Sail the Baltic Sea onboard a Tall Ship
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Enjoy the very best of Baltic Sea sailing with tall ship Iris as you explore the German coast and Southern Danish islands.
Step aboard tall ship Iris in the German port of Kiel for a Baltic Sea holiday that connects you to over a century of seafaring history. As you set sail across these storied waters, you’ll drop anchor in quiet bays, wander harbour towns, and discover the scattered islands and skerries of Southern Denmark.
From the South Funen Archipelago to the open Baltic, this voyage is perfect for those seeking an authentic, hands-on tall ship experience with no sailing experience required.
- Hands-on tall ship sailing
- Explore the Danish islands
- Wildlife and coastal landscapes
- Private cabins, full board
- Perfect for solo travellers
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Talk to the team
Telephone: +44 (0)1872 487288
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 7804 472592
A Baltic Sea Sailing Adventure Aboard a Historic Tall Ship
Kiel → South Funen Archipelago → Marstal → Ærø → Danish Islands
This Baltic Sea holiday begins in Kiel, a working port city with deep maritime roots, sitting at the gateway between the North Sea and the Baltic. From here, tall ship Iris, a steel-hulled ketch, sets sail to explore the southern Danish islands.
The Western Baltic is well-suited to those new to sailing. Low swell, moderate winds, and sheltered coastlines make for comfortable passages, while the ever-changing landscape keeps things interesting. Exactly where Iris takes you will depend on wind and weather, but that’s the nature of sailing, and part of the appeal. Denmark is home to more than 444 islands, of which 368 are uninhabited. Even on land, you’re never more than 32 miles from the coast, which goes some way to explaining why the sea runs so deeply through Danish culture.
Get to grips with life aboard as you help set the sails, take a turn at the helm, and learn some basic rope-work under the guidance of Jans and Liv – Iris’s owners, who have spent many years living and sailing aboard traditionally rigged vessels. Whether you’re here for a 2-night taster or a 5-night sailing adventure, there’s time to both sail well and step ashore.
Read more about what it’s like to sail the in the Baltic Sea here.
Sailing the German Coast and the Southern Danish Islands
From Kiel, Iris traces the German coastline before crossing into the sheltered waters of Southern Denmark. Even on a 2-night voyage, there’s time to reach Marstal on Ærø, one of Denmark’s great maritime towns, before turning for home. Longer 3 and 5-night voyages open up more of the Danish islands, with time to gain some more sea miles and settle properly into the rhythm of life on board.
This Baltic Sea holiday is shaped as much by conditions as by any fixed plan. Jans and Liv know these waters well, and their enthusiasm for sharing them is genuine. The coastlines here have a quietness that’s hard to find elsewhere: wooden fishing cabins lining the shore, castle ruins appearing above treelines, and a pace of life that feels a long way from the everyday.
The South Funen Archipelago and the Islands of Southern Denmark
South of the island of Funen lies one of Denmark’s most rewarding sailing grounds, where a quiet scattering of islands and islets is connected by sheltered channels and gentle tides. This is the South Funen Archipelago, and it’s the perfect place for those who want to take the time to slow down and explore.
The modest distances between islands mean there’s time each day to both sail and go ashore. Mornings might begin with a walk around a harbour village before breakfast; afternoons open up a new anchorage. Below are some of the places Iris might visit, wind and tide allowing:
- Marstal, Ærø is a working maritime town with a proud sailing heritage and one of Denmark’s finest maritime museums
- Ærøskøbing is a beautifully preserved 18th-century town of cobbled streets, coloured houses, and an unhurried pace of life
- Langeland is Denmark’s longest island by name and nature; watch for white-tailed eagles, and perhaps get the chance to explore the historic ramparts of Tranekær Castle
- Strynø sits with half-timbered houses, a traditional boat museum, and a classic Danish windmill
The natural world is never far away. Birdsong replaces road noise on the smaller islands, and on a calm evening at anchor, the only sound is water lapping against the hull.
Aboard Tall Ship Iris – A Traditional Ketch
Iris is a working vessel with real character. Her traditional ketch rig and sturdy steel hull make her a proper tall ship to learn on, and her layout below decks has been thoughtfully adapted for guest comfort. 12 guests sleep in 6 private twin cabins, with generous communal spaces to gather in at the end of each day’s sailing.
- Sleeping: 6 private twin cabins, sleeping up to 12 guests
- Saloon: Large shared saloon with a dining area, separate sofa area, and a small onboard library
- Food: Full board with everyone helping to prepare meals on board
- Experience: Hands-on sailing with guests encouraged to take an active role
- Crew: Skippered by owners Jans and Liv, with years of traditional tall ship experience
Things to note
Sailing vs Shoretime
Night-watches?
Travel insurance notes
As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.
Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.
This voyage will be not more than 12 miles offshore.
Named after the Greek Goddess of goodness, life on board the tall ship Iris is certainly a wholesome experience.
Our tall ship sailing holidays on Iris are perfect for the adventure traveller wanting to see remote destinations while learning the ropes of a traditionally rigged vessel. Sailing with Iris is one of discovery, comfort and goodness. Built in 1916 as a herring drifter, Iris has undergone many transformations over the years, and she is now a modern charter vessel exploring the Baltic Sea under sail.
Sailing with tall ship Iris is perfect for the adventure traveller looking to explore harder-to-reach destinations under sail. With private cabins, she’s great for solo travellers and active couples alike looking for new adventures and exhilarating experiences.
Getting involved
Iris is owned and skippered by sailing couple, Jans and Liv. They have been sailing traditional tall ships for many years all over the world and are well-versed in sailing the Baltic Sea with guests.
They invite guests to get actively involved with all aspects of sailing the ship. From hoisting the 9 sails, taking the helm, learning some basic navigation and rope work – there is no experience needed to climb aboard!
Jans and Liv’s sailing concept is “full board with participation”. Aside from learning the ropes on deck, all guests are invited to take part in the daily operation of the boat, depending on their skill set and interests. Typical tasks include helping with meal preparation (like chopping vegetables or setting the table) or supporting with washing up afterwards.
There is no strict requirement for anyone to cook if they don’t feel comfortable with it. The idea is simply to contribute in a way that feels natural and enjoyable. The crew always makes sure that everything runs smoothly, provides the food supplies, and plans the menu for the journey.
Sleeping and Relaxation
Below decks, Iris has been carefully considered from her previous life as a live-aboard, making her communal spaces generously sized and comfortable. You’d be hard-pushed to associate the space with a historic working cargo vessel! Amidships, a large, inviting sofa area sits alongside a bespoke dining table, creating a natural hub for slow mornings and shared evenings. Ceiling hatches flood the space with natural light, giving the saloon a gentle brightness throughout the day, while a record player and a small but historically rich onboard library add a quietly nostalgic, unhurried feel. An honesty bar keeps things informal, inviting guests to settle in and make the space their own.
On deck, oversized waterproof bean bags offer a favourite place to unwind, perfect for stretching out with a book, taking in the sea air, or simply pausing between sailing moments.
Iris accommodates up to 12 guests across six cosy twin cabins, each with two comfortable single beds and a private washbasin. The cabins are arranged into two distinct areas below deck, naturally dividing the shared facilities, with two toilets and two showers between them. When in port, guests also have the option to use marina facilities for added comfort.
For moments of fun and connection, Iris carries a relaxed, playful spirit. There’s a cooled beer tap on board, alongside an extensive collection of games, and for those drawn to music, both an accordion and a guitar are never far from reach. A stand-up paddleboard is available on select voyages for gentle coastal exploration, and for a touch of traditional tall ship life, a few hammocks invite you to slow down even further.
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Sail the Baltic Sea onboard a Tall Ship
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Sail the Baltic Sea onboard a Tall Ship
Sail the Baltic Sea onboard a Tall Ship
Sail the Baltic Sea onboard a Tall Ship
Sail the Baltic Sea onboard a Tall Ship
Inspiration for your voyage
Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below. Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below.
JOURNAL
