A regatta in 1882 that’s how it all began. Today, the Kieler Woche with easily 2,000 vessels and 5,000 active sailors is a sports event which is well-known right round the globe. For the world sailing community, the Kieler Woche is “the mother and father of all regattas“ thanks to its sportive character and creativity. Anyone who wants to win at the Olympics, so the sailors say, must be able to win at the Kieler Woche.

Festivals and events are something that comes naturally to Kiel. A particular highlight in the events calendar is the Kieler Woche. It’s the biggest sports festival in Northern Europe, and at the same time is a forum for political meetings and the biggest sailing event in the world. Guests from all around the world rave about this unique mixture.

For example, for 30 years the famous Spiellinie has been an attraction for children of all ages. Music of all kinds – which you can usually listen to in the open air and for free – makes up a great deal of the atmosphere of this unusual nine-day week. It’s a festival celebrated by the whole city with its friends from all over the world.