The German Navy will welcome around 20 ships and boats from seven nations to the 132nd Kiel Week from June 19th to 28th, 2026. More than 2,000 international naval personnel will visit the Kiel-Wik naval base and the city of Kiel. The flagship of the German Navy is the frigate “Sachsen-Anhalt”. Guests include the US command ship “Mount Whitney”, the Danish frigate “Absalon”, and the Polish frigate “Kosciuszko”.
Traditionally, the Kiel-Wik naval base will once again host an Open Ship event this year. The naval port will open its gates on Saturday, June 20, 2026, and Sunday, June 21, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM). During the Open Ship, guests can expect, among other things, demonstrations by the Sea Lynx naval helicopter with soldiers from the Naval Infantry Battalion, a concert by the German Navy Band and the Reservists’ Big Band, and dog demonstrations by customs officers. Drones from the Cyber and Information Domain Service and the Reconnaissance Battalion, as well as torpedoes from the ammunition depot, will also be on display. The popular “U-Hüpf” bouncy castle will be available for children. In addition, the 137th German Naval Cutter Regatta will take place just outside the naval base. The long-distance races will take place in Schilksee and the Kiel Fjord.
“For us, Kiel Week means opening doors! Guests are very welcome and people can visit the base, tour ships, ask questions, talk to soldiers and experience the German Armed Forces up close. This turns what is often an abstract image into a personal encounter,” said Commander Frank Hallmann, Commander of the Kiel-Wik Naval Base.
The “Gorch Fock” is not present this year. The German Navy’s sail training ship is on an overseas training voyage in the Atlantic.