Coast hopping in the Baltic Sea

Are you looking for a different way to explore the Baltic Sea? Why not go coast hopping in northern Europe?

At the heart of the Baltic Sea, discover the emblematic towns and capitals of the region, a blend of history and incredible landscapes. Read our guide to an unforgettable coast-to-coast 7-day itinerary in the Baltic Sea and get ready for a different travel experience!

The colorful buildings of Tallinn

Coast hopping by ferry in the Baltic Sea

Here are top routes for a 7-day adventure in the Baltic Sea:

Day 1: Tallinn - Helsinki

Estonia and its vibrant capital city, Tallinn, are great places to start exploring the Baltic Sea. After a few days of strolling around its Unesco-listed Old Town and exploring its medieval buildings, it's time to board the ferry to Helsinki!

There are up to 7 daily ferry connections between the ports of Tallinn and Helsinki. The first ferry connection from Tallinn to Helsinki is in the morning, and after a 2 hour ferry ride, you will arrive in Finland's capital, Helsinki.

Situated on a peninsula surrounded by nearly 300 islands, Helsinki will enchant you with its Art Nouveau architecture. This modern Scandinavian city is a magnificent year-round vacation destination and a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and art lovers.

Thanks to the city’s size, you can visit many of Helsinki’s top attractions in 1 day. You can start your day with a traditional Finnish breakfast, stroll through Esplanade Park, and then visit the magnificent Art Nouveau Central Station. After exploring the city center, you can visit one of the city's many museums and eat street food at the Old Market Hall.

Interesting fact: did you know that in Finland there are more saunas than cars? They are a part of everyday life in Helsinki, so we recommend visiting one during your stay.

Tip: if you want to see what a ferry trip between Estonia and Finland looks like, check out all of the available on-board services for the Tallinn-Helsinki route.

The impressive skyline of Helsinki

Day 2-3: Helsinki - Stockholm

You can continue your Baltic Sea adventure by taking the overnight ferry from Helsinki to Stockholm. There are up to 2 daily ferry connections between the ports of Helsinki and Stockholm. The first ferry from Helsinki usually leaves around 17:00 and arrives in the Swedish capital around 10:00 the following morning.

Built on water, the Swedish capital embraces nature, which is all around. Its unique blend of medieval architecture, colorful houses and trendy neighborhoods makes it a particularly appealing city to visit.

If you want to experience the pulse of the "floating city", we advise staying in Stockholm for at least 2 days. Start your first day in Old Town (Gamla Stan) to get a sense of the history and culture of the city. After lunch, spend the rest of the day on a guided cruise of the Stockholm archipelago, seeing both the historic and contemporary sides of Stockholm.

On the second day, you can go museum hopping. The Royal Palace, the Stockholm City Museum, the Nobel Museum, and the Vasa Museum are all must-sees. Another excellent option is to take a guided tour of Stockholm City Hall, one of Sweden's most famous buildings that also serves as the site of the annual Nobel Prize Banquet.

Interesting fact: with nearly 100 museums, Stockholm has more museums per person than almost anywhere else in the world!

Strolling around the lovely promenade of Stockholm

Day 4: Stockholm - Mariehamn

Another ferry adventure starts from Stockholm and continues to Mariehamn, the capital of the Åland Island in Finland. There are up to 4 daily ferry connections between the 2 ports, with travel times ranging from 6 to 18 hours depending on the ferry company.

Mariehamn, known as the world's smallest metropolis, is a popular tourist destination for those looking for a laid-back lifestyle and relaxing vacations. Visit the Åland's Maritime Museum to learn about the city's maritime history. Take a stroll through Sjökvarteret, the maritime quarter, where you'll find cozy cafes and gift shops.

If you enjoy sports, you can go cycling or hiking while admiring the natural landscapes. You can also take a guided boat tour to the remote lighthouses around Åland and enjoy a sea adventure, or simply have a picnic at the beach of Lilla Holmen, which is ideal for children.

A characteristic landscape in Mariehamn

Day 5-7: Mariehamn - Helsinki - Travemünde

Did you know that you can travel to Germany from Scandinavian ports? After exploring Marienhamn, take the ferry back to Helsinki. The overnight crossing from Mariehamn to Helsinki takes approximately 10 hours to arrive in Finland's capital!

If you haven't had enough of Helsinki's atmosphere, we recommend spending a few more hours here. If you are traveling with your family, there are many places to go ice skating in Helsinki (the kids will definitely love it). You can also visit the iconic Helsinki Cathedral before heading to a cafe to enjoy Helsinki's best hot chocolate, before taking the next ferry to Germany!

The ferry crossing from Helsinki takes about 28 hours to reach the port of Travemünde (Lübeck) in Germany and there are up to 7 weekly ferry crossings between these ports.

Even though the journey from Finland to Germany appears to be long, it is like a mini-cruise as the vessels of the ferry company Finllines provide the ultimate in comfort and class. Get ready to be pampered during this one-day cruise, with rich buffets, sophisticated bars and cozy suites, as well as gyms, saunas and playgrounds. For more information, you can visit our blog and check all the facilities and services of Finnlines ferries.

After a comfortable and pleasant trip, you will arrive at the German port of Travemünde. Before returning home, you can spend a few hours exploring this lovely Baltic Sea seaside resort. Visit the beach and stroll down the promenade before dining at one of the city's well-known seafood restaurants.

Boat tour in Travemünde

Where to book ferry tickets to the Baltic Sea online

If you're ready for the ultimate Baltic Sea adventure, start planning your trip! Whatever your starting point, you can check all the available routes on our Map Ferries, find the ones that suit you best, and book your ferry tickets to Estonia, Finland, Sweden, and Germany on Ferryhopper!