All aboard! A Finlandia ferry from Helsinki shoots across the Baltic Sea to Tallinn, Estonia in only two and one-half hours. Feels more like a cruise ship than a ferry. Bars and restaurants galore, multi-gambling machines everywhere, live clown entertainment for the children, and duty-free shopping keep passengers hustling. Finns fill up hand trucks to take advantage of cheaper prices on alcohol and cigarettes, as everything except housing in Finland is expensive.
Ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn, Estonia
Live Entertainment on the Ferry from Helsinki to Estonia
We walk straight to Old Town, where Estonians have restored medieval buildings in a meticulous manner. Ten percent of Tallinn Old Town was destroyed by the Soviets during WWII, while the German army occupied Estonia. The surviving buildings, churches, fortresses, and streets date back from the 13th to 16th centuries.
Viru Gate, Tallinn, Estonia
St. Nicholas Church, Tallinn, Estonia
Town Hall Square, Tallinn, Estonia
Also restored are tensions between Estonia and Russia. In the 20th century Russia forced Estonia to become part of the Soviet Union prior to the collapse in 1991. The current war that Russia started with Ukraine obviously has Estonians on edge.
Tallinn, Estonia
They are convinced that once the fighting stops in Ukraine, Putin will turn his attention to the border with them.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Tallinn, Estonia
Meanwhile, Marilynn and I marvel at the walls and alleyways that wrap around the unique city of Tallinn, and gasp at the city views from Toompea Hill.
Walls of Tallinn, Estonia
Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform, Tallinn, Estonia
Street merchants cater to tourists by dressing in traditional attire and utilizing period furnishings in restaurants and shops, which makes for an enjoyable and festive atmosphere.
Tallinn, Estonia
Typical Restaurant Tallinn Estonia
Wish that we could say the same about the food. We were looking forward to inexpensive, tasty, and hearty fare. How can cabbage rolls and pork chops taste dry and bland? As photogenic as it appears, the small, pricey portions surprise us with disappointment.
Lunch, Photogenic, but not Tasty
Cabbage Rolls, Tallinn, Estonia
As the clouds roll in and rain pours, we hustle back to the “Love Boat” with the slot machines, bars, restaurants, shopping, and clown entertainment.
Ferry from Tallinn, Estonia to Helsinki
An interesting day trip from Helsinki introduced us to an industrious people with a rich, well-preserved history. It also reminded us of the far-reaching implications and possibilities of war on a country’s doorstep. Serves as a stark reminder for all of us to appreciate and enjoy our lives and freedoms while we have them.
“Peace” Tallinn, Estonia
Thank you, Abundant Universe!
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One thing about the Baltic countries, most of the architecture is still in place; not much bombing during WW2.
Finland has the highest rate of literacy in the world, plus they drink quite a bit of coffee per person.
And alcohol! Still intrigued by the Finns consistently designated as the happiest people in the world.
Have heard great things about Tallinn, fun to see the photos. Bummer about the food though. And can’t wait to hear more about Finland! My niece married a Finn (well, half, his father was born there). Based on what I’ve seen on social media joking about the Finns, he is totally a Finn. Anyway, onward!
Yes, the food was disappointing, but I’m thinking that since we were only hanging in the hot tourist area, that the food may be much better in the “real” areas of town. Onwards!