[Hi, in early January we will be on a roadtrip and will be spending a day or two in each of the Baltics. I’m hoping that it’s okay to ask for some advice on what is unmissable in winter?](https://imgur.com/gallery/mVnUxiX)
Last winter we drove a similar route but we were pressed for time so only really visited the old town and Maarjamäe memorial in Tallinn, all the standard touristy sights in Riga & Kaunas and then Grūto Parkas.
We will be in an EV but I can see that it shouldn’t really be an issue for all but the most remote destinations. We’re also big fans of brutalist architecture and old Soviet stuff like mosaics etc but understand that it is a very touchy subject considering the horrors of the occupation however any of that stuff would be appreciated too. Also, are there any foods & drinks we must try?
by DyingInYourArms
6 comments
1. You can visit Jūrmala, lots of beautiful architecture to see and the frozen sea (not unique to Jurmala though). Its a resort city with a tidy sand beach excellent for walking. From personal experience recommend a bakery there called Raušu Fabrika
2. Rundāles pils, self explanatory, there is also a good restaurant nearby called ‘Rezidence’. Jelgava palace is also impressive, but its quite the detour and there isnt much else to the city in winter. Jelgava has a very good restaurant/breakfast place Brokastnīca
From perspective of Latvia – Try Jelgava (historic places and soviet stuff) in Riga – North mole. There you eill find wwi and pre that era bunkers and carpark is located in old soviet GBAD base.
On the way there you can make a quick detour to the medieval Bauska castle.
Or if you find yourself with a bit more time Rundale palace.
For food you can make a quick detour to this lovely place https://maps.app.goo.gl/U6BihYKK2EyJ6Upy9?g_st=ic
And this place in Bauska https://maps.app.goo.gl/WS96keRFzHtw4RP26?g_st=ic
These are the places that I can name off the top of my head.
Probably a non-issue for you, but make sure that you have good winter tires. It is a legal and practical requirement.
If you are interested in Soviet leftover buildings and urban exploration, maybe [this](https://www.grauzti.lv/map) could come in handy for you. Its a community made map of abandoned buildings, many of which are leftovers of USSR era. You can check pictures of these objects.
Another thing is to maybe try [Geocaching.](https://www.geocaching.com/play) If you don’t know what it is, its basically an activity where you have been given coordinates, and sometimes need to solve riddles to find a cache in a certain place. Usually this is like a combo with a lot of exploration involved, where to find the cache, you usually get to explore an interesting place which you would not normally think of exploring.
Anyways, especially given that its winter now, just be cautious. Especially if you are exploring multiple story abandoned buildings or climbing towers. Also, a tip, is to watch out for old grandmas, they always have a problem when they notice somebody wandering an abandoned building. 😀
Brutalism, Soviet Mosaics eh? I thought Bald prefers trains.
* Although renovated, Sigulda bobsleigh track looks rather soviet, offer rides and has nice view [https://maps.app.goo.gl/sQmaA26TVbCnYQnV9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/sQmaA26TVbCnYQnV9)
* There’s also a well preserved soviet government bunker in nearby village [https://www.bunkurs.lv/en/](https://www.bunkurs.lv/en/)
* If you’re lucky Pļaviņu HydroPowerPlant might be dumping excess water from melting snow [https://maps.app.goo.gl/5J7Aj4GJcsocgFrA8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/5J7Aj4GJcsocgFrA8) or book a tour around Ķegums HPP [https://latvenergo.lv/en/piesakies-ekskursijai](https://latvenergo.lv/en/piesakies-ekskursijai) located more closer to Riga
* There’s also the largest radio telescope in north europe used to spy on satellite coms during soviet times [https://maps.app.goo.gl/Eqdp3vybT2a5qZHo9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Eqdp3vybT2a5qZHo9) but quite far from your route.
Not exactly must see locations, but something less touristy to check out.