Finland 2015 Round trip in July 2015 - by car across Finland – e.g. Helsinki, Karelia, Kerimäki, Kuopio, Kuusamo, Lahti, Oulu, Rauma, Rovaniemi, Saimaa, Savonlinna, Suomussalmi, Yyteri ...
Travel report part 1 Check-in ferry and day at sea (07/10/2015 - 07/11/2015)
There it finally was. Our first trip to Finland.
We reached Travemünde in the early evening. While we were enjoying the mild summer evening in the city harbor of Travemünde with a delicious fresh fish sandwich, the Finnlady reached the ferry port in Travemünde. Because it was our first big ferry trip and we didn't want to miss our ship, we arrived at the check-in way too early. The ship did not dock in Travemünde from Helsinki until before 9 p.m. and had to be unloaded first. This is the reason, why the journey on the ferry did not begin until around 11 p.m. Waiting in line at the check-in counter can be a bit tedious. But thanks to the anticipation of the upcoming holiday in Finland, we gladly accepted this. In addition to the size of the ship inside, we especially noticed the very good organization of the vehicle sorting by the mostly Finnish on- board personnel when we went on the ferry. Yes, you can already say that we had our first touch with the typical “cliché finn” here. Briefly, but with clearly defined instructions and everything calmly and without hectic. We liked that.
Shortly before midnight we reached our cabin tired. An outside cabin for up to 4 people, with shower, toilet, refrigerator (well at least that's what you call it) and a window with a view of the sea. Getting old a little, but spacious and clean, so that we could fall into bed quickly and satisfied.
When the ferry cast off, we were awakened once more by the jolting of the ship. When looking out of the window in the black night of Travemünde there was not much to see apart from a few lights at the harbor, which is why we slept on - after all, about 29 hours of driving and a distance of 611 nautical miles (1132km) lay ahead of us. The air in the cabin took a bit of getting used to, which logically can only be regulated via an air conditioning system. The constant slight roar of the engines and the swaying of the ship to and fro during the journey were also unusual. Fortunately, since the sea was calm, it was bearable.
Since we had decided us against the meal package - which we found quite expensive - on our first trip to Finland, we were able to sleep long on the next morning. The sea was still calm, so we started the day well rested with a tour of the ship. In the far distance we could still discover the coast of the island of Rügen. Otherwise, apart from a few ships, there was only water to be seen as far as the eye could see throughout the day.
The journey on the ferry is like an abrupt braking process - pure deceleration. Goodbye to hustle and bustle. If the weather cooperates, you can spend time on deck. You can while away the time in the cabin with reading, board games or watching TV, or you can relax with a coffee and a small snack in the on-board bistro. There was also a smaller fitness room and sauna available for those who were interested, but we didn't use them.
The small on-board shop was quickly explored. Here we also got the first impression of Finnish price conditions. We had already heard that Finland was not cheap. Nevertheless, we were astonished that the simple chocolate bar would cost between 3 and 4 euros. Even our brief consideration of getting a seat at dinner on board was quickly discarded thanks to the - as we found at this point in time - impressive price of around € 30 per person. Fortunately we had plenty of food on board.
In full anticipation and excitement for what might await us in Finland, the day went by quickly and ended with a wonderful sunset over the Baltic Sea.
Finland 2015 Round trip in July 2015 - by car across Finland – e.g. Helsinki, Karelia, Kerimäki, Kuopio, Kuusamo, Lahti, Oulu, Rauma, Rovaniemi, Saimaa, Savonlinna, Suomussalmi, Yyteri ...
Impressions: