Baltic Lights & Nordic Nights
A picture of a fire burning next to water to represent Nordic Nights
Editor’s note: This post will continue to evolve as I do.
Welcome back, wanderlust souls and curious minds, and to those just boarding, a warm yellow from the Around the World journey. This series is a quick exploration of every nation on Earth, six countries at a time. It’s a chance to see the world not as distant names on a map, but living stories bound by culture, color, and connection.
Today’s chapter, “Baltic Lights & Nordic Nights,” carries us to Europe’s northern edge, where sea meets snow, and silence feels almost scared. From frozen nights to shining seas, these countries embody the quiet strength of resilience and renewal.
Picture fire flickering beside icy water, and that’s the spirit of this region. Through Bulgaria’s mountain warmth, Croatia’s coastal glow, Czechia’s timeless charm, Denmark’s Nordic calm, Estonia’s digital dreams, and Finland’s northern light, we step into lands where nature and culture share the same heartbeat.
So wrap yourself in something warm as this journey glows softly in the cold. A reminder that even on the edge of winter, the world still burns bright.
Hand drawn flag of Bulgaria
BULGARIA
Official name: The Republic of Bulgaria
Pronunciation: buhl-geh-ree-uh
Capital: Sofia
Official language: Bulgarian
Location: In Southeastern Europe on the peninsula in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: North Macedonia, Serbia, Romania, Turkey, and Greece
Climate: Temperate continental
Most known for: Rose oil production. So much so, there’s an annual Rose Festival that celebrates the the harvest. For further information, check out Easy Bulgarian Travel’s webpage “Guide to the Rose Festival”
Fun fact: Oldest country in Europe to have never changed its name
Recent news article: Bulgaria to convert to euro as of 2026
My knowledge: I know very little about Bulgaria
Hand drawn flag of Croatia
CROATIA
Official name: The Republic of Croatia
Pronunciation: krow-ay-shuh
Capital: Zagreb
Official language: Croatian
Location: Southeastern Europe in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina
Climate: Continental
Most known for: Historic sites, such as Dubrovnik walls. For more information on the matter, check out Public Books “A Peek Behind the old town’s walls: Dubrovnik, Croatia”
Fun fact: The Dalmatian dog breed is named after the Dalmatian coastline of Croatia
Recent news article: Building Boom Strengthens Croatia’s Economy
My knowledge: I’m not familiar with Croatia
Hand drawn flag of Czech Republic
CZECH REPUBLIC
Official name: The Czech Republic
Pronunciation: cheh-kee-uh
Capital: Prague
Official language: Czech
Location: Is in Central Europe in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Austria, Germany, and Poland
Climate: Temperate
Most known for: Gothic architecture
Fun fact: Czechia has more castles per square kilometer than any other country
Recent news article: Babǐs Who? Women crack glass ceiling in Czech election
My knowledge: Relatively unfamiliar with Czechia
Hand drawn flag of Denmark
DENMARK
Official name: The Kingdom of Denmark
Pronunciation: den-maark
Capital: Copenhagen
Official language: Danish
Location: Northern Europe on a peninsula in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Germany and Sweden
Climate: Temperate
Most known for: Legos were invented in Denmark
Fun fact: There are more bicycles than cars
Recent news article: Denmark: Age restriction for social media
My knowledge: Aside from Copenhagen, the name, and location, I’m not too familiar
Hand drawn flag of Estonia
ESTONIA
Official name: Republic of Estonia
Pronunciation: uh-stow-nee-uh
Capital: Tallinn
Official language: Estonian
Location: Northern Europe along Baltic Sea in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Russia and Latvia
Climate: Temperate
Most known for: Digital society, including e-governance
Fun fact: First country to allow citizens to vote online
Recent news article: Hail Estonia! Wait. What? La Jolla
My knowledge: Other than the location and name of the country, I’m unfamiliar with Estonia
Hand drawn flag of Finland
FINLAND
Official name: The Republic of Finland
Pronunciation: fin-luhnd
Capital: Helsinki
Official language: Finnish and Swedish
Location: In Northern Europe in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Sweden and Russia
Climate: Continental
Most known for: Being happiest country in the world
Fun fact: Has more lakes than any other country & more saunas than cars
Recent news article: Finland awards state medals to 48 fathers for first time
My knowledge: I don’t know a lot about Finland
In this corner of Europe, light and shadow share the same sky. From Finland’s calm determination to Croatia’s coastal rhythm, and Czechia’s quiet artistry to Estonia’s modern spark, these nations prove that strength doesn’t always roar. Sometimes, it hums.
Here, people have learned to live with contrast, to build in warmth in the cold, to keep creating even when the light fades early. And maybe that’s the lesson worth carrying: The world won’t always hand you brightness. Sometimes, you have to make your own.
From the firesides of Bulgaria to the serene harbors of Denmark, Baltic Lights & Nordic Nights is a reminder that beauty often begins where endurance meets imagination.
Your turn: Have you ever visited a place that taught you how to adapt, or how to glow through your own winter? Read “Baltic Lights & Nordic Nights” and come see how the quietest corners of the world still shine.
For further climate information, check out NOAA’s “What Are the Different Climate Types?” here.
As a signature of my blog, I’d like to end this post with a suggestion to “Pass on kindness.” There’s no time like the present to Inspire Those Who Inspire You. Acts of kindness, no matter how big or small, can have a direct, positive impact on someone else. Go out there today and change someone’s life for the better!
***These are my personal opinions and may not be those of my employer.***
