Hello Forum!
I depend on you for all the best travel advice.
I want to visit Stockholm->Helsinki->Tallinn->Stockholm by ferry. Stockholm is a given. I am wondering about Helsinki & Tallinn. From what I have read, I can't sail overnight directly from Stockholm to Tallinn. So round trip from Stockholm to Helsinki it is.
I have about five overnight stays to "play around with." My priority is two nights at Tallinn. Would you recommend that I spend a night or two in Helsinki?
Thanks!
Marti
You can sail direct from Stockholm to Tallinn, I've done it.
Looking current schedules up Viking (Ferries, not the cruise line) and Tallink-Silja line still do that trip, but both companies are only in the summertime, which is when I went.
From what I have read, I can't sail overnight directly from Stockholm to Tallinn
Tallink has direct travel but not every day. Some days you have to go via Helsinki.
Viking line has travel in the summer between June 16 and August 9
All worthwhile cities. For me, Helsinki has less of a "wow" factor than Stockholm and Tallinn; nonetheless, I spent a total of about 8 nights in Helsinki in 2022 and 2023. It does have worthwhile sights, but it helps if you're into Art Nouveau architecture. Only 5 nights is painfully short; I'd prioritize Stockholm and Tallinn and definitely take advantage of overnight ferries to the extent you can, to preserve daylight hours for sightseeing.
Note that ferry fares--or at least cabin fees--vary with demand. Don't wait too late to book or you may pay quite a high price.
I knew the Travel Forum would come through! I was able to book a direct overnight ferry from Stockholm to Tallinn. No such luck on the return journey, so I will be spending at least a few hours in Helsinki before boarding the overnight ferry to Stockholm. Be sure to speak up if any of you has a suggestion of something to see, or somewhere to eat in Helsinki near the ferry terminal.
The overnight ferry looks like it will be great. I booked on the Tallink Silja Line. They are offering winter discounts (not on every sailing), so that was a plus.
Special thank you to ACraven. I always get such good advice from you. I booked three nights in Tallinn.
Viking and Tallink Silja use different docks in Helsinki. I took Viking and know there's nice Art Nouveau architecture and the Uspenski Cathedral (I think closed Monday) on Kattajanokka. Perhaps you're arriving on a Viking ship from Tallinn? For your Tallink Silja departure, I think the dock is on Etelaranta, which isn't very far south of the Vanha Kauppahalli (food hall; closed Sunday), the Kauppatori food stalls (grilled salmon, among other things) and the Esplanadi (promenade; some nice shopping). It's very pleasant to walk around that part of Helsinki if the weather is decent.
