Helsinki and Stockholm with ESN

( The big square of Stocohlm )

From 12.11 to 14.11, Erasmus students in Riga set sail for the unforgettable “Pirates of the Baltic Sea” trip, a boat filled with Erasmus students from across the Nordic and Baltic countries. Once again, the adventure was organized by Time Travels, the same team behind the legendary trips to St. Petersburg and Lapland.

The journey promised international vibes, nonstop parties, new friendships, and unforgettable memories somewhere between a cruise and a festival at sea. One of the best parts of these Erasmus trips was that they were organized especially for students, making them affordable and accessible even on a typical student budget.

Just like for the St. Petersburg trip, I decided to join even though none of my classmates were going. At first, it felt a little strange to travel without really knowing anyone, but I already recognized a few people from parties and Erasmus events around Riga. In the end, that was more than enough to feel part of the group, and the trip quickly turned into an amazing experience

DAY 1 – Sunday 12.11.2017

At 01:30 am, our journey began as we departed from Riga, meeting at 5 Aspazijas Boulevard before heading towards Tallinn. At 06:15 am, all Erasmus students gathered at the Tallinn D-Terminal lobby, excited and already full of energy for the adventure ahead. Shortly after, at 07:30 am, we boarded the ferry to Helsinki.

Arriving in Helsinki, we discovered the Finnish capital through a guided city tour. We explored different corners of the city, walked along the seaside, visited a charming old tea house, and stopped by one of the city’s shopping centers. The tour ended in the beautiful Senate Square, where the stunning Helsinki Cathedral dominates the skyline with its iconic white façade.

Before returning to the ferry, we enjoyed lunch at a cozy café, taking a short break before the next part of the adventure.

At 16:45 pm, the ship departed towards Stockholm, and the atmosphere on board completely changed. What started as a relaxing cruise quickly turned into one of the biggest Erasmus parties of the semester. Music, drinks, and students from all over Northern Europe filled every corner of the ship.

Throughout the night, Silja Line organized the famous Midnight Show at Atlantis Palace, followed by DJs playing until the early morning hours both in Atlantis Palace and the New York Club. The ferry became a floating nightclub in the middle of the Baltic Sea, creating unforgettable memories for everyone on board.

DAY 2 – Monday 12.11.2017

At 09:30 am, we were scheduled to arrive at Stockholm Värtahamnen, although the ferry reached the port a little later than expected because of an emergency situation on board during the night.

Once we left the ship, we joined a guided tour around Stockholm and discovered some of the most beautiful parts of the Swedish capital. We visited the historic old town, walked through its narrow streets and charming squares, explored the area near the port, and reached one of the city’s panoramic viewpoints, where we could admire Stockholm from above.

After a free afternoon to enjoy the city, we returned to the terminal. At 16:00 pm, the boarding gates closed, and at 16:45 pm the ship departed towards Helsinki.

As on the previous night, the party atmosphere immediately came back to life on board. Silja Line organized another Midnight Show at Atlantis Palace, followed by DJs playing until the early morning hours in both Atlantis Palace and the New York Club. Once again, the ferry transformed into a floating Erasmus nightclub in the middle of the Baltic Sea.

DAY 3 – 13.11.2017

The final day of the trip started early, with the breakfast buffet open from 07:30 am until 10:00 am. After the last morning on board, the ferry arrived in Helsinki at the Olympic Terminal at 10:30 am.

A few hours later, at 13:30 pm, we boarded the ferry once again from Helsinki West Terminal and sailed back towards Tallinn, enjoying the final moments of the journey across the Baltic Sea while I slept due to the two previous night without sleep.

After arriving in Estonia, the trip continued by bus, departing from the Tallinn ferry terminal at 15:30 pm and heading back to Riga.

Around 20:30 pm, we finally arrived in Riga, tired but happy, carrying unforgettable memories from three incredible days filled with travel, parties, new friendships, and the unique Erasmus spirit shared by students from all over Northern Europe.