Helsinki – Tallinn is one of the busiest routes in the world, traveled by more than 9 million passengers a year.
It is an ideal itinerary for an unforgettable trip for lovers of Northern Europe between the capital of Finland and Estonia.
September is an ideal month to sail the Baltic Sea and visit the Gulf of Finland, a destination rich in nature parks and reserves, perfect for birdwatching, hiking and kayaking. In this article we will discuss ferries to get to Tallinn from Helsinki via one of Scandinavia’s most important routes.
Ferries to get to Tallinn From Helsinki
The capital of Finland, Helsinki, is about 75 km equivalent to 41 nautical miles from Tallinn, the capital of Estonia.
This is a fairly short crossing; ferries, on average, take only 2 hours to get to Tallinn by sailing through the waters of the Baltic Sea across the coast of Finland and the islands of the spectacular Gulf of Finland.
These two destinations are very well connected, given also the significant traveler traffic between Helsinki and Tallinn.
There are normally about 9 departures per day from both destinations and up to 67 connections per week. Despite the numerous and frequent connections, it is advisable to book in advance, especially if you need to take on bulky vehicles such as campers and caravans.
Exploring the Gulf of Finland aboard ferries
The Gulf of Finland, in the Baltic Sea, is a unique place in the world in terms of beauty and cultural and historical interest.
It is one of Northern Europe’s top tourist destinations, visited by millions of travelers every year.
The main cities to visit are Helsinki, Tallinn and St. Petersburg, among the most important cities in the Scandinavian region.
Cities to Visit:
– Helsinki, Finland
Finland’s capital is an important and vibrant coastal city with unique architecture, museums, and a lively food scene.
Don’t miss Helsinki Cathedral, the Market Square, and the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art.
Authentic Finnish saunas are not to be missed. Many hotels and spas offer this option with sea views.
– Tallinn, Estonia
The Estonian capital is famous for its medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cobbled streets, ancient city walls, and towers create an enchanted atmosphere.
– St. Petersburg, Russia
If conditions permit, visiting St. Petersburg can be an incredible experience with its lavish palaces, picturesque canals, and historic monuments such as the Hermitage and the Winter Palace.
The Islands of the Gulf of Finland
The route to Tallinn from Helsinki skirts the famous islands of the Gulf of Finland, a unique place in the world for natural beauty and cultural and historical sights.
They lie just between Helsinki, Tallinn and St. Petersburg.
Once you disembark from the ferry at one of these destinations, we recommend joining one of the many organized trips to visit the nearest islands. It will be a unique opportunity to admire unusual views and take unforgettable photographs.
Not to be missed:
– Suomenlinna Marine Fortress.
Only 15 minutes by ferry from the center of Helsinki
This 18th-century maritime fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can explore the network of ramparts, underground tunnels, old barracks, and enjoy local museums, such as the Suomenlinna War Museum.
It is also a great place for scenic walks and picnics.
– Vallisaari near Suomenlinna, accessible by ferry from Helsinki
It was formerly a military base, which today can be visited and is popular with tourists.
In Vallisaari you can see remnants of old fortifications, bunkers and other military structures that tell the island’s history as a defensive outpost. In particular Aleksanterinpatteri, an old artillery battery with an incredible view of the Gulf of Finland.
– Lonna is a small island located near Vallisaari.
About a 10-minute ferry ride from the port of Helsinki
This island is a former military facility for demagnetization of ships, now known for ‘intimate and cozy atmosphere.
It offers a quiet space to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is popular with tourists especially for the public sauna where you can have the authentic Finnish experience overlooking the sea.
Not to be missed.
In addition to the sauna, the island offers a seasonal restaurant serving traditional Finnish dishes with local ingredients.
– Prangli 20 km northeast of Tallinn
A must-see place to savor the true flavor of the Baltic region.
It is an inhabited island, where you can still breathe in the authentic atmosphere of Baltic Sea fishing communities. Old maritime lighthouses and ancient churches can be visited in Prangli.
In addition, the island offers several typical taverns where you can taste typical Estonian cuisine.
– Naissaar 8 km off the coast of Tallinn
A former Soviet military base, the island is now a nature reserve with lush forests, sandy beaches, and old abandoned military buildings.
You can explore the bunkers, go hiking, and enjoy panoramic views of the gulf.
The traditional and unmissable Finnish sauna
Those who visit the Finnish Baltic Sea regions cannot help but try a traditional Finnish sauna. It is a unique experience that will not only provide an intense state of well-being and relaxation, but will also make your vacation unforgettable. To understand the culture of the regions overlooking the Baltic Sea, it is very important to immerse yourself in the ancient traditions of these places, and the sauna is precisely one of the most important and significant ones.
The sauna is a place to relax and spend time with family and friends. In Finland, it is considered a neutral space, where social status does not matter, and one can feel free from all worries. Traditionally, it was considered a sacred place for purification not only of the body, but also of the mind and soul.
It was common in the past to use it to prepare for important events such as weddings and births, but also of important economic negotiations.
The true traditional Finnish sauna is the Savusauna wood-fired without a chimney, where smoke fills the sauna creating the unmistakable smoky, aromatic atmosphere.
Structures are made strictly of fir or birch wood, and benches are arranged on several levels to provide varying degrees of heat. Typically the temperature is between 70°C and 100°C, with relatively low humidity that is regulated by pouring water over the hot stones (a gesture called löyly), which creates immediate steam and an intense heat wave.
Finns often alternate sessions in the sauna with cold baths, dips in a lake, or ice-cold showers, a ritual that stimulates circulation and revitalizes the body.
It is common to use birch branches (called vihta or vast) to gently massage the skin and improve circulation.
Finally, it is good to know that it is common to take sauna in the nude, but in public settings, a towel can be used, especially in mixed saunas.
September is the ideal month to travel on ferries between Helsinki and Tallinn
The best months to visit Helsinki, the Gulf of Finland and Tallinn in Estonia are from June to October.
During these periods the days are longer and the weather conditions are ideal for sailing in the Baltic Sea.
Many travelers also enjoy going to Helsinki and Tallinn during the Christmas season, with the magical atmosphere of the Nordic cities illuminated by snow and Christmas lights.
You can also try winter experiences such as ice skating and snowshoeing.
How much does the ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn cost
The price of ferries on the Helsinki – Tallinn route is generally around 90 euros per passenger. The cost increases if you decide to board vehicles aboard ferries or transport pets.
All shipping companies, in fact allow these options.
In addition, costs can also vary depending on the period.
Remember that booking ferries to Helsinki and Tallinn in advance is always recommended and is also convenient. Ferrfinder is directly connected with the databases of the shipping companies Eckerö Line, Tallink Siljae Viking Line to always offer the travel solutions at the lowest prices available on the market. Interested in news about travel in Northern Europe?
Also read our article on ferries to Norway’s fjords
