Immerse yourself in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania's stunning countryside.
August 30, 2024
Clustered away in northeast Europe, the Baltic States are as off the beaten path as you’ll find on the continent, geographically speaking and as a tourist destination. Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are linked through Soviet history and beautiful natural scenery including ancient birch forests and a rugged coastline.
The best way to see the Baltics is by immersing yourself in the Great Outdoors – followed swiftly by a sauna session.
The 1,330-mile Baltic Forest Route stretches from Lazdijai (Lithuania) to Tallinn (Estonia). Highlights include the Žemaitija, Gauja, and Lahemaa national parks and summiting Suur Munamägi, the Baltics’ highest peak. It takes between 100 and 115 days to complete the entire trail.
The Baltic Coastal Hiking Route is part of the E9 European Coastal Path. The Baltics trail starts in Nida (Lithuania) and concludes in Tallinn. This 882-mile route takes around 70 days to complete. It passes the drifting dunes of the Curonian Spit, skirts Latvia’s Jūrkalne Seashore, and provides access to the Estonian islands of Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, Vormsi, Muhu, Osmussaar.
The Baltic Trails are divided into a sequence of smaller hikes that may be spread over a couple of days or tackled as a day hike from your base city.
Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are a joy to explore from the saddle during summer and early fall. Much of the Baltic Trails are bike-friendly with minimal elevation change. A national cycling network crisscrosses through most of Estonia and makes getting around by bike extremely straightforward. Latvia and Lithuania are in the process of developing a similar infrastructure.
Novice cyclists may join a guided tour while experienced bikers can explore independently. Electric bikes and regular push pedal bikes are available although rentals are restricted to major cities.
Kayaking is a thrilling addition to an outdoorsy summer vacation in the Baltics. Beginner-friendly tours operate in Tallinn Bay with loops circuiting Aegna Island to see the seal colony. The sheltered lagoons of Curonian Spit is another easy kayaking destination in Lithuania.
The Western Estonian archipelago is a more challenging experience for sea kayaking. Two-day kayaking tours include a night camping. Back onland, shorter canoe tours operate in the nearby Soomaa National Park – the so-called Amazon of the Baltics.
Lake Galvė in Trakai is a wonderful inland kayaking spot in Lithuania close to Vilnius. Tours in handmade cedar strip canoes circuit Trakai Island Castle during the day and at sunset.
The Baltics are for all seasons, not just summer. The countryside in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania is blanketed in snow in winter and it even settles in some of the cities.
Snowshoeing is a popular winter activity in Baltic national parks. Travelers are recommended to hire a local guide or join a snowshoeing excursion for safety. Husky sledding and hiking tours also operate in the national parks near Riga during winter. Nõmme Snow Park is a convenient day trip from Tallinn for skiing and snowboarding.
Contact Darby at Darby’s Destinations to plan an adventurous itinerary in the Baltic States.
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