Gigantesque windjammer parade inspires 170,000 spectators in Kiel!

Gigantesque windjammer parade inspires 170,000 spectators in Kiel!

On the last Saturday of this year's Kiel Week, June 29, 2025, the Windjammerparade experienced a grand highlight. The parade, which was organized for the 144th edition of this now world -famous sailing sport event, pulled numerous spectators to the coasts of the Kiel Fjord. With around 170,000 visitors who did not want to miss the impressive show, the interest was higher this year than in the previous year, where around 150,000 people were counted. The wind conditions were ideal and created perfect conditions for the magnificent traditional sailors who crossed the fjord, such as NDR reported.

In a spectacular spectacle, the sailing school “Gorch Fock” took the leadership position, for the first time in its history under full sailing. At a speed of 6.5 knots (approx. 12 km/h), the ship sailed at the top of the parade. Commandant Elmar Bornkessel received an exceptional permit to achieve this speed and to shoot beyond the usual limit of 3.5 to 4 knots. While the "Gorch Fock" gave the parade, more than 120 ships, including 59 traditional sailors, formed behind it. The participants included the "Alexander von Humboldt II", "Gulden Leeuw", "Thor Heyerdahl" and "Roald Amundsen", as the Mopo stuck.

a festival for all senses

The spectators enjoyed the unique spectacle from different perspectives, both from the country and boats in the water. The Falckenstein beach was particularly popular, where thousands of people were gathered to follow the Maritime Parade. It was not only an eye opener for sailing enthusiasts, but also a festival for families and children who took part in the hands -on offer "Fabulous mythical creatures". This motto was part of an extensive program that the Kiel Week 2025 had to offer that wanted to welcome around three million guests.

Kiel's mayor fighter praised the Windjammerparade as one of the largest and most beautiful in the history of the Kiel Week. He noticed the exciting atmosphere and the numerous ships that gradually returned to the harbor after completing the over 90-minute parade towards Laboe and Schilksee, as Kieler Week.

A look into the future

The Kiel Week, which took place from June 21 to 29, remains an important event in international sailing. It is not only the largest of its kind, but also offers a variety of events in the areas of culture, entertainment and science. In the upcoming edition in 2024, the focus will be on the roots of the Kiel Week, which means that the anticipation for the next event is already noticeable.

In the middle of this festive atmosphere, the Kiel Week remains a place where tradition, sport and socializing meet-an event that is anchored in the heart of Schleswig-Holstein.