Gigantic windjammer parade in Kiel: 130 ships conquer the fjord!

Gigantic windjammer parade in Kiel: 130 ships conquer the fjord!

On this day, theJune 28, 2025, the maritime highlight of theKiel Weekwith the legendary windjammer parade. Around 130 ships, including the famous “Gorch Fock” and the “Alexander von Humboldt 2”, will present themselves in Kiel's inner fjord today. With an expected crowd of at least 150,000 people, the coast will be transformed into a hustle and bustle of sailing boats and cheering visitors.

The big starting shot goes off11 a.m. The ships set course for the Friedrichsort lighthouse, where they sail between2 and 5 p.mreturn to their berths. The parade is not only an eye-catcher with large traditional sailing ships and historic steamboats, but also a competition between the most consistent captains who have to safely bring their ships into parade formation. Given the multitude of great viewing points such as the Falkensteiner Ufer, Mönkeberg and the Holtenau lighthouse, it will be difficult to choose one of the picturesque places to watch the spectacle.

A feast for all senses

The Kiel Week, which first began as a small sailing regatta in 1882, has long since developed into an international event that attracts over three million visitors. Its roots lie in sporting competition and the camaraderie among sailors. Today the event also offers an extensive cultural supporting program with over400 eventsfrom music, art, science and politics. Ship radar emphasizes that the Kiel Fjord with its Olympic harbor offers ideal conditions for sailing and the event promotes young talent.

The International Market on the town hall square invites you to feast and discover culinary delicacies and handicrafts from over 30 nations. There are numerous programs for the youngest visitors that promote inclusion and sustainability. In this way, the challenges of our time are also taken into account - an approach that the Kieler Woche is continuing to pursue and focus on.

Before and during the parade: Everything for safety

The windjammer parade takes place on a Saturday that is all about maritime tradition. The preparations for the ships already begin at9.30ambefore they come around10:45 a.mset their sails when the wind is favorable. Safety precautions are extensive and guests are required to observe them to ensure everything runs smoothly.

There is also a lot going on in other parts of Schleswig-Holstein. For example, a large-scale exercise for emergency services will take place on the Lübeck campus, in which a realistic scenario will be presented to the participants. These exercises are essential in order to optimally prepare emergency services for various emergencies, which is currently underlined by the exercise in Bargteheide, where around 80 rescue workers are demonstrating their skills.

However, while Kiel Week is flourishing, tragic incidents also occurred on the roads, such as the tragic accident of a 37-year-old driver on the B76 near Eckernförde. Security remains a central issue there too.

Kiel Week shows us once again how the community can come together to celebrate and at the same time not lose sight of important issues of the time. The windjammer parade reflects this spirit - a week full of maritime joy and shared experiences.