Hanse Sail Rostock 2025: 500,000 celebrate maritime festival of tradition!

Hanse Sail Rostock 2025: 500,000 celebrate maritime festival of tradition!

The Hanse Sail in Rostock, which took place from August 7th to 10th, 2025, was a real feast for all sailors and landlubbers. Around 500,000 visitors flocked to this maritime festival and created a relaxed atmosphere around the port facilities and in the city center. The major event, which has been established for decades, not only offers a dazzling overview of shipping history, but also a cultural program ready for the stage.

A total of 120 impressive ships from nine different nations helped make the Warnow and the Baltic Sea the setting for numerous maritime activities. Mayor Eva-Maria Kröger praised the event as excellent advertising for Rostock. “Every visitor who leaves the city takes a piece of Rostock with them,” she noted. Matthias Fromm, the tourism director, reported positive feedback and growing interest in the Hanse Sail, which will certainly boost tourism in the region.

Ship parade and maritime diversity

The diversity of the participating ships was not to be missed. With a total length of over six kilometers, fully rigged ships, barqueens, elegant schooners, cogs, cutters and even the icebreaker “Stettin” were presented. Some of these approximately 250 watercraft, including steamships and tugboats, are an impressive 12,000 years old. At the Warnemünde pier, the spectators had the best view of these magnificent ships. There were also 16,000 people among the visitors who didn't miss the opportunity to experience what the Hanseatic era had to offer directly on the ships.

A special highlight was the Hanse Sail's flagship, the BELEM, which welcomed around 3,500 guests on board. In addition, over 150 volunteers were on duty to ensure that the ships were organized and looked after smoothly. The Navy was also represented, and with around 15,000 visitors to their base, their participation was also a complete success.

Entertainment program for the whole family

But the Hanse Sail is more than just a ship parade. A varied program provided entertainment. From rides to live shows and delicious culinary offerings, there was something for everyone. Highlights were the fireworks on Thursday and Saturday and a performance by Marquess on Friday evening. Families could visit the sailing stadium, while downtown hosted a wealth of events featuring music, dancing and exhibitions.

The culinary offerings ranged from regional specialties such as Rollmops to various delicacies that were prepared on site. The Hanse Sail 2025 also offered unique opportunities to immerse yourself in maritime history and to come into direct contact with the crews of the traditional ships. Over 30,000 sailors were actively involved in preserving this maritime tradition, underlining the importance of such events.

The Hanse Sail Rostock is not just an event, but a lively marketplace of history and cultural exchange that attracts more and more people every year. The next Hanse Sail is already planned for August 6th to 9th, 2026 - and there should be no limits to the anticipation.