08/07/2026
🇱🇹🇱🇻 If someone asked me where to go in Europe that almost no one talks about, Lithuania and Latvia would be near the top of my list.
These two Baltic countries originally were just because, “I hadn’t been there yet,” but I was pleasantly surprised!
A few things that surprised me:
1- The Curonian Spit in Lithuania is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with massive sand dunes that look more like a desert than Northern Europe. You can actually see into Russia’s 🇷🇺 Kaliningrad region across the Curonian Lagoon. The border is only a few kilometers away. (See photo)
2- The Hill of Crosses holds hundreds of thousands of crosses. It was destroyed again and again during Soviet rule, yet people quietly rebuilt it each time, a remarkable symbol of hope and resilience.
3- Riga has one of the world’s greatest collections of Art Nouveau architecture, along with a beautiful medieval Old Town that’s perfect for wandering.
4- You can kayak through the center of Vilnius, explore centuries-old streets, then spend the next day relaxing on beautiful Baltic beaches.
5- The food was another surprise! Riga had an entire street of Michelin star, guided and recommended restaurants! we had some killer dinners!
6- 💰 Both countries are also incredibly good value, making them perfect if you want a memorable European trip without the typical European price tag.
7- Lithuania is one of the oldest languages in the world!!!
It’s important to note that they also have a history that’s impossible to ignore.
Both Lithuania and Latvia suffered tremendously during World War II and decades of Soviet occupation. Families were deported, lives were lost, and independence wasn’t regained until 1991. They actually call it the silent holocaust.
Learning that history while standing in the places where it happened gives you a whole new appreciation for these resilient nations.
Sometimes the places you’ve never considered visiting end up leaving the biggest impression.
Jennifer Fouse
