The Baltics represent a somewhat underappreciated corner of Europe. They’re extremely affordable for visitors, but they’re packed with stunning natural wonders and captivating historical intrigue. If you’re planning a break on the continent, in other words, they’re not to be overlooked.
You might plan to visit not just one part of the region, but all of it in a single trip. This is where biking tours in Europe really come into their own. On two wheels, you’ll get a unique perspective on the amazing coastlines and pine forests the Baltics have to offer. Let’s consider a few of the more important parts of the region, and how to get the best from your time in them.
Estonia
Estonia is a former Soviet country but its history extends back much further than that. The capital, Tallinn, is often cited as the best-preserved medieval city in the region – but it’s the countryside that arguably holds the greater appeal. There are more than two thousand islands to explore, and half of the country is covered in lush, thick forests. If you’re in the capital, then you’ll want to pay a visit to the Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is the place to enjoy an authentic slice of the food and drink that’s been on offer in Estonia for centuries. Expect dense dishes, heavily loaded with carbs.
Latvia
South of Estonia, we find Latvia, which, like its neighbor, offers an abundance of forest, and a capital city with a bustling and vibrant Old Town section. Old Riga is where most visitors to the country find themselves drawn. During winter, it’s heaving with amazing Christmas markets; during summer, it’s a place to unwind in the local beer gardens and cafes. Riga is also distinct for hosting the largest market in all of Europe. Housed in a series of converted zeppelin hangars, you can find just about anything here, ranging from fresh Latvian produce to boutique pieces of fashion.
Lithuania
You might not readily associate Lithuania with a beach holiday – but there’s no shortage of gorgeous sandy beaches here, with most of them bounded on all sides by dense pine forests. Nida and Palanga stand out as popular seaside resorts. Like the rest of the Baltics, Lithuania is richly steeped in history. The Old Town of Vilnius is among the most impressive in Europe. Like that of Tallinn, it’s listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Finally, we should mention the Island Castle of Trakai, which sits only a short drive away from Vilnius itself. There’s a captivating, fairy-tale-esque castle that sits out on a lake. It’s an attraction without a real equal anywhere else on the continent.
The Baltics represent a somewhat underappreciated corner of Europe. They’re extremely affordable for visitors, but they’re packed with stunning natural wonders and captivating historical intrigue. If you’re planning a break on the continent, in other words, they’re not to be overlooked.
You might plan to visit not just one part of the region, but all of it in a single trip. This is where biking tours in Europe really come into their own. On two wheels, you’ll get a unique perspective on the amazing coastlines and pine forests the Baltics have to offer. Let’s consider a few of the more important parts of the region, and how to get the best from your time in them.
Estonia
Estonia is a former Soviet country but its history extends back much further than that. The capital, Tallinn, is often cited as the best-preserved medieval city in the region – but it’s the countryside that arguably holds the greater appeal. There are more than two thousand islands to explore, and half of the country is covered in lush, thick forests. If you’re in the capital, then you’ll want to pay a visit to the Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is the place to enjoy an authentic slice of the food and drink that’s been on offer in Estonia for centuries. Expect dense dishes, heavily loaded with carbs.
Latvia
South of Estonia, we find Latvia, which, like its neighbor, offers an abundance of forest, and a capital city with a bustling and vibrant Old Town section. Old Riga is where most visitors to the country find themselves drawn. During winter, it’s heaving with amazing Christmas markets; during summer, it’s a place to unwind in the local beer gardens and cafes. Riga is also distinct for hosting the largest market in all of Europe. Housed in a series of converted zeppelin hangars, you can find just about anything here, ranging from fresh Latvian produce to boutique pieces of fashion.
Lithuania
You might not readily associate Lithuania with a beach holiday – but there’s no shortage of gorgeous sandy beaches here, with most of them bounded on all sides by dense pine forests. Nida and Palanga stand out as popular seaside resorts.
Like the rest of the Baltics, Lithuania is richly steeped in history. The Old Town of Vilnius is among the most impressive in Europe. Like that of Tallinn, it’s listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Finally, we should mention the Island Castle of Trakai, which sits only a short drive away from Vilnius itself. There’s a captivating, fairy-tale-esque castle that sits out on a lake. It’s an attraction without a real equal anywhere else on the continent.
Share this:
Like this: