Love is reciprocated by Finland <3

Stockholm received birch sauna whisks from Finland on Valentine's Day. This was a loving response to bunches of roses that Stockholm sent to Finland last year. These tokens are a further step in the exciting journey to renew and revive relations between two dear neighbours on opposite sides of the Baltic Sea.

Throughout the past year Stockholm has flirted with Finland under the motto Fall in love with Stockholm - again, which has the goal of showcasing Stockholm as an attractive, creative and sustainable destination that loves its neighbours to visit.

“These lovely birch sauna whisks and associated dating tips in return from Finland make us very happy on Valentine's Day. Now we have taken the relationship to a new level. Finland is a very important market for Stockholm. The long history of cultural exchange between the neighbouring countries within many areas is important to maintain and strengthen, not least in times like these. Visitors from Finland also contribute to important business for tourist industry stakeholders in Stockholm, which strengthens our power of attraction,” says Caroline Strand, Deputy CEO Stockholm Business Region.

In addition, three new vessels will begin to operate Baltic Sea services to further augment the exchange. The new vessel M/S Finncanopus will arrive for a showcase visit to Stockholm on 15 February. She will then begin her regular operations on the Kapellskär – Långnäs – Naantali route. The newly formed company, Gotland Alandia Cruises, will also introduce the vessel Birka Gotland into service in March, offering cruises from Stockholm to several Baltic Sea destinations. Tallink Silja will also contribute to travel choices with an additional vessel on the Tallinn route. These initiatives are part of jointly developing all of the commercial shipping company routes between the countries. They contribute to increasing the choices available for travelling by ferry over the Baltic Sea.

“The Finnish passengers are important for Stockholm, the shipping companies and commerce. To strengthen the bond between our countries, to attract different target groups, and to give ferry travel a lift, we have tried to pay special attention to Finland. It is really fun to see our love being reciprocated and that travel between our countries is now growing steadily,” says Magdalena Bosson, CEO Ports of Stockholm.

The interest of ferry passengers in voyages over the Baltic Sea has picked up again. Ports of Stockholm is seeing a positive trend in passenger numbers. During 2023, occupancy levels on the ferries operating services grew by more than 7 percent.

For loving Finns who are curious about our capital city, Visit Stockholm and Ports of Stockholm has created a new website, www.fallinlovewithstockholm.com. Here you can find guides to areas including food and adventure, and these present a more unexpected and exciting side of Stockholm - surpassing traditional experiences.

Press images

Link to press images (extern länk)

Please contact us 

Ingrid Hansson, Public Relations Manager, Ports of Stockholm
+46(0)70-770 27 47, ingrid.hansson@portsofstockholm.com