Here’s a trip that perhaps you’ve always dreamed of but never had time to take: Exploring the Baltic States, the Amber Countries!

These three countries along the coast of the Baltic Sea, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, are known for having experienced numerous upheavals over the past, and thus for a long time tourism has been minimal. For centuries, they have been dominated by various European empires, interspersed with periods of independence. This similarity and their geographical proximity give the countries some common historical background, but different languages and cultures. Their historical, cultural, architectural, and artistic richness can’t help but attract travelers who are fascinated by the man-made, while the beautiful landscapes and parks attract lovers of the outdoors.

A Bit of History

From the 12th to the 17th centuries, the Baltic States were under the influence of the Hansa (merchants’ guilds); Riga was the principal eastern trading post. In 1589, although Latvia and Estonia remained in the Hanseatic League, Lithuania joined with Poland. In 1795, after a new partition of Poland, Lithuania and the two other Baltic States became attached to Russia. They regained their independence after World War I, thanks to the will of the eastern countries to establish a geographic barrier between themselves and Russia, which had become Communist. In 1939, Russia and Germany signed a reciprocal treaty of non-aggression, and on this occasion the Baltic States returned to the Russian fold.

The Baltic States remained territories occupied by the former U.S.S.R. until 1990, when, during the period of “glasnost” under President Gorbachev, Baltic opposition groups demanded their independence, and attained it after the dissolution of the Soviet Block in 1991. In 2004, thanks to the energy and enthusiasm of these states, they joined the European Union.

Geography and Nature

The three Baltic States have very similar geographical attributes. Forest covers much of the area, and visitors will find an enormous number of lakes as well; there are 2,800 in Lithuania alone!

It Lithuania travelers can visit Aukstaitija and Zemaitija Parks, which hold a myriad of glacial lakes.

In Latvia, Gauja National Park shelters numerous species of plants and animals as well as remnants of fortified castles. Be sure to visit Guttman Cave, the largest in the Baltic States.

In the north of Estonia, Laheema National Park offers a gorgeous combination of forest, cliffs, lakes, waterfalls, and rivers.

The Amber Coast

The Baltics are particularly known for the splendid coastline along the Baltic Sea.
In Lithuania, the extraordinary Curonian Spit, a national park recognized by UNESCO in 2000, amazes visitors with its miles of dark pine forests, sandwiched between a 100-kilometer (62 mile) beach along one side and a lagoon on the other that is dotted with picturesque fishing villages. The tiny town of Neringa, located on the Spit, welcomes guests with open arms.

In Estonia, the islands of Hiiumaa and Saarema are equally popular seaside destinations.

In the past, the Amber Road of the Baltic passed through Poland, Germany, and the Balkans. People who live along the Baltic Sea coast still use a lovely nickname for amber: “seabirds’ tears”. According to legend, Baltic amber holds “the light of the world”.

Beautiful Capitals

It’s unthinkable to bypass the joy of the Baltic States: their capitals.

Tallinn, capital of Estonia, is the oldest capital of Northern Europe. The old town, from the medieval period, is fortified and dominates the Gulf of Finland. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit on foot, strolling along the meandering streets in the shadow of the ramparts, winding around religious buildings and old merchants’ houses.

Riga, capital of Latvia, is the second largest port on the Baltic. Nicknamed “the pearl of the Baltic”, its old town, dating from the 13th century, is testimony to its moulded past. Here you can see the German influence from Hanseatic times. It is this history that made Riga a cosmopolitan city, molded by so many different influences and exchanges. Riga is equally well-known as a center for Art Nouveau.

In Lithuania, the southernmost Baltic State and the largest, the most populous, and the most visited, the capital is Vilnius. The city is proud to point out that it has existed officially since 1323. It is truly a cultural crossroads where each passing group has left its imprint. This diversity shows in the buildings of the Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), where all the architectural styles of central Europe blend in surprising harmony.