Boat Rental and Yacht Charter in Sweden

Discover Sweden's stunning archipelagos and calm waters with an experienced captain. Whether it's Stockholm's vibrant harbor or the remote islands of the north, uncover the natural beauty and charm of this Nordic nation.

61 boats available

Hero image

Filters

Trustpilot

Exclusive Deals

Take your boat holidays to the next level with exclusive boat deals featuring free and exciting add-ons!

See exclusive dealsbackground

Can't find what you want?Talk to our holiday planners today.

Frequently asked questions

What happens when I request a quote?

Once we receive your request, we will confirm the availability of the boat, as well as check for alternative ones. To ensure your experience is the best it can be, we may contact you to discuss your request in detail. Let us do the research for you - free of charge.

When can I get in touch with the captain/skipper?

The timing depends on your charter type. For crewed charters, we can provide the captain's contact details upon request. For bareboat charters with a hired skipper, you can request the contact information 1-3 weeks before departure.

What is the Charter Fee?

The Charter Fee is an additional, obligatory cost, which typically includes the end cleaning of the boat, home port fees, and linen & towels. The details of the charter fee differ depending on the boat, location and charter partner.

Are there any other costs I should be aware of?

There are marina fees and fuel costs which vary depending on the type, duration and location of your sailing holiday. Marina fees need to be paid at each marina you choose to dock overnight - the amount varies but you may be able to find this information in advance by contacting the marinas directly. Fuel costs depend on whether you’re sailing a motorboat or a sailboat. You can estimate fuel costs by double-checking your chosen boat’s engine, and the expected distance you aim to sail.

Sailing in Sweden

A sailing holiday in Sweden is a unique way to enjoy this scenic country, which offers diverse coastlines and excellent conditions for a boat trip. Cruise the Baltic Sea to the east of Sweden, and visit the island of Gotland and Öland with their lush green landscapes or sail up the Gulf of Bothnia, stopping at the colorful port city of Örnsköldsvik. A boat from Gothenburg can either take you around Sweden’s second biggest city or to Denmark, which is only a short boat ride away. Enjoy these sights and more with a boat rental in Sweden.

Things to do and see when sailing in Sweden

Activities in Sweden

  • Visit ABBA The Museum in Stockholm - not just if you’re into the music, but also to dive deeper into Swedish culture

  • Sweden's coastline is renowned for its stunning archipelagos, such as the Stockholm Archipelago and the Gothenburg Archipelago. Set sail and explore the numerous islands, coves, and anchorages, and enjoy the picturesque landscapes and peaceful nature

  • Visit Stockholm: If your sailing trip takes you to the Stockholm region, be sure to spend some time exploring the vibrant capital city. Visit historical sites like the Royal Palace, Gamla Stan (Old Town), and the Vasa Museum, which houses a 17th-century warship.

  • Sweden offers excellent fishing opportunities. Try your luck at catching species like pike, perch, and salmon. Keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife in the area, including seals, seabirds, and possibly even whales, depending on the season and area you are visiting

  • Along the Swedish coastline, you'll find charming coastal towns and villages that are worth visiting. Places like Marstrand, Fjällbacka and Visby on the island of Gotland offer a blend of history, culture, and beautiful coastal scenery

  • If you're up for some paddling and want to switch up your boat holiday here a little bit, Sweden's coastal waters and lakes provide great opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. Explore hidden coves, navigate through tranquil waterways, and enjoy the serenity of Swedish nature

  • Embrace the Swedish tradition of sauna and bathing. Many marinas and coastal areas have saunas available, allowing you to relax and unwind after a day of sailing. Take a refreshing dip in the sea or freshwater lakes to cool off.

Beaches in Sweden

  • Skanör Beach (Skanör-Falsterbo): Located in the southernmost part of Sweden, not far from Malmö, Skanör Beach is known for its white sandy shores, clear waters, and picturesque dunes. It’s a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, and beach sports

  • Långholmen Beach (Stockholm): Långholmen Beach is situated on the island of Långholmen in Stockholm. It is a charming city beach with sandy shores, clear waters, and lush green surroundings. The beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking, and it offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city.

Restaurants in Sweden

Casual dining in Sweden:

  • Mom's Kitchen Nybrogatan in Stockholm is a wonderful restaurant to savour traditional Swedish meatballs. Add some nice potatoes or potato mash on the side and you have a fabulous meal

  • Jinx Food Truck in Gothenburg might have you expect to eat just standing at a food truck, but don’t worry, there is some space to sit down and enjoy your meal

Fine dining in Sweden:

  • Frantzén is a fancy restaurant in Stockholm you should try! Three Michelin stars don’t lie and their fabulous array of delicacies. The menu is set and accompanied by fine wine

  • Carbon in Gothenburg is a Michelin rated restaurant that won’t disappoint. You can opt for the five course tasting menu or the eight course dinner menu and both will satisfy those with sophisticated taste buds

Bars and Clubs in Sweden

  • Häktet: Located in an 18th century, former prison building in Stockholm, this might well be the most unique location you have ever had a drink in.

  • The Bishops Arms Park Avenue in Gothenburg is a lovely bar with a rustic and vintage charm.

Explore historical Sweden

Sweden has a rich history spanning centuries, with numerous historical sites and landmarks that offer a glimpse into its interesting past. From ruins of the Viking era to more modern times there is plenty to see for every visitor.

Gamla Stan, the Old Town of Stockholm, is a well-preserved medieval part of the capital that features narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and iconic landmarks such as the Royal Palace and Stockholm Cathedral. While the cathedral dates back to Medieval times and is the oldest one of its kind in the city, the other buildings are only going back as far as the 17th and 18th century. Take a stroll through the charming streets and explore the historic architecture and charming squares. Definitely a must when visiting this part of Sweden!

Discover mystical Sweden

There is a lot of folklore in the Swedish tradition, making for excellent stories by the fireplace. I mean, imagine sitting beside the fire on a cold winter's night after a long day out on a boat and hearing these old stories while sipping on a nice wine or a warm cup of tea in a bar. A mythical creature with the name of Näcken is one of the most popular characters and is said to appear as a naked man playing the violin in rivers and lakes.

If you are not into stories, you can always head out into nature to explore the mysteries of nature. Witness the natural phenomena of the Midnight Sun during the summer months in the Arctic Circle. Experience the ethereal glow of the sun even at midnight. This is a once in a lifetime experience you wouldn’t want to miss. In the winter, chase the breathtaking Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) dancing across the night sky.

Sailing conditions in Sweden

While you will experience colder temperatures the further north you go, in the summer, Stockholm enjoys temperatures that frequently reach the low- to mid-20s with water temperatures of around 18°C. Visby offers roughly the same temperatures, but with winds in the area. These winds can sometimes even be strong in the summer. Tides are not a particular concern and remain at consistent levels with calm seas keeping waves reasonably low too.

The waters that surround Sweden are generally calm and make for a pleasant sailing holiday. You’ll only need to watch out for stronger gusts between the narrow passages that snake around the islands. There are generally very few hazards to watch out for, except for some rocky areas around the archipelago.

If you need help with the navigation and operation of your boat, you can take advantage of booking an experienced skipper with Borrow A Boat.

How much does it cost to rent a boat in Sweden?

Sweden is certainly not a cheap country in general and a boat rental in Sweden might be a little pricier than what you are used to from the Mediterranean, but it is definitely worth it. Prices can also vary depending on the season, type of boat and the amount of people traveling.

What type of boat is best for sailing in Sweden?

As Sweden is blessed with gusts that allow for a sailing adventure, a popular choice is to rent a sailboat in Sweden. If you would like to be a little bit more independent of mother nature a motorboat rental might be an even better option for you.

Rent a sailboat in Sweden

Pros of renting a sailboat in Sweden

Rent a sailboat in Sweden if you are ready for a real adventure. Sail with the frequent gusts in the picturesque Baltic Sea and admire the stunning mountainous landscape.

Are you always conscious of your environment and don’t want to add to the pollution and CO2-emissions? Then a sailboat rental in Sweden is just the right choice for you. You simply sail with the wind and don’t need to worry about using an engine and fuel it with petrol.

Another great thing about renting a sailboat in Sweden is the fact that they are often the most affordable boats to rent. Not just in terms of the price for a bareboat charter, but also in terms of additional costs like petrol that you won’t have to worry about.

Cons of renting a sailboat in Sweden

Even though a sailboat charter in Sweden comes down to lower costs and sustainability, it also means that you will be highly dependent on mother nature. You won’t be able to sail if the winds are not strong enough and have to patiently wait for the wind to pick up again and cannot sail either if the winds are too strong. This might raise concerns for your safety.

Another thing to keep in mind when chartering a sailboat in Sweden is the fact that you need a lot of experience to operate them. You can’t just go on board, press a button and think that you’re going to be fine. You need to know how to navigate the steering wheel as well as how high or low the sail should go.

Rent a sailboat in Sweden

Rent a motorboat in Sweden

Pros of renting a motorboat in Sweden

A motorboat rental in Sweden is a great choice for anyone who enjoys the flexibility of being able to go whenever and wherever they want. All you need is a full tank and you’re good to go. There is no need to wait for the wind to pick up in order to move forward.

Do you plan on visiting Sweden’s most beautiful and pristine beaches? Then a motorboat charter in Sweden is the perfect choice for you! Motorboats generally have a shallow draft, allowing for easy access to the coast. One of the nicest beaches is Skanör Beach in the South of Sweden.

Cons of renting a motorboat in Sweden

If you are traveling on a budget, a motorboat hire in Sweden might not necessarily be the boat to go for. Although you can choose between more affordable and more luxurious types of motorboats, you need to keep in mind that you won’t just pay the price of the bareboat charter, but also for the petrol you are using on your trip.

Motorboat rental in Sweden

What kind of boat license do you need when renting a boat in Sweden?

Anyone who wants to rent a boat in Sweden needs to be in possession of a valid boat license - unless you are just planning on renting a smaller boat in Sweden that is not longer than 12 meters and doesn’t go beyond 4 meters width. Then you don’t need a license.

The International Certificate of Competency or short ICC might be recognized in many other European countries, but not in Sweden. Here you should be able to present the Coastal Yachtmaster Diploma instead.

Sailing routes in Sweden

Sweden has many fascinating and beautiful landscapes to discover along its coastline. From quaint little fishing villages to bigger cities and mountains. As it does get quite cold and icy in the winter, coming here in the summer might be a better choice.

Start your sailing holiday from Lidingö near Stockholm and enjoy sailing around the myriad of islands that make up the Stockholm Archipelago. There are over 24.000 to choose from, including all the rocks and other interesting natural phenomena. If you just want to plan a day trip from Stockholm your best bet might be Fjäderholmarna, which is only a thirty minute boat ride away. While it might be nicer to visit the islands here in the summer, the winters here also have their charm.

From the Stockholm Archipelago, you can sail north to the Gulf of Bothnia or go down to Gotland. For those looking for pristine nature and a chance to get away from it all, it is recommended to sail around the Gulf of Bothnia. Luleå is a city that is worth visiting on your trip here if you crave some human interaction in between. Ormberget-Hertsölandet is a natural preserve with pristine natural beauty that you shouldn’t miss. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can even sail over to Finland from here - it’s really not that far.

Gotland on the contrary is popular for travelers with more of a cultural interest who would also like to spend some time on some of Sweden’s best beaches. Also, head further south to Öland to explore the quaint fishing village, majestic forests, castle ruins and lovely beaches. Öland is also home to the Great Alvar, a natural landscape that is also a World Heritage Site. Families will also love visiting Ölands Animal and Amusement Park.

Västervik sits on the coast across the sea from Gotland and also offers mooring at buoys as an additional stopping point before heading to the islands or down the coast towards Malmö. Malmö itself is another major harbor offering longer-term berthing if desired. It’s a great city to visit if you’re interested in heading across and seeing Denmark as well.

Overall, a sailing holiday in Sweden is a unique way to see the varied landscape of this striking area too often missed by those traveling on land and experiencing a different kind of sailing adventure than the one you would get in the Mediterranean or the Caribbean.

Discover Borrow A Boat