area from the open landscape along the fjord. If you are interested in Pries’s development, its recorded history dates back to around 1300, when the village was established as a Slavic circular village settlement.

History and culture in Pries and Friedrichsort

Another historic landmark is Friedrichsort Fortress. It was built near the village of Pries during the Thirty Years’ War, originally under the name Christianspries. Today, it is Germany’s only surviving sea fortress; parts of both moats remain to this day. Friedrichsort Lighthouse stands at the Friedrichsort Strait, north of the Kiel Canal. The village’s history, the fortress and the lighthouse each offer their own historical and geographical points of interest.

The cultural route in Pries/Friedrichsort is approximately 1.5 kilometres long. Cultural highlights also include the “Zum guten Hirten” church, built in the Heimatschutz architectural style by Kuno von Pentz and inaugurated in 1911. Friedrichsort is also home to Windharfe, a public sculpture created by Max Schegulla in 1982. Architecture, public art and the history of the fortress offer different points of interest if you would like your stay to encompass more than just the landscape.

Kulturladen Leuchtturm is located in the centre of Kiel’s northern districts of Pries and Friedrichsort, offering events and projects for adults and children. The programme may change; check for current events around your travel dates. Once a year, the district centre in Pries-Friedrichsort is transformed into a colourful festival street. If you would like to plan your trip around a particular festival or event, check the relevant dates.

Activities at the beach and on the water

The “High Spirits” high ropes course, set in natural woodland, is located at Falckenstein beach. Windsurfing courses are also offered at the beach. Paddling tours follow the cliffs towards Schilksee, with Friedrichsort Lighthouse as a special destination. These offer a choice of activities: the high ropes course, windsurfing courses and paddling tours on the water. Course offerings, tour conditions and the course setup may change. Check the details before your visit or around your travel dates.

Getting here and finding your way around

The Förde-Schifffahrt regularly serves the Friedrichsort landing stage. In summer, it also serves the Falckenstein landing stage. As timetables and seasonal connections may change, it is worth checking departure times when planning your trip. This lets you take the ferry stop into account without assuming a connection will be available on a particular travel date.

SprottenFlotte bike-sharing stations are located at the Friedrichsort landing stage and the Pries district centre, where you can rent bikes using the app. Station locations and service terms may change too, so it is a good idea to check in advance if you plan to rent a bike. Ferry landing stages and bike-sharing stations are two different points of reference in Pries and Friedrichsort. Which ones are relevant to your trip depends on whether you plan to use the ferry or the app-based bike rental service.

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