Crossing the Gulf of Finland: a day trip from Tallinn to Helsinki
From the Estonian to the Finnish capital: there are many reasons to cross the Gulf of Finland. So, we have put together 4 tips for the best travel itinerary.
Let the day trip to Helsinki begin!
1. From the port of Helsinki to Kauppatori 2. Stroll to Senate Square and visit the Cathedral 3. At the Dome of Silence, discover a church built into the rock 4. Take a sauna and ride the Finnair Sky Wheel Book your ferry to Finland now!1. From the port of Helsinki to the famous Kauppatori
Your journey starts from our ferry portal. Here, you can choose your preferred day and time and compare the prices.
Our advice is to leave in the morning at 7:30. The crossing takes around 2 hours, so by 9:30, you can start your tour to explore the Finnish capital. For the return journey, there are several options. Still, we advise you to stay until 19:30 to have enough time to experience the city at different times of the day.
Helsinki is a popular tourist destination, and it's not too big, so you can get around easily on foot.
Due to its proximity to the port, the first stop on your day trip will be Kauppatori, Helsinki's market. Walking around the stalls, you will find souvenirs, clothes, and typical Finnish culinary treats. This open-air market fully embodies that Nordic way of life. You'll be surrounded by the scents, colors, and craftsmanship.
You can also admire Helsinki's most famous fountain, the Havis Amanda, which depicts a nymph coming out of the sea. It has become one of the city's symbols and represents its rebirth.
2. Stroll to Senate Square and visit the Cathedral
It takes you no more than 5 minutes on foot to get to Senate Square, also known as Senaatintori. Here, in the heart of the Old Town, you will also find the white Helsinki Cathedral. A spectacular and imposing neoclassical building whose green domes, the central one, in particular, dominate the city's skyline. This protestant cathedral was designed by Carl Ludvig Engel and inspired by the Pantheon in Paris. Our advice is to go inside; it's open every day from 9:00 to 18:00 with free admission.
Overlooking Senate Square are other historic buildings, including Government buildings, the University of Helsinki, and the Finnish National Library. The oldest is Sederholm House, the city's first stone house, built in 1757.
3. At the Dome of Silence and discover a church built into the Rock
Keep walking through the streets of the historic center, and in 15 minutes, you will arrive at an incredible place. Known as the Chapel of Silence, the Kamppi Chapel is adored by architecture enthusiasts. So far from traffic noise, you will feel like you are in another dimension; the church owes its name to this silence. The Chapel is open daily except for religious events and celebrations; free admission here too.
Next, pass the Finnish Parliament, the capital's political heart, characterized by its distinctive and unique architecture. Then you will reach another place you must visit, the Temppeliaukion Kirkko or Church in the Rock.
As the name suggests, the Church in the Rock is carved out of the rock and stands out as one of Europe's most fascinating churches. The partly subterranean building was designed by architects Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen and has a copper dome and large windows that create a beautiful soft light inside. Admission costs €5 for adults, while children are free.
4. Take a sauna and ride the Finnair Sky Wheel
In Finland, there is one sauna for every two inhabitants! Rather than a luxury, it is considered a necessity here as a place to relax and find peace of mind. It is, in fact, an authentic cultural tradition. So taking a sauna is a must on your day trip to Helsinki!
Although most people have a private sauna, there are still 3 public saunas called Arla, Kotiharju, and Hermanni, which has separate saunas for men and women.
Introduced to Helsinki in 2014 on the Katajanokka pier, the Finnair Sky Wheel is the city's ferris wheel. Admire the view of the Bay of Helsinki from 40 meters high at the top of the wheel; you can see as far as the little islands which mark the coastline.
It's a highly recommended experience all year round. The cabins are all air-conditioned, and the ride lasts about 15 minutes. The cost is €14 for adults, €10 for children aged 3 to 11, and entirely free for children under 2.
The Finnish capital offers all kinds of cultural experiences, famous as the city of design, for its university, and much more. Moreover, Helsinki's varied modern and old architecture contrasts the naturally beautiful countryside surrounding the city.
Let's end with a fun fact; according to The Economist, Helsinki is one of the 10 most livable cities in the world. Whether it's for you or not remains to be discovered. Meanwhile, take advantage of the opportunity to take a day trip to one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
Book your ferry now. Click here.
