The Baltic Region: Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania: The vibrant capital cities of Vilnius, Riga and Tallin have attractive old town centres, castles, palaces and stately homes set in unique landscapes. Medieval towns and a Mediterranean zest for life, kilometres of beaches and picturesque islands. As well as seaside resorts, there are forests, sand dunes and rivers – where you can find peaceful and untouched natural landscapes. Landscapes which are ideal for relaxing or for an active holiday. The magic of this landscape, which is as varied as the countries themselves, makes a journey through the Baltic Region an unforgettable experience. The countries once had close links to the west through the Hanse, and the capital cities of Tallinn and Riga were built by the Germans. Then the Iron Curtain came down.

On August 23 1989, two million people formed a 600 kilometre long chain from Tallinn via Riga to Vilnius, to demonstrate for the independence of the Baltic States (Baltic Chain). In the following spring of 1990 the Baltic States declared their independence and the renewal of the pre-war Constitution. Today, all three Baltic States are members of the EU.

The time zone is the same for all three Baltic States: GMT + 1h. Summer time applies in the Baltic States like in Central Europe.

The Baltic Region is an eastern area of Northern Europe which is situated on the Baltic. It includes the countries of Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Oblast Kaliningrad, which belongs to Russia, and the northern area of former eastern Prussia.

The present form of the Baltic landscape originated about fifteen thousand years ago. With the melting of the Ice Age glaciers the areas of tundra changed into an area dominated by mixed woodland with a temperate continental climate. In general temperatures are somewhat cooler than in Germany. It is advisable to take functional clothing with you and to pack a rain/windproof jacket.

Estonia: Food and diet largely correspond to Central European customs. Fish, mainly salmon, cod, herring, sole, pike, perch or white fish is often served smoked, also as a starter. Estonian national dishes are Pirukad, pastry filled with meat and vegetables, and Rosolje, a potato salad with beetroot and herring.

Latvia: Specialties such as grey peas with ham and beer, Piragi (yeast dough pastry filled with ham and onions) sorrel soup (with boiled pork, onions, potatoes, barley, hard-boiled eggs and sour cream) and Akroshka (milk soup with onions, herbs, cucumber and sour cream) are dishes which should certainly be tried. Alexander tart (with raspberries or cranberries) is often served as dessert.

Lithuania: Lithuanian cuisine has been influenced by many cultures. Traditional specialties are smoked sausage, several types of cheeses, Cepelinai (potato dumplings filled with meat and a special sauce) and Vedarai (boiled potatoes and sausage in sausage skin). Lithuania produces a variety of dairy produce, fruit (apples, pears, plums, strawberries) and vegetables (carrots, cabbage, peas, turnips). Tea, milk and coffee are the most popular beverages.

The standard of hotels is now very good in the large towns of all countries, as well as in the holiday regions on the Baltic coast. In smaller towns and in rural areas, the hotels are often still furnished in the socialist style, with small rooms and old-fashioned furniture. Although the standard of furnishing and bathrooms has not reached Western standards, an effort is made for cleanliness and guests are treated very kindly.

In Estonia, the currency is the Estonian Crown (EEK), in Latvia, the currency is the Lat; Lats (LS) and in Lithuania, payment is made in Lita: Litas (LTS).

In some cases, travellers' cheques are cashed without a fee; however, sometimes up to 10% may be demanded. In all towns, the local currency can be withdrawn with cheque cards bearing the Maestro symbol, and credit cards are accepted. Cash can be exchanged everywhere. Usually this is cheaper in the actual country rather than in Germany.

Mobile phones are as widespread as elsewhere in Europe. In Estonia however, there are more than average. Cards for mobile telephones can be obtained at newsagents. In public buildings in Estonia there is often free WLAN (wireless Internet access). Internet cafés are common and offer high-speed access for reasonable prices. In Latvia and Lithuania there are only Internet cafés in towns, to some extent with slow access.

Basically, there are no special dangers to health in the Baltic Region. However, medical attention is usually not up to German standards. If you need any daily medication, please ensure that you have an adequate supply with you.

There are no mandatory vaccinations for entering these countries. However, we recommend that you check your general vaccination protection. Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio. The German Foreign Office also recommends vaccination against Hepatitis A and Rabies, and an FSME vaccination against tics during spring and summer.

Flat European two pin plugs (2-pin), for UK1723351794 There are also older 3-contact plugs in Germany - three pin does not necessarily mean UK! style three pin earthed plugs (3-pin) an adapter is necessary. The mains voltage is normally 220 Volt with 50 Hz frequency.

Basically, there are no trade restrictions within the EU. However, very different laws still apply within the EU for particular groups of goods, e.g. for alcohol, agricultural produce and tobacco. The following applies for the Baltic countries: 500g coffee or 200g extract, 50g perfume and 0.25 l Eau de Toilette. Medicines (which should correspond to personal requirements during the journey) and other goods to a total value of €175. Tobacco: 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos (weight 3g /cigarillo) or 200 cigars or 1kg smoking tobacco. Alcohol: 10 litres spirit (alcohol > 22% vol.) and 10 litres alcoholic soft drinks (Alcopops), 20 litres of other products (e.g. Campari, Port wine, Sherry) and 90 litres of wine (of which at the most 60 litres of sparkling wine / champagne) and 110 litres of beer.

EU membership, abolition of visa requirement and cheap flights have brought a flood of tourists to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania in the past years. However, most tourists tend to stay in the cities, so that for the most part the Baltic Region, though a beautiful and largely untouched region, remains poor. Especially in the countryside people live very simply and are often quite reserved. Please take this into account when addressing the inhabitants.

The Baltic States are generally considered to be safe for travel, however, there is an increased danger of theft. To avoid problems in large towns, vehicles should be parked in supervised car parks. Valuables and luggage should not be left in the car or left unattended. We recommend that you keep your valuables close to you and keep your eyes open  regarding what is going on around you.