Discover the Beauty of Estonia with iBestTravel
The northernmost country of the three Baltic States may be small and sparsely populated, yet Estonia’s wild landscapes and fascinating history offer a unique combination of nature and culture.
Over half of Estonia’s surface is covered by forests and a third of the population lives in Tallinn, the capital, leaving most of the territory dotted by small settlements surrounded by trees. Still, it would be wrong to think that the country lacks diversity – bogs, lakes, and over 1200km of coastline facing thousands of islands that emerge from cold Baltic waters make the outdoors well worth exploring.
When Should You Go to Estonia?
In short, summer. The warmer months of the year, between June and August, offer endless days for exploring cities and the countryside. The sun hardly sets during this time, and while the weather can be unpredictable, you’ll have the highest chances of avoiding rain.
These months are particularly good if you plan to spend much time outdoors, perhaps cycling around Estonia’s Western Archipelago or hiking a section of the Baltic Trails. Many music festivals, such as Viljandi’s Folk Music Festival or Setomaa’s Treski Festival, take place in July and August.
Estonian winters are known for being harsh; however, the Christmas atmosphere livens up Tallinn and Tartu in December with markets and ice-skating rinks, transforming the historic centers into festive playgrounds. Outside of bigger cities, driving can be risky due to snow and ice covering many countryside roads.
How Much Time Should I Spend in Estonia?
The majority of visitors to Estonia typically spend a weekend in Tallinn, often arriving via the daily ferries that connect the capital with Helsinki. Besides its photogenic medieval core, Tallinn extends beyond its defensive walls. The city is home to over 50 museums, including world-class institutions such as Kumu and Seaplane Harbour, alongside long beaches and the Imperial park of Kadriorg.
By adding an extra day or two to your Tallinn trip, you could include a day trip to Lahemaa National Park, Estonia’s largest nature reserve, where you can enjoy bog walks, tree-lined cycling routes, and 19th-century manor houses.
Getting Around in Estonia
The main entry point to Estonia is Tallinn. The capital’s airport connects to many European cities daily and is located just a 25-minute bus ride from Old Town.
Once in Estonia, you can easily navigate with public transport. While renting a car offers maximum freedom of movement, Estonia has an efficient rail and bus network, allowing you to reach nearly every corner of the country for just a few euros. Trains run along the northern coast to Narva and south to Tartu, while buses cover other areas, including the main islands of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa.
8 of the Best Things to Do in Estonia
1. Explore Tallinn’s Old Town
Spend a day or two exploring Tallinn’s Old Town, starting from Town Hall Square in the lower part and moving up to the elevated Toompea Castle. Seek traces left behind by the Hanseatic League merchants in the Great Guild Hall or visit the iconic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
2. See Traditional Architecture at the Estonian Open Air Museum
Located 7.5km west of Tallinn’s Old Town, the Estonian Open Air Museum preserves authentic houses from various regions of Estonia in a beautiful park. Stroll through and encounter log houses, wooden windmills, and chapels dating back to the 17th century.
3. Enter a Submarine at Seaplane Harbour
At Seaplane Harbour, one of Europe’s most intriguing maritime museums, you can explore historic vessels and even enter the 59.5m-long Lembit submarine, showcasing Estonia’s naval history.
4. Go Cycling and Lighthouse Spotting in Hiiumaa
Take the ferry from Rohuküla to Hiiumaa, the second island of Estonia’s West Archipelago. This mostly flat island is perfect for cycling and offers stunning views of quirky lighthouses and remnants of WWII along its scenic coast.
5. Visit Medieval Castles
Ancient castles are scattered throughout Estonia. Notable examples include Haapsalu, Kuressaare, and Viljandi, each rich with history and architectural significance.
6. Take a Stroll on Tartu’s Toomemägi
Enjoy a pleasant walk through Tartu’s Toomemägi, where you can discover important cultural sites, including the Gothic ruins of Tartu Cathedral and the Old Observatory.
7. Learn about Estonia’s History at Tartu’s Estonian National Museum
The Estonian National Museum houses over 140,000 objects that trace the history of Estonian customs and traditions. This modern museum, with its engaging exhibitions, is a must-visit.
8. Tour Narva’s Kreenholm Factory
If you find yourself in Narva, take a tour of the impressive Kreenholm Factory, which was once the largest cotton mill in the Russian Empire and now represents a significant part of Narva’s industrial heritage.
What Should I Pack for an Estonia Visit?
Bring lots of layers, no matter the season, as Estonian weather is unpredictable. While summer offers long hours of daylight for exploration, be prepared for rain and wind throughout the year.
