Finland > By boat to Helsinki

After a good night, we have breakfast at the hotel in Tallinn. At half past nine, we load the luggage and drive to the ferry terminal. When we arrive, the gate for our ferry isn’t open yet. We wait patiently in line. Once the gate opens and we can check in, we have to wait a bit further along.

Finland - The ferry towards Helsinki

The ferry from Helsinki has just arrived, and all the cars still need to disembark. A man comes by with a measuring stick for our car, but with the roof tent, we are definitely taller than 2.40 meters. We cannot park on the deck for passenger cars. Together with trucks, caravans, and campers, we are directed to a large parking area. We drive the car aboard. It’s not too busy with freight traffic; the deck is about half full. We head to the upper decks. There are several bars, a restaurant, and plenty of gambling options. On the open deck, music is playing. We sit in the sunshine with a cup of coffee. As the boat leaves the harbor, the wind picks up, and we move inside. After two hours of sailing, the Finnish coast comes into view. From the deck, there is a beautiful view of the many islands off Finland’s coast. As the ferry nears the dock, everyone is asked to return to their cars. Once the loading ramp is down, we can disembark. We drive into Helsinki. Our hotel is on the edge of the city center. There are parking spaces at the hotel, but the garage has a height limit of only 1.80 meters. At the reception, we receive a map showing nearby parking options, likely free. After some searching, we find a spot. It requires a parking disc, which covers us exactly until five o’clock. From the hotel, we walk into the city. The weather is still wonderful—actually quite warm. Near the hotel is the Rock Church. The Temppeliaukio Church, as it’s officially called, is carved out of solid rock and has a glass roof—a unique combination.

Finland - The Lutheran Cathedral is a symbol in Helsinki

Through the beautiful station, we reach the shopping streets. The streets are lively and bustling. Esplanadi Park is also crowded, with tourists, street performers, and Helsinki locals enjoying the sun. The park leads to Kauppatori Market Square. At one of the market stalls, we order a toasted sandwich and a drink, as we haven’t had lunch yet. The nearby Helsinki Cathedral is visible from a distance. Construction of this Lutheran church began in 1830. The city of Helsinki was shaped around the cathedral and Senate Square. While the exterior of the cathedral is impressive, the interior is simple and modest. From the cathedral, we walk north, around the Toolonlahti inner lake to the Olympic Stadium, and then back past the opera house to the station and city center. On a terrace in the sun, we order a beer. The price of beer here is noticeably higher than what we’ve paid over the past week—definitely an adjustment for Scandinavia. On the way back to the hotel, we find a nice, simple restaurant where we end the day.