Sail Morgenster from Norway to Germany, experiencing hands-on tall ship sailing, coastal stopovers, and open-sea adventure

FULL VOYAGE DESCRIPTION

Why choose this voyage?

The North Sea and Baltic waters have long been central to seafarers, from Viking voyages to the great Hanseatic trading fleets. This journey lets you experience these historic routes first-hand, sailing aboard a square-rigger designed for offshore adventure.

Sailing between Norway and Germany, the landscape changes quickly—from the rocky shores of Scandinavia to Denmark’s sandy islands and the bustling Baltic ports. You arrive in Rostock in time for Hanse Sail Rostock – one of the largest maritime festivals in Europe!

Setting sail from Kristiansand

Kristiansand is one of Norway’s great seafaring ports, known for its waterfront, wooden houses, and sheltered harbour. If you arrive early, take a walk through Posebyen, the old town, or visit the Christiansholm Fortress, built in the 17th century to defend the coastline.

Morgenster will be waiting in the harbour, her tall masts standing out against the surrounding yachts and ferries. Once aboard, the crew will show you to your bunk, introduce you to the ship, and run through a safety briefing before we set sail. As Kristiansand disappears behind us, the Skagerrak opens ahead—our first stretch of open water.

Along the Way

This voyage blends offshore sailing with coastal exploration, offering a mix of watch duty, hands-on learning, and time to experience ports along the route.

The first stretch takes us south across the Skagerrak, a passage known for its shifting winds and strong currents. You’ll take your turn steering, adjusting sails, and keeping watch as Morgenster makes her way towards Denmark.

Depending on conditions, we may make landfall in a Danish port, such as Skagen, where the North Sea meets the Baltic, or Aarhus, Denmark’s oldest city, rich in Viking heritage and modern culture. Each stop provides a chance to step ashore, explore, and experience a new side of Northern Europe.

Once into the Baltic Sea, the waters calm, and the landscape shifts again, with sandy coastlines, historic harbours, and bustling maritime cities. As we near Rostock, the entrance to Germany’s largest Baltic port comes into view—a final approach into a city steeped in maritime history.

Arriving in Rostock

Rostock has been a key Baltic trading hub since medieval times, and its maritime character is still strong today. Morgenster will look right at home as she arrives in Rostock, which we expect will be bustling with Tall Ships big and small, ahead of the famous Hanse Sail Rostock – one of the largest maritime festivals in Europe!

If you have time before departing, do check out the festival. You could also visit Warnemünde, the city’s coastal district, with its long sandy beaches and iconic lighthouse. The Rostock Maritime Museum, housed in a former cargo ship, is also worth a visit for those interested in the city’s seafaring history.

After five days at sea, the transition back to land is always striking. You’ve travelled the same waters that countless sailors have navigated for centuries, worked as part of a crew, and experienced the North Sea and Baltic in a way few people ever do.

Wind, Waves & Weather

August is one of the best months to sail these waters, with steady westerly winds and mild temperatures. The Skagerrak can be lively, but once into the Baltic, conditions often become calmer. Expect a mix of open-sea passages and sheltered coastal sailing, offering a balance of challenge and comfort.

HANDS ON HOLIDAYS

Whether you are an experienced sailor or a complete beginner, the professional crew will train you to be guest crew from the moment you arrive, with the intention that everybody works together to sail the ship. The common thread to all Classic Sailing holidays is ‘Hands on’ participation on ships that use ropes, blocks and tackles and ‘people power’ to set sail. While we hope you will enjoy taking part in the many aspects of sailing a traditional ship, please be aware that we can’t control the weather – there will be occasions when the conditions are just not congruent with sailing to your anticipated destination and an alternative itinerary will be offered. There may also be occasions when there isn’t the wind needed to sail and so the crew will utilise the ships engines (if installed). On rare occasions, the voyage may need to be delayed or cancelled – please see the vessel’s Terms and Conditions before booking.

SAILING STYLE & LIFE ON BOARD

We cater for a wide range of ages and physical abilities and how much you are expected to do varies a bit between vessels. See the vessel tab above which explains all about the ‘sailing style’ and what to expect in terms of hands on participation. There is a lot of information about day to day life, the ships facilities and accommodation on the vessel pages.

AGILITY & FITNESS

Every customer sailing with us will need to fill in basic medical questions on their booking application. If you are not sure if your current level of fitness and agility are up to a voyage, then please ring the Classic Sailing Office on 01326 53 1234 and we can chat through your concerns and possibly find options that might suit you better.

What to pack for a sailing holiday on Morgenster

Included

• Sailing Instruction
• All meals to include refreshments throughout the day
• Duvet, pillow and sheets
• Hand towels

What is not Included

• Waterproof jackets and trousers
• Alcoholic drinks but there is a bar on board

What to Bring

Suitcases take up a lot of room in a cabin, so it is better to uses soft bags in a ship. A small rucksack for going ashore is useful.

• Morgenster does not supply waterproof jackets and salopette type trousers. Please bring your own waterproof clothing.
• A mix of warm and wind proof clothing.
• Lots of thin layers is better than one thick layer in cold destinations.
• In tropical countries - long sleeves and long trousers to protect you from the sun
• Footwear on board needs a good grip and soft soles- the decks are wood or steel.
• Ashore stout, waterproof walking boots are best if you are in remote places.
• Morgenster has European 2 pin sockets 240 V
• Cameras, chargers and video recorders
• Binoculars are handy for bird watching etc.
• Suntan lotion, hats, sunglasses
• Dont forget any regular medication, persciption glasses and spare
• Euros for bar bill
• Passport, travel insurance, tickets etc
•  To get ashore is usually by dinghy so be prepared to get wet feet. Rubber boots or quick drying sandals - depending on the location.

Online Reviews

 

I loved it.

I loved everything about my week. The crew were fantastic, the ship was beautiful, the singing on the deck was great fun, the dolphins were around a lot. It was brilliant!

Least enjoy - Nothing.

Why do I Sail?

I love the ocean and have always loved boats. For this particular voyage I was also researching a children's book involving mermaids and pirates!

Liz K sailed in 2017

 

What was the best bit?

Climbing in the rigging, unfurling the sails on the yardarm. 
The cameraderie between the paid and guest crew was second to none. A fantastic atmosphere. Singing in the evenings on deck accompanied by guitar and trumpet. New Year on St Lucia, we celebrated the New Year 3 times (once for Dutch/European time, once for GMT and once for Caribbean time).
The sun glinstering off the ocean surface like a thousand shards of broken mirror.......flying fish like small humming birds skimming over the surface of the water, dolphins on New Years day: what a start to 2019!
Too wonderful to describe, a life changing experience, I want to pack in my job and sail the world! (making plans now) - Carol from Caribbean Season 2019. 

Great experience, will definitely be doing it again.  Climbing the rigging was the best bit. 'First time' sailor. John M July 2018

"Thank you for a very nice trip, some hours on Kattegatt this afternoon. Beautiful boat, nice and joyful captain and crew. I loved it! Wish you all a really nice trip during Tall Ships Races. And I would love to join again someday for a longer trip." Camilla A. June 2017

Thank you Harry, Mariann and all your wonderful crew for an amazing week on Morgenster. Great food Will, such patient climbing instruction Michelle, fun birthday outing Evy and lovely guests from 80 to 22 years old. So many highlights but sailing at night with sparkling dolphins at the bow was truly breathtaking!" Sue G.

Just returned from 11 days sailing round Cape Verde. The whole experience was exceptional - friendly, knowledgeable and caring crew; wonderful sailing (the 4am night watch experience was particularly magical!); interesting trips exploring the islands; and great food." Julia G-F

Thank you Harry, Marian, Joost, Rene, Hessel & Willie for a fantastic week's sailing. I'll be humming sea shanties and saying "o nay!!!" for days! I really hope to sail with you again. Happy New Year" Kerry Mc C.

Had a fantastic trip around Cape Verde, Jan/Feb 2016. Lovely crew, felt like a family. Thanks to you all xxxx. Really special people and a holiday to remember. My penguins X" Louise G

What a fantastic time, thanks to everyone on the Morgenster both crew and passengers hope to see you all again, maybe next year?" George Mc L

Harry, Marian and their crew make your stay on board the Morgenster wonderful!" Aleike K

What was the best bit?

The trip was fabulous. The crew were incredibly supportive and even helped me overcome enough of my fear to get out onto the first yard. I felt that I was included in everything and that my contribution, however small, was appreciated. The food was excellent and there were plenty of drinks and snacks throughout the day. We had gorgeous weather all the way. I really enjoyed it. - Caribbean Season 2019 by Amanda G. 

Tall Ship Morgenster in action and images. Photos from Classic Sailing customers, ships crew and professional photographers. We hope it gives a flavour of her sailing, life on board, the people that come, her beautiful sailing grounds and what it is like to live below decks.

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