Read our newest Baltic Nature Tourism summer newsletter below:
Summer in Latvia and Estonia is a truly magical time. With nearly 18 hours of daylight, the nights are so brief that dusk seamlessly blends into dawn. Dense green forests, shimmering bogs dotted with wildflowers, and coastal trails alive with birdsong and the sound of waves create a stunning natural backdrop. By late June, the traditional Midsummer celebrations—Jāņi in Latvia and Jaanipäev in Estonia—bring communities together with oak leaf wreaths, bonfires, and quiet rituals in meadows and farmyards. Yet, even as the festivities conclude, nature’s rhythm continues, inviting visitors to explore further.
The region’s wetlands welcome paddlers and bog-shoe hikers, while national parks offer early morning wildlife tours and long-distance treks. Village markets brim with seasonal produce such as fresh berries, honey, and herbs, complemented by countryside inns serving meals sourced from the forest and field. Outdoor concerts and night hikes enrich the summer experience, especially in August, when dark skies return and the Perseid meteor shower draws stargazers to quiet clearings. For those seeking immersion in wild beauty, Baltic summer presents space, silence, and slow discovery.
Self-Guided Exploration: Hiking and Cycling
The Baltics are perfect for self-guided trips, offering nature lovers the freedom to explore at their own pace without the constraints of a fixed itinerary. Pristine forests, serene lakes, and diverse wildlife make the region ideal for hiking, birdwatching, animal watching, and cycling. Marked routes, mobile navigation tools, and local services help travellers easily organize journeys tailored to their interests and fitness levels. From coastal paths and forest trails to wetland boardwalks, these routes blend independence with comfort and support local tourism providers, encouraging low-impact exploration.
Cycling is particularly well-suited to Estonia and Latvia thanks to quiet, well-maintained roads and an extensive network of scenic cycling routes. The flat to gently rolling terrain makes cycling accessible for riders of all levels. Whether exploring coastal paths, forest trails, or charming countryside, cyclists can experience authentic nature and culture. Rental services like City Bike Tallinn offer a variety of bikes—from city and trekking models to e-bikes, tandems, and fat bikes—making it easy to find the perfect ride. Routes range from peaceful forest paths to multi-day coastal journeys with pre-arranged accommodation and ferry crossings.
Hiking Highlights and Wildlife Watching
A wide range of guided and self-guided hiking tours is available in Latvia and Estonia. Notable locations include Gauja National Park, the long-distance E9 and E11 hiking trails, Kemeri, Slitere, and other national parks, as well as scenic rural areas. Options range from independent treks with preplanned routes to guided tours led by locals, ensuring that visitors can find experiences tailored to their interests and pace.
Gauja National Park is renowned for offering some of the best hiking experiences in Europe. Its diverse trails cater to everyone, from tough hikers to families with children and senior groups. Whether it’s a short walk on wooden boardwalks, marked day-hike routes, bushwalking adventures, or multi-day camping trips, there is something for every type of hiker.
Wildlife watching is another highlight of Baltic hiking routes. Visitors can encounter elk, beavers, owls, woodpeckers, and migratory birds along the trails. Numerous birdwatching and viewing towers provide elevated perspectives over wetlands and forests. For those interested in mammal observation, a network of wildlife hides and viewing shelters is available, particularly in Estonia. These hides are designed to observe species such as red deer, wild boar, beavers, and occasionally lynx or brown bears, offering close-range viewing without disturbing the animals. Access is often coordinated through local service providers who also offer advice on seasonal wildlife activity.
Equipment Rentals and Local Services
Planning a nature getaway in the Baltics is made easy with a variety of local services. Equipment rentals for kayaks, canoes, bicycles, bog shoes, and high-quality camping gear are widely available. Whether setting out for a peaceful paddle on a forest lake or cycling along winding national park routes, travellers can rely on quality gear and local advice to support independent exploration. Additionally, knowledgeable guide services are accessible for those seeking more structured experiences.
Nature-Friendly and Accessible Accommodations
Accommodation options in the Baltics reflect a commitment to nature-friendly and accessible tourism. From seaside campsites and glamping tents in meadows to guest houses located in historic manor estates, there is a wide variety of places to stay. Many accommodations are hiking-friendly, situated directly on major trails or providing services such as luggage transfers, packed lunches, and detailed route information. Accessibility is a priority, with guest houses and nature lodges offering features for wheelchair users, families with small children, and travellers with visual impairments. Unique stays—whether on islands, in forest cabins, or even floating houses by the water—allow visitors to connect deeply with the landscape and local hospitality.
The article is part of the project “Baltic Nature Tourism – Target Market Acquisition in the United Kingdom (CB0100030),” which is implemented with the support of the European Union and the European Regional Development Fund through the Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027.