Snow and sub-zero temperatures in all the Baltic countries make for great winter entertainment. Here are some of the things you can do in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia in the cold season.
Lithuania
For those who like to fly
You can go skiing and conquer high slopes in the presence of snow everywhere. Particularly as there are specially prepared tracks in the capital itself. The Liepkalnis Ski Park in Vilnius has nine slopes and a snow park with obstacles.
There are ski resorts outside the capital, too. For example, Kalita in Anykščiai with slopes up to 40 metres high or the Snow Arena in Druskininkai, where you can go snowboarding or skiing, but also have a tasty snack.
Snow safari and sledding
You can also go dog sledding in Lithuania. Friendly four-legged friends will take you on a ride with the breeze.
Fans of speed can go on an unusual safari on snowmobiles. Such a trip is not only a 100-percent source of adrenaline, but also a unique opportunity to admire snow-covered forest landscapes.
Frozen lake, horse racing and snow flight
Lakes are also used in Lithuania as an alternative to the usual ice rinks. You can skate with a stunning view on the frozen water surface on Lake Galvė.
If you are not ready to ride horse-drawn sleigh, you can still admire the beautiful trotters at the annual ice horse race on Lake Dusetai. You will be surprised, but sometimes horses on ice can hold up much better than people.
You can admire not only the horses, but, of course, the snow from a hot air balloon.
With the wind
How about sailing on ice in a sleigh? You can try out this type of kiting on the ice of the Curonian Lagoon, when the ice is strong enough.
If you are afraid not to cope with the sail, but still want to catch the wind, go to the unusual snow roller coaster in Liepkalnis or Kalita. On well-controlled sleds, on a track with multiple turns, you can reach a speed of up to 50km per hour.
Latvia
Walk through swamps and national parks
There are almost no natural swamps left in Europe, but in Latvia there are enough of them and you can walk in them. For winter snow walks, check out the Ķemeri marsh with small lakes, Dunika, which has the longest bog path in Europe, and the Stiklu Bog with beautiful landscapes.
National parks – Gauja, Ķemeri, Raznas, etc. – will become a more familiar place for walks in winter.
Running
Cross-country skiing is an obligatory part of the winter program. The relief of Latvia is very suitable for this sport, which is accessible even without going far from the capital. There is a ski track in the Uzvaras park right in the centrd of Riga. Moreover, there are cross-country skiing trails and ski slopes in almost every region.
Latvian Alps
Even though Latvia is not the most mountainous country in Europe, there are many ski slopes. You can ride in Vidzeme, Kurzeme and Latgale.
One of the most popular ski slopes among Latvians is Žakarkalns on the banks of the Gauja. The track is open from 12:00 to 21:00. One of the highest trails is on the Gaiziņkalns slope, and the longest is the Ozolkalns trail – up to 500 metres.
On the highest hill of the Augšzeme Upland, the Eglukalns ski base is also comfortably located and open seven days a week. The most difficult track is 220m, the vertical drop is 40 meters. There is also a tubing track.
You can also go snowboarding or skiing in Latvia at Reiņa trase. The track is suitable for both beginners and experienced athletes. Here you can also stay overnight and enjoy an unforgettable snowy morning.
Bob frog
There's an exciting bobsleigh track ride in Sigulda, offering unforgettable moments that you can capture on your phone and share with friends. The ride on the “frog” is designed for two people. For the most daring, a ride on a real bob, which can accelerate to 100km per hour.
Estonia
In a dream
Rush through crisp snow in a sleigh or walk through impenetrable thickets and frozen swamps in snowy Estonia.
The Soomaa National Park, for example, offers a snowshoeing winter guided hike in the footsteps of wild animals. Be prepared, however, that the hike lasts 2–5 hours.
If wandering through the swamps and thickets is not your thing, you can comfortably enjoy the winter landscapes in a cozy wood-fired sleigh. Wrap around warmly, take out coloured scarves and muffs and go straight to the fairy tale.
After horseback riding with the breeze, it is all the mrore pleasant to warm up with hot tea and something delicious. You can ride a real sleigh in Raplamaa County, Pärnu County on Maria Farm, in Juurimaa.
Nordic entertainment
You can go on a hike not only on snowshoes, but also on sleds. The Finnish sleigh is perhaps one of the most popular winter activities, hence the number of offers. You can go with a group to the uninhabited island of Salosaar on Lake Peipsi, among the Taevaskoda cliffs with stunning landscapes, in Põlva County.
Lovers of landscapes and animals can combine these two hobbies and spend time in the company of Siberian huskies. Dogs will be happy to chat with you and even ride, just 35km from Tallinn.
Dancing on Ice
If ice skating is your favourite winter sport, you won't be bored either. Forget about indoor skating rinks and turn skating into a real adventure. In Soomaa National Park, you can glide right over a frozen swampy pond, or if you want more space, head to Väike Viik Bay. You can also go to the skating rink, but only to the disco.
Need for speed
For real connoisseurs of winter fun, you can't think of a better thing than a huge snow slide. Fans can go to Alutaguse adventure park, Otepaa adventure park or the Tartu Snow Park.
Get on your skis
Winter is the time to discover new ski routes. Moreover, if the winter turned out to be snowy, then you can keep your skis until until spring. The 10km trail in Tehvandi runs until April. It is suitable for both professional competitions and recreational skiing. There are also ski trails of various lengths in Kuningamäe. You can go downhill skiing and then change into regular ski boots in Haanja. Ski slopes from 1 to 5km will appeal to both beginners and advanced skiers.
Harsh winter fun
If you want completely new experiences, then you can find them in the most unexpected places. All you need is winter, ice and snow.
Those who want to catch a goldfish in an ice-hole can do it on Lake Peipus. It will not be just a fishing trip, but a real fishing trip on a special sleigh. If you don’t want to fish, but enjoy the beauty of the lake, “karakat” is for you – a car with big wheels to move safely on ice.
The most daring can learn snow-kiting and race with wind. Snow-kiting is a winter version of kitesurfing, only with a snowboard or skis. It sounds strange, but it's worth a try.
The piece originally appeared on Novaya Gazeta-Baltiya
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