Calling all sailing fanatics! Kiel Week (Kieler Woche), one of the largest sailing events in the world, is set to return to Kiel of Schleswig-Holstein this summer. Kiel Week has evolved over the years from a sailing championship regatta into a full-blown boating festival.
With over 3 million visitors from 70 nations set to attend the event, Kiel Week aims to represent the whole international spectrum of sailing.
Kiel Week typically welcomes 5.000 sailors and 2.000 sailing boats, who compete in a series of different races at the Olympic marina Schilksee. The racing championships are accompanied by a series of events held at different locations around the city, such as the Kiellinie which offers visitors a gorgeous uninterrupted view of incoming sailing boats.
Expect to see a wide range of free music performances, food markets and street performances as well as a spectacular firework display. Visible across the entire Bay of Kiel, this magnificent display marks the end of the festival.
Sailing boat lovers can expect to see thousands of boats gathering in the Bay of Kiel for the boating festival. Different types of sailing boats, such as sloops, ketches and full-rigged ships, as well as historic tall ships, modern yachts and cargo ships will all come together. In addition to hosting championship races for a number of classes, Kiel Week is also one of the biggest tall-ship conventions in Germany.
Over 100 traditional sailing boats and hundreds of yachts usually participate in the annual Tall Ships Parade (Große Windjammer Parade) on the second Saturday of Kiel Week. The boats sail out in parade formation from Kiel’s inner fjord into the outer fjord, sailing towards Laboe.
Drawing many spectators, the best spots from which to watch the parade float are from the shores of the inner fjord, the west bank at the Kiellinie and by the lighthouse Holtenau at the entrance to the Kiel canal. A number of these historical vessels typically offer day trips from Kiel throughout the week, providing visitors with the chance to get up close and personal with them.
Ready to get your sail on? Visit the Kiel Week website for the complete schedule or to register for one of the regattas.
Thumb image credit: © Sascha Klahn, Kiel Week