Though not specific to the city of Tallinn, I thought that this experience I had on the trip was worth noting, as it deeply added to the enjoyment of it, and had I not been savvy to it via the locals, would have missed out on the journey bit of this trip, which, as they say, is half the fun. I was making my way around Scandinavia when a friend in Finland suggested a trip across to Tallinn. Everyone there agreed this was an excellent trip to make (though they were all under the impression that it was still the cheapest place to buy things.) It very soon became apparent that the way to make the trip was by 'ferry.' Now, where I come from, a ferry is a small boat that a few cars and some stand
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Though not specific to the city of Tallinn, I thought that this experience I had on the trip was worth noting, as it deeply added to the enjoyment of it, and had I not been savvy to it via the locals, would have missed out on the journey bit of this trip, which, as they say, is half the fun. I was making my way around Scandinavia when a friend in Finland suggested a trip across to Tallinn. Everyone there agreed this was an excellent trip to make (though they were all under the impression that it was still the cheapest place to buy things.) It very soon became apparent that the way to make the trip was by 'ferry.'
Now, where I come from, a ferry is a small boat that a few cars and some stand along the rails passengers ride across a small body of water. An hour, maybe two. So when my friends told me we were going on a 12-hour ferry ride across the Gulf of Finland to Estonia, I left out my warmest waterproof gear and braced myself for a really rough trip. I even bought sea sickness pills, of which I have never had a problem. The prices we were paying only confirmed for me that this was going to be a miserable trip, so after a bus ride from Tampere to Helsinki, and then a hike through town to the docks, I found myself standing near the Rosella, completely taken by surprise.
The Viking line of 'ferries are actually ships. Proper ships. If the insides were accommodated in luxury, they would be cruise ships. As it is, though, it's a fun and different way for Scandinavians to spend their weekend city-hopping, or many just go along for the ride and the tax-free booze.
It was fantastic. Probably a lot of this was due to my massive relief, but still it was one of the most interesting parts of my trip to Estonia.
The cabins were small but very clean and just about as well equipped as any budget hotel room (including showers, toilets, and a small bathroom for changing and fixing up, as well as clean and tidy bunks.)
The ships were crowded, but it was in a festive atmosphere, and everyone was having a good time. You can walk the decks, where music played both our exit from Finland and our entrance to Estonia. The docks in both cities were easy to find and navigate, and the ride thoroughly enjoyable.
On the trip there, we actually arrived in the city at about midnight, but you had the option of staying on the boat for the night, or getting off then. As it was too late to find a hotel, we opted for a very pleasant night on board and greeted Tallinn as the sun rose.
This is such a uniquely Scandinavian way to see the city that I highly recommend you give it a try if you can.
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