When people think of Sweden, perhaps images of Vikings, forests, and minimalist design come to mind.

But there’s more: Swedes adore boats.

The numbers speak volumes: Sweden has over 800,000 registered leisure boats, from sailboats to kayaks. And they don´t need to be registered. There are over a 1000 boating clubs along the coastlines, lake shores, and riverbanks, many of them founded more than a hundred years ago.

During my first summer in Stockholm, I was really surprised: it seemed to me that the whole city had moved to the water, including my sambo. I thought to myself: boating is woven into their DNA. And, given their viking heritage, maybe it is. More important, though, is that owning a boat is not a luxury reserved for the wealthy elite.

In Sweden, boating is accessible to all.

The price tag isn’t astronomical

Sure, you can find luxurious yachts and mega cruisers, but that’s not the whole story. Here, boats come in all shapes and sizes, catering to various budgets. Whether you’re eyeing a classic wooden sailboat or a practical motorboat, there’s something for everyone. The secondhand market is your treasure trove—well-maintained boats at reasonable prices.

Non-profit boating clubs: community matters

Non-profit boating clubs in Sweden are not after big profits; they thrive on camaraderie and shared love for the water.  The non-profit scene in general is huge and important in Sweden, but that, my friends, is a whole different post.

Here’s how they make boating accessible:

Community spirit: It’s more than owning a boat—it’s about belonging to a community that celebrates wind, waves, and water. Members chat, swap stories, and lend a hand with boat maintenance.

Docks and mooring areas:

Many clubs manage their own docks or mooring spots. Joining means easy access to these facilities. Docking your boat without hefty marina fees—that’s the magic of community-driven spaces.

Lower fees:

Non-profit clubs keep costs reasonable. They’re not chasing profits, so your membership dues won’t break the bank. Instead, they invest in safety courses, social gatherings, and shared resources. What you as a member need to do is help out with whatever needs to be done: painting the club house, being on the board, doing night watch, workong out on the club island. etc. Yes - many clubs actually own islands in lakes or the sea accessible to their members.

Sweden’s boating culture reflects its core values: community, resourcefulness, and togetherness.

And the heartwarming part for my slavic soul: everyone waves.

Whether you’re in a kayak, a sailboat, or a motorboat, when eyes meet across the waves, hands lift in greeting.

They say it’s universal, this silent hello. But in Sweden, it feels like a secret language and makes a cold Baltic sea a little warmer.