1 Vyborg ENGLISH
An internationally interesting and still relatively uniform example of a Northern European city – an ancient gateway between the East and the West. The historical core of the town is formed by the castle and nearby buildings. The city’s major tourist attractions are unique monuments of military architecture dating from the 13th to the 18th century, the authentic medieval spirit of the Old Town and magnificent landscape of park Mon Repos with the 19th-century estate.
2 St. Petersburg
The second largest city in Russia, founded by Peter the Great, is situated by the Neva River, at the head of the Gulf of Finland in the Baltic Sea. Due to its location, history, architecture, famous citizens and a fascinating mixture of nature and art of building the Northern Capital, the city is recognised as one of the largest economic, cultural and scientific centres of Russia, Europe and the whole world.
TOURING MAP Russia–Estonia–Latvia
3 Peterhof
One of St. Petersburg’s most famous and popular visitor attractions, the palace and park at Peterhof (also known as Petrodvorets) are often referred to as the Russian Versailles. The palace and the nearby buildings, mostly reconstructed after the Second World War, are surrounded by leafy gardens and a spectacular ensemble of gravity-fed fountains.
Vyborg
St. Petersburg Peterhof Gatchina
ESTONIA
Scenic, historical suburb is famous for its palaces, parks, gardens, fresh air and wonderful lakes. Visitors can find museums and ancient noble estates, palaces and temples as well as places associated with the life of renowned people. Sightseeing tours, exhibitions and festivals, cosy restaurants and cafés with home-cooked food will make your stay in Gatchina unforgettable.
Tartu
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Kingisepp
Toila Rakvere
Jõhvi
Narva Ivangorod
Izvara
Kobrino
RUSSIA
Põltsamaa Viljandi Elva Sangaste Valka Valga Valmiera Rauna LATVIA Cēsis Straupe Amata Riga
Pskov Izborsk
History of the route illustrates the history of the Baltic Sea region, being simultaneously a trade route, a postal route, an area of cultural exchange between European nations, and finally a route of invasions and military clashes between German and Russian armies. There is a mixture of a number of cultures, offering unforgettable encounters with different people and cultural heritage on a single trip – several religions, variety of churches, changing architecture and history of manors, castles and fortresses. Nature in Via Hanseatica can be described as “wild beauty”. Many nature reserves
Take the Via Hanseatica on E77 on the route of Lübeck–Gdansk–Kaliningrad– Šiauliai–Jelgava–Riga and on E264 on the route of Riga–Valka/Valga–Tartu–Narva–St. Petersburg. Do not be afraid to turn off the main route and discover all the plus regions: Pskov and Vyborg in Russia and Rakvere and Viljandi in Estonia. Points of interest in Latvia, Estonia and Russia are extensively marked with roadside signs.
www.viahanseatica.info
@viahanseatica
Estonia-Russia Cross Border Cooperation Programme 2014-2020 aims to foster crossborder cooperation across the borders between the Republic of Estonia and the Russian Federation to promote socio-economic development in the regions on both sides of the common borders. The Programme web-site is www.estoniarussia.eu.
This publication has been produced with the financial assistance of the Estonia–Russia Cross Border Cooperation Programme 2014-2020. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of Tartu County Tourism Foundation and Ida-Viru Enterprise Center and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the Programme, Programme participating countries alongside with the European Union. Photos: M. Meilbaum, R. Laanes, T. Arbeiter, A. Dublans, U. Brālēns, M. Lätt, A. Ansu, K. Laurson, J. Nilson; Photostock of Enterprise Estonia: A. Urb; photostocks of the project partners. Map: OÜ Regio ©Regio 2019, KL-19-067, www.regio.ee 2020
Legendary Izborsk is the place where the Russian land began and is the birthplace of Russian statehood. For several centuries, Izborsk, the foremost fortress in the Pskov “stone shield” of defense, protected the northwestern borders of Russia, playing an important role in preserving the Orthodox faith and the independence of the Russian state.
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The largest transboundary lake in Europe lies on the border between Estonia and Russia. On the Russian side, there are numerous place names that are of Finno-Ugric origin, while on the Estonian side, there are areas populated by the Russian Old Believers, mostly in the well-known Onion Route area. The most popular beach by Lake Peipus on Estonian side is Kauksi and on Russian side Chudskoye Podvor’ye.
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12 Põltsamaa
Põltsamaa, once the capital of Livonia, is today best known for the beautiful roses, bridges, splendid wines and a wine cellar in the stone fort, established in 1272. Põltsamaa Rose Garden, exhibiting 5000 rose plants and almost 1000 different rose varieties, belongs to one of the TOP 10 rosariums in Europe. There are as many as 18 bridges across the Põltsamaa River, which runs through the town, and you can walk over all of them.
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13 Tartu
The oldest city in the Baltic States and one of the most important centres in the former Hanseatic League due to its connection to Russia is also known as the birthplace of the Estonian culture. The students, intellectuals, creative people, numerous museums and events keep Tartu young and genuine. Rich history, extraordinary architecture and pure Estonian food make the visit even more exciting.
The small village in Valgamaa is renowned for its magnificent castle as well as for the type of rye cultivated in the area. Exhibitions about the 19th-century science and the famous last lord von Berg are open at circular stable that was once part of the manor complex. Sangaste Rukki Maja and the castle restaurant offer all sorts of food and beverages made from the famous local rye.
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20 Valga/Valka
Kobrino village is one of the most beautiful destinations in the Leningrad Region. The territory treasures many historical places that are associated with the name of the great Russian poet Alexander Pushkin as well as with the lives of his ancestors. The main attraction of the village, which only has one street, is the House Museum of Alexander Pushkin’s Nanny.
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A rural settlement space in Volosovskу areа in Leningrad region is famous for being the home of the well-known Russian painter, writer, archaeologist, theosophist and public figure Nicolas Roerich. A major attraction related to the author is the N. Roerich Museum-Estate. Tourists are also charmed by the stunning natural beauty of the area.
and parks offer breathtaking views as well as numerous activities. But even outside nature reserves and parks, you can feel being surrounded by nature and history. Many of these beautiful places have become well-known and immortal thanks to artworks by inspired poets, writers and painters.
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11 Shores of Lake Peipus
A small resort town charms its visitors with a number of lakes, the warmest of them being Lake Verevi, pine forests and hiking trails with diverse terrain. The healing environment of the garden town offers possibilities for an active holiday, but Elva also offers good flavours, concerts, sports competitions as well as numerous historic and modern places to visit.
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This small town attracts tourists with its rich history, revealing the ruins of an ancient fortress, cosy streets with old-time buildings and regular town planning. From the steep bank of the Luga River, one can see the masonry fragments of once powerful Russian Yam fortress as well as the earthworks and bastions all around the Yamgorod settlement.
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8 Ivangorod/Narva
A place where two cultures meet. The fortresses of Narva and Ivangorod form an exceptional architectural ensemble on the opposite river banks and are developed as attractive museums full of events and activities. The permanent exhibition in Narva Castle is recently renewed and also the east wing of castle, which was previously closed, is now open to visitors. Walk along the river promenade, discover different monuments and hidden gems in the Parusinka/ Kreenholm district or enjoy local food at cafés and restaurants.
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In the border area of Estonia and Russia, Setos have preserved a unique kingdom that accentuates their culture, language, food, folk costumes and the traditions connected to the Orthodox Church. Visit the Eukteria, listen to leelo folk songs and try the local food. The Seto Kingdom Day, Seto Leelo Day, village feast kirmas and Seto St. John’s bonfire are the most well-known events.
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In the valley of the River Pühajõgi, there once was a grand palace that was built by a wealthy Russian merchant Jelissejev. Today, you can walk in the well-marked and well-maintained park, explore Hõbeallika (Silver Spring) Cave, take part in events as well as enjoy the sunset and beautiful views to the park and the sea. Nearby Toila Spa, situated in a pine forest, offers various water activities, saunas and procedures.
Valga, which was a single settlement during the Livonian period, received its city rights in 1584 and developed into an important railway town by the beginning of the 20th century. When Estonia and Latvia gained their independence, Valga was divided between the two countries. When the borders were still closed, a lot of students needed to get through the passport control to get to school. However, today, the borders are open and you might not even realise which town you are in at the moment.
21 Valmiera
One of the biggest and most creative cities in Latvia. It is the veritable regional centre for culture, education, industry and sport. The commercial heyday was obvious in Valmiera already in the 14th and 15th century when the city became a member of the Hanseatic League. One of the landmarks of Valmiera is the St. Simon’s Church, built in 1283. Valmiera is the only city in Vidzeme region with a professional theatre, open since 1923.
22 Rauna
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Rauna, one of the most beautiful residential areas in Latvia’s Vidzeme region, is a diverse and unique place with rare natural objects, architectural monuments, historic sites and modern entrepreneurs in the area of gastronomy. Enjoy the delights and rural peace Rauna has to offer!
23 Straupe
The smallest Hansa town in the world. Thanks to its location at the crossroads of trading routes, Straupe grew fast and was an important Hanseatic League city until the middle of the 17th century. Today, Straupe is the biggest village in the municipality of Pārgauja. In 2008, the Straupe Farmers’ Market was opened, offering local slow food products. It is open on the first and third Sunday of the month all year round.
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Not far from the Via Hanseatica route, there is a lovely small town that is known for its beautiful castle, where you can find yourself travelling to the Middle Ages, and for the modern Aqva spa that brings you back into the 21st century. Rakvere Theater and the traditional night runs are prominent parts of the cultural calendar.
6 Izvara
What is Via Hanseatica? Via Hanseatica is an international tourism route connecting Estonia, Latvia and Russia, highlighting the unique sights, history, culture, events and flavours of each country. The route is based on the historic Hansa trade corridor and includes the part from St. Petersburg to Riga through Tartu and it has been extended towards Rakvere and Viljandi in Estonia and towards Vyborg and Pskov in Russia as Plus regions.
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17 Pskov
Pskov is a city of ancient culture, a spiritual centre of Russia. The city owes its distinctive image and rare charm to the architectural ensemble of the Kremlin, the defensive walls, the white stone chambers and the ancient churches, some of which are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The modern infrastructure of Pskov offers accommodation and catering of high quality, as well as entertainment centres.
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14 Viljandi
A small town in the Plus region boasts ruins of the former magnificent Viljandi Order Castle that is surrounded by the beautiful views of Lake Viljandi. Cosy cafés, hiking trail by the lake, tennis courts, boat rent and beach delight the visitors. The cultural calendar includes the annual folk festival which is the biggest in Estonia, Ugala Theatre shows as well as numerous smaller events.
Founded in 1206, Cēsis is the third oldest city in Latvia. It became a member of the Hanseatic League in the 14th century. Today, Cēsis is one of the most important Latvian centres for art and culture. The most interesting sights include the medieval castle, the Old Town with its completely preserved street network, the oldest brewery in Northern Europe and the wooden villas built on the banks of the River Gauja.
25 Amata
The nature trails in Amata, leading to the scenic cliffs and extraordinary rocks, and along the curvy banks of rivers Gauja and Amata, are the treasures of the area. Tours and excursions provided by the Araisi Archaeological Park offer a look into the everyday life and celebrations of people of different centuries. During winter, you can go skiing and snowboarding in the nearby active sports centres. In summer, you can discover the area during canoe trips.