Baltics

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If you’re seeking the spirit of a new frontier, head for the Baltic region—it won’t be a secret for long. Estonia and Latvia both re-emerged from behind the Soviet Iron Curtain as independent nations in 1991, and have only recently joined the EU. Back on the European map and relatively undiscovered, the picturesque Baltic cities still retain the old-world feel of Prague without the hordes of tourists, while a youthful energy spices up the central squares – cafés, bars and clubs are springing up everywhere. You’ll also find a wealth of proud, beautiful architecture remarkably unscathed by war – Estonia’s capital, Tallinn, has a medieval old town unrivaled by any in Europe, while Riga, Latvia, still holds magnificent Art Nouveau apartment buildings from the golden age of the ‘30s.

For a change of pace, the naturally flat, lush countryside makes the Baltic region a popular place for bike touring, and the tree-lined seaside, once the favored vacation spot of well-to-do Russians, offers miles of natural beauty. As the new gateway linking Scandinavia to the rest of Eastern Europe, the Baltic region holds many unique and unprecedented delights.

For further info including: Getting There, Getting Around and Things to See and Do, please purchase or download our 2007 Europe Hostels & Travel Guide.

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