Tourism in the Baltics

The Baltic States include Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. They are situated on the Baltic Coast[?], close to Scandinavia. The Baltics are in fact very different countries though they are usually adressed together as "the Baltics". They are considered to be little populated countries of nature, amber and medieval cities, mostly former members of the hanseatic league. Today the Baltic countries are dynamic countries with a young population, the cities offer great cultural opportunities and cosy pubs and restaurants. Although they are situated close to Scandinavia and share a similar landscape with Sweden or Finland, they show a lifestyle that reminds visitors to Spain, France or Italy. The Baltic countries are known to offer well affordable vacations.

Estonia Estonia is the northernmost country of the Baltics. It also is the smallest country with the smallest population. Famous places to visit are the capital city Tallinn, an old medieval town with a cathedral and romantic little streets, a harbour with ferry lines to Sweden and Finland. South of Tallinn there is the old famous university town of Tartu. Estonia offers beautiful islands like Saaremaa or Hiiumaa and lakes like Lake Peipsi/Peipsi järv[?]. Estonia is ideal for recreation in free nature and in the woods.

Latvia Latvia is the central Baltic country. Its capital Riga is the biggest city of the three countries with about 800,000 inhabitants. Riga is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture, its broad boulevards and its cosmopolitic flair. The Latvian countryside is similar to those found in Scandinavia, but much better affordable. Latvia offers a long coastline along the Baltic Sea with harbour towns like Liepaja or seaside resorts like Jurmala. In the countryside there are picturesque little towns, often with medieval centres.

Lithuania Lithuania is the southernmost and biggest Baltic country. Its capital Vilnius has been adressed as "Baltic Jerusalem" in the past due to its many churches and its formerly big jewish minority. Remains of Lithuanian, Jewish and Polish culture can be found in the old town: Churches like the Cathedral and Synagogue. Close to the capital is the famous castle of Trakai. The second biggest city in Lithuania is Kaunas. It is more typical Lithuanian and also offers a large old town dating from medieval ages. The third place (beside many others) worth a visit is the harbour city of Klaipeda in the west. Klaipeda owns a picturesque framework-architecture similar to that found in Germany, England or in Denmark. Popular Lithuanian seaside resorts are found in Neringa[?] or Palanga[?].