6 Beautiful Baltic Countries for a Coolcation

2. Freshen up on Finland

Finland is the official home of Santa Claus, who you can meet if you take a Christmas break in the village of Rovaniemi in the Northern Lapland region. However, the legendary man in red is only one of Finland’s famous Lapland attractions. The resort of Levi plays host to a number of activities, from skiing to outdoor experiences and cultural events. For instance, you can follow a walking trail or mountain biking route throughout the leafy forests, or attend a summer festival that celebrates nature and Finnish culture.

There are more surprises in Finland’s capital, too. Helsinki is an innovative city which focuses on sustainability. Each year, it implements new green initiatives. These include building eco-designed saunas and running zero-waste restaurants (Nolla), which use organic ingredients. In contrast to many capitals, 40% of Helsinki is green space, making it one of the greenest cities in Europe.

Why not support Helsinki’s sustainable efforts by experiencing a Finnish festival? The famed Flow Festival kicks off in August every year. It’s the ideal time to listen to good music and appreciate Finnish culture. While you’re there, enjoy fresh seafood dishes (said to be the best in Europe). When the partying is over, escape to Finland’s Taiga forests, where you can enjoy a tasty herring picnic lunch.

3. Pleasant Escapes in Poland

If you’re a history buff, you may be interested in booking a prison tour around the World War II concentration camp at Auschwitz in Poland to pay your respects. However, there’s lots more to discover than just the nation’s wartime legacy, with many activities to interest would-be visitors.

Spend time in the sunshine capturing historic castles and pretty palaces on camera. In fact, there are 2,500+ palaces across Poland, so it will keep you busy trying to find them all! Many are in or around Krakow – a city that surprises visitors with its affordability, stunning architecture and lively arts and cultural scenes. Book a city break here to taste some top cuisine. For instance, a trip inside a ‘Bar Mleczny’ (Milk Bar) is where you can sample some traditional Polish foods. Tuck into dumplings filled with warm cottage cheese and potatoes. In summer, grab a sweet dumpling filled with strawberries for a trip to the beach.

Poland’s beaches are in unique locations, and they have a mild climate. In northwest Poland, the resort city of Leba features a white, soft, sandy beach on the edge of Slowinski National Park. This location is a tranquil escape for spotting rare bird life, such as the greater flamingo or snowy owl. For another seaside retreat, why not settle on Świnoujście’s blue flag beach on the Polish coast? Świnoujście’, which sits on the German border next to Heringsdorf beach, is ideal for swimming due to its shallow coastline.

4. Get Away to Germany

Although the majority of Germany is landlocked, the Baltic Sea crashes into the shore along its northeast coastline. Here you’ll find the Pomeranian island of Usedom, home to Heringsdorf – one of Germany’s oldest beach resorts. Spend time strolling along the golden sands, then take in the sea air on a walk along the 508-metre-long Grand Pier. However, Heringsdorf is not just a seaside town – it’s also full of magnificent architecture and is an ideal place to rest and recuperate. So, if a relaxing break is what you need, book into a premium spa hotel for luxury spa treatments and begin a wellness holiday in Heringsdorf.

If you want to stay close to the water inland, follow the Danube River by boat. Book your river cruise from Munich, the heartland of Bavaria (Germany’s biggest and most beautiful state). While you’re in Munich, why not book a tour to learn more about Germany’s rich cultural history? Start off at Marienplatz – the city’s main square since the 12th century – before going on to explore a host of modern museums. Finish off your excursion at the top of the observation deck in the New Town Hall, from where you can admire Munich’s Baroque, Roman and Gothic architecture.

Munich is also a magical place to begin a cycling holiday. Follow the Isar Cycle Route, which tracks along the shores of beautiful, unspoilt inland lakes. Then cycle past ranges of mighty mountains and through the Murnauer Moos (the largest natural wetland in Central Europe).

If cycling is your passion, Lithuania is another holiday location that features some coastal cycle tours well worth pedalling along…

5. Experience the Lushness of Lithuania

Although Lithuania has been occupied and controlled by other nations in the past, it has been an independent country since 1990 and part of the European Union since 2004. It’s also a very pleasant Baltic holiday destination!

Visitors can explore old Baroque towns such as Kaunas (formerly Kovno) or the capital, Vilnius. One of four UNESCO World Heritage sites within Lithuania, Vilnius has many attractions for would-be coolcation tourists. You can observe its well-preserved medieval monuments and architecture from the Vilnius TV Tower, which is one of the tallest television towers in the world. Venture outside the city to nearby locales for a traditional Lithuanian dinner of cepelinai (potato dumplings severed with bacon, pork rinds and sour cream). For the fullest immersion in Lithuanian culture, why not attend the traditional folk and arts Kaziukas Fair in March?

Admire Lithuania’s beauty on two wheels by hiring a bicycle in Vilnius and following the route towards Trakai. Here, in this stunning city and resort, you’ll discover 200 lush lakes, such as Lake Galve – the perfect place for a refreshing dip or dive! Spend a couple of days cycling around this 18 km-wide lake, or challenge yourself to cover 300km of Lithuania’s flat landscape in two weeks. You could also ride from Vilnius to the seashore, or free-wheel around Žemaitija National Park (24km). Most of these routes are part of the cyclist-friendly EuroVelo 10 and EuroVelo 13 network.

Another exciting Baltic country with a lush landscape to explore is Estonia…

6. Chill-out in Estonia

Estonia’s culture, history and environment is colourful and diverse. From the traditions of its seafaring folk, who have inhabited its 3,800 km coastline for centuries, to its medieval villages and deep forests, this Baltic country has many surprises.

Within the medieval city of Tartu, you can immerse yourself in Estonian culture. Named as a European Capital of Culture (2024), Tartu is a city of contrasts, with relaxing green spaces and lively urban cafes. Grab a beverage and walk along the banks of the Emajõgi River, which flows through Tartu’s centre from the Emajõe-Suursoo Nature Reserve.

Although 50% of Estonia is dense forests and home to rare wildlife (like the Eurasian lynx), beach holidays can be enjoyed here too. For instance, you may want to experience the charms of the picturesque, historic seaside town of Haapsalu. However, for beach lovers in search of ‘the best sun in Estonia’, why not head for the unique resort of Pärnu?

Pärnu’s main attraction is its large, white, sandy beaches. However, there’s something in Pärnu for everyone! Try a water sport along the Pärnu river, such as paddle-boarding, before relaxing at the beach or spa. Or explore the verdant beauty of Pärnu’s forest groves, where you can spot a Globe flower, a white-tailed bumblebee or maybe even a brown bear!