The complex was built specifically to host the 1972 Olympic sailing competitions, including the Finn, Flying Dutchman, Tempest, Star, Soling, and Dragon classes.
The facility is officially known as the 'Olympiazentrum Kiel-Schilksee' and occupies the site of a former German Navy base.
It was designed by the architectural firm Wuthenow & Wacker, emphasizing a functional, brutalist aesthetic common to the 1972 Munich Games.
The harbor basin has a capacity for approximately 700 boats, featuring deep-water access directly into the Kiel Fjord.
The site contains a permanent memorial honoring the historical significance of the 1972 Olympic Games in Kiel.
The marina is the starting point for the annual 'Rund Skagen' race, one of the longest and most challenging offshore regattas in the Baltic Sea.
The Olympic Center Schilksee served as the primary sailing venue for the 1972 Summer Olympics. The facility is located on the Kiel Fjord, functioning as a major marina and hub for international regattas. The complex features a distinct modernist architectural style designed to integrate athletic infrastructure with the Baltic Sea coastline. It remains a central site for Kiel Week, the largest sailing event in the world. The harbor accommodates hundreds of yachts and includes specialized docks for racing vessels. Visitors have access to a public swimming pool, hotel facilities, and restaurants overlooking the water. The surrounding area remains a significant site for competitive maritime sports and historical preservation of Olympic architecture.
From the elevated concrete walkway at the northern end of the harbor, looking south over the entire marina toward the Kiel Fjord.
Walk the elevated pedestrian walkway that circles the harbor for the best panoramic views of the entire marina.
Visit during Kiel Week in late June to witness high-stakes international sailing competitions, though expect significant crowds.
Bring binoculars if you are visiting during regatta season to better observe the technical maneuvers of the racing yachts.
Do not attempt to walk on private docking piers or boarding ramps intended strictly for yacht owners and sailing crews.
Outdoor areas and public walkways are open year-round, but specific retail shops and restaurants within the complex may have seasonal fluctuations.
