Soviet remnants are scattered throughout the cities, lakes, national parks and beaches of the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Abandoned prisons, communist-era architecture and crumbling buildings have become home to many a stork's nest. While the three countries differ in language and currency (though Latvia switched to the Euro in early 2014), they share the same history of occupation. This is where the Singing Revolution that led to the dissolution of the Soviet Union began. The capital cities of Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius all have bustling historic old towns, but friendly locals are happy to show you some of the more hidden sights. For more images from the Baltics and other Eastern European countries, click here.

Town Hall Square in the Old Town section of Tallinn, Estonia. Funky bike tour through the Kalamaja area of Tallinn, Estonia. Walking through the Soviet era Patarei Prison in the Kalamaja section of Tallinn, Estonia. Abandoned building in the countryside of Estonia. Stork nest atop an old smoke stack in the countryside of Estonia. Ruins of Soviet era buildings near the Baltic Sea coast in the Karosta section of Liepāja, Latvia. Soviet style architecture in the Karosta neighborhood of Liepāja, Latvia. A couple sitting on concrete structures forming a breakwater for the Baltic Sea in the Karosta section of Liepāja, Latvia. Abandoned building in Liepāja, Latvia.

A resident outside her home in the Uzupis District of Vilnius, Lithuania. Abandoned Church of Blessed Virgin Mary of Consolation in the old town of Vilnius, Lithuania.