Returning to the Åland Islands | Arctic Tour 2024 [14/14]

Our Arctic adventure in the Nordics was about to come to an end. We had seen some amazing places in Finland, Norway, and Sweden over the past two weeks. We had stood at the border tripoint between the three countries at Treriksröset. The number of places we had seen was more than we had anticipated before we set off on our journey. That we actually reached Nordkapp was in itself amazing, a memory made even more special by the sight of the midnight sun. After traveling back south through Finland and visiting Lahti, it had become time to head back to the Åland Islands, where our adventure together had begun. This is the fourteenth and final post about our Arctic Tour.

Our journey would take us back across the Baltic Sea. This large, brackish inland sea is one of the defining geographical features of Northern Europe, bordered by nine countries, including Finland and Sweden. The sea is known for its relatively shallow waters, low salinity, and the extensive archipelagos that line its coasts, particularly between Stockholm and Turku. It has been a major route for trade, communication, and conflict for centuries. Today, it is one of the busiest seas in the world for shipping, with a dense network of ferry routes that are a vital part of the regional transport infrastructure.

Finnlines From Naantali

After our day enjoying the sunshine in Lahti and then eating that amazing reindeer stew for dinner, it was time to head towards the harbor at Naantali. We had booked a spot on the Finnlines ferry from Naantali to Långnäs for the next morning. Our plan was to drive to the harbor in the evening and spend a last night in the motorhome before boarding the ferry in the morning. This would allow us to be ready for the early departure without having to rush. We found a spot in the large waiting area at the port and settled in for the night.

It was another sunny morning as we drove onboard the M/S Finnsirius. We had a few hours to cross the waters over to the Åland Islands. After the many trips on ferries across the Baltic Sea over the years, some of the initial excitement is perhaps gone. Instead, we just wanted to get to our destination as fast as possible, something we had no control over. It was just a matter of sitting down and awaiting our arrival. We found some seats, had something to eat, and watched the islands of the archipelago pass by as we made our way to Långnäs.

Reuniting with Pichu

Pichu, our cat, had spent the last few weeks with a family friend on the Åland Islands. She was not exactly happy to be leaving her new human and feline friends. Luckily, it seemed like she had forgiven us quite fast for leaving her behind. She was herself again just a few minutes after we got back to Susann’s parents’ house. We had been worried about how she would react after being away from us for so long. And by the time we went to bed that evening, she joined us as she usually does and slept on our blankets at the foot of the bed.

A Few Last Days on the Åland Islands

After getting back to Åland, we spent a few days on the island before it was time for us to go back to Sweden. The weather had deteriorated a little bit since we left, but it was still a few nice summer days to enjoy what Åland has to offer. We explored the town of Mariehamn, where Little A got to play in the playgrounds. We also got time to meet up with one of Susann’s brothers to have a small barbecue and to go for a swim in the sea. Little A got to play with one of her cousins and was more than happy to go for a swim, despite the slightly cooler weather.

All in all, it was a very relaxing end to our long Arctic adventure. It felt like we had accomplished something significant. That “something” was probably mostly connected to surviving together for such a long trip. Traveling for over 4,500 kilometers with five people and a small child in a motorhome is a challenge in itself. It is a challenge that we had passed, and we have brought with us many new memories from the road. The Arctic Tour of 2024 was officially a success, and it was now time to plan our final ferry trip back home to Sweden.