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Estonia Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 25, 2023

Tucked away in the Baltics, Estonia has become a popular destination thanks to cheap flights, beautiful cities, a wild nightlife, and the country’s stalwart support for digital nomads and remote workers (it’s also a popular spot for cruisers since many ships stop there as well).

I loved my time here. Unlike the stereotypes many people have about Eastern Europe, Estonia is a modern, organized, and tech-forward country. It has more start-ups than Silicon Valley and everything is done online here.

With more than 1,500 islands, swaths of untouched old-growth forests, and historic castles and churches, Estonia seamlessly blends old and new. Be sure to get out of Tallinn, too. There’s more to the country than just its capital.

This travel guide to Estonia can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this underrated European destination!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Estonia

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Estonia

1. Party in Tallinn

Estonia’s historic capital city Tallinn is a cultural melting pot on the shores of the Baltic Sea. Here you can explore one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Northern Europe. Wander along the cobblestone streets while taking in historic architecture of the Old Town. While it has a lot of history to offer, it’s also ripe with bars, pubs, nightclubs, and cheap drinks. If you love live music, you’ll be impressed with Tallinn. There’s a vibrant party scene here that’s both fun and affordable.

2. Visit Pärnu

Overlooking Pärnu Bay is the resort city of Pärnu. Perched over the Baltic Sea, it’s a lovely place to relax for a few days. In the warmer months you can walk 20 minutes from the town center to the expansive Blue Flag beach with soft sand and calm water that is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. It makes for a perfect jumping-off point for anyone wanting to do any sailing while in Estonia. When you’ve had your fill of sand and saltwater, pamper yourself with a mud bath at the seaside 1920’s era spa. Like everywhere in Estonia, there’s some incredible historic architecture, like the old Russian style Transformation of Our Lord Church. Divided by the Pärnu River, the city is known for its 19th-century timber villas as well as the relaxing beaches of Pärnu Bay.

3. Get lost in Vanalinn

For the perfect mix of medieval and modern, venture into Tallinn’s Old Town, Vanalinn. This part of the city was built between the 13th and 16th centuries and was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1997. The original architecture is unbelievably well preserved — even after aggressive World War II bombings. Within the historic town square, you’ll find the 13th century Gothic Town Hall complete with a 64-meter-tall (209 feet) tower. It’s full of cobblestone streets and gothic architecture and makes for stunning photos and fun people watching.

4. Relax in Saaremaa

Home to the medieval castle Kuressaare (which dates to the 16th century), the island of Saaremaa is a beautiful place for hikers and bird watchers to escape into nature. Saaremaa is known for its beaches and traditional villages. Archeologists believe the island has been inhabited since 5000 BCE. The island is home to Vilsandi National Park, which spans 238 square kilometers (91 square miles) and is home to almost 250 species of birds. The climate makes it a hotspot for all types of flora and fauna. You can also visit the site of the Kaali meteorite strike (which happened over 3,000 years ago) with its huge craters and a unique museum full of chunks of the meteor.

5. Visit Lahemaa National Park

Located one hour east of Tallinn, this park showcases Estonia’s incredible natural beauty. The park was established in 1971 to protect the region, and it remains one of the main tourist attractions in the country. Spanning 750 square kilometers (289 square miles), it’s a wonderful hiking spot perfect for nature lovers thanks to the many large mammals living in the forests, including deer, wolves, bears, and lynx. About 70% of the park is covered in forest and there are a few incredible hiking trails to explore. Raised bogs are another interesting feature, especially Laukasoo Reserve which is believed to be 7000 years old. Those interested in architecture will love exploring the historic manors within the park, including the famous Baroque masterpiece Sagadi Manor. Admission is free.

Other Things to See and Do in Estonia

1. spot wildlife in soomaa national park.

Soomaa National Park is one of the most magical natural landscapes in Estonia. Spread out over 359 square kilometers (138 square miles), the park is home to elk, deer, boar, lynx, wolves, beavers, bears, and more. Located 140 kilometers (87 miles) south of Tallinn, the park is a popular getaway for hikers. The nearby Raudna River and Parnu Basin also offer the opportunity to kayak and canoe. Much of the park floods in the spring, giving you the chance to explore the forests via canoe/kayak. Admission to the park is free. Canoe and kayak rentals cost 27 EUR. Guided tours cost around 50 EUR.

2. Go skiing in Otepaa

A much-loved hiking and mountain biking destination during the summer, in the winter Otepaa transforms into the winter capital of Estonia. There are a couple of kilometers of mountains here and 8 different lifts that offer access. It’s one of the most budget-friendly places to ski in Europe . Lift passes cost around 38 EUR. Expect to pay another 35 EUR for a one-hour ski lesson and 15 EUR per day for ski rentals.

3. Explore Kuressaare Castle

Located on Saaremaa Island in western Estonia, Kuressaare Castle is the best-preserved castle in the Baltics. Built in the 14th century, the castle and its moat were constructed on the grounds of the original castle that dated to the 13th century. The current castle was constructed in the late Gothic style and consists of a large square building surrounding a spacious courtyard. A 36-meter (121-foot) defensive tower and traditional medieval portcullis make up the castle’s defenses. There’s a museum inside that sheds light on the castle’s history, including when the Nazis used the castle to execute dissidents. Admission to the castle is free while the museum costs 10 EUR. Bike rentals cost 4 EUR an hour and rowboats cost 10 EUR per hour.

4. Hang out in Tartu

Tartu holds the title of the intellectual (and hipster) capital of Estonia. Located two hours south of Tallinn, here you’ll find the country’s most prestigious university (University of Tartu), a historic citadel, and the ruins of the city’s cathedral (which dates to the 13th century). Be sure to explore Soup Town (a neighborhood composed of old wooden houses), see the 18th-century town hall (which stands out because it’s pink and red), and spend some time people-watching at a café in Raekoja Square, the city’s historic main square.

5. Visit the Estonian National Museum

Founded in 1909, this museum is located in Tartu. It was expanded in 2016 and moved into a massive new building. There are tons of exhibitions on Estonian history, with a detailed gallery on the Russian occupation of the country (which lasted from 1940-1991). The museum provides a solid historical and cultural foundation to help you better understand Estonia’s past and present. Admission is 14 EUR.

6. Visit Kaali Meteorite Crater Field

Located on Saaremaa Island, this site is where a giant meteorite hit over 7,500 years ago. There are 9 craters in total, with the largest crater spanning 110 meters in diameter (360 feet) and reaching depths of 22 meters (72 feet). All kinds of animal bones have been found here and there is a stone wall built around the area (dating to the Bronze Age), leaving archaeologists to surmise that the area was used for some kind of cult or religious ceremonies after the craters were made. Admission is free, though the small museum nearby costs 1.60 EUR to enter.

7. Enjoy an open-air festival in Viljandi

For summer festivals and live music, head to Viljandi. Located in the middle of the country, the town’s medieval castle is used for concerts and music festivals (especially traditional folk music). While you’re here, be sure to spend some time relaxing at Lake Viljandi where you can swim and enjoy the beach. Lake Võrtsjärv, the largest inland lake in the country, is also nearby.

8. Visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is in the heart of Tallinn’s Old Town. Standing 45 meters tall (150 feet), it was built between 1894-1900 in the Russian Revival style. It was left to decline under Soviet rule, however, once Estonia gained independence it was restored to its former glory. As well as the elaborately decorated bells (the largest weighing almost 16 tons) there are some beautiful religious mosaics inside and incredibly detailed stained glass windows. Admission is free but it’s a place of worship so dress respectfully.

9. Try windsurfing

With so much of the country surrounded by water, Estonia is a perfect destination for windsurfing. There are windsurfing shops on the west coast and in the north that offer rentals for 25-40 EUR and lessons from 66 EUR per hour. If windsurfing isn’t your thing, you can also enjoy stand-up paddleboarding, wakeboarding, or water skiing. Expect to pay around 20 EUR for those activities.

10. Visit the KGB Museum

Located on the top floor of Tallinn’s luxurious Hotel Viru are the KGB’s former spy rooms (the KGB was the Soviet Union’s secret police). The rooms were discovered after the KGB fled Estonia in the early 1990s. The hotel owners decided to keep the rooms exactly the way they were. Inside are listening and surveillance equipment that looks like something straight out of a vintage spy movie. The museum is only accessible as part of a guided tour that can be booked from the hotel lobby. The tour costs 12 EUR.

11. Go birding in Matsalu National Park

This is one of the best places to spot endangered species like the white-tailed eagle or watch the migrating cranes. Established in 1957, the park was created to protect the nesting and migrating birds. It’s located on the west coast of the country, spanning almost 500 square kilometers (192 square miles). Every year, between 10,000-20,000 cranes and upwards of 40,000 ducks visit the park as they migrate. Admission is free.

12. Wander Linnahall

Commissioned by the Soviet Union to accommodate the 1980 Moscow Summer Olympics, Tallinn’s Linnahall sports complex is now a giant, imposing, concrete ghost town. An amphitheater that seats 5,000 was unable to be utilized once the Olympic-sized crowds had departed so it now lies crumbling (construction was rushed and was done poorly so the buildings are falling apart). Over 66 countries boycotted the games due to the U.S.’s disapproval of the Soviet-Afghan war. Today, the venue is not in use so you’re free to wander and explore. Its location above the city makes it a great lookout spot. It’s an interesting place to wander around if you have a spare few hours.

13. Visit the Estonian Open-Air Museum

Hidden amongst the trees and forests just outside of Tallinn, this open-air museum is a reconstruction of an 18th-century rural village. It’s home to all kinds of traditional Estonian buildings. There are actors dressed up in historical garb as well as traditional professions on display, such as basket weaving and blacksmithing. There are over 80 wooden buildings you can visit, including a church, school, tavern, and farmhouse. Admission is 10 EUR.

Estonia Travel Costs

Accommodation – Hostel dorms start at 10 EUR per night for a bed in a 10-20 bed dorm. A smaller dorm with 6-8 beds costs 15 EUR per night. For a private room in a hostel, expect to pay at least 30 EUR per night. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels have self-catering facilities. A few include free breakfast.

Budget hotels start at 40 EUR per night for a double or twin room that includes free breakfast and free Wi-Fi.

Airbnb is available around the country with private rooms starting at 20 EUR per night. For an entire home or apartment, expect to pay at least 35 EUR per night (though prices average double that).

For anyone traveling with a tent, Estonia is one of the best places in Europe for wild camping. Wild camping is permitted on government land (though some of the national parks do have restrictions). Here’s a list of the places you can wild camp in Estonia .

Food – Estonian food has a mix of influences from Russia, Germany, and Scandinavia. Dishes are commonly based around meat and potatoes as well as seasonal vegetables. Soups are a common main course as well. Pickled foods like beets, cucumbers, and fish, as well as rye bread and herring, make up the basis of much of the local cuisine. As in Scandinavia, open-faced sandwiches are a quick to-go snack. Verivorst and mulgikapsad (blood sausage and sauerkraut) are two of the most popular national dishes.

For an inexpensive meal at a café or restaurant, expect to pay between 6-13 EUR. A traditional sausage or stuffed pancake costs just under 3 EUR while fast food meals (think McDonald’s) cost around 7 EUR.

A multi-course meal at a restaurant with table service costs around 40 EUR, including a drink. Expect dishes like grilled salmon, lamb ribs, and roasted pork or duck. For something like Thai or Indian food (which is only really available in Tallinn and Tartu), expect to pay around 12-15 EUR for a meal.

Beer costs around 5 EUR. A latte/cappuccino is 3 EUR while bottled water is 1.50 EUR.

If you are planning to cook your own food, you can expect to spend around 30-40 EUR for a week’s worth of groceries. This includes basic staples like pasta, rice, seasonal produce, and some meat or fish.

Backpacking Estonia Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget of 35 EUR per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook your meals, limit your drinking, take public transportation to get around, and do mostly free or cheap activities like free walking tours and visiting national parks. If you plan on drinking, add 5-10 EUR per day to your budget.

On a mid-range budget of 110 EUR per day, you can stay in a private hostel room or Airbnb, eat out at cheap restaurants serving traditional cuisine, drink more, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like museum visits or ski trips.

On a “luxury” budget of 225 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink as much as you want, rent a car to get around, and do more paid activities and guided tours. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Estonia Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Estonia is a perfect destination for anyone on a budget. It’s not as cheap as it was years ago but there’s still a lot of value here — and still plenty of ways to reduce your costs! Here is how to save money during your visit:

• Take a free walking tour – Tallinn offers a handful of free walking tours which are great ways to get familiar with the city and the culture. Most hostels offer them and there are even some that have a special focus (such as the city’s Communist past). Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Wild camp – If you really want to save money in Estonia, bring a tent. Wild camping is legal here so you can pitch your tent on public land throughout Estonia. Just make sure to pick up your trash when you’re done.
• Cook your own meals – Many hostels have kitchen facilities so you can cook your own meals. Buying your own groceries may not be as glamorous as going out to eat but it does save you money.
• Stay with a local – Staying with a local via Couchsurfing will get you a free place to stay while connecting you with a local who can share their insider tips and advice.
• Walk everywhere – All the major cities in Estonia are walkable so skip the public transportation if you want to save a few extra euros.
• Enjoy the free spaces – There are plenty of free parks as well as many free hiking trails around the country. If you’re on a tight budget, enjoy the outdoors.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water in Estonia is safe to drink. Bring a reusable water bottle to avoid having to buy single-use plastic. LifeStraw is my go-to bottle as it has a built-in filter to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Estonia

Budget accommodation in Estonia is plentiful. Here are some of my favorite hostels in Estonia:

• Old Town Mukenof (Tallinn)
• Looming Hostel (Tartu)
• Hostel Louna (Parnu)
• Kalda Talu Puhkekeskus (Valga)

How to Get Around Estonia

Public transportation – In most smaller towns and cities in Estonia, it’s possible to walk everywhere. However, in larger cities like Tallinn, you may want to use public transport to get around. In Tallinn, you can purchase QR-code tickets or load money onto a Smartcard (a pre-paid bus card). There is an extensive network of trams, trolleys, and buses that service the city and surrounding suburbs.

Public transportation prices vary by city but expect to pay around 1.50 EUR for a standard 1-hour adult ticket.

Train – The trains in Estonia are reliable, cheap, and fast. Many even have free Wi-Fi. You can take an express train to Tartu from Tallinn in just two hours for 8-12 EUR each way. The two-hour journey from Tallinn to Viljandi is 10-12 EUR while the seven-hour train ride from Tallinn to Riga, Latvia starts at just 15 EUR.

Bus – Many people favor train travel over bus travel in Estonia because the prices are similar and, in many cases, the trains are faster. However, there are more scheduled buses per day than trains so the bus might better fit your schedule.

Buses start at just 5 EUR. To get from Tallinn to Tartu takes 2.5 hours (just 30 minutes longer than the train) and costs around 10 EUR. The bus from Tallinn to Saaremaa Island takes around 4 hours and costs 11 EUR while the journey from Tallinn to Viljandi takes just over 2 hours and costs 9 EUR. Expect to pay around 16 EUR for the 5.5-hour bus to Riga, Latvia.

Flying – Although there are domestic flights within Estonia, they’re prohibitively expensive and won’t save you any time as a high-speed train is almost as fast when you include check-in time. Skip flying.

Car rental – Car rentals cost as little as 28 EUR per day. You need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in order to rent a car here. For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Estonia

The summer months of June-August are the busiest of the year (though busy in Estonia is far less busy than cities in Western Europe). During this time, the days are longer and the temperatures hover around 20°C (68°F). Almost all of Estonia’s festivals are held during these months.

To beat the crowds, visit between April-May or September-October. During these months, the temperatures are cooler, making it the perfect time to get outdoors and camp or hike. Plus, the peak tourist season is over so the crowds are thinner and things are a little cheaper.

During the winter, temperatures plummet and the country is blanketed in snow. Visiting Estonia during the winter can be a magical experience if you are interested in skiing or Christmas markets. Be warned though — temperatures can drop to -10°C (15°F).

How to Stay Safe in Estonia

Estonia is a safe country with a low crime rate. Within Tallinn, petty theft (including pickpocketing) is possible in the heavily-touristed areas, as well as on crowded public transportation and in busy bars/clubs. Keep your valuables out of sight and watch out for people (especially younger children) trying to distract you.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

If you’re heading out to enjoy Tallinn’s famous nightlife, leave your valuables at home. Avoid walking alone at night and stick to the main roads. Muggings are rare, but they can occur. Travel in pairs or groups if possible and avoid walking alone at night if intoxicated, just to be safe.

One thing to be aware of is that reflectors are required by law to be worn by pedestrians at night. You can pick them up in most supermarkets cheaply and you just need to attach one to your jacket or bag when out after dark.

Scams here are rare but you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you do experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Estonia Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Estonia Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Europe travel and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Copenhagen

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

The 7 Best Hotels in Madrid

The 6 Best Hotels in Vienna

The Best Walking Tours in Barcelona

How to Be a Digital Nomad in Europe

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

Maps of Estonia

Estonia is a Baltic country in Northern Europe with an area of 45,227  km 2 (17,462 sq mi). As observed on the physical map of Estonia, the country is mostly low and flat ( close to sea level ). It is also nearly surrounded by water on all sides.

Estonia has 3,794 km (2,357 mi) of coastline indented by numerous bays, straits, and inlets. The number of islands and islets is estimated at some 2,222; most are small with a few large islands off the western coastline. Some of the major islands like Saaremaa, Vormsi, Kardla, Muhu, Kihnu, etc., have been shown on the map above.

Central and south, the land is hillier, rising to its highest point - the Munamagi - at 1,042 ft. (318m). A yellow upright triangle marks the position of this point on the map. The country's average elevation reaches only 50 meters (164 ft).

Over 1,400 small lakes dot the western parts of the country. The largest lakes includes Peipus and Pskov, ( shared with Russia ) and Lake Vorts-Jarv.

Rivers of size include the Emojogi, Manamagi and Parnu. The lowest point in Estonia is 0 m at sea level.

Counties of Estonia Map

Estonia (officially, the Republic of Estonia) is divided into 15 counties ( maakonnad , sing. maakond ) and further into 64 parishes or municipalities. The counties are: Harju, Hiiu, Ida-Viru, Jarva, Jogeva, Laane, Laane-Viru, Parnu, Polva, Rapla, Saare, Tartu, Valga, Viljandi, and Voru.

Estonia occupies an area of 45,227 sq. km, including a mainland and 2,222 islands. Located in north-western Estonia on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland is, Tallinn – the capital, the largest and the most populous city of Estonia. It is also the administrative, cultural, educational and financial center of the country.

Where is Estonia?

Estonia is a Northern European nation and the northernmost of the three Baltic republics. It is geographically positioned both in the Northern and Eastern hemispheres of the Earth. Estonia is bordered by Russia in the east and Latvia in the south. It is also bounded by the Gulf of Finland in the north, the Baltic Sea in the west and the Lake Peipus in the east. Estonia shares its maritime borders with Finland and Sweden.

Estonia Bordering Countries : Russia , Latvia .

Regional Maps : Map of Europe

Outline Map of Estonia

The above blank map represents the Republic of Estonia, a Baltic country located in Northern Europe. The above map can be downloaded, printed and used for educational purposes like map-pointing activities and coloring.

The above outline map represents Estonia, a Northern European nation. Estonia is the smallest and the northernmost of the three Baltic nations.

This page was last updated on February 24, 2021

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Estonia doesn’t have to struggle to find a point of difference; it’s completely unique. It shares a similar geography and history with Latvia and Lithuania, but culturally it’s distinct. Its closest ethnic and linguistic buddy is Finland, though 50 years of Soviet rule in Estonia have separated the two. For the last 300 years Estonia has been linked to Russia, but the two states have as much in common as a barn swallow and a bear (their respective national symbols).

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Niguliste Museum

Dating from the 13th century, the imposing St Nicholas' Church (Niguliste kirik) was badly damaged by Soviet bombers in 1944 and a fire in the 1980s, but…

Estonian Open-Air Museum

This sprawling ethnographic and architectural complex comprises 80 historic Estonian buildings, plucked from across the country and resurrected in…

This futuristic, Finnish-designed, seven-storey building is a spectacular structure of limestone, glass and copper that integrates intelligently into the…

Tallinn Town Hall

Completed in 1404, this is the only surviving Gothic town hall in northern Europe. Inside, you can visit the Trade Hall (whose visitor book drips with…

Great Guild Hall

The Great Guild Hall (1410) is a wonderfully complete testament to the power of Tallinn's medieval trade guilds. Now a branch of the Estonian History…

Kuressaare Episcopal Castle

Western Estonia & the Islands

Majestic Kuressaare Castle stands facing the sea at the southern end of the town, on an artificial island defended by stone-faced earth bastions and…

Kadriorg Art Museum

Kadriorg Palace, a baroque beauty built by Peter the Great between 1718 and 1736, houses a branch of the Art Museum of Estonia devoted to Dutch, German…

Seaplane Harbour

Kalamaja & Telliskivi

When this cavernous, triple-domed building was completed in 1917, its reinforced-concrete shell-frame construction was unique in the world. Resembling a…

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Estonia and beyond

• 3.1 National parks
• 3.2 Islands
• 4.1 History
• 4.3 Geography
• 4.4 Holidays
• 4.5 Tourist information
• 5.2 By plane
• 5.5 By boat
• 5.6 By train
• 6.2 By train
• 6.4 By taxi
• 6.5 By thumb
• 6.6 By plane
• 6.7 By bicycle
• 6.8 On foot and navigation
• 8.1 Estonia's top tourist attractions
• 8.2 Medieval history and manors
• 8.3 Islands and coastline
• 9.1.1 Film festivals
• 9.1.2 Music festivals
• 9.1.3 Sport events
• 9.1.4 Other events
• 10.2 Banking and cards
• 10.3 Tipping
• 16 Stay safe
• 17 Stay healthy
• 19.1 Internet
• 19.2 Landlines
• 19.3 Mobile phones
• 19.4 Postal service
• 19.5 Newspapers
• 19.6 Radio / TV

Estonia ( Estonian : Eesti ) is a Baltic gem offering visitors the chance to see a tiny dynamic land on the shores of the sea. The northernmost and smallest of the Baltic states, Estonia has charming old towns and heritage back to the Hanseatic League . Tallinn 's old town was built in the Middle Ages , but is in magnificent condition, with the city walls and towers almost completely intact, and it rates as one of Europe's best medieval old towns. Visitors can also experience an ex-Soviet republic that is now part of the European Union. Traces of the Soviet era are still there to be seen, e.g. Paldiski , a deserted Soviet army base that was once off-limits to Estonians themselves, can easily be visited on a day trip from the capital, Tallinn. Estonia is renowned for its bucolic islands and extensive bogs that are now national parks with easy access for tourists. Glorious beaches pepper the extensive coastline, although the swimming season is short — after all, the Baltics are not renowned for warm weather.

Regions [ edit ]

Estonia is divided into 15 counties ( maakond ). To bring out the unique characteristics of Estonia, this guide uses four regions. As the country is small, most destinations can be reached within a couple of hours from Tallinn.

Cities [ edit ]

• 59.437222 24.745 1 Tallinn – The cosmopolitan capital is also the financial centre of Estonia. With its medieval old town, Tallinn is beautiful and, compared to other Estonian towns, expensive.
• 58.38 26.7225 2 Tartu – This museum-rich Hanseatic city on the banks of the Emajõgi River is Estonia's second-largest and oldest city, an intellectual hub famous for its universities and lively student atmosphere.
• 59.379167 28.200556 3 Narva – Estonia's easternmost and third largest city, on the Narva River, which is the border with Russia . Famous for the Hermann Castle, right opposite Ivangorod 's castle, and the Kreenholm factories.
• 58.384444 24.498889 4 Pärnu – Estonia's fourth largest city and summer capital, popular for its balneotherapy complexes and spa centres, surrounded by numerous beaches.
• 59.350556 26.361111 5 Rakvere – Estonia's fifth largest city, east of Tallinn, famous for its punk and rock festivals and spirit.
• 58.946944 23.536944 6 Haapsalu – the "Venice of the north" is a major seaside resort and port city, good for visiting spas, taking mud baths, sailing, and swimming. It also has interesting landmarks, like the cathedral, the castle ruins, and the picturesque railway museum.
• 58.363333 25.595556 7 Viljandi – A beautiful, ancient and hilly city, known for its annual folk music festival, old town, and scenic park around the ruined castle.
• 58.253333 22.486111 8 Kuressaare – The only town on the island of Saaremaa , the location of Kuressaare Castle. It also has many spas, water parks, and a beach.
• 57.776944 26.031111 9 Valga – A town on the border with Latvia , where it literally grows into the Latvian town of Valka .

Other destinations [ edit ]

Estonians have a special love for nature, and many will tell you that they would rather sit under a tree in an empty forest or hike in a national park than almost anything else. Estonia's tranquil, laidback and unspoiled Baltic Sea islands provide a splendid getaway to nature.

National parks [ edit ]

• 59.571111 25.800278 1 Lahemaa National Park – On the coast within an hour east (50 km) of Tallinn. Given its size it is the largest park in Estonia and one of Europe's biggest national parks, with 1,000 km 2 of bogs , trails, and forests.
• 58.440833 25.105556 2 Soomaa National Park – the second largest national park in Estonia, famous for its "fifth season". A peat bog formed from a glacier melt from around 11,000 years ago.
• 58.76 23.596944 3 Matsalu National Park – one of the largest and most important autumn stopping grounds for migratory birds in Europe. Excellent for birdwatchers, due it is rich ornithological species.
• 58.378611 21.877222 4 Vilsandi National Park – rich in marine fauna, and international bird sanctuary with over 250 recorded bird species, on the west coast of Saaremaa. Covers 238 km 2 , including 163 km 2 of sea and 75 km 2 of land, plus 160 islands and islets.
• 57.714444 26.486667 5 Karula National Park – the hilly landscapes of Southern Estonia. Estonian’s smallest national park between Valga and Võru .
• 59.08867 27.43925 6 Alutaguse National Park – the newest national park that covers a sparsly populated area in Northeastern Estonia that is south from towns like Jõhvi and Narva . This park was created in order to protect last few habitats of flying squirrels in Estonia itself.
• 58.057222 26.498333 7 Otepää Nature Park and Lake Pühajärve } – Part of the Otepää recreational region with an area beyond 3,000 km². Trails along the lake and paths in the hilly forests.
• Meenikunno Nature Park – A 5 km hike and wooden trail with an observation platform in the middle of the swamps.

Islands [ edit ]

• 58.416667 22.5 8 Saaremaa – The largest Estonian and wild seaside character island with castles and fortresses, one perfectly preserved, a beach, a spa and famous mills. Saaremaa is even sometimes called Sparemaa . Furthermore, the island is surrounded by a myriad of tiny islands including Abruka with its nudist camps.
• 58.884167 22.644444 9 Hiiumaa – The second largest Estonian island. Popular for its lighthouses, ancient churches, historical values and the sense of humour of its inhabitants, but scarcely populated. In winter, it can sometimes be reached by car via an ice bridge on the Baltic Sea.
• 58.1285 23.9846 10 Kihnu – The southernmost group of islands, Kihnu, is on the UNESCO World Heritage List . Cosy and warm yet exotic – folk costumes are worn here every day and the handicraft of older generations remains highly valued.
• 58.6 23.25 11 Muhu – The third largest Estonian island, and a rural municipality connected to the nearby Saaremaa by an artificial embankment, where ferries to the harbour of Virtsu arrive. Has an open air museum, and its locals are known for still sewing woollen clothes. Sleepy fishing villages, working windmills, thatched cottages, plenty of deer, moose and birds.
• 57.8 23.25 12 Ruhnu – The communal territory corresponds to that of the homonymous island, formerly known as Runö.
• 59 23.25 13 Vormsi – The fourth largest Estonian island, very close to the mainland. Vormsi is a small island covered with forests and a Swedish community. A unique blend of Soviet and Swedish history mixed with unspoilt nature.
• Osmussaare – A small and mostly inaccessible island in the mouth of the Gulf of Finland, 7.5 km off the mainland, and part of the Noarootsi Parish.
• Pakri – Two islands in the Gulf of Finland : Suur-Pakri and Väike-Pakri (Swedish: Stora Rågö and Lilla Rågö), administratively part of Paldiski .
• Naissaar – An island mostly covered by forest northwest of Tallinn with about 35 residents.
• Prangli – A small island with, harbour (for ferries to Leppneeme on the mainland), mainly fir trees, and a lighthouse from 1923.

Understand [ edit ]

Some visitors tend to see the Baltic states as being similar countries with regional differences. They share a common recent history: the three countries declared independence in 1918 at the collapse of the Russian Empire, were occupied by the Soviet Union in 1940, by Nazi Germany in 1941, and again by the Soviet Union from 1944 until independence was restored in 1991. However, there are differences between the countries' languages (Estonians speak a Finnic language unlike Latvia or Lithuania) and religion (Estonians are irreligious, Latvians are mostly Lutherans, and Lithuanians are Catholics). Also, Estonia is more oriented towards Northern Europe, while Lithuania is oriented towards Central Europe.

Tourism to Estonia has been growing, with statistics showing a jump from 1.8 million to 6 million foreign visitors between 2005 and 2015.

History [ edit ]

After seven centuries of German , Danish , Swedish , Polish and Russian rule, Estonia attained independence in 1918. Occupied and forcibly incorporated into the USSR in 1940, it re-gained independence in 1991 through its "Singing Revolution", a non-violent movement that overthrew an initially violent occupation. Since the last Russian troops left in 1994, Estonia moved to promote economic and political ties with Western Europe. It is now one of the more prosperous former Communist states, enjoying a high-tech environment, an open and liberal economy and a transparent government system. On the other hand, it is faced with a fairly low (but growing) GDP per capita and modest long-term population decline. In 2011, the euro was adopted as the official currency.

People [ edit ]

Estonia is bigger than the Netherlands or Denmark by area, but is one of the least densely populated countries in the EU, with 1.3 million people. Ethnic Estonians make up 69% of the population, and Russians 26%. The heaviest concentrations of Russians are in the north-east (Ida-Viru County) and Tallinn . Most of Estonia's ethnic Russians are stateless permanent residents, being allowed to remain in Estonia, but not eligible to vote in elections or work in government jobs, as the Estonian government requires them to pass tests that prove their fluency in the Estonian language to be eligible for naturalisation. Due to its close cultural and linguistic ties with Finland , many ethnic Estonians consider themselves Nordic, as they are not Balts, and regard Estonia's classification as a Baltic state as mainly a geographical convenience.

Estonia has the least religious population in the European Union: 14% are Lutherans (mostly ethnic Estonians) and 13% are Eastern Orthodox (mostly ethnic Russians, although there is a small Estonian Orthodox population). The native Estonian attitude towards Christianity may differ from the other Europeans attitude (Finns and Russians are good example) since Christianity was forced on native Estonians in 13th century by German crusader conquest and used to consolidate the German nobility's power over native Estonians for the next 700 years.

Geography [ edit ]

Holidays [ edit ]

• National holiday  : Independence Day, 24 February; this day in 1918 was the first date of independence from Soviet Russia (20 August 1991 was the date of re-independence from the Soviet Union). Each 24 February, a grand ball is held by the president for the prominent and important members of society and foreign dignitaries. If you happen to be traveling in Tallinn on that particular day, make sure you get to witness the national flag raising ceremony at the Pikk Hermann Tower in the morning and admire the traditional military parade.
• Jaanipäev  : St John's Day or Midsummer Day held on the night of 23–24 June. The evening of the 23rd and well into the morning of the 24th is celebrated with bonfires and a traditional festive menu concentrating on barbeques and drinking.
• Võidupüha (Victory Day) : 23 June is celebrated to commemorate the decisive victory over Baltic German forces in 1919 during the War of Independence.
• Taasiseseisvumispäev (Day of Restoration of Independence) : 20 August is celebrated about Estonia's separation from the Soviet Union and the country's restoration of independence in 1991.
• Christmas or Jõulud : Celebrated strictly as a family event.
• New Year's Eve  : As a Soviet province, the authorities sought to promote the New Year holiday, as Christmas was all but forbidden for its alleged "religious" and "nationalist" character. After the restoration of independence, the significance of the New Year decreased, but it is still a day off and celebrated. This day is used by the leaders of the country to address the nation.

Tourist information [ edit ]

• Visit Estonia

Get in [ edit ]

Visa [ edit ].

Estonia is a member of the Schengen Agreement . See Travelling around the Schengen Area for more information on how the scheme works, which countries are members and what the requirements are for your nationality. In summary:

• There are normally no immigration controls between countries that have signed and implemented the treaty.
• There are usually identity checks before boarding international flights or boats entering the Schengen Area. Sometimes there are temporary border controls at land borders.
• A visa granted for any Schengen member is valid in all other countries that have signed and implemented the treaty.

By plane [ edit ]

Tallinn ( TLL  IATA ) is Estonia's main international gateway. In addition to direct daily flights to/from all major Scandinavian ( Stockholm Arlanda , Copenhagen Airport , and Oslo ) and Baltic cities ( Riga and Vilnius ), there are direct flights from many major European hubs like London , Frankfurt Airport , Munich Airport , Brussels and Amsterdam Schiphol , and Warsaw . Eastward connections are from Kyiv (temporarily suspended). AirBaltic provides the majority of the service, with the rest being provided by Finnair, SAS, Lufthansa, LOT and others. Easyjet, Ryanair, and Wizzair provide low-cost options to Tallinn, albeit from far fewer places than most international airports in neighbouring countries.

Close proximity and excellent ferry services with Helsinki allow for combination of open-jaw air travel. Riga is only 2-3 hr bus ride from southern Estonia and may be another good option.

Other Estonian airports are mostly used for domestic services, although Tartu has a daily connection to Helsinki , whereas Pärnu and Kuressaare may have sporadic flights to Stockholm .

By car [ edit ]

Good road connections are to the south ( Via Baltica routing Tallinn- Riga - Kaunas - Warsaw ) and east (Tallinn- Saint Petersburg , Tallinn- Pskov ). Any car travel to Russia involves unpredictable delays at the border. The Narva / Ivangorod border crossing is notorious for its half-day-long queues, so use the southern crossing in Pechory whenever possible and pay special attention to the ticketing system that books you a place in the queue on the Estonian side. Baltic Sea ferries often also take cars.

By bus [ edit ]

Lots of good and cheap connections from Riga and Saint Petersburg to Tallinn . Long-distance service from Vilnius , Kaunas , Kaliningrad , and even Warsaw or Kyiv is also available. The most popular regular service provider is Luxexpress Group , others include Ecolines and FlixBus .

Since, the available bus companies might change over time, use bus comparison sites like this one: https://www.busradar.com

By boat [ edit ]

Ferry lines connect Tallinn with Sweden (Stockholm) and Finland (Helsinki, Mariehamn ). Tallinn-Helsinki is one of the busiest sea routes in Europe and has daily 11 ferry crossings and 6-7 different fast-boat crossings (not during the winter) in each direction. Ferries are operated by Tallink , Viking Line and Eckerö Line . Ferry tickets can be as low as €19 for a single or return (usually the return is free if returning the same day; they want day cruisers who supposedly spend more on board).

Minor international ferry connections include Paldiski - Kapellskär (Sweden) and Paldiski - Hanko (Finland). They are operated by DFDS Seaways .

For information regarding entering Estonia with your own boat, visit State Port Register [dead link] and the Estonian Maritime Administration webpage for Recreational Craft .

By train [ edit ]

International train services between Tallinn on the one hand and Moscow and Saint Petersburg in Russia on the other have been suspended several times in the past. The Russian Railways (RZD) runs the connection Moscow-Tallinn (via St. Petersburg) with daily night trains. Trains depart from Moscow at 21:20 and arrive in Tallinn at 13.38. Services from Tallinn depart at 15:20 and arrive in Moscow at 09:32. As of 2023, the train service to Russia is suspended. The widely (and somewhat blatantly) advertised Riga -to- Tallinn train connection is anything but reasonable, because it makes a long detour and takes you nearly a whole day for a simple trip between the neighbouring Baltic capitals. However, local trains from northern Latvia to southern Estonia (connection in Valka / Valga ) may be useful. Valka / Valga is also the only railway border crossing between Latvia and Estonia. The trains at the border crossing do not connect very well, so be prepared to spend a couple of hours there.

Get around [ edit ]

In Estonia, the public transport system is well-developed.

As of July 1, 2018, Estonia will have created the largest 24/7 free public transit zone in the world for local residents.

Estonia has a comprehensive bus network all over the country. Nearly every city can be accessed by a direct bus from Tallinn or Tartu. Other big cities have their own bus routes, such as Narva–Pärnu. Beside that, most of the towns and villages have regular bus connections to the nearby larger cities and towns. Smaller places are often only served in the morning or noon, and late afternoon (17:00/18:00). City connections generally operate up to 21:00. Make sure not to miss the last bus, or not to get stuck during daytime in a smaller town or village.

All connections are available online through Tpilet.ee (for long distance connections) and Peatus.ee (for short distances and local connections – enter/choose the exact station name to get meaningful results; e.g. "Tallinna bussijaam" and not "Tallinn"). Load a pilet.ee mobile app to buy local bus tickets. The websites and apps are mostly available in Estonian, English, and Russian. You can always buy tickets from the driver, except in Tallinn public transport.

You can also buy tickets for many connections online with Tpilet.ee or Tpilet bussipiletid app. Sometimes the mobile site does not show the purchase option, and you might want to switch your smartphone web browser to "Desktop mode". It is sometimes more preferable to buy a bus ticket online, especially with Simple Express or Eesti Buss buses. So check ahead, and if there is still time, buy right before the trip, or even in advance if you have a specific plan. This even applies to short distances, where instead of €2.50 the online price is €1.50 (or so) with Simple Express. If the purchase is not displayed with Tpilet.ee , check directly with Eesti Buss or Lux Express .

Nevertheless, tickets bought online are only cheaper with certain companies, like Simple Express, which also allows e-tickets on your mobile. For other companies, online tickets need to be printed and cannot be used on your mobile (like for Go Bus). But there are self-service terminals in the city bus terminal to print out such tickets. Some buses do not have power, in case you want to charge your phone (Simple Express has, Go Bus does not).

Regarding finding the right bus stop, especially for longer distances, buses do not go into each and every town but rather stop at the nearest point along the highway. These stops are denoted with "... tee", like "Loksa tee" instead of Loksa the town. Make sure you know where to enter and where to get off the bus, considering this. Also, an online search for a connection might not come up with any connection because you simple chose the wrong bus stops.

Estonia's train network does not cover the whole country. The quality of railway tracks and services is steadily improving, thanks to substantial EU funding. The old Soviet diesel machines have been replaced with modern European trains.

Since 2014 all domestic passenger rail operations have been taken over by Elron , whose website does offer timetables, journey planner and prices.

Tickets are sold on board. You can buy your ticket after boarding the train from the ticket machines in the train lobbies by paying by debit card (-10% off) or from the conductor. You can also buy them online, at major stations, or in one of the rare ticket machines, but this makes sense mostly for 1st class tickets that are limited in number and may be sold out. All ticket prices are discounted -10% when purchased from the Internet.

For first class numbered seats, you will need an advance ticket purchased online (other passengers can see your reservation by the red seat number instead of the green one above the seat on the edge of the hat rack). A standard fare (2nd class) ticket does not guarantee a seat at peak times (which are usually Friday and Sunday evenings).

Train connection and price information is also available through Peatus.ee .

Ticket prices are fairly low – 1st class travel from Tallinn to Tartu costs €12.60-15.00 one-way.

Most roads have two lanes, but some national highways (Tallinn-Tartu, Tallinn-Pärnu, Tallinn-Narva and Tallinn ring road) have 4 lanes in some segments (mainly closer to Tallinn). All national highways are of very good road quality (wide 1+1 roads with lane markings). The road quality on other roads varies. As of 2019, out of 16,600 km of highways in Estonia, 4,900 km were paved and another 3,600 km were chipsealed.

The speed limit is 90 km/h in the countryside and 50 km/h in cities, unless specified otherwise.

Only in summer is 110 km/h introduced on selected highways (generally dual carriageways with at least 2 lanes in each direction), and the scope is reconsidered every summer. Motorway signs are not present in winter.

Stationary speed cameras are frequent on major highways. Waze mobile app has a decent coverage of speed limits and stationary cameras, which is most helpful on long drives.

Unlike Russia and some other countries, urban areas are always marked with an "urban area" sign. Conversely, a road sign with a settlement name on blue blackground is not necessarily an indicator of an urban area.

Fines for exceeding the limit by 20 km/h is up to €120 , for +21-40 km/h up to €400 and risk of license withdrawn; up to €1200 for more. Ignoring red traffic signal is up to €800 . Violating the no-overtaking is up to €800 .

Drunk driving is not tolerated and has hefty fines. Driving under the influence of alcohol is fined up to €800 for exceeding 0.2‰. Beware of drunk pedestrians, as they are not uncommon.

Lights must always be switched on . All passengers are expected to wear seat belts.

Parking should be paid for in the central areas of bigger cities. In central Tallinn paid parking applies 24/7. Parking is normally paid over phone, either in app (the most convenient method) or by a text message (may not be available on international phone numbers). There is a limited number of pay and display machines available. Prepare coins in advance, as credit cards and paper money are only accepted by parking machines in large indoor parkings, while breaking money can be difficult to find nearby.

Estonia has lots of car rental companies, and the level of English spoken by their representatives is generally very high. Rental is somewhat cheaper than in Western Europe. Smartphone app based car rental services include Bolt Drive and CityBee . ELMO Rent offers minute based car rental.

Driving in Estonia is fairly easy. Drivers are generally polite (with some exceptions so stay alert), and obeying speed limits and other traffic rules.

There isn't very much traffic on the Estonian highways compared to Western Europe or for example Poland. Traffic jams with minimal delays may occur in Tallinn during rush hours.

By taxi [ edit ]

Taksod.net is a portal about taxis in Estonia.

Ride-hailing is popular in Estonia and the following are the most anticipated providers:

• Bolt . Popular in Estonia and includes many towns. ( updated Jul 2020 )
• Uber . Works only in the region in and around Tallinn. ( updated Jul 2020 )
• Forus Taxi (smartphone app)

By thumb [ edit ]

Hitchhiking in Estonia is generally possible. Where in the past it was more common, people are quite reserved nowadays, especially when seeing tourists that they expect to only speak English, which middle aged or older Estonians may not understand.

Hence, success is very volatile. You might be lucky within 10 min, or you might just wait 1½ hr without anyone stopping, especially in remote areas with less traffic. Do not count on getting picked up eventually, but be sure to know when the last bus departs.

Estonia has several domestic flights, mainly between the mainland and islands. Three of the islands have airports: Hiiumaa , Ruhnu & Kuressaare .

By bicycle [ edit ]

The international bicycle project BaltiCCycle may provide you with a lot of information and help.

On foot and navigation [ edit ]

Estonia has many picturesque 1-3 day hiking trails, like in and around the Lahemaa National Park . For reliable and comprehensive (offline) maps of these trails and full map information, consult OpenStreetMap , which is also used by this travel guide, and by many mobile Apps like OsmAnd (complex with many add-ons) and MAPS.ME (easy but limited).

Talk [ edit ]

The official language is Estonian . Unlike most other European languages, Estonian is part of the Finno-Ugric language family, which includes languages such as Finnish and Hungarian. Estonian is unrelated to almost every language between Iceland and India, making it a challenging language to master.

English is widely spoken and understood among the younger generation who were schooled after 1990. Older generations, however, typically do not speak any English.

Russian is spoken by a significant portion of the population (about 30%) in Estonia, and is the native language of the ethnic Russian minority. During the Soviet era, Russian was compulsory in schools, which means that many older people are able to speak it to one degree or another. Certain neighborhoods of Tallinn and towns near the Russian border, such as Narva and Kohtla-Järve in Ida-Virumaa , have ethnic Russian majorities, where Russian is commonly spoken. Over 95% of the population of Narva are native Russian speakers, and over 85% are ethnic Russians, so if you are heading towards Narva, it would be advisable to have some basics of the Russian language; English proficiency is significantly lower in Narva.

Given the difficult, complex relationship between Russia and Estonia, some ethnic Estonians may find it offensive if you try to talk to them in Russian, as it may be seen as an attempt to undermine their national identity and culture. Conversely, many ethnic Russians in Estonia, particularly the older generation, do not speak Estonian well or at all.

With regards to other foreign languages, Finnish is also spoken quite well by many people in Tallinn and major tourist spots, thanks to heavy tourism and TV broadcasts from the other side of the gulf during the 1990s. Finnish language knowledge in Estonia is on a decline because most Finns can communicate in English, reducing the need for Estonians to speak it, and Finnish-language TV has not been available for over a decade as it was in 1990s. As both languages are similar, it can be possible to hold a basic conversation if you speak slowly and be aware one may not understand everything 100% or even 50%. German was once a popular language to learn at school in Estonia, and a large number of people (estimates vary from 10% to 25% of the population) can speak some. However, this is increasingly debatable. According to the Goethe institute branch in Estonia, German language education is declining, despite heavy tourism from Germany and important trade between the two countries. Though still rather uncommon, French and Spanish have gained popularity in the 2010s, especially among Tallinn's upper class.

See [ edit ]

Estonia's top tourist attractions [ edit ]

• Tallinn's Medieval Old Town , Tallinn , Architecture and History
• Kadrioru Park , Tallinn , Architecture
• Lahemaa National Park , North Estonia , Nature
• Tartu Jaani (St. John's) Church , Tartu , Architecture
• Pärnu Beach , Pärnu , Recreational
• Lighthouses , Hiiumaa , Architecture
• Narva Hermann Castle , Narva , Museum
• The Kaali meteorite craters , Saaremaa , Nature
• Setomaa , South Estonia , Culture
• Otepää Winter Centre , Otepää , Sports

Medieval history and manors [ edit ]

The Old Town of Tallinn is the most intact and best protected medieval city in Europe, and is Estonia's première attraction. Its unique value is its well-preserved (intact) medieval milieu and structure, which has been lost in most of the capitals of northern Europe. Since 1997, the Old Town has been on UNESCO's World Heritage list.

Living under the rule of Scandinavian kings, Russian empire and Teutonic Knights has left Estonia with unique and rich blend of historic landmarks. Over one thousand manors were built across Estonia from the 13th century onwards. Some of the manors have perished or fallen into ruins but a lot have been reconstructed and are favourite attractions with tourists. There are about 200 manor houses under state protection as architectural monuments and 100 in active use.

Islands and coastline [ edit ]

Estonia has over 1,500 islands . The nature is essentially untouched and offers quite a different beach experience with their remoter rustic feel. Most of the public beaches are sandy and the average water temperature is 18°C in summer. Inland waters and some shallow bays' waters are even warmer.

The largest island is Saaremaa with an intact and well-restored medieval castle in its only city, Kuressaare . Stone fences, thatched roofs, working windmills and home-made beer are all distinctive to Saaremaa. Hiiumaa , on the other hand, is well known for its lighthouses, unspoilt nature, the Hill of Crosses and the sense of humour of its inhabitants. Both islands have an airport and so can be quickly reached from Tallinn.

Other important islands include Kihnu , Ruhnu (with its "singing sand" beach), Muhu and Vormsi , each with its own unique characteristics. Most of the other tiny Estonian islands don't carry much cultural significance, but can be appealing for bird watching, canoeing, sailing or fishing etc.

In July and August, Pärnu , Estonia's summer capital, is the main attraction. The coastline itself has loads of untouched beaches and a tour from Narva-Jõesuu (in the east) towards Tallinn is great for exploring the coastline. Some of the well known places include Toila , Võsu , Käsmu and Kaberneeme .

The Tenet tour is a showcase of the sets of the 2020 film Tenet , most of them being in and around Tallinn.

Do [ edit ]

• Frisbee — Frisbee seems to be the secret sport of Estonians. You will find many places, especially in rural areas, where the disc golf baskets can be found. So, bring a Frisbee.
• Hiking — There are at least three national parks in Estonia worth a day or two of hiking. Check them out . Otherwise, there are many areas where hiking and putting up a tent near the sea can be worthwhile. The forest administration has marked several hiking trails spanning north to south and east to west. Much like in the Nordic countries , in Estonia you can freely roam in the nature, but the rules are slightly more strict here. For instance camping outside designated camping areas always requires permission from the landowner (private land) or local forest surveillance officer (public land). See Hiking in Estonia for more info.
• Birdwatching — Especially in West Estonia and Islands , there are numerous viewing platform to enjoy bird watching in spring or fall when birds move from one continent to the other.
• Self-guided tours — A good way to discover Estonia by yourself. For more information visit the interactive maps sections on the official tourism website.
• Swim in the bogs — Nature parks like the Lahemaa National Park are full of black and beautiful bogs that are also possible to swim in. Take a dip if you dare and it is warm enough, but always know how to get out again.
• Football — Ten clubs play soccer in Meistriliiga, the country's top tier; five of them are based in Tallinn. The national team play home games at Lilleküla Stadium (sponsored as A Le Coq Arena) in Tallinn.
• Cycling — The premier event is the Tour of Estonia , held over 3 days in late May.
• White Nights — Also known as Jaanipäev, Estonia enjoys white nights , when dusk turns to dawn without any real night in-between.

Events [ edit ]

Tickets for events can be bought online via Piletilevi.ee or the lately established [ https://piletitasku.ee/en .

Estonia Tourism maintains a list of various events in Estonia.

Film festivals [ edit ]

Music festivals [ edit ].

• Tallinn Music Week , Tallinn . Spring . Showcase festival, aiming to stage the best and most outstanding Estonian talent on two nights in Tallinn's most vibrant live venues, as well as a networking event for the music industry professionals.  
• Tallinn International Festival Jazzkaar . April . In addition to Tallinn jazz concerts also take place in Tartu and Pärnu.  
• Tallinn Old Town Days , Tallinn . May/June . free .  
• The Estonian Song Celebration (In Estonian: Laulupidu) , Tallinn . First held in 1869, takes place every five years. In 2009, 35,000 choral singers gathered to perform for an audience of 90,000 people. It is recognised by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.  
• [dead link] Õllesummer Festival , Tallinn . July . Approx 70,000 people attend the festival each year over the course of 4 days.  
• Viljandi Folk Music Festival , Viljandi . July . The festival runs for 4 days on the last weekend in July. More than 100 concerts take place in Viljandi castle's ruins, churches, and other venues throughout Viljandi County. It is the largest annual music festival in Estonia. Each year the festival draws over 20,000 visitors.  
• Saaremaa Opera Days , Saaremaa . July .  
• Leigo Lake Music Festival , near Otepää . August . Open-air concerts are held in completely natural venues on the hilly landscapes of the Otepää highland. The musicians' stage is on an island in the lake, surrounded by thousands of listeners on the sloping shore.  
• [dead link] Birgitta Festival , Tallinn . August . Music and theatre festival, held at the ruins of the historical Pirita (St. Bridget's) convent.  

Sport events [ edit ]

• Simpel Session , Tallinn . Summer/Winter . International skateboarding and BMX event.  

Other events [ edit ]

• Medieval Days , Tallinn ( in the Old Town ), ☏ +372 660 4772 , +372 518 7812 (Estonian Folk Art and Handicraft Union), +372 5364 8854 (Costume rental) , [email protected] . July . Come and experience the medieval atmosphere of the historic Hanseatic City! You can find workshops and market with traders, participate in tours and witness exciting tournaments.  

Buy [ edit ]

Money [ edit ].

Estonia uses the euro , like several other European countries . One euro is divided into 100 cents. The official symbol for the euro is €, and its ISO code is EUR. There is no official symbol for the cent.

All banknotes and coins of this common currency are legal tender within all the countries, except that low-denomination coins (one and two cent) are phased out in some of them. The banknotes look the same across countries, while coins have a standard common design on the reverse, expressing the value, and a national country-specific design on the obverse. The obverse is also used for different designs of commemorative coins. The design of the obverse does not affect the coin's acceptability.

The Estonian kroon (EEK) ceased to be legal tender on 15 Jan 2011, but any kroons you have left over can be changed into euro at the Bank of Estonia at a fixed rate of 15.6466 kroon to €1 .

Banking and cards [ edit ]

ATMs and currency exchange offices ( valuutavahetus ) are widely available. You will get the best rates by exchanging only after arrival in Estonia. Avoid changing money in the airport or port as the rates are lower.

Credit cards and debit cards are accepted most of the time, exception are limited with parking machines and rural farms. Contactless payment with credit cards and debit cards are supported by half of card terminals in use.

Tipping [ edit ]

Tipping has been common in Estonia only after the restoration of independence, and therefore isn't always requested. A 10% tip is usually added to the price in restaurants and taxi drivers often keep the change. Some restaurants and pubs have a jar or box on the counter labelled 'Tip' on it, where customers can put their change.

Costs [ edit ]

Estonia is overall much cheaper than Western Europe, but it is no longer the bargain it used to be in 1990s; in touristy areas (like Tallinn 's Old Town), prices are comparable to those found in Germany and Scandinavia. It is still possible to spend less when you go off the beaten track.

Here are some prices of regular goods: 1 kg of apples – €0.80 , regional dish in a café – €3-5 , 30 km (19 mi) by bus – €2 , hostel – €10 +, local beer at the shop – €1.20 . But when it comes to touristy places, suddenly prices sky-rocket: Rakvere Castle – €9 , tour to National Park Lahemaa from Tallinn – €55 , beer at a touristy bar – €3-4.5 . Try to avoid this touristy ripoff – there is enough to see and do even without a big budget.

Eat [ edit ]

Estonian food draws heavily from German, Russian and Nordic cuisine : traditional dishes are heavy meat-cabbage-and-potatoes fare, with lashings of dairy and fish.

The closest thing to a national dish is verivorst pig's blood sausage, similar to English black pudding and Finnish mustamakkara , a common winter dish particularly popular around Christmas. It's always accompanied by lingonberry jam and often served with mulgikapsad , which is basically sauerkraut stew.

Many types of food are similar to Russian dishes and have their equivalents almost exclusively in the former USSR, such as hapukoor , ( smetana in Russian), a sour 20%-fat milk dressing for salads, especially kartulisalat potato salad.

As Estonia used to be a food mass-production powerhouse in the times of the USSR, some of its foods, unknown to Westerners, are still well-recognized in the former Soviet Union. This is also true the other way around; in Estonian grocery stores products from countries of the former Soviet Union like Georgian mineral water are widely available.

Among other everyday food, some game products are offered in food stores in Estonia, mostly wild boar, elk sausages and deer. Some restaurants also offer bear meat.

For those with a sweet tooth, the national chocolate manufacturer is Kalev , with many specialist stores around the country as well as supermarkets retailing the product. The more adventurous may want to try kohuke , a flavoured milk-curd sweet covered with chocolate, available at every supermarket.

Drink [ edit ]

Tap water is drinkable everywhere except where it says it isn’t.

Estonians know their alcohol. Favorite tipples include the local beer Saku , or A. Le Coq , the local vodka brands Viru Valge (Vironian White) and Saaremaa Vodka and the surprisingly smooth and tasty rum-like herbal liquor Vana Tallinn (Old Tallinn), famous in the countries of former USSR. Public drinking is illegal.

Kali is the Estonian equivalent of the Russian kvass , a very mildly alcoholic (~1%) drink made from fermented brown bread. Many locals also swear by keefir , a yogurt-like fermented milk drink similar to buttermilk.

Sleep [ edit ]

The number of hotels has exploded from a few to tens and hundreds after the reestablishment of Estonian independence. In 2004, Tallinn achieved first place among the Baltic Sea cities in the number of overnight stays in hotels, though still behind Stockholm and Helsinki in the number of total overnight stays.

As Soviet collective farms were disbanded, many farmers switched to running " turismitalud " or tourism farms, which are inexpensive and indispensable places for spending holidays in the nature, usually in a former farm house. Estonian Rural Tourism provides information on the tourism farms in Estonia. Hostels are another popular option for budget-sensitive travellers; see the website of the Estonian Youth Hostel Association .

Often accommodations give a discount if you book with them directly (e.g. phone) instead of using one of the monopolistic online middle men. This is due to the reason that most accommodations in Estonia can be booked without credit card anyhow. So, there is no real guarantee that someone does turn up. Just that via phone owners are at least not stuck with an online fee without receiving the room rent.

Camping is allowed virtually anywhere, except on private property. Some tourists have even camped in the city parks of Tartu because locals told them so. Otherwise, if you do not have a tent, some national parks (like Lahemaa ) have observation towers with roof and space for up to 10 people at night.

Learn [ edit ]

Estonia has a fair amount of foreign students studying in its universities, especially from Nordic countries, as Estonian diplomas are recognized throughout the EU. See the articles for university town Tartu and capital Tallinn for details.

Education is highly valued and taken very seriously in Estonia, and it is considered a key factor in the country's economic success. The Estonian educational system is often lauded as one of the best educational systems in the world. As a small nation without significant natural resources, Estonia recognises that its most valuable resource is its people and their knowledge.

However, as a result of the high value placed on education, there is an oversupply of highly educated individuals in Estonia, which can create a challenge for the labour market. Many jobs that require minimal education are left unfilled due to the high number of qualified applicants seeking higher-level positions.

Work [ edit ]

No obstacles exist to citizens of EU countries to come to invest and work in Estonia. Citizens of developed non-EU countries are exempt from short-term tourist visas. Swedes and Finns have by far the largest working community of post-Soviet foreigners in Estonia. Estonia may have had rocket-like growth from 2001 to 2008, but it was from a very low base as a former Soviet republic, and according to Statistics Estonia the average local monthly salary was around €1220 in 2017.

Considerable investments and some workers are constantly coming from CIS countries, though significant legal restrictions are imposed.

Police and Border Guard Board is the authority responsible for dealing with the paperwork.

CV Keskus.ee is the most popular job portal in Estonia that holds the biggest number of job ads.

CV Online is one of the oldest Estonian recruitment and HR services operating in 9 countries (as of 2005).

Stay safe [ edit ]

Estonia has managed to avoid much of the crime and insecurity that has plagued many former Soviet Republics following the collapse of the USSR, and today it is among the safest European countries. Criminal activities are distributed unevenly across the territory with almost no crime in the island areas, modest petty crime in urban areas, and a considerable rate of drug dealing in the predominantly Russian-speaking industrial area of North-East.

In Tallinn , petty crime is a problem and there are some incidents involving tourists, mainly pickpocketing (especially in the markets). However, nowadays Tallinn's Old City and other main tourist attractions are closely watched by local police and private security companies.

Many Estonians are careless, reckless drivers. The number of deaths in traffic related accidents per 100,000 people are similar to South-European countries like Portugal or Italy. Estonia has strict drink-driving laws with a policy of zero tolerance, but accidents involving intoxicated drivers are nevertheless a major problem. Estonian traffic laws requires headlights to be used at all times while driving and use of seat belts by all passengers is mandatory.

Estonian law requires pedestrians to wear small reflectors, which people generally pin to their coats or handbags. Although this law is rarely enforced in cities, reflectors are very important in rural areas where it may be difficult for motorists to see pedestrians, especially in winter months. Violators of this law may be subject to a fine of around €30-50 , or a higher fine up to around €400-500 if the pedestrian is under the influence of alcohol. Reflectors are inexpensive and you should be able to find them at many supermarkets, kiosks, and other shops.

As in many countries around the EU, the police are very effective at their jobs and they are not corrupt. Attempting to bribe the police may result in legal ramifications.

The main advice to anyone worried about personal security is to stay reasonably sober despite tempting alcohol prices. When driving, make sure you have had absolutely no alcohol beforehand.

The single emergency number 112 is valid all over Estonia for rescue and ambulance outcalls.

It has been mentioned that ordinary Estonians are unlikely to approach a complete stranger or a tourist on their own. If somebody suddenly turns to you in the street (with questions or matters of small business) keeping a cautious eye on your belongings would be wise. As it is a rather homogeneous country, Estonians may look intrigued if you are not white. With that said, racist acts are not common.

Public displays of affection between partners of the same gender may be met with stares, although violence is very unlikely.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

For an Estonian, it is considered mauvais ton not to criticize the Estonian healthcare system. EU studies have shown, however, that Estonia occupies a healthy 4th place in the block by the basic public health service indicators, on the same level as Sweden. Around 1998-2000, the Estonian healthcare system was remodelled from the obsolete USSR model, directed to coping with disastrous consequences of large-scale war and made more up-to-date by the experts from Sweden. Estonia has harmonized its rules on travellers' health insurance with EU requirements. Information about health care in Estonia is provided by the government agency Eesti Haigekassa .

For fast aid or rescue, dial 112 .

Estonia had Europe's second highest rate of adult HIV/AIDS infections, over 1.3% or 1 in 77 adults (2013), 28 adults per year 2019 . Generally, the rate is much higher in Russian-speaking regions like Narva or Sillamäe. Don't make the situation worse by not protecting yourself and others.

Ticks spread diseases like viral encephalitis and Lyme disease , which can be transmitted to humans, their season usually starts in April and lasts till October.

Beware of poisonous plants like Sosnowsky's Hogweed and Giant Hogweed . Wear protective clothes and goggles. If burned, clean your skin with water and soap and protect it from the sun for at least 48 hours.

Tap water is usually drinkable, though some people prefer bottled water.

Respect [ edit ]

Estonians may appear sad, depressive, and maybe a little bit unwelcoming at first. Don't expect them to deliver too many social niceties or small talk; they only say what's seasonable. Once you have broken the ice, you will find them open and candid.

As in most places around the former USSR, smiling is traditionally reserved for friends; smile at a stranger and they will either think you're making fun of them and/or there's something wrong with their clothes or hairdo. Furthermore, an automatic Western smile is often regarded as insincere.

Estonians tend to keep their physical distance. If there is a "long time - no see" situation, then a hug may be suitable.

Do not raise your voice or lose your temper in a conversation. A decent, quiet conversation is the Estonian way of doing business. For similar reasons, don't be surprised if an Estonian takes time to formulate a response to whatever you've said; they prefer to listen more than they like to speak.

In Estonian culture, it's considered important to be genuine and authentic in your interactions with others. This means that people are expected to say what they mean and to follow through on their commitments. Estonians tend to value personal responsibility and accountability, and they appreciate individuals who take ownership of their actions and decisions.

Estonians tend to value their privacy and personal space, and they may not be as forthcoming or interested in discussing personal matters with strangers or acquaintances. This can sometimes be perceived as cold or distant, but it is simply a reflection of the cultural emphasis on privacy and personal boundaries.

Like Lithuania and Latvia , Estonians are usually very proud of their nation and their country, and nationalism forms an important part of the country's identity.

After decades of Soviet domination, there is still some resentment and distrust towards Russia and Russian people. The Soviet occupation of Estonia from 1940 to 1991 and the subsequent domination of Russian language and culture have left lasting scars on the country's national identity and cultural heritage. Even if you're the most ardent Russophile in the world, avoid being overly enthusiastic about Russia as it can very quickly arouse some strong emotions. Many Estonians feel that Russia has not done enough to acknowledge the harm that was done to Estonia and its people during Soviet rule. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine that started in February 2022, Estonians have further increased their national pride and negative attitude towards Russianness.

The legal status of ethnic Russians in Estonia is a sensitive issue. Most ethnic Russians in Estonia are stateless permanent residents, and the Estonian government requires them to pass a test in the Estonian language to be eligible for citizenship. While many ethnic Russians regard this as discriminatory, the ethnic Estonian majority regards them as illegal immigrants who moved to Estonia under what they regard as the illegal Soviet occupation, and insists that the Estonian government is being exceedingly generous in allowing them to even remain in Estonia in the first place.

A fair amount (50–60%) of Estonians view their country as a Nordic country due to their close cultural and linguistic ties with Finland. The idea of Estonia as a Nordic country is not universally accepted, and there is debate and discussion around what exactly constitutes a Nordic country. Nonetheless, the concept of Estonia as a Nordic country has become more popular.

As a small nation, its souvenir shops are often filled with characteristic items from neighbouring countries, for example with Russian matryoshka (nesting) dolls or Baltic amber. While both of them are popular among tourists, it is worthwhile to understand that neither of them have any historical or cultural connection with Estonia.

Connect [ edit ]

Internet [ edit ].

• Access to wireless, free internet is widespread in Tallinn and Tartu.
• On the open road you will often find petrol stations which offer wireless internet access too
• If you do not have a laptop, public libraries offer free computers
• The number of internet cafes is dropping but you will find several open almost all night in Tallinn and Tartu (expect to pay around €2-3 per hour)
• Most hotels also have a computer with internet access available
• The departure lounge at Tallinn airport has several free internet access points for passengers

Landlines [ edit ]

• For local calls, dial the 7 or 8 digit number given. There is no "0" dialled before local numbers
• For international calls from Estonia, dial "00" then the country code and number
• For international calls to Estonia, dial "00" from most countries or consult your operator, the country code "372" and the 7 or 8 digit number
• For emergencies and police dial "112"

Mobile phones [ edit ]

• "Everyone" has a mobile phone in Estonia
• To ring Estonia from abroad, dial +372 before the number
• Mobile access is available everywhere, even on the smaller islands and at sea
• Prepaid (pay-as-you-go) SIM cards and their top up cards can be bought from R-kiosks (ask for a "kõnekaart" - calling card in English). Popular brands are Super or Simpel on the Telia network, Zen on the Elisa network, or Smart/Tele2. Start-up packages are in a range of €1.55-10 . 1GB is typically €1 , cheaper in prepaid packages, but Tele2 goes even further by offering truly unlimited data for €20 . Note that if you are continuing to another EU/EEA country after Estonia, all Estonian carriers have been exempted from "roam at home" and are thus allowed to charge extra for EU roaming. The only SIM with a surcharge-free roaming allowance in all of its data plans is Simpel. Super requires the Super X plan and charges by usage ( €0.002 per MB per day capped at €1 for 500MB), while Elisa/Zen and Tele2/Smart offer separate EU/EEA roaming add-ons (Elisa and Zen's EU/EEA roaming packages include the UK and Faroe Islands, which none of the other operators do).

Postal service [ edit ]

• Within Estonia, the postage cost for a letter up to 250 g (8.8 oz) is €0.65 . You can send a letter in a convenient way electronically in the e-service also, in case you have ID-card or Mobile-ID or contract with a Bank (Swedbank, SEB, Danske or Nordea).
• To other EU countries, Norway, Switzerland, Russia, Belarus and Ukraine the cost is €1.40 and to the rest of the world €1.50 .
• Be sure to mark all air mail pieces with "Prioritaire/Par Avion" stickers available at the post office, or clearly print it on the mail if needed.
• Stamps are sold at post offices usually open during normal shopping hours, and also at news stands.
• Post offices open on Saturday but for shorter hours than during the week, and are closed on Sundays; locations and opening hours of post offices and parcel machines .

Newspapers [ edit ]

Postimees Eesti Prevalent Õhtuleht Äripäev Eesti Ekspress Maaleht

Radio / TV [ edit ]

ETV ETV2 ETV+ Vikerraadio

Go next [ edit ]

• one of the less-obvious destinations is having a day cruise to Stockholm or Helsinki , see Cruising the Baltic Sea

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Estonia Travel Guide: What to See and Where to Go

Estonia is one of those countries that is often missed on European travel itineraries. Dwarfed next to its giant Russian neighbor to the east, and forgotten next to its more well-known Finnish counterpart to the north, Estonia tourism has often been overlooked. But those that venture off the usual tourist trail have an incredible reward waiting for them when they arrive in Estonia. Aside from the historical wonders of the capital city Tallinn, Estonia is full of hidden attractions that warrant at least a week or two of exploring.

Traveling to Estonia is perfect for all types of outdoor lovers. Slower paced travelers will adore the incredibly well maintained nature preserves throughout the country. Adrenaline junkies have a plethora of adventure activities to get their heart racing. But no matter the pace, every traveler will enjoy getting a deeper sense of Estonia’s people. Especially how their unique history has played a part in preserving the local culture, which they so passionately enjoy showing off to their guests.

Although traveling through Estonia would be fantastic with any mode of transportation, we highly recommend renting a car , as some of the highlights were really far off the beaten track. Not only does a car allow you to reach the more rural attractions, but it also gives you the freedom to spontaneously venture off the main road to hidden spots along the way. As a jumping off point, the following here are our favorite highlights from our weeklong Estonia road trip. We zipped through these places in just 5 days, but given the time we’d recommend slowing down a bit to have some more down time.

Estonia Road Trip Day 1

Balloon tallinn.

We kicked off our wild Estonia travel itinerary with an adrenaline-pumping balloon ride that jolted our sleepy selves wide-awake. Balloon Tallinn offers rides in their helium balloon that rises 120 meters into the air, giving you the perfect view of Tallinn city and the Baltic Sea. 120 meters might not sound high from the ground, but once we started going up it became apparent just how far we were going. We’re not the biggest fan of heights, so after a few minutes into our ride Jules and I were already getting jumpy. We asked the guide if we were at the top yet, to which he replied “no, we’re only one third up.” Yikes!

Once you get settled at the top you start to forget about the height and start enjoying the views. From the balloon you overlook the Baltic Sea and can see the historical buildings of Old Town in the distance. It’s pretty windy and cold up top, but they give you a blanket to stay warm. For those that are interested in a hot air balloon ride, this experience is the perfect precursor because it isn’t quite as scary. Even for the daredevils, it’s definitely worth a peek to see Tallinn from above and only takes about 15 minutes for the whole ride.

Bear Watching

One of the best parts of traveling in Estonia is that there is so much wilderness that surrounds you. And wilderness means plenty of space for wild animals like bears, moose, lynxes, boars and the odd wolverine. With this in mind we decided to head into the forest for a chance to spot some of Estonia’s finest wild animals!

We met our guide in Alutaguse, located in northeast Estonia, and from a small roadside stop walked about a mile to our official bear watching hut. The shelter is a basic wooden hut with bunk beds, sleeping bags and a compost toilet. Although we were told that bears are mostly likely to come out around 8:30pm, we spotted our first one around 7pm when it was still light out. We were in absolute awe of this huge, magnificent animal lumbering around the trees that we were frozen, unable to look away.

Unfortunately that meant we failed to capture any photo or videos of the bear, but believe us, they’re out there. We also saw bears later in the evening around 9:30pm, but the dim lighting meant we could only make out an outline of the animals. We did see other animals, including the local raccoon dogs and, we think, a wolverine, which is very rare!

The whole bear watching process felt very meditative, with nothing to do but sit and look out into the gorgeous forest ahead. It was a perfect time to disconnect from our devices and enjoy the serenity of the Estonian nature.

Where to Stay

Because bear watching is best at nightfall, you have to sleep in the hut overnight. It’s simple living, but it does the job for a night. Trust us, you don’t want to go trekking back to your car at night, risking seeing the bears a bit too close up.

Where to Eat

Bring your own food to the hut for dinner and an early breakfast the next morning. It’s important not to bring alcohol, smoke cigarettes or walk around the area because the scent can deter the bears.

Kivioli Adventure Center Zipline

About 90mins west of Tallinn is the Kivioli Adventure Center. This ski and snowboard resort is in a prime position during the winter, but also boasts a number of adventure activities during other seasons. One of those activities is Estonia’s longest zipline, which runs 600 meters in length and reaches speeds of up to 80 km/hr. Although the ride only lasts about 40 seconds, it is a real rush. It’s a bit daunting standing at the platform looking out over the drop. But you won’t find a better view than looking out over one of the highest points in Estonia. The adventure center also offers a quad bike track and motocross trails.

The Hill Café on site has delicious food if you work up an appetite after your adrenaline rush. During the winter when the spot has snow you can ski or board all day, sip beers at night and then sleep at the hostel that is only a 1 minute walk from the center.

Heinrich Lukk’s Sleddog Center

One of the most unique experiences during our Estonia trip was hanging out with the Alaskan Malamute’s at Heinrich Lukk’s Sleddog Center, about half an hour from the city of Tartu. Dog sledding in Estonia was definitely at the top of our list of adventure activities and we not disappointed. The dogs, which look more like wolves than your average house dog, can be a bit intimidating at first. Upon driving up to the center, the dogs went nuts barking and jumping around. And we soon understood why, they love to get out and run! Whenever their owner (and alpha dog) Heinrich brings out the sleds, the dogs know it’s their chance to get out and move, so they bark like mad yelling “Pick me! Pick me!”

Normally the sled dogs pull snow-sleds, but in the warmer months they are hooked up to a cart with wheels to pull guests along trails. Heinrich picks the lineup, 8 dogs per cart matched in pairs based off strength and endurance. You lead the dogs to the cart and attach their harnesses, which is an interesting task in itself to restrain the energy of the dogs. After you’re all buckled up, you lift up the break and the dogs are off! With an incredible spurt of energy the cart goes flying down the trails, zooming past the Estonian forest. After some time the dogs slow down and take periodic breaks to rest and drink water. By the end the pups are tuckered out and very happy to give sleepy cuddles and kisses when returning to the kennel. Watching Heinrich’s affection for these dogs and his passion for the sport made the whole experience feel like we were part of an age old tradition native to Estonia.

Pahupidi Kohvik is a vegan cafe in Tartu has a great plant-based selection including some delicious gluten-free beers and yummy desserts.

Peramaa Puhkekeskus is a beautiful wooden house set in a gorgeous rural area of Estonia. It’s the perfect place to stay after an evening of dogsledding. With several smoke saunas on site and a beautiful lake in the middle of the property, it’s definitely worth setting aside some time to enjoy the serene setting.

Jarvselja Forest

Driving through the rural roads of Estonia, you’ll start to feel like you’ve left civilization and are driving in an endless sea of forest. Being surrounded by nature it can be easy to forget to get out and actually enjoy it. There’s no better place to do that than the Jarvselja Forest. This nature reserve is a primeval forest, meaning it has grown without human interference all throughout history to the present day. There are a number of hiking trails you can explore, walking on wooden planks lifted above the ground so as to not disturb the growth. The Jarvselja is home to some of Estonia’s tallest and oldest trees, including the 360 year Kuningamänd pine tree.

The Jarvselja is also home to SMEAR , the Station for Measuring Ecosystem-Atmosphere Relations. During our visit we were accompanied by a local scientist who studies the reserve ecosystem, giving us invaluable information about the forest and all it’s inhabitants.

Kayak Vohandu River with Matkajuht Osauhing

Compared to dogsledding and bear watching, kayaking may not seem like the most unique activity offered in Estonia, but wait till you check out the Vohandu River. This river flowing through southeast Estonia is incredibly picturesque. The calm water flows under wooden bridges and past small farmhouses, past limestone rock walls and under canopies of trees. But don’t get too relaxed, because just as you start to kick back and admire your surroundings, you’ll need to grab that oar and navigate through some small rapids! The whole trip lasts about 2 hours and you do get a bit wet. Overall it was a perfect combination of relaxation, thrill and a bit of exercise, all in a serene setting.

Mooste Viinavabrik – This vodka distillery is a great place to stop for lunch after your hike. The historical building has an event hall, restaurant and even accommodation if you’d like to stay over.

Taevaskoja Turismi- ja Puhkekeskus : This beautiful inn next to the forest is a gorgeous place to rest and explore after a big day kayaking. They have food on site so you can easily grab dinner or breakfast the next morning.

Kicksledding in the Forest

When we first heard about kicksledding, we couldn’t figure out what it was. There was no snow on the ground, so we knew it wouldn’t be sledding. It was described to us as a bicycle with no seat, which was no less confusing. When the day finally came, we finally figured out what we were doing… riding off-road scooters through the forest! Using designated trails, we zipped through the trees, past an old town abandoned after WWII and down to the Ahja River.

Along the trails you also go past the famous Heaven’s Hall, an important spiritual site for ancient Estonian folklore. Legend has it that anyone who dares to enter the cave will either go insane or blind. We’re not sure about all that, but the incredible limestone walls along the river are truly spellbinding. You can opt for a 5km or 7km trip, but don’t let the scooters fool you. This isn’t a walk in the park. Uphill inclines will give your thighs a workout and the downhill will have you soaring down the paths. For those that find hiking a bit boring, you’ll love this extra dose of adventure.

Mooska Farm Smoke Sauna

While we really enjoyed every activity we participated in during our road trip through Estonia, the our time at Mooska Farm Smoke Sauna  was definitely the most memorable. Forget everything you know about saunas, this is a far cry from the steam room at your local gym. In Estonia, people take saunas very seriously. Perhaps no one more than our gracious host, Eda Veeroja. After all, she spent a 10 years working to get the Estonia smoke sauna added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

We did half a day in the traditional black smoke sauna, which get its name from the lack of chimney causing the smoke to circulate through the room, and the experience is not for the faint hearted. Firstly, you strip down to your birthday suit, jump into a 100+ degree room and get whisked with dried bundles of leaves. There are salt and honey scrubs, chanting and lots more!

If you’re really adventurous you can jump into a freezing cold lake in the middle of the property to jumpstart your system. The whole experience was one of a kind and gave us a much deeper understanding of the local history and culture. Estonian black saunas have been central to local life for centuries, used to mark special occasions like weddings, deaths and the end of the year. At the end of the ceremony we gave thanks to our bodies, to the sauna and let go of something negative we’ve been holding onto. We left feeling lighter, possibly because we just sweated a few kilos, and much more connected to Estonian culture.

Eda and her husband graciously offer dinner to guests after an evening in the sauna. There’s nothing better than a hot home cooked meal and some local cider to replenish your nutrients after the sauna.

Greete Motell is a gorgeous hotel easily accessible from the highway. The classic wooden rooms are a fantastic way to rest your bones and the breakfast buffet is great to fill up before a big day ahead.

The last stop on our Estonia holiday was an explore through Soomaa National park and a hike in the Toonoja bog. Not sure what a bog is? Neither did we! But we planned the adventure anyway and found ourselves hiking through a sort of swampy wetland that spans out as far as the eye can see. Because of the water underneath the thin soil feels like a massive sponge and it’s easy to sink through the ground, ending up knee deep in the bog.

Our guides offered us bog shoes, similar to snow shoes, that distributed our weight to keep from sinking in. Those proved to be tricky though and we had some funny moments tripping and getting a face full of bog moss. But beside our less than graceful falls, we had a fantastic time exploring the bog. Although the terrain stays pretty much the same throughout the hike, there is a plethora of plants and wildlife to explore. A highlight was coming across the remnants of a plane crash from WWII that our guides had heard was somewhere in the bog but had never seen it before. The local bogs play a bigger role than just a beautiful place to hike, however. To many Estonians they are spiritual locations. The moss and plants have medicinal properties, which was especially helpful when a blister formed from my boots.

As we circled back to the entrance of the bog, we kicked off our bog shoes and hiked through the much firmer forest area, picking berries off the vine and nibbling on them on the way. As our road trip came to the close, we thanked our guides and hopped in the car to head back to Tallinn. The entire trip was jam packed with activities and we finally had a moment to digest our experiences. From the balloon ride to the bog hike, we felt like we truly covered Estonia from top to bottom.

The variety in landscape and commitment to environmental preservation makes Estonia an outdoors lover’s dream. Whether you prefer a quiet stroll through the Jervselja forest or a thrill seeking zipline, there’s an endless amount of activities to keep you captivated with this beautiful country.

Planning on traveling to Estonia? Check out how we found the  best flight deals to Estonia !

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9 thoughts on “estonia travel guide: what to see and where to go”.

Did you take up close to the wild animals like bears, wolverine and others? Aren’t they scary? I guess bears are the cutest. Thanks for your guide. Hoping for more of this.

Thanks Faye 🙂 We didn’t get too close, so we were pretty safe 🙂

I wish I could go kayaking there. Awesome way to be active!

Very nice pics!! that is a beautiful place to visit 🙂

thumbs up guys 🙂 Looks like you had a good time in Estonia (I live here currently)

Estonia seems so picturesque and it definitely has lots to offer, Jules and Christine. Plus, it’s an excellent place for hiking lovers. Thanks a bunch for the exceptional and useful travel guide which I hope to use soon!

Such a nice trip. I’ve been recently in Estonia but I stayed mainly in Tallinn. Next time I should travel a bit more around. Thanks for sharing 🙂

Thanks George. We definitely recommend traveling around more, Estonia is a special country!

Is it better to go in Summer or Fall/Winter or what do most people prefer?

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Visitors to Estonia encounter a mix of urbanity and wilderness, of the medieval and the contemporary, with crumbling castles and colourful design permeating urban landscapes. An efficient transport system makes it easy to get around, and the tech-savvy, dynamic residents welcome visitors with open arms. Friction between older generations of Russians and Estonians is a throwback to the Soviet era, while younger people mix freely, and those who get past the Estonians’ natural reserve find them to be gregarious, uninhibited hosts.

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• Population 1.3 million
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The Ultimate 5 to 7 Days in Estonia Itinerary

Last Updated on January 9, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

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Plenty of visitors to the northernmost Baltic State set their sites solely on the capital of Tallinn and fail to plan a full Estonia itinerary to see other parts of the country. And while Tallinn does have a lot to offer, it’s worth spending at least 5 to 7 days in Estonia to really get a feel for the country.

Estonia has a lot to offer visitors from charming towns to gorgeous beaches to lush national parks. And though the country is small, there is quite a lot to see that if you only have around a week to spend in the region, you should definitely consider planning a dedicated Estonia trip rather than trying to cram in other Baltic cities like Riga or Vilnius instead.

This itinerary will take you to some of the highlights of this country to help you get a great feel for this beautiful Baltic nation.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Estonia?

Many travellers in the planning stages of their trips wonder how many days to spend in Estonia in order to cover a lot of ground but not feel rushed.

And the answer to this can really depend on what you’re after. If you only have a few days, plan to spend your time in Tallinn. To do the city justice, you will need to spend at least two days exploring the city itself and plan to spend another on a day trip to the surrounding area.

If you have 5 days in Estonia, this is where you can venture out a bit further and explore a little bit more. If you want to explore another Estonia city, consider visiting the second-largest city of Tartu, which is vibrant and absolutely charming.

You could also opt to, instead, head to Estonia’s largest island of Saaremaa and explore this gorgeous place. Or, if it’s the beach you’re after, consider adding a couple of days in Parnu to your itinerary

If you have one week in Estonia, then you have a lot more flexibility. In fact, this would be the recommended amount of time to spend here (if not longer). Though you still won’t be able to visit everywhere of interest in the country, you will be able to cover a lot of ground.

Of course, there are so many places to see and enjoy in Estonia that you can certainly spend more than one week. However, if you want to get a lot of the destination and you do only have a limited amount of time to play around with, five to seven days can be just fine.

Getting To & Around Estonia

If you are only planning on visiting Estonia, you will likely be arriving into the capital city of Tallinn. Tallinn is home to its own international airport that, while small, serves several different European destinations and some that are further afield.

It’s also entirely possible that you’re arriving to Estonia via ferry. Tallinn’s port has direct connections with Helsinki , Finland and some of the Finnish Islands among other destinations. The port of Paldiski (about 50km west of Tallinn) has connections to Stockholm , Sweden as well.

Estonia is also well-connected by bus to neighbouring Latvia, so it is very easy to visit both countries as part of a longer Baltics itinerary.

Once in Estonia, you do have a few options on how to get around. If you are only spending 5 days in Estonia and plan to only visit Tallinn and Tartu, you can definitely do that while relying solely on public transport. Estonia has a broad bus network that is easy to use and very convenient. You can browse schedules here.

If you follow the 7-day Estonia itinerary, you may find it easiest to do this if you have your own car, though this isn’t entirely necessary. For those who want a lot of flexibility and want to get off the beaten path even further, then renting a car and planning an Estonia road trip is probably going to be your best option. This also allows you to be able to make some stops in between destinations, as well.

If you do want to hire a car while in Estonia, we suggest browsing Rentalcars.com to compare prices across a range of different rental companies.

5 to 7 Days in Estonia Itinerary

Day 1 – tallinn.

Begin your Estonia trip in the beautiful capital of Tallinn . While the Old Town is very popular with tourists, it’s worth spending some time here (especially in the morning or evening before or after the cruise ship crowds have dispersed) to really take in its splendour.

Known to be one of the most well-preserved medieval old towns in Europe, it’s sure to take your breath away.

Spend a few hours exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town either independently or on a walking tour and learning about the history of this side of the city. Some of the highlights include the Town Hall Square, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the Patkuli Viewing Platform.

Afterwards, head outside of the old town to explore the trendy Kalamaja neighbourhood which was traditionally the home of local fishermen but has been transformed in recent years to be a hip area full of cafes, bars and boutique shops.

If you want to see an alternative side of the city (and find a great place for a meal), make sure to head to the Telliskivi Creative City, as well.

Where to Stay in Tallinn

Citybox Tallinn – If you’re after for a good mid-range option, this centrally located hotel is a great choice. Situated within easy walking distance of Tallinn’s Old Town, harbour, Telliskivi and Kalamaja, they have a range of clean and comfortable rooms on offer.

Savoy Boutique Hotel – This boutique hotel has several lovely rooms available all within easy distance of the top attractions in Tallinn.

Bob W Telliskivi – Located near hip Telliskivi Creative City, they have a few fully-furnished apartments that can suit visitors who prefer self-catering facilities.

Fat Margaret’s Hostel – Located on the harbour within easy reach of the city’s top attractions, this hostel has both dorm and private rooms on offer. There are also great common areas – including an on-site sauna and hot tub!

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Tallinn!

Day 2 – Tallinn

On your second day in Tallinn, take this time to dig a bit deeper into the Estonian capital. Begin your day wandering around the harbour and visit the imposing Linnahall centre.

This structure was built for the 1980 Olympics and it is an excellent example of Soviet-era architecture – and it is particularly striking against the medieval Old Town.

Moving a bit further along the harbour, you will find the Seaplane Harbour Museum, which is another popular place to visit in the city.

Once you’ve worked up a bit of an appetite, head to Balti Jaama Turg. This is a local market which combines both grocery shopping and local food stalls that make for a great lunch spot. If you’re interested in learning more about the food scene in Tallinn, consider  booking this food tour .

And if you want to unwind after your day of exploration, then head to the Põhjala Brewery taproom to drink some locally brewed craft beer in a cool setting.

Day 3 – Lahemaa National Park

Spend your final day in Tallinn on a day trip to nearby Lahemaa National Park and the Jägala Waterfall. While this trip is certainly easiest done when you have your own car, there are both organised trips such as this full-day tour and public buses available as well.

Lahemaa National Park is only about forty minutes outside of Tallinn and is perhaps best known for being home to the Viru Bog.

Here you can go on an easy 6km loop walk along the bog and enjoy the unique ecosystem and natural beauty. We also recommend stopping to view the nearby Jägala Waterfall and heading to the village of Võsu and admiring the beach.

Day 4 – Tartu

On day four of this itinerary, it’s time to hit the road and visit the country’s second-largest city of Tartu . This small city is often overlooked, but it is absolutely charming and well worth exploring.

Spend your first day in Tartu wandering around the lovely old town. Take in the top sites, climb the tower of St John’s Church and even visit the Tartu Botanical Garden before strolling along the beautiful Emajogi River.

Then, wander a bit away from the Old Town to the Karlova neighbourhood. This is a cool, alternative place with lots of art and some beautiful wooden houses.

Here, you can find the trendy Aparaaditehas complex, which is reminiscent of Telliskivi in Tallinn. This former Soviet widget factory has a lot of shops and restaurants that are worth visiting.

Where to Stay in Tartu

Hotel Soho – If you’re looking for a good mid-range option in Tartu, then this boutique hotel is a great choice. They have clean and comfortable rooms on offer and there is also breakfast included in the nightly rate.

TartuKodu Riia – If you’d like to have your own place while visiting Tartu, then this one-bedroom apartment is an excellent choice. Centrally located, the flat is fully furnished and a great place to base yourself when exploring Estonia’s second city.

Looming Hostel   – For those travelling solo or on a budget, this hostel is a good option. Located across the street from Aparaaditehas, they have both dorm and private rooms on offer, good common areas, and a nice roof terrace. It is also possible to purchase breakfast at an extra cost.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Tartu!

Day 5 – Tartu

On your second day in Tartu and your final day in the country (if you’re only spending 5 days in Estonia), take the time to dig a little bit deeper in the city and visit a couple of museums.

The first museum that we would recommend would be the KGB Cells Museum. This is a former Soviet prison where you can get a harrowing overview of the effects of the regime on residents of Tartu.

If you’re looking for something fun and interactive, then head to the Estonian Printing and Paper Museum which is located in the Aparaaditehas complex. This is another fascinating museum and entry also includes a guided tour where you can make some of your own prints.

Finally, for a those wanting to explore more of the history and culture of the country, head to the Estonian National Museum.

Day 6 – Saaremaa

If you’re able to spend 7 days in Estonia, make your final destination in the beautiful country be the lovely island of Saaremaa.

As the largest of Estonia’s islands, there are a lot of things to do in Saaremaa that make it a really worthwhile place to visit. There are also countless wild beaches and beautiful forests to relax in, so it is a great place to unwind after a busy week.

You can reach Saaremaa via car ferry from the coastal town of Virtsu. While it is helpful to have a car here, you can also get a bus from Tartu to Kuressaare, the largest town on the island.

Plan to spend your first day on Saaremaa exploring some of the highlights of the island for instance, taking in the Kaali Meteorite Crater, driving down to the Sõrve Lighthouse or simply wandering around Kuressaare and visiting the town’s beautiful Medieval castle.

Where to Stay on Saaremaa

Ekesparre Boutique Hotel – If you’re after a luxury option on the island, this boutique hotel is a fantastic choice. Located in the centre of Kuressaare, this is claims to be the island’s oldest hotel. They have a range of plus rooms on offer and it is a great place for couples looking for a romantic getaway.

Stuudio 17 – For those who are after their own space when visiting Saaremaa, this one-bedroom apartment is a great choice. Located in Kuressaare, the flat is fully furnished, located on a quiet street and has everything you would need for a comfortable stay.

Guesthouse Laurits – This cosy guesthouse is an excellent place to stay if you’re after a good, budget-friendly option on Saaremaa. Situated in Kuressaare, they are pet friendly and have a shared kitchen where you can prepare your own meals should you wish.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Saaremaa hotels!  

Day 7 – Saaremaa

On your final day in Estonia, take the time to explore a bit more of Saaremaa before grabbing a later ferry and heading back to Tallinn. You could take the time to visit the gorgeous Tuhkana Beach on the north of the island or visit the imposing Panga Cliffs.

Once you’ve made it back to the mainland, consider making a pit stop in the lovely town of Haapsalu on the coast. This is the jumping-off point for heading to Hiiumaa Island, however, the town is absolutely lovely and worth exploring in its own right.

Haapsalu’s old railway station has a fascinating collection of defunct trains to view and the city centre has an interesting medieval castle to explore. The main town is also very charming and there are plenty of great places to eat in the town, as well.

From Haapsalu, it is about 1.5 hours driving to get back to Tallinn.

Have More Time?

If you have more than a week in Estonia, then there are plenty of ways you can occupy your time. If you’re after for a seaside getaway, then make sure to spend a couple of days in the lovely city of Parnu on the Baltic Sea.

Alternatively, you could also opt to explore Estonia’s third-largest city of Narva, which is located in the east of the country close to the Russian border.

And if you are interested in visiting some more islands, hop on a ferry to Hiiumaa to explore even further.

There is so much to see and do in Estonia beyond Tallinn that it is so worth trying to plan at least a week in this beautiful country. No matter how long you have to spend here, however, you are sure to leave with lasting memories.

Are you planning a trip to Estonia? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

A Perfect Day Trip to Lahemaa National Park from Tallinn

The Perfect Baltics Itinerary: Explore Estonia, Latvia, & Lithuania

Best Things To Do In Tartu, Estonia: A 2-Day Itinerary

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Hi Maggie, Loved your blog! My husband and I are headed to Estonia and are staying in Tallinn, Taagepera and Parnu. We have 8 days to travel and sightsee. I’m having trouble finding a private driver that can crive us through the country also acting as a tour guide. Was hoping you might have a name of someone or a company that would act as our guide. Thanks for any help you can give me. Debbie

Thanks for your kind words, Debbie! Unfortunately, we don’t work with any private drivers so I’m not able to help you there 🙂

I found a site that gave me all Estonia!! We are headed to Tallinn from Nov 8-13 (which leaves us four full days). Is it worth going to Laheema and the falls at this time of the year? I also thought about renting a car for two nights to go both here and then another excursion (whether it be the Tartu or Narva. You did take the option of going to Helsinki off the table for a day trip as I feel like it would be rushed.

Hi Scott – I think it’s definitely still worth it to head to Lahemaa. It will be chilly but certainly will still be beautiful. Personally, I would recommend heading to Tartu because it’s a really nice little city. I haven’t been to Narva so I can’t offer any advice on that end 🙂

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Estonia is located on the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea. It borders the Gulf of Finland and is found between Latvia and Russia . It is the most northerly of the three Baltic Republics. An incredibly flat country, the highest point in Estonia is Suur Munamägi, or Egg Mountain, located in the southeastern part of the country, reaching 318 m (1,043 ft) in height.

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Estonia Backpacking Itinerary with Map

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Travel Estonia by bus and train. This Estonia 7 day itinerary with public transport highlights what to see and what to do in Estonia beyond the capital Tallinn.

Honest Estonia backpacking guide including the best places to visit in Estonia. Tallinn, Tartu, and Saaremaa itinerary without a car - whether you travel the Baltics as a whole or just Estonia.

Backpacking Estonia by Bus

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To be honest, we’re not big fans of the Estonian local buses. They just don’t run often enough for touristy purposes (I directly quote the nice lady at the tourist information who told me a bus that runs 6 times per day runs “very often”). Hence it is super hard to do day trips by public transport in Estonia. The situation is even worse on the weekend.

The long-distance bus situation is not much better. There is one daily bus from Tartu to Saaremaa and some more between Tallinn and Tartu as well as Tallinn and Saaremaa. LUX express is a nice alternative here.

The train network is not as extensive as in Estonia’s neighbouring countries. The only train you will likely take as a tourist is the Tallinn - Tartu route. During the day it should run every 1 to 2 hours, take around 2 hours, and cost around 10€. You can buy tickets online .

While many travellers only spend a couple of days int he capital, we think it’s worthwhile to spend at least 7 days in Estonia to venture off the beaten path.

• Modern City
• Day trip: Helsinki or Lahemaa
• 2 days in Tartu
• Day trip: Kaali crater

Comprehensive 1 Week in Estonia Itinerary

Is tallinn worth visiting.

Yes! Many bloggers rave about the medieval city centre of Tallinn and yes, it’s amazing. What really surprised us is the modern side of the city: The Telliskivi area full of street art, the market right behind the train station, exceptional museums, relaxing seaside walks and cool rooftop bars in the modern skyscrapers.

What to see in Tallinn?

There are loads of blogposts detailing what to do in Tallinn so we only mention our highlights here.

• As always, we recommend you start your stay with a  free walking tour .
• Of course, the city wall and tunnels are a must. We loved the  Bastion Tunnels  below the  Kiek in de Kök !
• Alexander-Newski-Cathedral  is worth a visit and in contrast to many other churches in Tallinn, it’s free.
• Don’t miss Town Hall Square. The historic Pharmacy is free to visit. If you’re looking for a cheap and quick bite but don’t want to miss out on the medieval atmosphere head to  III Draakon .
• The best contemporary restaurants can be found on Rataskaevu Street - e.g. Rataskaevu 16.

Modern Tallinn:

• The  Telliskivi  area offers prime street art.
• You’ve probably heard about  Balti jaama turg market  for great street food and alternative shopping.
• Right next to the market, you’ll find the  Kalamaja area  with colourful wooden houses.
• If you don’t mind walking, walk all the way to the  waterfront .
• At the waterfront, you can chill out with a sauna and street food at the  Iglupark .
• Check out the super modern  Seaplane Harbour Museum .
• Stroll along the waterfront past  Patarei Prison  and  Kalarand beach .
• The  EKKM modern art museum  is super unique and free to visit. Make sure to check out the  Kultuurikilomeeter !
• For some serious Sowjet architecture, visit the  Linnahall old Olympic stadium.
• The  KUMU Art Museum  was our favourite museum in Tallinn. Combine it with the  Kadriorg Palace  when you make your way out there.
• Lounge 24  on top of the Radisson Hotel is a great rooftop bar.

How many days in Tallinn?

We’d suggest three days in Tallinn: One day is enough to see the historic city centre but you need another one to venture outside and explore the modern side of Tallinn. You need an additional day if you want to go on a day trip to Helsinki, which is a 100% recommendation.

Best Hostel in Tallinn

There seem to be loads of hostels in Tallinn with similar ratings in a similar price range. We ended up staying at The Knight House which was a decent choice.

The Instagram famous bog walk in Lahemaa National Park.

How to get from Tallinn to the Viru Bog by public transport

To be honest, we tried. First, we contemplated the local bus but it only ran twice per day on the weekend with either way too little or too much time for the walk.

Here are some tour options instead:

Instead of day-tripping in Estonia, go to  Helsinki .

How to get from Tallinn to Helsinki by public transport

There are multiple ferries by multiple companies daily and the price is very reasonable. You can get a round-trip ticket for as little as 15€ even if you book last minute.

Is Tartu worth visiting?

Yes! Estonia’s second-largest city is going to be the European Capital of Culture in 2024. The university city has a very alternative vibe with loads of street art as well as cool shops and cafes.

What to see in Tartu?

• Stroll down the  Rüütli tänav  pedestrian street and visit some of the shops and cafes.
• Stroll along the  Emajõgi  and visit the  Tartu Statue of Liberty.
• The  Dome of Tartu  is a must-visit. The ruins are incredibly picturesque. On your way visit the  Angel’s Bridge  and the  Devil’s Bridge .
• St. John's Church  is a Brick Gothic Lutheran church. Its most outstanding feature is its wealth of terracotta figurines surrounding the exterior. Originally, there were more than 1000 figurines of which about 200 have survived.
• Some of the most outstanding buildings are the  university ,  town hall , and  toy museum .
• The  Botanical Garden  is a green oasis within the city. For a small fee, you can warm up in the greenhouses.
• A bit outside the city centre,  Aparaaditehas i s an area full of art and cool shops, bars, and restaurants. Take your time to go here and also explore the surrounding block to find more street art. If you still can’t get enough of street art, the  Karlova neighbourhood  is a recommendation.
• Soup Town  or Supilinn neighbourhood is full of cute wooden houses.
• If you want to visit museums, make sure to not go on a Monday (guess what we did). The  KGB Cells Museum  and  Estonian Printing & Paper Museum  come  recommended . We would have loved to visit the  Museum of Natural History  and the  AHHAA Science Centre  looks super cool.

How many days in Tartu?

As Tartu is quite a small city, 2 days should be enough to explore the highlights and soak up some of the atmosphere in the hip bars and restaurants.

How to get from Tallinn to Tartu by public transport

With LUX Express buses and trains, you can make the journey between Tallinn and Tartu pretty much hourly during the day.

Best Hostel in Tartu

We stayed at Looming Hostel . The vibe was great and it’s super close to the train station but a bit far always from the centre. Next time, we’d probably stay at Hostel Tartu which is much closer to the centre and has its own sauna.

Is Saaremaa worth visiting?

Honestly, it depends. Estonia’s biggest island is a prime seaside destination in the country. The downside? The coastline is much more rugged than the long sandy beaches in Lithuania and Latvia and the public transport situation in Estonia overall makes moving around the island a challenge. If you’re travelling to all three Baltic countries, we suggest visiting Klaipeda/Palanga, Lithuania and/or Jurmala, Latvia, instead.

What to see in Saaremaa?

• Kuressaare  is a charming little city with a tiny but charming historic centre around the main square.
• The highlight is  Kuressaare Castle . It is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the Baltic States. The imposing structure made of dolomite blocks has retained its original appearance to this day. A trench filled with water surrounds the castle. Today the castle houses a museum on the history of Saaremaa.
• The  beach  in Kuressaare is tiny but it looks charming for the summer.
• A drink or snack with a sea view at  Resto HAFEN  is a must.
• There are several SPA hotels.  Meri Seaside Hotel & SPA  looks like a reasonably priced option.

I wish I had read an honest review before going so here it is:  The one thing you cannot seem to do here is hiking.  There are no hiking trails along the coast around Kuressaare - trust us, we tried to walk to the left and to the right for a while. Defeated, we asked at the tourist information and learned that there are only very few short hiking paths around town.

To the west, there’s a hiking path to a bird-watching tower but it leads mostly along a busy road and through an oak wood.

To the east, you can hike towards the Roomassaare viewing platform. You mostly hike along a road as well although it’s not as busy as the other one.

How many days in Saaremaa?

The beach is quite small so unless you’re not seriously into beach bumming in summer or want to take a spa break 1-2 days should be enough.

How to get from Tartu to Saaremaa by public transport

There is one daily bus from Tartu to Saaremaa at stupid o’clock (we bought our ticket here ). It’s a direct bus hopping on the ferry with you.

Best Hostel in Saaremaa

There seems to be one hostel in Kuressaare, Kuressaare Central Hostel . As the price was not higher in a private room, we opted to stay at Guesthouse Laurits with an unbeatable price right in the centre of Kuressaare.

Kaali Crater

Kaali is a group of nine meteorite craters created by an impact event. Most recent estimates put its formation shortly after 1530–1450 BC.

How to get from Kuressaare to Kaali Crater by public transport

There are 6 buses per day so it’s manageable but you have to plan your trip. You can check out the timetable here .

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Check out the other parts of our travelling the Baltics series:

Baltics itinerary by public transport- 2 weeks Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia

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Weekend in Riga – Riga city break

The best things to do in Riga for your Riga city break - whether you spend a weekend in Riga or a whole week. Including a Riga sightseeing map with all the Riga must see attractions.

Lithuania Backpacking Itinerary – 1 Week With Public Transport

Travel Lithuania by bus and train. Our Lithuania 7 days itinerary brings you to Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipeda – including a map!

Helsinki itinerary - 3 days in Helsinki, 3 saunas

Visiting Helsinki? Our Helsinki guide and itinerary advise you on what to see in Helsinki including the best public sauna Helsinki has to offer.

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Travemünde Helsinki ferry - review and guide

Finnlines is currently the only way to take the ferry to Helsinki from Germany and back. Here’s our complete travel guide including budget, public transport, cabins, and food.

10 Places to Visit in Vilnius besides Vilnius Old Town (2023)

Untouristy Vilnius places to visit. Vilnius sightseeing off-the-beaten-path!

33 Things to Do in Kaunas, Lithuania (2023)

A short guide on what to see in Kaunas.

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Estonia Rail Line Map

Map shows major rail routes through Estonia and connecting cities

Update April 12, 2024

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Estonia Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 26, 2023, estonia - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Estonia.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Estonia.

If you decide to travel to Estonia:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
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