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A “Yes!” for the future of Kiel.Sailing.City
Kiel is a city that thrives on water – and grows alongside it. For over 140 years, sailing has been a defining feature of this city on the fjord, as seen during Kiel Week and numerous international regattas.
The state capital now faces a new decision: should the city become the venue for the Olympic and Paralympic sailing competitions as part of a potential German bid?
Germany is bidding for the 2036, 2040 or 2044 Games. Several cities want to host the event – and Kiel is putting itself forward as a sailing venue. On 19 April 2026, the people of Kiel will decide in a referendum whether the city will be part of the national bid.
As a historic Olympic and sailing venue, Kiel offers ideal conditions: the Olympic sailing competitions were already held on the fjord in 1936 and 1972. With the national training centre of the German Sailing Association, the centre in Kiel-Schilksee and extensive event expertise, the city meets key requirements for Olympic standards.
Under the slogan “In Kiel, we say JO!”, the business community, academia, the sports sector and many partners are campaigning to highlight the opportunities offered by an Olympic venue.
Who, if not Kiel, is best placed to host the Olympics?
Kiel is synonymous with the Olympics, as they are in the city’s very DNA. The Olympics bring significant investment in the city’s economic development and future viability. This sporting event can give Kiel a real boost in the competition for skilled workers, new businesses and investors.
Werner Kässens
Managing Director of KiWi, Kiel Economic Development Agency
Sustainability is a key pillar of the bid. Kiel is focusing on utilising existing infrastructure, clear plans for post-event use, and improvements in transport, digitalisation and sports facilities. The aim is to create a major event that will have positive effects long after the Games have ended.
The Olympics could give the city a new boost in terms of the economy, urban development and international visibility. Whether Kiel should go down this path will be decided by the people of Kiel on 19 April – and perhaps then the motto will be:
In Kiel, we say JO!
Read more: www.jo-kiel.de
Cover image: © Sascha Klahn
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