A Magical Summer at Sea: Tallink Ferries Celebrate Ilon Wikland’s Anniversary Year

This summer, two of Tallink’s cruise ferries, Victoria I and Baltic Queen, are turning into floating fairy tale havens in celebration of the beloved illustrator Ilon Wikland’s anniversary year. In collaboration with Ilon’s Wonderland (Iloni Imedemaa) in Haapsalu, Estonia, the ships offer a whimsical onboard experience featuring an exhibition of Wikland’s illustrations, cozy reading corners with her books in various languages, and creative drawing areas for children.

“Ilon Wikland has built a beautiful cultural bridge between Sweden and Estonia,” said Piret Mürk-Dubout, Member of the Management Board at Tallink Grupp. “Her illustrations make Astrid Lindgren’s stories feel surprisingly close to Estonia, reflecting Ilon’s own childhood memories of this country. We’re honoured to bring this experience onboard during the busy summer travel season, when guests from all over the world sail with us. We are deeply grateful to Ilon’s Wonderland for the partnership. We hope this collaboration will inspire even more travellers—especially from Sweden and beyond—to explore Estonia and be delightfully surprised by what they discover.”

“Ilon Wikland’s creative journey spans generations,” added Maarja Kõuts, Director of Ilon’s Wonderland. “Her book illustrations have shaped the childhood of today’s grandparents in Sweden, Estonia and many other countries. Wikland’s richly detailed and warm drawings bring people together across age and background. Through them, we reconnect with the safe, imaginative world of childhood—wherever we come from. Her artwork also holds glimpses of her early home in Estonia, a place she has always carried in her heart.”

From Thursday, 19 June, passengers onboard both Victoria I and Baltic Queen will be able to enjoy the exhibition and explore “book suitcases” filled with Wikland’s illustrated works in multiple languages. Young passengers are encouraged to get creative through drawing and colouring activities, with the chance to win prizes from Ilon’s Wonderland. The ship shops also offer unique souvenirs featuring Wikland’s iconic illustrations.

The celebration continues until 10 August on Victoria I, which sails the Tallinn-Helsinki route and where Wikland also designed the ship’s children’s playroom. On Baltic Queen, which operates the Stockholm-Tallinn line, the festivities will last until 21 August.

Ilon Wikland celebrated her 95th birthday this February. Born in 1930, she spent her childhood in the town of Haapsalu before fleeing to Sweden in 1944 during World War II. In 1953, she joined the Stockholm-based publisher Rabén & Sjögren and gained international acclaim as the illustrator of Astrid Lindgren’s books. Wikland has often said that her drawings reflect the landscapes and memories of Estonia—a quiet tribute to her homeland behind the Iron Curtain.