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Gigantic windjammer parade thrills 170,000 spectators in Kiel!
Experience the windjammer parade for Kiel Week 2025 with the “Gorch Fock” and over 130 traditional ships on the Kiel Fjord.
Gigantic windjammer parade thrills 170,000 spectators in Kiel!
Kiel Week 2025 had a spectacular highlight on its last Saturday: the windjammer parade attracted numerous visitors to the coast of the Kiel Fjord. Led by the famous sailing training ship “Gorch Fock”, an impressive armada of around 130 ships set off and thrilled spectators along the waterfront.
The “Gorch Fock” sailed into the parade under full sail at a speed of 6.5 knots (approx. 12 km/h). This speed exceeded the usual parade speed and was made possible by an exemption from the new commander Elmar Bornkessel. The parade started promptly at 11:00 a.m. in a magnificent formation that captivated spectators both on land and on the water.
A record year for the windjammer parade
It is estimated that around 170,000 people watched the sailing parade - an impressive increase compared to the 150,000 spectators last year. The Falckensteiner Strand was a particularly popular location for onlookers who didn't want to miss the spectacle on the water. “The wind conditions were optimal,” cheered the organizers, and the atmosphere was characterized by enthusiasm and maritime tradition.
The parade consisted not only of the “Gorch Fock”, but also of 59 traditional sailing ships and other impressive ships such as the “Alexander von Humboldt II”, “Gulden Leeuw”, “Thor Heyerdahl” and “Roald Amundsen”. This show of maritime splendor is considered one of the most important highlights of the Kiel Week, which took place from June 21st to 29th this year.
A celebration for the whole family
Kiel Week is more than just a sailing festival; it is a big folk festival. Around three million guests are expected in the city during the entire event. This year there was a participation offer for the little big sailors under the motto “Fabulous Mythical Creatures”, which was particularly popular with the young visitors.
Although the ships crossed the finish line at Laboe and Schilksee after less than 90 minutes, many traditional sailors gradually returned to the port in the afternoon. Kiel's mayor Kampf praised the windjammer parade as one of the largest and most beautiful in the history of Kiel Week, and the audience interest and positive feedback speak for themselves.
The first Kiel Week took place in 1882 with just 20 yachts on the fjord. Today it is the largest sailing event in the world. Once again it shows: Kiel Week is not just a festival for sailors, but an event that brings people of all ages together and celebrates the maritime culture that is deeply rooted in the region.