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Kiel – Sailors' Mutiny 1918
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Historical site
The Kiel Sailors' Mutiny of November 1918 was a pivotal historical event that triggered the German Revolution, leading to the end of World War I and the collapse of the monarchy. It began when the German naval command issued a final, suicidal order for the fleet to engage the British Royal Navy, which sailors in Wilhelmshaven and Kiel refused to obey. By November 3, the protests in Kiel escalated into an armed uprising as workers' and soldiers' councils took control of the city. The revolutionary movement rapidly spread across the entire German Empire, eventually forcing Kaiser Wilhelm II to abdicate and leading to the proclamation of the Republic on November 9, 1918. This transition ended centuries of monarchical rule and paved the way for the Weimar Republic, Germany's first democracy. Today, memorials in Kiel commemorate the sailors who risked their lives to end the war and initiate democratic reforms amidst the chaos of the post-war era.
- Location: Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
- Top sights: Opernhaus · Rathausturm · Hiroshimapark
- Nearby: Heikendorf (7 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 1 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 18 | 15 | 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 67 | 54 | 48 | 37 | 53 | 70 | 78 | 83 | 62 | 70 | 66 | 70 |
📋 Practical info
Address
Ratsdienergarten, 24103 Kiel
Hours
24/7
Entry
free
Website
Transit
Kiel main station, 10 min walk
Parking
Parking at Schloßquartier, approx. €2.00/hr.
Accessibility
Public park, level and fully barrier-free.
Photos
Allowed.
Best time
During the day for good visibility of the memorial plaques.
Audio guide
no
History & landmarks
ww1
1918
Geography
Facts
- The main unrest began on November 3, 1918, in the city of Kiel.
- Around 40,000 sailors, soldiers, and workers participated in the uprising in the city.
- Eight protesters were killed by military patrols during clashes on November 3.
- SPD politician Gustav Noske arrived in Kiel on November 4 to negotiate with the councils.
- The soldiers' council of Kiel formulated the '14 points of Kiel' as their political demands.
- The Kaiser's abdication occurred just six days after the start of the Kiel mutiny, on November 9.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Kiel – Sailors' Mutiny 1918 (10)
Sankt Nikolaus
Provostry church in Kiel. Evangelical Lutheran church in the center.
Emil-Lueken-Brücke
Bridge in Kiel. Connects districts across the fjord.
Jakobi-Kirche
Church in Kiel-Exerzierplatz. Evangelical place of worship.
Markus Meyer Kunst
Gallery in Kiel. Shows contemporary art.
Sealevel🏛 museum
Museum in Kiel, Germany. Focus on the sea and shipping.
Kieler Carillon
Carillon in Kiel. Tower with automatically playing bells.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What was the Kiel Mutiny?
A revolt in November 1918 that triggered the end of WWI and the fall of the monarchy in Germany.
Where can one find memorials to the mutiny in Kiel?
The central monument is located in the Ratsdienergarten. Information boards along the Kiel Fjord also explain the events.
Are there museums that cover the mutiny?
The Kiel Maritime Museum at Sartorikai has a permanent exhibition on naval history and the sailors' mutiny.
Can one take a themed city tour?
Yes, the city of Kiel has guided tours along the 'Blue Line', which also visit important sites of the 1918 revolution.
Is entry to the monuments free?
Yes, the monuments and memorial plaques in public spaces are accessible for free at any time.
Kiel – Sailors' Mutiny 1918: where is it located?
Kiel, Sailors' Mutiny 1918 is located in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.
Kiel – Sailors' Mutiny 1918: what is there to see?
Highlights include Opernhaus, Rathausturm, Hiroshimapark.
Kiel – Sailors' Mutiny 1918: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Kiel – Sailors' Mutiny 1918: why is it worth visiting?
The Kiel Sailors' Mutiny of November 1918 was a pivotal historical event that triggered the German Revolution, leading to the end of World War I and the collapse of the monarchy.
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