The Baltics—Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia—form a region in Northern Europe where the sky seems just a little closer and the sun barely sets. These three countries broke away from the former USSR in the 1990s, forging their own unique identities.
Although they are geographically close, the differences in language, culture, and food are striking. For example, a “lane” is called gatve in Lithuanian, iela in Latvian, and tee in Estonian. The one thing these countries have in common is that, compared to the rest of Europe—especially Finland and Sweden—everything from food to travel and accommodation is much more affordable.
I landed in the beautiful capital city of Vilnius, a lovely blend of old and new. The old town, unlike many others in Europe, is quite spread out with beautifully maintained buildings. Across the Vilnia River lies the modern part of the city, which comes alive in the evenings as locals gather along the riverbanks. Vilnius is also unique in having a forest right in its center, with the Hill of Three Crosses offering a fantastic view of the old town.
A fun fact: There’s an area in Vilnius called the “Republic of Užupis”—a self-proclaimed independent state with its own quirky constitution, including lines like “Everyone has the right to be idle” and “Everyone has the right to die, but this is not an obligation.” Sadly, Užupis isn’t recognized by any other country.
Trakai is a picturesque town set on the banks of a beautiful lake, with an even prettier castle. Arriving early in the morning, I walked along the lake to the castle and had the entire place to myself.
But the most fascinating spot in Lithuania—and perhaps the whole trip—was the port town of Klaipeda and the enchanting Curonian Spit. This narrow strip of land, about 50 kilometers long, is shared between Lithuania and Russia. What makes it so special is the contrast: sand dunes on one side and a pine forest on the other. The dunes are constantly shifting, and the view from the top near Nida is truly breathtaking. Although I spent two nights in Klaipeda, I wish I’d had a few more days to relax in the resort town of Nida and explore even more.
The Baltics surprised me at every turn—distinct, affordable, and endlessly fascinating.