Events

Kieler Woche is the largest sailing event in the world and a major summer festival in the north of Europe. It emerged from one of the big sailing regattas in 1882. Every year, Kieler Woche offers 9 days of racing at world-class-level, maritime atmosphere and international flair out in the open. Multiple events take place on the water and ashore: about 100 big and traditional sailing ships cruise on the Foerde, enjoy national and international stars in classical and rock concerts, food and drink from around the world and lots more.

Once a year at the beginning of August the Hanseatic city of Rostock is host to the biggest local festival of its kind in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

Having started in 1990, around 300 ships from more than 10 nation follow the invitations each year and come to the port of Rostock: traditional sailing ships, Windjammer, schooners, steam ice-breakers, paddle wheel steamers, cutters, gaff schooners – you name it. Some of them are more than 100 years old. Why not book a place on a ship while they are out on regattas and cruises?

At the time of the Hanse Sail the quaysides of Rostock and Warnemuende are dotted with rides, gift shops, food and drink stalls. On several stages rock concerts and shows take place. Every time more than one million guests throw themselves into the hustle and bustle and have a fabulous four days.

Every June to September the natural open-air theatre in Ralswiek on the Island of Ruegen is host to a spectacular show about pirates from the 14th century. The heart of the event are legends about pirate Klaus Stoertebeker, Goedecke Michels and their Victual Brothers who fought for injustice and against the greed of Hanseatic sovereigns. Each year a new story is being told.

In the 3-hour performance under the stars you will experience a splendid demonstration of skills featuring 150 actors, 30 horses, 4 cogs as wells as highlights like special effects, hazardous stunts, cracking fights out on the sea, unique falconer shows, tightrope walking and jugglers. Each night the show culminates in breathtaking firework displays.

Legend has it that Vineta, an ancient town, was to be found in the Baltic Sea just off the beach of Koserow on the island of Usedom. Old sea maps and thousand-year old chronicles verify the place of its existence.

Nobody knows for sure, though. It could have also been somewhere completely different or just a myth. Nevertheless, the story is set on the beach of Koserow. A young shepherd's boy is known to have seen this legendary town emerging from the Baltic on Easter Sunday.

More than 50 actors, students of the Theatre Academy Zinnowitz as well as local hobby actors, present a wonderful, fairy-tale like perfomance with modern music, exhilarating dances and fancy costumes. Enjoy a night full of love and passion, dipped into a fantastic sea of lights and finished off with a spectacular pyrotechnic and laser show.

Classical music festivals with top-class international artists have been an inherent part of the event's diary for many years now.
Since its foundation in 1986 the Schleswig-Holstein-Music-Festival (short SHMF) is considered an important international cultural highlight. Its uniqueness comes from the extraordinary venues where the performances are hosted. Over a period of seven weeks more than 100 concerts are being held.

The Mecklenburg-Vorpommern-Festival came into existence in 1990. Internationally celebrated soloists, conductors, orchestras, choirs and young musicians present classical music at the highest level.

Every year in September/October the Usedom Music Festival takes place. It was first held in 1994 and has been an important musical event ever since. More than 10,000 guests enjoy a series of concerts featuring composers from all over the world each time.

Rostock's Christmas market is the largest in the north of Germany. From the end of November until just before Christmas Eve the pedestrian area is transformed into a 3 km-long festive mall with traditional food, drink and events.

Whatever you are looking for there is something to be found for all the family: a festively decorated and illuminated inner city, a fairy-tale stage with seasonal programs and shows and of course Father Christmas, a historical Christmas market with medieval handicraft, rides like the big wheel, rollercoaster and Chair-O-Planes.

But celebrate and party you can all year round. The Hanseatic cities and seaside resorts host a range of events and activities throughout the year like fêtes and festivals to start the holiday season, pier and summer fêtes and the small local and community celebrations.