The Baltic Sea Crossing
The Tallinn to Copenhagen route requires crossing the Baltic Sea by ferry, a 15-hour overnight journey that has operated since the 1990s connecting Estonia's capital with Germany. This isn't a continuous drive—you'll board the Tallink Silja Line ferry in Tallinn, disembark in Rostock, Germany, then drive approximately 300 kilometers north to Copenhagen. The ferry portion covers 580 nautical miles, passing through the Gulf of Finland and crossing international waters where you'll lose mobile service for several hours. This maritime segment fundamentally shapes the journey's rhythm, creating a two-part experience: sea transit followed by terrestrial driving.
A Three-Day Travel Plan
Day 1: Depart Tallinn by ferry at 18:00. Check into your cabin (book a sea-view cabin for sunrise). Dine at one of the ferry's restaurants featuring Estonian and Swedish cuisine. The ship includes a sauna, cinema, and duty-free shopping. Day 2: Disembark in Rostock at 09:30. Drive 30 minutes to Wismar, exploring the market square and harbor for 2 hours. Continue to Schwerin (45-minute drive), visiting the castle and gardens. Drive 2 hours to Nykøbing Falster on Lolland, staying overnight at a waterfront hotel. Day 3: Drive 1.5 hours to Køge, spending the morning walking the historic district. Complete the final 40-minute drive to Copenhagen, arriving by early afternoon. This Tallinn to Copenhagen itinerary 3 days balances transit with exploration.
Recommended Route Stops
Between Rostock and Copenhagen, several locations merit consideration. Wismar, 30 minutes from Rostock along the E22, contains brick Gothic architecture recognized by UNESCO, with the 80-meter tower of St. Mary's Church offering views across the old town. Continuing north, the A20 passes near Schwerin, where Schwerin Castle sits on an island in Lake Schwerin; allow 2 hours to tour the 19th-century palace and gardens. As you approach the Danish border, the Fehmarn Sound Bridge leads to the island of Lolland, where the medieval town of Maribo features a 15th-century cathedral and lakeside walking paths. Before reaching Copenhagen, consider stopping at Køge, 40 kilometers south of the capital, which preserves over 400 half-timbered houses from the 16th-18th centuries along its cobbled streets. These represent some of the best stops Tallinn to Copenhagen for breaking up the drive.
Route Planning and Practical Details
| Segment | Distance | Time | Route Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tallinn to Rostock (ferry) | 580 nautical miles | 15 hours overnight | Tallink Silja Line, departs 18:00, arrives 09:30 |
| Rostock to Copenhagen | 300 km | 3.5-4 hours | E22 to A20, then E47 across Fehmarn Sound Bridge |
| Total journey | 880 km combined | 19-20 hours total | Requires advance ferry booking |
You'll need to book the ferry at least two weeks in advance during summer months. Vehicle check-in at Tallinn's D-terminal closes 90 minutes before departure. The drive from Rostock follows the E22 along Germany's Baltic coast, then transitions to the A20 before crossing into Denmark via the Fehmarn Sound Bridge. Toll costs approximately 45€ for the bridge crossing. For planning assistance with route optimization, consider how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities as a resource for identifying worthwhile detours.
Continue Your Adventure
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to drive Tallinn to Copenhagen?
The complete journey takes approximately 19-20 hours including the 15-hour ferry crossing. The driving portion from Rostock to Copenhagen requires 3.5-4 hours on the E22 and E47 highways.
Is it worth driving Tallinn to Copenhagen?
Driving offers flexibility to explore coastal Germany and Danish islands unavailable by direct flight. The ferry provides overnight accommodation while covering distance. However, it requires more planning than a 90-minute flight.
What are things to do between Tallinn and Copenhagen?
Activities include touring Schwerin Castle, walking Wismar's UNESCO-recognized old town, crossing the Fehmarn Sound Bridge, exploring Maribo's medieval center, and visiting Køge's preserved half-timbered houses before reaching Copenhagen.
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