Kieler Woche (Kiel Week) is an annual sailing event and festival held in Kiel, Germany. It is one of the largest sailing regattas in the world, attracting international sailors and maritime enthusiasts. The event features competitive sailing races, live music, cultural performances, and street markets. Kieler Woche also celebrates maritime culture with various activities on the water and along the city's waterfront, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. It draws both locals and tourists to enjoy the combination of sport, culture, and entertainment, making it a major event in the German summer calendar.
DATES & TIMES
• Event week: Saturday–Sunday, 20–28 June 2026.
• Regattas: Daily racing off Schilksee with additional classes on selected days; detailed race schedules publish closer to the event. Official site.
• Windjammerparade: The tall‑ships sailing parade traditionally takes place on the final Saturday of Kiel Week (2026 date expected Saturday, 27 June). Parade highlight · Boat tour options.
• Closing night: A finale over the fjord (often fireworks/drone show) on the last Sunday; details announced each year. See updates.
LOCATION
• Where: Kiel, Germany — city festivities along the Kiellinie waterfront; sailing hub at Olympiahafen Schilksee.
• Open in Google Maps (Schilksee Olympic Harbour).
TICKETS & ENTRY
• Most public areas are free (concerts, waterfront promenade, shore viewing). Select experiences—like boat tours for the Windjammerparade—are ticketed through operators. Browse & book.
GOOD TO KNOW
• Getting there: From Kiel Hbf, reach Schilksee by bus lines 12/13/X30 (plus N12 at night); seasonal fjord ferries connect central stops to Falckenstein/Schilksee. Travel guide · Ferry route F1.
• Crowds & flow: The Kiellinie waterfront can become one‑way in the evenings to manage crowds—follow on‑site signage and city guidance. Safety info.
• Weather: Breezy Baltic conditions—pack layers and a light rain shell.
• Pairings: Combine shore festivities on the Kiellinie with a regatta day in Schilksee and a Windjammerparade boat tour for the full experience.
Sailing through Kiel Week without the stress? We’ll line up Windjammerparade boat places, map the best Kiellinie viewpoints, time your Schilksee race days, and sort transfers. Hire Tripologiste.