Finnlines nya fartyg, designsamarbete och svampweekends

It's Monday again, which of course means travel news here at FREEDOMtravel. This week it is about Finnline's new ship Finnsirius, about design cooperation at Tallink Silja and about trendy mushroom weekends. Among other things.

Table of contents

Finnline's new vessels to enter service in September

Finnsirius embarks on its maiden voyage from Naantali to Kapellskär on 15 September 2023. It will be a unique departure with a special inaugural programme, and ticket sales have started. Finnsirius is the first of Finnline's two new RoPax vessels in the Superstar class, and will be deployed on the route between Naantali and Kapellskär. Turku, Långnäs in Åland, and Kapellskär north of Stockholm. On board there is a glazed terrace, a luxurious spa area with outdoor jacuzzi, yoga studio, gym, lounges, a large duty-free shop and seven restaurants.

Tallink Silja and Marimekko in new design collaboration

Tallink Silja has started a new pilot project where 12 cabins on board the ship Silja Serenade are decorated with the well-known Finnish design house Marimekko's products. Among other things, pillows, towels and drinking glasses from the popular brand will adorn the luxury cabins in the Commodore class. The aim of the pilot project is to take the customer experience on the ships to the next level and give guests an even more cosy and elegant experience - a feeling of a luxurious 'home away from home'.

New start for direct trains from Karlstad to Stockholm and Oslo

From Monday 21 August, SJ is increasing the number of direct departures on the Stockholm-Karlstad-Oslo route from 2 to 5, Monday-Friday. The Karlstad-Stockholm direct trains will also resume on Monday 21 August. Now residents of Värmland will once again be able to travel quickly and smoothly to both Stockholm and Oslo.

Spooky news for Halloween at Kolmården

Between 7 October and 12 November, Kolmården is transformed into a spooky place with lots to do and experience for the whole family. This year, the park is spookier than ever with lots of new attractions such as the Spider's Nest, Crazy Carnival and Pumpania, which will be even bigger. For the very brave, there are two new horror experiences: the Backyard and the Inn. There are also cosy and completely ghost-free areas for the youngest visitors.

Mushroom weekends expected to increase this autumn

Berry and mushroom picking has become immensely popular and can almost be considered a national sport in Sweden. In the past year alone, Hotels.com has seen a 56% increase in guest reviews related to the hotels' proximity to nature and the opportunities for berry and mushroom picking, which suggests that mushroom-safe weekends could become a new Swedish trend this autumn. Hotels.com therefore recommends hotels close to nature:

Södertuna Castle, Gnesta
Grimsnäs Manor, Skruv
Julared, Habo
Dufweholm Manor, Katrineholm
Gysinge Manor, Gysinge

At Julared you can stay in a glamping tent with a real bed.

Destinations in focus at Elmia Caravan Motorhome 2023

On 6-10 September it is once again time for the Nordic region's largest trade fair for mobile life - Elmia Husvagn Husbil. This year's fair offers several new features, according to a press release from Elmia. One of them is Destination Squarewhich is organised in collaboration with FREEDOMtravel. As usual, there will also be dance evenings, this year with Callinaz and Black Jack, Oktoberfest, food inspiration in the Camping Kitchen and much more. This year, Sunday has an extra focus on families with children, with a visit from the YouTube duo Let's Feast. The fair's opening hours:

Wednesday 6 September, 10.00-18.00 hours
Thursday 7 September, 10.00-18.00 hours
Friday 8 September, 10.00-18.00 hours
Saturday 9 September, 10.00-18.00 hours
Sunday 10 September, 10:00-16:00

The fairground at Elmia, photo: Elmia AB

Reflection of the week

We have long been looking forward to seeing - and travelling with - Finnline's new ship, which seems to be something completely different from their previous ones. Really fun that it is soon time for the premiere trip!

Did you miss the last travel news? Read the Phone calls on the flight and threatened motorhome dreams