The Baltic countries are characterised by their unspoiled nature. All three nations provide ample opportunities for relaxation in numerous national parks and along their vast, secluded beaches. The cities have a vibrant and multicultural atmosphere, with street cafés, pubs, and restaurants offering local cuisine shaping the urban landscape. During a holiday in the Baltics, you will experience the unique hospitality of the locals. They are very friendly, helpful, and always have tips for excursions and good food.
Safety is not a greater concern here than anywhere else in Europe, and the quality of the roads is generally good. Major routes, including the Via Baltica which connects Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn, are well developed, though smaller roads can occasionally be unpaved. The network of petrol stations is extensive, featuring some very modern facilities. Most landmarks are clearly signposted along the roads, making navigation convenient and straightforward.
Camping in the Baltics
The Baltics have a growing network of campsites, offering a range of facilities and quality levels from basic to luxurious. Camping in the Baltic region is very cost-effective, as prices are generally on the lower end of the European average. However, campsites in particularly popular tourist spots, such as the Curonian Spit, have already increased their prices.
You can expect European-standard amenities, including regular power connections for motorhomes and caravans (CEE or Schuko plugs). Additionally, campsites typically provide sanitary facilities with washing and shower cabins, as well as waste disposal services and fresh water stations for motorhomes. The better-equipped campsites often offer extras like Wi-Fi, saunas, barbecue areas, and even bicycle rentals.
A unique highlight of camping in the Baltic region is the abundance of well-equipped campsites located directly by the sea or very close to it, allowing you to park your motorhome or set up your tent right by the water. For those who prefer wild camping, it is also permitted in the Baltics. The Baltic states are often referred to as a "paradise for wild campers." However, exceptions include national parks and nature reserves, where wild camping is not allowed. It is also crucial to follow some basic guidelines to ensure responsible camping practices:
Do not leave any rubbish behind
Avoid noise to prevent disturbing animals
Cause no lasting damage to nature
Be cautious when handling fire
Travel tips for camping holidays in Lithuania
Klaipeda enchants visitors with a mix of modern architecture, a historic old town, and a maritime atmosphere. From here, you can take a ferry to the Curonian Spit, a 98 km long peninsula where you can marvel at wandering dunes and enjoy fantastic cycling trips through charming fishing villages and pine forests.
Vilnius is often referred to as the "Rome of the East." With over 50 churches and its impressive baroque old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city attracts countless tourists every year.
A special experience is a small village called Purnuskes, just north of Vilnius: this is the geographical centre of Europe. In the summer months, you can find out more at an information centre and even receive a certificate for visiting the centre of Europe.
Picturesquely situated in the middle of the surrounding lake landscape is the late medieval moated castle of Trakai - around 30 kilometres east of Vilnius. The castle is one of the most visited and most photographed sights in the entire Baltic region. The small town of Trakai is also a popular excursion destination. It offers numerous cafés, restaurants and architectural sights.
Aukstaitija National Park is the oldest national park in the country and is located in the lake and forest-rich region in north-east Lithuania. When travelling through the many small villages in the park, you will feel like you have been transported back in time at the sight of the old wooden houses and drinking fountains. The national park is also ideal for hiking, cycling and boating.
Selected campsites in Lithuania
Pajurio Kempingas campsite: beach campsite near Klaipeda with sauna, internet, playgrounds, basketball/volleyball court
Nidos Kempingas campsite: campsite on the Curonian Spit in Nida with sauna, internet, sports fields and bike hire Vilnius City campsite: approx. 15 minutes from Vilnius city centre, shuttle bus, internet, cooking facilities
Campingplatz Natural Kernave: approx. 35 km from Vilnius, near the river Neris, campsite in a coniferous forest, very quiet and idyllic, internet, barbecue, sauna
Lavender Village campsite: approx. 35 km from Vilnius, very well-kept, well-equipped campsite in Kiemeliai, surrounded by a lavender field and close to a beautiful lake
Campsite in Aukstaitija National Park: enquiry at the visitor centre in Palūšė, barbecue, canoe hire, fishing permitted
Travel tips for a camping holiday in Latvia
The beautiful city of Riga offers exciting history and numerous cultural and adventure opportunities. The Old Town with its historic buildings and the excellently preserved Art Nouveau façades of the New Town fascinate not only art and architecture lovers. Not far from Riga is the seaside resort of Jurmula, the longest beach in Latvia at 32 kilometres. With its fine white sand, pine forests and dunes, it is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Baltic States.
In the oldest and largest Gauja National Park in the north of the country, you can experience castles, ruins and unspoilt nature. Adventurous boat and canoe trips take you through fabulous natural beauty, past numerous small grottos and caves.
200 kilometres east of Riga lies the widest waterfall in Europe at 240 metres. In spring and autumn, you can watch the incredible flying fish - the spawning salmon try to get upstream over the waterfall. In the small town of Kuldiga near the waterfall, you can visit the castle park and many historic buildings.
Selected campsites in Latvia
Campsite Riga City: campsite located directly in the city, internet, shopping facilities, playground
Camping Nemo in Jurmala, 35 km from Riga, right on the beach, coffee shop
Camping Atputas Vieta Buki: approx. 7 km from the town of Ventspils (Windau), located in a nature reserve, between the Baltic Sea and the Venta River, offers outdoor cooking facilities, sauna, WiFi
Kempings Mikelbaka campsite in Ventspils (Windau), campsite right by the sea, idyllically surrounded by a pine forest, playground, café, sports fields
Camping Zvejniekseta: 250m from the sea, in a small quiet village (Pavilosta) in a nature reserve, internet, playground
Rakari Camping: luxury camping & resort by the sea, flats, sauna & swimming pool, restaurant
Jaunaraji campsite: on the beautiful banks of the River Gauja near the Gauja National Park, boat trips, bike tours, cooking facilities, playground
Travel tips for camping holidays in Estonia
The metropolis of Tallinn is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Numerous medieval buildings, museums and sights characterise the cityscape.
Tartu is the oldest city in the Baltic States and the many students, intellectuals and artists in particular keep this green university city young and lively.
The Soomaa National Park, literally marshland, in the south-west of the country is ideal for great high moor hikes or exploring by canoe. Soomaa is also known as the wilderness capital of Estonia.
The islands of Saaremaa and Muhu are among the most popular holiday destinations in Estonia. It is said that there are more moose here than people. Folklore, cultural and spa facilities, but also deserted beaches, sleepy fishing villages and windmills characterise these beautiful islands. The Kaali meteorite crater on Saaremaa is over 4,000 years old and plays an important role in the island's mythology.
Selected campsites in Estonia
Tallinn City campsite: approx. 15 minutes from the Old Town, in a quiet area with views of the Old Town and the sea, sauna, internet
Mändjala campsite: in the south of the island of Saaremaa, located directly on the beach, pine forest, quiet surroundings, beach bar, sports fields, sauna
Insider tip: There are several nature campsites on the island of Saaremaa, which have a toilet, seating and a fireplace and where you are usually completely alone and undisturbed.
Päevatalu campsite: approx. 60 km north of Tartu, simple, unspoilt campsite, directly on Lake Peipus, barbecue house, sauna, rowing boat hire
Pikseke campsite: in Haapsalu - a picturesque spa town, close to the beach, sports fields and the medieval fortress
Ideas for Baltic cuisine on a camping holiday
Finally, we present a selection of typical dishes from the Baltic States that are easy to prepare with a camping cooker:
Putra - the national dish of Latvia: cooked barley grits, usually flavoured with sour cream, served with dark rye bread or potatoes and often fish
Blinys - actually Russian, but also very popular in the Baltic States, especially in Lithuania: thin pancakes made from buckwheat dough with mushrooms or caviar, for example
Beetroot soup - very popular as a cold dish in summer
Labas - fried rye bread, garlic and cheese
If you have now caught the camping bug, you can find all further information about camping in Lithuania, camping in Latvia and camping in Estonia on the following websites. Taking your motorhome or car with you is very easy: with our ferry from Kiel to Klaipeda. So nothing stands in the way of a relaxed camping holiday!
