Text and photos by Solveiga Kaļva, www.solveigaspiedzivojumi.lv
Are you searching for undiscovered and wild adventure travel destinations for your next active holidays? Look no further. All three Baltic states – Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia – are the perfect fit for memorable outdoor travel experiences. Whether you are into hiking, kayaking, cycling, or simply enjoying time in pristine nature, the Baltic countries have you covered.
The Baltic states – one of the best active holiday destinations in Europe
Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia are hidden gems worth exploring for any adventure lover. A unique combination of wild nature – ranging from endless forests, vast bogs, peaceful lakes, and winding rivers to calm, untouched coastlines – along with cultural charm and a sense of discovery, makes this region one of the best active holiday destinations imaginable. Located at the crossroads of Northern, Central, and Eastern Europe, the Baltics offer a refreshing alternative to more crowded tourist hotspots. Visiting in the off-season might even make you feel like the only traveler around.
What makes these countries stand out is their diversity within short distances. In just a few days, you can hike through the sandstone cliffs of Latvia’s Gauja National Park, explore a maze of tiny rivers and expansive lakes in Lithuania, and go bog-shoeing in Estonia’s wild wetlands. Still, it is worth stretching your itinerary – the Baltic region is best experienced slowly. The landscapes are untouched, the air is fresh, and the pace of life invites you to connect with nature and truly take in each moment.
Adventure travel in the Baltics is not only about physical activity but also about meaningful experiences – local traditions, authentic food, and sustainable tourism practices. Whether you prefer solo exploration or guided adventure tours, the Baltics offer some of the best active holiday destinations in Europe – peaceful, affordable, and full of beautiful surprises.
Nature at every corner – perfect for outdoor traveling
In the Baltics, nature is never far away, making it a great outdoor travel destination – even the capital cities are wrapped in greenery. But if you are dreaming of truly immersive active holidays, the easiest way to plan your adventure trip is by heading to one of the region’s national parks. These protected areas are not only rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage, but also thoughtfully designed for hiking, kayaking, cycling, wildlife watching, and even snowshoeing in winter.
In Estonia, two parks stand out: Soomaa National Park, famous for its mysterious bog landscapes and the surreal “fifth season,” when floodwaters turn meadows and forests into kayaking routes; and Lahemaa National Park, where you can hike coastal trails, explore lovely fishermen’s villages and wander through pine forests.
In Latvia, you will find Gauja National Park, often called the “Latvian Switzerland,” with its beautiful sandstone outcrops, castle ruins and manors, and winding rivers perfect for hiking, paddling or cycling adventures. For a different kind of experience, head to Kemeri National Park, where you can follow wooden boardwalks deep in the bog at sunrise, breathe in fresh air, and watch cranes take flight across the wetlands.
In Lithuania, Aukstaitija National Park is a peaceful haven of lakes, scenic ethnographic villages, and curvy rivers – fitting for kayaking, adventure tours and slow exploration. On the coast, the Curonian Spit National Park, offers surreal dune landscapes, fairy-tale forests, and cycling paths that stretch along the Baltic Sea.
Hiking in the Baltics
Hiking in the Baltics is an adventurous journey through wild beauty and ever-changing scenery. Whether you are after a peaceful day hike or a long-distance adventure, the region offers some of Europe’s most underrated and unexplored trails.
Among the highlights is the Forest Trail which winds through the thick woodlands of all three countries for 2,141 km, from the south of Lithuania to the north of Estonia, connecting national parks, charming towns, and ancient forests along the way. If you are thinking of enjoying only a small part of it, Gauja National Park offers one of the most beautiful sections.
If you prefer wide open spaces, then the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route should be your choice. The trail follows the shoreline of the Baltic Sea for over 1,400 km, passing desolate beaches, old lighthouses, fishing villages, and impressive sea cliffs.
Each of these trails offers a unique way to experience the region’s natural diversity, from forest paths and rolling hills to seaside routes – all within easy access and without the crowds. Not to mention that the Baltics are covered with hundreds and hundreds of hiking routes for day hikes.
Kayaking in the Baltics
If you want to see the Baltics from a new perspective, kayaking offers a peaceful and immersive way to connect with nature. In Estonia, the waterways of Soomaa National Park are famous for the “fifth season,” when spring floods create surreal kayaking routes through forests. Latvia’s Gauja River is a classic – a winding, calm river ideal for multi-day trips, rich with sandstone cliffs, caves, and medieval towns like Cesis along the route. In Lithuania’s Aukstaitija National Park, a labyrinth of over a hundred lakes and connecting rivers makes for a tranquil paddling paradise, perfect for both beginners and experienced kayakers. Whether you are gliding silently through a foggy bog or following the current of a river, kayaking in the Baltics offers an unforgettable blend of solitude, serenity, and natural beauty.
Cycling in the Baltics
Cycling in the Baltics is a dream for travelers who crave freedom, nature, and a bit of discovery. With gently rolling terrain, country roads provide an accessible and rewarding way to explore. A unique feature across the region is Green Railways in Latvia and Estonia – former train routes turned into scenic, traffic-free cycling paths. The EuroVelo 10 Baltic Sea Cycle Route connects Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania along a stunning coastline, taking you past fishing villages, lighthouses, sandy beaches, and seaside pine forests. Cycling in the Baltics is also a great way to explore bigger cities and towns such as Riga, Tallinn, Vilnius, Jurmala, and others.
