Laboe Naval Memorial
A towering memorial honoring sailors, featuring a U-995 submarine and panoramic Baltic Sea views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Laboe Naval Memorial
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A towering memorial honoring sailors, featuring a U-995 submarine and panoramic Baltic Sea views.
"Super interesting and impactful experience, definitely worth the entrance fee!"
🎟️ Get Your Token Early
Purchase your entry token from the ticket stand nearby. It's your pass to the memorial and submarine!
⬆️ Elevator or Stairs?
There's a lift to the top, but the stairs offer unique views down. Choose based on your comfort with heights!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Tower's Panoramic Views
Observation Deck
Ascend to the top for breathtaking 360-degree views of the Baltic Sea and Kiel Fjord. A truly unforgettable vista.
U-995 Submarine
Base of the Memorial
Step aboard a World War II German submarine for a unique, immersive historical experience. Explore its interior and learn its story.
Naval Museum
Adjacent to the Tower
Discover the history of the German Navy, ship models, and maritime disasters. Provides crucial context for the memorial.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Understanding the Memorial's Significance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Get Your Token Early
Purchase your entry token from the ticket stand nearby. It's your pass to the memorial and submarine!
⬆️ Elevator or Stairs?
There's a lift to the top, but the stairs offer unique views down. Choose based on your comfort with heights!
🏛️ Museum First, Then Tower
Understand the history in the museum before ascending for a more impactful experience.
📸 Capture the Coastline
The views from the tower are perfect for stunning photos of the Baltic Sea and beaches. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Get Your Token Early
Purchase your entry token from the ticket stand nearby. It's your pass to the memorial and submarine!
⬆️ Elevator or Stairs?
There's a lift to the top, but the stairs offer unique views down. Choose based on your comfort with heights!
🏛️ Museum First, Then Tower
Understand the history in the museum before ascending for a more impactful experience.
📸 Capture the Coastline
The views from the tower are perfect for stunning photos of the Baltic Sea and beaches.
⚓ Explore the U-995
Don't miss walking inside the U-995 submarine; it's a unique historical and technical insight.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Laboe Naval Memorial to be a deeply interesting and impactful experience, with the U-995 submarine and the tower's views being major highlights. While some find the memorial's design unsettling due to its historical context, most agree it's a well-done tribute and a worthwhile visit for its historical significance and scenic beauty.
"Super interesting and impactful experience. I am more of an artsy person, but i would not miss this. Definitely worth the entrance fee especially to see all the ship models, the view and the submarine! It is such a unique experience to walk inside a submarine and get to know all the historical and technical details about it. I absolutely recommend to visit."
Dorottya-Agota Siko
"You can walk up on the inside however the stairs are open so you can look down, not good if you don’t like heights.I’m ok looking out just not down. That the lift as the view is worth it. The museum is also interesting and they used the same scale for the models so you can compare the sizes of the vessels"
Ove
"Amazing place for remembrance! Also a dark structure as from what time frame it is, it’s an unsettling place at the same time! Beautiful but kind of intimidating which was the point of the structure.. he himself didn’t like the design I read!"
Pieter-Jan Elias
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Laboe Naval Memorial is located in Laboe, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transport options include buses from Kiel. Many visitors arrive by car or as part of a day trip from Kiel.
Yes, there is parking available near the memorial. It's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak season, to secure a spot.
Absolutely! Laboe is a popular day trip destination from Kiel. The journey is relatively short, making it easy to combine with other activities in the region.
If traveling from further afield in Germany, taking a train to Kiel and then a local bus or taxi to Laboe is a common and efficient method.
The drive along the Baltic Sea coast towards Laboe offers beautiful scenery. Consider exploring the Ostseeküste (Baltic Sea Coast) routes for a picturesque journey.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is an entrance fee, often described as a 'token' rather than a traditional ticket, which grants access to the memorial tower and the U-995 submarine. Prices are reasonable and considered worth the experience.
Tickets, or tokens, can be purchased at a dedicated stand located just down the street from the memorial itself.
The admission fee typically includes access to the memorial tower, the U-995 submarine, and the adjacent naval museum, offering a comprehensive historical experience.
Information on discounts for students, seniors, or families is not widely publicized, but it's always worth inquiring at the ticket stand.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the official website or local listings for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the impressive memorial tower with its observation deck, tour the historic U-995 submarine, and visit the naval museum detailing German naval history. The views from the top are spectacular.
There is an elevator available to reach the top, making it accessible for most visitors. However, there are also stairs if you prefer to walk.
The U-995 offers a unique opportunity to walk through a World War II submarine, learning about its technical details and historical significance. It's a very immersive experience.
The open stairs inside the tower might be unsettling for those with a fear of heights, as you can look down. The elevator is a good alternative, and the views from the top are still stunning.
The museum features exhibits on the history of the German Navy, ship models displayed to scale, and information on maritime disasters, providing a comprehensive overview.
📸 📸 Photography
The observation deck offers panoramic shots of the Baltic Sea and coastline. The U-995 submarine provides unique angles, and the memorial itself has striking architectural lines.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the U-995 submarine, allowing you to capture the cramped and historic interior.
Early mornings or late afternoons, during the 'golden hour,' offer the best light for photography, with fewer crowds and softer shadows.
Drone usage is typically restricted in memorial sites and near military installations. It's best to check local regulations and obtain necessary permissions beforehand.
From the top, you can capture sweeping views of the Baltic Sea, the beach, the town of Laboe, and the surrounding coastline, as well as the U-995 below.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the tower offers incredible views, parents should be mindful of children who might be apprehensive about heights, especially with the open staircases. The elevator provides a safe and easy way to reach the top. Consider visiting during less crowded times to allow children more space to explore and absorb the exhibits.
⚓ History Buffs & Military Enthusiasts
Pay close attention to the exhibits detailing naval battles and the evolution of naval technology. The memorial itself, with its expanded purpose to honor sailors of all nations, provides a nuanced perspective on remembrance and the impact of maritime conflict.
📸 Photographers & Art Lovers
+1Beyond the grand vistas, explore the details of the U-995 submarine and the memorial's design for unique photographic subjects. The interplay of light and shadow on the memorial's structure can create dramatic compositions. Consider black and white photography to emphasize the memorial's solemnity and architectural form.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of the Laboe Naval Memorial
Visitors often describe the memorial as both beautiful and unsettling, a testament to its powerful design and the somber history it represents. The museum adjacent to the tower provides crucial context, detailing the evolution of the German Navy and highlighting significant maritime events. Understanding this history before ascending the tower enhances the visitor's appreciation for the memorial's profound significance.
Beneath the memorial's open area, you'll find wreaths and memorials dedicated to specific ships and sailors. This area, along with the exhibits within the tower itself, further illustrates the losses experienced by German ships and the transformations the navy underwent across both World Wars. The memorial serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict at sea.
Experiencing the U-995 Submarine
Visitors can walk through the various compartments of the submarine, from the control room to the torpedo tubes. The experience is often described as fascinating and educational, providing a tangible connection to naval history. It's a chance to understand the technical aspects and the daily realities faced by the crew.
Exploring the U-995 is a highlight for many, offering a different perspective on naval warfare and technology. The detailed exhibits and the sheer presence of the submarine make it a memorable part of any visit to the Laboe Naval Memorial.
Capturing the Views: Photography at Laboe
+2For the best photographic results, consider visiting during the 'golden hour' – early morning or late afternoon. The softer light creates a more dramatic and appealing atmosphere, and these times often coincide with fewer crowds, allowing for unobstructed shots. The architectural lines of the memorial itself also present compelling subjects for photographers, especially in black and white.
+1When photographing the U-995 submarine, focus on its imposing structure and unique details. Inside the submarine, capturing the cramped interior and historical equipment can make for very atmospheric shots. Remember to be respectful of the memorial's solemn nature while documenting your visit.
Social
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