Baltic Nature Tourism Destination - Latvia, Estonia

How to behave in nature in Latvia and Estonia

Latvian Nature Common Code of Conduct

Latvia’s forests, rivers, lakes, sea, swamps, meadows and other environmental territories are open to anyone who appreciates their content and their beauty and respects their right to exist. The Code of Conduct offers advice to travellers, observers of nature, researchers, leisure seekers, berry pickers, mushroom hunters, enjoyers of active or passive leisure, or anyone else who goes out into nature.

Guidelines for nature tourists in Estonia

Estonian nature is our national treasure which everyone has a right to access. However, the right also places an obligation on hikers, holidaymakers, as well as landowners or possessors of land to keep nature in decent order, clean and beautiful. Our Nordic nature is vulnerable, and its load capacity is not high, and therefore its biota and its undisturbed state must be protected in order to preserve it for our descendants. All the rights and responsibilities regarding man’s interaction with nature are collectively termed the freedom to roam. These ethical principles rely both on laws and customs and have been respected already by our ancestors.

Seasonal activities in nature

General information about Latvia & Estonia

Good to know:

• There are Tourist Information Centres in cities, towns and many rural villages. They offer maps, guidebooks, guide services and advice to tourists. 
• Major payment cards in use: Cash and card payments are accepted in shops. When visiting the countryside, it is advised to be prepared for using cash as card payments might not be accepted in all places. ATMs are easy to find in cities and towns.
• People in cities and young people usually speak English as their first foreign language. In the countryside, older generations might not speak any foreign language. Even if so, out of their natural hospitality they will always do their best to understand visitors and take good care. 
• Prepaid SIM-cards are available from grocery stores and other distributors.
• There is a good Wi-fi network coverage, however, in some remote rural areas internet might not always be available. 
• Driving is on the right side of the road.
• European C-type sockets.
• Tap water is drinkable.
• Estonia and Latvia are considered to be a safe destination.
• National speed limits: Estonia and Latvia - 50 km/h in built-up areas and 90 km/h outside if no other speed limit is signposted.

The capital cities

Tallinn

Tallinn is a medieval Hanseatic town situated side by side with the 21st century city of modern glass buildings. The Old Town of Tallinn is an outstanding and exceptionally well preserved example of a medieval northern European trading city and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Tallinn Tourist Information Centre:
Niguliste 2, 10146 Tallinn, Estonia
Phone: + 372 645 7777
www.visittallinn.ee

Riga

Riga is the metropolis of the Baltics, featuring a picturesque medieval old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Art Nouveau architecture, and a modern city that has maintained its’ close connection with the nature. Many parks within the city, river Daugava, woods and lakes of the region makes it a destination of every interest.

Riga Tourist Information Centre:
Rātslaukums 6, Riga, Latvia
Phone: +371 6703 7900
www.liveriga.com

Getting there & around

It is very easy to visit Latvia and Estonia in one trip for a variety of reasons: relatively short travelling distances between and within countries due to their relatively small size, no border formalities between them since they both belong to the European Union and the same time zone, the same currency, and similar climate.

The main airports are located in the capitals: Tallinn and Riga. Ferry ports are located in the cities of Tallinn in Estonia, and Riga, Liepāja and Ventspils in Latvia, local ferries connect the Estonian islands with the mainland. There are good bus services between Riga and Tallinn. Tickets are also available to buy online.

Sites on the route can be reached by rented car, public transportation or through a pick-up service from the accommodation provider. When travelling by local public transportation it is recommended to check schedules in advance and pre-arrange pick-up transfers from bus or train stations with the hosts in the countryside.

Airports

Latvia

Riga www.riga-airport.com
Liepaja www.liepaja-airport.lv

Estonia

Tallinn www.tallinn-airport.ee
Tartu www.tartu-airport.ee
Kuressaare www.kuressaare-airport.ee
Kärdla www.kardla-airport.ee
Pärnu www.parnu-airport.ee

Coaches

Lux Express: www.luxexpress.eu
Ecolines: www.ecolines.eu
The bus trip between Tallinn and Riga takes approximately 4.5 hours.

Car rental

Avis, Budget, Sixt, Hertz and other international car rental companies with a wide worldwide network and standardised level of service operate throughout the region. Driving is on the right side. Headlights must be on at all times. 

Local busses and trains

Latvia

Busses: www.autoosta.lv. Busses are the most convenient means for reaching local destinations outside Riga sub-urban area.
Trains: www.pv.lv. Train travel is most convenient for travelling to destinations such as Jūrmala, Gauja National Park and Daugavpils. 
Enquiry service, including public transport: www.1188.lv

Estonia

Busses: www.tpilet.ee (regional transport and online tickets)
www.peatus.ee  (route search, city transport, regional transport)
Trains: www.elron.ee

Ferries

Stenalines

Passenger transport services from Germany, Travemunde to Liepaja (LV) and from Sweden, Nynashamn to Ventspils (LV).
www.stenaline.lv

Tallink Silja Line

The leading provider of high-quality mini-cruise and passenger transport services in the northern Baltic Sea region.
Routes: Helsinki – Tallinn, Helsinki – Stockholm, Riga – Stockholm, Tallinn - Stockholm. 
www.tallinksilja.com

Viking Line

A market-leading brand in passenger traffic on the northern Baltic Sea. Routes: Tallinn - Helsinki.
www.vikingline.com

Eckerö Line

Estonian ferry line and a travel agency. Route: Tallinn - Helsinki.
www.eckeroline.ee/en 

Local ferries in Estonia

Local ferries operate between the islands and mainland Estonia:
• Aegna, Prangli and other small islands www.veeteed.com
• Naissaar www.monica.ee
• Muhumaa, Hiiumaa and Saaremaa www.praamid.ee