Baltic Sea: summer or winter, which season to choose?

Travelling the Baltic region through the seasons

Do you like holidays that combine culture and nature? Bordered by picturesque towns and vast forests, the Baltic Sea is the ideal destination! Summer or winter, here are a few tips to help you choose the right season for your Baltic Sea trip. 

The Baltic in summer: celebrating the long-awaited sun

Summer in the Baltic Sea begins with the famous “white nights”: around the summer solstice, from mid-June to mid-July, daylight lasts almost twenty hours. In Sweden, Finland and the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania), you’ll enjoy the midnight sun and milder temperatures, with plenty of street entertainment. 

The highlight of the early summer is St John’s Day, which is celebrated around 21 June. Floral crowns for the hair and plates of pickled herring in Sweden, huge bonfires in Finland and Estonia, and tastings of craft beer and strawberries: you can join in the celebrations welcoming back the sun! In August, air temperatures reach their peak at around 15-20°C. This is the best time of year for swimming in the Baltic Sea. If you’re into sailing, windsurfing or kitesurfing, the long, sunny, windy beaches of the Baltic are the place for you. Another popular pastime is canoeing on the calm waters of the Stockholm Archipelago or on the many lakes that dot the countryside. 

Late summer is the ideal time to go foraging for wild berries and mushrooms in the woods. A real passion for those who live on the Baltic coast! You too can come and forage for blueberries, blackberries, ceps and chanterelles, and enjoy a Swedish “Kantarelltoast” – a slice of toasted bread rubbed with garlic and topped with a tasty garnish of sautéed chanterelles in a cream sauce. 

The Baltic in winter: a snowy wonderland

The Baltic Sea looks completely different in winter. Temperatures can drop to -20°C, the sea is partially frozen and a thick blanket of snow covers the boreal forest. You can wrap up and embrace the cold with some outdoor activities! With family or friends, there are several options open to you: walk on the ice to the islands near Stockholm or Helsinki, cross-country ski between the fir trees, or skate on the frozen lakes. For a truly immersive experience, head to Finnish Lapland, on the shores of the Gulf of Bothnia. Enjoy a reindeer-drawn sleigh ride, a stopover in a traditional forest hut and, if you’re lucky, the magnificent spectacle of the Northern Lights beyond the Arctic Circle: unforgettable! 

Did you know that the tradition of the decorated Christmas tree was invented in Latvia in the 16th century, before spreading throughout Europe? In the December polar night in Tallinn, Riga, Copenhagen or Stockholm, the old houses nestled beneath the snow and the streets aglow with hundreds of twinkling lanterns create an irresistible fairytale magic. A must for the winter festivities around the Baltic Sea, the Christmas markets exude a warm atmosphere that contrasts with the low temperatures. Enjoy a glass of mulled wine with cinnamon doughnuts! 

When is the best time to sail on the Baltic Sea?

Where Nordic and Slavic influences meet, the countries bordering the Baltic Sea offer a wide range of activities and traditions to suit every taste, summer and winter alike. When it comes to culture, many towns are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Whatever the season, the charm is undeniable as you stroll through the cobbled streets and past the Baroque churches of Vilnius, admire the Art Nouveau architecture of Riga, or soak up the medieval atmosphere of Tallinn, where you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. 

All summer long, there’s one festival after another. In late July, Tallinn Maritime Days celebrates maritime culture, with ship visits, regattas, concerts and all kinds of activities on the quays of the Estonian capital. In early August, Gotland Medieval Week takes place on the Swedish island of the same name. In the medieval setting of Visby’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, historical re-enactments, knights’ tournaments, concerts and shows take place, to the delight of young and old alike.  

1. For the St John’s festival bonfires during the famous “white nights” celebrations 
2. For the invigorating charm of seaside resorts nestled in the heart of the dunes 
3. For a festival in the medieval streets of Tallinn or Visby 

To help people withstand the long, harsh winters, music plays an important cultural and social role. Major classical concerts are held in iconic venues such as the Konserthuset in Stockholm. The tradition of Advent concerts is also deeply rooted in the historic churches around the Baltic. 

When it comes to sports and outdoor pursuits, the area lends itself well to cycle touring in summer, with rides in the forest or along the shimmering lakes, and in winter to cross-country skiing and snowshoe trekking. 

The sauna is the latest must-have in Nordic culture. It can be enjoyed in summer or winter, with family, friends or even colleagues! 

1. For a sleigh ride through the snow-covered boreal forest 
2. For a magical classical Advent concert 
3. For the enchanting Christmas markets, some of the finest in Europe

Explore the Baltic Sea and Northern Europe on a cruise through the seasons

At the crossroads of trade between Russia, Prussia, Poland and England since the Middle Ages, the Baltic Sea offers visitors the splendid heritage of the Hanseatic League. A sea cruise is an unforgettable way to discover these fortified cities, topped by majestic castles and Baroque bell towers. 

The many museums, the perfectly preserved monuments, the warm and welcoming atmosphere: everything comes together to ensure your comfort at every port of call on a cruise to the Scandinavian and Baltic countries! This peace of mind is enhanced by the premium services offered on board and the activities included. 

Contemplating the long sand dunes where the grey-green waves break, breathing in the invigorating air of the fir trees as far as the eye can see, admiring the amber-coloured light: whatever the season, come and recharge your batteries by the Baltic Sea! 

Photo credits: ©PONANT/J. Fabro /V. VAUCHELLE; ©StudioPONANT/A. Etchoimborde; ©AdobeStock

Explore the shores of Northern Europe in all seasons