Europe-Finland – Helsinki (Introduction )

Our Europe Trip – #Finland #Helsinki #Introduction

When anyone thinks of Finland, a number of things come to mind: often legendary of Northern winter, with snowy sunny extraordinarily clear, frequent Northern Lights displays, and naughty little snowflakes fall down in dancing. The fairytale atmosphere lends itself perfectly to full escapism from the real world. Or you can looking for neighbourhood to brush shoulders with the capital’s hippest residents, City steeped in Nordic culture and plenty of chic Scandinavian style. Remember, Finland; not only of these. Here, you also can walk into green nature scenery world. A country full of stunning vistas, forests are like water: ever-present, it’s packed full with natural beauty, including in the major cities.

Finland is full of dense forests and the Wild Taiga forests are no exception, it’s around 75 per cent of Finland’s total land area is covered in forest and making it the most densely forested country in Europe. Pine, fir and birch trees, with towering forests speckled by picture-perfect lakes, that make dense forests are beautiful no matter where you are. A vast wilderness with the heavily forested and contains ten thousands picture-perfect lakes, numerous rivers, and extensive areas of marshland is a beguiling mix; its let Finland as if an intricate blue and green jigsaw puzzle. Space and pure nature are the biggest and most affordable luxuries in Finland. The Finnish soul has always been linked with the forest and home to the forest, picturesque wooden bridges and huts, snow capped landscape, and the deepest blue lakes, is a hiker’s paradise. In the Nordics, “everyman’s rights,” or the “freedom to roam,” is considered a basic human right. In Finland, Sweden, and Norway, anyone can walk, cycle, ski, and camp nearly anywhere.

We’re talking endless hiking trails, local culture and stunning scenery. Finland offers some of Europe’s best hiking, trails cut through the country – from easy trails for solo travellers and families to strenuous paths, that get you to enjoy for a mystical and the best of panoramic forest. A fabulous network of national parks has well-marked routes and regularly spaced huts for overnighting. Though peaceful and remote, there’s something arrestingly tranquil and yet strangely tense about walking through a vast, unspoilt forest. Here, you can pick mushrooms and berries that gifts of the forest. Along with its gorgeous scenery, the park is chock full of wildlife such as: bear, elk, wolf, wolverine, lynx, and Finnish elk in the forests on nature-watching trips. Wild reindeer have almost disappeared; those remaining in the north are domesticated.

Finland is a cool country in all senses of the word. Winter is the longest season in Finland, with throw in winter magic make Finland has its own charm. As icy, mysterious, snow blankets the pines and lakes freeze over make the beauty of Finland is what makes it quite incredible. In the winter, the temperature goes below zero Celsius in most parts of the country especially the part of Finland north of the Arctic Circle suffers extremely severe and prolonged winters. In these latitudes the snow never melts from the north-facing mountain slopes, while the country’s Arctic Lapland province with a vast wilderness is great thought for lover winter sport such as skiing with enjoy longer outdoor winter activities until May. It is about going dog-sledding or snow-shoeing through quiet wilderness, spending time with reindeer herders, going cross-country skiing for miles, or even learning the sport of biathlon.

Yet, you can spend hours just stand outside or sleeping under a clear dome, gazing through the northern facing, enjoy for view of the beautiful colors it displays at night as a result of the Northern Lights. With its stark white landscapes, frequent Northern Lights displays, and a reindeer population that outnumbers its human residents, Finnish Lapland feels like something out of a fairy-tale. Finland which is the home of Santa Clause, these are no better place to be than Rovaniemi. Think about thrilling atmosphere of Christmas in the music, colorful village, coupled with the beauty of Rovaniemi winter lay side by side with snow.

We love visit Finland on winter. Because of, with the climate varies relative to latitude that let us at the moment sensation tactile sensation that different meteorology of winter that bring of the not alike remarkably charming of sceneries. Even, that is covered in snow of the northern boreal climate, but the southern the temperature extremes are slightly less marked, as the Baltic Sea- and Gulf Stream-warmed airflow let that become humid. Think of we can capture magnificent Ice sheet of lake, the beautiful rivers and sizeable natural area make it a spot for canoeing, swimming, and fishing. Here, you can enjoy your wood-fired sauna; after drilling a hole for ice fishing.

Finland isn’t just vast expanses of pristine wilderness. Vibrant cities stock the country’s southern areas and the capital city Helsinki also has made clear strides toward becoming a new modern city with their technological advancements, social progress, and modern Scandinavian architecture. Embraced by the Baltic, although a famous neoclassical cathedral dominates Helsinki’s skyline, the city has plenty with world-renowned design of fashionable Design District. It’s a spectacular ensemble of old and modern, with many different kind of restaurants, music scenes, diverse museums, shopping streets and stylish and quirky bars. Beyond Helsinki, straddles the Aura River, the medieval city on the southwest coast of Finland, Turku offers any history buff a plethora of sightseeing opportunities. Turku as Finland’s oldest city, it was originally a trading centre a few miles north of its present site, to which it was transferred at the beginning of the 13th century. Here, with a medieval fortress with a history museum, Old Great Square surrounded by grand buildings and wide number of traditional wooden buildings. Now give us in particular are lively, engaging cities such as you can relax and dining delicious cuisine on the numerous ship or have a happy hours stylish restaurants lines the cobbled riverside streets.

Helsinki: 🏛🏙🛍🌃🌆

Helsinki as metropolitan is the leading seaport and industrial city of the nation. As lies in the far south of the country, on a peninsula that is fringed by fine natural harbours, with located of that protrudes into the Gulf of Finland link to north of Tallinn, Estonia, east of Stockholm, Sweden, and west of Saint Petersburg, Russia. So it’s let us enjoy a short relax and short sea-trip while we take cruise from Tallinn, Estonia to Helsinki, Finland. With its excellent harbours plus on good railway and road connections, that can lead to the extensive interior of the nation, which has become the foundation of Helsinki’s economic life and development. More than half of Finland’s total imports consequently pass through the port of Helsinki. Meantime, the Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, is the main international airport of the city of Helsinki, its surrounding metropolitan area, and the Uusimaa region. The airport is by far the busiest in Finland, not only have many scheduled to other destinations of Europe, it also frequent service to Asia, the Middle East, and North America. That is also one of the reasons why we travel to Finland from Malaysia.

Modernism, functionalism and the largest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings in Northern Europe make Helsinki a major city of architecture. Helsinki delights architecture lover with its architecture boasts of intricate and multifaceted designs. The new structure was bound to the existing surroundings, both functionally and physically. Interest of modernism Finland’s architecture, you can direct go to a typical example of a new generation of public buildings: library Oodi. Plus widely also regarded as one of the most exciting new public venues built in Finland, an enormous wood-clad marvel that redefined the concept of the library. Kamppi and Kluuvi district, stop for a moment to witness Helsinki at its busiest. The Kamppi Centre is a multipurpose complex with dwelling units, commercial facilities, offices and public transportation terminal. Arriving and departing trains and buses, the rattle of tram cars, travellers getting into taxis, and office workers walking past you at high speed, all criss-crossing.

You also can start your city break at Senate Square, where you get to visit grand cathedrals and 19th-century neoclassical buildings designed by Carl Ludvig Engel. As one of the city’s most impressive landmarks since its construction, Helsinki Cathedral that dates back to the mid-19th century and magnificent features with all-white, neoclassical façade, and 5 green domes. If your perfect morning or afternoon involves shopping, then Helsinki’s downtown Design District is where you need to point your feet. Design District as one condensed constellation of creativity in the core of the city centre itself. Whether by intention or happy accident, when you arrive to the Finnish capital, you are greeted by design at every turn. With a profound accumulation of boutiques, workshops, antique shops, galleries, and restaurants, there are plenty of opportunities to discover the unmistakable simplicity of minimalistic Finnish design in this district in southern Helsinki.

Dining In Helsinki: 🍔🍟🥙🌮🍛🥗🍽

Helsinki has one of the world’s highest standards of urban living. Here full of restaurant and unique cafés. Nordic cuisine epicurean scene is flourishing, with locally foraged flavours to the fore. Exciting bars and cosy cafés, ethnic restaurant, fine dining restaurant and restaurants expressing new confidential in Finnish cuisine. Nightlife scene attracts alternative music fans with numerous concert halls and live bars hosting heavy metal gigs almost every evening. Or same as us, as you like, follow our sensation eat what we want at the moment.

Mmm, during Helsinki night, let us start our dinner in chain of fast food restaurants. Walk into Burger King, feel hungry let us immediately think of and order a set of Whopper menu. A tasty of iconic burger with the real meaty flame-grilled beef patty, topped with tangy pickles, ketchup, fresh tomatoes, crisp lettuce and fresh onions, finished with creamy mayo, plus additional side snacks: crispy french fries and soft drinks. But the real distinguishing feature of Whopper Hamburger is the bigger portion size of meat and bread used. Here always let us satisfy of their delicious and tasty set meal plus the speed of service, convenience, and affordability. And Total price for two set meals is €12.00. In Helsinki, different brand company fast food chains that expanded into almost every corner of district. Go through the Taco Bell let us think of craveable Mexican-inspired. Walk into and order a set super meal menu with Bell’s hard tacos packed with cheesy, crunchy, meat, salads, Mexican special sauce and other flavours of a mind-blowingly delicious Bell’s soft tacos full of the pork, sauce and salads plus portable snacks and drinks. The ingenious offerings cuisine ingredients, flavours and textures, and just roll off the tongue let us be inspired by Mexican flavours and make eating a pleasure. And Total price for two persons is €14.10.

Let us joint and same as locals especially office workers walk into a traditional Pizza & Kebab restaurant. Restaurant is characterized by rustic decor, authentic atmosphere, and a limited inexpensive menu; All dish just €5.00 per plate. Almost all dishes consist of kebabs, and the restaurant owner usually immigrated from Turkey and the Middle East. We order two different taste kebab-inspired dishes. One is Kebab with rice, Wow, did not expect in Helsinki Kebab Restaurant they use Biryani which is one of the Indian spices rice. This rice particularly of must cook more longer with ingredients of black peppercorns, star anise, and cinnamon so the rice is more fiery and aromatic. A plate filled with slices of meat topped with scharf [hot sauce] plus aromatic of rice and serve with fries and green salad, onion and tomato, this cuisine is most truly as Asia flavours. In the winter cooling of Helsinki, taste a pungent and absolutely delicious Kebab with rice, it’s utterly let my body keep warm. The other plate of Kebab is based on sauce itself as an important ingredient, which is filled with slices of meat topped which is based on scharf [hot sauce] and sour cream mix together. Plus add local appetizing pickled cabbage and potato chips. While this dish is look as simple but ingenious of mix suitable the western and Asia sauce, yummy, the food was succulent and ambrosial. Looking many customers busy entering and exiting, that confirm Kebab restaurant as one of the popular and iconic eating establishment, the Kebab is also an integral part of the life.

Accommodation In Helsinki:🛏🚿🚽

Helsinki, the capital and the largest city in Finland, and also is an expensive city, so is better do some homework and know it before making your mobility. The price of accommodation in Helsinki is quite uneven, it mostly depends on the qualities of the accommodation and the proximity to the centre and its communication. The city is lively around the clock, and you can find more variety accommodation because of the versatile facility and advantage but the prices are higher.

If you have a sufficient budget, you can rent neighborhood which block away from the city centre just like us. We choose to live in the nearest place to the international airport, that let us convenient for returning our country. Through, Airbnb website we decide rent a room that let us to living a unique experience to meet and live with people from other cultures, in addition to saving money. We renting a room from an African Diaspora family and thank for this African Diaspora family open and welcome us living their house. We live in an amiable family with a lively and talkative son, and their lovely baby has big round eyes. A friendly family let made a good relationship with easy to talk everything, during our tittle-tattle they tell us they have come and live in Helsinki around 10 years.

Well, let us talk back to this apartment house, offer contemporary interpretations creative of the modern apartment residence. It is only on entering that guests, a larger dimension sofa is both an eye-catcher and let a call of relax, set front of TV, here can listen to music or watch a movie. The open-plan kitchen and it features a fully equipped kitchen, allowing guests to prepare their own meals, the communicative large table invite guests eat and chat together. Plus has a modern bathroom with a shower and washing machine. In the bedroom we rental, large tapestries fill the space and again invite us attention, area with a box-spring bed can accommodate for two people, plus a TV whiling away a few hours watch a movie. The natural aesthetic oak wooden floors and modern ceiling lamp reflect the light of the white walls plus the memories family portrait photo frame as decoration. This make the accommodation is welcoming and warm, these are arguably all the more enjoyable even the weather is inclement.

It’s a quiet neighborhood, nearly the apartment has some of cafés and restaurants are located within walking distance. Or like us walk to nearby shopping mall that located beside of subway station to have a dinner and buy some goods. We are satisfy for our accommodation. Meanwhile, even if it is convenient and easy to get to the international airport by public transportation but we choose for please African Diaspora family bring us to the Airport and they are agreed give us a special price for the transportation fees. This also is one of the reasons why we choose Airbnb website, as our accommodation travel trip.

Transport In Helsinki:🚌🚊🚖🚄🚋🚢

Talk about Helsinki Transport, Its can being said that is very expensive and I believe that not many people will object. So, advices for do some homework before going to, that would help for avoid spend the extra money. First must know as Kamppi and Kluuvi, the transport main centre in Helsinki. The Kamppi Centre is accessible with variety public transportation, which makes it a hub of traffic. The centre is lively around the clock, because of the versatile functions. Helsinki has an excellent public transport system (HSL) comprising buses, trams, metro, commuter trains and certain ferries. The same ticket/card is valid for all kinds of public transport in Helsinki. You can even change from one mode of transport to another as long as your ticket is still valid. Day tickets can be economical for visitors, and for regular travellers Season tickets offer savings. Be wariness!! Tickets are not sold on commuter trains, trams or on the metro. Please ensure you have a valid ticket before boarding. The easiest way to buy tickets is using the HSL App or from HSL ticket machines or sales points in Helsinki Central Station. Other sales points include also available from R-kioskis and bus drivers (small service fee applies). Note: If you first time go to your define place and don’t know the direction of location, is better buy from bus driver and can please the driver when arrived your destination to inform you. Because of, on the bus haven’t any signboard to shown the arrived point.

Ok, now lets us talk which of Ticket want purchase? The HSL area is divided into four zones identified by the letters A, B, C and D, spreading out from the centre of Helsinki. Prices are based on distance traveled. One trip is limited to 80-100 minutes, depending on the number of transport zones covered by the ticket. To find your best connection from A to B, check the TripGo app. It quickly and easily lets you compare your options, showing how much each alternative costs, how long it takes and the environmental impact it has.

Travel Single fares:

A single ticket covering zones

A + B will cost = €2.80

A + B + C = €4.1

A + B + C + D = €5.7

Type of Ticket:

Single ticket :

Single ticket is valid for 80-110 minutes from its’ purchase, however, by purchasing a zone extension ticket the validity is 90-110 minutes. The expiry time is mentioned on the ticket. Remember to enter your correct travel zone since the prices differ while commuting from regions outside Helsinki.

Day ticket:

Day tickets can be used unlimited times for a period of 1-7 days. You can purchase them from ticket machines or from the driver/conductor. This ticket are available across all zones: internal city tickets, regional tickets, and extended regional tickets, also includes a ferry trip to Suomenlinna. Day tickets can be purchased for adults and children.

Helsinki Card:

For visitors to Helsinki, who would like to include sightseeing in their stay in the city, the Helsinki Card is recommended. Helsinki Card is a special card that packages access to public transport and tourist attractions together. It gives you the right for an unlimited use of public transportation (for 24h, 48 h or 72 h). However, it includes bus & boat sightseeing tours, free or cheaper entry to Helsinki’s museums and top attractions and a guide book. If you want to travel throughout the whole metropolitan area of Helsinki, not just the city, get the Helsinki Card Region instead. You can buy the Helsinki Card online (your cheapest option), or from airport information desks, ferry terminals, travel agencies or the Helsinki City Tourist office.

Travel Card:

Most locals use a Travel Card, an RFID card used as an electronic ticket. Travel Card can be used for an unlimited number of journeys valid from 14 days up to 365 days, making it the most popular form of the ticket used for public transportation in Helsinki. Go Helsinki Card CITY holders are entitled to unlimited travel within the zones AB. The Travel Card also comes with an option of value ticket, essentially meaning that the user can load a specific value on to the card based on his/her commuting needs. If you have a travel ticket, just show your travel card to the reader every time you board a bus. On commuter trains, trams and the Metro you do not need to show your travel ticket.

Public transport connections to the airport :

Helsinki’s airport is about 20km from the city centre. Commuter trains I and P are a fast and convenient way of travelling between the city centre and the airport. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes. From the train station at Helsinki Airport you can walk directly to your terminal without having to go outside. It’s operate from Helsinki Central Station to Helsinki Airport daily every 10 minutes or so. For Bus Public Transport, buses 615, 617, 415 , 561 and 562N operate to and from Helsinki Airport, and you can catch a bus from Helsinki Airport to many parts of the metropolitan area. You will need a ticket covering the ABC transport zones. The fare = €4.10. And many long-distance buses also stop at the airport. A direct coach service by FinnAir (not free, but easy and quick) is also available to and from the city centre. Taxi stands are located in front of both terminals. Important: Outside airport you will find a zone section: “Yellow Line airporttaxi.fi”: This is a shared airport taxis can be an economical option for travelling to/from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. NOTE: You can Check TripGo for your best option to get where you want to go.

Trams:

If you want just travelling around Helsinki, choose as Tram also is a fantastic and affordable way of getting to sightsee. Tram 2 is the traditional sightseeing route, as it passes many points of interest along the way. You can also change into tram 3 at Eläintarha or Auroran sairaala stop and return to the city centre. Other tram routes that are good for sightseeing include 4, which passes many architectural gems, and 6, which is perfect if you are interested in design. You can buy tram only tickets from ticket machines, they’re not available from the driver. These are valid for 1h as well. On a ticket machine, press the button with the tram picture. Carry a route map with you to help locate all the stops and points of interest.

Taxis:

Taxis as the public transport that are generally comfortable and convenient, but also expensive. And hailing a taxis can be difficult, especially during weekend nights, popular events and holidays. Normally, drivers are not required to pick up a person whose hailing them on the street, usually taxis are waiting and pick up of customers in a taxi stand. If you are not near a taxi stand, you’ll very likely be able to hail a passing taxi with the light on. Normally the price of is taking a taxi = €6, payment per kilometer = €8, a minute of waiting in a traffic jam = €0.8. And taxis charge more for more than 2 passengers, large bags, large pets, leaving from the airport, and pre-ordering. In Finland, its also got unlicensed taxis and avoid take the unlicensed taxis as they might overcharge you and they are considered unsafe. Must make sure you are take licensed taxi and the trademark of its will always have a yellow box with its number on the roof. NOTE: Check the estimated trip cost using TripGo before you get into a cab. You can also complete your plans today by reserving a ride with Uber in Helsinki. In Helsinki, Uber Helsinki only operates in the Greater Helsinki region, and only with the uberX and uberBLACK services. Drivers are professionals and prices are cheaper comparable with taxis. Through Uber on you’re travelling, you can enjoy the safety features such as 24/7 support, GPS tracking, and emergency assistance.

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#Introduction

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Europe-Estonia – Part 2 (Tallinn Old Town)

Our Europe Trip – Part 2 #Estonia #Tallinn Old Town

As Europe’s best preserved medieval city with stunning historic architectures, narrow cobbled alleys and glorious sunsets, mean the Tallinn city is regularly as one of a stronghold of the Northern Europe. Located on the shore of the Gulf of Finland the Baltic Sea called the Tallinn Old Town, its most famous feature with an absolutely picturesque medieval town. Tallinn Old Town has managed to wholly preserve its structure of medieval and Hanseatic origin, with its medieval city walls, many of its narrow cobbled streets, Gothic spires, iconic red roofs, Baltic Sea and beautiful Hanseatic architecture. Its compact nature and definitive medieval charm make it distinct from other Baltic capitals like Riga or Vilnius.

However, the country has a much more substantial history and also made advancements during the medieval period. Tallinn this city was a focal trading point that linked Estonia with the rest of Europe, with trading generating much of the city’s wealth at the time. Ok, let`s us talk about Fortress; during that era, the Fortress was constructed next to the harbor and until today, it is still one of the top things to see in Tallinn. The wall and towers date back to the 13th century, from the 14th century Viru Gate walk into medieval town and really give the city the look and feel more of a medieval town that let us feel we were stepped back in history. In fact, this is visible in the ambiance and architecture of the city, meanwhile each decorated with unique gables. An exquisite medieval city center, Northern Europe boasting Gothic spires, enchanting architecture and an incredible castle are just show you the richness of city have dazzled that era time. Take a stroll through this amazing city, easy for us find here some fantastic monumental historic buildings, too.

What makes Tallinn extra-special are the many viewing terraces which offer a magnificent prospect of the old city center. One of the fascinate view terrace is Toompea Castle on Toompea Hill, a castle of ancient Estonians starting in the 11th century. The history architecture of the Castle dates back to 13th century when the Danish established a military settlement here. It wasn’t until the 14th and 15th centuries, while in the hands of the Holy Roman Empire’s Teutonic Order and after a few century of built to become it’s the rather spectacular century medieval castle. Today, It’s located beneath the backdrop of the Tallinn City and become one of the best-preserved medieval citadels in all of Europe.

Strolling in the cobblestone streets and alleys around the city center, there are many bars and cafes in the Estonian capital, making it a vibrant and vibrant area, where you can also find local and traditional cuisine in the area. Tallinn Old Town really comes to life in the evenings with merriment and unique medieval experience feasts on the many medieval taverns. Plates with livestock meats are medieval experience staple, here also are served alongside other meats like elk and boar meat. Of course, no forget get the bar menu with beer, liquors, and wine from waiter.

Just a short walk can easy find museum, here, you’ll easy find and exploring a wide array of museums – KGB Museum, Pharmacy, Natural History, Seaplane Harbour Museum, as well as Estonia’s recent communist history, as well as Medieval walls to trace the history of the city. As pass through cobbled streets filled with art galleries and boutique shops, you will find artisanal crafts interesting mini museums; galleries and shops selling local products proudly displayed everywhere. Let us buy and bring home some unique souvenirs from our Tallinn journey, we buy some cute and Miniature Estonia traditional Houses display which can find in good gift shop in Tallinn Old Town.

After visit, our stomach feel hungry, think for where we were going to get lunch, we decide walk out of old town and go into a modern farmers grocery market name as Selver. This Selver farmers grocery market looks a lot like standard urban farmers market. It is a project market featuring focus on the fresh produce, locally sourced milk, a varied mosaic of meats, produce and of course, freshly squeezed juices. But we are here to focus on food, walk into food court area offer lots of different kinds of cuisine and even dine-in options that range from casual to fancy. The place has understandable been packed, largely because its model works great for dining with eaters with massively disparate tastes.

Grab the food of your choice, a considerable array of Western food, among them fresh takes on classic dishes and a smattering of Asia food, be it a cheese slice or a plate of burger; snag a beer; You have to stand in front of the stall and wait for your food to be delivered to you. One of us choose the European Mass dish- spaghetti. When the vendor brought out the dishes, two of us was dumbfounded. Affirm in advance that two of us not a girl with a lot of appetite. But the quantity was too little, which can be counted as much pasta with a little minced meat and cheese. Meanwhile, another of us buy the Indian dish from India vendor. A plate of main course Indian fry chicken slices add sides dishes curly fries and salad, of cause, the quantity is good with serve as one person. After compare both of two dishes, at once I only say “haiz” and disappointed, most important the prices are same. For taste, the spaghetti is ordinary, the other dish as crisp as gourmet Indian fried chicken slices taste with Indian delicious flavour. Don’t ask us why we know this is Indian delicious . Ok, Let us end of our Tallinn Trip at here.

Continue our next Finland Trip…..

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Europe-Estonia – Part 1Tallin City /Passenger Port/Tallink Silja

Our Europe Trip – Part 1 #Estonia #TallinCity / #TallinnPassengerPort / #TallinkSiljaLine

Imagine as the multicultural metropolis such as the highly productive of peasant culture thrived in Tallinn – and that was only the start. Tallinn, the port geography and located at the northern coast of Estonia, along the Gulf of Finland, the easternmost arm of the Baltic Sea. That let emergence of an important port of the Baltic Sea, with the busy passenger section of the port reaching the foothill of the picturesque medieval Old Town, which has been astonishingly well preserved. It has a long complicated history, yet has emerged to become a with a vibrant culture city. Tallinn’s combo of glamour and grit is bound to mesmerise, all those keen to explore with its vibrant culture, modern architecture, an exciting history, and intense parties.

Once known by its German name, Raval, Tallinn dates back to the 13th century and as a charming city with an ever-present legacy from the middle ages. It is the famous old town that makes Tallinn renowned on boundary. It truly is one of the most enchanting destinations on the Baltic, because you’ll have the feeling you are taking a step back in time. In medieval town, cobbled walkways support chic streetside cafes and shops, while from tiny basement s bars to fancy cocktail clubs, saucy cabarets to cacophony of sounds emanating which echo off the Gothic and baroque facades. The city combines Nordic qualities with a Western European feel. Estonia considers itself a Northern European/Nordic country, with very close ethnic, linguistic and cultural ties to Finland and cultural ties to Scandinavia. It’s also among the most popular ports of call on Baltic Sea cruise itineraries in Northern Europe and nearly all ferry companies use the Tallinn Old City Harbour’s Passenger Port.

Tallinn Passenger Port or the Old City Harbour ⚓⚓🌊🌊 :

As one an important gateway of the country, the Tallinn Passenger Port or the Old City Harbour as a great geographical location; major port city on Baltic Cruise, regular lines serve routes to Helsinki (Finland), Stockholm (Sweden) and St. Petersburg (Russia). It is one of the biggest and busiest passenger harbours in the world and also the biggest passenger harbour in Estonia. Unsurprisingly, one of the majority of visitors are day trippers from Finland, because of Tallinn is a two-hour ferry ride south from Helsinki and the distance to Helsinki (across Gulf of Finland) is approx 85 km (53 mi). Here, they can enjoy frantic shopping with low prices on practically all goods and services such as restaurant, grocery market and even fuel. When heard of Old City Harbour maybe you can image as traditional or Gothic architecture, but Instead of this, a fitting new architectural landmark that makes the city the highlight of any cruise itinerary.

Today, new quay construction is built in the Old City Harbor in the immediate vicinity of existing cruise quays. Highly developed infrastructure and high standards of safety and security at the new terminal with multifunctional and environmentally friendly cruise terminal. For the new cruise terminal, both the interior and exterior architecture have focused on the best environmental performance of materials and equipment with focus on implement energy efficient and ecological. A wide area of building (around 4000 m2) which can accommodate more to 2,000 people, meanwhile Interior is an enclosed and bright central courtyard leads to the building’s main reception area. Let`s follow us and what can find inside ?Inside we can find with magnificent views over both the centre and the port from behind the glass walls and the facilities that are offered here are: info & maps, audio guides rent, post office, currency exchange💲💲, cafe with local drinks🍰☕ and specialties, shop with souvenir, wine and chocolate🛍🛍, children’s playground and Wi-fi hotspot. Outside of pier with wide parking spaces, taxi and bus station, most important as you walk down from the ship and walk off the pier, look to the right where you see the large clock towers of the old town. Ok, let`s talk about how far from town hall square to pier? It is about a little over 2 km walk from the pier to get to the town hall square (middle of the centre). Just reminder, if you are carrying large suitcase, our suggestion is take a taxi or a private car that better than you’re walking. Don’t waste the money on the ferry tickets just because you want save the money on the taxi or private car fare, it’s not worth it.

Tallink Silja Line – Cruise-style ferry offers Luxurious and Modern-amenities.🛳🚢 :

For want enjoy an uncommon European adventure, you can same as us choose from one of the many unique ferry routes which combines the public transit of a ferry and the pleasure of a cruise ship. From Tallinn to Helsinki (two-hour ferry ride), we choose for Tallink Silja Line which is the shipping company leader of the Baltic Sea in transporting passengers. Connections to major destinations in the Baltic Sea , as Tallink Silja operates ferries between Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Sweden, Aland Islands. As one of the leading European ferry operators providing cruise-style ferry crossings, Tallink Silja offers luxurious and exciting cruises packed with modern-amenities, sail across in comfort and style. The cruise-style ferry fare price is 22.49€ per adult (STAR CLASS). Seats are free-seats, which mean that is no designated number for the seating place, so the seat is first-come, first-sit.

From the moment they stopover in Tallinn, they provide the perfect conditions to host passengers with modernist decor and host of facilities such as it features fine restaurants service from a buffet that serving local delicacies to fast food (Burger King) 🍔🍔that various option will let us for choose. An Art Deco-style night club🍺🍹🍸 with “Sailors Pub” bars where you can listen to the latest always trendy songs as well as a real casino atmosphere. For children, the ship offer large spaces equipped with Play Station to spend the time of the crossing in complete relaxation and enjoyment. Good for us is shopping in duty free shops that including supermarkets, boutiques, kids shops and cosmetic boutiques💄👜👗. Here, we can buy the Clarins skin care products with special prices, haha😆😆, we are really shopping queen. Wow, we can view many people buy and carries as much as beer and alcohol because of the customs regulations allow them to bring into Finland! Of course, because they are ferries and because their voyages are shorter and cheaper than those offered on standard cruise ships, there are numerous ways in which cruise-style ferry and cruise ships differ. With the shorter voyages, cabins are typically very small, even by cruise industry standards and facilities do tend to be somewhat more limited than those on the cruise ships.

There are also similarities with airplanes, and its tickets are divided into three levels; Star Class, Comfort Lounge and Business Lounge. Comfort Lounge including enjoy the sea view and snacks (also ham and cheese for making sandwiches), coffee, tea and refreshments, daily newspapers and free WiFi. Of course, business Lounge is the most luxurious that includings food and drinks in Business Lounge’s own Buffet, newspapers, magazines and free WiFi available. Add addition, the cruise ferry also provide cabins that including separate beds🛏, wash room🚽 and shower🚿. We choose for Star Class, So we have to sit with others. Easy to say, it is a square seat that can accommodate about four adults. Since we are only two sisters, we have to sit with two other strangers. Perhaps the most obvious is that food generally is not included in Star ferry fares. But with this ticket price and offer many of the amenities, we are satisfied for this cruise ferry journey. Oh, forget to tell you they also provide Vehicle service, It includes from bicycles – motorcycles – cars to vans. to whose are interesting, you can direct click to their company website👉 :https://www.tallinksilja.com/

Tallinn city – Intricate Architectural Style full of Architectural Style🏙🏛:

As we exit the ship and walk off the pier, we can see some unique exteriors. Be it in the historic city center or in one of the surrounding districts, Tallinn is full of architectural delights. The city’s eclectic architecture is a magical fusion of periods and styles that combines ancient buildings and important historic sights with charm of a village and ground-breaking contemporary architecture and modern skyscrapers. While isn’t all standard skyscrapers is with art deco influences, as long as you a little over walk you’ll find some of the most urban design masterpieces contrast and harmonise with traditional surroundings. Even though contemporary masterpieces is not very Spectacular, here we can view a lot of intriguing modern buildings with glass exteriors and jagged lines, these are cutting-edge architecture that demonstrates the best of the best of contemporary design.

Simultaneously, Tallinn retains an inner charm seldom found elsewhere. Tallinn is a multicultural city that deep down it maintains the unpretentious charm of a village. Many traditional neighbourhood, where the old folkways are still practised, the classic rustic buildings with colourful wooden houses and Soviet brutalist (concrete apartment blocks). Here, developed through every building and landscape garden are held through artistic and traditional whose rich and lucid forms were to Estonia rustic style, are some of the architectural jewels that can be found well integrated between the city’s urban fabric. Go for a walk around the city and you will see that there is no clear separation between ‘old town’ and ‘new town. If you’re interested in seeing with the best of both worlds with historic buildings and rustic sights alongside cutting-edge ones, Tallinn maybe can be one of the architecture enthusiast’s bucket list.

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Europe-Estonia – Tallinn (Introduction )

Our Europe Trip – #Estonia #Tallinn #Introduction

As a country renowned rich in discoveries numerous of historicism architecture and extensive bogs, Estonia with situated the northernmost of the three Baltic states, from the sourth of country that reach to the Latvia and to the east is Lake Peipus and Russia. It’s bucolic islands with an allure all of its own, the territory of Estonia that including 2,222 islands on eastern coast of the Baltic Sea, the island’s special blend of traditional, numerous cultural and archaeological sites but meanwhile is influenced by a humid continental climate. Prepare and enjoy for a relaxing cruise from or to the Finland and Sweden set sail, its capital Tallinn bordered to the north by the Gulf of Finland and meanwhile also to the west by the Baltic Sea across from Sweden. Tallinn and Tartu are the two largest cities, though Helsinki, across the Gulf of Finland, is closer to Tallinn than Tartu is.

You’ll encounter history in towns where streets were laid out long which Estonia it has over century of history. As a result of centuries of Danish, Swedish, German, and Russian rule, the idea of an independent Estonian state had already been raised in the late 19th century and came true in 1918 when Estonia attained independence from the(CP). Estonia remained a Soviet republic until 1991, when, along with the other Baltic countries, it declared its independence. The Soviet Union recognized independence for Estonia and the other Baltic states on September 6, 1991, and United Nations membership followed shortly thereafter. Since April 2004 Estonia is a member of NATO and member of the European Union since May 2004. So wherever you go, many sites relating to different types of historicism and art history from Gothic architecture, Baroque and Rococo, Neo-Gothic with architectural creations. And now will wow you with their cultural and art from museums and many festivities to local traditional culture cabaret and restaurants and club.

Of the thousand of islands in Estonia, they can be large or small, sometimes islands can be found few meters from the shores or in the middle of the ocean. And most Estonian islands are located a short ferry ride from the country’s western coast. The scenery and architecture provide a spectacular backdrop, Its rich multi-cultural heritage, its historic monuments, its stunning natural landscape, Estonia’s many islands offer an enormous amount of charm, with the most popular Estonian islands being Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, Kihnu, Ruhnu and Vormsi. With its bright green hills, rich of the pine forests and juniper groves and uninterrupted line of beaches, all of islands offering an wildlife and flora, Estonian islands as unpretentious allure are great for hiking, cycling or just riding in the car into the great outdoors to soak up the epic landscapes. Add the island’s traditional, and numerous cultural and archaeological sites and here, can enjoy food, art and crafts of the islanders inspired by nature. The Estonian landscape of glacial also the off-the-charts splendour, carved into rugged glory by glaciers and the elements. Extensive sandy areas mark what was the glacier’s edge, all of these are integral parts of a magical natural matrix. Estonia’s relief is thus generally undulating, with small hills and numerous lakes, rivers, and forests lending a mild and picturesque aspect to the scene. Be pity, because of a variety of factors so our Estonia Travel Trip we haven’t travel to other city and don’t walk into their natural area and we just only visit the capital city: Tallinn.

Transport from Riga departure to Tallinn🚍🚍 :

From Riga Latvia to Tallinn Estonia, we select Lux Express with provide the most comfortable seat on highways, Lux Express as operates Intercity bus routes with connects the Baltic States (Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia) to neighbouring countries including Russia, Finland and Poland with multiple journeys a day out of Riga, Vilnius and Tallinn. HA! HA! HA! Before start our Estonia Trip, on the Riga International Coach Terminal we buy and enjoy some local and tasty traditional cookies add Mass food; salad and coffee as our breakfast. After that we take as pleasure mood and seat on the Lux Bus Express to the Tallinn. The Lux Express concept of their spacious seats that with have wide legroom and reclining seats and air-cond always keeping us cool that let us feel comfortable plus the professional driver with the journey to be safety and quietly, it all let us cozy and pleasant to be. Meanwhile, its also provide many different realistic facilities such as charging sockets, free Wi-Fi, a washroom, free drink with coffee machine and every seat provide motion picture screen that show of movies and all them let us convenient and would not feel boring, the time was going fast during road journey. The bus ticket price is 9.00€ per adult and can be accept,plus generous baggage are allowed and FREE, the distance from Riga Latvia to Tallinn Estonia take around 4 ½ hour. By the way, we are advance buy the bus ticket on the network and their booking process is delightfully straightforward, just pay by card (Whether you are use credit card or debit card) no be problem.

Tallinn🏛🏙 :

Tallinn, the capital city and Tartu as chief urban centre of Estonia, that lies on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland, only 70 km (43 mi) south of Helsinki, the easternmost arm of the Baltic Sea. It is renowned for its medieval old town; vibrant cultural scene and way of life that’s somehow all go yet relaxed. First established in the early medieval era, Tallinn’s medieval old town was built by the Germans in Middle Ages and an magnificent landscape that covered in cobbled streets and filled with medieval houses, ancient churches, and alleyways. And as the medieval city walls and towers almost completely intact, and it rates as one of Europe’s best medieval old towns. Now, bustling with noise wonderful sights is home to art, delightful food, versatile nightlife and and vibrant modern culture. In fact, the city is best known for its striking contrasts. Historical buildings stand alongside modern architecture as the past and present intermingle.

Groceries Store🛒🛒:

If you are on a self-cooking vacation then picking up food is one of the first orders of business. And we are freelance travellers; in order to save travel expenses, it is inevitable to cook by ourselves. Here, then, is what you need to know about shopping in Tallinn grocery stores. Sometimes buying ingredients during the journey and cook yourself, and then walking to the public park for picnic, is not only the best way to save money on dining, but also a good experience. Even if you’re not stocking the fridge in your apartment rental, with numerous different food products and convenience goods shopping in grocery store can be a fun experience especially for exploring the culinary options of a particular place is always fun. Several large number of discount grocery stores do exist, though, Tallinn city. Different kinds of discount grocery store have different kind of segment market. So it’s up to you to decide which one you prefer depending on your lifestyle, your budget and how far they are close to your accommodation.

In Tallinn City, grocery stores chains tend to be on the small acreage, but in the store you can different product plus the price are budget. The beginning and be older of the grocery stores chains in Estonia are supported by local capital, these stores are Selver and Maksimarket and be one of the biggest groups selling food products. No be trying sniff out the discount grocery stores; most people shopping here. Your current best option of discount grocery stores; Grossi, followed by Coop with loyalty, followed by Maxima, you might have to default to Rimi as the cheaper shops and these supermarkets don’t usually operate in areas with high rents. You can complete your shopping list with items at their lowest price. Fruits and veggies don’t always look their best, the quality of their products isn’t the best, meanwhile the price is lower. If you take the budget or don’t mind no has the best cheese of the world, these discount grocery stores are suitable shopping place would be satisfy for yours. Prisma; as hypermarket-style stores, the stores usually large and the selection is much greater than at the discounters, they offer a huge variety of products from groceries to clothes to home appliances. But you must know not everything will be inexpensive, but it can satisfy all you need. Specialty retailers such as Kaubamaja and Stockmann Department Store sell many of the high-ends goods with specialty and luxury, of course meanwhile price are a high premium. Gourmet department is a wonder to behold, but the prices may limit how often you indulge in this guilty pleasure. In the Tallin city, we go to the Maxima chains buy some staple items that including different taste of breads and cake, cheese, raspberry fruit, chocolate, coffee, Potato chips, and Coca-cola, the total price is 19.73€ (the goods we buy that can seem on photo picture).

Transport in Tallinn🚕🚗🚌🚋🚃:

There is truly no better way to absorb the atmosphere of a city especially in Tallinn Old Town than by doing so on foot, It enables you to connect with the history and charm of a destination. But sometime we also must take the public transport to the other destination. In Tallinn want reaching farther out destinations that can use the city’s public transport of buses, trolleybus and trams. Tallinn’s public transportation system is use the same ticketing-system, on which the same tickets can be used for trams, trolleybuses, and city buses. Each time you board a vehicle, swipe the tickets/cards in front of the orange validator to validate the ride. The tickets/cards are divide into three type of tickets. The simplest version is the 1-hour QR ticket (€1.50) which can be purchased either on the website tallinn.pilet.ee or with a mobile app. Or you can be purchased 1-hour QR ticket with contactless interfaces machine by using Mastercard, Maestro, Visa and Visa Electron bank cards. Easy for look of validators at the front of the vehicle with the contactless payment logo. But other types of ticket are not available using this payment method.

If you are planning on travelling a lot via public transport, they also provide the other types of tickets that help you save the costs. You’ll need to rent the card for a one-time deposit fee of (€2) and then purchase ‘virtual’ tickets that will be added to the card. These come in the form of a 24-hour (€4.50), 72-hour (€7.50), 5-day (€9) or 30-day (€30) pass. The e-tickets (longer period tickets) are sold in Tourist Information Centre, bus station, Balti jaam train station, airport, ferry terminals A & D, Selver and Prisma supermarket info desks, or R-Kiosk shops. Or you can choose for purchase Tallinn Card that provides free transportation among other entertainment parks. The Tallinn Card acts as a ticket, entitling the holder to unlimited, free public transport for the period the card is active. It also gives you free admission to museums and sights, a free sightseeing Tallinn City Tour with Tallinn Card and other discounts. The card is available for periods of 24, 48 or 72 hours.

Taxis also are one of the common transports during your vacation. In Tallinn city, Taxis can be found lined-up at taxi stands (in front of larger hotels and in several locations just outside Old Town) and can be ordered on the phone or via various mobile apps. Even you can check the prices first, which should posted on the taxi’s right rear window, but most better ask the driver the approximate cost of the trip in advance or use a taxi ordering app. In Tallinn, the taxicabs fees with charge a starting fee (max. €5.50) and per kilometre rates (€1.10/km). For my suggestion, in Tallinn download and using private taxi ordering apps for assured the taxi fees, most important fees to be cheaper than taxicabs. At Tallinn, with the taxi apps you can easily and quickly order a taxi and normally are 2 big taxi apps available – Bolt and Yandex. We take Bolt on our traveling Tallinn and from Tallinn Central Bus Station around 3 km to our staying accommodation, the fees is 3.00€.

While, continuous follow us start our Tallinn Journey ” Stylish Cruise Public Transit highlights the spectacular Sea. Tallinn, Estonia – Beautiful Medieval Old Town. Enter the historical complex through one of gates and get a feel for what the fantastical fortress felt like and due to its exceptionally intact 13th century city.

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Europe-Latvia-Part 5 Gauja National Park – Sigulda (Section 2)

Our Europe Trip Part 5 – #Latvia #GaujaNationalPark #Sigulda #Section2

If you’re interested in outdoor activities, within easy reach of the Sigulda Town, is the Gauja National Park with hundreds miles of hiking paths is the ideal place to explore for a day. As with much of the trekking in Europe, the routes here are part of a national park. The Gauja National Park is not famous for high mountains, but that doesn’t make hike it a lesser experience, there is something for every level of hiker here, from the short and relaxing to full on multi-day hikes, here is a place showing of natural beauty. You can find here, there are numerous routes with different distance and attractions. The wooded mountain range is steeped in history, the Gauja National Park is the largest national park in Latvia and boasts many beautiful views and offers also many sights such as old valley of the Gauja River, rock outcrops and varied terrain shapes, have their origins in this forest. During a Gauja National Park Adventures trip, from the medium to the easiest, discover exceptional landscapes and untouched nature and overall it’s an easy hike for anyone who is always walking or hiking in the trail, with very few uphills and downhills. The hike can be completed in a couple of hours, but in order to make the most of it and admire the views, about spend a day of hiking. The trail is a mix of ups and downs and isn’t too difficult if you are reasonably fit. Of course, there is also a simple, time-saving and labor-saving way; that is to take the cable car, the only drawback is that you can’t enjoy the scenery on foot. To find the beginning of the trail in Gauja National Park Adventures, walk towards the cable car. You should be able to see the signs for the cable car, which begins in the square just next to car park. Where you can jumping into the cable car to other starting point trail, the cable car suspended at the height of 43 meters and let you view of amazing scenery of the Gauja River. The ticket price is 8€ for one way per adult and 12€ for return per adult.

There are various caves in Gauja National Park, among which Gutman’s Cave and its mysterious rock formations are the most popular among tourists. You can direct take the transport and visit, the most spacious grotto in the Baltic states; Gutman’s Cave, this tremendous cave was formed from the yellow-brown sandstone rock of the Gauja river bank and formation is due to a millennium long interaction between the river and an underground spring. The cave be one of the oldest tourist attraction in Latvia and on the walls of the cave, there are inscriptions from the 17th century. The legend of the Rose of Turaida began in this cave. Gauja National Park also boasts various other natural attractions, maybe you can same as us walk into forest, view of many landmarks and cave along the way. No be worried, It’s a well-marked and easy to follow hiking trail. Passing stunning of a few caverns along a wild stretch of trail, the views of cave and wildlife natural sightings are consistently sublime. Monstrously ancient of cave let us feel wild and mysterious, mere natural of rough rocky with different shape of cave from triangular to deep, pear-shaped and also have smallish, rough-hewn all are the great artwork of natural. As we walk along the cliffs, we have pass a pretty interesting cave, pig nose shape of cave, This cave reminds us of the plot version of a Japanese cartoon in our minds. Relax walk in this dark and draughty cave here is formed from singular yellow-brown sandstone natural rocky, although let us comfortable but empty. In the cave walk through tunnels and along ledges with sheer drops, the path leads you up to the mountain, while we are hiking on winter season and the path is closed due of this season.

The trail walk has magnificent views as you hiking through the cave and cliff, eventually crossing the famous river- Gauja River. Most importantly though, you will get to see the magnificent views over the Gauja River which is the only large river of Latvia that begins and ends its flow in Latvia, the beautiful river banks rich in sandstone outcrops, easy accessibility of the river. Gauja River winds through forests and lush water, flows through its primeval valley which is among the most impressive Baltic terrain forms, meanwhile the nature of the river is suitable for various paddlers. The picturesque footbridges over the Gauja River have always been the favorites of hikers on this trail. From here we were enjoy the view of the monstrous big river flowing swiftly ahead, and high, rocky bluffs on both sides and surrounding with verdant forest. View of the Gauja River, view over a deep river that capable of reflecting in its placid surface, billowy hills, the luminous shadows. When tired for walking, let us enjoy a picnic lunch as we took in the tranquil scene, sometimes life is so ordinary and beautiful. By the river, you can continue up to the Turaida Castle, the manor house, the church and the Dainu Hill and learn what had happened in the area since the 11th century. A medieval castle on a strip of land between two ravines at Gauja River, Turaida Castle is the highlight and most visually impressive element of Turaida Museum Reserve. The museum of Latvia offers expositions on the history of archaeology, culture and art and narrates events dating back as far as to the 11th century. Meanwhile, its also a breathtaking view of Gauja Valley opens from the tower of the castle.

Or can same like me continue hike on the trail by the river and arrived it in the starting point. A wooden footpath bring us between the green vegetation and river, pass beside the wide, blue river, the meadows on the other side, far over the outskirts of the great city. The trail leads through virginal forest, peaceful meadows, and make it contrastive with the river through a variety of landscapes, water meadows, swamp, canals and village. The most of the trail goes along the meadows with little shade available, so sun protection is advised. The trail continues past hut and back towards Bobsleigh and luge track in Sigulda. The Part of this beautiful trail goes through of the Sigulda with offer a peek of few outdoor activities for those who want a unique hiking experience. Sigulda have provide outdoors enthusiasts with endless entertainment in the Gauja National Park such as Tarzāns Sigulda Adventure Park, Fly in Aerodium, Bobsleigh and luge track in Sigulda, Catch emotions and ride the “Zērglis” zipline and etc. that will let you captivated by the closeness of nature, and be able to test your physical endurance.

During the trail, we met several friendly local resident, thank for them that suggest and leader us to the area point where there are incredible panoramic views of the surrounding forest. The trail leads towards the starting point and from there onwards across the panoramic slopes to these you will see beautiful and memorable panoramas. Here, we were enjoy with panoramic views of the Gauja River and Part of the Gauja National Park and end of our Latvia Trip at here.

Let us continue next Estonia Trip…..

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How To Go Gauja National Park – Sigulda:

Sigulda can be reached from Riga (53km), you have a number of transport options available to them. Public transport such as bus🚌🚌🚌 or train🚆🚆🚆, for instance, is a very quick and efficient way to get from one city to another. We choose take a direct bus takes 1h 15min and ticket costs is 2.20€each way and luggage is 0.50€ per item. Just board the bus at Riga Terminal Bus Station and alight at Sigulda Bus Station. From there, it’s a short walk to all the main sights.

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Europe-Latvia-Part 4 Sigulda (Section 1)

Our Europe Trip Part 4 – #Latvia #Sigulda #Section1

The dense forests🌲🌳🌹, extensive hiking trails🧗‍♂️🧗‍♀️🚶‍♂️, countless historical and cultural monuments from different centuries are the biggest draws to the Gauja National Park, but there’s more to discover. Located in northeast Latvia, Gauja National Park is the largest and oldest of the national parks in Latvia, the dominant is the old valley of the Gauja River🚣‍♂️🚣‍♀️ that is home to great biological diversity, varied terrain shapes and unique historical and geological wonders. Its oozes charm and beauty that let to add an extra layer for us to explore on our adventures. While with miles of hiking paths, unique natural, forms steep rocks and caves, take in the scenic lush views which leads through a series of the forest to a castle perched above the forest and view from the castle are spectacular.

At the stretch of the primeval Gauja river valley and near the traditional Latvia culture village ,Sigulda is an idyllic and pretty town surrounded by greenery situated at the south-western end of Gauja National Park means some of the area’s most scenic hiking trails are right at your doorstep. Just a short ride away by bus🚌🚌 or by train🚆🚆 with only over an hour from Riga capital city (53 km), Sigulda as a quaint canal town with the dramatic landscape and the refreshing clear air are the appeal. If looking to relax and unwind, we recommend staying overnight in the town and just enjoy strolling around the town. It still has a charm all its own, it has so many charming little highlights which make us many great opportunities for exploring and adventure. Let us just the start.

Our accommodation in Sigulda🛏🛋🚽🚿:

For accommodation, we using Airbnb, a website that can offer a great way to get a local feel and get closer to their lifestyle. Perched on the edge of Gauja National Park, this is a unique perspective and takes your espresso on the terrace this is the retreat for those who enjoy nature or just chilling on the terrace with a glass of wine and enjoy a stunning panorama of natural. On our Sigulda journeys trip we choose for rental as per room that let us connect with live-in local hosts, when they open up their homes that offer us a truly authentic travel experience. Meanwhile, let us can bound to find an affordable accommodation with as much character and local colour as the most popular tourist sites. Homes nestled in pristine nature near national parks, this house as tight curation of the modern architecture and modern style alternating between the idyllic charms of the countryside and polished contemporary style with modern living as a real sense of belonging. Ladies host is the welcoming hospitality and chatty person, her daughter cute and love to smile. During our gossipy, delight for comprehend the culture and food of the Latvia from the ladies host. Thank for the ladies host invite us eat a traditional Latvian cheese dishes, white colour of cheese the taste pure and fresh meanwhile its not greasy, so delicious…😋😋 She tells us this dish must use 7 hours for cooking. The windows of the house are bigger and transparent that fill its spaces with natural light and parlour flanked by window provides forest views from every angle. The style is modern and elegant interior design, with natural materials, warm colors and tons of natural light. Interiors are simple and spacious, smartly curated design touches with a mix of a selection of modern furnishings and electrical and vintage treasures, careful restoration and striking contrasts shines with unique detail, thoughtful design and plush comforts to make us feel at home. The kitchen serves as a giant gathering space, while the bedrooms mimic the landscape in their peacefulness and simplicity. The house is full of the owners’ personal books and treasures that guests are invited to enjoy.

Wandering the street of Sigulda – this neat little town has a charm all its own🏘🏡⛪🚴‍♂️🚴‍♀️🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️:

Sigulda as the idyllic town is characterised by its relaxed atmosphere, pure mountain air and for those who crave quiet and fun with the outdoors adventure. As perfect combination of both from relaxing of walk in the wide variety of stunning walk around town and the great outdoors surrounding it to who are seeking crave for the adventure. We spend the whole day stroll through the beautiful streets that have a lively atmosphere, the area boasts a huge number of marked trails, bike paths and woodlands it’s the perfect way to explore. Gorgeous scenery that make us enjoy for overlooking the beautiful scenery with lush green patches, a picture-perfect setting on the mountains with lush meadows and forest streams. A softly breeze, enchanted town itself is multi-tiered,along the lush green hills with beautiful viewpoints is one of the essence of Sigulda.

While it may not be a grand, this neat little town still has a charm all its own, numerous own feature style building, with outdoor beautiful gardens, and picturesque streets to explore. For us, exploring the streets is very much like walking through from one story to the next, here as a smorgasbord of architectural styles and features, which come together in an intriguing way, led to a beautifully diverse culture of art, and fashion. A picturesque town that traditional mountain timbered houses and traditional wooden beams give a very traditional appearance that blends into the townscape so well. Here, is not hard to find have many brick-roofed and slate stone house, because it is so plentiful, wall covered with blocks of natural slate becomes part of a palette of colors, which, together with the brick-roofed and stone walls, and merge as part of the landscape. Although there are no exaggerated colorful images, when walking on the road, the surrounding relaxed atmosphere and utterly surreal feeling quiet scenery also make people feel at ease. Listening to the sounds of birds and wild ducks is the best way to connect with nature. Standing alongside them are modern building and many-windowed pastel homes that go on for blocks, this unique architectural mix is a chance to unwind and experience local life and culture. Wandering the winding streets of Sigulda, this relax-paced life, gorgeous scenery and warm people is a pleasure. The Sigulda Residents talk with us; here always have festivities in different seasons. This traditional Opera Festival is held each year in summer which includes concerts and folk performances. In May, It is said to be one of the most colourful festivals with Town Festival🕺💃 when cherry trees blossom🌸🌸. The town’s famous in autumn while Sigulda is known for the colors of its trees🍁🍂 and a picture-perfect setting in autumn. Sports such as skiing🏂🏂, bobsledding, and the luge are popular in wintertime and bungee jumping is practiced during the rest of the year.

If the idyllic beauty of Sigulda is not enough capture your attention, walking through the commerce street might feel a bit like a scene from straight a fairy tale book. The most colorful street has a vibrant vibe to it with colourful gabled architecture; the fountain, different appearance and feature buildings are surrounded by greenery worthy of photographing here as you walk the streets. Strolls around town are a favorite prelude, where you can also stopping into the many independent shop, here are intermittent shop, hotel, restaurants and pubs. Shop in one of the snazzy boutiques or sit in a café, sidewalk with numerous cosy flower-decked restaurants and café, where you can taste of the local dishes and sip the coffee and take in your surrounding in peace environment. After wandering around this town, In the bar, you can let your tired feet take a short break and taste delicious food and a glass of beer. While some of the pub with backyard beer gardens for a break along the way.

Here, Rimi and Maxima as the two largest discount chains built up the Large ‘Big Box’ Grocery Stores in the town where with big-acreage that are selling different and that greater variety of imported and local goods. Walk into Grocery Stores and let us buy some local goods. One of the known local dishes of Latvia is grill fish so sure buy some of these type dishes of spices and herbs for let our dinning table add new delicious dishes. The total price we spends is 5.00€ and purchases goods is shown on photo picture.

Enjoy a casual lunch in a relaxed and cozy cafe🍔🍟🥞☕🍷🍻:

We deserve to kick back and relax with enjoying lunch at a cozy cafe. This is a quintessentially café with its greenery facade as the full-of-charm neighborhood cafés. Inside, it’s walls with dark-blonde wood and red- bricks, a retro feel with wooden bistro and softer lighting, comfy cushions, and wide windows that let natural light pour in. Even due to its small square footage, this spot does brisk business, this café has all the cozy corners and the work-from-anywhere crowd. Here let us so feel comfortable and coffee is available around the clock, as are beers, different types of specialty wines, and juices. Although you will not see very complicated dishes on the menu, it can be said to be very simple, but it is full of staple foods of Latvian cafes, let us taste simple and delicious homemade food. Taste the best recommended burger of beef meat grilling, Imagine that, they only use the local meat is freshly ground, medium with a nice and juicy pink centre, add with aioli and cheese, tastes absolutely amazing. The fluffy bun was perfectly toasted, keeping and serve with a lot of fresh vegetables everything in place, wrapped in some paper and most important everything tasted great. And their chicken burger did not let us disappoint, crispy and tender chicken, melty cheese and salivating gorgeous condiments, it’s no wonder. The vegetables, tomato and cucumber slices can be almost thicker than the patty itself, with its been so fresh and crisp that were a real treat with a nice crispness and excellent flavour. And this meal total price are 12.50€. To be continuous…………..

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Our Europe Trip – #Latvia #Jūrmala#Jūrmala Beach

Our Europe Trip – #Latvia #Jūrmala#Jūrmala Beach

Latvia, you can choose for plan your own route and follow your own mood on traveling in a region for soak up the local ambience and a few destination with experience the incredible variety of natural landscapes, cultures and centuries. These destinations that can be short journeys with be reached in just a couple of hours in train or by car. Latvia as blessed with some of the charming natural environment that where you can give a comprehensive list of the most dropping spots especially for natural lovers that you can sit back, relax, and enjoy Nature. With Latvia’s Baltic Sea coastline as almost 500 km long and its many beach, each with a unique vibe, great long stretches of golden sand, beautiful pockets of untouched nature, the calm blue-green waters of the Baltic Sea and the feisty waves to play in where you can feel truly relaxed. Lively beaches with home to pretty seaside villages and harbours clinking with fantastic natural attractions such as dunes, steep cliffs, sandstone outcrops and rock formations – it’s everything else that give you to enjoy the great outdoors. With the culture of Europe’s seaside that would so much fun for pleasure seekers, drinkers and eaters.

On our travel journey we choose for go to Jūrmala where the gateway to the busy sun coast that its become one of the Latvia perennial holiday favourite who come here in flocks during year-round even in winter. Jūrmala as sunny haven of sophisticated resort town with 32 km stretch of natural white-sand beach, situated along sandwiched between the Gulf of Riga and the Lielupe River, are only a short drive away about 40-minutes from Riga that you can choose either one day trip or stay as few days.

The waves in the Gulf of Riga, with their white crest, are calm and inviting only in the summer. In the autumn fierce wind, they grow harsh and impose their own rhythm. Jūrmala has variety beach for every mood with a whole string of detachable beaches: a sea for windsurfers and surfers, here are some wide swimming spots and water sports venues, for sailor great luminous beaches with some of the brightest and deep bluest ocean. Laid-back seaside towns, its glamour are brimming with cultural charm and its hippie vibe; that an eclectic mix with stroll around the natural lush green pine forest that flank Jūrmala beach or feel free to explore the Ķemeri National Park that can enjoy the hiking trails on the Great Ķemeri Bog through the picturesque fantastic natural and inhale the unusual smell.

MAJORI, Jūrmala Beach – Most spectacular beaches with tens of kilometres🏖🌞😎🏊‍♀️🏊‍♂️🚴‍♀️🚴‍♂️:

Jūrmala can easy get to by public transport, from Riga either take the train or mini-van, we choose for ride the min-van make sure stop at the capital of Jūrmala, Majori and enjoy our one day trip. From the stations the beach is merely a quick walk towards, boardwalk walkways bring us to the sand-dunes this great long stretches of golden sand tumble down to a dark blue Ocean. Here, the sun shines even brighter and wild sand dunes dominate the beach; It’s most spectacular beaches with tens of kilometres of breathtaking beaches and the golden light that bounces off white and fine sand to great effect. Nowhere else do the pines on the dunes murmur so restfully, sensational bays, the air is full of sea freshness and meanwhile, here have many life varied in the sea.

Even in the winter an arc of icy white sand lapped by gentle waves of unearthly blue, an unforgettable beach holiday could simply be spent wandering through Majori , Jūrmala beach. Laid-back beach has stunning white sands, deep and wide; so well-trodden by the bare feet on the beach, cotton-white sand meets serene meets serene blue waters, quiet coves, coastlines give way to a gentler, flatter landscape. Here, you can enjoy numerous of water sports and on a sultry summer day, the site will be packed with sunbathers, swim in the sea or engage in sports activities at Majori, Jurmala beach although during winter if you don’t mind of the icy sea, you can play in the water. Here, you don’t need to worry about safety and hygiene problem. Whether it is a lifeguard, clean public restrooms, and dressing rooms; this kind of equipment is ready for the public.

If water-sports aren’t your thing, and beyond the beaches themselves it’s everything else that should come with a beach holiday; on the Majori, Jurmala beach complete with wide, wild beaches between with sunny beach clubs and the party atmosphere bars shoulders with relax cafes and restaurant, some of the chic boutique hotels are rustic wooden or stone villas strewn. The beach spots along its coastline are among its dramatic unique wooden architecture; the most distinguishing architectural feature in Jūrmala is the prevalence of wooden houses dating from the 19th and first half of the 20th century. Here, has the evergreen allure with a more rugged, rustic character, the characteristic of classic and traditional architecture integrate with relaxing and natural environment, the architecture typically falls into classicism, national romanticism and but beside them are modern buildings! You can clinking with wine glasses in the bar, kick back with a coffee and pleasant dessert at cafes or enjoy Latvia local traditional tasty dish in restaurant. You will be pleased by varied offer of perhaps an excellent classical music performance in Dzintari Concert Hall which with an extensive concert and event programme. Jūrmala endlessly fascinates with its party scene, its glamour and its hippie vibe; where the beach clubs host hedonists and rich hippies all around the clock.

BULDURI, Jūrmala Beach – Fishing or hop on a boat to the string of sparkling coves🚣‍♀️🚣‍♂️🌅🌊🛥🛥:

On the Jūrmala can be found on main road other side is another beach, Bulduri beach. You won’t see white sand here: In Bulduri, this go-slow region packs in complete with grassydunes, wildflowers and rock formations, charming coves with milky water frothing against the rock formations. We were be too distracted attention by the cool, glittering waters of the Sea, here can fishing or hop on a boat to the string of sparkling coves, with dreamlike lagoons where can pootle around in boats and marvel at the picturesque landscape. Let us for seek serenity and peaceful to listen to the rustling sea and enjoy a lazy sunset meanwhile let us to snap some photos of the epic sunset, which goes down directly in front of the beach.

JOMAS Street – Historic charm of street with the culture of Europe’s seaside🏛🏘🏨🏬🍕🍔🍟🥘🥩🍩🍰☕🍹🍻🥂:

Jūrmala has been known as a resort for centuries, which boasts historic town, spa therapies and rehabilitation centres. Tropical paradises complete with the culture of Europe’s seaside: the barefoot-chic attitude, Europe art culture lifestyles, wild and free. Further up the coast is one of the big hitter: Jomas street (Latvian: Jomas iela) oldest streets of Jūrmala, which during its existence has undergone various changes and transformations. Feel free to explore the historic of Jomas street, tour the traditional wine taverns, where the central pedestrian belt are full of award-winning restaurants, bars, souvenir booths, fruit stalls and a small shopping complex containing a cinema. Dining and parties in a multitude of restaurants or bars, this historic charm of street is heaven for full of happy foodies. Or same as us walk into a smaller chains supermarket which name as Top, even with small-acreage but variety product of store with provide everything daily necessities to satisfy the customer needs and the price is not higher. Of cause we not forget buy some different kinds and taste goods (have show on photo), the total price is 12.26€.

You can also head to Jūrmala Open Air Museum for some of the culture in the country and the history of town where you can trek through the Ragakāpa Nature Park and the trails with boardwalks pass through a pine forest in this nature park created to preserve the dunes. Here, the conventional fishing village with celebrates the cities fishing heritage, the museum is a fisherman’s courtyard has been set up, and its nearly 2,000 exhibits portray the fishermen’s work and life in Jūrmala in the 19th and 20th centuries. In passing on the nature trail of the park surrounded by a beautiful natural environment is usually a great way to relax and recharge, meanwhile also can acquaint with the plants, surrounding of a natural old pine forest, and traces left by the insects in the forest.

KEMERI National Park – Natural park is mostly occupied by forests and mires🌲🍁🍂🌷🥀:

For a real respite from the crowds you’ll have to head the picturesque forest; a short road ride from the Jūrmala Beach will bring you to Ķemeri National Park, a protected reserve filled. Here is an ideal spot for hikers, while the surrounding national forest with hidden wetlands and mires, this stretch of nature is great for a bit more exploring and getting a break from the sun. Fantastic natural attractions can relaxing and enjoy the hiking trails along the great boardwalk and across the wetlands, explore the bog and stroll around the unspoiled forests, view of the birds and animals. Take a hike to an observation platform that let you see amazing natural picturesque or have an unforgettable walk on the trail of the Great Ķemeri Bog for go to the Sulphur Ponds and inhale the unusual smell.

How To Go🚆🚐🚕🚘:

For those who want ride the public transport, from Riga City you can either take the train or minivan to the Jūrmala. Most of the tourists take a train ride of 40-minutes from the Riga station and disembark at Majori or Dzintari stations. Trains are running regularly. You can also same as us ride the minivan and take its from long-distance bus station, look for the ‘Platform LCD monitor’, make sure find the destination name as ‘Majori – Kauguri’ and which of the platform number for the minivan stop. For bus ticket no need buy from counter and direct pay to the driver. The ticket price is 2.15€ per person / per way. Notice: either you choose for take the train or minivans make sure disembark at Majori or Bulduri.

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Europe-Latvia-Part 2 (Riga Central Market / Dumpling Restaurant)

Our Europe Trip – #Latvia #Riga #Riga CentralMarket#DumplingRestaurant

Latvia is one of the countries in Europe that let travellers are increasingly interested in discovering new destinations, let us developing a knack for connecting with locals, authentic and their culture by experience of authentic Latvia traditions and walk into local life. Simultaneously, it’s let us learning, inspiring, enjoying its unique ways of life and just plain fun! Food is a hugely important part for Latvia culture, this is a cuisine rooted in foraging, fermenting, and preserving, as well as celebrating the seasonal and the local. So it’s never let traveller monotonous and the country has well-known for its own brand of traditional cuisine with delectable dairy products, tart berries, homemade rye bread, flavorful smoked meat and sausages, tangy pickles and fresh Baltic seafood.

RIGA CENTRAL MARKET – Meandering through the country’s liveliest markets, that giving a glimpse of local lives and through its gastronomy🥩🍗🍰🍩🥐🥦🥔🐠🦐

Latvia’s elegant capital, Riga is leading the country in a dynamic cuisine renaissance. The charming city of Riga hosts one of the country’s liveliest markets, the “Riga Central Market”, and it is truly in the heart of its cities that you’ll find the epitome of Latvians culture. For immersing in the local culture by meandering through the throngs of people going about their daily business in Riga Central Market, here where you can glean some insights into local culture and cuisine, and enjoy for a good, local, quality meal. Few better walk into local life than rubbing shoulders with shoppers, browsing stands piled high with colourful and diverse fresh produce, lively conversation, nibbling on street munchies, and being fully immersed in the sights, sounds, and smells of the local community.

Serves as one of the city’s most historically important and active commercial centres, Riga Central Market is one of Europe’s largest indoor food markets and the fulcrum of a dynamic urban renewal of the neighbourhood. Bustling with pick up fresh ingredients alongside and it’s an explosion of foodie energy. Come on, everybody guess what the predecessor of this market? Its most distinctive is where the city has redeveloped a former used as military airship hangars into a lively people zone. Today, Riga Central Market is the largest and oldest indoor food market in the country. Location for market is opposite along a white ironwork railroad trestle and a little far from any tourist attractions (roughly across the Old Town), Central Market, just runs the River Daugava, next to Riga International Bus Terminal and Central Railway Station. Built in 1920s and architecturally-imposing food pavilions, this enormous food pavilions constructed by reusing old German Zeppelin hangar and is now be traditional market. Admire Art Deco styles depicting local history and monuments, as well as incorporating Neoclassicism to the city incorporated into the building.

Noted for selling a wide range of local products, including bustling with butcher stands for selling wide array of different part fresh livestock goods, a careful selection of the freshest catches of the day caught right on the Baltic sea and showcasing the finest in Latvia fresh produce. Squeezing between the crowds, you’ll find only the best of all manner of smoked fish & meat, fresh and traditional dense rye bread, local produce cheeses and other artisanal Latvia cheeses, delectable and different flavour of pickled goods, a mouthwatering array of pastries, various different kinds of ham, classic Latvian staples and Latvia’s famous sardines in oil. Enjoy and accepting samples from the merchants would let us choose for our like flavour!

“Riga Central Market” divides into five pavilions and each pavilion with its own category – meat, fish, vegetables, dairy and gastronomy products, as well as an outdoor area with stalls and stands. The Riga Central Market has a split personality. One-half of the market is as classic as they come: traditional and simply elegant, each indoor market pavilion is selling of each classification, whole of the pavilion with many vendors and one vendors is next to another vendors display just-so piles of produce. Transparent-glass or wrought-iron stalls: selling Latvian-grown (vegetable and fruits), a wide array of fresh seafood, goods straight from the farm (meat), as well as manufactured merchandise.

Plenty of stalls abound, where fill with for the colours of the fresh foodstuffs displayed and sold here, such as no surprise that can view a few of pig heads in the corner of every butcher stands. Listen for the cries of the different vendors as you move through the central market, as each one traditionally has his own distinct yell designed to bring in customers and ward off competitors. Friendly vendors can tell you exactly where and how their goods were grown, raised, or harvested. No need bargaining the price because all the fresh foodstuffs displayed would mark the price. Here let us enjoyed shopping for dinner supplies at the food market, let us buy a fresh pork just 3.50€😮😮😮 and beef just 3.00€😮😮😮 and then going back to cook ourselves a fresh and delicious meal. We want to taste some delicious food, our sense of smell and vision let our brain lead our legs, stop by one of the meat stall, buy one of the Latvia’s famous cuisine: some delectable traditional smoked meat and the price is 2.05€😋😋😋.

Other of indoor market pavilion, we are step through a door into Riga Central Market other half: a sleek, futuristic, a wide array of dairy products and pickled goods, a delicately composed dessert, appreciate the aromas wafting from the food stalls cooking up cuisine, taste on the free. It’s a bustling showcase of edible Riga, offers a variety of food let your mouth water as you wander the market: highlighting of early Latvian traders, fresh-baked bread and biscuit of every shape and size, traditional of rustic cheeses, luscious cottage cheese, sour cream, tiny pyramids of fine gourmet hard and soft cheeses that went a bit more traditional at Riga Central Market. As cheese lover we must buy a few of cheese, choose as delectable cheese with three different flavour that let us meanwhile taste different. Here we can give in to actual appetite right outside: the beloved Latvian all sorts of salads, homemade and explosively flavourful pickled goods, cake with fillings both traditional and creative, nuts and dried fruits, crispy pizzas, gastro hot dogs, and whatever produce is in season. You’ll also find stand bursting with Prosecco and craft beer.

DUMPLING RESTAURANT – authentic and different cooking method that can be found everywhere in Europe🥟🥟🥟🥣🍽🍻☕

Even though dumplings as one of the famous in our Chinese cuisine, but when travelling Europe, search for and taste western dumplings as mealtime is one of our favourable. Dumpling as one of the cuisine with preferred hibernation fuel of nearly every culture, so it’s no surprise dumplings can be found everywhere in Europe with different taste and variety of cooking dumplings method. Search and taste this delicious cuisine, a restaurant is specialist selling Koldūnai (Kalduny, Kolduny, калдуны́) dumplings with its location in the heart of Riga, Old Town. A laid-back atmosphere, this restaurant is wide and simple deco, there’s a real focus on the quality of the products. Serving up an extensive of dumplings that sells in its deli section counter and everything, down to the sauces are prepared by handmade.

While here, offers classic and traditional Kalduny dumplings: this variety of dumplings different on the stuffing that including filled with minced pork, beef, chicken, curd cheese, or mushrooms and made with fresh coriander and spiced, a commitment to using what is local, seasonal foods. The simple dumpling skin are made with easy using spoon for eating, so that the dumlpling skin wrapping doesn’t tear and Kalduny dumpling are usually boiled in well-salted water. This cuisine can be enjoyed with a variety of garnishes or sauce, from butter and black pepper to mayonnaise, sour cream, crispy bacon, or spirgučiais (a type of pork rind) that depends on the stuffing. In addition to, this restaurant making the delectable, healthy soups possible: enjoy a hearty potato tomato soup in winter, the flavour combinations of different salads plus plus beverages likes coffee, milk, soft drinks and beers. Cuisine are calculations sold by weight, selected and take by yourself, we choose two different taste of dumpling and one bowl of soup, pass to the counter and staff would calculate price depend on the cuisine weight. The total price is 5.34€😍😍😍. Choose with beef dumplings, big juicy of fresh beef mounted with melt-in-my-mouth and the dumpling skin is soft but elastic, a plate gourmet of dumplings let us vibrant. Taste the fried dumplings in butter, dumplings it develop a sumptuous and crispy bottom, plus thick sour cream of source, well, deep-fried tastiest and sour cream are prefect. Although here don’t have grand decorations and the staff’s attire is simple, but the food itself is authentic, and let us mouthwatering meanwhile an excellent value for money😋😋😋.

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Europe-Latvia-Part 1 (Riga / Old Town (Vecrīga)

Our Europe Trip – #Latvia #Riga #OldTown #Vecrīga

The bustle of boats in its harbor and the random mix of stone, this vibrant port city of Riga was established in 1201 by Albert of Bremen, with its geographical location that makes this historic Baltic seaport as important part of trading cities and let Riga had enjoyed rapid economic growth, before the tragic period of World War I. Riga as the capital that always continually inhabited city in Latvia and be one of oldest-city in the country, it sits on the Gulf of Riga in the mouth of the Daugava river where it meets the Baltic Sea and is an arm of the Atlantic Ocean. The Riga city make up with one-third of the population of Latvia be the largest city in Latvia, meanwhile it also the biggest metropolis in the three Baltic states, Riga as perfectly more than blends timeless tradition and highly urbanised architecture of European modernity.

During its tumultuous medieval past, having fought off many civilisations who tried to take control of it, Latvia’s history it has been captured by the German, Kingdom of Sweden, but the most significant that an invasion by Peter the Great of Russia in 1710 and cemented Russian influence on the city. Today, it is considered the Riga’s port facilitates, used by large boats and giant cruise ships that export and transit trade from Russia and Belarus to European ports and beyond; a daily ferry carries passengers and cars to Stockholm. The Via Baltica highway is a major trucking route to Tallinn, Kaunas, and Warsaw.

Latvia was part of many empires throughout history, each of which has left its mark on the Riga city. Even through World War II, devastating fire engulfed the part of the town, the tragedy was redeemed by the combination of an economic and architectural movement that was sweeping across Latvian, it were filled not with the excessive flourishes of late Art Nouveau, but the early movement of graceful architectural with authentic Latvia traditions and rural mythology. As a city full of numerous art nouveau treasures, the combination of 19th century wooden architecture and art nouveau architecture noted for its Jugendstil architecture that make as Riga own distinguishing feature, and the outstanding buildings of the era are found over a third of the buildings.

When the wealth of Riga had grown rich in the 19th century, the led to requests for extravagant new residences, the Art nouveau movement’s golden age coincided with the city’s rapid economic growth. All of the old buildings were renovated to represent the beautiful Art Nouveau style which gave the capital of Riga a very unique setting. Along the city with being among the over 700 art nouveau buildings, it’s more than any other European city and the medieval architecture is original, on whose banks the city stretches so picturesquely. The city’s architecture represents various periods – Romanticism, Gothic, Baroque, Classicism, and Modernism. Although over the last 100 years the demolition of art nouveau structures has been ruthless, but Riga cities have managed to preserve the style as part of their dominant architectural heritage.

Head to the Alberta iela, one of the main streets that has rows of Jugendstil houses, here you can admire the beautifully preserved Art Nouveau row houses and look up to take in the colorful facades, intricate stonework and unusual gargoyles. Stroll around the surrounding streets, one of the densest clusters of architecture of Art Nouveau style in the world, and pop in to the Art Nouveau Museum to see examples of residential interiors from the era. The area around near railroad lines, they are interspersed with industrial plants from different eras, including some from the Imperial Russian era. The Germans’ position as continued through the Imperial period of Riga, visible in some of the architecture of the city. One of the representatives is the “National Opera” (National Opera), first built as the Riga German Theatre in 1863 that were renovated in the 1990s.

Old Town (Vecrīga)🍕🥞🥩🍲🥂🍻⛪🏚🏨:

You also can same as us go to the Old Town (Vecrīga) as the oldest section of Riga also is the center of the city that has highly diverse architecture, and the majority of buildings have the status of a cultural monument. Although it’s really a city, Old Town beautifully preserved medieval is a town of its own cosseted inside its town is with its narrow cobblestone streets, colorful squares and Medieval-era buildings, and around caught in the curve of the river Daugava. The old town attract us to explore once we enter, this preserved medieval town is full of charm and character, tiny picturesque town that look like they are straight out of a fairy tale dot the area. Mostly of colourful architecture and wood houses, famous for its well-preserved heritage buildings and many elaborate facades in the Jugendstil artistic style, they are linked by a maze of cobblestone streets that seem to be coming incredibly charming.

Old Town is great to explore on foot🚶‍♀️🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️. Let us relaxing walk along the quaint cobbled streets and feature an urban complex of diverse architecture. The blend of Romanticism, Gothic, Baroque, Classicism, and Modernism architecture let makes it easy to imagine those bygone days. Along with the atmospheric old stone streets and companionable little squares, you’ll find the two main clusters of historic sites lie just a few blocks from each other – which contains the striking 13th-century House of Blackheads, the Town Hall (built in 2003 as a down-to-the-last-detail copy of the 17th-century original). Besides, Riga cathedral is the largest medieval church in the Baltics and the oldest in the country that is very well preserved. It gives us that ancient look that you can only find in some cities and towns in the Old Continent. Visit the one of the many art galleries or history museums in the Old Town, with its own story to tell you. This is only a small part of this fairy-tale town but strolling its streets, you will discover many other hidden places.

In geographic area, Riga is not a small city – it’s just that everything is so close! So Old Town is a better place to savor local life and see its several attractions without lines, complex of numerous different type shop that let us have wandered it for hours browsing and will be tempted to stop at each shops. Sit in a cozy cafe and enjoy a coffee, people watch, have a pastry, listen to the great sound of seagulls and marvel at the sheer beauty of the town. Beside, party in one of the much music clubs and enjoy Riga Black Balsam, Latvia’s national drink. You’ll love it! Wander around the Skarnu Street and visit one of the arts and crafts houses or souvenir stalls, where it is also possible to learn about the city’s rich trade history. In Old Town, enjoy a meal in taverns or hidden restaurants that selling with local, authentic and international dishes, amazing food on every corner. This area around the nearby Freedom Monument, which do double duty as the setting of Riga’s foremost historic sites and the center of its burgeoning nightlife.

With this unique of architecture well preserved and cobblestone streets, that is a mash-up of Medieval and fairy tale vibe of Riga that brings us back to the Middle Ages which is perfectly accented by its amazing food and wine. Old Town is a fairy tale town that you can wander around for hours, falling more in love with it by the minute.

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