Traveling by Car in the Baltics: Why Rent a Car and Where to Drive in Spring and Summer?
Driving a car is one of the best ways to discover the Baltic countries. Distances are small, you can go where public transport doesn't reach, and you maintain the freedom to change your route as you please.
Why choose a rental car over your own vehicle when traveling? It's a more carefree and lower-risk solution, because rental cars typically come with full insurance that covers scratches, glass damage, tires, and other unexpected issues. It's convenient to hit the road without worrying about insurance or the technical condition of the vehicle. No tire pressure checks, maintenance schedules, or mileage concerns. You simply take a rental car and go.
A major advantage is also the fact that ProRent car rental gives you the opportunity to choose a vehicle that suits your needs. For example, an SUV if your journey includes many gravel roads, or perhaps a spacious wagon that fits the whole family or friend group comfortably.
Once you have the car, where should you head?
Discover your homeland
They say it's not a proper Estonian summer unless you've visited Pärnu at least once. We know Pärnu as Estonia's summer capital, but it's worth taking a detour there by car even when the weather isn't calling you to the beach, because with its nine spas, Pärnu is also Estonia's spa capital. And if you're going on a car trip with children, then at Lotteland, located next to Pärnu and also the largest open-air theme park in the Baltics, there's enough fun and activities for the entire day.
Our major islands are also worthy of a spring-summer visit. Once you've seen Kuressaare's bishop's castle, windmills and juniper-covered beaches, and tasted Muhu bread and salt herring, then on Hiiumaa you should visit Kõrgessaar, where former cellulose and viscose industry buildings have been transformed into the Viscosa Culture Factory, a cultural, art, and experience center. The Viscosa Culture Factory is also Hiiumaa's largest and most impressive building complex.
And it's certainly wise to use the summer to discover Ida-Viru County. Ida-Viru calls itself Estonia's most adventurous region, and this is no exaggeration – Aidu quarry, Alutaguse adventure park, Kiviõli adventure center are just a few places in Estonia's northeastern corner where you're guaranteed plenty of adrenaline and self-testing. The border town of Narva also offers its Hermann Castle and museum, Kreenholm manufactory, and the impressive views from there – experiences you won't forget.
Let's go to Latvia!
Once you've visited Riga Zoo – where they have giraffes that aren't at Tallinn Zoo – then of course head to Jūrmala and its long white sandy beach, promenade, and spas. Since walks along Jūrmala's wooden-lace decorated streets quickly make you hungry, step into one of the seaside cafes or national cuisine restaurants – there are plenty here!
Next stop: Kuldīga! Kuldīga's old town, with its well-preserved 17th–19th century wooden buildings and cobblestone streets, has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2023. The southern neighbors themselves consider this charming little town Latvia's most romantic city. Kuldīga's second major attraction is Venta Rapid. This natural phenomenon spans over 240 meters in width, making it Europe's widest waterfall.
The seaside city of Liepāja is quite a different kind of town, surprising visitors with its Art Nouveau buildings and rich military heritage. So it's no wonder that one of Liepāja's more popular attractions is Karosta Prison. Another important reason to visit Liepāja is that in 2027, Liepāja will be the European Capital of Culture.
If the road leads to Lithuania…
The resort town of Palanga is to Lithuanians what Pärnu is to Estonians and Jūrmala to Latvians. In Lithuania's summer capital, you shouldn't miss the 470-meter pier that extends into the sea, from which you can enjoy coastal views unmatched. It's pleasant to relax in Palanga with children, as the beach sand is particularly soft and the sea is shallow and warm. The Palanga Amber Museum is also worth visiting, located in a manor house where you can admire more than 4,500 amber exhibits.
You might also want to include Šiauliai in your spring-summer road trip route. Here awaits a chocolate factory museum called Rūta for all ages, which introduces the history of chocolate and offers workshops and tastings. Also noteworthy in Šiauliai is the Šiauliai Avenue located in the city center, which was the first pedestrian street in all of the Soviet Union and opened in 1975. Šiauliai also has several lakes where you can swim, take walks, or enjoy the sunset.
And if you're already in Lithuania, you definitely must make a day or weekend trip to Trakai, one of the country's most visited towns. Trakai's lakes, history, castles, unique Karaim culture, and Lithuania's only historical national park certainly give you reason for a visit.
Read more about ProRent car rental on their website.
