21 Baltics Photos to Inspire Your First Trip

One of the less explored pockets of Europe, the Baltic nations of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are some of Europe’s most enchanting and intriguing. Visitors on their first Baltics trip tend to make a beeline for each of the capitals, but each country has a depth to it you likely won’t expect. Unfortunately, travellers tend to wait until they’ve seen more of Europe before venturing here and I think that’s a mistake.

In all honesty, travelling through the Baltics is just as easy as elsewhere in Europe. Plus, I’ve already written articles on what you need to know before visiting Estonia and visiting Latvia. The earlier you take the leap and make your first Baltics trip, the sooner you’ll start making plans for your second visit, trust me. If you won’t take my word for it, then maybe the below photos will persuade you.

Wonderful Castles

They may not get as much recognition as the castles in Germany or even Romania, but the Baltics sure do have some cool ones. These medieval gems not only immediately capture your imagination, but reveal far more of the region’s history than you ever knew about.

For castle lovers, one place that cannot be missed is the Gauja Valley, where you can walk between three different castles, including Turaida and Sigulda. There’s also Cesis Castle, where you’re given a lantern to help you navigate around inside.

Sunset washing over Kaunas Castle in Lithuania

Admiring the newer of Sigulda’s castles in Latvia

Approaching the ruins of Cesis Castle, Latvia

Tower View of Turaida Castle in Latvia

Spectacular Nature

In ample supply in each of the Baltic states is serene, untouched nature. A great way to break up moving between capital cities on your first Baltics trip is to add a nice little nature detour. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania aren’t huge countries but each still has large parts covered in forest, wild fields and swampland.

The Estonian island of Saaremaa is a perfect example, with idyllic rural fields spread across it, occasionally broken up with other-worldly meteorite craters. Alternatively, there’s the Venta Rapid outside Kuldiga in Latvia, the widest waterfall in Europe.

The picturesque Ventas Rapids outside Kuldiga, Latvia

Delving into the main Kaali Crater on Saaremaa Island, Estonia

Serene forest that runs through the Gauja Valley, Latvia

Endless forest trails on the Curonian Spit of Lithuania

Tantalising History

It’s fair to say that Baltic nations have been through a lot in their long history. It’s been great to see each get the chance to celebrate 100 years of independence in 2018, after some trying times. Visitors will be glad to know that there are plenty of chances to learn more about these country’s pasts.

Taking a walking tour of Tallinn will give you a better understanding of the city’s medieval history, not to mention its time under Soviet rule. The same goes for cities like Riga and Tartu, but it’s not just limited to the region’s urban centres. For instance, a trip to the windmills of Angla on Saaremaa teaches you quite a bit about island life and culture.

Town wall towers defending the city of Tallinn, Estonia

The landmark House of the Blackheads in Riga, Latvia

Standing among the ruins of Tartu Cathedral, Estonia

The surviving windmills of Angla on Saaremaa Island, Estonia

Surprising Beaches

Probably the last thing travellers expect to find here in northern Europe is stunning sand beaches. But it’s true, the Baltic coastline is home to some truly inviting beachfront. Each of the Baltic countries has its own preferred beach getaways that see plenty of visitors during the short summers.

Just a short train ride outside of Riga you can find the delightful beaches of Jurmala, whereas holidaymakers in Lithuania often take the ferry out to the Curonian Spit from Klaipeda. With a beach with a twist though, you can’t beat the eerie bunkers on Karosta beach.

Welcoming beach signs at Liepaja Beach, Latvia

Soft white sand of the Lithuanian seaside on the Curonian Spit

Deserted beaches and bunkers around Karosta, Latvia

Boardwalk through gentle scrub at Jurmala, Latvia

Gorgeous Architecture

Often the look and feel of a city can tell you a lot about a place. To me, this applies to the Baltic states. Even while you’re doing other things as you sightsee, the architecture you come across along the way subtly tells you more about your surroundings.

One of the best things you can do while visiting Riga is go in search of its unbelievable art nouveau buildings. Similarly, while I did have my troubles with Vilnius, I did find its architecture to be deeply engaging.

Splendid art nouveau architecture in Riga, Latvia

Town Hall in the main square of Tartu

Resplendent Gothic design of St Anne’s Church in Vilnius, Lithuania

Mixed architectural influences of Kaunas Old Town, Lithuania

Charming half-timbered houses in the Lithuanian city of Klaipeda

Planning your First Baltics Trip

• Accommodation: Here you can find hotels, apartments and guesthouses for across the Baltic States.
• Tours: There are countless day trips, cruises, and sightseeing tours available in the Baltics.
• Car Hire: If you want to travel more independently, consider renting a car to drive yourself about.
• Guide Books: Lastly, if you’re after a physical guide to take with you then you can’t beat a Lonely Planet Guide.

Where would be look to start your first Baltics trip? Have you already visited Estonia, Latvia or Lithuania and are looking to visit again? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.