Summer in the Baltics
As the sun began to dip beneath the tree-lined horizon well after 10 PM, I found myself standing in a field alongside dozens of Latvians of all ages, many wearing traditional national dress. A bonfire crackled behind me, and the gentle sound of Latvian folk music permeated the cool, crisp evening air.
I was attending a Midsummer celebration outside the small town of Ligatne, marveling at this unique tradition that I never knew existed until earlier that same day when I was invited to join.
This was just one of many magical moments I experienced on my two-week trip to the Baltics, the unlikeliest of European summer destinations — but also one of my favorites.
An Underrated European Summer Destination
The “European summer” aesthetic has taken the social media landscape by storm, and I can definitely see the appeal of it. Who doesn’t dream of seeing the sun glitter enticingly on the surface of the Mediterranean Sea, colorful umbrellas arranged in rows on an Amalfi Coast beach, white-washed villages on Greek islands, and stylish bikini photos taken at a beach club on the French Riviera? Sounds perfect, right?
The problem is that when actually placed in that sort of environment, I immediately turn tomato-red and become frizzy-haired and drenched in sweat, rather than sun-kissed and glowing.
My fair-skinned, freckled complexion can’t handle the Mediterranean sun, and my winter-loving soul doesn’t thrive once temperatures exceed 75° F. I also can be irate and overwhelmed in summery places that other people might find fun, like a bustling beach club in Barcelona or a lively outdoor cafe in Rome.
So while the idea of the classic European summer appeals to me, the reality is much less rosy. I’d rather save those types of destinations — beaches and cities in Spain, France, Italy, or Greece — for the spring or fall off-season, when I can enjoy them in milder weather, and with fewer crowds and lower prices.
My recommendation for where to spend a European summer trip for anyone who’s like me and can’t handle heat or crowds well, or who wants to get a little more off the beaten path this year? The Baltics.
Why Visit the Baltics?
This region in Northeastern Europe is criminally underrated.
The Baltics consist of three countries: Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia. Each of these countries is fairly compact, and you can fit them all into a one-week itinerary if you’re pressed for time.
However, ten days or even two weeks is best for fully exploring the Baltics. I visited the Baltics in June a couple of years ago, and I completely fell in love with this region. What’s not to love?
- It’s full of beautiful cities, peaceful nature, and historic castles.
- It’s safe, easy to get around, and more affordable than Western Europe.
- It has a mild summer climate, and I was even wearing sweaters in the evenings.
- It has good tourism infrastructure, but few tourist crowds.
I know it’s a cliche, but I think the Baltics are a true hidden gem. If you’re looking for something a little different for your European summer, here’s a quick overview of how to spend the perfect trip to the Baltics:
Estonia
Start your trip in Tallinn, the fairytale-like capital city of Estonia. Spend two full days exploring the city, taking in its many scenic viewpoints, visiting museums (Kadriorg Palace is my favorite — it’s an art museum in a historic palace), and wandering the cobblestone streets of the Old Town.
If you have more time, you can spend a day in Tartu, Estonia’s second city, known as the intellectual and cultural capital of the country. Then it’s time to move on to Latvia. Hop on a bus to Riga, which will take four hours if you’re coming from Tallinn and 3.5 hours if you’re coming from Tartu.
Latvia
Base yourself in Riga, Latvia for three full days. Spend one day exploring the city, which, much like Tallinn, has an extremely charming Old Town. I also loved the many parks and green spaces in Riga.
Spend your other days taking day trips around Latvia. Some of my top picks would be Sigulda and Cesis (historic castles and nature, both located close to each other) and Bauska (more historic castles.) The coastal town of Jurmala is also close to Riga, but I have to say that this isn’t a must-visit.
From Riga, take the bus to Vilnius, which is three hours and 45 minutes away.
Lithuania
Vilnius is yet another lovely capital city full of lush parks and picturesque cobblestone streets. Stay here for two days and explore the city. A highlight for me was the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania.
Make your way to Trakai for a day trip. This quaint little town is located on a lake with a historic castle on a small island in the center, and it’s a magical place to spend an afternoon. If you have more time, add a day for Kaunas, Lithuania’s second city, known for its scenic views and historic charm.
Getting There: How to Visit the Baltics
There are direct flights to Tallinn from all over Europe, although there aren’t currently any direct flights from anywhere in the US, so you’ll need to connect somewhere in Europe first.
You could also start your trip in Helsinki, Finland, which does have direct flights from the US, and is just two hours by ferry from Tallinn. Helsinki is also a cool place to spend a day or two first.
If you finish your trip in Vilnius, there are also no direct flights to any cities in the US, but you can easily get to many other cities in Europe, where you can then continue your trip or head home.
A Baltic Summer Is Waiting for You
Have I convinced you to visit the Baltics yet? I hope so!
I have so many good memories from my summer trip to Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. It might have lacked the flashiness and Instagramability of some of the more popular “European summer” destinations, but that’s exactly what I wanted. And because of that, it stands out as a unique experience for me.
The Baltics are the ideal place to go if you want to slow down, enjoy relaxing and calm destinations, and immerse yourself in a beautiful, historic, and underrated region of Europe this summer.
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