Finland
The North Cape is now some way behind the participants of this challenging rally. Most of them are now driving through Finland.
The images we received speak for themselves, Finland is beautiful in the winter. The temperatures turned out to be very high for the time of year. Very often they fluctuated around freezing point. Normal temperatures this time of year are usually around -20.
A stop at Santa’s house is a must.) Unfortunately, he was not at home.
One of the few castles or fortresses in Finland so it seems. Located on the way to Savonlinn and very nicely pictured by Team 91 Ultima Thule.
In Finland, there was the opportunity to take a ride on a real dogsled or snowmobile. Team Ribera went for the dog sledge. Quite impressive!
Due to the current conditions in Ukraine, some teams have decided not to drive through the Baltic States. Since you can decide for yourself how and which way to go, this is not a problem.
The whole rally revolves around the pleasure of driving and the adventure of visiting places not visited before. So everyone can do what they feel good about.
Estland
A large number of teams did travel through the Baltic States. Estonia was the first and when I look at the posted photos, there was really something to see. Like an old launching site of the Soviet Union.
No less impressive is the Rummu prison. In summer, the prison is in the middle of a lake. In winter like now, it is surrounded by ice. So I guess the escapes were mainly in winter 🧐.
Also the city of Tallinn was visited, beautiful historical city at first sight. That is certainly one to remember.
Latvia
Next up is Latvia, where the capital Riga is on the agenda. The temperature is hovering around freezing all the time.
Latvia lies on the Baltic Sea, team Bugeye Motors went to take a look.
Lithuania
The last Baltic state is Lithuania. One of the places visited is The Hill of Crosses, a place that most people stopped to see.
The Kaunas concentration camp is also included in the route. With the current war in Ukraine more topical than ever.
Poland
From Lithuania it goes to Poland. A large country that, according to some participants, is surprisingly similar to the Netherlands. Above a picture of Gdansk by night.
The freedom to drive where and how you want is, in my opinion, one of the strong points of the organisation. You get certain advice about possible interesting places but ultimately you determine your own route. For example, Team The Dudes stopped at an army base where the planes are just in the front yard. Great performance by the way, to do this ride with an old Volvo Amazon!
Germany
Poland was followed by Germany, where the official finish line waited in Hamburg. Since the weather was better now than at the start, the finish took place on the Vismarkt.
Team Svetlada
And then there is Team Svetlada, let’s just say that the men from Ghent have really been in a category of their own. Their numerous videos have brought a smile to the face of every viewer. They received a special prize from the organisation. They can pick a rally spot of their choice for their next adventure. They and we think it is a fantastic prize!
Would you like to see the adventures of Svetlada? Above you can see their Full movie, but be sure to check out their channel!
Conclusion
From the many comments I have read, it seems to have been an unforgettable experience for just about every candidate. Most of them did not have any bad luck or accidents. The organisation can look back on a successful event!
I will drive the Baltic Sea Circle Rally Winter edition in 2023 together with my son Loïc. Our charity is the MS-Liga Vlaanderen. We have two friends with MS and a lot of funds are needed for research and support. Hence our choice and you can support it too. So surf to our page at the MS-Liga Vlaanderen and make a donation. And follow our adventures on our FB page.
I would like to express my thanks to the following teams for the photos.
Team 91 “Ultima Thule”
Team Ribera
Team Renn Deer
Team BugeyeMotors
Team The-Dudes
Team Svetlada
Report: Patrick Verheeken
