The Baltic Sea, also called the Baltic, is a marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean located between Sweden, Finland, Poland, Germany, Denmark, Russia, and the Baltic States. To the north and east, you find extensions such as the Bothnian Bay, the Gulf of Finland, and the Gulf of Riga. Through the Sound (Øresund), the Great Belt, and the Little Belt, the sea connects to the Kattegat, Skagerrak, and the North Sea.
What makes the Baltic Sea sailing area so attractive to sailors are the stable weather conditions, relatively calm seas, and sheltered waters. Sailors praise the many beautiful fjords, pristine nature, and the hundreds of islands that the region boasts. The average depth varies between 28 and 100 meters, with the deepest point being the Landsort Deep at 459 meters below sea level.
Besides the many well-equipped marinas, sailing on the Baltic Sea offers the unique opportunity to visit four different countries within a week. From the western part of Germany and the former East Germany, you can quickly reach the Danish South Sea and before you know it, be sailing in Sweden or Poland. The Swedish archipelago and the less-traveled waters of Finland are also within reach. Via the North Sea, you can easily access the Baltic Sea through the Limfjord, the Skagerrak, or the world-famous Kiel Canal (Nord-Ostsee-Kanal).
Pristine nature and endless possibilities on the Baltic Sea
The Baltic Sea offers an unparalleled variety of nature and sailing opportunities. From steep chalk cliffs over 120 meters high, rugged coastlines, and pebble beaches to expansive sandy shores – the Baltic Sea has it all. You’ll find both small uninhabited islands and large islands with cities or picturesque villages. Deep fjords, narrow waterways with strong currents, and extensive offshore sailing possibilities make the area a true paradise for sailors.
The water varies from clear blue and brackish to salty or turbid fresh water. In terms of wildlife, you can encounter a wide range of species: from plaice to whales, dolphins, and seals. Birdwatchers also get their fill with species such as cormorants, gannets, cranes, and ospreys.
Ideal for traditional sailing ships and Tall Ships
The Baltic Sea is not only popular with commercial and private sailing yachts but also with a large fleet of traditional sailing ships (known as the “brown fleet”) that sail with guests. Besides a considerable Dutch fleet, there are also German “Traditionssegler” and traditional sailing ships from Poland, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden active in the area. These ships offer the opportunity to sail either as a group or as an individual guest crew member.
A portion of these well-equipped and internationally certified ships from various countries are affiliated with Rederij van Linschoten Traditional Sailing Holidays. Their fleet ranges from small single- or two-masted vessels to large Tall Ships that can accommodate anywhere from 12 to 150 people for day trips, and 10 to 36 people for overnight stays.
Sustainable and adventurous sailing
The best part of sailing on the Baltic Sea with a large traditional sailing ship is the freedom to navigate between numerous countries and an incredible number of islands. Sometimes you dock the ship right in the middle of a city, but often you’ll find yourself at a private pier or ferry dock. There are also almost always excellent, quiet, and safe anchoring spots available.
All sailing ships affiliated with Rederij van Linschoten operate with qualified and well-trained crews and are subject to national or international inspection regimes, ensuring your safety on board under all circumstances. Moreover, choosing a sailing trip on a traditional sailing ship means opting for a “green” holiday: close to nature, environmentally conscious, sustainable, and far away from mass tourism. But did you also know that we offer many opportunities to sail aboard one of these beautiful ships?
We look forward to welcoming you back on board!