From Tallinn to Vilnius: A Baltic Backpacking Journey
The Baltic region is a great place to learn how to backpack, especially if you want to start somewhere a bit slower-paced and less crowded before making your way to Western Europe. I’ve found that most people start in Helsinki and then make their way down by ferry and then bus, but you will also find people starting in Vilnius and making their way up! Either way, this section of Europe is easy and safe to travel. It's a great way to meet new friends and explore three distinct cultures with short and easy travel.
Tallinn’s Town Hall Square.
The Countries
Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania make up The Baltic countries. While they share a similar recent history, the three countries have their own distinctive language, culture, and history. While I mainly explored the capital cities, there is much more to see and experience. I’d highly recommend exploring the nature of each country, the different cuisines, and old towns. A great way to learn more about the culture and history of each country is by visiting their national history museums and occupation museums.
What not to miss:
Renting a pedal boat at Trakai Castle
The Old Town of Tallinn
Nightlife in Riga
The Vabamu and “Kiek in de Kok and Bastion Passages” Museum
Riga Central Market
Kadriorg Park
Cathedral Square in Vilnius
Local cuisine! My favorite was the cold beetroot soup.
Lithuanian Šaltibarščiai, or cold beetroot soup, is the perfect cure for a hot Baltic day.
Getting Around:
Getting around the Baltics is relatively easy. Most cities and points of interest can be reached by bus. I’d recommend Lux Bus, the company is reliable and UBER comfortable inside. When booking with Lux Bus, you get complimentary water, a reclinable seat with a TV screen, and a toilet onboard. Tickets are relatively cheap and can be booked in advance or with little notice. If you know when you will be traveling, I’d recommend booking a week to a month in advance to secure a more favorable rate. I booked two weeks in advance, and my tickets between the capitals cost €8.90 for Tallinn to Riga and €13.30 for Riga to Vilnius. To book, either use Lux Bus’s site directly or book on GetByBus.com. Alternatively, you could also rent a car. For travel within the cities, you can download the Bolt app and use it similarly to how you would Uber or use public transport.
Vilnius’s Old Town.
2 Weeks in the Baltics
Please think of this itinerary as a building block. You can run it in either direction and edit it as needed.
Day 1: Fly or Ferry into Tallinn
Day 2: Spend the day exploring Old Town
Tallin’s medieval Old Town is stunning, easy to explore, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While you can join a walking tour, I’d recommend grabbing a guidebook and navigating the city on your own or simply getting lost! I used the guidebook Lonely Planet Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania (Travel Guide). It was incredibly insightful, and I loved the self-guided walking tour of Tallinn!
Tallinn’s impressive Old Town.
Day 3: Museums + Sauna
Spend the morning enjoying Tallinn's beautiful museums, and then, in the evening, partake in the local sauna customs! Ring not only has a fantastic evening experience with a traditional smoke sauna, but it’s also a great way to meet locals. Note: I’d recommend picking up a sauna hat beforehand! It makes a great souvenir, and you’ll be able to use it repeatedly during your trip to the Baltics.
Day 4: Day trip to the countryside
Estonia is known for its nature, and this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a hike and see the country from another point of view. You can stay local in Tallinn and check out Kadriorg Park or take the hour bus to Lahemaa National Park. Feel free to take an organized tour of Lahemaa National Park if you want to take all the guesswork out of managing the day.
Day 5: Travel to Parnu
Today, you will travel to Parnu, an Estonian resort town where you can relax and/or enjoy the beach! Settle in and take it slow since you will have a full day of exploration tomorrow. I recommend stopping in Parnu since the bus ride from Tallinn to Riga almost always stops here; make the most of it!
Day 6: Free day in Parnu
There is plenty to do in Parnu. You can lounge all day on the beach, check out the historic mud baths, walk around the center for shopping, take a walking tour, and much more. Make this day yours!
Lithuanian Cepelinai, which you can find throughout the Baltic region, is a must-try!
Day 7: Travel to Riga and settle in
After your beach day, it’s time to grab another bus to another country! It’s time to explore Riga, Latvia.
Day 8: Explore Riga
Spend the day marveling at Riga’s Art Nouveau buildings and museums, try local cuisine at the Central Market, or take the local canal tour! Note: I’d recommend the canal tour only if your feet are sore. The tour is slow without narration but provides a beautiful city view!
Day 9: Local train to Jurmala
After another day of exploring Riga, feel free to take the local transport to Jurmala—a beach resort only 30 minutes away from Riga.
Day 10: Free day in Jurmala
It's time for your second beach destination of the trip. You can take this day to spend another sunny day on the beach or organize a tour of one of the nearby nature parks.
Riga by water.
Day 11: Travel to Vilnius
Warning: this will be your longest travel day. On your way to Vilnius, feel free to stop at the hill of crosses! Note: you can see the hill of crosses by driving there yourself if you opted to rent a car, or inquire with your hostel/hotel if a private transfer or tour provides this service—an example of a tour from Vilnius to Riga that includes the Hill of Crosses.
Day 12: Explore Vilnius
Ensure you have comfortable walking shoes because there is plenty to see and ground to cover in Vilnius. Take a guided tour, or brave the city at your own pace!
Nightlife in Vilnius.
Day 13: Free day in Vilnius
Today, you have a free day in Vilnius! There is plenty to do and see in this city. Continue wondering about the city on foot, check out the museums, or see the city by air with a hot air balloon ride.
Day 14: Caste Trip to Trakai
This was one of my favorite days on my Baltic backpacking trip. The local buses take about 40 minutes and cost about €5 round trip. You will be about a 30-minute walk from the castle when you arrive in Trakai. I’d take this opportunity to grab some drinks and snacks, then make your way to the castle. Once there, you can rent a pedal boat for €10 an hour. Please select this option over the castle museum if you only have time for one. With the pedal boat, you can see 360 views of the castle with your own food and drink.
Pedal boat at Trakai Castle.
