The London Evening Standard has highlighted the eight most beautiful cycling paths in Europe – among them is the Baltic Sea Cycle Route that runs through Estonia and other countries bordering the Baltic Sea.
The newspaper said that “one of the best ways to explore Europe is by bike”. “Not only will you give your body a challenge, but you’ll also be able to see stunning parts of Europe that even trains and cars can’t reach.”
Among the eight routes featured is the Baltic Sea Cycle Route, running through Poland, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania – with a total length of 9,214 kilometres (5,725 miles).
“Not for the faint hearted, this 9,000-kilometre route will take you around the circumference of the Baltic Sea – through a total of nine countries. Best attempted in sections and during the summer months to avoid the icy northern winters, you’ll pass by stunning beaches, cliffs, woodlands, and fishing villages along with cultural hotspots like Saint Petersburg, Tallinn, and Helsinki,” the paper said. “This year, the route has ‘grown’ by 105 kilometres as Bornholm, a small Danish island, has been added to the itinerary.”
Rich natural environment
The path is part of the European cycle route network, EuroVelo. The network currently comprises of 16 long distance cycle routes connecting and uniting the whole European continent. The routes can be used by tourists as well as by local people making daily journeys.
In Estonia, the cycle way – named EuroVelo 10 – runs 981 kilometres (610 miles) along the Baltic coast.
“Completed back in 2001, this stunning route takes in the astoundingly beautiful scenery of the Lahemaa National Park, close to the Russian border and the city of Narva, where the Soviet Union has let visible traces. Then it crosses the medieval capital city Tallinn, a true fairy tale, before going to the islands of Muhu, Saaremaa, and Hiiumaa where you will come face to face with Estonia’s rich natural environment,” EuroVelo says on its website. “Before continuing to Latvia, you will still visit Pärnu, a popular summer holiday resort with many hotels, restaurants, and large beaches.”
The Evening Standard, established in 1827, is a local, free daily newspaper, published Monday to Friday in tabloid format in London. It is the dominant regional evening paper for London and the surrounding area, with coverage of national and international news and City of London finance.
Cover: Cycling along the Estonian coast. Photo by Hando Nilov.
