Routes · Europe

Rome to the Baltic: Stockholm, Helsinki and Tallinn by ferry

Rome → Stockholm → Helsinki → Tallinn

Baltic capitals Best season (general guide): May–Sep

Three Baltic capitals can be linked by sea, with an overnight ferry and a short crossing. This route spends seven nights in summer. From Rome you'll fly to Stockholm.

Stockholm is built on islands. Gamla Stan, the old town, has narrow streets and a royal palace. On Djurgården, the Vasa Museum displays a warship that sank in 1628 and was raised in 1961. A boat trip to the archipelago shows where locals spend their summers.

Board the overnight ferry to Helsinki. The city's market square is by the harbour, and a short ferry goes to Suomenlinna, the sea fortress. Löyly, a public sauna by the sea, lets you try a Finnish sauna and a swim.

From Helsinki, a ferry crosses to Tallinn in about two to two and a half hours. Tallinn's old town has medieval walls and towers, and UNESCO lists it. Kalamaja and Telliskivi are former industrial areas, now full of cafés and studios.

May to September is the best season, with long days and frequent ferries.

Pacing: in Stockholm, buy a transport card for the metro, buses and ferries. Book the Vasa Museum early in the day, when it is quieter. The archipelago boats run frequently in summer.

Overnight ferries to Helsinki have cabins in several classes, and booking ahead gets you a better choice. The ship arrives in the morning, giving you a full day in the city. In Helsinki, the ferry to Suomenlinna leaves from the market square, and the fortress is good for a picnic.

Tallinn's old town is compact and best explored on foot, but the cobbles are uneven, so wear comfortable shoes. Kalamaja and Telliskivi are a short walk from the old town.

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