Coastal sailing around the beautiful Oslofjord!
New trip!
SeilNorge invites you on a long weekend sailing trip around the Oslofjord. Hovedøya, Aker Brygge and Bunnefjorden are nice enough, but it’s out at sea, the sunset and the seagulls the adventure awaits! Join this long-weekend trip around the entire Oslofjord. We promise you’ll get wind in the sails, salt water in your hair and fruitful experiences you will remember for a long time!
Long weekend round the Oslofjord
If you live around Oslo, you certainly don’t have to travel far for great sailing experiences. Around the Oslofjord we offer a good mix of both fjord sailing, island hopping and navigation between the islands in the fjord. This trip is for you who want to learn more about sailing, or test whether sailing can become your new favourite hobby. For you who want to sail in beautiful waters right outside our Norwegian capitol. And not least, this trip is for you who need a good break from the hustle and bustle of the city!
From Oslo to Færder lighthouse and Verdens Ende
We start from Kongen Marina in Oslo in the afternoon and sail off into the sunset. The goal for the trip is Færder Lighthouse and Verdens Ende in the south. A distance of approximately 150 nm. In Vestfold we sail in between the islands and past Sandøysund and Hvasser, to Færder Lighthouse and Verdens Ende. From here we cross over to Østfold, to Hankø and through Hankøsund. Before we sail home to Oslo past Rauer, Jeløya and Drøbak.
During the weekend we will sail a lot, but we will also set aside time to go ashore, enjoy the beautiful places we pass, eat good food and make new friends.
Learn to sail underway with SeilNorge
As on all our trips, you will learn to sail. You will be challenged, feel a sense of mastery, and you will have memorable experiences for life! You don’t need sailing experience to join, but if you have a lot of sailing experience you are also very welcome. As a first-timer, we want to make you a sailor pronto. For the experienced on the other hand, you will have more responsibility and greater challenges.
This trip is a good opportunity to test out sailing, and to log more nautical miles both in inshore and offshore waters. In between action-packed sailing, we take our time for cosy meals, anchorages in beautiful bays and simply enjoying the sea.
Itinerary
Day 1: Evening sail out of Oslofjord
We meet to check in on board at 16.00 at Kongen Marina. We start by getting to know each other and the boat. We go through the plan, the weather forecast, safety and routines on board. Already the first afternoon, we leave the dock and practice basic sailing techniques and safety procedures. We head south out the fjord and eat dinner along the way. We sail through the evening and closer to midnight we anchor in the archipelago around Bolærne for our first night on board.
Day 2: Around Færder Lighthouse and to Verdens Ende
The morning starts with a morning swim. If we have spent the night in a port, we stretch our legs a bit and look around before we sail on. In any case, today’s sailing leg continues south further out the fjord towards Færder. We will probably sail inshore along Nøtterøy and Tjøme, before we round Færder lighthouse, enter Verdens Ende and spend the night there. We will sail both on the open sea, and among the islands today. Depending on the wind and conditions. We expect to arrive at our evening destination in the afternoon, and spend the night here in the port.
Day 3: Crossing the fjord and sailing in the archipelago in Østfold
Today we will head out to slightly more open waters, as we cross the outer Oslofjord eastwards. We prepare ourselves and the boat for sea and set off towards Hvaler and Hankø. In Hankøsundet we anchor, eat and relax a bit, before heading north towards Rauer or Engelsviken for the night. Here we find, among other things, the world’s best fish shop and restaurant where the fish soup is strongly recommended. The weather and wind decide where we sleep tonight, but we sleep on anchor if weather allows.
Day 4: From Rauer back to Oslo
We have the leg into the bottom of Oslofjord in front of us, and we hope for some proper sailing winds. Everyone is hopefully getting used to the operation of the vessel by now, so we’ll have an effective last sailing leg where the skipper can just watch and enjoy. Our adventure ends at 18.00, after we have packed, washed and cleaned ourselves off the boat. Thanks for a great trip together!
Changes to the program
The program should be seen as a starting point which we adapt according to weather and conditions. We reserve the right to constantly improve the program for the better. With us along the way, we always have dinghies for beach landings and small expeditions. We have fishing equipment for the cod, and hiking equipment for bonfires and summit hikes – we are ready for adventure, are you?!
What is included?
- A trip experience with sailboat – experienced skipper/instructor with local knowledge on board
- All food we eat on board during the trip
- Our Comfort Package, which consists of accommodation on board in a shared double cabin (bunk or double bed) with a ready-made bed (warm and nice duvets and pillows!)
- An environmentally friendly, local, sustainable, unique, exotic and exclusive Norwegian adventure holiday
- A shared experience and friendship with like-minded adventurers from around the world
- A lot of time outdoors – raw and honest nature experiences
- Use of our shared equipment if available: dinghies, kayaks, fishing equipment, etc.
- All boat-related costs such as diesel, propane and harbor fees
- Personal safety equipment; Helly Hansen inflatable lifejacket
- Instruction, advice, guidance and practical training in boating and sailing
What is not included?
- Travel to and from the start/end location
- Optional meals at a cafes/restaurants during the trip
- Entrance to galleries, museums, or other alternative activities that you/we may come up with
- Rental of equipment and/or activities from external operators, ex. kayak, glacier hiking or surfing where possible
- Drinks such as wine, beer or exclusive apple juice and other luxuries (yes, we drink beer and wine on board, bring your own)
- Travel insurance and/or cancellation insurance – (up to you, but recommended!)
Important info
Travel
This trip start and ends in Oslo.
You find more information on travel, equipment and other tips under Practical info.
Deposit and payment
You only pay a deposit (NOK 6000) upon registration, the remainder of the payment is due 60 days prior to departure.
Safety and risk on board
We are all about people, and so we also take safety very seriously. On our trips we practice sail- and boat handling also for safety, and we spend time going through various situations that can arise at sea, how to handle them and how to avoid them.
On board a boat everyone must know what to do in critical situations and in the event of an emergency. Our philosophy is that partaking and participation builds safety. It is important for the safety of the whole boat that you are a participant on board, not just a passenger.
Therefore all our trips are to be considered sailing courses in addition to being great holidays and adventures: You are trained to make up the crew on board and so we build a capable team on board.
Feel free to contact us for a chat about safety and risk on our adventures.
Level of the trip
No sailing experience? No problem! Our sailing adventures welcome both novices and seasoned sailors for an inclusive and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re new to sailing or a salty sea dog, our trips cater to all levels.
We aim to transform beginners into sailors quickly while offering experienced participants greater responsibilities and challenges. Our mainland sailing journeys involve 44-50 feet boats navigating coastal and protected waters, occasionally crossing open stretches for excitement. Route adjustments based on weather and conditions ensure a safe and adaptable voyage.
Trips are not overly strenuous; with rotating positions, participants can balance sailing and relaxation. Active engagement minimizes seasickness, and if it occurs, it passes swiftly. Weather, however, is unpredictable, with the potential for stronger winds and various conditions in northern Norway and the Arctic, making each trip a true sailing adventure. Be prepared for calm winds and rough weather—embracing the elements for an unforgettable experience.
What we expect from you
Our trips require a little effort from you who are joining – everyone on board must be ready to contribute and to give of themselves also socially; the more you open up, share and interest yourself in the others on board, the more enjoyable it gets.
When you’re sailing with us you are invited to take part in the running of the ship and all that comes with it. You will be sailing, docking, navigating, looking out for whales and icebergs, but also making food, serving others, doing dishes and helping clean the boat during the trip, and contributing in other ways when needed. On board we are all in the same boat and when all help out, the ship is most happy.
Our experience is that doing things together with others out in nature, and not least cooperating and doing activities with new people and different personalities than you might have around you normally, is what creates the best, most interesting and memorable moments and stories:)
Equipment and packing
As with all activities, there is plenty of special equipment and clothing for sailing. If you don’t have any of this, you will get very far with normal hiking/outdoor equipment. You do not need to buy a lot of new equipment to join our trips. Use what you have, borrow what you need from a friend, purchase used equipment, and if you have to invest in new equipment – buy quality items that will last! What you need is something waterproof and windproof on the outside, and layered warm clothing underneath.
Some jackets may not be waterproof “enough”, or might not perform too well in salt water, so you can consider a set of oilskin for the wettest days (available for rent or purchase on board). A pair of higher rubber boots for disembarking from the dinghy is very good to have, as well as indoor shoes below deck. Out at sea and in the Arctic it can be cold even in summer, so bring both swimwear and plenty of warm clothes. Well before departure, we will send you a detailed recommended packing list.
Read more and see our packing tips here:
PS: In a sailboat, you pack in a bag or sack, not in a rigid suitcase. 🙂
Food & cooking on board
On our trips, you will be part of the crew on board and get the chance to participate in all tasks for the operation of the boat. This includes cooking and preparing food – everyone take turns in the galley! Skippers and crew assist as much as they can along the way.
We have great menus with tasty, healthy and “boat-friendly” food, and for each trip we order provisions for all meals on board. If you have allergies or preferences, let us know in the registration form and we will take that into account as best as we can. You are also most welcome to bring any special food or drink with you. Why not bring some specialities from your country or region for the boat to enjoy?
During a weeklong trip we often sail by a good restaurant or two where we can have dinner on land. Some places we need to pre-book and we will then need to choose a menu before we arrive. More about all of this when you come on board!
Life on board & accommodation
Life on a sailboat is super social and fun, but it might feel a bit intimate at first. No worries though, that vibe usually fades after the first hour. Everyone chips in to run the boat, and we’re all part of the crew, which means quick bonding.
We’re keen to get to know you and hope you’ll connect with the rest of the crew. It takes some patience, generosity, and an open mind to thrive, but soon you’ll be focused on making new friends and enjoying raw nature experiences once sea life feels like home.
Sleeping arrangements in shared cabins with double or bunk beds can be a bit of a puzzle, but we’re pretty good at figuring it out. Let us know if you have preferences. You’re on your own for land accommodations before or after the trip.
The boat provides heating and good food, but fresh water isn’t always abundant. Water conservation means not showering every day, but when near freshwater sources, we make the most of it. But nothing beats a morning sea swim for that fresh feeling.