Kiel, Germany

Capital City

With a population of 248,873, Kiel is Germany's largest coastal city, but don't let that fool you - this Baltic port is no picturesque paradise. The weather is a persistent headache, with frigid winters and a mere 2.8 days per year over 30°C. And while the city has rebuilt itself since WWII, the bombing left over 80% of the old town in ruins, resulting in a rather utilitarian urban landscape. Kiel's economy is dominated by maritime industries and the German Navy, making it a hub for high-tech shipbuilding and military contractors. However, the city has struggled with unemployment and population decline since its 1970s peak. For those drawn to Kiel's sailing events and ocean research centers, the bureaucratic red tape and dreary climate may be a price worth paying, but others may find this northern German city a tough sell.