Tag: Baltic

La Vie en Rose: How Vilnius Celebrates Soup with Exuberance

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There is Mother’s Day and there is Father’s Day. There is Independence Day and there is Groundhog Day. Every day of the year, something or someone is being celebrated.
And then there is soup.
Not as a snack enjoyed during those celebrations.
No, soup is actually the main character of a debauchery that the city of Vilnius celebrates as a kickstart into summer.
Not just any soup, obviously. It’s Šaltibarščiai, the traditional pink soup that gets its color from its two main ingredients, kefir and red beet. For Lithuanians, it’s not just a refreshing dish, it’s a vibrant symbol of the country’s rich heritage, pride, and most importantly, pink joy in every bowl.
La Vie en Rose!

Girl playing the piano in Vilnius.
Pink Soup Fest transforms the city of Vilnius into a pink wonderland.
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Best And Most Beautiful Coffee Houses in Vilnius

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While I love city breaks, I’m always completely exhausted afterwards. I have a severe case of FOMO, which is constantly triggered by the big city lights, its seductive museums, its tempting architectural gems, and other tantalizations.
Food? I can eat later; after all, I had breakfast just a couple of hours ago.
Drink? Fine, but only a sip on the go so I don’t become completely dehydrated.
Plus, this ascetic way of visiting saves me from time-consuming trips to the bathroom.
Two birds with one stone.
Fortunately, there are also cities like Vilnius where leisure’n’pleasure are an important part of the culture, allowing me to both fulfill my mission as a self-proclaimed city scout and at the same time pamper myself and relax. This brings me to Vilnius’ rich coffee house culture. It needed to be explored. Someone had to do the job, so I sacrificed myself and can introduce you now to the best and most beautiful coffee houses in all of Vilnius.

Poniu Laime, one of the best Cafés in Vilnius.
Poniu Laime is probably the only Café that’s at least as popular for its decoration as for its treats.
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Best Street Art in VILNIUS

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Vilnius, the vibrant capital of Lithuania, is rapidly becoming a dynamic center of street art, delighting locals and visitors. From striking larger-than-life murals to subtle stencil drawings in hidden alleys, the city’s urban art scene reflects a diverse mix of civic engagement and creative freedom. Mind you, these values ​​hold particular significance in a country, finally independent after centuries of foreign hegemony and cultural oppression.

Mural by Os Gemeos, one of the best pieces of Street Art in Vilnius.
Brazilian twins Os Gemeos came back to Lithuania with a very personal mission: to pay homage to their grandfather, who is of Lithuanian descent.

In this post, I’ll take you to remarkable places where the best street art in Vilnius thrives. I’ll explore the stories behind some of the city’s most outstanding works and show you how urban art shapes Vilnius’ identity as a center of creativity and innovation.

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Vilnius Baroque: The City’s Twelve Most Magnificent Churches

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The architectural style known as Vilnius Baroque is a regional variant of the Late Baroque in this specific part of Lithuania. Since this style is so unique, I’m dedicating this entire post to the amazing churches in the city of Vilnius.

Church of St. Casimir in Vilnius
Church of Saint Casimir, one of the most iconic structures built in the Vilnius Baroque style.
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What to See on an Unforgettable Weekend in VILNIUS

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Lithuania might be small, but it’s steeped in history, innovation, and full of natural wonders, and its capital, Vilnius, effortlessly blends its rich traditions with modernity. But that’s by far not the only reason that makes the city an exceptionally exciting travel destination. Therefore, after having already featured the best places in the other Baltic Republics, it was finally time to see on a long weekend what Vilnius has in store.
And let me assure you: the so-called Baroque Pearl of the Baltic is an incredibly lustrous gem!

Renata Green in Vilnius on the roof top terrace of the Radisson Collection Astorija Hotel across from the iconic Church of St. Casimir.
Sundowner with a view: After a long day of sightseeing, a glass of wine on the amazing rooftop terrace of the Radisson Collection Astorija Hotel**, right across from the iconic Church of St. Casimir, is exactly what the ambitious traveller needs!
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A VAN-TASTIC TRIP to the ISLAND of FEHMARN

Posted onAuthorRenata36 Comments

Spending a weekend trip or a vacation on the island of Fehmarn in a camper van gives you a totally different perspective of the island’s cool activities and beautiful sceneries.

Surfer in front of the Fehmarnsoundbridge off the Island of Fehmarn
While the strong wind is the cyclist’s enemy, it’s definitely the surfer’s and kiter’s best friend. One of the hotspots is at Fehmarn’s southern strait next to the legendary Fehmarnsundbrücke, the Fehmarnsoundbridge

After I had spent a weekend on this Baltic island in Spring – when it still was a bit nippy – I thought, in Summer, this place must be paradise.

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Guide to the Island of FEHMARN – Where Plan B is the Best Plan

Posted onAuthorRenata Green39 Comments

Beaches, Breezes, Birds, and endless fields of Brassica Napus – I don’t really have to explain why on the Baltic island of Fehmarn Plan B is the Best Plan, do I?

Renata Green riding a bike on the island of Fehmarn
Cycling along rapeseed fields – the basic activity of our stay on Fehmarn. (Photo: Mimi Green)

Therefore, I’ve had a soft spot for the Northgerman Island of Fehmarn for the longest time.

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Best Things to Do on a Long Weekend in COPENHAGEN

Posted onAuthorRenata Green64 Comments

Copenhagen has many sides that can be explored even in a short city break. There are romantic castles and quirky neighborhoods, the world’s oldest amusement park, and exciting contemporary art. In this post, I’m showing you how to experience some truly unique things on a long weekend in Copenhagen. The city is known for its cool Scandinavian design and the hottest trends in the gastro scene – including a couple of Michelin star-decorated restaurants. In contrast, there are original vintage shops and fun communal eateries where you can rub shoulders with locals without breaking the bank.

Nyhavn in Copenhagen
Nyhavn is Copenhagen’s most picturesque but also its most touristy part. In this post, I’ll also take you to some more hidden and serene quarters.
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ISLAND HOPPING in GERMANY

Posted onAuthorRenata Green63 Comments

While international tourism to Germany is increasing, visitors rather stick to the clichés like beer and Lederhosen at Munich and a cruise on the river Mosel; or they hang out at the hip capital Berlin – instead of enjoying Island Hopping in Germany.

I guess that’s the reason why many people think Germany is landlocked. They don’t think about long coasts, two seas, and about 80 islands.

Hooded wicker chairs on the beach of Borkum West of East Frisia
The Strandkorb’s hood can be left in the upright position or reclined so that the sunbathers lay in the sun. The footrest can also be used as a storage space and to the sides are small wooden fold-out tables large enough for your drink and a book or magazine. It definitely is the perfect beach furniture.

However, that’s exactly what Germany’s north has to offer – and many fascinating phenomenons like the tideland that comes with it. As a matter of fact, Germany’s shoreline is longer than the Portuguese one.

So what are you waiting for? Join me on my island hopping…in Germany!

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TALLINN – between the poles of history and creativity

Posted onAuthorRenata Green54 Comments

Tallinn, Estonia’s capital between the poles of history and creativity, cannot be described with a handful of corny attributes and some stock catchphrases.

St Michael's Church in Tallinn
Besides many lovely and alluring things, there is also a bit of creepy to see in Tallinn – which makes the city even more intriguing.

Overall, by the standard categories, this city is far too diverse, its past too changeful, its faith too inconsistent, its present too dynamic, and its future definitely too promising. In conclusion, a hub between the poles of history and creativity.

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