Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Giovanni Lamonica, Aralsk, Kazakhstan.

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Giovanni Lamonica,
Aralsk, Kazakhstan.



Like Tree2Likes
  • 2 Post By AnTyx

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 20 May 2019
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 5
UK to the Baltics and then Scandinavia.

Hi all,
Sorry I'm not familiar with the search function on this forum but I am planning a trip from the UK, east through Poland, then the Baltics, over to Finland and back down via Sweden, Denmark etc. Probably 2-3 weeks.
Is there a thread on this please? Especially info on the best ferry options?
Thanks in advance, Ian
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 23 May 2019
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Tartu, Estonia
Posts: 1,045
Lots of threads - just scroll through the forum.

Lots of ferries. Tallink Silja (Tallinn-Stockholm, Helsinki-Stockholm and Tallinn-Helsinki) will carry a motorcycle for free if you know the trick.

In Finland there's a train that will carry you and your bike up to the Arctic Circle overnight, instead of two days' riding.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 23 May 2019
Donmanolo's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Mainly Slovenia
Posts: 371
Quote:
Originally Posted by AnTyx View Post
Lots of threads - just scroll through the forum.



..... Tallinn-Helsinki) will carry a motorcycle for free if you know the trick.
....


.
Oooh please tell..... ! ( Interested in Helsinki Tallinn next month sometime )

Sent from my BV7000 PRO using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 24 May 2019
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Tartu, Estonia
Posts: 1,045
I thought it was pinned around here somewhere... basically, you have to book at www.tallinksilja.de (specifically .DE, this is a deal they have with Louis.de, the German chain of motorcycle gear shops), choose your tickets, and enter the discount code 95845.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 26 May 2019
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 5
Thanks, this is great info. I’ll definitely search out the train option and free ferry transport. I was just struggling searching the threads. Thanks again.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 14 Jun 2019
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: USA
Posts: 102
Quote:
Originally Posted by AnTyx View Post



In Finland there's a train that will carry you and your bike up to the Arctic Circle overnight, instead of two days' riding.
What is the train?

Sent from my moto g(6) play using Tapatalk
__________________
Greg "WANDRR" Turp
2WANDRRs.com
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 14 Jun 2019
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Tartu, Estonia
Posts: 1,045
https://www.vr.fi/cs/vr/en/frontpage#tabs-2

Note: you CAN buy car-train tickets online, but last time I did it, the loadmaster in Kolari told me that for motorcycle travelers, they really prefer if you call the booking hotline and book on the phone. A phone agent can leave a special note for loadmasters to prepare the special motorcycle equipment in the train carriage (wheel chocks, etc.).

There are different carriage and seat types on the train; the best carriage (2-bed sleeper with your own shower) is only a little bit more expensive than a regular sleeper bed, so I would go for that for sure.

The northernmost destinations of the car-train are Kolari (by the Swedish border) or Rovaniemi (center-east part of the road). Kolari is easily a day's ride from Honningsvag/Nordkapp. Rovaniemi is doable in a day too, but a bit exhausting.

They're roughly the same in terms of scenery; the western (Kolari) route is easier for most of the way and then more scenic/twisty once you get past Enontekiö and into Norway proper. The eastern/central (Rovaniemi) route probably has less traffic.

Look out for reindeer on both routes. They WILL be standing in the middle of the road just behind a blind crest.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 14 Jun 2019
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,905
Quote:
Originally Posted by AnTyx View Post
https://www.vr.fi/cs/vr/en/frontpage#tabs-2
They WILL be standing in the middle of the road just behind a blind crest.
In a reindeer-colored fog bank, with reindeer-colored rocks for a backdrop.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 20 Jun 2019
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 5
I have booked the ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki and will then ride up to Rovaniemi. It may take two or three days but I think I will see more than being on the train. Then either up to Nordkapp or down to Stockholm, I’ll see how things go.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 21 Jun 2019
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Tartu, Estonia
Posts: 1,045
Quote:
Originally Posted by f-head View Post
I think I will see more than being on the train.
Let us know your impressions afterwards. Would be interesting to know if it's just me who thinks south-central Finland highways are boring.

Once you're up as far as Rovaniemi, might as well push all the way to Nordkapp and get a selfie at the globe.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 23 Jun 2019
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Ireland
Posts: 81
Man.....2-3 weeks,thats a lot of driving in that time frame,do able no doubt.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 12 Jul 2019
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 5
Well I’ve made it to Tallinn in 10 days. I did the first 800+ miles to Warsaw in two days and then slowed down to enjoy the ride. The roads are much better than in the UK, with the added advantage of no pot holes and absolutely no roadside litter. Ferry to Helsinki tomorrow, a day there and then the ride North.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 15 Jul 2019
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 5
Quote:
Originally Posted by AnTyx View Post
Lots of threads - just scroll through the forum.



Lots of ferries. Tallink Silja (Tallinn-Stockholm, Helsinki-Stockholm and Tallinn-Helsinki) will carry a motorcycle for free if you know the trick.



In Finland there's a train that will carry you and your bike up to the Arctic Circle overnight, instead of two days' riding.
Ferries to Finland are quite cheap. Talinn to Helsinki was 25 Euro for bike and one person. Turkku to Stockholm was 34 Euro for an 11 hour trip.

Sent from my SM-G390F using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 16 Jul 2019
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Tartu, Estonia
Posts: 1,045
They can be - if you buy far in advance, or if there is a campaign. Sometimes they will sell the passage at cost, near zero, and hope to make money from your shopping onboard; I've gone on a cruise to Stockholm for as little as 9 euros per person (sharing a 4-person cabin).

But looking at prices for e.g. tomorrow, for one adult and a motorcycle, it can be as cheap as 30 euros (6 AM sailing), or as expensive as 61 euros (16.30 and 22.30 sailings on the faster ferry).

https://laevapiletid.ee/#pricelist
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
baltics, finland, scandinavia


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 10:34.