The greatest attractions of the Baltic countries
The Baltic countires are often treat as identical, while each of them is different. However, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia have three things in common: all have a charming towns, beautiful national parks and monuments put on list of UNESCO. Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia consists of monuments of architecture and art, modern architecture and beautiful natue. If you walking the streets of the Vilnius Old Town you can admire medieval and baroque churches, aristocratic mansions and palaces. Riga impresses with its medieval monuments, merchant houses and Art Nouveau buildings. Lovers of architecture will be interested in market in Tallinn with the medieval town hall, burgher houses and the remains of the fortifications.
However, visiting the same capitals, does not give a complete idea of the richness and diversity of the Baltic cities. You should go to Kaunas to visit the streets located on the Niemen Old Town and see the most beautiful Lithuanian town hall called “White Swan”. In the scenic area Trakai, you can visit the only one in Eastern Europe castle on the island. In Tartu, Estonian main university center, you may take part in the pompously celebrated Spring Day University. One of the most interesting baroque and rococo monuments that have been preserved in the Baltics is the palace of Rundale, called “Latvian Versailles”.
The Baltic coast enchants sandy beaches. One of the main natural attractions of the region are shifting sand dunes on the Curonian Spit. The most famous Latvian resort of Jurmala is the village where you can not only taking a rest and lying on the beach for hours, but also enjoy the original complex of villas. One of the main Baltic resorts is Pärnu, the summer capital of Estonia. The meeting place of Estonian holidaymakers is Kuressaare, which offered the as high stadard as the similar localities holiday in the West.
Nature lovers should explore the Latvian Gauja National Park, the biggest park complex in the Baltic countries at the heart of which is the village of Cesis and Estonian Lahemaa National Park. The places that may inspire them as well are: Curonian Spit National Park, waterfall Jagala called “Estonian Niagara” and reserve Heritage Rebala in Jõelähtme.
In addition to beautiful parks, the list of “must visit” places also includes: Archcathedral Basilica and the Gates of Dawn in Vilnius, Island Castle on Lake Galve at Trakai, Camaldolese Monastery in Pozajsciu, Art Nouveau buildings in Riga, Ruins of the castle in Cesis. The Baltic republics are full of gorgeous landscapes and buildings, so you should plan your vacation there.