From Vilnius to Tallinn along the historical Baltic Way route, following the main roads used in 1989 by the human chain.
Overview
Countries: Lithuania
Latvia
Estonia
Total distance: approx 1,000 km
Riding days: 5
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 – Vilnius → Kaunas → Panevėžys
Approx. distance: ~220 km
Country: Lithuania
Main roads: A1, A8 (E85 / Via Baltica corridor)
We start in Vilnius, the southern anchor of the original Baltic Way. After a short briefing and city departure, the route heads west towards Kaunas on the main A1 road.
Kaunas is Lithuania’s second city and sits on the Neman river. It’s a natural stop for coffee or lunch, and a reminder that the Baltic Way was not only about capitals but also about the towns in between.
From Kaunas we turn north towards Panevėžys, using the A8 and then the main corridor that connects central Lithuania with the Latvian border. Panevėžys is our overnight stop and a practical base before riding towards Latvia on the next day.
Baltic Way note: this day follows the Lithuanian segment of the historical route, from Vilnius towards Kaunas and then north along the Via Baltica axis.
Day 2 – Panevėžys → Pasvalys → Bauska → Riga
Approx. distance: ~220 km
Countries: Lithuania, Latvia
Main roads: A10 / E67, A7
Panevėžys we continue north towards Pasvalys, close to the Lithuanian–Latvian border. The landscape opens into fields, small villages and quiet main roads.
After crossing into Latvia the route passes near Bauska, a small town with a castle and river views. This is a good place for a break and a reminder of how many local communities took part in the Baltic Way.
From Bauska we follow the main road towards Riga, entering the Latvian capital from the south. Riga is the symbolic middle point of the ride and an ideal place for an evening walk in the old town.
Baltic Way note: this day joins the Lithuanian and Latvian sections of the Baltic Way, moving along the same north–south corridor used in 1989.
Day 3 – Riga → Sigulda → Cēsis → Valmiera
Approx. distance: ~200 km
Country: Latvia
Main roads: A2, regional roads in Gauja National Park
We leave Riga and ride north-east towards Sigulda, at the edge of Gauja National Park. The road quickly changes from city traffic to forest, hills and river views.
From Sigulda we continue through the park area to Cēsis, a quiet town with a medieval castle and traditional wooden houses. It’s a perfect stop for lunch, photos and a slower rhythm.
In the afternoon we continue towards Valmiera, following the general direction of the Baltic Way line as it moves closer to the Estonian border. Valmiera is our overnight base, a small town with easy access to the next day’s ride.
Baltic Way note: this day keeps the historical northbound direction while adding one of Latvia’s most scenic regions: Gauja National Park.
Day 4 – Valmiera → Valka / Valga → Tartu
Approx. distance: ~210 km
Countries: Latvia, Estonia
Main roads: A3 (LV), 3 / E264 (EE)
From Valmiera we ride north towards Valka, the border town that is literally split with its Estonian twin, Valga. It is a natural crossing point between the Latvian and Estonian segments of the historical Baltic Way.
After crossing the border we continue on the Estonian side towards Tartu, following national roads through fields, farms and wide open skies.
Tartu is a relaxed university city and an ideal overnight stop: compact centre, riverside walks and a quieter rhythm compared to the capitals.
Baltic Way note: this day symbolically crosses from Latvia into Estonia along the same north-bound axis of the human chain.
Day 5 – Tartu → Paide → Tallinn
Approx. distance: ~190 km
Country: Estonia
Main roads: 2 / E263
The final riding day continues north-west from Tartu towards Paide, roughly in the heart of Estonia. Short stop if needed, then we follow the main road towards Tallinn.
The last kilometres are a mix of straight sections and gentle curves, gradually approaching the Baltic Sea and the northern end of the historical Baltic Way line.
We enter Tallinn, finishing the route near the old town or the harbour area depending on the group’s plans. From here riders can continue their journey, take a ferry, or simply stay and explore the city.
Baltic Way note: this stage completes the journey from Vilnius to Tallinn, connecting three capitals and three countries along one shared historical line.
Key cities along the route
Vilnius – Starting point of the Baltic Way Moto Tour and southern anchor of the 1989 human chain. Baroque old town, hills and a compact centre that is easy to explore on foot before or after the ride.
Kaunas – Lithuania’s second city, on the Neman river. A natural coffee or lunch stop on Day 1, linking Vilnius with the northern corridor towards Panevėžys and Latvia.
Panevėžys – Practical overnight stop in northern Lithuania and gateway to the Latvian border. The area connects central Lithuania with the Baltic Way line towards Bauska and Riga.
Pasvalys – A small town near the Lithuanian–Latvian border. The roads around it were part of the connection between Lithuanian and Latvian participants in the 1989 Baltic Way.
Bauska – A Latvian town with a castle and river views, close to the historical Baltic Way axis. Ideal break between northern Lithuania and the approach to Riga.
Riga – Capital of Latvia and symbolic middle point of the route. Old town, riverfront and a mix of architecture from different periods, from medieval to Soviet to modern.
Sigulda & Cēsis – Towns inside Gauja National Park, Latvia’s “green corridor”. Castles, forests and river valleys, adding scenery to the historical northbound direction of the Baltic Way.
Valmiera – A smaller town in northern Latvia, useful as an overnight base before crossing into Estonia. It keeps us close to the north–south spine of the historical route.
Valka / Valga – Twin border town split between Latvia and Estonia. A natural transition point between the Latvian and Estonian sections of the route, both today and in the spirit of the Baltic Way.
Tartu – Estonia’s main university city. Relaxed atmosphere, riverside walks and a compact centre. A good place to slow down before the final ride to Tallinn.
Paide – A small town in central Estonia, almost in the geographical middle of the country. Short stop on the way from Tartu to Tallinn, with a medieval tower and a quiet centre.
Tallinn – Final destination of the ride and northern end of the Baltic Way corridor. Medieval old town on the Baltic Sea, with ferries, viewpoints and narrow streets to explore after the tour.
Route summary:
Vilnius → Kaunas → Panevėžys → Pasvalys → Bauska → Riga → Sigulda → Cēsis → Valmiera → Valka/Valga → Tartu → Paide → Tallinn
This route follows the historical northbound axis of the 1989 Baltic Way, adapted for modern motorcycle travel: realistic distances, real towns and time for photos, not just kilometres.