Scandinavian Sailing Experience: Sweden and Denmark
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Enjoy the very best of Baltic Sea sailing with tall ship Iris as you explore the Swedish islands from Gothenburg to Kiel.
Join tall ship Iris in Gothenburg for a Gothenburg sailing experience that doesn’t stop at the Swedish coast as the voyage continues south through the islands of Denmark before finishing in the German port of Kiel.
Sail through some of Scandinavia’s finest coastal waters, get hands-on with a traditionally rigged tall ship, and discover places that are simply unreachable by any other means. This voyage is perfect for those wanting to cover real distance under sail while taking in three countries along the way.
- Sweden, Denmark and Germany by sail
- Hands-on tall ship passage
- Secluded bays and island stops
- 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 Experience – Southbound Through Scandinavia
Gothenburg → Danish Coast → Southern Denmark → Kiel
This Gothenburg sailing experience begins where the city meets the sea. Gothenburg sits on Sweden’s west coast at the mouth of the Göta river, a natural departure point for a voyage south through some of the most rewarding coastal sailing in northern Europe. Tall ship Iris, a steel-hulled ketch with over a century of history, is well suited to a passage like this.
From Gothenburg, Iris heads south along the Swedish coast before crossing into Danish waters. The exact route will always depend on wind and weather but the general direction of travel is clear: through the islands and inlets of the Danish coast, and on to Kiel. To cover the passage comfortably, Iris will aim to average around 50 nautical miles a day, which means genuine time under sail and a real sense of distance covered.
Get to grips with life on board 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 on board and by the time you reach Kiel, you’ll have earned your sea miles.
The Danish Coast – Harbours, Islands and an Unhurried Pace
Crossing from Sweden into Danish waters, the character of the coastline shifts. Denmark’s coast is lower, gentler, and scattered with the kind of small harbour towns that reward an afternoon’s wander with wooden fishing sheds and painted houses. The exact islands and ports Iris visits will be decided by the wind, but the Danish coast consistently delivers: quiet anchorages, unhurried communities, and a seafaring culture that feels entirely at home alongside a vessel like Iris.
Denmark is home to more than 444 islands, and they are undoubtedly best seen from the water. The southern stretches of the Danish coast offer some of the finest sailing in the country, with sheltered channels, modest distances between stops, and plenty of time to both sail well and explore ashore each day.
- Danish harbour towns – working ports with strong maritime traditions and a welcome that suits arriving by sail
- South Funen islands – sheltered, unhurried, and best explored at the pace of the tide
- Ærø and Marstal – a proud maritime island and one of Denmark’s great sailing destinations
- Coastal wildlife – seabirds, grey seals, and the quiet natural world of the Danish archipelago
Finishing in Kiel – A Fitting End to a Baltic Passage
The voyage ends in Kiel, one of the Baltic’s great port cities and a place with deep maritime roots. Arriving by sail after a passage through Sweden and Denmark gives Kiel a different kind of welcome as the city makes more sense when you’ve approached it from the sea. There’s time to explore the harbourfront, reflect on the miles covered, and appreciate just how much of Scandinavia you’ve seen from the deck of a tall ship.
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 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.
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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
