Join us for a long weekend of sailing, where we cross the Skagerrak to Skagen, and sail up the Swedish coast from Marstrand to Norway.
For years, we’ve sailed from Oslo to Denmark and back, but now we’ve expanded the experience with an exciting new route! This Scandinavian triangle-sail takes you through both offshore and inshore sailing, offering a unique opportunity to experience two different worlds of sailing: the thrill of open-sea passage and the calm of sheltered waters. Welcome on board for a sailing to Denmark and Sweden!
A Skagerrak Weekend Adventure
The Skagerrak Sea, just south of Norway, is ideal for sailing between Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Whether you’re new to ocean sailing, want to log more nautical miles, or practice night sailing and night watches, this area offers excellent conditions. Out at sea, you’ll experience a rare sense of solitude, far from the glow of city lights, making the night sky a stunning canvas of stars, especially during spring and autumn. With no light pollution, you’ll see the stars, moon, and constellations more vividly than ever.
Route: From Tønsberg to Skagen, up the Swedish Coast, and back to Norway
We’ll cover about 250 nautical miles. The journey begins Wednesday evening in Tønsberg, with a sail out to Verdens Ende harbor near Færder for the night. The next day, we prep the boat for crossing the Skagerrak to Denmark, a journey of 10–15 hours, depending on the weather. Picture yourself at the helm at dawn, coffee in hand, as the boat moves steadily towards Skagen’s sandy beaches under full sail.
From Skagen, we sail east towards Sweden, heading for Marstrand if the weather allows. Marstrand, a historic, ice-free port, is also the heart of Swedish sailing culture—a must-see! We then head north, passing beautiful islands and charming coastal villages like Tjörn, Gullholmen, Lysekil, Smögen, Hamburgsund, and Fjellbacka.
Once we reach the Koster Islands, we’ll take a break to stretch our legs and explore these beautiful islands. Both southern and northern Koster offer plenty to see. Finally, we sail back into Norway, ending where we began in Tønsberg.
Ocean sailing for beginners
This is a genuine sailing adventure for those who want to visit both Sweden and Denmark, and as well cross Skagerrak ocean. Though we may encounter stronger winds or gales, the short ocean distance to Denmark allows us to carefully plan according to the forecast, ensuring we are well-prepared for the conditions. On this trip, we’ll sail through the night, and SeilNorge provides both a skipper and a co-skipper for your safety and guidance.
Whether you’re looking for a unique long weekend, dreaming of crossing oceans by sailboat, or hoping to surprise someone with an unforgettable experience, this trip is perfect!
Learn to sail with SeilNorge
As with all our trips, you’ll learn to sail along the way. You’ll face challenges, gain new skills, and create lasting memories. No previous sailing experience is required, but if you’re already experienced, you’re equally welcome. For beginners, we’ll help to turn you into a sailor. For the more experienced, you’ll take on greater responsibilities and bigger challenges. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience an international sailing voyage and venture beyond the sheltered 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: We meet in Tønsberg and sail to Verdens Ende harbor (World’s End)
We meet in Tønsberg at 1900 and start by getting to know each other and the boat. We go through the plan, the weather forecast, and before leaving port we go through basic sailing techniques, our safety procedures and the routines we have onboard. We sail south towards Færder, and on the way we pick up our food at the local shop in Krukehamn on Hvasser, before we dock for the night in the great natural harbor of Verdens Ende.
Day 2: Ocean crossing to Skagen
After a morning swim and a good breakfast we prepare the boat for sea, and cast off. Before going out in open water we practice boat handling, do a man over board exercise and other maneuvers necessary to master before crossing oceans. Depending on the wind, we arrive in Skagen in the afternoon or evening. In Skagen we find both good food and drinks on land to celebrate a successful crossing! If however the weather is too rough at the start of the trip, then we adapt, and we can instead start with sailing south the swedish coast.
Day 3: Morning in Skagen and afternoon-sail to Marstrand
Skagen is a popular sailing destination and we can spend the morning walking around the marina, boat watching and listening to the tall tails of fellow sailors, or you can rent a bike and enjoy the undulating sandy landscape around Skagen. Often we go to the beach reaching towards “Grenen”; Denmark’s most northerly point. This is the sandspit dividing the Skagerrak and Kattegat seas, and it is annually developing, moving and growing. After a late lunch either on land or in the boat, we meet on board and get ready to hoist sails again, now setting our course straight east towards Marstrand and Sweden. We arrive late and possibly we catch a beer on land, or just hit straight to bed.
Day 4: Morning in Marstrand and up the Swedish coast to the Koster-islands
After a morning swim and trip around Marstrand, we have to move north. In order to reach Koster within the day we must navigate between all the islands smooth and efficiently, and at some point we need to break out of the protected way and sail more offshore. We will arrive Koster late in the evening.
Day 5: Morning exploring the Koster-islands before sailing back to Tønsberg.
Both north and southern Koster are worth visiting, especially the nature-reserve on the northern Koster is nice to visit. However we can not stay too long, as we today need to sail back and conclude the trip in Tønsberg, where we started.
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 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.