Baltic...non GS!

[chrishb4]

Me and SWMBO are doing a Baltic cruise in June, visiting Oslo,Copenhagen,Stockholm,Helsinki,St Petersburg and Tallinn. We like to do our own thing rather than pay for 'excursions'. I know that we'll have to do one in St Petersburg because of visa requirements (the cruise line has a block visa) but I was wondering if anyone has done this and could recommend places in each capital that are 'not to be missed'? We're fit and healthy and enjoy walking and the history of these places. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Mesikäpp]

I visited all these places by motorcycle – except St. Petersburg.
My favourite is Tallinn. Wonderful medieval town. So much to see!
I love it. Here are some photos: http://veeb.tallinn.ee/album/

Enjoy the trip!

Gunter

 

[chrishb4]

The photos are excellent, many thanks Gunter. I must say that Tallinn is the Capital I am most looking forward to seeing.
Chris

 

[Tsiklonaut]

Yup, Tallinn Old Town ("Vanalinn" in estonian) is the place to discover. Guide brochures should be available at the tourist centers, so you can walk around with it, to get info and history for the sights. Try some of the estonian food at Olde Hansa restaurant, other fab pubs etc too, estonian beer available everywhere.

 

[chrishb4]

Thanks mate, I'd hoped you'd spot this and come up with some info.

 

[Tsiklonaut]

Also maybe try this: City Tour Bus

The bus goes from Old Town too. And it's not expensive.

If you're a racing fan then you can visit Joey Dunlop memorial at Pirita-Kose-Kloostrimetsa race track.

And if you have further time to visit inland, this guide comes in handy:

http://www.visitestonia.com/public/files/ToursBrochure_ENG_preview.pdf

It's 18MB PDF file with loads of useful info about Estonia

Cheers, Margus

 

[chrishb4]

Thanks Margus, some great information there.
Cheers, Chris

 

[Zoomboxer]

+1 Old Hansa restaurant. We went when it was still the 'winter time-table' (mid-Apr) but there were signs everywhere that they were preparing for the summer - Old Hansa were building an outdoor seating area - but it was still busy inside! We were tempted by the bear stew but decided to play safe!

Another good place to eat is Peppersack - almost dead opposite Old Hansa - the beer is interesting and different - try it. A good guide book is an essential as there are not many tourist signs pointing the way to such and such. And don't look down - look up and you will see different styles of buildings (if that floats your boat).

The City Bus tour is a good way to see the area a bit more - there are 3 routes - Green, Red and Blue. If you have time - go to the 'living museum'. A good place to get some idea of the different buildings and eras in the country.

Is vodka your thing - plenty of different choices in supermarkets - we have 6 at home including a very potent chilli vodka

Look out for the little old ladies selling knitted stuff - make nice pressies for home.

Oh, and take a comfortable pair of shoes - you will need them!

 

[chrishb4]

Thanks, Zoomboxer. More good info!!
Chris