Lesson number one: Estonia, the northern light of the Baltic states
With 1.3 million inhabitants, Estonia is one of the most sparsely populated countries in Europe - 3.5 million people live in Berlin alone. There are more than 2,000 islands in Estonia, but most of them are uninhabited. The islands of Muhu and Saaremaa are particularly suitable for relaxing in unspoilt nature. Timber construction and log cabins are typical of Estonia, as more than half of the country is covered in forest. Due to various occupations over the past centuries, many Estonians speak fluent Finnish, Russian, English and often German in addition to their native language. Estonia's green capital Tallinn and its sights are an exciting mix of old and new. The medieval Old Town is one of the best-preserved city centres in Northern Europe.
Modern and traditional culture in Estonia
Estonia is often referred to as a singing nation, as singing festivals are organised throughout the country every 5 years. These have even been declared a UNESCO cultural heritage site. The majority of Estonians do not belong to any religious denomination. However, the Internet plays a major role. Business is done almost exclusively online: you can even vote online. The most important festival is the Estonian Midsummer Festival on 24 June - a special event for tourists too. It is accompanied by dancing, music and old customs, such as collecting fireflies, which are said to bring wealth and luck. If a girl puts flowers under her pillow, she is said to find the love of her life on St John's Eve.
Specialities from the Baltic States
Estonian cuisine is a fusion of Scandinavian, Russian and German cuisine. Typical dishes include wholemeal bread, smoked meat and fish. A savoury, sweet, filling dish called ‘kama’, which is made from ground rye, barley and peas, is often served as a dessert. Legend has it that the first marzipan was created as the result of a medical experiment in Tallinn. The spicy liqueur ‘Vana Tallinn’ is popular, as are juniper and caraway schnapps, for example ‘Kännu Kukk’.
Lesson number two: Latvia, hospitality and white sandy beaches
Latvia's Baltic coast with 500 kilometres of white sandy beaches offers good bathing opportunities in the towns of Ventspils, Liepāja and Jūrmala. Latvia is a green country with many forests. Many historical battles were once fought here, which is why Latvia is home to numerous military remains and monuments (e.g. Tirelpurvs, Lozmetejkalns and the Kurzeme Fortress Museum). The euro has been the official currency in Latvia since 2014, just like in the other Baltic states. The capital Riga is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and boasts an impressive Art Nouveau quarter. Riga is considered the ‘capital of the Baltics’ - half of Latvia's population lives here.
A mixture of western and eastern cultures
The most important festival here is also St John's Day. Latvians celebrate the day with lots of activities and preferably in nature with relatives in the countryside. On St John's night, you are not allowed to go to sleep until the sun rises and in the morning you have to wade through the morning dew to make sure you always have money in your pocket. Traditional costumes are worn on this occasion to show off Latvia's cultural heritage. Latvian cuisine contains a lot of fish and meat in combination with boiled peas, bacon and onions, many dairy products and spices such as dill. Popular dishes include ‘pankuki’ (pancakes with meat, cheese or potatoes), ‘piragi’ (small pies with cabbage and hard-boiled egg), beer and the herbal schnapps ‘Riga Black Balsam’, which is so bitter that it has to be diluted.
Lesson number three: Lithuania, the largest Baltic state
The main tourist attraction in Lithuania is the Curonian Spit. Kilometres of sandy beaches and a unique dune landscape had already persuaded Nobel Prize winner Thomas Mann to buy a summer house there. The spa town of Palanga is considered Lithuania's summer capital. Lithuania has old architecture, castles and palaces, many unspoilt lakes and a very good infrastructure. The Lithuanian capital Vilnius is considered a baroque masterpiece with countless churches. However, it is also known for the modern architecture of its business centres and residential buildings.
Cultural diversity in Lithuania
People of different nationalities and cultures have been living together in Vilnius for many centuries, which is also reflected in the colourful cityscape. Vilnius was the European Capital of Culture in 2009. Lithuanians love to sing their traditional songs, which are passed down from generation to generation. Singing and dancing festivals are organised in Vilnius every 5 years. Singing also plays a major role in celebrations such as weddings, christenings and funerals. Lithuanian cuisine is known for different specialities depending on the region. In the eastern highlands it is pancakes and quark dishes, in the lowlands porridge and stews, in south-west Lithuania smoked meat and sausages with stuffed potato dumplings. Fish plays a major role for the coastal inhabitants. The favourite drink here is also beer.
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