Traveling to Sweden by ferry is one of the most enjoyable ways to reach this Scandinavian country. Instead of rushing through an airport, you can relax onboard, watch the Baltic Sea pass by, enjoy a meal with sea views, and often sail past islands and archipelagos along the way.
Ferries are also practical. Many routes let you bring your own car, campervan, or motorcycle, and some allow pets, so you can explore well beyond Stockholm and Gothenburg at your own pace. Overnight crossings combine transport and accommodation: you board in the evening, sleep onboard, and wake up in Sweden.
Sweden has ferry links with Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Denmark, Norway, and the Åland Islands, so the best route depends on where you start.
From Germany, popular crossings include Rostock to Trelleborg, Travemünde to Malmö or Trelleborg, and Kiel to Gothenburg. The Kiel route is an overnight sailing with cabins, restaurants, and entertainment, and it shortens the drive north through Europe.
Poland has several routes: Gdynia to Karlskrona, Świnoujście to Trelleborg or Ystad, and Gdańsk to Nynäshamn, which is useful for reaching Stockholm.
From the Baltic states, Klaipėda in Lithuania connects to Karlshamn, and Ventspils in Latvia connects to Nynäshamn. These longer crossings are popular with drivers and campervan travelers, and a cabin is a good idea. From Estonia, Tallinn connects with Stockholm on an overnight, cruise-style journey.
Finland has some of the most frequent connections. Turku and Helsinki both sail to Stockholm, Naantali to Kapellskär, and Vaasa to Umeå. The Helsinki route is a classic Baltic crossing, often compared to a mini cruise. The Åland Islands, an autonomous region of Finland, also have links from Mariehamn to Stockholm and from Eckerö to Grisslehamn, especially in summer.
Denmark offers shorter crossings. Helsingør to Helsingborg takes only about 20 minutes, while Frederikshavn to Gothenburg and Rønne (on Bornholm) to Ystad take longer. From Norway, ferries connect Sandefjord with Strömstad, a popular shopping stop for Norwegian visitors.
Routes and schedules change by season, so check current timetables before booking. In summer, it is wise to reserve cabins and vehicle space early.