The one-stop guide of to-do activities in the Baltics during autumn

Autumn is one of the best seasons to visit the Baltics region. The sprawling natural majesty painted with orange and brown is a sight to behold. While it can be chilly at times, the Baltics are the most endearing during autumn.

Activities from exploring the natural tourist spots to urban nightlife are available during the season. See the following recommended things to do in the Baltics during the lovely autumn.

Festivals in Pakruojis Manor

Lithuania's Pakruojis Manor is famous for being the host of many world-class cultural festivals. Constructed in the 19th century, the manor now takes the role of a tourist attraction. 

Other than festivals, visitors can enjoy the manor's cultural authenticity. If you have a fixation on horse riding and dressing in 19th-century fashion, there is no better place to do it other than in Pakruojis Manor.

St Martin's Day Fair

People always wait for the arrival of St Martin's Day. In Tallinn, Estonia, the St Martin's Day Fair has become a cultural staple in the city. During the festival, craft artisans sell their finest handicrafts to visitors.

Visitors can immerse in the festival by participating in workshops by these artisans. Other than handicrafts, visitors can enjoy traditional Estonian food in a rustic setting. The festival is perfect for tourists who want to see the old-school vibe of the Baltics.

Afternoon walk in Riga’s Bastejkalns Park

Taking a stroll in Riga’s Bastejkalns Park is something you wouldn’t want to miss. The park is capacious and located on the eastern side of Riga's Old Town. Originally, it was a part of the remnants of Riga Fortress.

In total, there are over 100 flora species in the park, including the Canadian poplar and Tatar maple. 

Mushroom harvesting in the autumn

Mushroom foraging has always been a popular pastime in the Baltics. Despite the significant urbanization of the Baltics, nature remains unspoiled. Exploring the forests to find mushrooms is still a common practice.

Many traditional recipes from the Baltics use mushrooms. If foreign tourists want to try mushroom foraging, it is better to ask for help from locals. With the locals' help, tourists can understand why mushroom foraging is a time-defying tradition.

Fine dining experience in the Baltics

High-class cuisine has become one of the reasons why people travel to the Baltics. Estonia, for example, was the first Baltic state to get the coveted Michelin star. Restaurants in Estonia and other Baltic States strive to become better at serving their customers.

Matthias Diether's 180° is Estonia's first and only restaurant with two Michelin stars. Other restaurants like NOA Chef’s Hall and Fotografiska Restaurant are also worth a visit. They have proven how the Baltics has become a European epicenter of fine dining.

The Baltics’ gambling scene

The development of gambling culture in the Baltics has been significant. Today, there are many prestigious casinos tourists can visit from Estonia to Lithuania. Casino enthusiasts from everywhere always visit these places, regardless of the season.

The Baltics' casino strongholds include many well-known brands where visitors can play poker, blackjack, American roulette, and casino reels of over 90 types.

Autumn nightlife in Kaunas

If you want a more festive autumn experience, Kaunas holds some of the best night parties in the Baltics with its events. The festivity only increases thanks to the Midus, Lithuania's homegrown honey beer.

Places like DejaVu PartyBar and Mojo Lounge are long-time recommendations for tourists. However, bear in mind that there are certain dress codes you need to adhere to, including club and smart casual styles.

Rustic and hearty Baltic autumn dishes

Baltic cuisine offers many varieties of mouth-watering traditional foods that can keep you full.

The famous dishes are cepelinai (potato dumplings), sauerkraut with barley and pork, Latvian meatballs, and pelmeni (Latvian dumplings). The Baltics have so many traditional meals that trying all of them in a single trip will not be enough.

Kalnciema Quarter's Saturday market

The Baltic States' capital cities are renowned for the perfect urban sophistication and traditional rusticity. One such example is Kalnciema Quarter's Saturday market in Latvia's Riga. On this particular occasion, country farmers from all over sell their autumn produce here.

The market sells everything from autumn vegetables to other autumn delicacies like jam and bread. Because of how homely the market can be, the quarter has no urban feel to itself. Tourists can feel like they are visiting the rural villages instead of the bustling Riga urbanites.

The ancient Lithuanian capital city of Trakai

Before Vilnius, the ancient capital city of Lithuania was Trakai. The town was the capital city of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania from 1321 to 1323 before the capital changed to Vilnius. Today, the city is famous as a sleepy lake resort.

Surrounded by lakes, Trakai's trademark icon is the Trakai Island Castle. Due to the abundance of water bodies in Trakai, activities like swimming and kayaking are popular from spring to autumn. Trakai is also reachable from Vilnius, which makes the city a must-visit.

Autumn film festival

The cultural richness of the Baltics becomes evident thanks to the availability of film festivals. One example is the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, or PÖFF (Pimedate Ööde Filmifestival). The festival holds an accreditation from the International Federation of Film Producers Association (FIAPF). This accreditation makes PÖFF one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world.

This year, PÖFF will take place from November 3 to 19 in Tallinn, Estonia. Cinephiles are highly suggested to visit the festival to see how PÖFF has become one of the most prestigious film festivals in Europe.

Kadriorg Park’s Wandering Lights

To make a lasting impression on your Baltic travels with your significant other, Wandering Lights in Kadriorg Park is your go-to choice. As one of the trademark events in Tallinn, the event is a haven of illuminated attractions.

Candles, concerts, fireworks, torches, and musical shows adorn the festival with euphoria. The festival usually takes place in September, and it can be your choice to conclude your trip to the Baltics during autumn.