Which functions do ferries in Kiel have - Kiel's Ferry Day Celebrates a Century of Baltic Maritime Connections
Kiel's ferry industry remains a key transport hub despite a slight drop in passenger numbers. In 2025, the port handled around 1.6 million ferry travellers, a small decrease of 0.9% from the previous year. This weekend, the city will celebrate its maritime connections with the annual 'Ferry Day' event at Schwedenkai.
Ferry services from Kiel connect the city to major Baltic destinations. Color Line runs daily sailings to Oslo, while Stena Line maintains a daily route to Gothenburg. DFDS also operates six times a week to Klaipėda in Lithuania. For local commuters, Kieler Schlepp- und Fährgesellschaft runs two ferry routes across Kiel Fjord.
The port's ferry traffic continues to outperform its cruise sector in terms of passenger volume. Kiel also serves as a turnaround point for many shipping companies, reinforcing its role as a vital transport link.
This Sunday, the public can explore Kiel's ferry heritage during 'Ferry Day', held from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Free activities will include ship tours, games, and a departure ceremony. The event coincides with the historic Feast of St. Peter, which traditionally marked the end of the winter shipping pause in medieval times.
'Ferry Day' has grown over the years, attracting over 100,000 visitors annually. It highlights Kiel's long-standing ties to Scandinavia, dating back to the opening of the Kiel Canal in 1895. The celebration also promotes the port's economic importance, with passenger numbers rising from 1 million in the 1990s to over 3 million today.
The event offers a chance to experience Kiel's busy ferry operations up close. With regular routes to Norway, Sweden, and Lithuania, the port remains a crucial gateway for Baltic travel. Organisers hope the open day will strengthen public interest in the city's maritime industry.
