The Baltic Sea washes nine countries: Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Russia, Poland, Germany, Finland, Sweden and Denmark.

The coastline of the sea is 8.000 km. , and the area of ​​the sea is 415.000 sq. km.

It is believed that the sea was formed 14,000 years ago, but in the modern outline of the boundaries there are 4,000 years.

The sea has four bays, the largest Bothnian(washes Sweden and Finland), Finnish(washes Finland, Russia and Estonia), Riga(washes Estonia and Latvia) and freshwater Curonian(washes Russia and Lithuania).


On the sea there are large islands of Gotland, Öland, Bornholm, Wolin, Rügen, Aland and Saaremaa. The largest island Gotland belongs to Sweden, its area is 2.994 sq. km. and with a population of 56,700 people.

They fall into the sea major rivers like the Neva, Narva, Neman, Pregolya, Vistula, Oder, Venta and Daugava.

The Baltic Sea belongs to the shallow seas and its average depth is 51 meters. Most deep place 470 meters.

The bottom of the southern part of the sea is flat, in the North it is rocky. The coastal part of the sea is sands, but most of the bottom is a deposit of green, black or brown clayey silt. The most transparent water in the central part of the sea and in the Gulf of Bothnia.

There is a very large excess of fresh water in the sea, which is why the sea is slightly salty. Fresh water enters the sea due to frequent precipitation, numerous big rivers. The most salty water is off the coast of Denmark, since there the Baltic Sea connects with the saltier North Sea.

The Baltic Sea is among the calm. It is believed that in the depths of the sea the waves do not reach more than 4 meters. However, off the coast they can reach 11 meters in height.


In October-November, ice may already appear in the bays. The coast of the Gulf of Bothnia and the Gulf of Finland can be covered with ice up to 65 cm thick. The central and southern parts of the sea are not covered with ice. The ice melts in April, although drifting ice can be found in the north of the Gulf of Bothnia in June.

The water temperature in the summer in the sea is 14-17 degrees, the warmest Gulf of Finland is 15-17 degrees. and the coldest Bothnian

bay 9-13 gr.

The Baltic Sea is one of the dirtiest seas in the world. The presence of landfills chemical weapons after the Second World War, greatly affects the ecology of the sea. In 2003, 21 cases of chemical weapons getting into fishing nets were registered in the Baltic Sea, these are clots of mustard gas. In 2011, there was a paraffin drain that spread throughout the sea.

Due to shallow depths in the Gulf of Finland and the Archipelago Sea, many vessels are inaccessible with a significant draft. Nevertheless, all major cruise ships pass through the Danish Strait into the Atlantic Ocean.
The main limiting factor of the Baltic Sea is bridges. So the Great Belt Bridge connects the islands of Denmark. This suspension bridge was built in 1998, its length is 6790 km. and about 27,600 cars pass over the bridge every day. Although there are bridges that are longer, for example, the Erssun Bridge is 16 km long, and the largest Femersky Bridge is 19 km long and connects Denmark with Germany through the sea.


Salmon is found in the Baltic Sea, some individuals were caught in 35 kg. Cod, flounder, eelpout, eel, lamprey, anchovy, mullet, mackerel are also found in the sea, roach, ide, bream, crucian carp, asp, chub, zander, perch, pike, catfish, burbot, etc.

Whales have also been sighted in Estonian waters.

Not so long ago, seals could be found in the Baltic, but now they are practically gone due to the fact that the sea has become more freshwater.
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The largest ports of the Baltic Sea: Baltiysk, Ventspils, Vyborg, Gdansk, Kaliningrad, Kiel, Klaipeda, Copenhagen, Liepaja, Luebeck, Riga, Rostock, St. Petersburg, Stockholm, Tallinn, Szczecin.

Resorts of the Baltic Sea.: Russia: Sestroretsk, Zelenogorsk, Svetlogorsk, Pionersky, Zelenogradsk, Lithuania: Palanga, Neringa, Poland: Sopot, Hel, Koszalin, Germany: Ahlbeck, Binz, Heiligendamm, Timmfendorf, Estonia: Pärnu, Narva-Jõesuu, Latvia: Saulkrasti and Jurmala .



The Latvian ports of Liepaja and Ventspils are located in the sea, while Riga and the resorts of Saulkrasti and Jurmala are located in the Gulf of Riga.

Gulf of Riga , it is the third of the four bays of the Baltic Sea and it washes two countries, Latvia and Estonia. The area of ​​the bay is only 18.100 km2, it is 1\23rd part of the Baltic.
The deepest part of the bay is 54 meters. The bay crashes into land from high seas at 174 km. The width of the bay is 137 km.
The most important cities on the coast of the Gulf of Riga are Riga (Latvia) and Pärnu (Estonia). The main resort city of the bay is Jurmala. In the bay, the largest island of Saaremaa belongs to Estonia with the city of Kuressaare.
The western shore of the bay is called Livsky and is a protected cultural area.
The coast is mostly low-lying and sandy.
The water temperature in summer can rise to +18, and in winter it drops to 0 degrees. The surface of the bay is covered with ice from December to April.

The Baltic Sea is cool, however maximum temperatures water in some years reaches 24 °. The weather charts show no a large number of comfortable weather related to the central summer months, however, even at this time, windy, cloudy and rainy days are frequent. At the resorts and tourist bases of the Gulf of Finland (near Leningrad), the swimming season lasts an average of 1.5 months. The sea is shallow, so when the winds and air temperature drops, it quickly cools down. But sandy beaches and coastal forests are beautiful.

On the Estonian coast, swimming most often begins in June. But there are still few days when the water temperature stays above 17°C (4-5). In the Gulf of Pärnu, western and southwestern winds prevail, which contribute to the surge of warm surface waters from the shallow Gulf of Riga. The undulating nature of the bottom of the Pärnu Bay prevents warm surface water from escaping, even with winds from land. In the bay itself, the water warms up well. All this noticeably improves the conditions near the famous resort of Pärnu.

In the Gulf of Riga, especially in shallow parts near the coast, in June you can swim for 15-20 days.

July - best month for swimming almost everywhere in the European part of the USSR: the water in rivers and lakes warmed up and the difference in its temperature from north to south is the smallest in a year.

In the Baltic, the weather is unstable, capricious, and there are storms. So in Tallinn and Liepaja, swimming is only possible for 15 days, and in the southern parts of this coast - up to 28.

In August, at the beginning of the month, the water is warm, and by the end, a decrease in both air and water temperatures is already felt. From Leningrad to Tallinn in August they bathe for 18-23 days, the same number in the Gulf of Riga. Near Kaliningrad, thalassotherapy is possible for almost the entire month of August (27-31 days). In this area, especially favorable conditions for swimming near the resort of Svetlogorsk, where the sea is shallow.

In early September, with a continuing decrease in the arrival of solar heat and a drop in air and water temperatures, especially significant in the north, compared to southern parts territory, in the Baltic the swimming season ends even in its southernmost parts (the zone and resorts near Kaliningrad). Sometimes, however, when calm and warm weather people continue to swim here in the first days of September. Here, on average, the swimming season lasts about two months.

A unique place with highly favorable conditions for water activities, in particular for sailing and swimming, is the Curonian Spit in Lithuania. Magnificent are its high dunes, beaches made of fine sand well warmed by the sun, forests descending to the very water. Particularly stringent environmental protection measures and visitor restrictions are being implemented here due to the danger of increased sand blowing and the occurrence of sand drifts, which can greatly affect settlements, forests and numerous wild animals here.

The special value of such places as Juodkrante, Nida, Rybache, located on a narrow, 1.5-2 km, Curonian Spit, lies in the fact that, depending on the temperature of the water, air and wind speed, you can swim, exercise water sports and sunbathe both in the relatively deep-water Baltic Sea and on its shores, and in the shallower Curonian Lagoon, protected from the winds, located between the spit and the mainland. It also allows you to use when sailing different speeds wind.

IN summer time the water in the bay has a higher temperature than in the open sea. In this regard, in the cool and windy 1962, the swimming season in the Nida region on the open sea coast lasted 30 days, and on the bay coast - 42 days. In the hot year of 1964 - 71 and 88 days, respectively. On average, the difference usually does not exceed half a month.

On the entire Baltic coast, due to the lack of heat, except for abnormally hot summers, as well as due to the shallow water of most beaches, during sunbathing and air bathing and swimming, it is necessary to use natural protection from frequent winds (trees, shrubs, sand dunes), as well as to build artificial protective devices (baths, solariums, changing rooms, closed bridges for getting off and out of the water, barriers with high reflectivity of sunlight, etc.). All this helps to create more comfortable conditions for thalassotherapy in the Baltic region.

Heavily cut into the mainland. Its not as severe as the climate of the Arctic seas, although the Baltic Sea is located in the northwestern part of Russia. This sea is almost completely limited by land. Only from the southwest is this sea connected to the waters by various straits. The Baltic Sea belongs to the type of inland seas.

The shores that this sea washes have different origin. Quite complicated and. The Baltic Sea has a rather small depth, due to the fact that it is located within the boundaries of the continental shelf.

The greatest depth of the Baltic Sea was recorded in the Landsort Basin. The Danish Straits are characterized by shallow depths. The depth of the Great Belt is 10 - 25 m, the Small Belt - 10 - 35 m. The waters of the Sound have a depth of 7 to 15 m. The shallow depths of the straits interfere with the unhindered exchange of water between the Baltic Sea and. The Baltic Sea covers an area equal to 419 thousand km2. The volume of water is 321.5 km3. The average water depth is about 51 m. The maximum sea depth is 470 m.

The climate of the Baltic Sea is influenced by its location in the zone temperate latitudes, the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean and the location of a large part of the sea inside the mainland. All these factors contribute to the fact that the climate of the Baltic Sea is in many respects close to the maritime climate of temperate latitudes, and there are also some features continental climate. Due to the relatively large extent of the sea, there are some distinctive features climate in various parts seas.

In the Baltic, it is largely due to the influence of the Icelandic low, the Siberian and. Depending on whose influence is dominant, seasonal features differ. In autumn and winter, the Baltic Sea is influenced by the Icelandic Low and the Siberian High. As a result of this, the sea is in power, which spread in autumn from west to east, and in winter to the northeast. This period is characterized by cloudy weather with large southwestern and western winds.

In January and February, when the lowest temperature is observed, the average monthly temperature in the central part of the sea is -3°C, and in the north and east - 5-8°C. With the strengthening of the Polar High, cold ones enter the Baltic Sea. As a result, it drops to – 30 – 35°C. But such cold snaps are quite rare and, as a rule, they are short-lived.

In the spring-summer period, the Siberian High loses its strength, and the Azores and, to a lesser extent, the Polar High have a dominant effect on the Baltic Sea. At this time, the sea is observed. Cyclones coming to the Baltic from the Atlantic Ocean are not as significant as in winter. All this causes the unstable direction of the winds, which have low speeds. In the spring season, northerly winds have a great influence on the weather, they bring cold air.

In summer, winds from the western and northwestern directions prevail. These winds are predominantly weak or. Due to their influence, cool and humid weather is observed in summer. average temperature July reaches + 14 - 15°С in the Gulf of Bothnia and +16 - 18°С in other areas of the sea. It is very rare for the Baltic to receive warm air masses that cause hot weather.

The temperature of the waters of the Baltic Sea depends on the specific location. IN winter time the temperature of the waters near the coast is lower than in the open sea. In the western part, the sea is warmer than in the eastern part, which is associated with the cooling effect of the land. In summer, the coldest waters are near the western coasts in the central and southern zones of the sea. Such a distribution of temperatures is due to the fact that the western ones move the heated upper waters from the western shores. Their place is taken by cold deep waters.

Coast of the Baltic Sea

Approximately 250 large and small rivers carry their waters into the Baltic Sea. During the year they give the sea about 433 km 3, which is 2.1% of the total volume of the sea. The most full-flowing are: the Neva, which pours 83.5 km 3 per year, the Vistula (30.4 km 3 per year), the Neman (20.8 km 3 per year) and the Daugava (19.7 km 3 per year). In different areas of the Baltic Sea, the proportion is not the same. For example, in the Gulf of Bothnia, rivers give 188 km 3 per year, the volume of continental waters is 109.8 km 3 / year. The Gulf of Riga receives 36.7 km 3 /year and in the central part of the Baltic is 111.6 km 3 /year. Thus, eastern regions seas receive more than half of all continental waters.

During the year, rivers bring an unequal amount of water to the sea. If the full flow of rivers is regulated by a lake, as, for example, near the Neva River, then a greater flow occurs in the spring-summer period. If the full flow of rivers is not regulated by lakes, as, for example, near the Daugava River, then the maximum flow is noted in spring and a slight increase in autumn.

are practically not observed. The current affecting surface water, occurs under the influence of winds and river runoff. In winter, the waters of the Baltic Sea are covered with ice. But during one and the same winter, the ice can melt several times and again bind the waters. This sea is never completely covered with ice.

Fishing is widely developed in the Baltic Sea. Baltic herring, sprat, cod, whitefish, lamprey, salmon and other types of fish are caught here. Also in these waters, a large amount of algae is mined. There are many marine farms on the Baltic Sea where the most sought-after fish species are grown. There are a large number of placers on the coast of the Baltic Sea. Amber mining works are carried out in the region. There is oil in the bowels of the Baltic Sea.

Navigation is widely developed in the waters of the Baltic Sea. Sea transportation of various goods is constantly carried out here. Thanks to the Baltic Sea, maintains close economic and trade relations with Western European countries. There are a large number of ports on the coast of the Baltic Sea.

The Baltic Sea is one of those that washes the borders of our homeland. It has long been associated with the North, inflexibility and inflexibility. No wonder in the old days it was called Varangian. It covers an area of ​​386 thousand square kilometers, deeply biting into the land and connecting with Atlantic Ocean through the North Sea only by narrow straits - Øresund, Greater and Lesser Belts, Kattegat.

But despite all the seeming severity, the Baltic Sea remains a favorite vacation spot for many Russians, residents of the Baltic countries, Finland, and Sweden. The main secret is simple - you just need to know what water temperature prevails in one or another time of the year.

The main resorts of this coast are Narva, Jurmala, Sestroretsk, Zelenogradsk, Sopot. Many tourists come here every year to improve their health and relax on the sea coast. The water temperature in the Baltic Sea, of course, is not as high as in the Black, Mediterranean or, even more so, in the Red Sea. However, even here there is the concept of a resort bathing season. It doesn't last long. Usually falls on summer months when the water temperature of the Baltic Sea can reach a record 24 degrees Celsius. Then it's the bathers' turn. Usually this is the period from June to the end of July. At all resorts, this time varies slightly, moreover, in some of them, the swimming period in the sea is no more than 4-5 days a year. The fact is that the Baltic Sea is shallow near the coast, and therefore cools quickly. But tourists can always enjoy the cool fresh air, sandy beaches and forests that surround the coast.

Among other things, the Baltic Sea is famous for its thalassotherapy, that is, the use of algae, water and sea mud in cosmetic and recreational purposes. This resort area is especially developed, since it is here that the temperature of the water in the Baltic Sea reaches its highest point - this place warms up well. The second such resort, as if intended for tourists, is a closed bay of the same name.

But in general, if you are going to visit the Baltic Sea, the water temperature in summer is from 10 to 17 degrees. So keep this in mind if you are planning your program. resort holiday. But besides swimming, there is always something to do there. Excursions to the Curonian Spit, Jurmala, mud treatment in Pärnu are especially good in this regard. It should also be noted that, due to the peculiarities of the climate in the Baltic Sea, there is such natural phenomenon like the meeting of fresh and salt water. In the vicinity of the town of Skagen, in Denmark, the North and Baltic Seas merge, forming a stunningly beautiful phenomenon of displacement of fresh and salt water by each other. The water temperature in the Baltic Sea in summer at this point does not exceed 9, but even the most sophisticated tourists should look at the struggle of the elements from the outside. Therefore, do not be afraid of the severity of the Baltic Sea, sometimes it is gentle and warm.

The Baltic Sea is truly an amazing place. Perhaps everyone who has already been lucky enough to visit its shores will agree with this statement. Everything you need is here modern man. Romantics will discover amazing sunsets and sunrises, businessmen understand how profitable its ports can be in terms of cargo transportation, and travelers tired of the eternal running around will surely be surprised by the spaciousness and special peace.

Among other things, the bays of the Baltic Sea have become a habitat for a huge number of marine animals and birds, and this automatically means that its role in the planet's ecosystem is generally difficult to overestimate.

This article will tell in more detail about all the nuances of this part of the oceans. The reader will receive valuable information not only about where the Baltic Sea is located, but also about its characteristic features. Justified reasons will also be given as to why the holiday destination in next year it is worth choosing this direction.

general information

The Baltic Sea has a very peculiar shape and is located in the very north of Europe. This inland marginal surface of the World Ocean is surrounded on almost all sides by land and protrudes quite far into the northwestern part of Eurasia.

Only in the southwestern part through the Danish straits (Eressun (Sund), Great Belt and Small Belt) does it have access to the North Sea through the Kattegat and Skagerrak straits.

The maritime boundary lines with the Sound Strait pass through the Stevne lighthouse and Cape Falstersbuudde, with the Great Belt Strait - Cape Gulletav, Klint and Kappel (Lolland Island), and with the Small Belt Strait - Cape Falschert, Cape Weisnes and Nakke (about . Eryo).

The Baltic Sea, the rest on which is considered one of the most pleasant in the Russian Federation, belongs to the Atlantic Ocean basin.

Not everyone knows that in terms of salt content it is the most freshwater of all. This is due, first of all, to the fact that forty rivers flow into it. fresh water. The coast of the Baltic Sea differs in shape and structure. - It has a shallow depth, and its bottom is quite uneven.

All this indicates that this part of the world ocean is located within the boundaries of the continental shelf.

Geographic features

IN Ancient Rus' the sea was called Varangian (from the Varangians) or Svebskoe (Sveiskoe) - this is how the Swedes were called during the Middle Ages. In chronicle sources Ancient Greece and Rome, the Baltic island is found, and in Western European writings of the 11th century. the Baltic Sea is mentioned. But the basis of this name can be both Lithuanian baltas and Latvian balts, meaning White color sandy shores.

In the XVIII century. the sea was already nicknamed the Baltic, but now it is commonly known as the Baltic Sea. However meaning this name has not yet been determined.

The water area occupies almost 420.0 thousand square meters. km, which almost corresponds to the size of the Black Sea (422.0 thousand sq. km). The volume of water in the sea is about 22.0 thousand cubic km.

The total length of the coast is 7 thousand km. The shores of the Baltic Sea are available in such states as Sweden, Finland, Russia, Poland, Germany and Denmark. Russian Federation belongs to almost 500 km of the coastline, located in the northwestern part of Europe.

The list of large islands includes: Gotland, Bornholm, Rügen, Oland, Wolin, Saaremaa and Alandia. The main river systems flowing into the water area are the Neva, Neman, Narva, Pregolya, Vistula and Oder.

The Baltic Sea, a photo of which can be found in almost every publication dedicated to the water surface of our planet, is known for its features.

Its ecosystem is considered very vulnerable, due to some natural factors.

This is a shallow inland sea, separated from the Atlantic by the Scandinavian Peninsula and connected to the ocean by narrow and shallow straits that prevent free water exchange between the two basins. It takes about 20-40 years for the complete renewal of water.

The coastline is heavily indented and forms many bays. The largest bays of the Baltic are Riga, Botanichesky, Finnish and Curonian. The latter is a freshwater bay-lagoon separated from the sea by the Curonian Spit.

The eastern part of the Gulf of Finland was named the Neva Bay. By the way, in the north-east of the bay, on the Russian-Finnish border, there is a similar Vyborgsky. The Saimaa Canal opens here, which is the most important transport route. The north coast is protected by high rocky shores and narrow winding bays. The central transit ports of the Baltic are Hamburg (Germany) and St. Petersburg (Russia), which have access to the sea and serve sea ​​gate Europe and Russia.

Bottom relief

Not everyone knows that the Baltic Sea, where rest has already become quite familiar for many, has a very complex and uneven bottom topography. In the southern part it is flat, in the north it is uneven and rocky.

The coast of the Baltic Sea is covered with bottom sediments, among which sand prevails. But most of the bottom consists of bottom sediments of green, black and brown clayey silt of glacial origin.

The sea goes deep into the land and is located within the continental shelf. The average depth of the pool is about 51 meters. Near the islands and on the shallows, there is a zone of shallow water up to 12 meters deep. At the bottom there are several basins with a depth of up to 200 meters. The largest is the Landsort Depression (470 m.)

Climatic conditions of the Baltic

Because of geographical features The climate of the Baltic is not severe and is close to the conditions of temperate latitudes. Many complain that, they say, the Baltic Sea is cold, however, this is nothing more than a delusion.

In general, there is also some similarity with the climate of the continental type. Big influence to local weather have the Siberian and Azov anticyclones and the Icelandic low. The seasonal features of the climate of the Baltic Sea depend on this.

Windy and cloudy weather is typical for autumn and winter. The coldest months are January and February. In the central part of the Baltic, it drops to an average of 3°C below zero, in the north and east - to 8°C below zero. The temperature in the Baltic Sea at this time of the year approaches -3-5 C. Occasionally, under the influence of the Arctic masses, the air can cool down to 35 degrees below zero.

In the spring and summer, the winds weaken. Spring is cool. Northerly winds, which bring colder air, have a great influence on the climate. With the onset of heat, moderate western and northwest winds. Therefore, summer is mostly cool and humid. The average temperature in July in the Botanical Bay rises to 14-15°C, in other areas of the sea - 16-18°C. Hot weather happens rarely and only during the period of inflows of Mediterranean air masses.

The water in the Baltic Sea (temperature and salinity) depends on the part. In winter, it is warmer in the open sea than off the coast. During the summer the most low temperature- near the western shores in the central and southern strip of the sea. Such fluctuations west coast are associated with the movement of warm upper layers of water by western winds and their replacement by colder deep waters.

local flora

It should be noted that the Baltic and North Seas as a whole can boast of a variety of flora.

The main part of the underwater flora consists of representatives of the Atlantic species, which live mainly in the southern and southwestern parts of the Baltic Sea.

Flora includes different kinds algae, among which are peridine, cyan, planktonic diatoms, bottom brown algae (kelp, fucus, ectocarpus and pilayella), red algae (rhodomela, polysiphonia and phyllophora), as well as blue-green algae.

Fauna of the Baltic Sea

It's no secret that both winter and summer water temperatures in the Baltic Sea hardly contribute to the appearance of a huge number of marine life.

The local fauna is represented by three groups of animals and fish, different in their origin.

The first includes representatives of a brackish-water arctic species that belonged to the descendants of the ancient Arctic Ocean. One of the inhabitants of this group is the Baltic seal.

The second one consists of commercial fish(herring, cod, sprat and flounder). They also include such valuable species like salmon and eel.

The third group includes freshwater species, distributed mainly in desalinated waters of the Botanical and Gulf of Finland, but also found in salt water bodies (freshwater rotifers).

Fisheries freshwater fish are zander, pike, bream, roach and perch. It should be noted that the temperature of the water in the Baltic Sea allows fishing almost throughout calendar year. This has a beneficial effect on the budget of countries and regions located on its territory.

Baltic Sea. Economic importance

Due to the natural conditions, the waters of the Baltic have an important economic importance. Their biological resources are of great value and are widely used by man.

The sea is home to many species of flora and fauna that serve to fishing activities. For example, the temperature of the water in the Baltic Sea favors the active reproduction of Baltic herring, which occupies a special place in the fishery.

Also here is the catch of sprat, salmon, smelt, lamprey, cod and eel. The bays of the Baltic Sea are famous for the extraction of various algae.

To date, a new direction has appeared for the development of mariculture, which is a promising industry for fish production. Maritime industries are being created artificial breeding various commercial species fish, etc. Fortunately, the temperature of the Baltic Sea in Kaliningrad and other coastal cities, as mentioned above, allows sailors to go to sea at almost any time of the year.

Local shores are rich in coastal-marine placers of minerals. In the Kaliningrad region, for example, developments are currently underway for underwater mining of amber contained in alluvial deposits. The Baltic Sea (Russia) is also being studied for development oil fields found in the depths of the seabed. Iron-manganese formations were also found.

The Baltic Sea, the temperature of which even in summer rarely rises above +17 C, plays an important role in the transport and economic relations between the countries of Europe, carrying out shipping.

Thanks to the developed sea and river communications, large cargo and passenger transportations are actively taking place.

The water temperature of the Baltic Sea and the main recreational resources of the region

The favorable conditions of this area have long been used by man for recreational purposes.

The mild climate, sandy beaches and pine forests attract a large number of tourists. Cruise routes operate on the sea all year round, and in warm time year people come for rest and treatment.

IN Soviet period The USSR owned about 25% of the coast of the Baltic Sea. As a result of its collapse, the length of the coast has decreased to 7%, and now only 500 km belong to Russia. After such a sharp reduction in territories, the role of recreational resources has increased significantly. Every year, a huge number of vacationers go to the Baltic Sea. - Kaliningrad, St. Petersburg, Nida, Svetlogorsk and other cities of the Russian Federation never lack tourists.

In the western part of Sosnovy Bor there is an almost untouched coastal strip of sandy beaches. Sea water here is much cleaner than in the resorts of Jurmala. In the future, these places can be used as resorts and sanatoriums, which will become no less popular than, for example, Ust-Narva.

Unfortunately, rest on the Baltic Sea is fraught with some difficulties. The thing is that the possibilities of sea beach pastime are significantly influenced by various ecological problems characteristic of coastal zones.

For this reason, many beaches in the summer season become unsuitable for swimming and close. Although for a huge number of vacationers, a vacation on the Baltic Sea is not only a chance to swim or sunbathe. Many go here for the purest air and breathtaking scenery.

Svetlovodsk and Zelenogradsk - the best Russian resorts

The main resort towns on this coast of Russia are Svetlogorsk and Zelenogradsk.

Despite the fact that the Baltic Sea, the photo of which can be found in almost all prospectuses dedicated to recreational resources our country is northern and the water does not get very warm, many people prefer to spend time on the beach.

The weather in summer is sunny and the water can reach temperatures up to 20 degrees Celsius, which is quite favorable for taking such invigorating and relaxing sunbathing. If passive pastime is the purpose of your vacation, you should not choose for these purposes big cities For example, Kaliningrad. The Baltic Sea, whose water temperature ranges from +17 to +18 C in summer, is unlikely to please you. Experienced travelers are advised to give preference to more modest settlements

Some of them are worth discussing in more detail.

Svetlogorsk is the most famous resort. Beach with fine sand, clean and well maintained. For the convenience of vacationers, the necessary beach equipment is provided - umbrellas and sun loungers. There are many cafes and souvenir shops on the city promenade. The only drawback is a large number of people, both on the main street and on the beach. Important role when choosing a place to stay, the level of prices for hotel and excursion services, transport services, cafes, etc. plays a role.

The cost of a taxi in the city is about 100 rubles, delivery to or from the airport - up to 850 rubles, a trip to Kaliningrad - within 600 rubles. The cheapest option is buses and trains. Directions to public transport to Zelenogradsk will cost 50.00-100.00 rubles. The average cost of apartments in hotels in Svetlogorsk is about 2000.00-2500.00 rubles per day. Rates for accommodation in rooms range from 1500.00-5000.00 rubles per day. There are many cafes in the resort where you can have a cheap meal (400.00-800.00 rubles for two).

Prices for sightseeing trips depend on the route and program (500.00-1500.00 rubles per person). Small souvenirs for relatives and friends will cost between 100.00-150.00 rubles, and branded amber products can cost more than 1000.00 rubles.

Another equally popular resort is Zelenogradsk, the advantage of which is a more relaxed atmosphere, the absence of a large tourist flow and a convenient location from regional center. There are good transport links. The city attracts visitors with its architecture and winding streets. Along the coast there is a new spacious promenade where you can walk and spend time with family or friends.

Unlike Svetlogorsk, prices in hotels and hotels are quite reasonable, while the service is high level. You can find housing in the private sector near the sea. In many hotels, when ordering rooms, an advance payment of up to 25% of the accommodation cost is provided, which must be transferred by bank transfer. On the promenade next to the sea, there are many cafes and restaurants where you can have a tasty and inexpensive meal. The beach in the city is sandy, long and well-groomed.

The seashore is comfortable, with a gentle entrance and shallow depth.

Five reasons to go to the Baltic Sea

With the advent of summer, many tend to spend their holidays in the south or in exotic countries where there is a lot of sun, warm sea and hot sand. But there are those who prefer the beauty of northern nature and the amber shores of the Baltic, pine forests and sand dunes. Of course, the Baltic coast cannot be compared with the popular resorts of Turkey and Spain, but even here rest has its advantages.

1.Convenient location

The proximity of the Baltic Sea resorts will allow you to avoid long flights and high vacation costs. Especially if you are traveling with small children. For example, a plane flight in the direction of Moscow-Riga takes only about two hours, and the ticket price will be from 9700.00 rubles. From Riga by car in 30-40 minutes you can easily reach Jurmala. It is worth noting that it is not necessary to choose the Baltic resorts located outside of Russia and go to Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia or Germany, Sweden, Finland and Denmark. You can have a great rest in the Kaliningrad region of Russia at the resorts of Svetlogorsk or Zelenogradsk. For such a trip, visa documents are not required, which is an additional plus.

2. Affordable vacation prices

Unlike southern resorts spending time on the Baltic Sea involves housing at very affordable prices.

For example, apartments in hotels in Palanga (Lithuania) cost from 1200.00 rubles per day. For this cost, a comfortable room with all amenities and close to the sea will be provided.

Accommodation in hotels in Jurmala (Latvia) will cost from about 1800.00 rubles per night. At the Estonian resort in Pärnu - from 1450.00 rubles per night.

And in the Latvian capital Riga, you can find hotels from 220.00 rubles per day.

3. Lack of acclimatization

It is usually hot in popular resorts in the summer season, and the air warms up above 35 degrees Celsius. Just for lovers of comfort and coolness, the Baltic Sea is suitable. Kaliningrad, where the air temperature stays at +22+24 for almost the entire summer, is always glad to see guests.

As you know, exhausting heat exhausts a person and in most cases it takes time to acclimatize. The Baltic climate is warm and temperate. These places are great for relaxing family vacation with small children.

4. Favorable conditions for recovery

The waters of the Baltic are known for their useful properties and saturated with mineral salts, and the shores are rich in mineral springs and deposits of peat mud, which are used to improve the body. Also unique natural conditions: fresh air with the scent of pine trees, the freshness of the sea breeze and the gentle sand of the seaside. You can relax and improve your health in sanatoriums, mud baths and mineral springs. Especially popular are the sanatorium complexes of Kołobrzeg in Poland.

5. Natural beauty Baltic coast

Resorts southern countries are notable for their tropical splendor, fun and incendiary discos and parties. But northern nature The amber region also has its own unique charm.

Everything is different here: pleasant climate, scenic landscapes, coniferous forests and sand dunes. And walking along the coast after a storm, you can find sunny pieces of amber - an unusual and mysterious stone.

The cities of the Baltic coast have preserved the atmosphere of antiquity and cozy quiet streets. There are many natural and historical attractions.