A resounding ‘YES!’ for the Games

Kiel is ready for the Olympics

Official backing for Kiel: The DOSB is putting Munich and Kiel forward as joint candidates for the 2036, 2040 or 2044 Olympic and Paralympic Games! Following the resounding “JO!” in the referendum in April (63.9 per cent in favour), the Kiel Fjord is now entering the international phase as a confirmed partner for the sailing regattas.

The next major milestone on the timetable: the Strategic Dialogue with the IOC will begin in March 2027, before the final decision is made in 2029!

The Olympics in Germany – Sailing in Kiel

Germany is bidding to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2036, 2040 or 2044 – and the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) has made its choice: Munich is entering the international race as Germany’s candidate city – and has Kiel on board as a confirmed partner for the sailing competitions! This means one thing is certain: if Germany is awarded the Games by the IOC, the Olympic and Paralympic sailing events will be held on our Kiel Fjord.

Kiel offers more than just ideal conditions for sailing. Together with the sporting region of Schleswig-Holstein, the area is also well-positioned to host other Olympic competitions. The focus here is on handball, rugby, open-water swimming and coastal rowing – a distinct form of rowing.

Olympic sports in Kiel: A new impetus for tourism and urban development

The Olympics can be more than just a major sporting event for Kiel: the Olympic and Paralympic Games present Kiel with concrete opportunities for urban development.

For example, the Athletes’ Village between Schilksee and Strande is set to be repurposed as affordable housing after the competitions. Investments in modern transport, high-performance sports facilities and digital infrastructure will not only make the region more attractive to visitors, but also improve the quality of life for local residents.

The focus, funding and impact of the Games

Questions and concerns regarding Kiel’s bid

Major decisions raise questions – and that’s a good thing. As part of our bid for the Olympic Games, we are receiving many valid comments, concerns and critical enquiries from the public. Here, we answer key questions and explain how Kiel is approaching the bid: responsibly, in a spirit of partnership and with a view to long-term benefits for the city.

“Why isn’t the money being spent on housing and culture instead?”

That is a valid question. However, Kiel does not plan to host the Games on its own, but is a partner in a nationwide bid.
Investments are to prioritise the use of existing infrastructure and be designed to have a long-term impact. This also means that facilities can continue to be used after the Games – for example, by providing additional housing or further developing existing sites with long-term benefits for the region.
The final decision on the bid and its details will be made by the city’s community.
“Major events are becoming increasingly expensive and consume a great deal of resources.”

This is precisely why Kiel is committed to the principle of utilising existing buildings and ensuring their continued use. New buildings should only be constructed where they offer genuine long-term added value.
Environmental, social and economic factors are taken into account during the planning process. The aim is to use existing resources efficiently and to develop infrastructure in such a way that it can continue to be used in the long term even after the Games.
"In the end, the games are bound to cost a lot more than planned."

At present, there are no specific costs as yet, as the requirements for a German host city are still being drawn up.
One thing is clear, however: the funding would not be borne by Kiel alone, but would be provided jointly by the federal government, the state and other partners. Transparency and realistic cost planning are key prerequisites in this regard.
“Why Kiel of all places?”

Kiel has been established internationally as a sailing city for decades and has already hosted Olympic sailing competitions on two occasions. The city has extensive experience in hosting major events.
The focus is on the sailing competitions, complemented by other sports. The existing expertise, infrastructure and international network make Kiel a suitable venue within a joint German bid.

Further information

More about "Jo!"

Why Kiel has chosen to look to the future, who made the ‘Jo!’ campaign a success, and what the next steps are – you can find out all this on the official website for the successful Olympic campaign.

Jo! at the Olympia in Kiel

FAQ

Questions and Answers

A concise overview of the result and what lies ahead. All the facts about the outcome, the background to the vote and answers to the question of what happens next with the Olympics in Kiel.

All the answers on Kiel.de

Always up to date: What happens next on social media after you say ‘I do’

On Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, you’ll find all the latest updates on our upcoming milestones – photos, testimonials and facts straight from Kiel.Sailing.City.

Get involved. Inspire. Be visible.

These companies are part of the campaign

Strong partners for a strong goal! It is thanks to the commitment of our partners and sponsors that ‘Jo!’’s journey to the Olympics was made possible in the first place. Together, we have put Kiel on the map and can now look back with pride on the tangible successes of this strong community.

More information