Around Baltic States

We start in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, the country of Skype's inventor, where widespread WLAN has long been a matter of course. Here, the digital future meets tradition. The contrasts could hardly be greater. On the one hand, there are cobblestone streets lined with gabled merchants' houses and churches; on the other, there are colorful street cafés and young people everywhere with open laptops. The gray Soviet air has given way to a lively mix of elegant stores, restaurants and trendy cafés, and a Hanseatic-Nordic flair pervades the old town. It is easy to feel at home here. Ultimately, only the Gulf of Finland separates Estonia from Finland, which is not least noticeable in the fact that the Baltic region as a whole feels more like Scandinavia than Eastern Europe. Tallinn has a lot to offer. You can sip a coffee between the Baltic Sea and the eerie remains of Patarei Prison. Since it is still unclear what is to happen to the old walls, Tallinn's creative scene has taken possession of the premises: Studios have been set up, but temporary exhibitions or parties also take place. For the latter, there is also a beach bar on the waterfront. In addition to the Patarei, the Telliskivi complex with studios, offices, cafés and flea markets also offers a similar atmosphere. Design and coffee lovers are therefore well catered for. Among photographers, the Patarei is considered an insider tip from the Lost Places category. If you want to take more photos, Tallinna Linnahall is nearby. It dates back to Soviet times and is a great photo motif. If all this doesn't interest you, Tallinn still offers excellent parties, a beautiful market and the best pancakes far and wide (at the Kompressor Pub).

Pärnu is the summer capital and the most popular seaside resort in Estonia. This is not by chance, there is the most beautiful beach here. The pretty wooden houses in the center of Pärnu are very reminiscent of Scandinavia. If you get bored while exploring the small town or have spent enough time on the beach and water, you can make a day trip to the island of Kihnu. It is known beyond the borders of Estonia for its traditions and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Especially hand-knitted sweaters from the island have a reputation among connoisseurs (if you like it...).

The pearl of the Baltic States and the capital of Latvia. Here, thanks to the beautiful historic Old Town, a world-renowned nightlife, many idyllic parks and the location by the sea, everyone gets their money's worth. During the day, there is more than enough to explore with the St. Peter's Church and the fantastic 360 degree view of Riga, the City Hall Square and the many Art Nouveau villas. The central market with its 5 thematically arranged market halls (fish, meat, dairy products, fruit and vegetables) is also a worthwhile visit. At sunset, a canal cruise on the Daugava is recommended. And in the evening you can take part in one of the countless pub tours or simply enjoy a beer or wine "just because". If all this is not enough for you, you can reach the spa town of Jurmala, located directly on the beach, within 30-40 minutes.

Beach, beach and beach again. Relaxing and eating ice cream. I think I have not forgotten anything. Who wants can also surf. A friend who comes here always says "the most beautiful place in the world"!

The fact that Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is also called "Rome of the East" is no coincidence. There are over 50 churches in the old town. Many of the buildings are really impressive and very diverse - Vilnius Cathedral is a good example. With over half a million inhabitants, Vilnius is the largest city in Lithuania. Nevertheless, the center seems very relaxed, also thanks to the many parks and spacious squares. For a 1a overview you can climb the 50m high Gediminas (a mountain) and go there to the Tower Museum with its magnificent view. Vilnius, like Riga and Tallinn, also has an artists' quarter: The "independent" Uzupis is home to many freelance artists, dropouts and other creative types. In keeping with this, vegan and vegetarian food is very much in vogue in Vilnius right now. So if you like to do without meat, this is the place for you. However, there is also something special for the carnivores among you: the Lokys restaurant serves beaver stew. In addition to the sights in Vilnius itself, a day trip to Trakai Castle is also worthwhile.

We start in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, the country of Skype's inventor, where widespread WLAN has long been a matter of course. Here, the digital future meets tradition. The contrasts could hardly be greater. On the one hand, there are cobblestone streets lined with gabled merchants' houses and churches; on the other, there are colorful street cafés and young people everywhere with open laptops. The gray Soviet air has given way to a lively mix of elegant stores, restaurants and trendy cafés, and a Hanseatic-Nordic flair pervades the old town. It is easy to feel at home here. Ultimately, only the Gulf of Finland separates Estonia from Finland, which is not least noticeable in the fact that the Baltic region as a whole feels more like Scandinavia than Eastern Europe. Tallinn has a lot to offer. You can sip a coffee between the Baltic Sea and the eerie remains of Patarei Prison. Since it is still unclear what is to happen to the old walls, Tallinn's creative scene has taken possession of the premises: Studios have been set up, but temporary exhibitions or parties also take place. For the latter, there is also a beach bar on the waterfront. In addition to the Patarei, the Telliskivi complex with studios, offices, cafés and flea markets also offers a similar atmosphere. Design and coffee lovers are therefore well catered for. Among photographers, the Patarei is considered an insider tip from the Lost Places category. If you want to take more photos, Tallinna Linnahall is nearby. It dates back to Soviet times and is a great photo motif. If all this doesn't interest you, Tallinn still offers excellent parties, a beautiful market and the best pancakes far and wide (at the Kompressor Pub).

Pärnu is the summer capital and the most popular seaside resort in Estonia. This is not by chance, there is the most beautiful beach here. The pretty wooden houses in the center of Pärnu are very reminiscent of Scandinavia. If you get bored while exploring the small town or have spent enough time on the beach and water, you can make a day trip to the island of Kihnu. It is known beyond the borders of Estonia for its traditions and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Especially hand-knitted sweaters from the island have a reputation among connoisseurs (if you like it...).

The pearl of the Baltic States and the capital of Latvia. Here, thanks to the beautiful historic Old Town, a world-renowned nightlife, many idyllic parks and the location by the sea, everyone gets their money's worth. During the day, there is more than enough to explore with the St. Peter's Church and the fantastic 360 degree view of Riga, the City Hall Square and the many Art Nouveau villas. The central market with its 5 thematically arranged market halls (fish, meat, dairy products, fruit and vegetables) is also a worthwhile visit. At sunset, a canal cruise on the Daugava is recommended. And in the evening you can take part in one of the countless pub tours or simply enjoy a beer or wine "just because". If all this is not enough for you, you can reach the spa town of Jurmala, located directly on the beach, within 30-40 minutes.

Beach, beach and beach again. Relaxing and eating ice cream. I think I have not forgotten anything. Who wants can also surf. A friend who comes here always says "the most beautiful place in the world"!

The fact that Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is also called "Rome of the East" is no coincidence. There are over 50 churches in the old town. Many of the buildings are really impressive and very diverse - Vilnius Cathedral is a good example. With over half a million inhabitants, Vilnius is the largest city in Lithuania. Nevertheless, the center seems very relaxed, also thanks to the many parks and spacious squares. For a 1a overview you can climb the 50m high Gediminas (a mountain) and go there to the Tower Museum with its magnificent view. Vilnius, like Riga and Tallinn, also has an artists' quarter: The "independent" Uzupis is home to many freelance artists, dropouts and other creative types. In keeping with this, vegan and vegetarian food is very much in vogue in Vilnius right now. So if you like to do without meat, this is the place for you. However, there is also something special for the carnivores among you: the Lokys restaurant serves beaver stew. In addition to the sights in Vilnius itself, a day trip to Trakai Castle is also worthwhile.