A houseboat cruise in Scandinavia is a unique and adventurous way to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region. With over 24,000 kilometres of coastline, Scandinavia offers an endless variety of breathtaking landscapes, charming towns and villages and exciting cultural experiences.
Scandinavia is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, from the rugged coastline of Norway to the pristine lakes and forests of Sweden and Finland. Travelling by houseboat allows you to experience this beauty up close and in a unique way. You can sail through fjords, navigate canals and explore the region's archipelagos. Along the way, you'll encounter an abundance of wildlife, from sea eagles to reindeer to beavers. The summer months offer long days with plenty of sunlight, while the winter months offer the chance to see the Northern Lights.
The beautiful idyllic landscape of the Naeroyfjord in Gudvangen, Norway.
YACHTING.COM TIP: The weather in Scandinavia can be unpredictable, often rainy and windy. It is important to pack appropriate clothing and equipment for all weather conditions, including a raincoat, warm layers and sturdy footwear. In the summer months, temperatures can range from 10 to 21 degrees, while in the winter, temperatures are likely to drop below freezing.
Towns and villages worth a stopover
Travelling by houseboat in Scandinavia allows you to explore charming towns and villages along the way. You can dock in a harbour and explore on foot to experience the unique culture and traditions of each place.
Some of the notable towns and villages you can visit include:
Trosa, Sweden: This picturesque town is located on the Baltic Sea coast and offers a variety of restaurants, shops and galleries to explore.
The town of Trosa, near Stockholm, has many canals running through it (Joe Dejvice / Shutterstock.com)
Linköping: this town boasts a beautiful cathedral. It is a stunning 12th century church that is one of the largest and most impressive in Sweden. It features magnificent stained glass windows, intricate carvings and a fascinating history. The old town of Linköping is also a charming and picturesque area with narrow streets, colourful buildings and quaint shops and restaurants. Take a stroll around the area and soak up the historic atmosphere. While you're there, explore the Flygvapen Museum, an aviation museum that showcases the history of Swedish aviation. Here you'll find an impressive collection of planes, helicopters, engines and other aviation-related artifacts.
Söderköping and Sjötorp: Söderköping is a city with a rich history and an interesting harbour. Here you will find a huge variety of cafes and restaurants as well as top quality food. Don't forget to visit the ice cream parlour Smultronstället and try at least one of the 60 different types of ice cream available. To the west of the harbour lies the tourist attraction Rabbit Crossing, designed by artist Eva Fornåå. Children will also love the town, as a number of films based on Astrid Lindgren's books have been shot there.
Sjötorp, on the shores of Lake Vänern, is a town famous for its excellent smoked salmon and in the museum, you can learn about the history of the Göta Canal, which we write more about below. If the weather's good, head to the local beach for a game of volleyball or mini golf, and don't forget another unique local feature — the floating sauna!
A view of the historic buildings at the Bryggen-Hanseatic wharf in Bergen, Norway.
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Finland — the cradle and mecca of sauna
No trip to Scandinavia would be complete without a visit to a traditional Finnish sauna. Finland is famed for its sauna culture, which is an important part of everyday life. Many houseboats in Finland are equipped with saunas, allowing you to relax and unwind after a long day of cruising.
Notable places where you can try a Finnish sauna include:
Kotiharjun Sauna, Helsinki: This historic sauna is located in Helsinki's Kallio district and is one of the last public saunas in the city.
Löyly, Helsinki: A modern sauna complex located on Helsinki's waterfront, offering a range of saunas and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city.
A gem of the region is Lake Saimaa See, the largest lake in the Finnish territory, located in the southeast of the country. The lake is connected by canals to other lakes in the area, so uniquely, you can cross the whole system of lakes by houseboat.
In Finland, you can also explore two national parks while houseboating and enjoy some hiking there too. Linnansaari National Park is home to many endangered animal species and boasts almost untouched nature. Koli National Park is important for preserving Finland's distinctive agriculture.
Your adventure will begin in the town of Savonlinna, where our base is located and where you can explore the local castle with its three towers. And then it's off into the countryside or the city. Lappeenranta, Joensuú or Imatra are certainly worth a visit.
Löyly (steam), a wooden sauna and restaurant building in Helsinki, Finland
The locks and the beautiful Göta Canal in Sweden are not to be missed
The Göta Canal is one of the most popular routes for houseboat travel in Sweden. This historic canal stretches 120 miles from Sjötorp on Lake Vänern to Mem on Sweden's east coast. Along the way, you'll pass through a series of locks and explore the breathtaking natural beauty of the region.
Mariestad is among the notable places to visit along the Göta Canal. This charming town is located on the shores of Lake Vänern and offers a variety of restaurants, shops and galleries. Söderköping is a historic town on the east coast of Sweden and is known for its well-preserved 18th century architecture and charming streets. The small village of Berg lies in the heart of the Swedish countryside and offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
If you want to learn about local history, then don't miss the Göta Canal Museum in Motala, which offers a fascinating insight into the history of the Göta Canal.
Opening the lock in the Gota Canal
YACHTING.COM TIP: When travelling around Scandinavia on a houseboat, you should be cautious when sailing in open sea and always keep an eye on the weather forecast. You should familiarise yourself with and follow the local regulations for houseboating and waterways. Don't forget to keep sufficient fuel and water supplies so that you don't run out during your trip. Protect yourself from insects and mosquitoes, especially in areas with wetlands and forests, and respect nature and animals. Do not throw anything into the water to minimise marine pollution.
Interesting interludes
In addition to exploring the natural beauty and cultural richness of Scandinavia, houseboat travel allows for some action-packed and interesting breaks along the way. Here are some ideas of things to do and see during your houseboat trip:
- Fishing: Scandinavia is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, with plenty of fish in lakes, rivers and coastal waters. You can fish for salmon, trout, pike and other species either from the deck of your houseboat or by renting a fishing boat.
- Hiking: Scandinavia offers some of the most spectacular hiking trails in the world, with a range of scenery from rugged mountains to lush forests. You can take day hikes from your houseboat or plan a longer backpacking trip.
- Kayaking: Exploring the coastlines and waterways of Scandinavia by kayak is a unique and exciting experience. You can rent kayaks at the many marinas along the way and explore the region's hidden coves and bays.
- Wildlife watching: Scandinavia is home to many wild animals, including moose, reindeer, bears and wolves. You can plan a wildlife-watching trip, either by land or boat, and experience the natural beauty of the region up close.
Fishing is one of the most popular activities, especially in Norway
Cruising across Scandinavia on a houseboat is a unique and unforgettable experience where you can explore the natural beauty and cultural riches of the region at your own pace. With a wealth of charming towns and villages, stunning landscapes and exciting cultural experiences, there is something for everyone on a houseboat tour of Scandinavia. Whether you want to relax and unwind or embark on a journey full of adventure, houseboat travel is the perfect way to experience all that this beautiful region has to offer.
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