Basketball, the king of sports
Basketball is a very popular sport throughout the Baltic States. But Lithuanians are undoubtedly one of Europe's most passionate fans. From Klaipėda to Vilnius, from Tauragė to Utena, via Kaunas and Šiauliai, there's not a town without a basketball hoop, a driving range on the side of the road or at the back of a courtyard. The standard-bearer of Lithuanian sport, the national team has won the bronze medal three times at the Olympic Games: in Barcelona in 1992, Atlanta in 1996 and Sydney in 2000. It also came third at the World Championships in 2010, and was European champion in 1937, 1939 and 2003, and European runner-up in 1995, 2013 and 2015.
Very popular winter disciplines
Ice hockey. The most popular sport among Latvians until very recently. On match nights, bars and pubs are packed and crowds flock to the screens in Rīga's old town. Latvians are regularly in the world's top 10.
Skiing. Thanks to their geographical position and climatic conditions, the Baltic States are ideal for winter sports. In Estonia, skiing is a national discipline. Estonian skiers have won numerous medals in major international competitions.
The brave who fly to the Baltic States in the middle of winter won't want to miss the few downhill ski slopes in Vilnius or on the dunes of Nida. Cross-country skiing and ice-skating aficionados will also be delighted, especially in the national parks, where the walks are exceptional and the scenery magical. These include the Gauja National Park in Ignalina, Latvia, and Otepää in Estonia, which is transformed into a cross-country skiing capital every year during a World Cup stage.
In many places, those who don't like to slide can take to the slopes on snowshoes to enjoy the dreamy scenery. Finally, bobsleigh (in which Latvians excel) is a very popular sport in the region.
Let's take on nature!
The nature parks of the Baltic States are a constant source of wonder, offering visitors a wide range of activities, starting of course with hiking and wildlife observation. The possibilities are endless: Lithuania has five national parks and thirty regional parks, Estonia six national parks and Latvia four national parks and countless nature reserves. All you have to do is hit the trails and try to catch a glimpse of the mythical brown bear! Horse-riding enthusiasts will also find some superb rides. Finally, in May, after the snow has melted and the waters are swifter, there are plenty of opportunities to take to the rivers in a canoe.
A fishing paradise
Speaking of rivers... the Baltic States are a fisherman's paradise! The three countries are building up a reputation similar to that of Scotland or Ireland.
In spring, river levels are at their highest and it's the ideal time to come and tease salmon, trout, vimbe, chub, dace, roach and other whitefish.
In summer, river levels are at their lowest and fish take refuge in lakes or the sea. Carp anglers and pike lovers will be delighted by the lakes. It's worth noting that it's often possible to hire a boat to test out inaccessible shoreline locations. Fishing is also good at sea, not far from the river mouths. Small boats are used to titillate nice-sized perch that have come to cool off on the shore. Although the rivers are at their lowest, wild trout continue to give themselves away to fly-fishing enthusiasts accustomed to steep courses.
In September, the first rains raise river levels, allowing the same fishing as in spring, even if the fish are less hungry than at the end of winter.
Winter here is not an off-season for fishermen, but the ice-fishing season. Ice fishing is done through a hole in the ice, as the Inuit do. February and March, the months of extreme cold, are the most propitious. A great classic!
In good weather, cycling on the roads
Like any self-respecting flat country, the Baltic region is the ideal place for cycling enthusiasts. Since independence, many sporty travellers have been visiting the region by bike. An excellent idea! It is of course possible to rent bicycles here.
Downwind of the Baltic Sea
The often windy Baltic Sea coastline offers good sailing conditions. The conditions are quite pleasant, as it does not rain much, the distances are not too long and there are good anchorages to be found. The islands of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa are also good spots for windsurfing.
A hot spot of thermalism
The Baltic region was once highly prized by the Russian imperial aristocracy and, later, by the Soviet nomenklatura, and not just for its beaches. Long before sea bathing became fashionable, the region's waters and mud were renowned for their curative properties for skin, liver and nerve disorders. Having been abandoned in the wake of Soviet mass tourism, these centers are now being revived and modernized.
The site of Druskininkai in Lithuania deserves special mention, as the town is rich in cultural interest and natural attractions, and boasts friendly, inexpensive restaurants and hotels. Like its neighbors, Latvia has also seen a boom in spa facilities. You can stay in Jūrmala: this seaside resort offers a fine sandy beach stretching for several kilometers. Beach in the morning and treatments in the afternoon... or treatments in the morning and discovering Rīga, which is only twenty kilometers away, in the afternoon. The Ķemeri National Park is also a well-known spa thanks to the hydrogen sulfide it contains. Gradually abandoned in the early 20th century, Ķemeri has seen its sanatorium and treatment rooms rehabilitated by foreign investors. Finally, in Estonia, we can mention Pärnu, Haapsalu and Kuressaare.