The roots of Kiel Week go back to a regatta in 1882. Today, with a good 2,000 boats and 5,000 active participants, Kiel Week is a world-famous sporting event. For the World Sailing Association, Kiel Week is the 'Mother and Father of all Re-gattas' thanks to its sporting creativity. For sailors, anyone thinking of achieving an Olympic medal must be capable of winning an event during Kiel Week. 

Festivals and events are part of life in Kiel. However, Kiel Week is a very special highlight in the city's calendar of events. It is not only the biggest summer festival in Northern Europe but also a forum for political meetings and the world's biggest sailing event. Guests from all continents enthuse about this unique mixture.

The famous 'Spiellinie' (Play Line), for instance, has been a magnet for children of all ages for over 25 years. Music of all kinds - most of it open air and free of charge - contributes much to the atmosphere of this unusual nine-day week. It is a festival of the whole city with its friends from all over the world.