Travel to the Baltic Self Map. Tour Traveling on the Baltic States Three countries

I want to tell how my girlfriend and us, without agencies, visited the Baltic States. I will not speak about the attractions, only about business. How to go to yourself. This is my first independent trip.

At the time of our trip, such a tour for the three capitals of the Baltic was worth 44,000 per week, and we were 23,000. Almost two days in every city. There is a difference!!! Tip: Always buy books from the Orange Guide series. Wonderful series. I take with you in all trips when I go myself.

VISA. Immediately I will say that we decided to submit documents to the visa center. A little more expensive, but simpler: if something is not so correct, and the documents still reprint on their blanks. For money. Documents are submitted to the embassy or the visa center of the country, where you will be located more than a night, regardless of the sequence of visiting countries. We started from Lithuania, but the visa documents were submitted to the Latvian visa center, because In Vilnius there were two days, but one overnight stay, and in Riga and in Tallinn for two nights. We will find documents on the websites. Together with the documents, be sure to bring a copy of the hotel for accommodation in hotels and copies of all tickets, insurance is required. Read carefully. For example, at the time of our design did not start booking hotels from Buking in Lithuania. Maybe something has changed. We booked at Hotels.com. The people in the center were little, passed an hour for one and a half. Waited longer to reprint documents. After 10 days the husband came and took the passport with visas. When passing the documents, you say who will take. Very comfortably.

Movement between countries: We chose the bus. Tickets booked on the site.

Very comfortable site. Buses on average go for an hour 4. Watch the road is not particularly what. Buses were empty. Maybe no tourist season, but maybe so lucky. We chose the second half of the day, left the clock at 5 pm, came at 9 pm, slept, and in the morning with fresh forces walk around the city. The hotels were chosen closer to the center and to the bus station so as not to spend extra money on the road ..

Hotels. Chose inexpensive with the calculation only to spend the night. Breakfast.

VILNIUS. Arbaltic flew on the airplane. The plane is tiny: rows 15 two places through the passage.

Flies are excellent. From the airport, Vilnius 3 * Comfort is reached by bus. In Vilnius, two hotels with a similar name and we misinformed local, but from one hotel

before our extra 15 minutes on foot. Found. The hotel is small, but cute. For night or two, no more. In our room, even the cabinet was not.

We took in all hotels only breakfast. Feed decently, underwear clean. All attractions in walking distance. Nothing spent on the road.

They flew to Vilnius watches at 10 am, the bus to Riga was the next day at 16.30. From the hotel to the bus station on foot Min 10. Almost two days had enough to inspect the main attractions and just walk around the city. But no review is about it. Travel yourself, do not be afraid.

RIGA. From the bus station to the hotel 4 * on foot min 10. The hotel is very good. When visiting, they fell on a discount. Breakfast on slaughter, even champagne was. In the Turkish five there is no such breakfast. Pure, quiet, to the center 5-7 min. In the room, even ironing board was with an iron, kettle, tea, coffee. At 17.00 bus to Tallinn. Everywhere went on foot, no transport was spent.

Tallinn. In Tallinn from the bus station to the hotel 3 * on the tram 10 minutes and walk 5min. The hotel is good, but there is no pallet in the soul, and in the hole in the floor, the water almost did not leave and poured the entire floor in the bathroom. But in the mockery stood a mop, you know, with such a rubber band so that the water is to collect. But across the road the Old Town and all the sights. Back to Moscow on the aircraft of AirBaltic. By taxi 15 euros and after 20 minutes in place.

Conclusion: cheaper themselves twice, you yourself owners, travel yourself and everything will be fine. In all cities we went on foot, I can't say anything about prices for transport.

- This time the girl shares a ready-made trip to Latvia. Walking along Riga and lie on the beach in Jurmala - an excellent program, but are you sure that you know a lot about the country from such a journey? Castles, waterfalls, lighthouses, gingerbread cities - where else to go and what to look in Latvia - the word Masha.

Why Latvia?

Latvia became the first European country, a trip to which I completely planned myself. We wanted to Europe, but were limited in money and time - only ten days, so the choice fell on the Baltic countries. Initially, we were going to go around Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, moving between them by the hitchhiker, but buy bus tickets to one of the countries - to easier to get a visa. Cheapest flights were to Latvia - the fate of the trip was solved.

Now I can say that Latvia is an ideal country for those who want to go to Europe for the first time, but the linguistic barrier is afraid and does not want to spend much. But experienced travelers here will be interesting. Alas, Latvia is often underestimated. Our compatriots and neighbors often perceive it as an intermediate point on the way to the "true Europe". Europeans, on the contrary, go there to look at the post-communist country. But do not think that I am waging along the streets of Riga before the flight of the Loadoster or having hung on Jurmala Beach, you really saw Latvia.

I got the impression that in this country it is seriously invested in the development of tourism. I would describe this by the English proverb: "if you can" t have the best make the best of what you have "(" If you can't get better, make the best that you have "). Here is not so much The world-famous architectural monuments, impressive natural attractions or places with a very ancient history - so, the UNESCO list includes only two points from Latvia. But in every little little attractive city, an informational center is equipped, and twenty Latvian beaches are awarded the blue flag (quality mark and Fitness for safe bathing). All at least a little interesting thing is turned into a landmark: from the destroyed forts to the telescope of the radio astronomy center. Looking at such a careful attitude towards your story, I want to express my respect to the Latvians and even slightly envy them.

"All at least a little interesting here turn into a landmark: from destroyed forts to the telescope of the radio astronomy center"

How to get?

We drove to Riga from Moscow by bus LuxExpress. For € 35 per person. The return ticket was taken to St. Petersburg, for € 17.5. Also from both cities in Latvia are taken by Ecolines. If you plan a trip in advance, you can save. Thus, the minimum price of the LuxExpress ticket from St. Petersburg to Riga - about € 13. Also from Russia to Latvia train: Latvia-Express company train from Moscow to Riga costs from € 40.5, the usual from St. Petersburg - from € 37.5 . Time in the way in both cases - a little more than 16 hours.

From Minsk in Riga can also be reached by bus. The state carrier "Minsktrans" will take to Latvia for € 14.5. There are offers from private companies: LuxExpress runs every day, ticket price - from € 10, Ecolines has several flights, the price is € 23.8. Do not forget about discounts for youth and students!

From Kiev, Ecolies go to Riga, but the path will not be close - as many as 30 hours on the way. One side ticket will cost € 50. Much faster and easier will fly to AirBaltic - about 2 hours on the road and about € 100 per ticket.

Accommodation

During ten days in Latvia, we did not spend a cue on housing thanks to Kauratsurfing. Find a host in Riga is an easy: the site has more than 700 users from this city, ready to receive guests. In other settlements, the situation is different: in the second largest Daugavpils, the population is seven times less than in Riga, in the third largest Liepaja - nine times. In the cities where we were, usually lived no more than ten active hosts - so I advise you to contact them in advance. We managed to find "tracks" in Riga, Liepaja and Kuldiga, and a couple of times we joined the tent.

Housing prices in the Latvian capital are pleased: Night in the hostel - from € 5. In other cities, everything is not so nice: the cheapest version from Buking in Ventspils - from € 10, in Liepaja - from € 12, in Kuldiga - from € 19, And in Cēsis - from € 25. If you prefer to inspect the country in a dynamic pace and want to save, you can, like us, make Riga with a transit point. The distance in the country is very small: if you wish, you can put forward from the capital with early in the morning, inspect some city and return to the night.

Transport

We moved along Latvia on the travelers. According to our host from Liepaja, who comes from about sixty countries in this way, the hitchhiking in his homeland is one of the best in the world. I would not give such a high marks, but I confirm that it is convenient and fast to move around the country. The average waiting time for our pair was about 10 minutes, the maximum hour. A pleasant surprise has become that many drivers are ready to spend some time and gasoline to deliver you straight to the place. Once the driver not only had any extra kilometers to fifteen to the point where it was not too popular road, but left for a farewell phone number so that we contacted him, if you can't catch anyone back.

In addition to the highway, we tried the long-distance trains - they reached Riga to Sigulda (about 50 kilometers). The ticket costs € 1.9. We were quite comfortable, albeit slightly handicraft. Check the schedule and routes on the company's website Pasažieru Vilciens (PV).

There, where you can not drive by train, long-distance buses go. A ticket from Riga to Sigulda costs € 2.75, to Ventspils - € 7.55, from Liepaja to Kuldigu - € 3.85. Check the schedule and prices, and on a separate portal you can buy tickets online, but with extra charge.

National cuisine

Latvia love rye bread. So much that it is not just eating it, but also add to different dishes. For example, here you can try bread ice cream or bread yogurt with prunes. And also bread soup, which, oddly enough, eat not on the first, but as dessert. Prepare it from dried fruits and actually bread and season cream. From rye flour, another local dish is made - Slandrausis - an outdoor pie with vegetable filling (as a rule, from boiled potatoes and carrots mixed with egg and polished sour cream).

As a main dish, I advise gray peas, which is prepared with onions and smoked squalls. And for the dessert, we smooth the cake "Old Riga" (Vezriga) with cottage cheese cream.

Most of Latvian dishes can be tried in a restaurant Lido., and the cakes "Old Riga" and bread yogurts we bought in supermarkets.

Language

There is practically no language barrier in Latvia: as a rule, the young generation speaks English, the older - in Russian. Of all the drivers who brought us, we had to communicate only with one - Dutch.

Only once we had difficulty with communication. In Kuldig, we wandered into a working table, some miracle that fell into the guide. Only local, the menu was dinner, the menu hung on the wall and was only in Latvian, and the food was superimposed from huge pots and pelvis, so there was even a chance to understand what. I turned to a woman on a distribution in Russian, and she answered Latvian. I repeated my question in English - and then she moved into Russian.

The situation with the language in the country is closely related to the historical context. After the collapse of the USSR, Latvian citizenship received only 2/3 of the country's population - citizens of the pre-war Latvian Republic and their descendants. The rest are predominantly Russians, as well as Belarusians, Ukrainians, Lithuanians, Poles and a number of other peoples living in Latvia - received the status of "non-citizens". For 2013, there were about 80 differences between citizens and non-citizens: so, the latter cannot take part in the elections, hold a number of posts, there are economic and other restrictions for them. To obtain a citizen's status, it is necessary to go through the procedure of "naturalization": to give an oath of loyalty to the country, pay the duty, pass the exam on the knowledge of Latvian language, constitution, anthem and history. At the same time, in the 90s, the Russian language ceased to be state.

At the moment, there is still a little more than 10% of people in the country, and have not received citizenship: someone considers the unfair procedure itself, someone is not ready to pay a duty, someone does not know the language sufficiently to pass the exam . However, not all Latvians like that people live in their country who do not want to master the state language and speak it. According to the 2005 study data, 47% of Latvians believed that the interests of Russian-speaking in the country are even more accounted for than. 68% of Russian-speaking, on the contrary, believed that their rights were infringed. To this day, the relationship between two nations inside the country is slightly electrified.

Route

In the Visa Center of Latvia, we were provided with a couple of guidebooks, I found a couple of information on the official tourist portal of Latvia. Initially, I wanted to fit all the countries of the Baltic in a ten-day trip, but, having studied a dozen booklets and sites, I realized that it was not enough for Lithuania and Estonia.

I marked interesting points on the map, and the route was signed: the arrival in Riga, the country's examination to the east of it, then - to the West, and finally the return to the Latvian capital, where the bus was going home.

Riga and Jurmala

Riga became the first European capital, where I visited. I am delighted with everything: organ music from chostels, blocks and tiled roofs, prices in euro ... although there is no, these, rather, were upset. I passed a bunch of guidebooks, and I did not want to miss a single point recommended there. I tremblely wandered around the town hall, tried to fit into the frames pressed close to each other at home, called the name of the three brothers, and visited the black cats on the roof of the house, whose owner did not adopt it in the merchant guild, the elder unfolded the sculpture of the fifth point to his window. However, the Riga is already written in detail.

From unbearable places there I would recommend Latvian Ethnographic Open Sky Museum (Brīvdabas iela 21) where more than one hundred vintage wooden buildings from all over the country. In the warm season (from May to September) the entrance for adults costs € 4, for full-time students - € 2; In the cold (from November to April) - € 2 and € 1.4, respectively. In the summer, artisans demonstrate their skills on the territory of the museum. We spent almost half a day for a walk and cheaply lunch in Kharchevna in the park.

"I am delighted with everything: organic music from chostels, blocks and tiled roofs, prices in euro ... although there are no, these, rather, grieved"

Also advise you to go inside Latvian National Library (Mūkusalas iela 3) . Although many locals consider her ugly, inside it looks very pretty. You can see the building along with an excursion in Russian, which is suitable on the phone on business days and costs € 2. I walked around the library for free along with our host, seeing from 1 to 8 floors. The library site says that on Sunday, 11 and 12 floors are also available for visitors.

Jurmala we visited the on the eve of the departure, and it seemed to us rather boring from a sightseeing point of view, although there is more than a hundred monuments of wooden architecture of state importance. But it is well suited for resort holidays: a third of the Blue flag of Latvian beaches is concentrated here, and the total length of the comfortable coastline - 26 kilometers.

Sigulda

In Sigulda, we went for the sake of locks, which here are three: medieval Turaidsky, destroyed Krimuldskyand more modern Siguld Palace. For a leisurely walk between them, half of the day will be enough, while you will admire the types of the valley of the Gauja River and you will be able to evaluate several unique objects for Latvia.

First, it is cave Gutmana (57.176235, 24.842062) 18.8 meters deep, 12 meters width and 10 meters high. Those who are fond of speleology or simply visited the caves, such dimensions are hardly impressed, but this is the largest cave in the Baltic countries. Secondly, to the Krimuld castle on the opposite side of the river can be reached on the only cable car. Types open luxury, but the price for 7 minutes the path is unreasonably high - € 8 to one side. Right from the cabin of the tram can jump with a tarzanka, but pleasure is even more expensive - € 60.

For fans of extreme sports in Sigulda, there are other entertainment: for example, a Sannova-bobslee track a length of 1200 meters and a band of obstacles at an altitude of 20 meters in the largest in the Baltics Park Adventure Tarzāns.

Cesis

Cesis is one of the oldest cities in Latvia, he has more than 800 years old. His main attraction is the largest in the country livonian Order Castlewhich is also called Vezen, by the name of living in these places of the nationality.

For the entrance to the Cēsis Castle, the summer season (from May to September) you need to give € 4 (for schoolchildren and students - € 2.5), in the winter (from October to April) - € 3 (€ 1.5). For visiting the museum in a new castle will have to pay € 2 (Schoolchildren and Students - € 1). We bought a complete ticket, but came to the conclusion that it was possible to limit the castle.

I not only called the whole building, descending into the dungeon for prisoners, but also observed for the work of the Kuznetsov, I learned about the medieval kitchen from the gardener and took part in the entertainment of that time - it was practicing a fencing with a wooden sword and made a dozen steps on stilts. When walking along the castle park I advise you to find a wooden "box," where Lenin is a dismantled monument, which was previously stood on the main square of the city.

Liepaja

This seaside city in the west of Latvia boasts the largest mechanical body in the world and the third largest port in the country. Today the harbor is used only for trade, but earlier a third of the city held a military port - Latvian "Kosta".

The construction of the largest maritime military base in the Russian Empire began here at the end of the XIX century. It is from here in 1905 the Russian fleet went to the Pacific Ocean to participate in the Russian-Japanese war. But the place for the base was originally chosen unsuccessfully - only 40 kilometers from the border with a potential opponent, Germany. Soon the First World War began, and all defensive structures were destroyed by order of the commander of the Baltic Fleet - fearing that they would get to the enemy, they never used them. The blown forts have survived to the present day and are popular with tourists.

In the Soviet years, submariners were based here, and the "Kosta" became a closed military town. Now, this area can visit anyone and admire the architectural contrasts - imperial buildings and typical Soviet houses, abandoned, unfinished or populated. We wandered here to visit museum-Prison "Kosta" (Invalīdu iela 4) . On the official website, this place is positioned as "the only prison in Europe, open for tourists," from which no one runs away. " But this does not testify to the guardability or scale of construction: in fact, it is a tricky advertising move. From the royal times until the end of the last century there was not a prison here, and Gauptvakta, where the disciplinary punishments were serving. The maximum term of conclusion did not exceed the month, so there was no sense to run away.

Gauptvakta managed to serve the Russian Empire, Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, and after it was abandoned, local enthusiasts decided to turn the building into the museum. Admiration with how pretty and creatively in Latvia use those opportunities to attract tourists who have for the first time to come to me here. For € 5, you can visit a regular excursion where they will spend on the cameras and tell about the history of the place, and for € 15 - to even spend the night. Large pre-recording groups can feel all the delights of the prison life, having participating in the lattice show. Although children are allowed on the excursion, and the guide is constantly released by jokes, Gauptwahta retained its gloomy atmosphere.

Today Liepaja is the musical capital of Latvia, where every summer the festival passes Summer Sound.. Thanks to this, the city has new attractions - the Glass Concert Hall "Big Amber" and the Alley of the Glory of Latvian Musicians. We left for an inspection of all these places in less than a day, despite the fact that we also managed to swim in the Baltic Sea on the marked blue flag of the city beach.

Kuldiga

Culdiga, perhaps, the most cozy city in Latvia from those in which I was. Only 13 thousand people live here, it is possible to walk from the edge to the edge in an hour, and the historic center of the city is entered into the National List of UNESCO. But we arrived here first of all for the sake of two waterfalls.

First - Aleccupic waterfall (56.969851, 21.975383) On the Aleccupit River - it looks very pretty, but impressive weakly, although with a 4.5 meter high and became the highest in Latvia. Second - Vents-Rumba (56.967965, 21.978900) on the Venta River - a higher title was honored: its width of 100-110 meters to almost 280 in the afternoon made it widest in Europe. But do not imagine the Latvian Niagaru: its maximum height is a little more than two meters, so it resembles a roller threshold rather than a waterfall. It is best to come here in spring or autumn to watch how migrant salmon "in flight" overcome Ventas Rumba.

Ventspils

I got the first impression on Ventspils on the way to Him. The woman brought us told us about the local park of entertainment and his key object - Ski Mountain "Hat Lembergs". The mountain is notable for the fact that the landfill was created on the site: the waste polygon was installed, processed, covered with the construction garbage, covered with turden, planted herbs and equipped with tramplines and lifts. The garbage bunch, which turned into a popular holiday destination, was called in honor of Lembergs's many years of the mayor.

One of Ventspils's motto is "City with Future." True, it is not felt familiar to the province of depressiveness and destroy. Progressive trends here illustrate not only a story with a landfill. So, in 2002, the city took part in the parade of the cows - the international artistic action, in which artists create creative sculptures of the burenok and exhibit them in different places of the city. After that, monuments are sold at auctions, and money goes to charitable goals. Ventspils became the first city in Eastern Europe who participated in the parade. Of the 26 cows, decorated the city at the time of the action, not sold out only six. But the parade inspired the inhabitants and the authorities of the city, and soon new cows began to appear on the streets, and in 2012, the Cows parade repeated again. Walking along Ventspils, constantly meet the sculptures of the mannistant: from the cow-fashionista, which admires himself in the mirror, to a police cow or a cow-fools, looking at a TV along with the owner. These works of art not only raise the mood to local residents, but also attract tourists.

An article about a trip by car to the Baltic countries: what you need to know what documents to prepare. At the end of the article - the video about what you need to know before traveling to the Baltic States by car.

The content of the article:

If you are going to look at the Baltic countries, but found that ticket prices, to put it mildly, weekly, autotourism may be an excellent solution.

The car's trip to the Baltic countries has a large number of advantages. The main thing is to know some "pitfalls" and the features of paperwork and driving in these countries.

Baltic States are already Europe, the rules of entry and driving here are about the same, but small differences still exist. We will tell about the main points that you should know in advance.

Pluses of travel by car

If you love car tourism, these advantages you have long been known:

1. If you go by car not alone, but in two, the cost of gasoline (even taking into account the car depreciation) will cost much cheaper than the purchase of tickets for transport, be something bus, railway tickets and especially air.
2. The car will allow not to worry about excess baggage and prohibited by the aircraft of liquids. Also, the problems of "Reselle" are moved to the border of the weight of baggage, which is critical for a particular car, and not limited to the agreed airline weighing in the area of \u200b\u200bmodest 20 kg per person.

   Looking out for another purchase in the souvenir shop, you will not have to think about the question, whether you can bring her home.

3. Personal car is freedom. You do not limit the temporary framework, you do not have to move on a predetermined trajectory, as in the case of a bus tour. Seeing the building on the horizon, a settlement, a settlement, you can always roll off the highway and visit more interesting places. In tempting, right?

But so that the trip to the car to the Baltic gave exceptionally pleasure and did not bring problems, it is necessary to take care of the collection of information in advance. Let's start with documents.

Required documents for entry

If you enter the Baltic country on a personal car, you will need a standard set of documents.

For auto:

• registration certificate;
• international driver's license;
• technical certificate;
• "green map".

"Green Card" for a car is the European analogue of Russian insurance. The "green card" is drawn up in any insurance company and costs the car owner in the amount of about 2.5 thousand rubles. This card can be issued even on some gas stations in close proximity to the border. This document is purchased no earlier than the start of the trip. The minimum duration of the document is two weeks.

In case the car over three years and has Russian registration, on the border may require a diagnostic map of the machine, which indicates that the car is working.

Those who went to the Baltic States recently noted that even for a more fresh car, it is better to pass an unscheduled in advance. The diagnostic card on the border is asked after the tourists received a stamp in a passport for entering the country.

If the car will be not relevant to the requirements of health, on the border immediately put a stamp about the departure and send home. If a disposable Shengen was acquired, the journey can be considered finished.

Diagnostic card may be required not only at the border. According to the laws of the Baltic countries, this document may ask to present any police officer.

If your car has tinted windows, it is necessary to take care of the question, what is their light transmission ability. Toned side front car windows should pass light in an amount of at least 80%. In the case of side rear and rear windows, the light-paint ability of the coating can be less. As a rule, with the factory tinting of the glass on the border there are no problems.

Studded tires in the Baltic States are permitted from the beginning of October to the end of April. If the machines of the machine have cracks or there are damage on the body, the car can on the border and do not miss - according to the laws of Europe, such cars do not have the right to enter the country.

If a power of attorney is needed on the car, it must be notarized in mandatory.

For adult passengers:

• application with questionnaire;
• passport with a Schengen visa;
• certificate of income work;
• confirmation of the bank that cash is present in your account;
• medical insurance;
• confirmation of hotel armor, rental apartments or a guest house.

For children (additionally to the above documents, with the exception of reference from work and from the bank):

• birth certificate;
• up to 14 years, these children can be entered into a passport of one of the parents;
• when traveling a child without parents - his own passport with Schengen and notarized the consent of the parents for leaving abroad.

Currently, the Schengen visa can be issued using an intermediary organization. Almost all embassies will indicate to which intermediary you can contact. You can contact and directly to the Embassy - it will cost about 25 euros cheaper, but at the same time they will have to go through the consulate - two to three weeks, and then wait for the manufacture of the document within 10 days.

Medical insurance for entry into the Baltic countries should be framed in the amount of coverage of at least 30 thousand euros.

In order for the trip to be comfortable, the navigator will be useful. Better if it is a program. Calculated not only on the car, but also for pedestrian movements.

For example, sugic Navigator It will be perfectly cope with the driver's "leading" of the driver at a given destination, and will tell about the landmarks of the country closest to the laid route.

In the long trip, it is very convenient if you can change the wheel. The second driver in the company greatly facilitates the journey.

Restrictions on the import of goods and features of the border

In the photo: CAT on the border with Estonia

When passing the border, the autothotists will have to pay the environmental collection - about 20 euros from each passenger plus the amount for the car itself.

There are restrictions on the import of a number of goods in the Baltic States that may differ from the country to the country. As a rule, it concerns cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, fuel and some products.

For example, in Latvia it is impossible to import more than 40 pieces of cigarettes (that is, two bundles), one liter of alcohol with a fortress above 6 degrees or two liters of weaker alcohol type of beer, 10 liters of gasoline, as well as meat and any meat products.

The use of "anti-radars" in the Baltic States is strictly prohibited. At the entrance, such devices are likely to be taken away, or simply do not stick into the country. If the fact of the availability of these instruments is already found out on the territory of the country, the driver is waiting for a fine of up to 1200 euros - the amount is greater than the average wage!

The time of stay on the border depends on the specific border checkpoint and the type of queue. At the entrance to the Baltic States, the electronic queue is a faster way to undergo control. The minimum will take about forty minutes, but on average, tourists call time to one and a half or two hours.

Theoretically, you can call the point of border control and in advance to ask how long the queue is. But not the fact that you will answer.

When departing from the country, autotourists are better to use preliminary booking of the electronic queue. It should be borne in mind that in the Baltic States, border guards pay more attention to the electronic queue than the queue "alive", therefore it makes sense to spend a half euros to book a place in the electronic queue than then telling the "horrors" about the semi-hour stay at the border checkpoint.

Driving features

There are no paid roads in the Baltic States, all roads for passenger transport are free. Similar to the majority of European countries, here on circular motion the advantage have cars in the intersection itself.

Similar to the Russian rules, in the Baltic States included the light of the near headlights is mandatory.

Parking in cities are usually paid. They will cost from two euros per hour, but in the capitals and central regions of cities can be three times more.

In Tallinn there is an interesting feature of parking: Here you will need parking hours that can be purchased at the gas station. This watch is placed under the windshield. Parking payment is made using SMS if you have a single-map of the country, or through a specialized machine.

High-speed modes in the Baltic countries are better to study in advance. So, the "fairy tale" about the slowness of the same Estonians - by no means a fairy tale, if we talk about limiting the speed on the roads. The car is allowed to a maximum of 110 km / h and only on specialized car tracks marked by the sign "Road on the Blue Field", and only in the summer. And in the period from the beginning of November to the end of March, the city can be moved at a speed of no more than 90 km / h, in the city trait - no more than 50 km / h.

If speed is exceeded, you will have to upset: excess to 10 km / h can go unnoticed, but if the speedometer arrow overwhelms 20 km / h above the norm - this is 400 euros or half-day deprivation of rights, 40 km / h above the upper limit - 800 euros and One-year deprivation of rights, 60 km / h "Bigor" - 1200 euros and deprivation of rights for two years.

In the car, as in Russian standards, the first-aid kit, a fire extinguisher, a reflective vest and an emergency stop sign. However, the presence of a reflective vest is not strictly mandatory, but it is impossible to be on the car outside the car outside the car.

As in any European country, in the Baltic countries, many video cameras of the system of fixation of traffic violations. In addition, here you can often find hidden police patrols along the roads that do not slow down to record a violation and write out fines. Please note that the police cars are often "disguised" under civil transport so that not to distinguish.

If you stopped on the road, it is impossible to leave the car: it can be interpreted as an attempt to escape. You just need to open the window from the driver, and put your hands on the steering wheel. The policeman will come to you himself.

Cost of fuel

In the photo: gas station in Estonia

Entering into the Baltic States, it is better to have a full fuel tank. The distances here are small, but the price of fuel is not low:

1. In Estonia: 95th gasoline - from 80 rubles, diesel fuel - from 76 rubles, gas - from 36 rubles, but there are extremely small gas gas stations here.
2. In Lithuania: 95th gasoline - from 75 rubles, diesel fuel - from 66 rubles, gas - from 34 rubles, and gas refills in this country are quite common.
3. In Latvia: 95th gasoline - from 78 rubles, diesel fuel - from 75 rubles, gas - from 35 rubles. In all the Baltic countries, the roads are not overloaded, cars are moving in the "gentle" traffic, so fuel consumption is quite economical.

Conclusion

In general, the trip to the Baltic States on a personal car - the adventure is pleasant if you follow the rules of the road, law-abiding and ready to suffer a little paper tape on the border. Happy you trips!

Video about what you need to know before traveling to the Baltic States by car:

We planned to travel to Latvia for a very long time. And then somehow all the maps have developed. I wanted to change the situation, but to go not far and the sea was.

Let's start with a pleasant visa. I heard that Latvians are harmful in this regard, and it is not particularly worth it for a long-term visa. But here the brothers did not let us down: they opened the semi-annual "cartoon" to all members of our journey. I will not write about the whole process, documents, etc. I will only say that I surprised me the PONY EXPRESS delivery service. This service is provided free of charge in the visa center and passports are delivered straight home.

On the journey we went by car. It came out more fiscal and on the spot we had unleashed hands, that is, legs. The whole road took 13 hours, taking into account the border. There were no problems on the border control. All quickly and clearly. But then the main thing is to calculate time and not get into the renovation of border guards. It is usually from 8 to 9 and from 20 to 21.

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Riga welcomed us with beautiful weather. Despite the fact that Augustus stood on the courtyard, in the Baltic States, luck would take +30 degrees. I can confidently enter Latvia to the list of cities where you want to return. Therefore, I will write down the items as and I will answer the main questions.

What to see?

Of course, the most important heritage and charm of Riga is the old town. You can safely park the car on the outskirts and go to walk on the sights.

• The Dome Cathedral is the main Cathedral of the country and a mandatory place to visit. An ancient facility. The first stone was solemnly laid as in 1211. Since then, it has been rebuilt many times, but he did not lose his greatness.

Unfortunately, when we were there, the spire and the tower were completely in the forests, so there is no particularly beautiful photo. But but they went to the historical museum. Picket cost 3 euros.

The main heritage of any Catholic Cathedral is the organ. We were not lucky and restored, but now in the Dome Cathedral regularly spend not only services, but also concerts. Athis can be viewed on the official website. If it is possible to hear the music of this particular organ, it is impossible to miss it. Not just because he was recognized as wonderful in the world.

Special luxury inner decoration is no different, but how calmly ...

Stained glass - an integral part of all Catholic cathedrals.

At an altitude of 72 m there is an observation deck where the elevator will deliver you. Bird's heart view offers a great view of the city on the shores of Dvina. The observation deck works every day, except Monday.

• Home Doma Square. She seemed a little typical of me. Very similar to the square, where the Gothic style is preferred, as in Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary. Such ginfed neat houses.

• Cat house. I used to think that Egypt Country Cats, and it turns out to be Latvia. They are here everywhere and all black! Superval people would go crazy. But I like a desperate cat lover wanted to see this particular house.

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The story says: the house belonged to Mr. Blumera, who was very dreamed of joining the guild, which was opposite his house, but did not take it. In protest, he set on the roof of black cats and deployed them with Pops straight to the guild. As a result, Comrade Blumuene was still accepted into the cherished state, and cats turned in the opposite direction. But since then they are symbols of Riga.

• Narrow streets of Riga. In the time of the USSR, if I needed to remove the "abroad" in the cinema, then they were in Riga, because even then she reminded Europe as much as possible. Here filmed such film sseniers like Sherlock Holmes and 17 misms in spring.

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• Monument to the Bremen Musicians.

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The monument is cast by the Bremen sculptor Crystra Bumgarter. The moment is depicted when the musicians look into the window to the robbers, and judging by their scoring noses, everyone believe in the magical power of these guys. But they look crazy.

In walking distance from Old Riga, or as her own name is local residents - the old woman, there are also several sights.

• Powder tower.

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• Lyme watch. In Latvia, there is Lyme not only Vaikule, but also hours, and even candy. By the way, Lyme is translated into Russian as "Happiness." The constant meeting place of all citizens. Are opposite the monument of freedom.

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Riga National Opera. A significant place in the city.

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This is a fast food cafe. The chip of this institution is sharp dishes. Every day the menu is changing and opposite each meal there are sharp pecifices of chili, which determine the severity of sensations. Maximum 10. On the day, when we were, the most acute was with 3 peppers. Immediately I will say that tears come from dishes with 2 peppers, and from 3 - you breathe fire. Scary to present the level of extremes with 10 points.

Prices are very pleasant. You can take both a whole dish and half a portion. This establishment is closed on weekends! And on weekdays it works from 11 am to 20:30 pm.

Address: Gertrudes Iela, 6

2nd place. Lido restaurant. Have a fairly famous restaurant with unusually beautiful scenery! I advise you to take a walk on the territory and make a couple of pictures, and then go inside. On the 1st floor there is a restaurant-buffet with a buffet. Take a tray and fill it out than your heart. I'll say right away, everything is tasty! Especially desserts. On -1 floor there is a bar. There they also have their own mini-brewery, where they boil beer and immediately serve guests. And on the 2nd floor restaurant, banquet room. There is already dinner on the menu. The choice is yours. But the interior is incredible! And as it is beautiful for Christmas, I can not even imagine.

To get acquainted with the Baltic States, you need to visit all three countries: Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. Some of you will say that the Baltic is not only the above countries, but we will concern only them. First of all, visit the three capitals: Riga, Vilnius and Tallinn. It is advisable to visit them at the same weather and with the same mood so that nothing bothered to compare these three cities. Do not listen to anyone who says that one or another is more beautiful or more interesting. They are all interesting, beautiful and everyone has their own opinion. I have been several times in the Baltic States, I liked something more, so it tried something to turn on the route. The route program is designed so that you can manage the week. So: St. Petersburg - Tallinn - Cesis - Sigulda - Riga - Bauska - Siauliai - Kaunas - Vilnius - Daugavpils - Rezekne - St. Petersburg. These are key points, now more:

St. Petersburg - Tallinn

I will not stop in detail on the preparation of the car, documents, etc. Everything is not predicted. True, more recently, I take at least two navigator on the road. I trust "Booking.com" and, if possible, return to Cash. Do not forget that the Estonian border is difficult to cross and need to buy a queue, so we return through Latvia.

The distance from St. Petersburg to Tallinn is 362 kilometers and an approximate time on the way about 5 hours, not counting the time spent at customs. It is best to move while everyone sleeps, so we leave the watch at 4 am. At the border, we will be about 6, and there already as lucky. For sufficient familiarization with the old town of Tallinn, it is necessary for 4 hours. Those who love is not enough for this time.

Car parking near the old town cost 3-4 euros per hour, there is cheaper nearby, but not the fact that they will be free spaces. If you compare prices for hotels in all three capitals, Tallinn with Riga is approximately the same, but Vilnius is cheaper, but not worse.

For me, Tallin is always different, by influence. Sometimes I admire them, and sometimes he is boring me, apparently it depends on the mood, mood and company. In the old town, in addition to the main attractions, such as:

City Hall

The Dome Cathedral

Church of Olevista

Church of Nigulist

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Fortress towers and walls

Church of Jaani

... There are many beautiful and deaf streets, corners, yards. There are several viewing sites with excellent views of the city. Many shops and interesting cafes. Architecture here is very different, different epochs, styles and "nationalities".

I will never forget the impressions of the first visit to Tallinn. It was for the new 2007, when Helsinki-Stockholm-Tallinn was trying to try to roll tourists. The first swallow was a passenger vessel Vana-Tallin, that is, "Old Tallinn", not to be confused with the drink of the same name. And, by the way, he justified his name - 1974 buildings. That year winter was not ice too. In Helsinki, January 1 was +6, and in Stockholm +8. When they went from Helsinki to Stockholm got into a terrible storm and people remembering this night, already leaving Stockholm to Tallinn firmly "scored" to fall asleep and not hang on the decks, clinging for everything that is possible and for each other. Arrived in Tallinn everything is a bit marked, but in anticipation of new impressions. We allocated buses, guides and some time for the inspection of the city. The whole hour was collected and waited for those who were late, then rode all over Tallinn and listened to the guide, which did not particularly hide the hatred of the whole Russian. Having landed us with the walls of the "Old Town" and handing another guide, she left with the bus. The first words of the "new" guide were: "Forget everything she said," now we ran, we have little time. " We seem to and lagged, but at the next turn, the guide disappeared. From the beginning of his excursion, 15 minutes passed. We were such a half group, we spit and went every way. On the street there was a marking, damp, cold and windy. Only in the evening, when the garlands and verse were lit, it became better, warmer and much more beautiful. These were the first impressions.

If you are not going to visit the pub or just look at the night city, it is possible to stop for the night on the road towards Riga. I stayed at Ruunawere Hotel, near Tallinn, I really liked it. There is a small sketch of a hotel in the "Video" section. In general, there are many interesting places for the night: estate; Guest houses; Cottages, etc. If you are planning a trip for 21 days or earlier, you can get exclusive offers for hotel booking, but you are probably you know. If you plan to stay in the city, I advise Kalev Spa Hotel & Waterpark. Conveniently, cozy, next to the "old city", a good restaurant and after long walks can be sought in a jacuzzi, relax muscles or swim.

Cesis-Sigulda

From Tallinn to Cesis (Sigulda) about 300 kilometers. By time of hours 4. You can go three ways, but the easiest way through Pärnu. After Pärnu, the road goes along the coast and if summer on the street, you can turn to the sea and swim, sunbathe. Relax in one word. The main sights of Sigulda and Cesis in one day do not examine, even run, so count somewhere to swell. Both of these cities are approximately the same distance to Riga, Sigulda slightly closer, where you stop, does not play a special role.

In the area of \u200b\u200bthese two cities, the present centers of medieval castles, various attractions, there are something to see and do. Also considered Riga, so it may be crowded here. Make conclusions.

Let's start with Cesis. Here is the largest in Latvia and well preserved ...

Zassorsky (Venensky) Castle

Beautiful park at the foot of the castle, has a leisure and rest. The castle itself is no particularly different, it's just interesting to touch the story, take the similarity of the old lantern and go through the dark stairs and the catches. Next to the old castle is located

New Zassorsky Castle

Here are now operating in cash, as well as museums of history and art. Almost close to these locks is located

Church of St. John

This majestic construction is the largest church of Latvia, built outside of Riga (XIII century). She belonged to the Livonian Order.

In addition to the main attractions, it is very nice to stroll around the quarter wooden building. Pleasant houses that have seen many interesting stories make it possible to relax from the "stone jungle" of large cities.

Not far from Cesis is one more attraction of the local land, the so-called

Lake Castle Arajshi.

Here, in the XIX-XI centuries, Latgals lived. A fairly large area for a walk, where you can get acquainted with the ancient life and buildings, the ruins of the Araisa Oddensky castle and the lake settlement.

That's what you need to visit in the area:

Turaid Castle

Old Sigulda Castle

New Sigulda Castle

Of course, except castles, there are still many more than you can do. Huge park, zoos, cableways, caves, etc. In winter, ski slopes work. Here is one of the best bobslee routes.

In these parts, I stayed only in one hotel - Hotel Atputa, she is in Cesis. Quiet, cozy hotel, good restaurant, polite service.

Riga

From Sigulda to Riga to go for less than an hour. As soon as entering Riga, I can not get rid of the feeling that I am going on the outskirts of Peter. The building of the Latvian Academy entrusts the image of the Big, Soviet city. Only in the "old town" you come to myself and come back to the tourist skin. The car is better to park from the side of the embankment. Until forgot, the police in Latvia are the same as in Russia. Love check for alcohol, arrange an ambush, "settle in place." If there is something in Latvian on parcking signs, it is better not to stop there, they are fingered. Alcohol: Estonia (0.2 PR), Latvia (0.5 PR), Lithuania (0.4 pr). I wish not to get caught.

Riga-Other! Another than Tallinn. First, there is no height drop here, and therefore everything is on the same plane, along the Daugava Embankment. By the way, be sure to visit the other side of the river, from there the beautiful panorama of the "Old Town" opens. All attractions are quite tightly contemporary. In order to inspect the entire "old city", you will not go to the places that have already seen. This is not "running in a circle", but somewhere nearby. The architecture of Tallinn is diverse and multinational, and a certain style has been set aside in Riga.

I have long noticed that tourists are equally like large, huge churches or locks, and very small, even tiny "molds", such as St. Petersburg "Chiizik-Pozikik". And everywhere, in any city of the world, the reaction to them is the same. It is necessary to stroke or throw a coin, well, and of course, take a picture. One of these Riga MILET is a monument to "Bremen Musicians", almost copies of the same located in his hometown. Here both bouncing are included in the attraction program. Everyone is trying to stroke the animal that is higher. Walking on old Riga, you will repeat unusual figures and installations.

The Bremen Town Musicians

Now, let's run on the main attractions of the "Old Town"

House of Chernogolov

The Dome Cathedral

Church of St. Peter and panorama from the observation deck.

Town Hall and Town Hall Square

Riga Castle

The church of the grief of God

In Soviet times, as soon as it was necessary to show "abroad", all film studios went to Riga, here each house, each intersection visited as decorations. Here lived "Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson", the spy passions "Seventeen Moments of Spring" were played, sangs "D" Artanyang and Three Musketeers "

On account, eat in Riga, the choice of huge and price tags are already quite democratic. If you heard about Lido, I would not advise him to visit it in the Old Town, you can spoil the impression, it is better to go to the center of recreation Lido to the Street of Krast 76. Preparing there perfectly, tasty and not expensive.

Lido

For tourists with children I advise you to see the Riga Zoo and its guests. In general, Riga is a beautiful city and I think you want to come here more than once, see not only it, but also surroundings, such as Jurmala, Yaunmokas Castle, Daugava Museum. Or spend the summer night on the streets and in the pubs of the "Old Town", which never sleeps.

Bauska-Rundale Palace

If you have already watched in Riga and are not going to stop at night, you can go towards the town of Bauska. More precisely, our goal is the Rundale Palace. Go for about an hour, and I can advise the hotel by Hotel Rundale. It is very profitable located just 250 meters from the palace itself.

Bauska's town is not at all big, but there are many interesting places here. There are churches, old quarters, Baussky castle. Delicious Latvian beer is boiled here. On the Town Hall Square, you can sleep well and delicious in the cafe. But due to the fact that we visited this city only for the Rundal Palace, we will go there.

He belonged to the Palace of Duke Ernstu Johann Biron. Built was in 1740. In the same year, Biron, after the coup, was arrested and exiled, returned only in 1763. At the same time, by 1768, Rastrelli completed the inner decoration of the premises.

The palace is striking by its sophistication of the interiors and the richness of the decoration. Unfortunately, I was there in winter, and I could not see the magnificence of the blooming French park, spreading on the square in 10 hectares, closed on all sides by the channel, followed by, in turn, stretches the hunting park.

In the palace, I constantly do something, restored, decorate, care for, restore, even clothes. Everything glitters cleanly and is felt with what love local workers belong to exhibits. Palace and his decoration left an indelible impression in memory. Be sure to come in summer to walk in the garden and the park.

Cross mountain. Siaulia

Palace Frankel

Now we are heading towards Lithuania, more precisely, towards the city of Siauliai. Do not reach the city a little, we make a mandatory stop at the cross mountain or mountain of crosses. This is one of the most unexpected attractions of the entire route. Honestly, I did not know what to expect, but was heard and was ready to be surprised, but not so much. There are really driven crosses from around the world and this is really a mountain of crosses.

Place shroudedly by legends. With the Soviet power, it was destroyed 4 times, but the mountain was not doing anywhere, and the crosses are becoming more and more. Even the Pope "noted" here is quite an impressive cross. Our cross, like water droplets, melted in a sea of \u200b\u200bhuge waves of crosses.

Even if this place initially did not carry any energy load, then millions of prayers and aspirations that came here were impregnated with faith. There are no restrictions, orders, charters that are so loved in the churches of various denominations, here is a person one - on-one with his feelings, with God.

The next point of our journey will be the city of Siauliai. We were travel there, stayed to eat, walk along the pedestrian street, go to the Cathedral. The weather was disgusting, and we hurried towards Kaunas, so I can't say anything special about this town. There was an attempt to visit the Museum of Cats, but only Sunuwood there, they decided not to waste time.

Now we go to one of the most beautiful cities of Baltics - Kaunas, it is called "beautiful." And even there is no doubt that there must be stopped at night.

Kaunas

So it often happens that people are going to the capital, and the nearby towns in which there are no less interesting, pass by. Kaunas does not complain about the lack of tourists, but they go there undeservedly less than in Vilnius and Trakai. Kaunas is great. IMHO of course, but even the weather did not interfere with me just fall in love with this city.

The "Old Town" of Vilnius is big, spacious, mostly pedestrian, protected by UNESCO. I really liked it to slowly walk on the main streets and squares, but there are many people, but if you turn somewhere aside, in a couple of minutes it becomes just calm and can be lost. I put the car on one of the parking lots in the southern part of the "Old Town", put a mark in the navigator, hoping for the technique, and went to the reckless study, instead of taking chalk and leave marks at home and sidewalks. Borrowed. And the parking is paid and on the clock, the fines are large, unpleasant. There is such a conclusion, you need to put the car in the northern part, where the Castle Mountain and the Heademin Tower. If this landmark falls out of your field of view, people will help. And I could not even explain the lot, where my car is "next to the church or a church." Yes, they are here .... Now, with the arrival of new gadgets and applications, it became much easier.

What interesting can be seen in the "old town"?

Church of St. Casemire

Presidential palace

St. Nicholas Cathedral

Church of St. Paraskeva (Pyatnitsky Church)

Cathedral

Acute Brama

Bernardian Church and Church of St. Anne

In addition, there is still: Tower Gedemin, Church of St. Teresa, Church of the Holy Spirit, Church of the Holy Trinity, Bastion of the Vilnius Defensive Wall, Church of St. John, Church of St. Mikhail, Church of St. Anna, Church of St. Ignatia and the monastery of Jesuit, Alumnate, Church of St. Catherine, Church of the Assumption of the Most Holy Virgin Marie, Church of St. Nicholas, etc, etc. This is not all, and this is only in the oldest city. Now imagine how hard it was to find the desired church, church or temple?

One of the most pleasant impressions is prices. In cafes, restaurants, hotels, etc. Although in the business center, at least in the "old town" there are many places where you can spend the evening, night and the rest of the day. They saw, rested, still trembled and on the road. Now in the opposite direction, home. The intermediate item will be Daugavpils and there you can swell or see the city and get to the small town of Rezekne and stay there.

Daugavpils-Rezekne

Daugavpils is the same city in which I once again became convinced how much the weather affects the perception, the first impression, and in the photo, finally. The first time I was there in terrible, vile, dirty weather, passing, and the second is excellent weather, warm, not in a hurry anywhere, a beautiful hotel, unhurried promenade. Earth and sky. Excellent town, beautiful, interesting. The most important attraction, and rather the "mountain of attractions" is a "church slide." Here, literally in meters from each other there are four temples of different denominations.

Martin Luther Cathedral

Roman Catholic Catholic Church of the Blessed Virgin

Daugavpils Orthodox Cathedral of the Saints Buris and Gleb Princes

The Novosreten Temple of the Resurrection, the Nativity of the Virgin and St. Nichola (Old Believers)

In the city itself there is a small pedestrian street, where you can just walk, look around. There is a fortress, it is a certain symbol of the city. In terms of accommodation, I can advise the Hotel Park Hotel Latgola, it is located in the center, modern, not expensive, often there are special offers (double standard - 2000 rubles), from the upper floors a panorama of the city opens. If you are not lucky with the weather, it is better to leave the inspection of this city for another time, and to go in the direction of the town of Rezekne and stop in the way there.

To view information about Rezekne or Daugavpils (any other object), click on the name. We stayed in Rezekne only to relax in front of the last throw to the house. We walked, we sat well at the restaurant of our hotel Kolonna Hotel Rezekne, and getting up (at 4 am), taking the "breakfast with you", pre-ordered in the hotel, went towards the border.

From Daugavpils to the border of 2 hours of the road, from Rezekne 40 minutes. Arriving to the border about 5 in the morning, we found a really sleeping customs, I had to wake up to miss. A nightmare could generally "leak" and take the entire Baltic. That's basically it. The route, as you understand, can easily change, for example, you can organize everything with a mirror opposite. And from Tallinn to go to Helsinki. 2-3 hours on the ferry and you are in the capital of Finland. And there is already all the scandinavia before us.

I have a "scheduler" section in the tourist section, where you can view the route and Description, count the kilometer, fuel and estimate the time. I wish you a good time in the Baltic States. Get new impressions and just relax.