On 25 September 2025, the impressive training ship Georg Stage docked in Ålesund. With its tall masts and classic rigging, it was a beautiful sight in the harbour — and it was truly amazing to see this magnificent sailing ship up close and even photograph it. It was a perfect reminder of Scandinavia’s strong ties to the sea.
Georg Stage, built in 1934 at Frederikshavn Shipyard in Denmark, is a living reminder of a time when seafaring was both hard work and a symbol of adventure. The ship was originally built as a training ship for young sailors and has been in continuous operation since its launch in 1934. Today, it is part of the Georg Stage Memorial Foundation, which was founded in 1882 by shipowner Frederik Stage and his wife Thea. The foundation was established to provide young people with practical training in seafaring, and the ship still serves as a floating classroom.
The purpose of the Georg Stage is to provide young people between the ages of 17 and 22 with practical basic training in seafaring. On voyages around Europe, students learn cooperation, discipline and nautical knowledge – values that are just as important on land as at sea. When the training ship visits ports such as Ålesund, this tradition comes alive: the ship creates encounters between people, promotes cultural exchange and shows how maritime history still has an important place in our time.
