Discovering Northern Europe by Superyacht

Soaring fjords, labyrinthian waterways and gastronomic feasts are the hallmark of a Northern Europe yacht charter. What the water lacks in warm temperatures, it more than makes up for in marine life. On an adventure that pairs plunging waterfalls and glinting glaciers with dramatic steaming geysers and thousands of islands that proffer a profusion of beauty, prepare to be thrilled by the unexpected.

When is the best time to visit Northern Europe?

From May to September, Northern Europe is generally warm and dry, though the shoulder months of April and October bring the bonus of fewer crowds. It's ‘green season’ for those looking for exclusive tee times, and prime wildlife viewing in the Norwegian Arctic, when whales, sea eagles and reindeer can be spotted daily.

Which locations can I visit during a Northern Europe superyacht charter?

Also known as the ‘Cool Route’, a Northern European charter itinerary can take in Scotland, the Faroe Islands, Norway’s fjords and the lush plateaus of Iceland. Sweden, Finland and the Baltics are also popular cruising grounds, while the hardy and adventurous will be drawn to polar bear terrain, taking in Greenland’s blue glaciers and Svalbard in the Arctic North.

Norway

Cycle, hike, kayak and dive — a yacht rental in Norway has it all. Fresh water swimming will ignite the soul, while a ride out by tender will bring you up close to reindeer, puffins, and from May to early November, humpbacks and orcas that feast in the marine-rich deep seas.

Cruise the fjords

When travelling by land, it’s all about the famed Atlantic Road, as featured in the 007 movie No Time To Die, that skips from skerry to skerry. By water, however, the majestic Norwegian fjords are hard to beat. Steep mountains divided by deep ravines create a landscape like no other, where hot thermal springs and quaint fishing villages exist side-by-side, and the beauty of fjords like Geirangerfjord will take your breath away.

Keep an eye out for the Northern lights

When the northern lights come out to play in Northern Norway, the Arctic sky comes alive with dancing streaks of yellow and green. As with all aspects of nature, it’s never guaranteed that the aurora borealis will be visible, but between 2024 and 2026, nightly activity is expected to reach its highest levels in 11 years, making now the perfect time to enjoy a  private yacht charter in Norway.

Try your hand at fishing

Hunting, fishing and harvesting from the surrounding woods and mountains is a way of life in Norway. Immersing yourself in it during a charter adds another layer of authenticity to the experience. Take a helicopter to Flatflesa to visit the lighthouse located on a small cliff in the middle of the sea. Spend the day fishing for plaice, sole and shellfish, before warming up in the island’s outdoor sauna and jacuzzi, or head back to the comfort and privacy of your yacht.

Sweden

The Baltic Sea is not to be messed with, and years of weather beaten resistance have carved out a country that is strong in mind and culture. A Swedish yacht charter promises beauty and variety. Whether cruising the mainland coast or venturing into the 30,000 granite island waterways, a rich mix of secluded anchorages and vibrant sea-facing houses await.

Soak up the sites and history in Stockholm and Gothenburg

While Stockholm has made a name for itself as an historic city with destination cuisine, Gothenberg — the largest non-capital in the Nordics — has emerged as the edgier cooler cousin. A yacht rental in Stockholm will take in the original 13th century city centre that spills out onto Stadsholmen island and the islets of Riddarholmen, while Gothenburg’s rich Viking history can be explored by cobblestone streets or tram, now awash with funky cafes and boutiques.

Relax in a traditional Swedish sauna

With more saunas in the region than yachts, it’s imperative to make each visit count. The Söderarm Archipelago faces the open water and treats all visitors to a unique experience of a traditional Swedish sauna built in a foxhole from the Second World War. Of course, nothing beats the comfort and convenience of your own private sauna on board your yacht.

Explore hidden coves around Sweden’s archipelago

Sweden’s vast archipelago sprawls out from the chic colourful waterside city of Stockholm and extends to Arholma in the north and the town of Gryt in the South. A litany of hidden coves can be found wherever your itinerary takes you, whether sailing inland passing through locks in the city, or venturing into open waters to discover what lies beyond.

Finland

Finland’s archipelago is the largest in the world. It encompasses the laidback charm of the capital city of Helsinki, the picturesque private island of Torrharyn and myriad narrow fjord-like passages where the flat pine-clad land creates a scenic backdrop to the perfect Finnish yacht charter.

Spend the night in a snow hotel

Within the Arctic Circle, a collection of snow hotels and ice igloos offer an exclusive experience that defies the parameters of comfort but has become a destination stop-off. Dropping to temperatures as cold as 7-degrees-celsius, spending the night is not for the faint hearted. Equipped with thermal suits, snow boots, sleeping bags and beds topped with reindeer hides, guests are immersed in an ethereal world that is Disney-like in its beauty and rustic in its appeal.

Get active with a hike in either Sipoonkorpi or Nuuksio

In Nuuksio, a hike through the quiet forest area will lead to magical lakes for wild swimming and spectacular landscapes awash with valleys and gorges. In Sipoonkorpi, the lush landscape spills into quaint villages. Both areas are close to Helsinki and are just two of Finland’s 41 national parks where deep moorlands and vast meadows allow nature to thrive in abundance.

Try traditional Lappish cuisine

In Lapland, reindeer are a way of life. They serve as livestock, transport, clothing and food and no visit would be complete without sampling the Lappish dish, whereby the meat is traditionally sautéed and served with lingonberries and mashed potatoes. Arctic cuisine in general takes inspiration from the land, with berries, mushrooms and fish serving as staples, complemented by homemade bread and cheese.

The Baltics

Cruising under the midnight sun, winding through dramatic seascapes, swimming at the foot of thunderous waterfalls and dropping anchor in secluded beach coves are just a few of the attractions of a Baltic yacht charter. Despite its fierce beauty, the Baltics remain off the beaten track, combining the thrill of remote adventure with some of the best cuisine, architecture, and heritage in the world.

Visit Tallinn’s Old Town in Estonia

The 13th century city of Tallinn is a pristine example of medieval and Hanseatic architecture. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, the beautifully preserved Old Town, with its cobbled streets and Gothic spires, is today a bustling hive of restaurants and shops, soaked in myth and legend.

Visit the hill of crosses in Lithuania

The 12km Hill of Crosses is a Lithuanian Catholic pilgrimage that has grown over time as those who complete the journey plant crosses in the remote hilly ground. It dates to the 1831 Uprisings and came under threat of demolition in the 60s and 70s. Today it is forbidden to remove a cross from the site and any visitor may plant a cross up to a certain size.

Take an Art Nouveau architecture walking tour in Latvia

Latvia’s capital city of Riva boasts the highest concentration of Art Nouveau architecture in the world. A highlight is Alberta Street, lined the full length with historic Art Nouveau-style buildings, and a must visit for history buffs. For rural walking tours, Latvia’s low hillside paths, fragrant pine forests, and quiet lakeside trails make for an idyllic afternoon before heading back to the yacht for the night.

The benefits of renting a mega yacht in Northern Europe

Bringing cutting-edge cool to wild exploration, a yacht charter is the best way to experience the crashing Baltic sea. Northern Europe’s worldly offering produces hip bars amid fleeting wildlife, where nature is free to flourish, and international cultures collide. It’s a trip like no other, best experienced by yacht.

Discover the very best that Northern Europe has to offer with a private yacht rental with Burgess.

To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for sale and yachts for charter, please contact a Burgess broker. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: London, Monaco, New York, Miami, Singapore or all other locations.