7 Stunning Places to Explore at the Baltic Sea

The Baltic Sea’s waters lap the shores of nine different Central and Northern European countries. With high-quality beaches recognized by the Blue Flag for sustainable tourism and a plethora of resorts and spas, these Baltic Sea underrated destinations could be the next on your travel list. So choose one, or a few, and plan your own Baltic Sea tour; you’ll be swimming in a (cold) sea of rich cultural heritage surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.

#1 Rügen, Germany

Rügen, with its romantic 1920s-style Sellin pier and white chalk cliffs. It’s no surprise that the summer season draws Germans looking to get away from it all to this charming island known as the coastal town for Berliners. Rent a striped “strandkorb,” a lounge chair with a built-in awning for strategic shade all day, if you plan on spending the day at the beach.

The best way to see the cliffs, especially the iconic “King’s Chair” at Jasmund National Park, is to take a two-and-a-half-hour boat ride along the Baltic Sea from the port of Binz.

Back on solid ground, stroll through Binz’s streets to admire the typical architecture of beachside resorts, or take the Rügensche Bäderbahn (nicknamed the Rushing Roland), the seaside steam train, to Putbus. This “white town,” the former residence of Prince Wilhelm Malte I, is now open to the public and quite the attraction – a stop by the 1819 theater is a must, as is a bite of cake at the Rosencafé.

#2 Curonian Spit, Lithuania

Despite its appearance as a tiny sliver of an island, the Curonian Spit has had its share of historical inhabitants and continues to share a border with the Russian exclave Kaliningrad Oblast to this day. Tourists from all over come to see the Parnidis dune, a constantly changing dune that rises to about 170 feet. Couples and families frequently visit the nearby sundial to watch the sun dance on the waves of the Baltic Sea.

Many visitors stay in Nida or Palanga because of the resorts and abundance of summer activities, but a visit to Klaipeda is a good cultural alternative to a day at the beach. As Lithuania’s oldest city, Klaipeda is rife with diverse influences, most notably in its “fachwerk” (timber framing) architecture of Germanic style in the Old Town. See one of Lithuania’s largest ports and watch the giant Baltic Sea cruise ships float by, just like the sculpture of a young boy waving them off with his hat.

#3 Gotland & Öland, Sweden

The Swedish island of Gotland, with 500 miles of coastline, is an obvious Scandinavian vacation destination for sunbathing Swedes in the summer, but the island is also a charming place to visit all year. In any season, visitors to Visby, known as “the city of roses and ruins,” can choose between visiting the stone walls and cobblestone streets or the botanical garden, which is open year-round.

Gotland is an easy island to bike around because it is relatively flat, but the sights can be quite far apart, so take advantage of the public bus system and ferries to reach the must-sees, such as the Rauks in Frö – ice age stone formations on the shore – or the Tofta Viking Village – a reconstructed 9th century village.

Visit the neighboring island of land, which is known for its natural beauty. Both islands are accessible by ferry from mainland Oskarshamn, but land has the advantage of being connected to the mainland via the Kalmar bridge. You can enjoy the fresh winds of land in a 20-minute car ride, as do the 350 windmills that turn here. Try kitesurfing or hiking to the UNESCO World Heritage site Gettlinge, a Viking burial ground, and don’t be surprised if you see some camels at a ranch in leklinta – they, too, seem to enjoy the island’s wonderful climate.

#4 Åland Islands, Finland

The Finnish archipelago of land is made up of approximately 6,700 islands and atolls, so you should have no trouble finding your own spot of beach. The beauty begins the moment you board your ferry from Sweden, Finland, or Estonia – the views along the ferry ride are breathtaking and give you a sense of the archipelago’s vastness. Mariehamn, the capital and the gateway to the rest of the main island, has lush nature and nearly endless summer nights, making it ideal for a relaxing trip.

Buses are available to take you to the other islands, where you can visit the 14th century Kastelholms slott castle or the municipality of Eckerö, where you can sit on the red-granite rocks and gaze into the Baltic Sea while sea eagles soar above. Dare to jump in the cold water or relax in the warmth of a sauna at Käringsund’s beach and campgrounds.

Because it is a demilitarized zone, this Finnish archipelago is known as the Islands of Peace. It also has its own parliament, flag (red, blue, and gold as opposed to the Finnish flag’s blue and white), and its official language is Swedish!

#5 Pärnu, Estonia

Welcome to Pärnu, Estonia’s summer capital. During the day, families flock to the Pärnu beach and promenade, while at night, beachfront nightclubs attract partygoers from Germany, Sweden, and Finland, making it a sure bet for anyone looking for a good time. Other visitors come for the wellness spas that use Estonian peat, a mud and mineral water treatment. Pärnu is popular in the summer, but its winter charm draws visitors who enjoy ice skating and winter fishing on the Pärnu River.

Even though it is a two-and-a-half-hour bus ride, a visit to the neighboring island of Muhu, where traditional Estonia stands still in time, would not be complete. Explore the folkloric cottages, pay a visit to Muhu Church, one of the country’s oldest churches, and marvel at the vibrant prints on traditional clothing adorned with distinctive Muhu patterns.

Best places to stay in Pärnu

#6 Jūrmala, Latvia

Jrmala is the place to be if you’re from nearby Riga or just looking for a fun place to spend your vacation time. Stay in Majori, the central town where the main beach awaits, and admire the famous wooden architecture or the pale blue former bathhouse in this beachfront strip made up of 14 townships. In the summer, bars and nightclubs are open until the early hours of the morning.

Jomas Street, a half-mile pedestrian street lined with restaurants and shops that connects Majori to the neighboring township Dzintari, known for its concert hall, is impossible to miss. A suburban train connects all of the townships and takes you all the way to Kemeri National Park, which is known for its bog of therapeutic mineral waters and mud that is frequently used in local spas and resorts.

During the spring and fall months, if you keep a sharp eye while strolling on the beach, you might come home with your very own Baltic amber necklace as a souvenir of your Baltic travels.

Best places to stay in Jūrmala

#7 Møn, Denmark

Møn, this tiny treasure of an island, benefited greatly from the Baltic Sea. For thousands of years, the waves crashing on the coast have formed the fascinating landscape of Møns Klint – white chalk cliffs that plunge into the azure sea. The cooler months are ideal for bird-watching, admiring (but not touching!) the island’s protected flora and fauna, and admiring the clear night skies, whereas the summer months attract impatient bathers eager to dip into 72-degree water.

Møn’s peaceful charm can be found in its single main-street cities, such as Stege and Klintholm Havn, which are often quiet during the winter months. Elmelunde Kirke, the island’s oldest church, also hides the treasures of the island, with fresco-covered walls painted around the end of the 15th century, as were the frescoes in other local churches.

It is recommended to bike around the island because buses do not reach every nook and cranny, so rent a bike in Stege or Klintholm Havn, get on those pedals, and explore!

Best places to stay in Møn

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