Stockholm, overnight ferry, Helsinki help

Posted by creesepv on 09/25/25 05:02 PM

Hi
My husband and I are thinking of flying into Stockholm in July. Spend a day touring Stockholm, next day take the overnight ferry to Helsinki.

-Has anyone taken the overnight ferry from Stockholm to Helsinki? Is there a restaurant that you would recommend and a specific time to eat? We want to see the islands as we depart. I heard to skip the buffet and do the sit down restaurant.

Is it better to spend more time in Helsinki taking day trips if we are looking for more walking/hiking instead of museums etc? Any recommended must do walk/hikes in either location?
TIA

Posted by ramblin' on 😎

Royaume-Uni

09/25/25 05:41 PM

2740 posts

There's a video on YouTube about this journey - you might find it interesting

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfeHbgUrFMA

Posted by Laura

Virginia, USA

09/25/25 05:46 PM

6289 posts

Have you been to Stockholm before? I really think you are shortchanging Stockholm by only spending one day there as there is so much to do. If you like to walk/hike, there are many places in Stockholm and the archipelago that are great for an outdoor experience.

I’ve taken the overnight ferry multiple times (both Viking and Tallink/Silja) although my last trip was 10 years ago. I’d be inclined to book a later seating so that you can spend time on deck outside as you depart Stockholm. As for restaurants, you might just check the menus to see what appeals to you and also see if you can book a seat by a window.

I don’t have any particular suggestions for hiking in Helsinki. I did plenty of walking visiting tourist sites around the harbor, at the Suomenlinna fortress and around the Seurasaari Open Air Museum.

Posted by creesepv OP

09/25/25 06:12 PM

210 posts

Thank you for the responses. We have not been to either city previously. We only have 6 days and would like to split between the 2 places if possible. If not, and we spend more in 1 location than another that would be fine as well.

Posted by Laura

Virginia, USA

09/25/25 06:45 PM

6289 posts

There is a lot more to do in Stockholm than Helsinki so I’d spend more of your time there.

For Stockholm walks, I’d suggest the following:
In the city:
Walk through Gamla Stan.
Walk around Djurgården, along the water.
Walk along Monteliusvägen (on Södermalm) for great views looking down at Gamla Stan.
If you like gardens, you might also enjoy walking through Tantolunden. It is filled with garden allotments and adorable garden sheds. https://www.visitstockholm.com/o/tantolunden/
Stockholm is a beautiful city for walking as there are parks and water everywhere.

For hiking, you might choose one of the islands in the archipelago if you want to walk in a natural setting. Grinda is relatively close to Stockholm so could be a good option.