SHOPPING
Local design & boutiques
Estonia’s well-kept secrets are its fashion stores, workshops and boutiques scattered around medieval alleyways, weekend markets, creative villages and even larger supermarkets offering quality design for surprisingly affordable prices.

What’s special about Estonian design is its resourcefulness. Estonia’s large forests contribute to the simple and chic designs often produced by small teams of dedicated designers. Locals also love to combine traditional patterns with contemporary trends from glass and ceramics, textile and fashion, wood and furniture, to jewellery and handicraft.

We suggest you plan a day or two to take full joy in your design shopping spree and don’t forget to stop for the scenery and take scrumptious lunch breaks while feasting on Estonian design.

Handicraft & Souvenirs
Take a piece of Estonia with you, whether in the form of a pair of hand-knitted woollen socks, playful mittens, carved wooden mugs, felt hats, juniper coasters or rustic jewellery. Local handicraft showing off traditional Estonian patterns is just about as Estonian as you can go with your gift.

Knitting, crocheting and embroidery traditions in Estonia date back centuries and here you can find items like no-where else in the world. Look for natural fabrics like wool, cotton and linen and wooden kitchen utensils carved from the juniper tree.

It gets even better – many shops and studios offer workshops where you can learn to make somethings with your own hands. What could be better memory for yourself or gift for a friend, than something you have made by yourself?

Shopping centres
Local designers, international high street brands and signature Estonian handicraft can all be found under the same roof in larger Estonian supermarkets. Even though Estonia as a country is one of the smaller ones, the shopping centres are big enough to lose track of time and spend a day there.

A day out in a shopping centre can be as pleasant as sightseeing, with many Estonian shopping centres showing off pristine interiors and housing a range of restaurants. Also entertainment like a cinema, skating rink and sport clubs may be found in many shopping centres. And if you get hungry experiencing all this – you have quite wide selection of sushi, pizza and other cafes and restaurants on the spot.

FOOD | DRINKS | NIGHTLIFE
Estonian cuisine
Estonian food stems from ancient traditions and pure nature. Even though we have been affected by numerous cultures, our food has maintained its authentic Estonian taste. Estonian cuisine is attractive and distinctive, the Estonians’ love for pure and local food is well-known.

What makes a dish a national dish and what makes a dish an Estonian dish? The common feature is the fact that food must be fresh, tasty, made from local ingredients and produced locally. Many companies hold local and Estonian ingredients in high regard throughout the year, although the seasons and specificities of the local area are taken into account as well, all of which reflect in the quality of what is offered. The most traditional produce in Estonian kitchens are rye bread, meat, milk, vegetables, fish and various forest goods. The interest towards organic food and awareness thereof is becoming increasingly prevalent.

Traditional cuisine is not adhered to on a daily basis, however, people are sure to do so on folk holidays, the most significant of which are Christmas and New Year. Meat jelly, roast pork or goose, roasted potatoes, sauerkraut, lingonberry jam and blood sausages are without a doubt the staples of the dinner table on these days.

Nowadays, we are increasingly more interested in where our food comes from, who has produced it and how it has been made. Many head chefs of noted restaurants who have introduced delicacies produced from high-quality and authentic-tasting local ingredients into their menus consider Estonian cuisine close to their heart. They challenge themselves to find increasingly more exciting ingredients to make their dishes even tastier, more natural and more appetising.

There are many different and distinctive eateries across Estonia that offer characteristic ingredients of the area and dishes inherent to our national cuisine, which have been modernised in an exciting manner. This is done by companies that offer simple traditional farm food as well as distinguished and internationally recognised restaurants that present high-quality culinary sensations.

Culinary experience
Good food is always an experience – a feast for taste buds and joy from enjoying one’s company during a meal. However, there’s a growing number of places popping up in Estonia that offer more than just great food. In these places, you get to find out how food is made and where it grows as well as to

Culinary excursions are very popular. Organised in Tallinn and across Estonia, they are carried out as set programmes as well as tailor-made trips put together based on the specific interests of the customer.

Culinary themes are increasingly enriching museum exhibitions and programmes in an educational and interesting way. No matter the era, significant war or masterpiece – in all of the depicted times and cases, people ate and it goes without saying that culinary traditions say a lot about the spirit and people of each era. For example, a guided tour for gourmands in Pärnu Museum connects expositions with a tasting session of specific era inspired snacks and the Open Air Museum offers Peipus-Russian and Seto culinary culture workshops. In fact, there are many other places filled with culinary history. Such as the Hellenurme watermill with its workshop titled “From water to bread or how flour is made in a mill and bread made in a bakery”, which proudly carried the quality mark EHE given to providers of authentic natural and cultural experiences.

Educational and social entertainment is a culinary workshop led by a professional or amateur chef. Learning doesn’t have to take place only in the city. You can combine a culinary experience with a trip to Estonian nature. For example, Kopli Farm Kitchen in Põlva country and Nautse Mihkli farm in Muhu are well-known culinary training organisers . Another way to get a culinary experience is to visit small producers.

Food can also be tied with an active holiday. Many rural tourism enterprises offer guided mushrooming and berry picking trips as well as fishing trips combined with a cooking class of the freshly picked and caught ingredients.

Food is such a diverse subject that even a person least interested in the secrets of cooking can find a way to make eating interesting. For example, order your feast to an unusual setting or put your taste buds to a test on a blind dinner.

Restaurants in Estonia
International and fusion gourmet food can be enjoyed very inexpensively in Estonia, making this a desired destination for foodies. New and original restaurants pop up regularly in local towns, seaside villages and even in the middle of the forest.

Estonian restaurants are as diverse as the country’s history. Tallinn is a great place to explore the aristocratic flavours of medieval tradesmen, while you can witness a high-end culinary tradition in the making pretty much anywhere you travel in Estonia. Estonian TOP 50 Restaurants is a great guide for any travellers looking to sample Estonian food at its best.

A spoonful of Nordic with a twist
Similarly to Estonian culture, the local taste palate has been infused with the best of our neighbouring countries. Here you’ll find traces of Scandinavian, Russian and German kitchens, not to mention other mainstream international influencers such as the French nouvelle cuisine.

An ode to the pure, fresh and seasonal
Estonian chefs, food establishments and retailers have a similar understanding of the nature and future of Estonian cuisine, manifesting loyalty to healthy ingredients cooked into simple dishes that reflect the mastery of Nordic culinary traditions.

Cafes in Estonia
Estonia is best known for its cute and cosy cafes located in stunning historical locations, with the selection of mouth watering pastries bound to make anyone feel like a kid in a sweet shop. Many Estonian cafes are also open late and quite a few offer gourmet style dining.

Modern rooftops, medieval courtyards and cute wooden houses on the high streets of larger Estonian towns host a range of Estonian-style cafes, elegant in appearance and romantic by nature.

Every cafe in Estonia has its own unique story to tell. Tallinn’s Gothic Old Town lures in visitors with its niche cafes specialising in handmade chocolate and marzipan, while you can relive the golden 1930s by visiting vintage style cafes scattered across smaller Estonian towns.

Bars and pubs in Estonia
Tallinn and Tartu have the greatest selection of bars and pubs, while visitors are sure to find cosy wine bars and traditional pubs as they travel through smaller towns. Most Estonian bars and pubs also serve lunch and dinner until late hours and have a good selection of local beers on the tap.

Bars tend to be more common in Estonian cities, while pubs are more prevalent in smaller towns and villages. Tallinn bars range from trendy cocktail lounges to hipster hangouts with late night venues doubling up as gastropubs, an affordable and popular dining option among the locals. Tartu bars tend to have a more of a scholarly vibe due to the large student population, offering a decent selection of beers and cocktails in a creative and youthful atmosphere.

Nightlife in Estonia
Tartu and Tallinn nightlife is full on yet fairly sophisticated year round, with tons of events happening every weekend. While there is a great range of dedicated nightclubs hosting the best of local and up-and-coming international DJs, many bars and cafes hold regular gigs on the weekends.

Choose your favourite theme, whether its electro, rock, funk or dance music, and you will find a cool place to shake off the routine and welcome the dawn of a new day. Make sure to check out upcoming festivals and concerts by international artists.

Day spas
Day spa services can be found in beauty and health centres that operate during the daytime. However, spa hotels also offer these services as a so-called quick spa to clients who are not spending the night.

Most service selections include several exciting packages that help you choose what suits you best. These include spa classics, packages that focus more on health or on bringing out the best in your looks, as well as service sets that place great emphasis on relaxation and refreshing services.

Naturally day spas also offer a wide range of beauty services in addition to regular treatments. After having pampered your skin with salt and had all the knots in your back taken out during an invigorating massage, why not treat yourself to a new hairdo or excellent manicure in preparation for that party, concert or restaurant visit in the evening?

Spa hotels
In order to stay healthy, it is good to take a few days off and pamper yourself with treatments that alleviate stress and help you enjoy life more. Estonian spas offer high-quality services and often boast a luxurious atmosphere. Experiences from sweet interiors are magnified by great nature views.

The history of spas in Estonia expands over more than two centuries. In 1813, doctor Benedikt Georg Witte began offering salt and herb baths in Kadriorg, thereby making Tallinn the first resort town in the Russian Empire. This aspect of Tallinn quickly gained popularity among the Russian elite. An attentive Baltic German physician Carl Abraham Hunnius took notice of how Estonians in Haapsalu rubbed sea mud on their bodies to alleviate joint pain. Convinced of its restorative powers, Hunnius opened the renown Mud Baths of Haapsalu in 1825.

Tallinn, Haapsalu, Narva-Jõesuu, Kuressaare and Pärnu, which have a long history as a health vacationing destinations, continue to be highly regarded resort towns to this day. The healing mud found in Estonia is also greatly valued nowadays. In addition to sea mud, be sure to try the unique treatments in Värska, where freshwater mud is combined with mineral water that originates from the depth of half a kilometre below the surface and which has not seen the light of day for over 500 million years.

A lot of spa hotels are delightful for the entire family: younger guests can frolic in fun pools and enjoy treatments developed just for children. Some spas also offer opportunities for working out, these options range from Nordic walking on health trails to sunset yoga classes on the beach.

Medical spas
High quality, multilingual service and affordable pricing is the driving force behind the emergence of Estonia as a top medical tourism destination in Europe. Dedicate a week or more to your health with treatments that are based on doctors’ instructions.

Modern clinics, often located in natural surroundings, offer a wide range of services from diagnosis to treatment. Whether it takes one day or several weeks, forget all your everyday troubles and entrust yourself to the experienced professionals

There is a wide range of procedures, treatments, beauty services and exercises to choose from – all in order to enhance your well-being. The treatments are carried out under the watchful eye of professionals (doctors, nurses). You can consult a specialist, use dental treatment and take chargeable analysis

Sauna
There is no way you can return home without having tried the great ol’ Estonian sauna. This 800-year-old custom is as refreshing and invigorating as ever and best enjoyed in a good company, surrounded by nature.

While UNESCO-listed smoke sauna experience is the most Estonian you can go, we also ‘heat up’ a pretty descent Finnish sauna. There’s nothing better after a long day in the nature than to cover yourself in honey and experience the perhaps a new term in your vocabulary called ‘whisking’, also known as ‘a gentle beating’.

In contrary to the perhaps alarming description, ‘whisking’ is a healthy exfoliation with birch twigs and an integral part of the authentic Estonian sauna tradition. The many sauna benefits include stress relief and weight loss. Estonians simply love the sauna, and you are bound to find one sizzling in almost every summer cottage, spa and country lodge.

Water sports & leisure
Estonia’s 3000-kilometre coastline welcomes visitors to ports, islands and to paddle across rivers and lakes. There are many options for adventure and adrenaline lovers and also for more relaxing leisure.

Some of the fantastic water activities in Estonia include: sea tours on historical ships for those looking for something relaxed yet memorable, kayaking and canoeing for those who like to discover on the go, and of course there’s windsurfing if you are looking to jump right in.

If you are into sports and competition, Võhandu Marathon will test your endurance. In one day you have to cross 100 kilometres of interesting and at times extreme river. It’s an awe-inspiring challenge for all canoeing friends.

Sail in Estonia
Estonia, a secret well kept on the coast of Baltic Sea, is much closer and accessible than you think. Its winding coastline is by far more lengthy than its land border, surrounded by roughly 2000 islands. Vibrant atmosphere packed with many regattas, Estonia is a place well worth exploring by boat.

Estonia has smaller and bigger yacht marinas to choose from located across the coastline and islands. In a matter of days, or in some cases hours, you can reach Estonian ports and marinas from neighbouring countries such as Finland and Sweden. By the shortest route from northern coast across the Gulf of Finland to Finland is just 25 nautical miles.

Cycling and bicycle trips
Estonia is a great place for travelling by bike – short distances, not a lot traffic on the roads, diverse nature scenery, well preserved local culture and traditions, privacy, and continuously developed network of bike roads support this environmentally friendly mode of transport in every way.

Estonia is also a safe place for taking bicycle trips, as our main roads are all paved and have sparse traffic, while still passing through populated urban areas.

You can choose to bike though the flatlands of northern and western Estonia, or enjoy southern Estonia with its rolling hills, lakes, fields and forests. Summer days in Estonia are so long that you can circle the entire country on bike in just 10–14 days. Accommodation locations are situated closely enough for you to reach the next one within a day’s journey. It is also easy to find designated campsites or to put your tent up in beautiful nature scenery of your own choosing; camping without a permit is allowed in designated and marked camping spots in state-owned forests.

The Eurovelo route that passes through Estonia starts from the Latvian border, runs along the coast and the islands, passes Tallinn and heads to the Russian border via the northern coast (Saint Petersburg is only 140 km away from the border). Additionally, there are signs for a selection of local and regional bike routes. You get a whole new experience when travelling through Estonia on a bike (as opposed to car drives), meadows and forests alternate with villages and it is perfectly usual to stop at the nearest farm to ask for a glass of cold water.

There are plenty of places that lend out equipment, in cities, but in tourism farms and spas as well. If you would like to get help from local tour operators, be sure to check the routes and trips listed below. Bike trip organisers can lead you to delightful locations that are tricky to find on one’s own and show a lot of interesting places that you might not notice when travelling on your own.

Golf
A round or two of golf is a great way to spend a morning or a late afternoon, especially during the long days of Estonia’s midsummer.

Estonia has several natural golf courses, all located in the midst of beautiful, untouched nature. Estonia’s 18-hole golf courses tend to be flat and are usually open from May until November with equipment available on the spot. Many golf courses have special offers available for those looking to take their next break in Estonia.

If you’re a beginner looking to develop your golfing skills, head to the nearest club and pass a short introduction to golfing. The more experienced players in possession of Green Card can rent golfing equipment on-site and head out without having to pass prior training.

In addition to traditional golf, disc golf has also been gaining a lot of popularity in Estonia in the recent years – following the U.S., Canada, Finland and Sweden, Estonia ranks 5th in the world for the number of registered disc gold players! Disc golf in a sports game that can be practiced all year round. It isn’t very demanding physically and has rules similar to those of regular golf. The aim of the game is to throw a flying disc into special baskets with as few throws as possible. There are 18-hole or 9-hole courses with scenic nature in various locations across Estonia.

Sports & games
Probably you have already heard about Estonia’s beautiful nature, which also offers many interesting possibilities for outdoor recreation. Different options also offer to do sports in indoor conditions.

Start your day with a run in the neighbourhood, at the same time exploring surroundings. You will also find free outdoor gyms – remember there is no bad weather, there’s only wrong clothing. Take a relaxing trip on the water with a canoe or go orienteering in the forest.

There are also many different and beautiful golf courses and tennis stadiums. Tennis can also be played in indoor conditions as well as many indoor minigolf courses offer a challenge and a lot of fun. End the evening with an uplifting game of bowling, perfect for a group of friends and family.

Adrenaline rush
Want to add some spice to your holiday? We guarantee you will leave Estonia with an adrenaline rush.

Push the limits of your adventure holiday in Estonia with off-road racing, go karting and rallying, or test your climbing-sliding-swinging skills at a nearby adventure park.

Perhaps you are up for some anti-gravity excitement instead? Why not peek down at Estonia from the sky for that fantastic new point of view. You can jump and skydive across the blue or join an hot air balloon flight and view the mishmash of endless greenery, medieval rooftops and modern towers.

Winter adventures
The beauty of Estonian winter attracts a crowd of admirers from the locals and internationals alike. During this time of the year you’ll find Tallinn Old Town at its most charming and can head out to the country for a lungful of fresh crisp air.

Winter in Estonia lasts from late November until late March with temperatures ranging from mild plus degrees to as low as minus thirty (-30°C). The daylight hours tend to be brief, which is perfect for those looking for a cosy winter romance in a lit up medieval surroundings, or yearning for a much obliged reset in a cute cottage in midst of the wintry nature.

Marvel at the spectacle of frozen waterfalls, the coastline and sea, and the country’s snow-covered forests and national parks. If the winter is sufficiently cold and the sea is frozen, you can even experience the amazing feeling of driving from the mainland to the islands across Europe’s longest ice road.

Museums & galleries
There are about 250 museums in Estonia displaying everything from local history to international artists. The museums offer inspiring experience both for children and adults.

From traditional village culture to KGB history, there’s plenty to learn about in Estonian museums. Some of the brightest stars in Estonian museum scene are KUMU art museum and Seaplane Harbour, both located in Tallinn. Nominated European Museum of the Year at different times, both museums are among the many must-see museums in Estonia for their inventive architectural grandeur as well as interactive displays, events and cafes.

In the southern part of the country Estonian National Museum opened its new and bigger building in October 2016. Many smaller museums may be found in the city centre of Tartu. Children will definitely love AHHAA science centre, where they can learn playfully about water, fire, energy and etc.

Estonian architecture
Estonia is a must-see destination for anyone interested in European heritage. Architectural monuments from medieval to modern age are in top notch condition and open to visitors in the form of museums, hotels, restaurants and bars.

Start your architectural tour in Tallinn Old Town, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, and head to old fortifications, churches, castles, manors, lighthouses and other examples of historically notable architecture. You’re bound to find architectural gems of your liking in every smaller and larger community in Estonia. Take a walk in Telliskivi or hop on a public transport to experience different areas of the city. In its own way it is like travelling in time.

Castles & manors
Estonia boasts more than 1000 castles and manors dating back as far as the 13th century. Once a home to German and Russian landlords, many of these estates now serve as galleries, luxurious spa hotels and gourmet restaurants.

Whilst touring Estonian countryside, visitors encounter elegant and historical architecture in all styles with dominant motifs featuring renaissance, baroque and art nouveau. While many castles and manors have crumbled in time, some have been beautifully restored and remain open to the public.

Many of these architectural landmarks come with their own manicured gardens and feature an art collection inspired by the establishing family of nobles. For their classy, poetic ambience, mansions are also popular wedding venues among the locals.

Lighthouses
Being an ancient maritime nation, Estonian coasts are dotted with historical lighthouses that continue to top world listings for most spectacular architecture.

The oldest lighthouses in Estonia have stood strong and guided seafarers of all nations since the 16th century. A vast amount of dedication and craftsmanship has been invested in these architectural monuments, with Gustav Eiffel himself rumoured to have been involved in the construction of the 19th-century lighthouse located on the small island of Ruhnu.

Churches
From wooden Scandinavian-style sanctuaries along the coastline to immense gothic churches towering a sleepy village, Estonian churches tell an epic tale of how the Northern European culture came to be.

If you are looking to travel back in time and place, and experience the world through the eyes of medieval aristocracy, or perhaps the local peasantry giving rise to the local culture, step into an Estonian church. In addition to historical landmarks, a number of award winning modern houses of worship have been built in recent years.

While modern Estonia can hardly be considered a religious country, churches have played an important role in Estonia’s culture and politics ever since the arrival of German crusaders in the early 13th century. The Medieval churches in particular were monumental projects that drew Europe’s best artistic talent with an interior and exterior that to this day can be admired in full grandeur.

Forts
Back in the 13th century, Estonia’s state of the art forts and strongholds made neighbouring kingdoms pale in comparison. Today, you can still tour many of these great walls holding hundreds of years of wartime history.

While many have fallen into ruin, there are still a number of perfectly intact forts in Estonia. Being a massive statue of a building, Kuressaare fort in Saaremaa lies in the midst of a humble small town and is considered the best preserved medieval fort in the Baltic states. For more scenic views and colossal fortresses, visit the capital Tallinn and Eastern border town Narva.

Arts and crafts workshops
Our people still have many traditional skills that the rest of the world considers exotic. Learn something new during your vacation in Estonia! It may be the start of something new in your life or give you a fun new hobby.

In the historical parts of Hansa cities Tallinn, Tartu, Pärnu and Viljandi, arts and crafts guilds offer visitors to learn a new technique with the help of a professional as well as buy quality products and take a look at how they are made.

Eesti Käsitöö Kodu (Home of Estonian Handicraft) is the biggest craft centre in Estonia and carries products and items from the best craft shops and houses from Estonia. There you can purchase exquisite and quality handicraft, get information on events in the crafts area and book courses and presentations. Very often group trainings as well as personal workshops must be booked in advance.

Nature sites
Estonia has a low population density and plenty of untouched nature. Three quarters of the territory is covered by forests and bogs. Our air is among the cleanest in the world, and the freedom to roam is codified in law. The natural diversity is emphasized by not four, but five seasons.

To describe Estonian land and nature, words like clean, quiet, calm, untouched, mystical and ancient, among plenty of others, could be used. Our nature tourism offer includes numerous products like hiking trails in bogs and mires, nature parks, birdwatching sites, bicycle tours and canoeing. Our numerous islands, coastal cliffs and population that honours the green way of living make Estonia a top notch destination for nature lovers.

Hiking & nature tours
Hiking in Estonia comes naturally to the locals who go to forests and bogs all year round to pick berries, mushrooms and go camping with friends and family.

Looking to feel one with the nature? Estonia’s majestic pine forests and ancient bogs are popular nature getaway destinations among the locals and international alike, suitable for beginners and skilled hiking enthusiasts. Estonian nature is also home for many different animals – here you might see for example a moose, a bear, a fox or a wild boar and listen to birds singing.

The most extensive long-distance hiking trail in Estonia is 820 km long, passing camp sites, huts and cottages, perfect for spending a quiet night under the Northern sky. In bogs you will find towers, where to catch a view of the horizon or have a nice picnic.

National parks and nature centres
Whether visiting Estonia for a weekend or longer, a visit to one of the national parks should be in every traveller’s TOP list.

The raw power of the forests and bog landscapes feeds the imagination. Here, hiking trails guide you into different landscapes, inviting you to swim or camp on your way.

Nature, culture and history are closely intertwined in the 6 diverse national parks of Estonia. Throughout the year, different tour companies organise trips and rent out necessary equipment from bog shoes to walking poles. And, of course, you are always welcome to venture out on your own – whether for a hike, picnic or a wild camping trip. The parks have nature centres with plenty of information at hand.

Lahemaa National Park
Lahemaa is the largest and oldest national park in Estonia, and one of Europe’s most important forest protection areas. Here you will find rocky and sandy coastal areas and alluvial plains winding along the peninsula. Forest, bog and coastal ecosystems exist side by side with geological, historic and architectural monuments. The forest paths provide easy access for picking berries and mushrooms.

Matsalu National Park
As an important bird feeding spot on the migration route between the Arctic and Western Europe, Matsalu is one of the most famous European bird watching sites and a real paradise for nature lovers.

Soomaa National Park
Soomaa is home to massive bogs but it has become most famous thanks to a local natural phenomenon. The phenomenon is called the fifth season and during this flood time, up to 17,500 hectares of lower forests, roads and yards can only be navigated by water. Yes, a perfect place for a canoe trip!

Vilsandi National Park
A heaven for seal and orchid lovers, Vilsandi is home to Estonia’s largest grey seal colony and to many seabirds. Fossil limestone terraces are waiting to be discovered, as is the most westernmost point of Estonia – Nootamaa Island.

Karula National Park
Karula is the smallest national park in the country, cherished for its unique domed landscape formed by glacial ice about 10,000 years ago. There are about 40 lakes hidden between the hills and domes, and a heritage landscape of meadows, marshy grounds and forest stands waiting to be explored.

Alutaguse National Park
The youngest of Estonia’s national parks is the largest coniferous forest and marsh area in the country. With more than half of the park consisting of vast bog areas and 42% of forested landscapes, Alutaguse is a sanctuary for wild birds and animals. Several mammals like the wolf, the Brown bear and the Eurasian lynx move between Estonia and Russia via Alutaguse migration routes.

Põhja-Kõrvemaa Nature Reserve
Although not a national park, Põhja-Kõrvemaa Nature Reserve is a home to grandiose landscapes where large forests and steep eskers alternate with swamps, plains and kames. The varied terrain and soil have created an almost magically alternating landscape that takes the visitor to the creme de la creme hiking terrain of Estonia.

We know you can feel it! It is time to find your favourite trail in the northern wilderness.

Parks & gardens
As soon as the snow is gone, Estonian parks and gardens welcome all the green thumbs to gather new ideas and inspiration, and also just enjoy nature’s atmosphere and get a glimpse of Estonian cultural history.

Estonia could easily be the world’s best garden tourism destination. Come and discover our variety of different gardens and parks and see how the plants thrive in the local climate. Or gather knowledge and ideas what could be done at your own garden at home.

But even if you’re lacking a deep interest for gardening, there’s no need to feel left out. An evening jog through a majestic park built by a historical royality or a picnic in a peaceful botanical garden offers an aesthetical or therapeutical experience even when you’re not able to name each flower surrounding you.

Zoos and farms
The nearest nature getaway is rarely ever more than half an hour away from any urban spot in Estonia. Pack your family and a camera and head to the local pet zoo or wildlife parks and farms to experience the diversity of Estonian wildlife.

While you can explore species of animal from all stretches of the globe at Tallinn Zoo, there’s a range of wildlife parks out in the country where you can catch a glimpse of the brown bear, lynx and deer right here in their natural habitat.

You can even jump in and learn about the life in the country, with many farms welcoming visitors of all ages to experience the rural lifestyle first hand.

Bird watching holidays
Whether you are a pro bird-watcher or simply want to take the most out of your nature holiday, bird-watching is perfect for your to-do list with over 380 species of birds spotted in Estonia annually.

Estonia’s indented coastline, numerous islands, forests, bogs and other diverse cultural landscapes are all great spots for bird-watching. The best time for bird-watching is during their migration when millions of birds fill the skies.

Birding season begins as early as in March. Spring migration culminates in mid-May and the bird observation season winds down by mid-June. The autumn migration tends to be more modest, but draws enthusiasts to Estonia in September and October as well. Thanks to the large forest areas and suitable habitats, six species of eagle can be seen in Estonia as well as 8 of 9 European woodpecker species.

Horseback riding
Novices and expert horse riders of all ages can jump on the saddle and trot through Estonia’s sandy forest paths, dunes and wild beaches.

Horse riding holiday is very much a thing to do during your nature holiday in Estonia, whether you are going for a sledge ride on a snowy winter morning or looking to catch the late summer sunset by the sea. Estonia’s nature and coastline offer an enjoyable experience where you will relax your mind. Stay overnight or take a day trip to the many horse farms and ranches for a riding lesson and guided rides.

Tori horse breed is known to be originally from Estonia and you can visit Tori Farm which is the oldest of its kind in Estonia. Also many horseriding competitions take place in Estonia. One of the biggest is Tallinn International Horse Show, which is usually in October.

Tallinn – The Capital
Tallinn is the capital city of Estonia and a perfect holiday destination if you want to combine the comforts of modern world, versatile nightlife and luxurious adventures with rich cultural scene in the local historical setting.

First established in the early medieval era, today’s Tallinn is an exciting mix of old and new. Here’s the good news: with Tallinn being such a compact, green capital, you can cover a lot in just a weekend and enjoy short scenic strolls while at it.

Tallinn Old Town is one of the best preserved Hanseatic town centres in the world. A stone’s throw away you’ll find the city’s business centre with modern towers and luxurious hotels, trendy neighbourhoods and large shopping centres.

The coastal vibe
Tallinn’s luring coastline dotted with promenades and sandy beaches is especially rewarding during the summer but offers scenic views of the iconic cityscape throughout the year.

Easy to access
Tallinn is the first point of entry to Estonia for most visitors, and if you’re the kind of person who likes to jump right in, then you’re in luck, as Tallinn city centre is never more than 15-minutes drive away regardless of if you happen to arrive by plane, train, coach or ferry.

West Estonia
Western part of Estonia are surrounded by the Baltic Sea. Here the coastline is peppered with beaches, small seaside villages and holiday resorts with numerous spas. From unspoilt beaches, yacht marinas and larger ports, there are many ways to arrive here and heaps of things to do.

The two main draws for western Estonia are the resort towns of Haapsalu and Pärnu boasting cute wooden architecture and oodles of summer concerts and outdoor terraces. Visitors from Scandinavia and other neighbouring countries know to book early and head to the western coast of Estonia for the sandy beaches and long summer nights.

Western Estonia is also one of the best places for bird watching and animal tracking in the country. Here lies the large Soomaa national park, a temporary home to millions of migratory birds each year. If you howl loudly and listen quietly enough you might even get a response from a local pack of wolves roaming the local forests.

South Estonia
Deep blue lakes hidden between rolling hills and valleys is what makes South Estonia a popular nature getaway destination.

Deep forests, a large national park, sleepy villages and adorable towns with historical churches and manors is what best characterises the southern Estonian vibe. Southern parts of Estonia are also a home to many traditional communities, such as Setos and Old Believers.

Here you will find Tartu, the oldest town in the Baltics, which also happens to be a home to northern Europe’s oldest university boasting groundbreaking discoveries since the 17th century. Moreover, the nearby town Otepää has been the training ground for several Olympic medalists. If your holiday goals are bit more modest then South Estonia is also great for science exhibitions, winter sports and spa trips into the wild.

North Estonia
Forests, wildlife, historical towns and fishermen villages surrounding the compact capital city Tallinn is what North Estonia is most appreciated for.

North Estonia has something for everyone, from 20th century military history, to medieval forts, to romantic manors. Pine tree groves surrounding long sandy beaches nearby parks and wilderness provide a quick nature getaway from Tallinn all year round.

Here you can enjoy long scenic coastal walks admiring northern Estonia’s limestone cliff lining that hides sediments and fossils dating back millions of years. Moreover, a short hop on a boat during the summer season will open a door to the tiny rural islands hiding off the northern coast.

Saaremaa & Muhu islands
Estonia’s largest and third largest island are almost addictive: it is best to spend one’s summer holiday away from the mainland, in a completely different scenery, while staying at a tourism farm; whereas in the winter, it is superb to relax at spas.

Thanks to its mild climate and lime-rich soil, Saaremaa and Muhu islands have very diverse flora and fauna. Nature enthusiasts are welcome to explore study trails at the Viidumäe Nature Reserve and the Vilsandi National Park, which boasts thousands of migratory birds and wild orchids.

Exciting destinations also include the famous Kaali Meteorite Crater Field (which is the first scientifically proven meteorite crater in Europe) and the Panga Cliff, which is perfect for scenic walks, and the Järve beach, which is a great spot for sunbathing. Small islands Vilsandi, Abruka, Ruhnu and Viirelaid are great locations all year round.

Those interested in local culture will surely enjoy visits to medieval stone churches, ruins of the Maas castle, Sõrve lighthouse and military buildings, Mihkli farm museum and the Kuressaare old town. The Kuressaare Castle is one of the best-preserved establishments of its kind in the Baltics. The Angla Windmill Mount is worthy of a visit as it houses famous windmills of the region, where you can pick up some handicrafts skills.

Kuressaare, which has a long history as a resort town, likely has the highest number of spas per capita in the world – it has one spa location for every ten inhabitants. There are suitable spa services for those who need medical spe treatments and those who have arrived for a relaxing spa vacation and fun times with their family. After spa procedures it is great to walk in the lovely old town and take in the architecture, cafés and galleries.

The highlights of Muhu include the Koguva village with stone fences, Üügu cliff and one of Estonia’s oldest holy places – St. Catherine’s Church with its pagan tombstones. The ancient tradition of painting doors and decorating them with magical symbols has been revived in Muhu. The Muhu island is also home to an ostrich farm and the Tihuse horse tourism farm. the famous Muhu dark brad, wonderful handicrafts and great eateries can be found at the Liiva Centre. Pädaste Manor stands out with its architecture and high level culinary experiences.

The most significant events include the Kuressaare Street Festival, Saaremaa Opera Days, Kuressaare Maritime Festival, Muhu music of the future festival “Juu Jääb”, experience festival “I Land Sounds”, Saaremaa Rally and the last festival of the season – Saaremaa Food Festival with a street picnic.

In 2007, the European Commission launched the European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN) competition. Muhu island was the nominee in 2010 in category “EDEN. Estonia’s hidden treasures. Water tourism”.

Saaremaa is also on the 2020 Sustainable Top 100 destinations list. The competition for international sustainable travel destination success stories is organised by Green Destinations to recognise places that put effort into making the experience of visitors more sustainable and value-based. Saaremaa’s success story is the music festival I Land Sound, which is known for its initiatives aimed at reducing the ecological footprint of the event. There aren’t many festivals that establish an optimum limit on the number of guests. In addition to visitors, the 5000-person limit included the management team, performers and sponsors. The organisers initially banned disposable tableware and replaced them with biodegradable ones. However, in 2019 only ceramic tableware were used and dish-washing stations were set up on the festival grounds, where people could wash their dishes with eco-friendly soap. As a result, the four-day festival saved 25,000 plastic cups and 240,000 plastic plates and utensils from going to the bin.