Essential tips for planning a trip to the Baltics

If you love to seek out underrated vacation spots, the Baltics should certainly be on your radar. The three Baltic States of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania are sandwiched between northern and eastern Europe, sitting on the chilly climes of the Baltic Sea. Though rarely listed highly on the European tourist trail, each Baltic country has its own story and personality, as well as an air of cultural confidence that’s hard not to love. In this article, we’ll share our trip itinerary-building tips for visiting the Baltics, from the unmissable highlights of each country, to how to road-trip the Baltics like a pro.

Get to know the Baltics

Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania make up the Baltics, and though they’re not the showiest, each country has a fascinating history, swathes of untouched natural wilderness, and its own distinctive culture to unpack.

These are somewhat cold destinations, so you’ll need to wrap up, especially in the winter months—but with the cool air comes a sense of refreshing change from the usual tourist trail. If you’re a fan of quirky, lesser-visited and independently-minded vacation spots, you won’t be disappointed by these European gems.

How to travel the Baltics?

Many travelers choose to combine all three Baltic countries into a multi-stop tour, perhaps visiting each capital city if it’s a brief trip, or taking the time to explore each country individually to really immerse themselves in the Baltic way of life.

Self-drive tours of the Baltics are popular, and though it’s relatively flat, active adventurers have forests, lakes, and cycling activities at their disposal. Still, the slow travelers, city dwellers and culture lovers will be in their element—slotting into the cafe lifestyle and absorbing the museums, traditional markets and folk traditions as they make their way between local villages and towns.

Classic tour highlights when visiting the Baltics

Let’s briefly explain the highlights of the Baltics, so you can consider what to add to your itinerary with the help of our local travel experts.

The Baltic capital cities: Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius

A visit to each Baltic country usually revolves around its capital: Estonia’s Tallinn, Latvia’s Riga, and Lithuania’s Vilnius.

• Tallinn has really put Estonia on the map in recent years, as the city alone makes for a charming and lively short getaway. Its coastal location combines urban life with a seaside friendliness, while its medieval Old Town tells the back story. The atmospheric town squares brim with quirky cafes, underground bars and street art. It’s an old-timey city with a modern personality.
• In Latvia, Riga’s streets are a mix of grandiose Art Nouveau buildings and wide, bustling squares. The Old Town is stunning, the Central Market is housed in former zeppelin hangars, and there are great places to grab local smoked fish, rye bread or a local pastry as you wander. Enjoy the swan-studded river, the street performers and buskers; and expect a spirited nightlife to emerge once the sun sets.
• Finally, Lithuania’s Vilnius is resplendent with Baroque churches, pastel-colored houses and narrow, cobbled streets. Though there’s a contemporary scene full of great eateries, independent stores and commuter life, the old storybook aesthetic is very much present. Climb to Gediminas Tower for a sweeping view over the terracotta rooftops and leafy squares, and pop into numerous bookshops and small galleries.

Storied landmarks: Trakai Castle, Rundāle Palace and Kernavė

The Baltics have a richly-layered history; tales of past battles, ancient folklore and political turbulence permeate the lands. Famously, the invasion of the Teutonic Knights sought to convert the pagan Baltics to Christianity in the 13th century, with Lithuania once being the last remaining pagan country in Europe. Shortly after, there was also the formation of the medieval trade network, the Hanseatic League; and the more recent 20th-century occupation of the Soviet Union.

Trakai Castle is a symbol of Lithuania’s enduring power against the Teutonic Knights. Set on an island in Lake Galvė, the castle looks like something from a fairy-tale, and is stunning to explore. Linked to this, the hill-fort complex of Kernavė is an ancient settlement from the 3rd millennium BCE, a true symbol of Lithuania’s pre-Christian pagan heritage.

Meanwhile, the manicured gardens and gilded features of Rundāle Palace in Latvia are clear reminders of the country’s Baroque heritage. Built in the 18th century for the Duke of Courland, it’s nicknamed the ‘Versailles of Latvia’ for a reason—it really reflects the opulence of local nobility at the time.

Extending your trip: unique sites off the beaten track

If you have a week to two weeks or more to fully explore the Baltic countries, myriad experiences are on hand to help you really get under the skin of this part of Europe.

Venturing to the coast of the Baltic Sea

The Baltic coast is often chilly, atmospheric and rugged, while many of its coastal towns have a community feel and untouched charm.

• Lithuania’s biggest coastal draw is the Curonian Spit, an elongated sandbar that’s the largest sand bay bar in Europe. It’s impressive here and draws a lot of locals—pine forests, sprawling sand dunes, picturesque villages, and scenic sea-swimming fill the landscape. For a kitsch, more traditionally ‘seaside-y’ resort town, Palanga is fun and nostalgic in the summertime.
• Latvia’s beach scene is relatively elegant and under-visited—you can stay in a wooden villa with sea views and enjoy the spa-like sense of indulgence, especially in places like Jūrmala. There’s also Cape Kolka for panoramic, windswept sandy beaches.
• Estonia has a pleasant selection of seaside towns and activities—even Tallinn itself has some coastline, with Pirita and Noblessner. Head to the coastal section of Lahemaa National Park for rocky beaches and mossy wetland, with the odd manor house to explore. The country’s main resort town, Pärnu, has all you’d need for an easy and accessible beach break—a lovely town center, lively cafes, and soft sand to relax on.

Get outdoors with forests and parks galore

Outdoor enthusiasts tend to love the Baltic countries, and for good reason; the ‘right to roam’ philosophy and the sense of untouched wilderness are a real selling point. It’s not about adrenaline chasing in the Baltics, however, but just curious exploration at your own pace. Hike for hours through pine and birch woods, stop to picnic or take a wild swim in a lake, or even forage for berries and mushrooms in the summer (as many do!).

National Parks like Lahemaa in Estonia, Gauja in Latvia, and Aukštaitija in Lithuania are bursting with forests, rivers, lakes and coastline, and have historical interest to boot, with old manors, castles and ancient villages hidden away in the landscape. It’s not usually busy, either, so you can expect to enjoy a sense of spaciousness and feel of exclusivity.

Scenic cities and towns off the typical tourist trail

There’s nothing better than stopping in a town you’ve never heard of before and it becomes a trip highlight. In the Baltics, the off-the-track villages and towns are often decorated with historic wooden neighborhoods, crumbling old buildings, and picturesque lakes. You’re sure to be welcomed by local people, language barriers or not, so long as you respect them and the local area.

Try Lithuania’s Druskininkai, an old spa town surrounded by serene pockets of trees and rivers, or Zarasai, near the lakes of Aukštaitija, for waterside ambling trails and almost no crowds. In Latvia, Kuldīga’s town of fairy-tale cottages has Europe’s widest waterfall running through it; while in Estonia, coastal Haapsalu is famed for its seaside homes, a castle ruin, and very slow pace of life.

Enrich your Baltics itinerary with tradition, folklore and ‘weirdness’

Though it may be an unsaid assumption, those who love to visit eastern Europe are often drawn to its quirks, its brash confidence, and its celebration of the bizarre. Here are ways to squeeze some alternative fun into your Baltics tour.

The Hill of Witches and the Hill of Crosses

As the nation with the longest history of paganism, Lithuania is full of memorable and symbolic sites. The Hill of Witches is basically a trail through a pine forest that’s lined with carved, folkloric statues, like mischievous devils, pagan gods, and cackling witches. It makes for a quirky side excursion when visiting the Baltics’ picturesque Curonian Spit.

On a more serious note is the Hill of Crosses near Šiauliai. Here, thousands of crosses cover a small hill, added by people over generations as a sign of independence. During Soviet rule, the site was repeatedly bulldozed, only for the crosses to reappear overnight. Today it endures as a striking symbol of Lithuanian resistance and strength.

An island tour of Saaremaa

Saaremaa is Estonia’s largest island, and well worth a side trip—it’s a mystical place steeped in folklore and historic uprisings. The Kaali meteor strike which hit around 1500-1450 BCE, formed a large crater lake on the island that became sacred to locals, and influenced much of their rituals and religious practice.

Over time, the island became a launch pad for indigenous pirates, the Oeselians, who would raid ships across the Baltic Sea; then from the medieval age, it bounced between Danish, Swedish and Russian powers. This fascinating background adds a storied air to the windmills, the juniper fields, and Soviet-era relics that still scatter the land.

Soviet-era relics and castles in Latvia

Nature and history combine wonderfully in Latvia, where a glut of Soviet-era remnants abound. To explore the likes of abandoned bunkers and former military towns, prisons and ports, take a tour with a local guide to learn the stories behind these old buildings. The point of Soviet architecture was to emote obedience and permanence, so it’s a fascinating if somewhat eerie venture to get an idea of what life was like behind the Iron Curtain.

Latvia’s countryside is scattered with what’s left of romantic castles, and not only the opulent Rundāle Palace we mentioned earlier. Gauja National Park, for instance, is full of wooded trails that lead past old medieval castles, like Sigulda Castle—which sits on a cliff overlooking the Gauja River.

Visiting the Baltics: our top three tours

Our local travel experts in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have in-depth knowledge of the Baltics and know exactly how to get the best out of this enigmatic region of Europe. Here are their top three Baltics tours…

10-day seniors’ tour of the Baltic capitals

Travel the best of the Baltics in 10 days with this brilliant tour, made with seniors in mind. You’ll discover the three capitals, Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn, take a hot air balloon ride over the island castle of Trakai, explore rural villages around Kuldīga, and take a breather in the Estonian countryside and coast.

Self-drive trip in the Baltics

Driving is one of the most exhilarating ways to experience the Baltics. Roads are accessible and tourist sites are well-connected, with plenty of opportunities to go off the beaten track. On this two-week self-drive Baltics tour, the focus is on adventurous exploration. You’ll cover the three capitals, join hiking, biking and kayaking excursions, enjoy the rugged wilderness of Lahemaa National Park, the Curonian Spit, and Trakai; and explore Kuldīga, known as the most romantic town in Latvia.

Beautiful 10-day Baltic highlights tour

Our wonderful 10-day tour of the Baltics is a real all-rounder, with something to please everybody. Experience the highlights of the Baltics while focusing on the three capital cities in each state: Latvia’s Riga, Estonia’s Tallinn and Lithuania’s Vilnius.

Practical tips and advice for your Baltic States travel

When to visit the Baltics

• Though the Baltics may sound cold (and they can be), during the summertime of June to August the region enjoys comfortably warm temperatures that average around 68-77 degrees Fahrenheit (mid-low 20s Celsius). This is considered peak season in the Baltics, as every activity is accessible and the days are long.
• Late spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October) are considered shoulder seasons, but the seasonal transitions are lovely, with mild temperatures, lower prices and fewer tourists.
• The low season in winter (November to February) promises chilly temperatures and shorter days—but it can be really atmospheric with the snow and ice, especially at Christmas, if you embrace the cold and pack well. Estonia sees the coldest winters as the northernmost state, while Lithuania sees the warmest summers.

Travel documents and other essentials for visiting the Baltics

• The Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are all part of the Schengen Area, so EU citizens do not need a visa, and stays of up to 90 days are generally visa-free for travelers from many other countries.
• It’s advised to get travel insurance, and while credit and debit cards are widely accepted, keep some local currency (euros) on hand for rural areas and smaller towns.
• Public transport works well in cities, but for a multi-stop tour, renting a car gives the ultimate freedom to explore quieter villages, reach lesser-visited coastal stretches, and fully explore national parks.

Language and culture

When visiting the Baltics, keep in mind that each state has its own language (Lithuanian, Latvian, Estonian), but English is widely spoken so you should have no problems getting by, especially in tourist areas.

Locals are generally welcoming and will have no issue chatting, but culturally they’re more reserved than southern European countries. Don’t expect strangers to start chatting with you in the street, but once you start a conversation, most locals are sure to be helpful and friendly.

Make it happen

To start planning your bespoke trip for visiting the Baltics, get in touch with our local travel experts. They’re based on the ground in Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania with all the in-depth knowledge you’ll need to build your dream Baltics itinerary.