Plan an adventure through Lithuania, Estonia and Estonia
With the addition of Interrail Latvia Pass and Estonia Pass to our network, it's now possible to travel across all 3 of the Baltic countries with Interrail! Don't forget to take advantage of the Interrail Lithuania Pass. You might not know too much about this region of Europe, but its diverse and exciting history makes it perfect for a journey of discovery, with each country offering a unique experience. Expect the unexpected, from surreal swamp landscapes and healing waters to a famous power plant and a museum in a submarine factory.
To learn more about the Baltic region and give you some travel tips, we asked the people who know best - the national railway companies. Lietuvos geležinkeliai (Lithuania), Pasažieru vilciens (Latvia) and Elron (Estonia) recommend the Baltic destinations that you shouldn't miss and how to get to them by train.
1. Klaipėda, Lithuania
2. Kaunas, Lithuania
3. Vilnius, Lithuania
4. Visaginas, Lithuania
5. Riga, Latvia
6. Jūrmala, Latvia
7. Ķemeri, Latvia
8. Tartu, Estonia
9. Tallinn, Estonia
10. Aegviidu, Estonia
Begin your Baltic adventure in the coastal city of Klaipėda, with its half-timbered buildings and many sculptures. The city is the starting point for visiting the Curonian Spit and Lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Words cannot describe the beauty of Nida, a town located on the spit itself. Standing atop one of its hills, you’ll be surrounded by pine forests and, of course, the sea itself. There are numerous cycling and hiking trails here, designed to make time stop. It's impossible to miss the striking sight of Parnidis dune. The giant dune never stops moving and, over time, has swallowed entire villages. Stay on the Spit for an immersive experience.
You can reach Nida on weekends by specially commissioned bus from Klaipėda. Don’t forget to take a bicycle!
Kaunas was the European Capital of Culture in 2022. Its motto, “from temporary to contemporary,” sums up the look and feel of Kaunas. The organisers are hoping that 2022 will be an after-party for the cultural revival happening now. Come to Kaunas for a dose of art-deco architecture and artsy kookiness, seen in its streets and open-air galleries. You can stay in an actual monastery or select accommodation from one of the more modern options.
For even more art, take a 1 hour regional train to Marijampole, the “Lithuanian Mecca of street art”. Its impressive murals make it one of the most Instagrammable towns in Lithuania.
Lithuania’s capital city, Vilnius, has a large medieval old town and numerous green spaces, bars and restaurants. But it's also a great place from which to travel off the beaten track.
Trakai was the Lithuanian capital of culture in 2020. The little town, adored by Lithuanians, has it all –medieval history, delicious food, vast lakes shimmering in the sun and the picture-perfect Trakai Castle. Yachts and catamarans grace the waters, letting you fully explore every nook and cranny of this lake region. This year brings a slew of cultural events to this gem of a town, so there’s no better time to visit. Accommodation options in Trakai run the gamut from country houses to 4-star resorts.
Travel by train to Trakai from Vilnius in just 33 minutes.
En route to Latvia, you can visit Visaginas. The hit HBO series Chernobyl was filmed here at the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant, located 13km from the train station. It is currently being decommissioned, so you can tour its innards.
Riga has always been a crossroads of nations and cultures. The city has always lived in close cooperation with nature, which is still an important part of its residents’ daily lives – the many public parks, forests, squares, lakes and the city canal. Riga has hills and islands, as well as beaches. Nesting birds and even beavers call the city home. In addition, considering the relative compactness of the city. Many of its sites are within walking distance: special urban pulse points and green relaxation zones; a dynamic city atmosphere and the romance of rural idylls.
Hop on a train from Riga to visit Jūrmala and Ķemeri, to the city’s north.
Jūrmala is the largest spa town on the shores of the Baltic Sea. It's a veritable oasis of natural healing and health that prides itself on an almost unbelievable concentration of natural resources, both in the air and underground. The sea, the wind and majestic pines calmly coexist alongside a vibrant cultural scene: a combination which refreshes and enriches all those who spend time there.
By train from Riga: 32 minutes to Majori station (by the coast) or 50 minutes to Sloka station (central Jūrmala).
Take a short journey from Riga and you'll find yourself in another world. Raised bogs dotted with countless tiny pools; mysterious wooded forests; vast floodplain meadows with wild horses and cattle; lagoon-type lakes rich with waterfowl; winding rivers; the sea coast, and, of course, the famous sulphurous mineral water – a true health elixir with the aroma of rotten eggs. More than twenty different objects of interest (nature trails, sightseeing towers, cycling routes, museums, etc.), as well as an array of tourism services (boat and bicycle rentals, guides, cafes, etc.), provide excellent conditions for exploring different parts of the Park.
Spring is a great time to start your journey in this wetland paradise. Some of the season’s specialities include spring floods, looking for woodpeckers, taking a bicycle tour through the fresh-smelling forests, or joining the numerous activities (expert walks, hikes, nature education activities, special offers from tourism businesses, etc.) of Travel Day at the beginning of May.
By train from Riga: 1 hour to Ķemeri station.
Estonia’s second-largest city is defined by its historic university, so is home to some of the country’s most important museums and learning centres, such as the Estonian National Museum and the AHHAA science centre. As a university city, Tartu naturally has a thriving nightlife to keep you busy after a day of culture.
The capital of Estonia is a thriving city on the Baltic Sea, fusing history, both medieval and Soviet, with the tech-savvy and modern. You can experience both of the city’s facets by visiting the Old Town and the Rotermann district, respectively.
Tallinn is also home to some innovative and award-winning museums in exciting locations. The Seaplane Harbor, one of Europe’s largest maritime museums, is housed in the world’s first large reinforced concrete shell structure, while the PROTO Invention Factory, found in a former secret submarine factory, has interactive exhibitions for the whole family.
Take a 50-minute train ride from the capital and you will find Aegviidu recreation area, known as the “Estonian Switzerland”. The melting of permafrost formed a landscape of swamps, forests and esker “mountains” with a hundred lakes and bog ponds. The area is great for hiking, cycling or walking. For a complete experience, you can stay on a campsite, start a campfire by night and pick berries and mushrooms in the morning.
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