Scandinavian Sailing Adventure from Copenhagen to Gothenburg
Select your preferred date to see availability and prices
Enjoy the very best of Baltic Sea sailing with tall ship Iris as you explore the Swedish islands from Copenhagen to Gothenburg.
Join tall ship Iris in Copenhagen as she sails north through the Danish islands, across the Øresund, and up the Swedish shoreline to Gothenburg.
This Gothenburg sailing adventure is perfect for those wanting to explore those harder-to-reach Scandinavian islands in the Baltic Sea while getting to grips with a traditionally rigged tall ship. Anchor in secluded bays with fairy-tale-like castle ruins as your backdrop.
- Copenhagen to Gothenburg by sail
- Danish islands and Swedish coast
- Hands-on tall ship passage
- Private cabins, full board
- No experience needed
Need some help?
Talk to the team
Telephone: +44 (0)1872 487288
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 7804 472592
A Gothenburg Sailing Adventure; Northbound Through Scandinavia
Copenhagen → Øresund → Swedish Coast → Gothenburg
This Gothenburg sailing adventure begins in Copenhagen, the Danish capital and one of Scandinavia’s most celebrated cities. It’s well worth arriving a day early to explore the harbourfront, the old streets of the city centre, and the waterways that run through the city.
From Copenhagen, the course heads north through the Øresund, the narrow strait that separates Denmark from Sweden, before picking up the Swedish coastline and following it towards Gothenburg. The passage covers around 300 nautical miles in total, which means genuine offshore sailing, a real sense of distance, and plenty of time to settle into the rhythm of life on board. The exact route will always depend on wind and weather, but the direction of travel is clear: north and west, through some of the most varied coastal scenery in northern Europe.
Get to grips with life aboard as you help set the sails, take the helm, and learn some basic rope-work under the guidance of Jans and Liv, Iris’s owners and skippers. Whether you’ve sailed before or not, there’s a role for everyone.
The Danish Islands and the Øresund
The Øresund Bridge is one of the most recognisable structures in Scandinavia as it spans the crossing between Denmark and Sweden. The Danish coastline along this stretch is characterised by sandy shores, small harbours, and quiet maritime communities.
The exact stops will depend on conditions, but the Danish coast consistently rewards going ashore, whether that’s a walk along a beach, a coffee in a harbour town, or simply the pleasure of a quiet anchorage at the end of a good day’s sailing.
- Copenhagen harbour – one of Scandinavia’s great departure points, best appreciated from the water
- The Øresund crossing – a memorable moment on any Baltic passage, with Sweden coming steadily into view
- Danish harbour towns – unhurried communities with strong seafaring traditions and a welcome that suits arriving by sail
- Coastal wildlife – seabirds, grey seals, and the quiet natural world of the Danish archipelago
The Swedish Coast – Northbound to Gothenburg
Once into Swedish waters, the coastline begins to change. South of Gothenburg, the Bohuslän coast emerges with smooth granite shores, forested headlands, and the first of the thousands of islands and skerries that make up the West Swedish Archipelago.
Discover historic lighthouses, nature reserves protecting stretches of undisturbed coastline, and the quiet fishing villages along the way. There may be opportunities to stop and explore ashore as the passage continues north – Jans and Liv know these waters well.
The voyage ends in Gothenburg, Sweden’s second city and a natural harbour town at heart. Arriving by sail, with the archipelago behind you and the city opening up ahead, is a fitting end to a Scandinavian passage.
Aboard Tall Ship Iris – A Traditional Ketch
Iris is a traditional ketch with a sturdy steel hull, making her an authentic 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 throughout, everyone working together to prepare meals on board
- Experience: Hands-on sailing – guests are 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.
More holidays in Baltic Sea, Denmark, Scandinavia or Sweden
Exploring Danish Islands: Langeland, Lolland, Falster
Sail the Baltic Sea onboard a Tall Ship
Adventure Sailing Holiday in the Lofoten Islands
Lofoten Islands Sailing Holiday, Norway
More holidays on Iris
Sail the Baltic Sea onboard a Tall Ship
Sail the Baltic Sea onboard a Tall Ship
Scandinavian Sailing Adventure from Copenhagen to Gothenburg
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
