Where does an average Russian traveler usually want to go if it comes to Europe? Of course, to France! See Paris and the castles of the Loire, admire Provence, drink French wine.
Or, for example, to Italy: stroll through magnificent Rome, ride a gondola on a canal in Venice, stand under Juliet's balcony in romantic Verona.
You can still go to Germany to admire Saxon Dresden, drink a beer in the old royal brewery in Bavarian Munich, or finally see imperial Berlin with its wide streets, huge squares and many interesting museums.
It turns out that Western Europe is still more famous (and popular in terms of tourism). As for Eastern Europe, it is more or less visited by Russian "voyagers", perhaps, only the Czech Republic (or rather, its capital is Prague).
The rest of the countries of this rather big region we either imagine very poorly, or do not know at all. But in vain! In fact, there is not only something to see there (and even something to admire), it will also cost much cheaper.
We present to you 10 countries of Eastern Europe, which in reality turn out to be much more interesting than we might have expected.
10. Lithuania
Our closest neighbor Lithuania is part of the once prosperous and occupying a considerable territory of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. In fact, the name of its capital used to sound differently - Vilna.
Echoes of the glorious times of the princes Gediminas, Olgerd, Vitovt and others and in our time can be found here everywhere. For example, tourists are strongly advised to visit the former residence of the Lithuanian princes - the Gothic castle of Trakai. And the historical center of Vilnius itself is a real illustration of that era.
Narrow streets paved with paving stones and cobblestones, magnificent Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque cathedrals, old (and still residential!) Houses - all this is a special, very pleasant and cozy atmosphere.
And in Vilnius there is almost a real republic - this is the district of artists and people of art Uzupis (with its own currency, anthem, ambassadors and consuls, customs and, of course, the president and ministers).
Of course, in Lithuania there are many other attractions worth visiting. For example, would you like to feel a chill on the back and the state of “memento mori”? Then you need to go to the mountain of crosses near Siauliai (there are more than 50 thousand of them).
9. Belarus
“Well, one more thing!” - you say, - “What is there to watch in that Belarus? They still still have the Soviet Union! ” And you will be right, but only partially. Yes, those who are still nostalgic for the USSR will be, in fact, comfortable in this country. And not because of standard urban views, such as Khrushchev’s buildings and shops of the “general store” model (this is true in small towns), but because of the real, very sincere and kind attitude of Belarusians to both their compatriots and tourists.
And there are Belarusian rubles (not so long ago denominated), and therefore the current prices in Belarus - especially for products - are very reminiscent of the good old Soviet ones.
But, in fact, Belarus has changed a lot since then. Minsk really prettier and flourished: a lot of new, beautiful and unusual buildings appeared here - which alone is worth the National Library in the form of a rhombocuboctahedron.
By the way, Belarus was also part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, and the castles of those times have been preserved here. The most beautiful are Mirsky and Nesvizhsky (once belonging to the princes of the Radziwills). We also recall about the Brest Fortress, Belovezhskaya Pushcha, Lake Naroch, the Dudutki Museum, etc.
8. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Of all the countries of the former Yugoslavia, the most “unknown” for us are, perhaps, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenia (and we will gradually reach Slovenia as well). So - Bosnia and Herzegovina. In fact, this is an amazing land with a very rich (and often very tragic) history.
Once Slavic, this country was, at one time, very “ousted” after it came under Ottoman influence. And now you can easily find yourself between the Catholic Cathedral and the mosque, standing at different ends of the same square.
Another example is where you can stroll through a typical European (once Austro-Hungarian) quarter and go to a real eastern bazaar. Orthodox, Catholics and Muslims here lived peacefully for a long time, while Eastern Europe in the late 1980s - early 1990s. didn't decide to become independent. In these years, all over Yugoslavia, a lot of old grievances against neighbors suddenly floated. In some areas of BiH it is still unsafe to go off the road: you can stumble upon a mine from the time of the Bosnian war.
But there is even something to see: the capital of the country of Sarajevo is “European Jerusalem”, Mostar with its old high bridge over the turquoise Neretva, the magnificent nature of the Sutjeska National Park and Mount Maglich, the picturesque Kravice waterfall are not all the beauty of BiH.
7. Montenegro
Our tourists know Montenegro, at best, as a resort country where you can relax on the beaches of the beautiful Adriatic. Yes, the most attractive in this country is a clean warm sea. But Montenegro also has a very rich history, reflected in its architecture and other attractions: once upon a time Turks, Venetians, Austrians, etc.
Therefore, almost every city of Montenegro - as Montenegro is called in Europe - combines several styles. Especially magnificent in this regard are the old Kotor, bright Perast, cozy Budva, etc.
And here the nature is excellent: very picturesque mountains, transparent fast rivers that overcome deep gorges (by the way, rafting on them is very popular among active tourists), sea bays and bays, whose beauty is difficult to describe in words - this is a must see.
In addition, there are many Orthodox monasteries in Montenegro, some of which are located high in the mountains and cut down directly in the rocks (as the monks tried to hide from the Turks at one time). Oh yes! And this country also has a very nice “cultural capital” - Cetinje.
6. Croatia
Here the story is about the same as with Montenegro: what can you see where the basis of tourism is the transparent sea of the most indescribable color and very comfortable temperature? In fact - a lot.
Firstly, in Croatia, almost half of the country's area is not on the mainland, but on the many picturesque islands on which bright, cozy seaside towns and villages are located.
And, since the northern part of Croatia is just opposite Venice through the Adriatic, it is quite logical to assume that Venice had somehow influenced this country. So it is: very many coastal cities of Croatia differ in their architectural appearance with a clear Venetian flavor.
In addition, for a long time the southern part of the country was “under the Turks”, and the northern “under the Hungarians”, and this is also noticeable to this day. Well, in very ancient times, the territory of present-day Croatia was the Roman provinces of Dalmatia and Illyria. And from that era to the present day, a whole series of well-preserved Roman buildings has remained, including a huge amphitheater in the city of Pula (which looks better than the Coliseum).
Oh yes! And in Dubrovnik, several episodes of Game of Thrones were filmed (because of which the flow of tourists in this city has grown so much that it is literally “choking” with them).
5. Poland
For many of our tourists (especially those who prefer to go on bus tours), Poland is just a transit country. Again - well, what could be of interest there? This is not Germany, and not even the Czech Republic with its many castles.
Have you been to the old center of Warsaw, where bright houses gather in narrow, cozy streets? And in the restored picturesque area of Gdansk around the old port (thoroughly destroyed during the Second World War)? And in the ancient episcopal Wroclaw (which for two centuries was German Breslau), the central part of which seemed to be "mothballed" around the XVII-XVIII centuries?
By the way, do you know that Wroclaw is the capital of dwarf dwarf people? Since 2001, more and more sculptures of these funny creatures have constantly appeared in this city - today there are already about 400 of them. Therefore, the most favorite activity of tourists in Wroclaw is “hunting for the gnomes”. They even sell special cards (!), Because the dwarves tend to hide in the most unexpected places, where they are not so easy to find.
And we have not yet mentioned the magnificent royal Krakow, about which you can talk for hours with aspiration and delight! So if you thought that Poland was not worth your attention, urgently change your mind.
4. Romania
Romania, too, is most often thought of rather disparagingly: it’s just some kind of contingent East European country, almost impoverished by Western European standards, a population that is mostly peasant, “uncivilized” (not like refined French or neat and disciplined Germans). But again, in vain you are so!
First, Romania over the past few decades has also made great progress in many respects. And secondly, - guys, this is the country of the famous Count Dracula! And the Romanians (who have grown very tired in recent years in attracting tourists to their country) will be happy to show you a lot of places connected with this legendary character: the Dracula (Vlad Tepes) clan castle (truth, there is no evidence for that, in fact, Vlad Tepes most likely only a few days was here in Turkish captivity); as well as his hometown of Sighisoaru; the ancient Snagov monastery on an island in the middle of the lake, where Dracula, according to legend, was buried, and much more.
In fact, Romania is a very beautiful country: there are many other (both ancient and “almost new”) picturesque castles, and very beautiful (such “atmospheric”) towns with a medieval layout, and amazing mountain landscapes, etc. .d., etc.
3. Hungary
How often do we hear about Hungary (at least on TV)? Agree, it’s certainly not every day, and in general very few. Meanwhile, this country is an interesting one (both in terms of history and culture, and, again, in relation to the beauty of nature).
You will understand how this is so if you visit (at least!) Its capital alone - magnificent Budapest. Believe me, this city will in no way concede even Paris! There are truly chic areas created in the style of classicism, eclecticism and art nouveau, and beautiful palaces, and huge majestic cathedrals, and unique old bridges.
One building of the Hungarian Parliament will leave you with the most unforgettable experience! But do you want to swim in the thermal water in chic baths right under the open sky? There are several of them! And if you decide to see other regions of the country, then you will definitely fall in love with Hungary.
There are huge lavender fields (yes, yes! Like in France!); and the endless, pleasantly “emerald” warm Lake Balaton, on the banks of which there are a huge number of resorts and camp sites (and be sure to drop into the Tihany Peninsula - this is where real paradise beauty and silence!); and ancient castles; and many more “goodies”.
For example, what about the picturesque town of Szentendre, where there is a museum of the most delicate marzipan (which you can buy "with you")?
2. Slovakia
We usually hear (and know) about Slovakia even less than about Hungary. She is just part of once united Czechoslovakia. Here the Czech Republic is another matter. Prague, Karlovy Vary, Czech beer, Bohemian crystal, cartoons about a funny mole, etc. - this is more or less familiar to us.
And what is Slovakia? What things “from there” can we recall? Yes, practically none ... (In fact, this country exports to Russia, mainly cars, miscellaneous equipment and vehicles, but not everyday goods).
And, by the way, Slovakia is the picturesque Tatra Mountains, these are mineral thermal springs (and baths with them), and very good wine (especially its fruit varieties: plum, currant and others), and truly brutal medieval castles and fortresses , and many many others.
And Slovakia has a very cozy, quiet and pleasant capital. In beautiful Bratislava, where no one is in a hurry, there are a lot of greenery and flowers, and in its very beautiful historical center you will find the most unusual, funny and strange sculptures - for example, a monument to the city madman, a plumber, a Napoleonic army soldier, a witch, etc. . And how beautiful is the white Bratislava Castle, visible from almost anywhere in the city!
1. Slovenia
And, finally, the real “white spot” on the map of Eastern Europe (from the point of view of Russian tourists) is Slovenia. Perhaps the only thing we know about this small country is that it is part of the former Yugoslavia. (And many do not distinguish Slovenia from Slovakia at all).
Domestic travel agencies rarely offer tours to Slovenia, but meanwhile it is simply surprisingly beautiful. And there is a lot to see. For example, Ljubljana, one of the most “modest” capitals in Europe in terms of population, is so cozy and kind of “homely” that you really want to stay in the nearest small cafe in a bathrobe and slippers.
And the picturesque Maribor, located on the Drava River, was once called Marburg and withstood two long Turkish sieges in the 16th and 17th centuries, which are now reminiscent of the remains of ancient bastions near the Maribor Castle.
But do you want to see one of the largest (and truly beautiful) caves in Europe? Well then, you have a direct road to Postojnska Pit. Bet you, for the first time in your life, ride a cave on a real railroad?
And not far from the Postojna Pit, one can see another “beauty” (but already man-made). The Predyama Castle, a 13th-century castle, was literally built into the rock (which very well protected it from enemies from the rear).
But the real “pearl” of Slovenia is the mountain lake Bled (located in the Julian Alps), the main “highlights” of which are the chapel built on the island in its center and the Bled castle on a high rock above the lake.
And all this is useless to describe, but it is better to see with your own eyes.