We went through central Latvia to explore some famous castles and palaces. Our first stop was the Castle of Livonian Order in Sigulda. It was built in 1207 in Gauja valley by the Livonian Brothers of the Sword (military order comprised of German “warrior monks”). It was destroyed and...
Today we crossed the border with Latvia. At the first gasoline station we paid the highway fees for a week (12 tones / 22 € – it would be 2 € cheaper if we would do it online). Our first impression is that towns and villages look poorer than Estonia and also many roads are in...
We spent two nights in Pärnu – the ultimate summer holiday destination in Estonia. It is a very quiet and cold place with a large sandy beach, numerous restaurants, cocktail bars, spas, and a relaxed, laid back vibe. Pärnu (Perona) was founded by the bishop of Ösel–Wiek around 1251...
We made it to Tallinn – the capital city of Estonia, just by chance, during the 27th Song Celebration and the 20th Dance Celebration. The Song Celebration tradition began with the first Song Celebration organized by Johann Voldemar Jannsen in Tartu on 18–20 June 1869. One of the...
we spent two lovely days in the leafy town of students, intellectuals, and creatives. It is home to one of Northern Europe’s oldest universities. Tartu is very compact, with most sights, restaurants, and nightlife nestled across a couple of parallel streets. We have parked on the main...
Late afternoon the rain was not so heavy so we made one more stop for evening mass at The Pühtitsa Dormition Convent, located in the center of Kuremäe. It had a great unforgettable spiritual atmosphere. It was established in 1891 and is the only functioning Russian Orthodox nunnery in...
Today we got the worst weather in the last three months. Anyway, we made a short wet stop at Valaste Waterfall, located on the Ontika limestone cliff. It is more than 30 meters high, making it the highest waterfall in Estonia. Currently, the waterfall can be admired in spring and winter...
We pulled into Rakvere on a rainy afternoon and were drawn to the imposing castle ruins perched above the town. Throughout the ages, Rakvere Castle has belonged to Danish kings, knight-monks of the Livonian Order, and the Swedish and Polish states. During the Polish-Swedish War of 1600...
We took a ferry from Kapellskär to Paldiski and then we drove straight to Võsu in Lahemaa National Park. It is located in northern Estonia, 70 kilometers east of the capital of Tallinn. It was the first national park of the former Soviet Union and it is the largest park in Estonia and one...
Today we took a long journey through Central Norway to Lillehammer. Our first photo stop was Borgund Stave Church. It was built around 1180 and dedicated to the Apostle Andrew. The church is exceptionally well preserved and is the most distinctive stave church in Norway. Some of its...