Ferries are sea transport in the form of boat or ship that carries passengers, cargo and sometimes vehicles. It is a type of public transportation that has been around for centuries. It is a cheaper way to travel from one point to another, but lately a trip through a ferry is made not only for financial consideration but for leisure as well. Today’s ferries or cruise ships are more efficient and mostly built with the passenger’s convenience in mind, and some big ones can accommodate hundreds of passengers, baggage and vehicles in one time. Ferries usually operate on frequent return service. Ferry rides are a relaxing way to travel and to see the sights along the way. One of the world’s best ferry destinations is Sweden.

Sweden as a Dream Vacation Destination

Sweden is the largest of the Nordic countries which are Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and, of course, Sweden. Sweden’s three major cities are Stockholm which is the capital of the country, Gothenburg in the western coast, and Malmö down south.

Sweden is said to have more space to enjoy and relax than most other country. It is a place for people who love to be with nature to seek peace of mind to people who lives by adventure. A perfect vacation spot, Sweden boast of peaceful countryside, lakes and forest, a long coastline of islands good for water sports activities such as sailing and perfect Swedish mountains for skiing during winter. Sweden also has a lot to offer culture vultures and tourist with their rich culture. There are cathedrals and old houses and universities to visit, plus, a smorgasbord of food choices to fill the hungry traveler’s stomach. The cities have great pubs and clubs for younger travelers who wants to experience nightlife in Sweden. And there are shopping malls and souvenir shops for everyone to enjoy. Other places of interest are Esrange, a racket launching facility, Gotland, Sweden’s largest island and Kebnekaise, the country’s highest mountain.

There are just so much outdoor and recreational activities in Sweden, and it is also child-friendly that it has become an ideal family vacation destination. Truly, a trip to Sweden is a rejuvenating experience. But the best way to start the Swedish vacation is by riding a ferry to Sweden.

Riding a Ferry to Sweden

Sweden is a country that can be visited through a ferry from different parts of Europe. There are regular ferry rides from Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Germany, Norway, Poland, Russia, and United Kingdom. It has become very accessible for travelers and tourist to enjoy the natural beauty and distinct cultural heritage of Sweden. There are a number of sea transport companies that carries passengers, cargo and vehicles that offers regular trips to and from Sweden. Some of the popular ones are Stena Lines, Silja Lines, Birka Cruises, Tallink Lines, Viking Lines, Scandlines, and DFDS. There are ports in major cities of Sweden as well as in Varberg, Helsingborg, Trelleborg, Visby, Ystad among others. Travelers and tourist can book their ferry to Sweden trips through their local travel agents, but they can also conveniently book their travels through the internet.

A luxurious ferry to Sweden usually has suites for honeymooners or multi-cabin that is ideal for family or group of friends making a trip via a ferry an enjoyable experience.

About the Author

Rolf Karlsen is very much into ferries and other forms of transportation. He writes about ferries and more on sethson.com.

 

The Beach Chalet is a gem located on the Western edge of San Francisco where Golden Gate Park meets the Pacific Ocean. Have your Quicksilver TownCar driver stop at on your way San Francisco International Airport. View the murals on the first floor. Have a handcrafted beer in the upstairs restaurant, catch the surf in your toes and if you have time before your TownCar whisks you to the airport, watch the sun set over the pacific.

The building or Chalet was designed by noted local architect Willis Polk, opened in 1925 with a lounge and changing rooms on the first floor and a restaurant on the second.

The wall murals, mosaics and wood carvings portray outstanding San Francisco panorama, they were completed in 1936 as part of a federal works program. Both murals and structure are listed in the National Register as Landmark 179.

In the 1930s the Works Progress Administration commissioned artist Lucien Labaudt to create frescoes on the downstairs walls. Labaudt's 1,500 square feet of frescoes, according to Chronicle reporter Jerry Carroll, "Show well-fed people taking their ease with waxy looks of placid contentment."

Just north, a Dutch windmill peeks above the cypress trees. Quicksilver, 800.486.9622, can take you there on your way into town or on the way out.

Restored in the 90's to their original colors, the scenes include a Baker Beach barbecue with the Golden Gate Bridge under construction in the background. They show pigeon-feeding at Union Square, longshoremen at Pier 26, Seal Rock, and the ethnic neighborhoods of Chinatown, the Mission and Fisherman's Wharf.

The Chalet had a colorful history. According to Carroll, "The Beach Chalet was remote enough from the rest of San Francisco that it could seem to be operating under different laws. A 1932 police raid netted a dozen men who were charged with sponsoring lewd shows and gambling parties."

During World War II the Chalet served as a coastal defense headquarters.

After the war big city shenanigans took over as the city leased the Beach Chalet to the Veterans of Foreign Wars for $50 a month. Soon it became San Francisco westernmost den of inequity. In 1952 smoker was reported to police. The agenda included gambling, strippers and lewd films. The SFPD were called when a crowd of rowdy teenagers wanted to participate. Alas, they were not veterans and so were barred.

In the early 70's when Quicksilver Messenger Service was founded, the Chalet was a bikers bar attracting a crowd of, bike messengers and original hippies from the Family Dog rock shows at Playland just down the beach.

After a decade under padlock the building was restored with a restaurant on the second floor and a one-of-a-kind City of San Francisco gift shop on the first floor which features a line of unique San Francisco Beach and Surfing T-shirts and old city street signs for sale. Today gift shop is closed. The view of the sea at this beachside eatery is incredible, especially if your dining room doesn't overlook the Pacific Ocean.

After your exotic and historic break at the Beach Chalet, your Quicksilver driver can have you at San Francisco International airport is a half hour for your flight home.

About the Author

SF Bay Area Transportation Expert As President of Quicksilver TownCar Service http://www.qstc.net, Phil Macafee knows all of the freeways and most of the byways from Carmel to Sacramento to the wine country and many of the high-cultures aviaries and sailor's dives in between.