The campervan trip to Estonia was fantastic, and now we've started thinking about seeing more of the Baltics next summer. We're curious about Latvia and Lithuania, and here's what we want to see more of. Do you have any other tips?
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Summer trip around Estonia
We had high hopes for this summer's trip around Estonia, and it turned out to be true. even better than expected. The country offers beautiful nature, lots of history (often Swedish!) and nice cities.
There are only about 1.3 million people living in Estonia, and tourism is moderate, so travelling around the country, even in high season, feels calm and relaxed. The fact that it's legal, and feels safe, to free-camp with a motorhome doesn't make things any worse.
Now we want to see more of the Baltics
Now we are curious to see more of the Baltics. We have visited Riga before, and this summer we also visited a summer camp for poor children in Daugavpils in Latvia. I (Helena) also visited both Latvia and Lithuania when a friend and I travelled by train in 1996. This was only a few years after the Baltic States became free from the Soviet Union, so it was very interesting to be there so early.
Now much has changed and there are lots of places in these countries that we haven't seen. Our hope is to do a similar motorhome trip next summer as we did this year in Estonia, but in Latvia and Lithuania.
Price mode
We found the price situation to be good in Estonia (although it is a bit more expensive in Tallinn), and in Latvia and Lithuania prices are supposed to be even lower. According to the Forex holiday index for winter 2018/2019, the price situation is as follows (compared to index 100 for Sweden):
- Estonia: 69
- Latvia: 57
- Lithuania: 56
Things to see and do in Latvia and Lithuania
Here are seven things we're curious to experience in Latvia and Lithuania:
1. Seaside resorts and beaches
Jūrmala is the most famous seaside resort in Latvia, where you can enjoy long beaches and stroll through beautiful wooden houses. Lithuania's most famous seaside resort is Palanga. We are also curious about the long tongue of land, the Curonian Spit, which extends into the sea, south of Klaipeda.
2. Spa and other luxuries
The low price level means that you can take the opportunity to do things that you do not do so often otherwise, whether you prefer, for example, to go to a spa, eat at a more luxurious restaurant or hang out at one of the Baltic's many casinos. When we were in Tallinn last time, we stayed at the Hilton Tallinn Park, which has both a delicious spa and an exclusive casino.
In Vilnius you will find for example Vilnius Spa and Radisson Blu hotel with Olympic Casino Lietuva. In the Baltics, you see much more casinos than in Sweden because they do not have the same rules. Here in Sweden has now the laws have also been tightened for online casinos so that all must have a Swedish gambling licence. in order to carry out their activities.
3. Exciting cities
We have already been to Riga, so in Latvia it would be interesting to visit the city of Liepāja, which is surrounded by water on all sides. In Lithuania, it would be exciting to travel to the capital Vilnius, where I haven't been since 1996. This city includes the self-proclaimed 'Republic' of Uzupis, which is supposed to be full of street art.
4. History
Both Latvia and Lithuania were part of the Soviet Union and there are many reminders of this period. In Vilnius, for example, you can visit the KGB Museum or take a guided tour of the Jewish Quarter. And of course, there is older history to explore!
5. Culture and traditions
When travelling, it is interesting to learn more about culture and traditions. Both Latvia and Lithuania have a popular culture of song, dance, mythology and festivals.
6. Nature
Cities are great, but we like to experience nature when we travel. Estonia was very green and beautiful, and of course we want to explore whether Latvia and Lithuania are as nice. We know there are beaches, forests and lakes, so that bodes well.
7. camping life
What is it like to camp in Latvia and Lithuania... and to free camp? We want to find out more!
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Helena from Finland says:
It's going to be interesting. We will of course follow you. Maybe you should spend more time exploring the Baltic countries and not just rushing through. We will stroll around Sigtuna today. Maybe we can have coffee at Tant Bruns cafe. Jo, have read your Sigtuna tips:)
30 July 2019 - 10:58
Helena says:
Hope you had a nice day in Sigtuna! And glad you read our Sigtuna tips 😉 Nice city!!! Yes, the Baltic countries are probably interesting to discover, if you only have the time for it! 🙂
30 July 2019 - 18:43
BP says:
Then you can 'just' get sponsored by the Latvian and Lithuanian tourist offices to explore these two countries.
Jurmala is a long "coastal strip" where the main town is called Majori. We have been there three times, both in spa hotels and regular hotels. There is so much to see and do. However, we have not seen any Swedish connection there, but we probably did not look either;-)
30 July 2019 - 22:43