There aren’t many bars where you can enjoy your favorite drink while gazing out over landscapes recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
At Wasaline’s bar, you can do exactly that!
The view alone makes it worth taking a seat in the bar aboard Aurora Botnia which sails the world’s northernmost regularly operated international ferry route. Settle in with a drink in hand and let your eyes wander, over the open sea outside or across the elegant interior, inspired by the natural beauty of the Nordic archipelago.
But even without the view, this bar is well worth a visit in its own right.
Explore Aurora Botnia’s bar in 360° – use the arrows to look around.
Quality in both glass and service
Located on deck seven, the bar and its adjoining pub, strike the perfect balance between quality, character, warm service, and a genuinely relaxed atmosphere.
Just like the ship’s acclaimed interior design, the drink selection has been carefully curated. Locally sourced ingredients and regional character are key, but above all, every drink is chosen for its quality and flavor. Every beverage, whether on tap or bottled, has earned its place for a reason.
Attention to detail runs through everything, from the atmospheric lighting to the finishing touches in each cocktail, such as the dried fruits prepared onboard to give every drink its own unique twist.
The service is equally uncompromising. As always with asaline, the guest’s wishes come first.
– While the drink lists on many large Baltic ferries are usually fixed, at Aurora Botnia we have the freedom to be a bit more creative and tailor drinks to our guests’ preferences, says bartender Joel Myntti.
– And if your favorite isn’t on the menu – we’ll make it anyway.
Bartender Joel Myntti welcomes guests’ orders, whether they come straight from the menu or are custom creations.
Flavors from both sides of the Kvarken
Since Aurora Botnia welcomes a wide variety of travelers, the bar’s offering needs to be just as diverse.
“We have to offer a bit of everything, from light, refreshing drinks to timeless classics and everything in between,” says Myntti.
The wine list is designed to match the relaxed atmosphere onboard, while the beer selection appeals to both lovers of traditional brews and those who like to experiment. Among the favorites are beers from local breweries, flavorful tributes of the ship’s route and the region’s proud brewing tradition.
The drinks highlight not only global influences but also also the best of local ingredients. Bright orange sea buckthorn berries, sourced from nearby producers, have become a signature flavor, featured in sparkling cocktails, gin mixes, and seasonal mulled wine. Their fresh, tangy flavor has become a true hallmark of the bar, and during berry season, an entire page of the drink menu is dedicated to this golden vitamin-packed fruit.
The widest gin selection in the Baltic Sea
What’s a bar without gin? That’s not a question you’ll need to ask aboard Aurora Botnia, here you’ll find the widest gin selection in the entire Baltic Sea.
When asked why gin has such a special place here, Myntti smiles.
“It’s something we’re genuinely proud of. Gin is one of the most popular spirits in the world, and we’re lucky to have exceptional gin bars on both sides of our route – in Finland and Sweden. The best flavors are right on our doorstep.”
The bar keeps a keen eye on global beverage trends,even if life at sea gives them a character of their own. Non-alcoholic mocktails and retro 1980s-style cocktails, for example, have always been popular onboard – long before they made their big comeback on land.
Non-alcoholic mocktails are becoming increasingly popular at Aurora Botnia’s bar.
Truly away from everyday life
So how would the experienced bartender describe the atmosphere in Aurora Botnia’s bar and pub?
“It’s something truly special,” says Myntti with a smile.
People rarely rush into a restaurant, even on land, but at sea, the sense of hurry disappears entirely.
“The atmosphere here is definitely more relaxed than on shore. Onboard, you’re completely disconnected from everyday life. There’s plenty of space, lots of seating, and time to simply enjoy the moment.” he continues.
The inviting atmosphere is enhanced by live music several nights a week, guest DJs, and the popular Friday Music Club cruises, where passengers can experience live concerts by well-known artists – all included in the price of a regular ticket.
