Water is the source of Kiel's identity. Founded on the protected firth in the middle ages, expanding to a maritime location with the navy and shipyards and successfully achieving international recognition through the Kieler Woche, to this day, water remains the definitive element for the northern Land Capital Kiel.

Needless to say, this is even more the case during the Kieler Woche. Sailors in uniform have always been an integral part of the image of this international festival. The navy is not only indispensable for the organization of the festival week, but is also a host of international calibre. Destroyers, frigates, corvettes, high-speed launches and mines-weepers from all over the world will be mooring in Kiel's Tirpitz Harbour for the great meeting of fleets.