Kiel Week 2025: Start peacefully, police focus on security!

Kiel Week 2025: Start peacefully, police focus on security!

On the first weekend of Kiel Week, the mood was mostly positive, even if there were a few incidents. Loud n-tv The start was largely peaceful, although the police checked over 350 people at the main train station. Compared to the previous year, the number of registered crimes rose to a total of 21, which is seven more than in 2024. The crimes included two cases of resistance to law enforcement officers and four violations of the Weapons or Explosives Act.

The police in the state of Schleswig-Holstein also recorded a high volume of operations. A total of 23 criminal charges were filed during the period from Friday afternoon to Sunday morning. What was particularly striking was that the majority of the crimes were associated with 14 physical injuries. In the same period last year, 54 crimes were reported, including 30 physical injuries, which shows a decline. The press portal reports on various gun checks in which the police seized four knives. These controls will continue throughout the entire Kiel Week, as bringing weapons onto the event site is prohibited in accordance with Section 42 of the Weapons Act.

Security concept and police presence

Kiel Week, which takes place from June 21st to 29th, 2025, is expected to attract more than three million visitors. The security precautions have been revised and improved in close cooperation with the police. A comprehensive security concept, which costs 60,000 euros, includes mobile and fixed barriers as well as so-called “big bags” for protection from enemy vehicles. Around 350 of these “big bags” will be set up in various areas, such as daily news communicates.

A strict ban on weapons and knives applies to the entire Kieler Woche site. Random checks are also carried out to ensure the safety of guests. The police will have an increased number of uniformed officers present. In addition, eleven camera towers will be used to provide monitored live broadcasts to improve the feeling of security.

With an estimated attendance of around one million people on the first weekend, the atmosphere has been described as peaceful and exuberant. Nevertheless, there were challenges, such as the short-term closure of two platforms at the main station, where trains to Hamburg reached 200 percent capacity. However, the guidance of travelers went smoothly, which contributed significantly to the positive perception.

No need to panic

Another sign of the growing security situation is the regular information that the police disseminate on how to prevent pickpocketing. Visitors are encouraged to carry cash securely in various internal pockets. Despite the increasing number of crimes, Kiel Week has remained relatively safe in recent years. In 2024, around 140 crimes were recorded among over three and a half million visitors. The Kiel Week is characterized not only by its numerous attractions, but also by increased safety awareness in order to enable all visitors to have a carefree stay.