Which functions do ferries in Kiel have - Kiel's ferries outshine cruises with 1.6 million passengers in 2025

Ferry services in Kiel have outpaced the cruise industry, carrying 1.6 million passengers in 2025. This figure surpasses the 1.1 million cruise travellers recorded in the same year. The city's busy maritime activity will be showcased at an upcoming public event, Ferry Day, taking place this Sunday at Schwedenkai.

The occasion coincides with the historic Feast of St. Peter, a date once marking the end of winter shipping pauses in the region.

Kiel's ferry network remains a vital transport link for both passengers and cargo. Regular routes connect the city to Oslo, Gothenburg, and Klaipėda, while cargo ferries handle paper shipments to destinations like Umeå. Locally, the Kieler Schlepp- und Fährgesellschaft operates two commuter lines across Kiel Fjord, though recent ice conditions forced the temporary closure of the F1 route between Kiel's western shore and Mönkeberg.

Despite a slight dip of 0.9% in passenger numbers compared to 2024, the port remains a key hub. Many shipping companies use Kiel as a turnaround point, where journeys both start and finish. The upcoming Ferry Day will give visitors a closer look at the industry, offering free vessel tours, games, and a ceremonial ship departure between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

The event's timing ties to older maritime traditions. While Kiel itself has no direct historical link to Ferry Day, the date aligns with the Feast of St. Peter, once a signal for sailors to resume voyages after winter. On nearby North Frisian islands, the day is part of the Biike/Petritag tradition, where fires historically guided ships and marked the end of seasonal pauses.

Kiel's ferry sector continues to play a central role in regional transport, even with a minor drop in passenger traffic. Ferry Day will highlight the industry's operations while connecting to long-standing maritime customs. The event runs from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Schwedenkai, with activities open to the public.