Phenomenal Trip to the Baltics and Nordic Countries
Lithuania
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Jun 27 - Jul 27, 2025
Our trip was generally flawless, and full of fun surprises and adventures. We particularly loved the accommodations (w/fantastic views and close or accessible to hiking trails). The boutique hotels all had fantastic locations, either in historic centers which made it easy to access cultural/historic sites & great restaurants, and/or with phenomenal views of our surroundings (particulary in Pyha, Levi and Kispiljarvi). Our connections vis a vis the drivers were always on time (or early!), and very friendly/warm and willing to share tips, experiences and recommendations for what to do, where to go/what to see and where to eat. We loved the kayaking and mountain biking! Our "private" guide hikes were terrific, as the guides adjusted to our quick pace, and were both fun and information..loved the forest picnics w/the guides, as well as foraging for wild berries and mushrooms.
Hotel Reviews
This hotel was possibly our biggest surprise, as we had an entire "condiminimum" size room (and the entire resort) to ourselves. The room overlooked the beautiful lake and was equipped with a full kitchen, living area and sauna. The staff were amazing (even though we were the only ones there) and could not do enough for us! The views from our bedroom/unit were spectacular, and the resort was an easy walk to some gorgeous hiking.
The newly opened resort in Kilpisjärvi was amazing. The place was spectacular, and we enjoyed our stay very much.
Home Hotel Jugend in Helsinki was our least favorite accommodation, mainly due to the small room size. However, we were pleasantly surprised by the complimentary dinner and the gym facility. The staff was lovely, which made the stay enjoyable despite the room size.
Activity Reviews
Very interesting...a once in a lifetime experience, and WONDERFUL on the skin. Etta was informative and gentle with our inexperience in Sauna's. We had a lovely time.
we had a fantastic guide who kept us on our toes with a wonderfully fast paced hike. We enjoyed a picnic aside the river, and then hiked a route on our own back to meet her at the car (alongside the river). Enjoyed seeing caves and a few small waterfalls, and despite a little light rain in the beginning of the day, the sun came out and the hikes were stunningly beautiful.
Loved the bog walk and the trip to the fishing village, but likely would have passed on some of the other stops (e.g. botanical gardens).
Best part of this hike was the berry picking and the picnic at the lake. The pace (given group dynamics) was slower and shorter than we would have preferred given the distance we traveled from Helsinki to the hike location. The guide however was FANTASTIC and did a great job despite the slowness of some of the hikers....we enjoyed her immensely, and the company of the other hikers. Just a little too short and slow for our liking.
Hi Laura and Scott
Thank you so much for the wonderful review—it really means a lot! I’m so happy to hear that everything flowed so smoothly and that you enjoyed the accommodations, activities, and those special moments with the guides.
It was a real pleasure meeting you in person—and I have to say, I admire your courage for trying the smoke sauna ritual! Not everyone is up for that!
Looking forward to staying in touch and hopefully planning another great adventure down the line.
Warm regards,
Emerson