Baltic Snow-Hiking Trilogy
Fitness Level 3
Unforgettable Adventure
Local Expert Guide
13 Days of Baltic Winter Hikes & Snowy Christmas Markets
Ready for a Baltic adventure filled with wintertime magic? Then, you’re in the right place because this 13-day journey combines revelling in the Christmas festivities of the Baltic capitals with treks through the scenic frozen countryside.
On this hiking trip, you’ll hit all the highlights – the snowy forests of Gražutes Regional Park, sandstone outcrops along the Gauja River and more. You’ll even snowshoe in the bogs of Soomaa National Park.
Of course, no winter visit to the region would be complete without seeing the capital cities – Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn – decked out for Christmas. From the baroque architecture in Vilnius to the elegant Art Nouveau buildings in Riga to the romantic streets of Tallinn, you’ll snap one photo after another of landmarks that look right out of a storybook.
Explore Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia with a small crew of 11 other equally adventurous women who will quickly become friends as you trek, cook over campfires and discover the magical culture of the Baltics.
What are you waiting for?
Why Choose Baltic Winter Hiking Adventure?
Experience the majestic capitals of the Baltic.
Uncover caves and ancient historical sites during your hike in Gauja National Park.
Trek through the vast wetlands of Estonia in Soomaa National Park.
Embark on a snowshoeing expedition across frozen bogs.
Indulge in traditional meals cooked over a campfire.
Immerse yourself in the festive wintertime atmosphere of traditional Christmas markets
Step back in time at The Estonian Open Air Village.
Uncover more info by clicking the tabs below!
Trip Details
Price
$5,422 AUD (twin share)
- $1,650 deposit.
- 2 week cooling off period applies.
- Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
- Twin Share: we’ll match you with a roomie if you’re travelling solo.
- Partial private supplement available: $1,067 AUD, max 2 spots
Please refer to our payment terms in the FAQs.
Trip length
13 days, 12 nights
Meeting point
Neringa Hotel, Vilnius, Lithuania
Departure point
My City Hotel, Tallinn, Estonia
Availability
5 December to 17 December 2024
Group size
Maximum 12
Participation requirements
- You’re open-minded and open-hearted.
- You try to embrace the little things.
- You don’t mind bush camping and washing in a river.
- You love adventure and the surprises that come with it.
- You are gracious to others and a team player.
Fitness
Level 3 – Moderate Plus
A fair amount of endurance and a slightly more than moderate level of fitness is needed for our Level 3 rated trips. Expect to walk for between 4 and 7 hours a day, that’s somewhere between 10 and 15 kilometres. Also keep in mind that we’ll need to cover that distance at a fairly moderate pace through undulating terrain. Some days may be solely devoted to trekking through isolated wilderness with jaw-dropping scenery, while others are dedicated to relaxation and cultural experiences.
Included
- Meals: 12 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 8 dinners
- Private vehicle transportation, trains, ferry.
- 12 nights accommodation
- A top-rated and English-speaking Tour Leader
- All listed activities and more!
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Personal trekking equipment
- Late check-out at hotels
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Drinks with included lunches and dinners
- Tip kitty
- Personal expenditure
Accommodation Preview
Neringa Hotel, Vilnius
Soomaa Holiday Village
My City Hotel, Tallinn
Get to Know Your Baltic Winter Itinerary
What You'll See & Do
Day 1 – Welcome to Lithuania!
Labas and welcome to Vilnius, the lovely capital city of Lithuania. The city is known for its baroque architecture as well as its cobblestone streets, historic churches and charming squares which you’ll get to see more of soon. Think ornate spires and domes rising across the skyline and opulent sculptures outside of grand buildings.
Our team has arranged a transfer from the airport for you, and you’ll get a chance to freshen up at the hotel post-flight. Tonight, meet your fellow travellers at a welcome dinner in the Old Town. Enjoy the yummy local food, and start bonding. You’ll be spending a lot of time with each other and your guide over the next two weeks of trekking and exploring together.
Cheers! Your Baltic adventure awaits you!
Accommodation: Neringa Hotel (or similar)
Included: Dinner
Day 2 – Vilnius
After a good night’s rest and recovery from your flight, get ready because you won’t want to miss a moment of today’s adventure. As you get to know Vilnius, you’ll think you’ve wandered straight into a winter Christmas fairytale right down to the snow-covered red roof tiles of the Old Town and Uzupis.
Vilnius’ Old Town is one of the largest medieval old towns in Northern Europe today and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Right next to the Old Town is the artists’ self-declared republic Uzupis. This free-spirited area has its own ‘president’ and unofficial ‘money’.
Vilnius is beautiful year-round, but it’s especially magical at Christmas time. As you stroll the streets with your guide, you’ll visit Christmas markets and warm up with steaming cups of mulled wine. Don’t leave without trying Kūčiukai, a pastry that’s only made during the holiday season. Local tradition says that eating these pastries brings good luck, and who are we to risk bad luck over sweet treats?
Accommodation: Neringa Hotel (or similar)
Included: Breakfast
Day 3 – Visagnina and Hike in Gražutes Regional Park
This morning you’ve got a train to Visagnina to catch. The two-hour train ride is an escape from the city to the Lithuanian countryside. You came here to hike, and your first trek begins in the winter wonderland that is Gražutes Regional Park. The morning’s trek goes through dense forest, wanders along beautiful lakes and passes by spongey swamps.
The afternoon is a complete change of pace from the natural wonders of the morning. Prepare to learn not only how nuclear power plants work, but also how to operate one yourself. You could say this is an ‘electrifying’ experience!
If that wasn’t enough, the day wraps up with a final treat – relaxing at the traditional sauna and hot tub at the guesthouse where you’ll be staying tonight. This is the first sauna experience you’ll have on the trip, but it certainly won’t be the last!
Trek: 10 km – 3h
Accommodation: Guesthouse at Gražutes Regional Park (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4 – Daugavpils and Hike along Daugava River
Today, you and your fellow travellers are crossing the border between Lithuania and Latvia, but don’t worry, it’s only a short drive until you arrive at the Daugava River.
Climb the Visargelišķu observation tower to take in the views of the river meandering through the forest from above. Then, a short hike along the Slutišķi’s steep banks lets you see things up close.
After an active morning in the countryside, it’s time to hit the city again. The rest of your day continues in beautiful Riga, another Christmas fairytale town. Your first dinner in Latvia is at a favourite local restaurant in the Old Town for a traditional Latvian supper – a fitting reward for the hiking and climbing you did today.
Trek: 3km – 1h
Accommodation: Wellton Centrum Hotel & SPA or similar (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5 – Riga
Riga is the largest of the three Baltic capitals and dates back to 1201 when it was founded by a German bishop. Riga is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture – there are more Art Nouveau buildings in the city centre than in any other city in the world, and today you’ll explore this beautiful city for yourself.
Get swept off your feet and fall in love with Riga’s Old Town on your walk through the city. The Art Nouveau buildings on Alberta Street and Elizabetes Street are a few of the top highlights. And, we can assure you that the Christmas markets only make the city even more magical.
You’ve had several fun adventures so far, but the peak trekking experience of the trip awaits you tomorrow. Sleep well!
Accommodation: Wellton Centrum Hotel & SPA (or similar)
Included: Breakfast
Day 6 – Sigulda
Wake up rested and in time to catch the train. Sigulda is in Gauja National Park and your hike along the Gauja River brings you right to the heart of the park. You aren’t crossing any borders today, but you are going to Sigulda town, also known as the Little Switzerland of Latvia.
Today’s 10-kilometre trek, one of the longest one of the entire trip, is jam-packed with highlights. Admire the impressive sandstone outcrops and Gutman Cave – the biggest cave in the Baltics – as you walk along the well-established Gauja River trail.
You’ll see too many historical sites along the way for us to mention them all, but we can guarantee that you’ll wonder if you’ve just walked on to the set of an epic adventure movie when you pass the Sigulda Brother of Swords castle ruins.
Trek: 10 km – 6h
Accommodation: Sigulda Hotel (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 7 – Cesis
The days have been action-packed so far, but today is a chance to slow down the pace if you like. First up, is a train ride from Sigulda to Cesis. Get acquainted with the charm of Cesis Old Town on a walking tour. Channel your favourite storybook heroine as you take a lantern and climb the soaring towers of a medieval castle.
The evening is up to you. You can spend some time resting, return to a spot that caught your eye earlier in the day, or ask your guide for some local recommendations. There are no wrong choices here.
Accommodation: Cesis Hotel (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 8 – Soomaa National Park and Bog Hike
Say goodbye to Latvia as you cross the Estonian border. Your destination? Soomaa National Park, the biggest wetland in Estonia. The trails and wooden boardwalk lead you through the marshy landscape. While the ground may look solid off the pathway, the raised bogs are actually spongey patches of peat floating on top of the water.
Today’s hiking is fairly straightforward, but you will work up an appetite just in time for lunch. It’s a well-known fact that nothing tastes better than lunch cooked over the campfire after a morning outside, and that’s exactly what’s in store for you!
Laugh with the strangers who have become friends over the kilometres you’ve logged together so far while the fire crackles in the background. If only every day of life could be like this!
Trek: 4km – 2h
Accommodation: Soomaa Holiday Village (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9 – Snowshoeing in Soomaa National Park
Yesterday, you got a taste of exploring the bogs in Soomaa National Park, but today you’ll venture even further. This time with snowshoes that allow you to reach places where it’s hard or sometimes even impossible to get to otherwise.
Dinner tonight is a special treat! Not only do you get to try yummy Finno-Ugric dumplings, you’ll actually learn to prepare this dish and make it together with your group. Once you’re back at home, you can recreate the meal in your own kitchen to bring back warm memories of tonight and the connections you’ve formed here.
By now you’ve had over a week of adventure through the Baltics. Before you close your eyes tonight, take a few moments to reflect on all the fun you’ve had so far. Of course, after such a full day, you might find yourself falling asleep the moment your head hits the pillow tonight. Zzzz.
Trek: 5km – 3h
Accommodation: Soomaa Holiday Village (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10 – Lahemaa National Park and Prangli Island
More beautiful winter scenery awaits you after the morning’s drive to Lahemaa National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for signs of animal activity as you hike through the snow-covered forest and coastal winter landscapes.
In the late afternoon, transfer to Prangli Island via ferry. Prangli Island is the northernmost island in Estonia, and it’s the only island in Northern Estonia where people have lived continuously for over 600 years. For the next two nights, you’ll be part of the small population living in the area.
Estonia is home to 1,521 isles, some like Saaremaa and Hiiumaa are well-known spots for tourists and locals to retreat to. Prangli is close to Tallinn, but it’s managed to keep its untouched natural beauty and still reflects some parts of ancient Estonian culture and tradition, making it the perfect spot for adventurous travellers like you.
Trek: 3km – 1h
Accommodation: Guesthouse on Prangli Island (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11 – Prangli Island
Wake up for another day of exploration – this time on Prangli Island. A unique sight is in store today. The evaporation of water on the warm sea forms a mist known as tohu.
In addition to the fog, you’ll also spot another unusual phenomenon that only occurs during the cold of winter. If you look up, you’ll see that the sky appears darker above patches of sea without ice than above areas with ice. Pretty cool, right?
Once you return to the warm, cosy guesthouse, the rest of your day is at your leisure. Want to spend it curled up in bed reading? Or, maybe unwinding in the sauna sounds more appealing? Either way, it’s been a fantastic day!
Trek: 6km – 3h
Accommodation: Guesthouse on Prangli Island (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12 – Tallinn
How have the days gone by so quickly? This morning, it’s back to Tallinn, the final Baltic capital of the trip. First up, some time travel to the past at the Estonian Open Air Museum. The museum’s 14 farms show what life was like throughout the 18th to 20th centuries.
On the menu for lunch is hearty Estonian fare at the museum’s Tavern. You can try Mulgipuder, a dish made from potato, onion, groat (a grain) and pan-fried meat.
We’ve saved one of the most beautiful outings to wrap up your Baltic saga. Tallinn is famous for its stunning mediaeval Old Town. It’s almost too pretty and quaint to seem real. The Old Town is one of the best-preserved Hanseatic town centres in the world.
Linger a while longer at this evening’s farewell dinner. Over one last meal together, exchange contact info with your fellow travellers and reminisce over all the fun you’ve had together.
Accommodation: My City Hotel(or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 13 – Departure
What an adventure, friends! Hiking through frozen wonderlands, exploring fairytale capital cities and soaking up the Christmas-time magic of the Baltics. Now, it’s time to transfer to the airport.
Say your goodbye as you leave with wonderful memories stored away!
Included: Breakfast
FAQs
Prior to the payment of your full balance, the final price may change if there is significant variation in the AUD:EUR exchange rate. Our trip pricing is determined by what the exchange rates are at the time of publishing the trip.
The pricing on this trip is based on an exchange rate of 1 AUD:0.61EUR.
A deposit of $1,650 is required to hold your spot. Payment can be made by credit card (fees apply) or bank deposit.
There is a cooling-off period of 2 weeks. (Applicable to all bookings made 110 days in advance.)
We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are not refundable, but they are transferable at any time, right up until the first day of the trip.
The final balance of the trip is required 95 days in advance of the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.
Please refer to the full terms and conditions for further information.
Level 3 – Moderate Plus
A fair amount of endurance and a slightly more than moderate level of fitness is needed for our Level 3 rated pilgrimages. Expect to walk for between 4 and 7 hours a day, that’s somewhere between 10 and 15 kilometres. Also keep in mind that we’ll need to cover that distance at a fairly moderate pace through undulating terrain. Some days may be solely devoted to trekking through isolated wilderness with jaw-dropping scenery, while others are dedicated to relaxation and cultural experiences.
There are several codeshare flights departing Australia and New Zealand for Vilnius and flying via SE Asia, Japan, Doha, and Istanbul. Similar routes are available for the return trip from Tallinn.
Solo travellers will be matched with a room-mate. Of course, if you prefer to have your own space, you can reserve the private room supplement. We have 2 partial private supplement rooms available for this trip.
What is a Partial Single Supplement?
Due to the nature and remote settings of some accommodations on this trip, there is no capacity for guaranteeing private single rooms at all overnight stays. Private single rooms for single supplement bookings will be provided on Days 3, 8,9,10 and 11.
Baltic countries are part of the Schengen Area and Australians and New Zealanders do not require a pre-arranged visa if entering the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days.
We advise you to pack light and bring a backpack instead of a suitcase. Your luggage will be transported between some overnight stays, on other occasions you’ll need to take care of your luggage because you’ll be transported by the public train. You’ll be responsible for your daily needs on treks, so best to have a comfortable day pack for that.
Traditionally, hotels in this region have small rooms, and in some hotels the beds in twin rooms don’t have a lot of space between. We always do our best to provide you with interesting stays, so we’ve carefully handpicked the boutique hotels and combined them with rural homestays.
For your upcoming journey, we highly advise packing appropriate winter clothes to combat the chilly temperatures. Don’t forget to include essentials such as a snug winter jacket, insulated winter pants, and sturdy waterproof winter boots. Additionally, consider bringing thermal layers, woolen hats, scarves, and gloves to ensure maximum warmth and comfort during your adventures.
