Volunteer on a ship in Sweden and discover the living world of the Ostindiefararen Götheborg, a remarkable wooden replica of an East Indiaman based in Gothenburg. This opportunity is for adults who are curious about maritime history, traditional ship work, community life and practical volunteering in a port setting. Volunteers may help with maintenance, visitor activities, events and everyday tasks around the ship. The host mentions free food and accommodation, with practical details to be confirmed directly before applying. Below you can read the opportunity in the host’s own words.
Update: volunteer program currently suspended
This volunteer opportunity is currently suspended until further notice. The listing remains online for informational purposes, but the host is not accepting new volunteer applications at the moment. Please do not make travel plans based on this opportunity unless the program is confirmed as active again.
Volunteer aboard one of the world’s most unique ships!
As we are staying in port right now, we’re opening our doors to everyone who wants to take part, and we will be accepting volunteers on an ongoing basis right here in Gothenburg.
Volunteering with us includes a wide range of tasks suitable for all levels of experience. We continuously maintain the ship and its surroundings, and since we are open to visitors, we also organize various events and activities which we need help with. Our regular working hours are Mon-Fi 8:30 to 15:00 and on special occasions during weekends/evenings. We offer all our volunteers working clothes and lunch.
Our introductions to new volunteers are every Monday at 8:30.
Most of our Volunteers are from Sweden but we are excited to invite people from all around the world to share the joy of working with the wooden lady.
Location (city/town, region, country) 📍
What are you looking for help with?
- Building 🛠
- Computer/Web 💻
- General Help 💁♀️
Sensitive activities clarification
Some tasks involve simple manual work that does not require the operation of large machinery. Work on board sometimes requires climbing, which is done on a voluntary basis; we provide appropriate safety training and support. We maintain high safety standards, ensure constant supervision, and encourage open communication so that everyone feels safe.
What’s the mission of your community? 🎯
At Ostindiefararen Götheborg, we have always relied on our wonderful community of passionate people. Thousands of volunteers have helped to build, sail, and maintain the ship over the years.
We are constantly building a community of people with an interest in the ship: her history, her maintenance, her cultural value, her fascination.
Our goal is to create a welcoming atmosphere where everyone, regardless of age or experience, can learn, contribute, and meet new people. We are a place where people feel valued and part of a team.
Volunteers with disabilities ♿
Possibly, depending on needs.
The ship in general is not wheelchair-accessible, and we ask our volunteers to be honest about their physical condition so that we can ensure a safe working environment for everyone. We can find tasks that do not require manual labor or physical work.
Communication is key!
How many volunteers could you host? 🎎
- Up to 10 volunteers
When do you usually need volunteers? 📅
- All year round.
How many hours of help per day? ⏱
- 4–5 hours/day
How many days of help per week? 🌒
- Two to three days per week. However, we are flexible when well communicated.
Notes about the work, schedule, and house rules (optional)
- Regular volunteering hours: Mon-Fri 8:30-15:00
- Fika at 10:00
- Lunch 12:30-13:15
- We ask volunteers who stay on board to be here for at least one week.
Are accommodation and food included? 🏠🍜
- Yes, food and accommodation are included
What type of accommodation can you provide? 🏕
- Dormitory/shared rooms 🛌
- Other 💁♀️
Diet – nutrition information 🥗🥤
- We adjust for special diets of our volunteers.
Fee transparency (required) 💳
- No fee
VISA SUPPORT – Are you able to assist with visa support, information, or provide invitation letters? 🛂
- No, volunteers must arrange visas independently ❌
What volunteers receive 🏆🏅
Our volunteers get to experience a beautiful, ocean-going replica of an East Indiaman. If you stay overnight, you’ll sleep on board! You’ll also learn about the ship’s history, rigging, and construction process… We focus on teaching how traditional work is done (be prepared to get your hands dirty with tar!), but also on making the ship a real experience for our visitors at the pier. During events, volunteers actively participate in various tasks, and our community fosters cultural exchange and shared activities. Since our staff lives in the city, we can recommend leisure activities and local support.
What are the available activities during free time? 🚴🚣🦒
Everything that Gothenburg and Sweden has to offer!
Nearby hikes, the sea, nature, museums, events, shopping, Swedish fika (!) and so on.
Languages spoken on site 🗣 🗣🇬🇧
The working language is English, sometimes mixed with Swedish nautical terms.
Geography 🌳
Gothenburg is located on Sweden’s west coast, where the Göta River flows into the Kattegat Sea. As Sweden’s second-largest city, it combines urban life with easy access to nature, making it a unique place to live, work, and volunteer.
The landscape around Gothenburg is predominantly coastal, characterized by rocky shorelines, small islands, forests, lakes, and rolling countryside. Just offshore lies the beautiful Gothenburg Archipelago, known for its picturesque fishing villages, maritime culture, and stunning sea views. While the region is not mountainous, it features gentle hills and extensive natural areas that are popular for hiking, cycling, and outdoor recreation.
The climate is temperate and strongly influenced by the sea. Summers are generally mild and pleasant, with average temperatures between 18–25°C, while winters are cool, often ranging from -5°C to 5°C. The region receives rainfall throughout the year, and changing weather conditions are a familiar part of life on Sweden’s west coast.
How to get to your site ✈ 🗺
Nearest Airport: Landvetter Göteborg
Ferry: Stena Line from Fredriksavn (Danmark) or Kiel (Germany)
Public transport in Gothenburg to our pier:
- Bus to Sörhallstorget then a 5-minute walk
- Ferry to Eriksberg Färjeläge then a 3-minute walk
Parking:
- Limited paid parking nearby. Public transport is recommended.
Is there internet access? 🌐
- Yes, reliable Wi-Fi
Before applying: please confirm your travel dates, arrival details and insurance needs before making travel plans. International volunteers need to have their own accident insurance.
APPLICATIONS CURRENTLY CLOSED 🔒
This volunteer program is currently suspended until further notice, and the host is not accepting new volunteer applications at this time.
For this reason, Voluntouring is not forwarding applications for this opportunity right now. Please check other active volunteer opportunities on Voluntouring.org.
Sailing and beach cleaning volunteer program in Norway 🇳🇴 (free)