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IHK Schleswig-Holstein
Baltic Sea: sailing area
The Baltic Sea is one of Europe's most attractive sailing areas. Schleswig-Holstein in particular offers a maritime world full of scenic diversity, cultural encounters and sporting challenges. Between Flensburg, Kiel, Lübeck and Fehmarn, the Baltic Sea offers an extraordinary mix of nature, tradition and modern infrastructure. Whether for beginners, recreational skippers or ocean-going professionals, the Baltic Sea is a destination for everyone.
The western Baltic Sea offers ideal conditions for beginners to sailing thanks to its relatively sheltered waters. At the same time, changing winds, currents and narrow passages such as the Fehmarn Belt also challenge experienced crews. For breaks in between, Schleswig-Holstein's coast is dotted with a multitude of harbours, bays and anchorages:
• Flensburg Fjord: Popular with sailing schools and families, sheltered and well developed.
• Kiel Fjord: Centre of sailing with numerous marinas, shipyards and the Olympic harbour of Schilksee.
• Lübeck Bay: Lively seaside resorts meet modern infrastructure and many regattas.
• Fehmarn and the island world: Charming stopovers with ideal wind conditions.
From here, doors are also open to closer destinations such as Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and more distant destinations such as Bornholm, southern Sweden, Denmark or the Baltic States.
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The Ocean Race Europe 2025
A special highlight for sailors from Schleswig-Holstein is the so-called Danish South Sea, the archipelago south of Funen. This area is characterised by short distances, sheltered waters and picturesque places such as Ærø, Langeland and Svendborg. The region is ideal for relaxed island hopping with the family, but also for ambitious cruises with a sporting character. Its proximity to the German coast makes the Danish South Sea one of the most popular destinations from Schleswig-Holstein. In addition, many Danish ports offer excellent infrastructure, hospitality and a maritime atmosphere that make this area so appealing.
Schleswig-Holstein continuously invests in its maritime infrastructure. The approximately 60 marinas on the Baltic Sea coast offer modern facilities, digital booking systems and, in many cases, barrier-free access. Particularly noteworthy are:
• Kiel, with the international sailing event ‘Kieler Woche’ as the centre of sailing
• Heiligenhafen and Großenbrode, with new marinas and a wide range of leisure activities
• Neustadt, with a modern marina
• Laboe, Eckernförde, Maasholm: traditional locations with a strong sailing culture
Sailing is deeply rooted in Schleswig-Holstein: numerous clubs place great emphasis on promoting young talent, regattas attract visitors from all over the world, and maritime craft businesses keep the know-how alive.
However, the Baltic Sea is a sensitive ecosystem. Schleswig-Holstein is committed to sustainable sailing through:
• Blue Ribbon and environmental certificates for ports.
• Raising awareness of nature reserves, e.g. Geltinger Birk or the nature reserve island of Langeland.
• Action Plan Baltic Sea Protection 2030 and the joint protection of the Baltic Sea
• Research and monitoring by universities and organisations such as ‘Kiel Marine Science’.
Many sailing clubs offer environmental education, litter collection campaigns and training courses on environmentally friendly behaviour at sea. Electric mobility, modern wastewater disposal and reduced emissions are playing an increasingly important role in port development.
Schleswig-Holstein offers a low threshold for getting started in sailing. Numerous sailing schools, training clubs, youth groups and the University of Kiel offer courses for all age groups. With the ‘Sportbootführerschein See’ (sea sailing licence) or the ‘SKS’ (coastal sailing licence), nothing stands in the way of exploring the Baltic Sea.
Kiel, Lübeck and Flensburg in particular offer combined packages of theory, simulator training and practical trips. Projects such as the ‘Ocean School Kiel’ also combine sailing with environmental education.
Schleswig-Holstein also hosts many international regattas and events:
• Kieler Woche: One of the largest sailing events in the world.
• Travemünde Week: An elegant mix of top-class sport and folk festival.
• Baltic 500: Offshore regatta for ambitious crews.
• MidsummerSail: The longest non-stop regatta from Wismar to the finish line in Finland.
• Ocean Race Europe: Starting in Kiel in 2025
• Olympics: Perhaps the Olympic sailing competitions will return to Kiel after 1972
These events boost the region's economy, provide inspiration and demonstrate the high status of sailing in Schleswig-Holstein.
Sailing in the Baltic Sea is more than just a leisure activity – it is part of Schleswig-Holstein's cultural identity. The combination of good wind, safe infrastructure, unspoilt coastline and maritime flair makes the area unique. Through consistent development towards sustainability, digitalisation and the promotion of young talent, the Baltic Sea off Schleswig-Holstein remains a top destination for sailing.
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