Set sail for the 34th Hanse Sail - Time is ticking away - Set sail according to the Hanse sail countdown, with the sail count reaching 34
From the 7th to the 10th of August, 2025, the picturesque cities of Rostock and Warnemünde will once again play host to the annual Hanse Sail event[1][2]. This maritime festival, held on the second weekend of August since 1991, promises a delightful mix of traditional sailing ships, cultural events, markets, concerts, and a vibrant atmosphere[2].
Schedule Highlights
The Hanse Sail kicks off on Thursday, August 7th. The official start of the event will be marked by a series of maritime attractions opening at various venues in Rostock and Warnemünde. One of the highlights will be the docking of the German Navy's Marine Fregatte "Nordrhein-Westfalen" at Passagierkai 1-3 in Warnemünde, offering visitors an "Open Ship" event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m[4].
Friday, August 8th will see the Marine Base Hohe Düne opening its gates from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visitors can look forward to open ship tours of a Corvette, rides on small boats and trucks, and static displays by the helicopter squadron and other marine units at Warnemünde[4]. In the evening, the HanseFiSH International Ocean Film Tour will take place at WAL Beach Bar, Warnemünde, showcasing inspiring ocean-themed films from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m[3].
Saturday, August 9th continues the maritime festivities with a HanseFiSH Beach Party from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at WAL Beach Bar, featuring live DJ performances by Tante Miri and Eloose, celebrated Rostock artists known for their house and techno music[3].
The Hanse Sail culminates on Sunday, August 10th, with the final day of the event. Up to a million visitors are expected to enjoy ongoing maritime festivities, parades of traditional sailing ships, markets, concerts, and street activities[1][2].
Key Features
The event will host several hundred traditional sailing ships and vessels, alongside numerous cultural events, markets, concerts, and a maritime fair spanning seven venues from Warnemünde to Rostock city center[1][2]. With its focus on maritime history and tourism, the Hanse Sail offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity, attracting a diverse audience[1][2].
The festival is one of the largest maritime festivals on the Baltic Sea coast, showcasing maritime tradition, international exchange, and economic partnerships within the region[2]. Marine participation is prominent, with open ship tours, military vessel displays, and interactive activities at the naval base and seafront[4].
The Hanse Sail also combines its maritime focus with a lively atmosphere, celebrated with live music stages and street events[1][2]. This year's partner country for the Hanse Sail is Estonia.
Notable Absences and Presences
The German Navy's training ship, the "Gorch Fock", will be absent due to preparations for an overseas training voyage. However, the French three-masted bark "Belem", built in 1896 and measuring 58 meters in length, will make its first appearance as a guest of honor at the Hanse Sail[2]. The corvettes "Emden", "Erfurt", and "Köln", as well as the frigate "Nordrhein-Westfalen", will also be present and offer an "open ship" option[4].
The Hanse Sail generates 24 million euros in added value for the region and earns 1.5 million euros for the city of Rostock[1]. According to Eva-Maria Kröger, Mayor of Rostock, the Hanse Sail does excellent promotion for all maritime aspects of the city[1]. The event is undoubtedly the highlight of the year's events for Rostock.
[1] Hanse Sail Official Website [2] Rostock Tourism Website [3] HanseFiSH Film Festival [4] Marine Base Hohe Düne
- The annual Hanse Sail event, scheduled from the 7th to the 10th of August, 2025, in Rostock and Warnemünde, will encompass a variety of sectors, such as steel industry, mining, and other sectors, given the maritime focus and economic partnerships within the region.
- Amidst the cultural events, markets, and concerts of the Hanse Sail festival, visitors can also engage in outdoor-living activities like open ship tours of the German Navy's frigate "Nordrhein-Westfalen" and a HanseFiSH Beach Party featuring house and techno music by local artists Tante Miri and Eloose.
- As part of the event's cultural offerings, the HanseFiSH International Ocean Film Tour will showcase inspiring ocean-themed films on Friday, August 8th, while the partner country for this year's Hanse Sail is Estonia.
- In addition to the various traditional sailing ships and vessels, the Hanse Sail will also feature modern attractions, such as sports events and adventures, making it an appealing choice for budget-travelers looking for cultural-travel, travel, or adventure-travel experiences.
