Much like in Canada, snow and sub-zero temperatures in all the Baltic countries make for great winter entertainment. LRT.lt presents some of the things you can do in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia in the cold season.
In Lithuania, there are ski hills in the capital itself. The Liepkalnis Ski Park in Vilnius has nine slopes and a snow park with obstacles. Ski resorts outside the capital include Kalita in Anykščiai with slopes up to 40 metres high or the Snow Arena in Druskininkai, where you can go snowboarding or skiing. Dog-sledding is also available in some areas. Safaris on snowmobiles provide an adrenalin rush and a unique opportunity to admire snow-covered forest landscapes.
Lakes in Lithuania are an alternative to the usual ice rinks, for example on Lake Galvė. A famous horse race takes place every winter on the ice of Lake Dusetai. Hot air balloons are available for viewing the race or just the snowy countryside. When the ice is thick enough, sailing on the Curonian Lagoon on a sleigh-kite is quite an adventure. The snow roller coasters in Liepkalnis or Kalita offer well-controlled sleds, on a track with multiple turns, where you can reach speeds of up to 50 km per hour.
There are almost no natural swamps left in Europe, but in Latvia there are enough for winter snow walks as a pastime. The Ķemeri marsh with its small lakes, Dunika, which has the longest bog path in Europe, and the Stiklu Bog with beautiful landscapes are a popular winter attraction. Cross-country skiing is an obligatory part of the winter program. The topography of Latvia is very suitable for this sport, and accessible even without going far from the capital. There is a ski track in the Uzvaras park right in the centre of Riga, and cross-country skiing trails and ski slopes in almost every region.
Even though Latvia is not the most mountainous country in Europe, there are many ski slopes such as Vidzeme, Kurzeme and Latgale. One of the most popular ski slopes among Latvians is Žakarkalns on the banks of the Gauja. 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 conveniently located and open seven days a week. The most difficult track is 220 m long with a vertical drop of 40 meters. There is also a tubing track. Snowboarding or skiing are popular at Reiņa trase. The track is suitable for both beginners and experienced athletes.
There’s an exciting bobsleigh track ride in Sigulda. The ride on the “frog” is designed for two people. For the most daring, there is a ride on a real bobsled, accelerating to 100 km per hour.
In Estonia, the Soomaa National Park offers a snowshoeing winter guided 2-5-hour hike in the footsteps of wild animals. For the less athletic, there is sleigh-riding in Raplamaa County, Pärnu County on Maria Farm, in Juurimaa. The Finnish sleigh is perhaps one of the most popular winter activities, on the uninhabited island of Salosaar on Lake Peipsi, among the Taevaskoda cliffs with stunning landscapes, in Põlva County. Lovers of landscapes and animals can spend time in the company of Siberian huskies just 35km from Tallinn.
Ice skating in Soomaa National Park, is quite an adventure – you can glide right over a frozen swampy pond, or head to Väike Viik Bay for wider vistas. Fans of snow slides go to Alutaguse adventure park, Otepaa adventure park or the Tartu Snow Park.
For skiers, the 10 km 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 and Haanja. Ski slopes from 1 to 5 km appeal to both beginners and advanced skiers.
Ice-fishing on Lake Peipus is a real fishing trip on a special sleigh. “Karakat” – a car with big wheels to move safely on ice is available to take in the scenery without fishing. Snow-kiting, a winter version of kitesurfing, only with a snowboard or skis is also enjoyed by the intrepid.
Canadians and Balts alike know about winter fun!
