Hanse Sail 2025: Thousands experience maritime magic despite incidents!

Hanse Sail 2025: Thousands experience maritime magic despite incidents!

Today, August 11, 2025, the 34th Hanse Sail in Rostock is coming to an end and can look back on a successful event. With around 500,000 visitors, the number remains stable compared to the previous year. The maritime folk festival, which has been taking place on the second weekend in August since 1991, is one of the largest gatherings of traditional sailing and museum ships in the world. Over 200 ships, including impressive cruise ships and naval vessels, have gathered to bring the harbor to its full glory.

The police draw a consistently positive conclusion and emphasize that the celebrations were peaceful. The diverse accompanying program, which ranges from rides to a colorful stage program, thrilled visitors. The highlight of the final day was the final concert by the Pasternack Big Band, which heated up the atmosphere even further. As part of the event, there was also a colorful fireworks display on Saturday evening, which was the perfect culmination.

Shipwrecks on the last day

However, the last day of the event was overshadowed by two minor accidents. The remarkable three-master “Grand Duchess Elisabeth” ran aground and was freed with the help of the sea rescuers and the buoy layer “Görmitz”. Fortunately, there was no danger to the 53 people on board. Another incident occurred with the steam icebreaker “Stettin”, which was pushed against the edge of the quay during a turning maneuver. The exact extent of the damage is still unclear.

The water police were also active and rescued a woman who had fallen into the water. Throughout the festivities, police also registered 12 criminal charges for assault, drunkenness and theft. Six expulsions were given because visitors were drunk. Despite these events, the Hanse Sail as a whole remains a peaceful and joyful event.

Experiences and attractions

The maritime festival not only offers impressive ships; Visitors were able to experience sailing on traditional seafaring ships up close and be enchanted on the banks or from an open ship. One of the starred visitor attractions was the French three-masted barque “Belem”, which was open for tours as part of the “Open Ship”. The program was complemented by numerous market stalls, show presentations and a varied culinary offering.

The event always attracts a large number of people, with annual numbers reaching up to a million visitors. There were rides, live shows and cultural experiences that created a unique atmosphere. The Hanse Sail 2025 once again provided the setting for maritime adventures and made the hearts of visitors beat faster. The ships and the numerous offerings in Warnemünde and Rostock city center make a lasting impression.

The enthusiasm left behind and this year's highs and lows show that the Hanse Sail is more than just a festival - it is an experience that brings people together and celebrates the maritime soul. For the farmers, the organizers and the numerous visitors, one thing is certain: Here’s to something new next year!

Further information about the Hanse Sail can be found at NDR, Rostock and Hanse Sail.