Finland’s southernmost port has freight ferries to Hanko from around Europe and Russia. The main sailing is from Rostock in northern Germany; a high-speed service that runs year round. Hanko is a fine looking town about 80 miles west of Helsinki.

Freight ferries to Hanko run daily from Rostock in Germany, apart from Sundays, aboard Superfast Ferries. Crossing time is about 20 hours and while long, the journey is a fair distance. Departures from Rostock are in the evening and arrive the following afternoon, while check-in is up to three hours prior to departure.

You can book Superfast Ferries by calling +49 451 8800 6112 although it is a better bet to book online as there is no added cost involved, and you may even be able to secure a discount. Facilities onboard Superfast Ferries are very good, with café, restaurants, shops, ATMs, and access for those in wheelchairs. The port itself is also well turned out.

The town of Hanko is right at the southern tip of Finland, meaning there is minimal ice in the winter and the port remains open throughout the year. Freight ferries to Hanko provide the quickest connection from continental Europe, to boot.

Hanko lies amid stunning scenery with wooden houses, a church and other fine, old buildings all about. It is set over a hillside that slopes gently to the shore and also has some fine walking. The harbour is strewn with yachts during the summer, too, while Helsinki, the Finnish capital, is only a short drive from Hanko.

Tags: Finland, Germany, Hanko, Helsinki, Russia, Superfast Ferries