Kiel Bay - Germany’s Number One Sailing Spot
When Germans think of sailing, they think of Kiel Bay and that’s saying a lot about a region that’s had a long tradition in boat sailing and boat making. The landscape here is one of the most beautiful parts of the Baltic shore, with lots of beaches and with lots of sunshine. It’s a good yacht charter Germany destination no matter how you look at it, so make sure you visit it at least once in your life.
Sea & Coast
Otherwise known as the Kieler Bucht in German or the Kiel Bugt in Danish, the Kiel bay is situated southwestern part of the Baltic Sea in between Germany’s Schleswig-Holstein state shores and the islands belonging to Denmark.
This region is not only important to Yacht Charter enthusiasts and practitioners but also for commercial maritime traffic as all boats leaving or entering the Baltic have to pass through the belts (the name given to a series of straits) that connect it with the other bodies of water surrounding it.
The geography of the bay includes the Kiel Fjord which stretches out to the south, the Eckernförde Bay, Schlei and Flensburg Fjord which is part of the German-Danish border. As you can see, the Bay covers a wide area, full of line of sight sailing which constitutes the perfect playground for any Yacht Charter skipper.
Culture & History
Most of the region owns its existence to farming and fishing, the two major activities that can be found in and around the cities around Kiel Bay. The ports and the fields around them have ensured the locals’ way of life for centuries, although now tourism is also a big revenue for them as Yacht Charter tourists make up for over half of the population here during summer.
Kiel is the most important city of the region and also the biggest port, handling commercial, military and recreational maritime traffic. It’s also one of the main sights, with most of its medieval architecture intact, taking the Yacht Charter tourist back to the Hanseatic League days. During the World Wars, this region saw some brutal bombardments as some of Germany’s best shipyards were located here.
Other important ports that access Kiel bay are the ones in Laboe, Eckernförd and Flensburg, each with its own particular charm. Most of these are smaller, less urbanized communities that however hold a high standard for touristic services. Each town has at least one old church made out of brick dominating the central market which is a hive of activity during market days.
The region is famous throughout Germany for retaining that Baltic charm, healthy weather conditions and a general lifestyle that seems to be a bit slower than in most cities. Not just the beaches or the sea is appreciated by those Yacht Charter people who come here, but also the countryside, which alternates between endless plains and fields and wooded regions perfect for hiking or bike riding.
Experience & Seamanship
Sailing in the Kiel Bay is easy even if you’re a beginner. There are numerous marinas in the port cities and even more clubs where you can learn the basics of sailing. The local dedication relating to boats can be seen in the big festival called the Kiel Week, which is widely regarded as the biggest event of this type in the world. Thousands of boats and sailors gather in these waters every year to show off their mettle.