Maritime highlight: Windjammer parade inspires at Kiel Week 2025

Maritime highlight: Windjammer parade inspires at Kiel Week 2025

Windsocks catch the breeze and there is already a lot of activity on the beaches - the anticipation for Kiel Week 2025 cannot be overlooked. From June 21st to 29th, the fjord becomes a lively venue when over three million guests flock to the state capital to experience the largest sailing event in the world up close. This year the motto is “Fabulous Mythical Creatures”, and it will be an unforgettable experience, especially for the little guests.

On the last Saturday of Kiel Week, June 28, 2025, a real highlight will take place with the windjammer parade. Under the command of the sailing training ship “Gorch Fock”, over 100 stately ships, including traditional sailing vessels and private boats, will cruise the waters of the Kiel Fjord. Before the ships set sail at 11 a.m., spectators can experience the exciting moment of detachment from 10:45 a.m. The column sails at a leisurely speed of around four knots to the Friedrichsort lighthouse, where participants can enjoy the beauty of sailing.

A feast for all senses

The windjammer parade will take place between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and looks to have something for everyone. The parade can be viewed from both water and land. Popular viewing points are the beaches on the east and west banks and the Tiessenkai in Holtenau. If you want to make the experience even more intense, you have the opportunity to travel on board a traditional sailing boat yourself. Embarkation is at 9:30 a.m. at the Blücherbrücke, where a cold welcome drink awaits the guests, as well as a sailor's meal and coffee and cake in the afternoon. If you want, you can even help set the sails and become part of the crew.

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

A look back at tradition

It is interesting to know that the Kiel Week will already be celebrating its 144th edition in 2025 and has its origins in 1882, when only 20 yachts took part. Since then, the festival has developed into one of the largest and most important sailing events in the world. This year too, around 2,000 events will be offered in various areas such as culture, entertainment, science, politics and sport - a colorful hustle and bustle that also reflects Schleswig-Holstein's maritime tradition.

The windjammer parade and the many other events during Kiel Week make it a unique experience that should not be missed. The people of Kiel are waiting with open arms for the crowds who will happily find themselves in harmony with wind, water and sailing. A clear anchor point in this maritime festival is the windjammer parade, which NDR highlights with a focus on the traditional ships and their significance.

In summary, Kiel Week 2025 will be a great platform for enthusiasts of all ages. Don't forget to secure your seats early and be ready for a week full of unforgettable moments!