Most of my trips to Europe, I almost always route through Finland - my personal experience crossing the Belarus-Poland border (time spent, queues, nit-picking by Polish and Belarusian customs officers) is quite negative. And if you get through Finland to Stockholm, in one day you can reach both central Europe and Scandinavia.
But there is one link in this route that causes some confusion and anxiety among our autotourists - this is a ferry crossing from Finland to Sweden (and back). I judge this by the questions that our auto travelers quite often ask me at the sites before registering for the ferry. In this note, I will try to generalize and answer them.
So, between Finland and Sweden there are 3 ferry lines: Helsinki-Stockholm-Helsinki, Turku-Stockholm-Turku and Vaasa-Umea-Vaasa. The last line is rather specific and we will not consider it.

For trips to Sweden and further within a radius of 500-600 km from Stockholm, Helsinki-Stockholm-Helsinki ferries are most suitable, but if you need to go further, then I prefer Turku-Stockholm-Turku and here's why.
Ferries from Helsinki depart at 17-17.30 and arrive in Stockholm at 9-9.30 in the morning. This allows you to slowly explore the ferry, explore the shops, have dinner - in general, relax, and in the morning get enough sleep and have a leisurely breakfast before arriving at the port.
If there is still quite a long way ahead, then I prefer the Turku-Stockholm-Turku line: ferries leave at 20-20.40 (there are only 160 km between Helsinki and Turku and the traffic schedule by car is basically the same) and arrive in Stockholm- at 6-6.30. These "won" three hours in the morning come in very handy. And the cost of tickets for the ferry of this route is less.

These two ferry lines (Helsinki-Stockholm-Helsinki and Turku-Stockholm-Turku) are operated by two competing companies - Vikilng Line and Silja Line: every day there is a morning and evening flight. Every day the competition between them is so fierce that on state level it was agreed that on each line the ferries run at intervals of 30-40 minutes. The ferry Silja Line leaves first, followed by the Viking Line.

If we compare the cost of tickets (autopackage car + cabin 4 seats), then on the Turku-Stockholm-Turku line, Viking Line prices are slightly lower. In addition, on the ferries of this company there are very cheap cabins on the deck under the engine room, although there is a toilet and shower in the corridor.

Terminals in Turku.
Viking terminals ( GPS N60°26" 6.94" E022°13" 54.87" and Silja ( GPS N60°26.035" E022°13.185"(indicated GPS-to coordinates of registration sites with cars) are almost nearby, but you need to drive up to them from different directions and orientate yourself, especially in the dark, is not easy. Here is the layout of the terminals and entrances for the registration of cars with passengers.

The terminal buildings are fenced off from the check-in areas with cars. And if there is a need to visit, for example, a toilet before getting in line for registration, then it is better to first drive up to the terminal building, and then go to the check-in line. Walk from the site to the terminal building to go about a kilometer.
Registration begins an hour and a half before the departure of the ferry.


The registration procedure is simple to the limit: you drive up to the booth, submit a printout through the window electronic ticket. According to the rules, they may also ask for a passport and a registration certificate for a car, but for several years I have not come across this. But a printout or at least a recorded reservation number at the registration must be required. If there is no printout (forgotten, lost), then it’s better to calmly drive up to the terminal building even before check-in and get a printout at the passport information desk - they don’t always succeed in the booth.

From the window you will be given a special tag that is hung on the rear-view mirror - so that employees can see which group of cars (in height) to send yours, as well as key cards to the cabin and cards for access to dinner and breakfast (if they are prepaid).
Further, the cars, on the signals of the employees, go to the loading area and stand there in several rows in accordance with the instructions.


Here you have to wait 30-40 minutes until the ferry arrives.On the site, you can get out of the cars and even, being careful (a lot of special vehicles move around the site), go closer to the pier to see the approach and mooring of the ferry.



After the cars are unloaded from the arriving ferry, loading takes place at the signal of the employees. Following the instructions, park the car, pick up the necessary things, close it and go to the elevators.

• There is no access to cars during the voyage. Therefore, everything you need to take with you immediately. But we must keep in mind that the cabins are very small, everything is "back to back" and with large bags in them it is not very convenient. I always prepare a separate small bag with the essentials, and with it I go up to the cabin

• It is necessary to remember the deck number where the car is and which side to go to, and also, having climbed onto your cabin deck, it’s good to look around and rememberon which of the elevators you climbed - then on it (or the stairs near it) it’s better to go down so as not to crawl between the cars - they are quite tight, you can get dirty.

• Do not put the car on an alarm so that it does not "burst" in the sea from rolling and does not land the battery - just close it with a key.

Terminals in Helsinki.
Silja Line terminals (GPS 60.159799, 24.960990) and Viking Line (GPS 60.165356, 24.974250) are located on opposite shores of the South Port Bay (the coordinates of the sites for registration with a car are indicated). The entrance to the Southern Port itself is marked with signs from the exit along the highway to the city and to the port itself.


The only "subtlety" - already in the immediate vicinity of the port, you need to carefully look at the signs to the South Port, so as not to go to the Western (there is also a Silja Line terminal). From there there are ferries to Tallinn. But even if this happens, it's okay, the South port is a 15-minute drive from the western one.


Accordingly, you need to drive up to the terminals from different banks of the bay (the entrances for registration with a car are marked)



The check-in and boarding procedure is similar to that in Turku. Everywhere there are signs and employees showing what to do.

On a ferryboat
Ferries have a rather confusing cabin numbering system, so when I find my cabin, I remember the path from it to the nearest elevator, and then, going up to other decks, I remember where exactly this elevator is located on them (there are a lot of them on the ferry) - then, going down to your deck, quickly find a cabin.

Nutrition
On the ferry, all shops and restaurants open only from the moment the ship leaves. Each ferry has a so-called "buffet" - a large restaurant operating on the principle of "buffet. Dinner costs about 30 euros. The menu is usual for such establishments - a dozen appetizers, three or four hot dishes, confectionery, some fruit, etc. The price also includes beer, red and white dry wine ( in rolliv), juices, water, tea, coffee.Other alcohol is not served and you cannot order for money either.You can pay for dinner at the "buffet" when buying a ticket - then at check-in you will receive special cards, but you can also pay directly on board. But when paying "on the spot" one problem may arise: inthis "buffet" feeds numerous groups of tourists. And at peak times (for example, new year holidays) the ferry is packed with tourists and there are simply no places in this "buffet". Yes, and it works only until 22.30.

But there are two or three more restaurants on the ferry (and some more) where you can eat normally for reasonable money. We usuallywe go to one of them, pay for a "salad bar" there (a stand with salads and other snacks on a buffet basis) and beer, and this, as a rule, is enough.
But sometimes you have to wait there for a table to be free, so I recommend that if you decide to dine in one of these restaurants, reserve seats when booking tickets - they don’t take money for this.
There is also a self-service cafe, where you can also somehow eat - the menu there is about the same as in cafes at large gas stations.

But breakfast is best in this largest buffet restaurant. The set of dishes there is standard for breakfast in a restaurant of a 3-4 star hotel. But the restaurant hall is located at the bow of the ferry on the 8th deck, and if you take a table at the panoramic windows facing forward, the breakfast will turn out to be very beautiful despite the earlier time (the breakfast is raised an hour and a half before mooring, at 5 am Swedish time).
However, even in the morning you can’t get to the “buffet” at the peak “tourist” time, so I always pay for breakfast immediately when buying tickets (the cost of 1 breakfast is 15 euros, it’s cheaper for children).
But if something didn’t work out, then there is still the opportunity to have breakfast in an a la carte restaurant or in that same cafe.
On the ferries on the Turku-Stockholm-Turku route, when leaving for breakfast, please note that while you are in the restaurant, the employees can already start cleaning the cabins - take off the linen (the ferry on this route has very short stops). Therefore, handbags, purses, etc. it is better to take it with you. There is no such rush on the Helsinki-Stockholm-Helsinki route and no one will climb into your cabin during breakfast.

Shop duty free
The duty-free shop on board is open in the evening and a little in the morning. The choice of perfume, alcohol, cigarettes, confectionery is not bad. Prices are higher than in the Duty Free of our airports, but not much. But they are much lower than on earth (in the EU). Therefore, we usually do not violate the norm for carrying drinks when entering Finland, but replenish stocks on the ferry :)

All ferries have discos, and some (large ones, mainly on the Helsinki-Stockholm line) have a rich entertainment up to the circus, concerts, etc.

But drivers - sleep! :)

In the morning, if the weather is light and good, I recommend going up to the upper deck and enjoying the remaining time to admire the skerries through which the ferry passes to Stockholm.

Unloading
Access to cars opens 40 minutes before mooring. This is announced on the radio, including in Russian. But there is no need to rush. It is quite enough to start descending to the car deck 20 minutes before arriving at the port. And I don’t advise you to wait for the elevators - the whole huge tourist party on foot will rush on the elevators to the 5th deck, from where there is a pedestrian exit. Going down the stairs 3-4 flights with a small bag (remember the bags?) is not difficult.

To Tula with your own brewer? Nonsense! We'll take the samovar to Germany! And at the same time we will take with us children and ... a family car.

Hmm... They won't let you on a plane with such luggage. But the ferry from St. Petersburg to Germany will also accept such passengers. It remains only to find out the cost of tickets, the ferry schedule and you can pack your things. Oh ... And how long will the voyage last? What can you take with you? How are the cabins set up? Should I bring sandwiches or will they serve food there?

There is nothing better than a water trip!

Those who have never traveled this way always have a lot of questions. Don't worry, we got it all figured out. And those who read the article to the end will navigate this route no worse than inveterate travel agents.

Is a ferry more convenient than a car or an airplane?

It depends where you are going and what you are bringing with you. Naturally, the ferry is not the fastest mode of transport. But it allows you to transport bulky goods and not sit all the way in a chair.

There will be plenty of free space for children to run around!

Traveling by ferry is convenient for those who:

• wants to drive around Germany in his car (and take it to Germany on the same ferry);
• carries bulky cargo (equipment, vehicle);
• travels with children who are tired of sitting still all the time;
• not against passive rest at the beginning of the holiday (the ferry has all the conditions for this);
• afraid of air travel.

The ferry is a lifeline for those who are afraid of flying!

Arseniy (26 years old, Pskov):

“We wanted to drive around Germany with friends in our car, only with our company, without any tourist groups and mass excursions. We went to Germany by ferry. There is no other way to get a car. Is it possible to go on it, but then it is not known how much we would get to Germany. And so we had a pleasant rest for 2.5 days, took a steam bath in the sauna, talked. True, they left all the laptops in the car, they thought they could pick it up later. But it turned out that it was impossible to get to the cars until the arrival. Well, nothing, and without films, we had a great time. ”

Why go on a ferry today?

Ferry transportation between St. Petersburg and Germany is provided by the company Finnlines. Her ferries Transrussia And FinnPartner go along the route Peter-Lübeck, with a 2-hour stop in Ventspils (Latvia). You can depart both from St. Petersburg and from Ventspils.

You can buy tickets online at Parom.de.

Cabin dimensions significantly increase the cost of the ticket.

Price ferry crossing to Germany from Russia is calculated by the formula: base ticket price * number of people + car transportation cost (for Vehicle over 6 m long).

Base prices:

• for an adult - 250-300 EUR;
• for a child 13-17 years old - 125-150 EUR;
• for a child 6-12 years old - 60-75 EUR;
• for a child under 5 years old - 15 EUR.

These prices include the cost of meals (excluding alcohol), cabin, basic (15 EUR) and port fees (15 EUR). The cost of the trip varies according to the time of year. During the summer months prices are higher.

Bringing a car with you is a very sensible idea!

If you are driving a passenger car (up to 6 m long), then it is more profitable to issue an auto package. This service will cost from 350 to 750 EUR. The total amount depends on the number of people (1-4) and the season (from June to August the cost is higher). Finnlines offers a 20% discount on the cost of the return trip if you buy a return ticket or car package right away.

Now there is no service for booking tickets for this ferry via the Internet. Tickets can only be purchased through travel agencies. A list of intermediary firms can be found on the Finnlines website.

With the owner even to the ends of the world!

Pets are not allowed on the ferry from St. Petersburg to Germany. You have no one to leave faithful dog? Then more reasonable. There are even special toilets for dogs on the decks.

Vacation vacation, and on the ferry - on schedule!

The ferry departs from St. Petersburg on Tuesdays at 20:00. He arrives in Lübeck on Friday at 6:30. You can leave Lübeck on Saturday at 19:00. Then on Tuesday, at 8:00 you will already be in St. Petersburg. You must arrive at check-in two hours before the departure of the ferry. In total, your sea trip will last 62 hours (each way).

On board, the travel time will fly by unnoticed.

You can follow the changes in the schedule on the official website of the company. The same situation is on the Helsinki-Rostock route.

If you have already planned a trip to Germany by ferry, you can use the Helsinki-Travemünde route. This is a convenient way for those who travel by ferry for the first time: the journey time is 27 hours, instead of 62.

Find out without a ferry! Through which countries and customs will you have to make your way, what do motorist tourists write about this event? What to bring? What can you be fined for in Germany? How to park and what documents to bring with you? Experienced travelers will tell about this and much more.

Kirill (34 years old, St. Petersburg):

“For the whole journey there was the only negative moment, and that was at the very beginning of the journey. We arrived with my family at the port, but we couldn't find the ferry. We turn to the port staff, and they say that there is no such ferry here and should not be. Half an hour of wandering, of course, solved the problem, but they also made me nervous. Tickets are still not cheap.

Although the trip itself fully compensated for everything: cozy cabins, similar to rooms in good hotel, delicious food, get-togethers on the deck, free sauna. All this allowed me to quickly put an unpleasant incident out of my head and tune in to the upcoming vacation.

How to have fun in the middle of the Baltic Sea?

On the Finnlines ferry, even long 62 hours can be spent in maximum comfort.

There are ways to pass the time:

• Visit the sauna, jacuzzi and mini-pool.

Children will appreciate the bubbling jacuzzi.

• Work out on the trainers.
• Have lunch at a restaurant. The food here is delicious, and most importantly - 4 times a day. The restaurant has a pretty good buffet. There are fruits, vegetables, desserts, fish and meat dishes. The food is always high quality and fresh. Drinks include tea, coffee, juice, water and milk. You can also get a can of beer or soda for free.

The menu is designed for various gastronomic preferences!

• Get acquainted with the structure of the ferry, look at different decks.
• Sit at the bar.
• Watch TV in the cabin. But do not expect to find Russian-language channels. If you find English-speaking ones - already happiness.
• Have fun with the kids in the play area.

The little ones will find something to their liking in a special playroom.

• Go to the store. Here you can get jewelry, books, sweets, cards, cosmetics, hygiene items, toys, souvenirs. Although you can calm down, be patient until Germany and buy all this a couple of times cheaper. This is not duty free, so don't expect fabulous prices. Except fabulously high.
• Work in the conference room.

Comfortable sun lounger gentle sun and favorite book… Welcome to the deck!

• Read the news on the Internet (there is free Wi-Fi on the ferry). Please note that there is internet on the class ferry Transrussia, on a ferryboat FinnPartner I'll have to limit myself to books and TV.

You can also just sit with a book on the deck or lie on the bed in the cabin. Cabin area - 20-24 sq. m. In addition to the bed, there is a toilet, shower, radio, telephone, safe, refrigerator, TV, table and wardrobe.

It is possible to feel all the charm of a holiday without leaving the cabin.

Vera (42 years old, Kirovsk):

“Last spring, my family (me, husband and son) rode this ferry. I don't usually trust online reviews. But now I'm sure: the laudatory reviews about Finnlines ferries are deserved. We went in early March and there were few people on the ferry: truckers and only 3 families. Despite this, the bar and restaurant always opened on time, and the sauna and jacuzzi were regularly cleaned. Even the shop, which, even with a full ferry, operates only a few hours a day, worked according to the announced schedule.

love boat trips? Ready to spend 2.5 days on a cruise on Baltic Sea? Then the ferry from St. Petersburg to Lübeck is the perfect way to get to Germany. You will admire the sea and gain strength before the start of the active phase of your journey.

Tina Krainichenko

How cheaply, quickly to get to Europe? You just need to turn a tedious car trip into a relaxing sea cruise! For only 299 euros for four people + car. And instead of tiring two thousand kilometers on the road, you sunbathe on upper deck, sip a martini at the bar or just soak in the Jacuzzi overlooking the Baltic sunset.

For example, in combination with a ferry, the distance from St. Petersburg to Berlin is 694 km, in Bruges 1088 km, and to ski San Anton - 1292 km! And you're in your own car, no luggage or weight restrictions ski equipment, you do not waste time and energy on mileage to Europe, but enjoy it from the very beginning of the journey. At the same time, the cost of gasoline is absolutely comparable to the cost of ferry. You can even take your dog with you!

The ferry leaves Helsinki and arrives in Travemünde, Germany, sea ​​port close to Lübeck and Hamburg. And then you plan the route at your discretion. Of course, this route is ideal for auto travelers from St. Petersburg, but it is also suitable for Muscovites, why not add Helsinki to your European trip?!

Are you not in a car? Then such a trip is one of the options for a circular route around Europe. An interesting and varied journey. Today I will tell you how a passenger-and-freight ferry works, what to do all day at sea and what is included in these minimum 299 euros. Today we are visiting the company Finnlines!

CHECK-IN AND BOARDING THE FERRY

In Helsinki, boarding the ferry is at Port Vuosaari / Vuosaaren Satama Hansaterminaali, Provianttikatu 5, 00980 Helsinki. In addition to the huge cargo terminal, the Hansa / Hansaterminaali passenger terminal has also been built here. With travel experience cruise ship I thought that you need to arrive a few hours before departure, but you can arrive on the Finnlines ferry 1-1.5 hours in advance. You can check in at the Terminal, but I went through it in just a couple of minutes at the checkpoint without leaving the car:

Then, behind the escort car, a string of cars goes to the ferry. If you are without a car, then a shuttle will take you to the ferry from passenger terminal. The Finnlines line is operated by Star class ferries built in Italy. These ferries are cargo-passenger type ROPAX (roll-on / roll-off passenger), that is, for the transportation of cars along with the accommodation of passengers of these cars.

The ferry is cargo-passenger, even in the name the priority of its cargo part, however, in real life only in one of the angles do the slender rows of trucks fall into the frame. Passengers feel like they are on a small cruise ship.

On the car decks you can see all sorts of interesting cars, if you have traveled around Europe, you have probably noted how popular vintage car rallies are here. On this ferry they move to Scandinavia or Germany.

You take all the necessary things from the car and go up to the hall.

There is a complete set of maps and promotional materials for Finland and Germany.

You are also given a travel program, a schedule of all activities on board and rules of conduct.

CABINS:

On the ferry, decks 7, 8 and 9 are available for passengers. These are residential decks. 10 - crew only. And 11 and 12 are public.
This is what the most looks like a budget option residence. Cabin for 4 people without a window.

Shower and toilet in each cabin. Pretty standard size for a cruise ship.

I lived in this cabin. Ideal for a family with children!
A cabin with a window, parents on a large double bed, and children on a bunk bed opposite.

Information messages and the route of the ship are broadcast on one of the channels.

Here is another example of a cabin with a sofa that folds out:

And the cabin of the highest class:

There is also a block of cabins on one of the decks for passengers with animals. After all, a ferry is one of the best travel options if you are leaving for a couple of weeks with a dog. No problems with the plane!

And there is also the most budget option - just a folding chair in a special hall. On the right are lockers for personal belongings. Relative analog of a bus, an ultra-budget option for backpackers.

ENTERTAINMENT AND LEISURE:

There is a duty free shop on the ferry:

Small gym:

Massage room:

But the most important thing is the Finnish sauna and jacuzzi overlooking the sea!

For kids there is a children's room:

However, children can also run on the upper deck in good weather! Fresh air, sea breeze, beauty! And I was afraid that the children would have nothing to do.

BARS AND RESTAURANT:

There are several bars on the ship where, in addition to drinks and cocktails, you can buy sandwiches and snacks. Prices - usual Finnish.

During the day, most of the passengers are accommodated here, reading books, working on computers, playing board games, just talking or looking at the sea with a glass of martini! Creates a wonderful relaxing atmosphere!

And this is the main restaurant:

Meals are not included in the price and are purchased as a package at the time of booking tickets or separately on the spot.
Buffet, alcohol (beer or wine) included in the price.

The kitchen, chef and dishes deserve a separate post! Very satisfying, tasty, varied! The assortment of the buffet is comparable to that of a huge cruise ship!

This is the passenger section of the Finnstar ferry. In the next report, I will show how the ferry works, tell you how many people ensure the operation of the vessel, and most importantly, I will show the captain's bridge! Most interesting place on a ferryboat!

But the most important thing is not the food. The main thing is the opportunity to relax. Ferry Finnlines- this is part of the journey, and not just a mode of transport. This is a day of rest before interesting route across central Europe.

Pros and cons

I tried the ferry for the first time. I can definitely say - it's very cool! This is slow travel. It's not as fast as a plane, but it's so cool! A small piece of the cruise mood in a European trip, while optimal in time - not so fast that you don’t feel it and not so long that you get tired. And besides, it is also cheaper in absolute terms if you are traveling with a company or family to Europe by car from St. Petersburg or Moscow and want to combine Finland and Central Europe in one trip and at the same time not waste time driving on the way to your destination . And this is absolutely comparable to the cost of gasoline and related expenses.

Special Offer Helsinki - Travemünde:

Car package to Germany on Mondays and Wednesdays starting from 299 € one way!
Travel to Central Europe and book a car package from Finland to Germany at a special price! 1-4 passengers, a cabin without a window and a car starting from 299 €.
Special offer valid on the following departures
Helsinki-Travemünde: on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 2.11.–16.12.2015
Travemünde–Helsinki: on Wednesdays and Fridays 4.11.–16.12.2015
Booking: until 16.12.

In the next reports from this trip, I will talk about my impressions of Helsinki, Hamburg, Lübeck and a very cozy bed and breakfast in a mansion with a stable in a German village near Travemünde, perfect location for an overnight stay upon arrival in Germany!

To be continued...

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The engine is the most expensive part of a car. Experienced motorists are well aware that in addition to the timely replacement of filters, antifreeze and oil, other factors, such as regular engine washing, also affect the extension of its service life. A clean engine is less likely to overheat and run longer without interruption. However, washing the “heart” of a car is not as easy as it might seem at first glance. There are many different electronic components under the hood of the car, which can be easily damaged if handled carelessly.

Motor cleaning methods

The traditional and most unsafe methods of cleaning the engine compartment are manual dry cleaning and washing with high pressure water. Improper execution of the procedure can lead to quite serious consequences - a breakdown of the power unit and the ignition system.

The safest alternative to traditional methods is steam engine washing in Moscow. The procedure takes place with the help of a steam generator that produces steam under high pressure. The washer directs the steam jet at different angles, cleaning the most inaccessible places in the engine compartment. The main thing is that the electrical contacts and elements remain dry, which means that the probability of a short circuit is minimized.

Advantages

In addition to the fact that washing a car engine with dry steam guarantees the integrity of the electrical wiring and ignition system, it has other positive qualities. In comparison with analogues, the procedure takes more:

• fast. On average, washing the engine compartment takes 20-40 minutes;
• environmentally friendly. The procedure for cleaning the engine compartment is carried out without the use of chemical detergents;
• economically. The steam cleaner uses significantly less water than the most modern equipment and does not require sewerage;
• effectively. Using the service of a steam engine wash in Moscow around the clock, the car owner can easily get rid of persistent contamination with bitumen, tar and oil. And since no water is used during washing, there are significantly fewer dirty smudges.

Flaws

Cleaning the engine should be done with extreme care. The steam jet supplied from the atomizer under high pressure (6-8 atmospheres) has high temperature(average about 160 °C). Therefore, in order to avoid serious injuries, it is better to entrust this event to professionals.

How often to

If the car body is washed as it gets dirty, then cleanliness under the hood should be done no more than 1-2 times a year. As a rule, this need arises:

1. at in large numbers oil smudges in the engine compartment;
2. before bringing the diagnostics of the engine and attachments;
3. when performing pre-sales preparation.

The price of washing the engine with hot dry steam

The cost of steam cleaning is an order of magnitude higher than the classic one. However, the end justifies the means. The money saved at a steam car wash is unlikely to cover the costs of diagnosing, purchasing and replacing equipment that has become unusable.