The northern Baltic countries of Latvia and Estonia may share a border and many geographical features, but culturally they are very different. Despite their proximity to Russia, both countries have a strong national pride in their traditions that is entrenched in their folklore, with some farmers still using a horse and carriage to ply their trade, and are fiercely protective of their respective national languages that are more similar to Finnish than the tongue of their former Russian landlords. Cycling through the constantly changing, mainly flat countryside of these proud nations will offer an authentic experience unlike anywhere else in Europe.
Starting in the Latvian capital of Riga, set out along the Baltic coast through fishing villages and by ferry to explore the wild natural beauty of Saaremaa Island before reaching Kuressaare in Estonia, famous for its Bishop's Castle. Back on the mainland, your route will take in the capital, Tallinn, before continuing to one of the last unspoiled regions of the Baltic coast at Lahemaa National Park, Peipsi Lake on the Estonian/Russian border, as well as the 'Estonian Switzerland' at Otepää Lakeland, where there are some steep climbs. Crossing back into Latvia, cycle through the ancient valley of the Gauja River, stop to learn the legends of Gutmana Cave and explore the medieval Turaida Castle before returning to the former Hanseatic port of Riga.