Maritime highlight: Windjammerparade inspires at Kiel Week 2025

Maritime highlight: Windjammerparade inspires at Kiel Week 2025

Wind sacks grab after the breeze and there is already a hustle and bustle on the beaches - the anticipation for Kiel Week 2025 cannot be overlooked. From June 21 to 29, the fjord becomes a lively setting when over three million guests flocked to the state capital to experience the largest sailing sport in the world up close. This year is the motto "Fabulous mythical creature", especially for the little guests it will be an unforgettable experience.

Last Saturday of Kiel Week, June 28, 2025, a real highlight takes place with the windjammer parade. Under the command of the "Gorch Fock" sailing school ship, over 100 high -ranking ships, including traditional sailors and private boats, will thwart the water of the Kiel Fjord. Before the ships set their sails at 11 a.m., spectators can experience the exciting moment of replacement from 10:45 a.m. The column sails at the Friedrichsort lighthouse at a cozy speed of around four knots, where the participants can enjoy the beauty of sailing.

a festival for all senses

The windjammer parade will take place between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and apparently offers something for everyone. The parade can be admired from both water and land. Popular viewpoints are the beaches on the east and west bank and the Tiessenkai in Holtenau. If you want to make the experience even more intensely, you have the opportunity to get along on board a traditional sailor. Embarkation is already at 9:30 a.m. at the Blucher Bridge, where a cold welcome drink is waiting for the guests, as well as a sailing meal and in the afternoon coffee and cake. If you want, you can even help with sailing and become part of the crew.

The ships will return to their berths from around 2 p.m. and it is a big sight if the colorful sails bloom in the wind. The windjammer parade is therefore not only a spectacle of shipping, but also a symbol of community and cohesion on the water.

A look back on the tradition

It is interesting to know that the Kiel Week in 2025 already experienced their 144th edition and originated in 1882 when only 20 yachts started. Since then, the festival has developed into one of the largest and most important sailing events worldwide. This year, too, around 2,000 events in various areas such as culture, entertainment, science, politics and sport are offered-a hustle and bustle that also reflects the Maritime tradition of Schleswig-Holstein.

The windjammer parade and the many other events during the Kiel Week make them a unique experience that should not be missed. The Kielers are waiting for the crowds with open arms, who will be happy to find themselves in harmony with wind, water and sailing. A clear anchor point in this maritime festival is the windjammer parade, the NDR with focus on the traditional ship and illuminated their meaning.

summarized the Kiel week 2025 is a great platform for enthusiastic of all ages. Don't forget to secure your places early and be ready for a week full of unforgettable moments!