Self guided individual hiking tour in the Baltic States

Night in a hotel in Tallinn.

In the morning, you’ll take a guided walking tour through medieval Tallinn. You’ll visit what is arguably the best-preserved medieval city in Europe, with its original street layout dating back to the 13th century. Many 15th-century houses still stand in their original size and form, and all the important and prestigious government buildings and churches remain intact. During the tour, you’ll learn how to use the tour app and receive tips from our guide. Afterward, you’re free to explore the rest of the day at your leisure. Using the tour app, you can take a stroll along the waterfront promenade, explore the harbor area, the Sea Fortress, or the Seaplane Base.

In the morning of the third day, you’ll pick up a rental car and drive to Lahemaa National Park. Lahemaa is the oldest and largest national park in Estonia. It was established to protect the coastal landscapes, raised bogs, and taiga-like forests, all characterised by enormous glacial erratics. Cultural highlights of the reserve include the beautiful manor houses, which date back to the Baltic German history, and the traditional Estonian fishermen’s cottages. The national park offers several hiking trails of varying lengths. Our tour app features trails ranging from 1 to 15 km in length, leading you along the coast, through ancient forests, across the raised bog, and to the manor houses. You can decide for yourself how far you want to hike and which sights appeal to you most..

Car journey from Tallinn to Lahemaa and back (approx. 80km or 1 hour drive each way).

Today we continue our journey to the island of Saaremaa. Estonia’s largest island is characterized by secluded beaches, colorful meadows, juniper pastures, and ancient fortified churches. While on Saaremaa, a visit to the Marimetsa raised bog is a must. The 9-kilometer hiking trail leads through spruce forests, across the bog, and to the peat pools. There, an observation tower offers a superb view of this ancient, expansive landscape. From here, you can observe and photograph the vibrant colors of the sphagnum mosses, the pools of water, and the gnarled pines. Nature lovers can spot several rare bird and plant species in this unique habitat. As a very pristine landscape and natural habitat, the raised bog offers visitors a truly unique nature experience. In the afternoon, there is the opportunity to explore the north coast of Saaremaa, enjoy a walk along the Panga cliffs with their stunning views of the Baltic Sea, visit the Angla Windmill Park, the Kaali meteorite craters, and the Karja Church with its pagan murals. There are also beautiful hiking trails in this area.

Car journey approx. 200 km, ferry crossing 30 min.

On Saaremaa, a hike in Vilsandi National Park on the Harialaid Peninsula is planned for the morning. This 6 or 11 km route, depending on your preference, leads along secluded sandy beaches to the lighthouse. Later in the day, you can explore the island’s capital, Kuressaare, visit the imposing Bishop’s Castle, and relax in cozy street cafes. Afterwards, you have the option of traveling to the Sõrve Peninsula, exploring the Loode Oak Forest with its orchid meadows, visiting other attractions, or embarking on another longer hike.

Car journey approx. 80 km

You can break up your journey to Riga with longer or shorter hikes and get to know the country even better. Culture and beach lovers in particular should definitely visit Pärnu, Estonia’s summer capital. Its shallow sandy beaches, beautiful parks, attractive old town, and long pier between the sea and the river are all worth a visit. For nature lovers, the detour to the Nigula Nature Reserve isn’t far. Right on the road to Riga, in the Luitemaa Nature Reserve, there’s a hiking trail through the sand dunes to an observation tower with views over the forest, moorland, and the Baltic Sea. You can enjoy the evening in one of Riga’s countless restaurants and cafés.

Car journey approx. 350 km, ferry crossing 30 min.

If you haven’t already fallen completely in love with Riga and don’t want to spend the whole day admiring Art Nouveau architecture, we recommend a day trip to Gauja National Park. The Gauja River is famous for its red sandstone cliffs. In the national park, you can either go canoeing or hiking through the glacial valley. At the Ligatne Wildlife Park, you can see moose, bears, owls, and lynx. You’ll find several hiking trails and attractions in Gauja National Park and Riga in your tour app.

Car journey approx. 80km.

In the morning, you’ll have time to explore Riga. Besides the many sights, the Central Market is also worth a visit, offering culinary delights and plenty of samples. Afterwards, the journey to the Curonian Spit begins. En route, you’ll make a short swimming stop at the beach area of ​​Palanga. In Klaipeda, you’ll take a ferry across the Curonian Lagoon to the Curonian Spit. The Curonian Spit Nature Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Before checking into your accommodation, visit the cormorant colony or stroll through an enchanting fairytale forest with wooden sculptures by Lithuanian artists.

Car journey 350 km, ferry journey 15 min.

Hike across the shifting dunes of the Curonian Spit, a 100 km long and 4 km wide spit of land in the Baltic Sea, named after the Curonian people who originally inhabited the area. But it’s not just the sand dunes, reaching up to 62 m high, that make the spit one of the most popular destinations in the entire Baltic region. The Thomas Mann House, the Amber Museum, and the fishing villages with their colorful family crests also contribute to its appeal. Here you’ll find wide sandy beaches perfect for swimming and even amber. And with the help of the tour app, you can easily find a nice fish restaurant for dinner.

After breakfast, pack your bags and set off. Before reaching the ferry port, you can take advantage of the early morning hours for a hike up a 52-meter-high dune. After a short coffee break in Klaipeda, you’ll continue towards Vilnius (a 3-hour drive). You’ll arrive in Vilnius in the evening, and if you’re not too tired, why not enjoy a glass of wine in the Old Town?

The Gate of Dawn forms the southern entrance to the largest old town in Eastern Europe. The cobbled street leads past four Baroque churches down to the Town Hall. Along the way, you’ll pass many seemingly unassuming courtyards. However, these often conceal romantic cafes serving delicious cakes. The tour app has the best recommendations for you. A walk up to Gediminas’ Tower is worthwhile; from there you have a magnificent view over the city. Photographers will be thrilled. In the evening, enjoy Lithuanian specialties and the vibrant atmosphere of this beautiful city in a cozy restaurant in the old town.

Today is the day of farewell to the Baltics, until next time!