{"id":1217,"date":"2012-07-02T00:00:24","date_gmt":"2012-07-01T22:00:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/bernies-journeys.at\/?p=1217"},"modified":"2021-10-24T19:14:05","modified_gmt":"2021-10-24T17:14:05","slug":"backpacking-im-baltikum","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bernies-journeys.at\/en\/2012\/07\/02\/backpacking-im-baltikum\/","title":{"rendered":"Backpacking in the Baltics"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"[Foto]\"\n<\/p>\n

On my recent trip through the Baltics, I had the impression that there are two types of backpackers: the "regular" backpackers – and me. Whereas the former typically concentrate on the three capitals, I have spent most of my time exploring the nature, which is (in my opinion) the true gem of this region.<\/p>\n

In order to provide some food for thought for future travelers, I would like to present my Top 5 of the Baltics. Of course, this is a very subjective rating. Still, it shows that there is much more to the Baltics than just Vilnius<\/a>, Riga<\/a>, and Tallinn<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\n My Top 5 of the Baltics\n <\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. \nThe Curonian Spit<\/a> got the first place by a nose, thanks to its extraordinary combination of forest and sanddunes.\n<\/li>\n
  2. \nIt is closely followed by Lahemaa<\/span> National Park<\/a> with its great mixture of bay and bog.\n<\/li>\n
  3. \nA Jāņi<\/span> celebration<\/a> should not be missed (especially as June is a great time for travelling the Baltics anyway, due to the long days).\n<\/li>\n
  4. \nCēsis<\/span> Castle provides a unique way of exploring its tower with a candle lantern. Moreover, it is situated amidst the beautiful Gauja<\/span> National Park<\/a>, which is also worth a visit.\n<\/li>\n
  5. \nFinally – and that might come as a surprise – the Hill of Crosses<\/a> has made it on this list. Even though I only spent a short time time, this place simply has a very special atmosphere.\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    As an additional insider tip (an "Honorable Mention", so to speak), I would like to recommend Dzūkija<\/span> National Park<\/a>. Whether you explore it by canoe, or (like me) "only" by hiking along the Grūda<\/span> River, this national park is definitely worth a visit – even though (or rather: because) it hardly sees any Western tourists.<\/p>\n

    \n Travel Tips\n <\/h2>\n

    The Baltics are quite easy to visit for backpackers. There are lots of bus (and sometimes, especially in Lithuania, also train) connections. Therefore, you do not necessarily need a car to explore this region. The only places where a car would have been helpful where the Daugava<\/span> Bends<\/a>, and Saaremaa<\/span><\/a>, respectively. In this regard, I would like to mention the Onauto<\/a> car rental in Kuressaare<\/span> (which I discovered only at the end of my stay). Allegedly, it offers a rental car from 20,– Euros per day. However, I cannot comment on the state of repair of the vehicles or the insurance conditions.<\/p>\n

    For planning my bus and train trips, the following websites proved to be helpful:<\/p>\n