The history of Lithuania is long and complex, marked by centuries of occupation and political turmoil, but today the country is a thriving democracy with a rich cultural heritage. The Lithuanian people are proud of their traditions and customs, and visitors will find a wealth of cultural experiences to enjoy, from folk festivals and classical music concerts to modern art exhibitions and street performances.

When it comes to cuisine, Lithuanian food is hearty and flavorful, with a strong emphasis on seasonal ingredients and local produce. Visitors will find a range of traditional dishes, including meat stews, soups, and savory pastries, as well as innovative fusion cuisine and modern vegetarian options.

The official language of Lithuania is Lithuanian, but many people also speak English, and visitors will have no trouble communicating and navigating the country.

Lithuania offers a range of activities and experiences to visitors, from exploring the country’s natural beauty to experiencing its rich cultural heritage. Some popular activities include hiking and cycling in the countryside, visiting the national parks and nature reserves, taking part in traditional festivals and events, and exploring the country’s vibrant cities and charming villages.

Lithuania is home to several cities and towns, each offering its own unique character and attractions. Vilnius, the capital and largest city, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan hub, with a rich cultural heritage, dynamic nightlife, and numerous museums and galleries. Other cities to visit include Kaunas, a charming industrial town with a rich history and cultural heritage, and Palanga, a seaside town known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife.

In conclusion, Lithuania is a country of rich history, culture, and natural beauty, and is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to northeastern Europe. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or culture aficionado, Lithuania has something for everyone, and is sure to leave a lasting impression

Vilnius

Vilnius is the capital and largest city of Lithuania, located in the southeastern part of the country. It is a vibrant and cosmopolitan hub, with a rich cultural heritage, dynamic nightlife, and numerous museums and galleries.

Vilnius is known for its stunning architecture, including a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Nouveau styles. The city is also home to several historical and cultural landmarks, including the Gothic St. Anne’s Church, the Vilnius Castle Complex, and the Presidential Palace.

In terms of culture, Vilnius is a vibrant hub for the arts, with numerous museums and galleries showcasing the work of Lithuanian artists, as well as international exhibitions. Visitors can also experience the city’s rich cultural heritage through its many festivals and events, such as the Vilnius International Film Festival, the Vilnius Jazz Festival, and the Vilnius Festival of Early Music.

Vilnius is also a hub for food and drink, with a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and bars offering a range of international and Lithuanian cuisine. Visitors can sample traditional dishes such as Cepelinai, Kugelis, and Skilandis, as well as enjoy fusion cuisine and modern vegetarian options.

When it comes to things to do in Vilnius, the options are endless. From exploring the city’s rich cultural heritage to taking part in outdoor activities and adventures, there is something for everyone. Popular activities include taking a walk through the historic Old Town, visiting the Vilnius TV Tower for panoramic views of the city, and exploring the parks and gardens, such as the Bernardine Gardens and the St. Anne’s Park.

In conclusion, Vilnius is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Lithuania. Whether you’re a history buff, culture aficionado, or simply looking for a vibrant city with a rich heritage, Vilnius is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Trakai

Trakai is a historic city located in the central part of Lithuania, just a short drive from the capital of Vilnius. It is known for its picturesque setting on the shores of Lake Galve, as well as its well-preserved medieval castle.

The Trakai Castle is the main attraction of the city and one of the most iconic landmarks in Lithuania. The castle was built in the 14th century and has served as a residence for the Grand Dukes of Lithuania. Today, it houses a museum showcasing the history of the castle and the city of Trakai.

In addition to its historic castle, Trakai is also known for its rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the city’s old town, which is filled with traditional wooden houses, as well as several churches and monasteries, including the Church of St. Anne and the Monastery of the Holy Spirit.

When it comes to cuisine, Trakai is famous for its traditional Lithuanian dishes, including the Kibinai pastries, which are a must-try for anyone visiting the city. Visitors can also sample local beer and other traditional drinks in one of the city’s many pubs and taverns.

There are plenty of things to do in Trakai for visitors of all ages and interests. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of water sports on Lake Galve, as well as hiking and biking in the nearby forests and hills. Culture lovers can visit the Trakai History Museum and the Karaite Ethnographic Museum, both of which offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.

In conclusion, Trakai is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Lithuania. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or outdoor activities, this charming city offers something for everyone.

The post Lithuania appeared first on Nordic and Baltic DMC.

Mysterious bogs, scenic cliffs, sandy beaches, and numerous hiking trails are perfect holiday spots. What can be better to spend your holiday in a leisurely atmosphere surrounded by wild nature?

Bogs

The bogs have a very high added value, which they create for the environment, formed since the Ice Age, the flora and fauna of the bogs are rich in unique and protected plants. When visiting the bog, you have to be extremely careful and gentle.

Today, bogs also serve as tourist attractions conveniently equipped with wooden walking trails and observation towers.

Collect the vitaminized berries, swim in the bog lakes, attend the bird watching or have a relaxing walk trail.

The bogs are also famous for their breathtaking views, which have a particularly mystical atmosphere in the early morning, so paddling at sunrise has become a very popular activity due to its unique experience.

The Baltic Sea 

one of the youngest seas in the world, however at its bottom is the world’s richest collection of ancient ships, which has survived to the present day, due to the small amount of salt contained in the water. The Baltic Sea washes 9 countries. The diversity of the coastline, in places richly covered with rocky and wild shores and at times beautiful, picturesque cliffs, replaced by soft beach sand. Walks through the pine forests, breathing fresh air and sunbathing on the blue flag beaches, which are well-maintained and friendly for vacationers.

Forests and meadows 

Baltics are quite a flat country, and its territory is richly covered by forest and meadows. These oxygen manufacturers rank it to the top of the world’s greenest countries.

Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania have an abundant number of national parks and trails which you can enjoy on foot or by bike.  Tons of oxygen at your disposal are guaranteed.

4 seasons

There are 4 seasons in the Baltic states, but Estonians claim even 5th. Flooding season, which appearing between winter and spring by melting snow, arising increases the level of the water in local rivers and unable to cope with an increasing amount of water by flooding nearby lands.

You always can find something special in every season.

May to September is the perfect time to enjoy the summertime in Baltics, with deep green colours and pleasantly warm weather.

From the End of September until the end of October the Golden season of Autumn painting nature in a brown, red, and yellow colour pallet making a special and fairytale-like atmosphere, as well-beloved by locals.

From November to February you can enjoy spa treatments in the best hotels, walk-thru medieval cobblestone streets and shopping in local markets warming yourself with a pleasant sip of Mulled wine.

The post Disconnect from the network to connect to nature. appeared first on Nordic and Baltic DMC.

The Baltic States are perfect for those who are looking for adventure! There are many things you can take out of your bucket list, such as bungee jumping, zipline, kayaking, rally driving, or even bobsleighing. Everyone who loves adrenaline rushing through their veins should look more into the Baltic States and these wonderful adventurous activities, which also introduce you to the Baltic’s culture and traditions.

Tour Highlights:

• Guided city tours of Vilnius – Riga – Tallinn
• Sea Kayaking around Estonian islands, Rally driving and shooting experiences in Tallinn
• Zip line/Bungee jumping, Skydiving experience and Bobsleighing in Sigulda
• SUP’ing in Trakai, Hot Air Balloon flight in Vilnius
• Guided Lahemaa, Gauja and Trakai national park tours

The post Baltic Adventure appeared first on Nordic and Baltic DMC.

There are many ways to feel the Baltic specialities on the tip of your tongue.

Here are a few of them. We are warning you, this may be dangerously tasty!

Why Baltic cuisine taste so good?:

–              The way from the farmers to the restaurant table is very short, you may eat for your lunch freshly collected vegetables and fruits. Many local hotels and restaurants as well have self-grown greens and of course, fresh-baked bread.

–              New generation of chefs is creative. Educated in all the corners of top European restaurants they are coming back to their homeland to share their knowledge and blend it with the love of the local food.

–              Popularity of great restaurants spreading very rapidly and you can find a great meal with peace of mind away from the capital.

 

 

Gourmet experience – a very fast-growing and popular way to catch the tastes during your visit is to look up if any of the popular festivals are happening around. As well, one of the ways is to attend the restaurant weeks, during this time you will find restaurants’ special offers, delicious dinners, or lunches where top chefs will blow away your imagination and surprise you with the new way of serving local goodies.

 

Food workshops – Traveling at Baltics you certainly should taste traditional food. The best way to do it is to take a part in a workshop or tasting tour. Local chocolate producers, marzipan masters, ice cream creators, or bread bakers, and even medieval meals. You may personally assist or try your hands-on cooking process and learn the secret ingredients of the local specialities.

The post Hunting the Baltic Flavors appeared first on Nordic and Baltic DMC.

The post Why Visit the Baltic Countries? appeared first on Nordic and Baltic DMC.

By the 12th century, Christianity had become the hegemonic religion in Europe. This power was due, in part, to the consecration of Christian worship as the official religion of the Roman Empire (c. 390-391) – a cult inherited by the new Germanic kingdoms (with the exception of Britain) – and to the missionaries’ effort to evangelize and expand the boundaries of Christendom. The non-Romanized regions fell one after the other into the Christian orbit: in 960 the Danes, in 967 the Poles, in 990 the Swedes, in 1000 the Hungarians, in 1015 the Norwegians, etc. The pagan cult was slowly being uprooted, although it did not disappear until the Catholic Reformation.

The recently converted political elite understood the usefulness of Christianity as a tool to expand the border of their states. In the immense river plain that constitutes the region that borders the Baltic Sea, numerous peoples coexisted, among which the Lithuanian people stand out. The Lithuanians were integrated into clans ruled by a military leader, a duke. However, the Lithuanians were not the only people in the region that maintained their pagan rites: Prussians, Latvians, Estonians, Livonians, Semigallians, or Curonians, among others, maintained their cults despite the efforts of Christian missionaries.

The reason for this opposition to conversion is to be understood as a fierce struggle to avoid being engulfed by neighboring states. Lithuanians, among others, reject Christianity not because they despise its doctrine or ritual, but because they are aware that accepting baptism would mean bowing down to a foreign power. Thus Christ appears alongside other divine natives in the popular imagination such as Perkunas (his main divinity) or Teliavelis (divinity that ruled nature, death, and the economy).

Your fears are justified. Only eight years elapsed between the founding of Lübeck by Henry the Lion of Saxony (c. 1159) and the founding of the Estonian bishopric by Fulco (c. 1167). The successors of Bishop Fulco of Estonia will abandon the miter to take up the sword and expand Catholicism militarily. Meanwhile, the avid German merchants from their bases in Lübeck and Visby – allied with the archbishopric of Hamburg-Bremen – established trading posts in the pagan territory from which to expand militarily and economically. This policy had its successes since it was possible to establish a fort in the Baltic territory at the mouth of the Daugava River. Aware of the news, Innocent proclaimed crusades in defense of the Christian faith and against the pagans: in 1198, 1199, 1204, 1206, and 1216-1218. In 1199 he gave his approval to the plan of Prince Philip of Swabia and the bishop of the newly founded Riga, Alberto von Buxhoevden to try to connect the newly converted Estonia and the eastern part of the Empire. Philip invaded the land of the Lithuanians from the Daugava River with 500 crusaders. It was a success.

Felipe, seeing the success of the company, organizes the Fratres militia Christi Livoniae known as the Brothers of the Sword. This order was intended to be a mobile force with which to harass the Baltic populations. This order was later twinned with the Teutonic Order. The non-unity of the Lithuanian clans was taken advantage of by the Germans to absorb them one by one. These newly converted peoples acted as a striking force against the still pagan peoples. The aforementioned foreign agents were joined by the conquests of the Danish King Valdemar II (c. 1219) and the Swedish King John I (c. 1220), who broke the last resistance of the Estonians in Saaremaa (c. 1227).

The alarm at these events caused the union of the Lithuanian peoples between the Neris, the Nemunas and the Merkys in the figure of Duke Mindaugas. Mindaugas agreed to be baptized in 1253 (crowning himself “King of Lithuania”) to win the support of the Baltic military orders and face the invasion of Lithuania by an alliance promoted by his relatives, between the Archbishopric of Riga and the Slavs of Galizia. . Once the war was over, he expelled the Christian clergy. Moved by the success of the war, they united the unconquered pagan peoples and led them against the crusader forces at Durbe (c. 1260), reaping a resounding success. However, the capture of Konigsberg (c. 1262) and his assassination (c. 1263) turned his previous successes into a storm surge. The Teutons advanced to the current Lithuanian border, subjugating the Baltic peoples of present-day Poland: the Curonians in 1267, the Prussians in 1274, and the Semigalians in 1290.

The period between 1290 and 1383 is a boom period for Lithuania as a state. It supposes the triumph over its traditional enemies. However, the price paid by Lithuanians is very high. From 1290 the pagan practices began to decline significantly and towards 1316 paganism only survived in some nuclei. There is the fact that it survives with more force in the Court than among the people. Traditional beliefs are the banner used by Lithuanian leaders to ensure their independence and justify their policies.

The post The last pagans of Europe appeared first on Nordic and Baltic DMC.

The post Must see in Lithuania appeared first on Nordic and Baltic DMC.

LATVIA

Over the centuries, the summer solstice has strongly associated with feasts and pagan rituals as well as with fertility, growth, and light. The old traditions are still alive and each year thousands of people in the Baltic States are going to the countryside to celebrate the longest day and the shortest night of the year.
Join for festivity and the double celebration – on 21st of June when locals are celebrating the astronomical summer solstice by old traditions and rituals like making wildflower wreaths, decorating homes, making bonfires, singing traditional songs, foretelling the future and looking for the fern flower, and on 23rd of June – when joyful celebrations called “Līgo” with more modern singing is taking the place in Riga on the river bank of Daugava River near President`s Castle.
Discover the beauty of nature, ancient traditions and the true spirit of Latvia.

Tour Highlights:

• Celebrations according to ancient traditions in the countryside on 21st of June
• Making wildflower wreaths
• Foretelling the future
• Looking for the fern flower
• Tasting midsummer cheese and enjoying local beer
• Joyful celebrations on 23rd of June at Riga
• Songs and dances
• Riga Sightseeing with traditional market area in Dome Square
• Jurmala Sightseeing
• Sigulda Sightseeing

The post Summer Solstice Celebration appeared first on Nordic and Baltic DMC.

The origins of the Baltic capitals date back to the 13th-14th centuries, and the magnificent old towns of Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius are UNESCO-protected hidden treasures of European medieval architecture. Step 700 years back in time and take a walking tour with private guide around these charming old towns’ atmospheric lanes. Arrange for special visits to some of the medieval landmarks, such as the Gediminas Castle in Vilnius, the Dome Cathedral in Riga and the Medieval Town Hall in Tallinn.

Tour Highlights:

• Guided city tours of Vilnius – Riga – Tallinn
• Visit to Trakai, Sigulda and Turaida castles
• Visit to Rundale and Kadriorg Palaces
• Visit to Estonian Open Air museum and Turaida museum reserve
• Visit to KGB museum in Riga
• 3 countries and 7 cities

The post Baltic History appeared first on Nordic and Baltic DMC.

Try some of the Baltic countries’ culinary extravaganzas! Taste genuine Tallinn marzipan at the oldest marzipan café in Europe with a cup of gourmet coffee. Visit the old pavilions of Riga Central Market, the largest covered market in Europe and sample traditional Latvian food: black breads, cheeses and fish specialties, or visit one of the many boutique confectionaries in the Old Town. And enter a genuine tavern in Vilnius to enjoy traditional Lithuanian beer snacks accompanied by a pint of chilled black beer.

Tour Highlights:

• Guided city tours of Vilnius – Riga – Tallinn
• Visit oldest marzipan café in Europe with a cup of gourmet coffee in Tallinn
• Visit the old pavilions of Riga Central Market, the largest covered market in Europe
• Tasting traditional cheese and enjoying local beer
• Visit the homegrown berry and fruit wine makers in Sigulda
• Suggestions of selected best restaurants in every city

The post Taste of Baltic Cuisine appeared first on Nordic and Baltic DMC.