Long weekend sailing across Skagerrak to Denmark!
Join an experience of a lifetime together with SeilNorge where you’ll get wind in your sails and salt water in your hair. We replace the normal, grey cruise-line from Oslo to Denmark with a sailboat on this mini-expedition across the Skagerrak Sea! Join us on an adventurous long weekend to lovely Skagen and Denmark by sail.
Mini expedition to Denmark by sail!
The closest sea for the people in Oslo, is Skagerrak to the south. Excellent sailing waters between Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Perfect to try ocean sailing for the first time, log more nautical miles on the open sea, practice night sailing and night watches. Out on the high seas we suddenly feel all alone in the world, a rare feeling for most urban people. Join us on this mini-expedition to our nearest vacation destination in the south; Denmark!
From Oslo to Skagen and back
This trip offers around 280 nm of distance for us to sail, where we are mostly offshore and in open waters. The trip starts in Oslo on Thursday before lunch. So we get off to a good start and out to sea before it gets dark. During the first night we sail across Skagerrak and arrive in Denmark during Friday afternoon / early evening. Well in time for dinner on land in Skagen, before we return the same way we came.
An alternative route to Denmark
Of course, we always hope for good sailing winds, and a crossing of the Skagerrak will always be a memorable experience. Standing at the helm at dawn with a cup of coffee in hand, broad reach in the sails and good speed towards Skagen’s sandy beaches, is a wonderful experience we cannot describe!
Whether you’re looking for a somewhat different long weekend activity, are dreaming about crossing oceans by sailboat, or want to take your family or a date on an exciting and memorable experience, this trip is for you! If you just want to cross the Skagerrak off your ocean crossing bucket list, this long weekend to Denmark by sails is also perfect!
Ocean sailing for beginners
This is a proper sailing trip for those who want to experience the high seas. We can potentially get stronger winds and gale, but the advantage of the trips to Denmark is that the ocean distance is rather short. So we can plan well according to the forecast for our weekend, and be well prepared for the conditions we meet. On these trips we sail through the night, and SeilNorge provides both skipper and co-skipper.
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 is an excellent opportunity to test out a sailing voyage to another country, and to get out of the safe, protected waters of the Oslofjord.
Experienced and calm captain made everyone safe. Everyone had challenges at their level, both beginners and experienced sailors. An exciting trip that I would not have been able to do on my own.
Kristi N, To Denmark By Sail
Itinerary
Day 1: Night sailing out the Oslofjord
We meet to check in onboard at 11:00 at Kongen Marina in Oslo. We start by getting to know each other and the boat, going through our plan, the weather forecast, safety and routines onboard. Before leaving port we go through basic sailing techniques and safety procedures. We don’t have much time to lose – let’s get going and head south out of the Oslofjord! Throughout the day, we practice basic boat handling and other manoeuvres necessary when crossing oceans. If the conditions are right, we continue out of the fjord through the night. As we get the Færder lighthouse on our starboard beam before the first night watch rotation begins. Skagerrak next!
Day 2: Sailing to Skagen
Throughout the night we rotate on the night watches – who is awake sailing and navigating, and who is asleep. Depending on how many participants we have on board, we’ll typically be two watch teams doing three-hour shifts. The whole crossing is around 75 nm from Færder round the buoys east of Skagen. And the entire crossing from Oslo takes around 24 hours. Depending on the wind, we arrive in Skagen in the afternoon or evening. In Skagen we find both good food and drinks to celebrate a successful crossing!
Day 3: Shore-day in Skagen
Skagen is a popular sailing destination in summer. Where you easily spend all morning walking around the marina, boat watching and listening to the tall tails of fellow sailors. There are also nice hiking opportunities in the undulating sandy landscape around Skagen. Like along the beach reaching towards “Grenen”, Denmark’s most northerly point. The sandspit dividing the Skagerrak and Kattegat seas, growing with around 10m annually. We meet for lunch together, a typical Danish “breakfast”, at one of the cosy pubs in town. The weather forecast determines when we have to leave. Though we have to head home at a reasonable time on Saturday anyway. We get ready to hoist sails again and head north once again across the Skagerrak Sea.
Day 4: Homebound
We rotate watch teams also tonight as we cross the sea. We hope the conditions allow us to sail into the outer Oslofjord at dawn. And if we have time for it, we’ll anchor in a nice spot once inside the fjord for lunch. We arrive back at Kongen Marina in plenty of time to get washed and cleaned off the boat before we end the trip at 18.00pm at the latest. Thanks for a great trip!
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.