1 day · Sailors and water-sports fans
Sailing in Kiel
Kiel is Germany's sailing capital — nowhere else do sails and water belong so naturally to the cityscape. This guide is for everyone who wants to get out on the water themselves or experience the world of sailing: from the Olympic harbour in Schilksee, via a trip on the fjord, to the boat harbours of the Kiellinie. Wind, waves and competition history.
Best time to visit: May to September — the sailing season on the fjord
Day 1
A day under sail
We start in Olympic Schilksee, set out under sail on the fjord and finish at the boat harbours of the Kiellinie.
- 9:30 - 11:00
Olympic harbour of Schilksee
Schilksee at the mouth of the fjord was the sailing venue of the 1972 Olympic Games — today home to a large marina. Between masts and jetties you sense the Olympic spirit. Information boards recall the Games, the wind blows stiffly from the Baltic.
Tip: Many sailing schools in Schilksee offer taster courses — it's worth asking in advance.
- 11:15 - 13:00
A sailing trip on the fjord
Now out on the water: crewed trips and charters set out onto the fjord from Schilksee and the city centre. Whether as a guest aboard a sailing ship or at the helm yourself — the fjord is an ideal, sheltered sailing area.
- 13:00 - 14:15
Lunch at the Olympic harbour
Around the Olympic harbour there are restaurants and cafes with views of the boats — fresh fish and maritime atmosphere. Sailors' yarns included.
- 14:30 - 16:00
Boat harbours on the Kiellinie
Back towards the city, the route leads to the boat harbours along the Kiellinie. Here yachts and touring boats lie close together. A stroll along the jetties shows the full range of Kiel's sailing sport.
- 16:15 - 17:30
The maritime Kiellinie
The Kiellinie is the showcase of Kiel's sailing sport — especially during Kiel Week. Information boards, research vessels and the view of the regatta courses out on the fjord round off the sailing day.
- 19:00 - 21:30
A sailor's evening on the fjord
To round things off, a restaurant on the fjord with fresh fish and a view of the water. Over a glass of wine, the day under sail comes to a fitting close.