Gotland, Oland and Swedish archipelago

Sailing in the Swedish Archipelago and the Kalmarsund

Please note the following about the itinerary described: This route is optional and can be changed without notice due to the wind and weather conditions. The captain often decides the course of each day's sailing on that day and will, whenever possible, of course try to take into account your wishes. This ensures that your cruise will be a pleasant mix of adventure and comfort, from joining in and simple enjoyment. The length of the cruise is designed to give sufficient time for visits to ports or quiet moments anchored at sea. This is not a cruise full of hustle and bustle. In harmony with the wind and the sea, we will unwind ourselves and discover the power of taking it slow. This cruise guarantees and strives for deep relaxation.

Recreation and Adventure under Full Sails

"Cathedrals of the seas", as the tall windjammers were once called as their billowing, mountainous sails would appear over the horizon. Replace your everyday life for a week with life on board such a traditional tall ship. Our two-mast brig built in 1911 will take you on an unforgettable summer voyage through the archipelago off the southern Swedish coast. After a safety briefing and instruction in sailing, you'll soon be able to participate in the active operation of the ship, if you want. Hoisting the shrouds, keeping the course on the ship's wheel and hauling in the rigging will all make this trip a memorable holiday experience with a difference. All sailing manoeuvres are performed by the experienced crew completely by hand. Setting and trimming the sails is always a fascinating show of skill going back to ancient seafaring days which you can relax and enjoy from the deck.

Embarkation in Visby: World Heritage Site with a lively Hanseatic past

Our crew will welcome you on board in the port of Visby, on Gotland, Sweden's largest island. In the cosy lounges and on the decks of the 'Eye of the Wind', you will quickly feel at home. You can use your time before embarkation at 8 p.m. to explore the historic old town, which is now a World Heritage Site

   
Typical impressions of Gotland: the town wall, a panoramic view and the historical district of Visby (images courtesy of Rodrigo Rivas Ruiz (2) and Tuukka Ervasti / imagebank sweden se).

The town is marked by the fully preserved two-mile long fortifications which form a semi-circular defensive wall around the historic town centre down to the beach. Once the most important port in the Baltic region, the town was often the subject of many hard-fought battles. Even today, the townspeople live among the four-storey timber-framed façades within the city limits of 1250. The old cobblestone streets, the massive ruins of a burned-down church and low archways will inspire you as you imagine life here five hundred years ago when Visby was the capital of the Hanseatic League and horse-drawn wagons rattled their way down to the lively marketplace. You might even imagine the clamour of sabres rattling among wild pirate hordes.

Gotland's secret: a unique blend of light, air and water

The next morning, you'll hear "Leinen los!" and we'll be setting sail as we take a last look at the largest town on the island of Gotland from the sea. The steep limestone cliffs on Gotland's western coast come in all shades from light grey to almost black. Gotland is petrified tropical ocean floor and millions of years ago was a shallow, warm sea on the Equator. As we leave Gotland, you'll be bid farewell by the Raukar, rock columns that thrust up to 20 metres out of the sea as remnants of the ice age millions of years ago and which seem to wear bizarre faces (image courtesy of Tuukka Ervasti / Rodrigo Rivas Ruiz, imagebank sweden se). Numerous offshore islets that lie not far off the coast, are often uninhabited or have a lighthouse as the single structure, are part of what make Gotland so fascinating. This part of the sea is known as Sweden's fair-weather sailing area as there's often little or no wind and daytime temperatures exceed 20°C in July. The Gotland secret lies in the unique combination of light, air and water.

After we circle halfway around the island, we will look for a sheltered spot to drop anchor for the night. The Bay of Herrvik offers good conditions. Monstrous cliffs are right next to the beach of this formerly large fishing village with its own shipyard. It's worthwhile taking an evening stroll around the headland after we take the excursion boat ashore. Or enjoy the evening on deck, watching the sunset and the tranquil sea with a glass of wine from the bar on board.

Trip to Fårö – the wildest scenery of the whole of Sweden

The smaller neighbouring island Fårö is separated from Gotland by a narrow strait and was made famous by the great director Ingmar Bergman He chose the island as his preferred location because "the barren, rocky landscape of the wide Baltic Sea in the background" was ideal for his film projects. The semi-circular Ekeviken Bay on the north side of the island provides shelter for the night, surrounded by spectacular coastal scenery. Anchoring here is also no problem.

Sailing adventure on the Baltic Sea - the wind determines the course

Our journey takes us across the waves of the Baltic. We will sail from early morning until late at night or maybe even overnight without stopping – another highlight of the trip and at the same time a genuine seafaring adventure just like in ancient times! Depending on the wind and weather, we will then set course for the island of Öland on the Kalmarsund or head to the Stockholm archipelago in the north-west. These picturesque, rocky archipelagos lying off the coast of the mainland offer a variety of alternatives for planning our journey. Vibrant ports or secluded bays, open seas or forested seashores: diverse landscapes are guaranteed and the next idyllic anchorage is never far away.

The Stockholm archipelago in sunset light - a truly perfect moment during your sailing vacation
(image courtesy of Ola Ericson / imagebank sweden se).

The gentle, steady rocking of the ship's hull in the waves, the vastness of the sea and the faint creaking of the rigging are the best ingredients for a relaxing holiday experience. The soothing uniformity of the sea takes root in your soul and the stress of everyday life drains away. The fresh sea air will also stimulate your appetite—you can look forward to dining in our excellent galley which consistently gets top marks in our customer surveys. Be surprised by what you discover!

Farewell in Kalmar: Visit to the former home port of 1924

After a week of adventure, relaxation and nature impressions, we head for our destination port of Kalmar, where you will say goodbye to our crew and your fellow sailors. This is a trip down memory lane for the 'Eye of the Wind', because it was here in Kalmar that the ship was rechristened after thirteen years of service in March 1924, after being bought from her first captain by a Swedish ship owner. The former 'Friedrich' was re-named 'Sam' by her new owner. You'll disembark with a duffel bag full of memories. You'll be departing with some relaxing summer days on the Baltic Sea behind you. The trip offers plenty of variety with a balance between time sailing and relaxing shore excursions.

Recommended: Stopover in Stockholm

From here you can easily head back home with a stopover in Stockholm on your way to the international airport. To explore the riches of Sweden's capital, we recommend spending an additional night in the city – we'll be glad to help you plan your stay. Use your stay in Scandinavia's largest city for a visit to the Vasa Museum on the Djurgården peninsula, where a completely preserved warship from 1628 is on display. The royal palace and the parliament building are other architectural highlights of the cityscape. In summer evenings, it's worth strolling through Stockholm's Gröna Lund amusement park, located right on the water.    

Highlights of this trip:

•     Sailing in the Baltic Sea and among the unique Swedish archipelago
•     Spectacular natural impressions on the islands of Gotland and Fårö
•     Balance between time spent at sea and extensive shore excursions

Services included:

• 7 nights' accommodation on the 100 year-old historic 'Eye of the Wind'
• Accommodation in exclusive double cabin with hot and cold running water, shower, toilet and air conditioning
• Full board (including all meals, soft drinks, coffee & tea)
• Lounge with TV/video and extensive on-board library, some limited WiFi access available

Not included:
Travel to Visby and from Kalmar, shore excursions and alcoholic beverages. We will be glad to help you make individual plans for your arrival and departure. Please contact us.