Everything you need for your first visit to Estonia

The northernmost of the three Baltic States, Estonia may be small and not densely populated, but its stunning natural landscapes and rich history provide a unique blend of nature and culture.

With over half of Estonia blanketed in forests and a third of its residents living in Tallinn, the capital, much of the country consists of quaint settlements amidst greenery. However, it would be misleading to assume a lack of variety – the nation boasts bogs, lakes, and more than 1200km (7456 miles) of coastline adorned with thousands of islands rising from the chilly Baltic waters, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

Tallinn and Tartu, the two largest cities in Estonia, are at the forefront of its cultural heritage. The capital was a key trading hub within the German-led Hanseatic League during the Middle Ages and remains one of the most well-preserved medieval cities in Northern Europe. The picturesque city of Tartu, named European Capital of Culture in 2024, is home to Estonia's first and most esteemed university, which has fostered brilliant minds since the 17th century.

What is the best time to visit Estonia?

In brief, summer. The warm months from June to August provide long days ideal for exploring both urban and rural areas. The sun barely sets during this season, and although the weather can be unpredictable, you'll have the best chance of staying dry.

These months are particularly favorable for outdoor activities, such as cycling around Estonia’s Western Archipelago or hiking on the Baltic Trails. Numerous music festivals, including Viljandi’s Folk Music Festival and Setomaa’s Treski Festival, are hosted in July and August.

Estonia's winters are notoriously tough, but the festive atmosphere brightens up Tallinn and Tartu in December with markets and ice-skating rinks that turn the historic centers into holiday wonderlands. In rural areas, driving can be challenging due to snow and ice on many roads, and the long nights may only be beneficial if you seek the rare spectacle of the northern lights.

Spring weather can be quite unpredictable, but it also offers the chance to witness a remarkable natural event. From March to April, Soomaa National Park experiences its “fifth season” when floods transform the area into a kayaking haven for several weeks.

On June 24, Estonia marks Jaanipäev (Midsummer) to celebrate the onset of summer. This ancient and eagerly anticipated tradition is highlighted by large bonfires lit throughout the countryside.

What is the ideal duration for a stay in Estonia?

Most visitors to Estonia spend just a weekend in Tallinn, often arriving on daily ferries from Helsinki across the Gulf of Finland. While Tallinn’s picturesque medieval center is a highlight, the city offers much more beyond its ancient walls. With over 50 museums, including renowned sites like Kumu and the Seaplane Harbour, along with the vibrant Telliskivi creative quarter, beautiful beaches, and the Imperial park of Kadriorg, a couple of days barely scratches the surface.

Extending your stay in Tallinn by an extra day or two allows for a day trip to Lahemaa National Park, Estonia’s largest nature reserve. Here, you can enjoy bog walks, scenic cycling paths, charming 19th-century manor houses, and even visit a former Soviet submarine base.

If time permits, venture beyond the capital. A week provides a great opportunity to explore much of mainland Estonia. Tartu, the country’s second-largest city located in the south, is just a two-hour drive from Tallinn, making it easy to reach the shores of Lake Peipsi and the Baltic Sea coast before returning to the capital.

Looking to explore more of the region? Check out this epic hiking trail through Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania

Is it straightforward to travel within Estonia?

Tallinn serves as the primary gateway to Estonia. The capital's airport offers daily connections to numerous European cities and is just a 25-minute bus ride from the Old Town.

Getting around Estonia is a breeze thanks to public transport. While renting a car offers the greatest flexibility, an efficient rail and bus network makes it possible to explore nearly every part of the country for only a few euros.

Trains travel along the northern coastline to Narva and head south to Tartu, Viljandi, and Valga near the Latvia border. Buses connect to other destinations, including the main islands of the archipelago, Saaremaa and Hiiumaa.

8 top activities to enjoy in Estonia

1. Discover Tallinn’s Old Town

Dedicate a day or two to uncovering the two halves of Tallinn’s Old Town. Begin at Town Hall Square in the lower section and make your way up to the historic Toompea Castle. Explore the remnants of the Hanseatic League at the Great Guild Hall, then visit the striking onion-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral before heading to the Niguliste Museum, located in the Gothic St Nicholas Church.

2. Admire traditional architecture at the Estonian Open Air Museum

Situated 7.5km (4.6 miles) west of Tallinn’s Old Town, the Estonian Open Air Museum showcases authentic homes from various Estonian regions within a 70-hectare park that was once part of the Rocca al Mare estate. As you wander through, you'll find log houses from the Orthodox communities around Lake Peipsi, temporary dwellings used by semi-nomadic fishermen from Hiiumaa, wooden windmills, 17th-century chapels, and a Soviet-era southern Estonian kolkhoz (collective farm) that have all been relocated to this site.

3. Step inside a submarine at Seaplane Harbour

Beneath the three concrete domes of the historic 1917 hangar, known as Seaplane Harbour, lies one of Europe’s most fascinating maritime museums. This atmospheric space highlights Estonia’s deep-rooted maritime heritage, featuring historic vessels that navigated the Baltic both above and below the waves. Dominating the hangar is the 59.5m-long (195ft) Lembit submarine, constructed in the UK between 1935 and 1937 for the Estonian Navy. Remarkably, the Lembit is the only pre-WWII Estonian warship still in existence. Visitors can venture into its cramped interiors to get a taste of life beneath the sea and explore its eight sections, from the engine rooms to the sleeping quarters.

4. Enjoy cycling and lighthouse adventures in Hiiumaa

Journey to Rohuküla and catch the ferry to Hiiumaa, the second island of the West Estonian Archipelago, predominantly covered by forests within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This largely flat island can be easily explored by bike when the weather permits, with rentals available in Kärdla. Discover unique lighthouses and WWII remnants scattered along the rugged coastline of this wild Baltic island.

5. Explore medieval castles

Estonia is home to numerous ancient castles, with some of the most notable located in Haapsalu, Kuressaare, and Viljandi. The origins of Haapsalu’s castle trace back to the 13th century, built by local nobility to serve as the new stronghold and church for the Roman Catholic Bishopric of Ösel–Wiek. Despite the wear on its outer walls, Haapsalu’s castle remains one of the best-preserved medieval fortifications in Estonia. The Kuressaare stronghold, first recorded in the 14th century, towers over Saaremaa’s capital, while Viljandi’s castle, established by the German Knights of the Catholic Teutonic Order in 1224, provides stunning views of the adjacent lake.

6. Enjoy a walk on Tartu’s Toomemägi

Lined with pathways, leafy Toomemägi – Cathedral Hill – is regarded as the birthplace of Tartu. Overlooking Town Hall Square, it offers a delightful stroll through some of Tartu’s most significant cultural landmarks, along with panoramic views of the city.

Explore the Gothic remains of Tartu Cathedral, the largest in Estonia, which was constructed in the 13th century when the Knights of the Livonian Order captured Tartu's center. Don't miss the Old Observatory, where German-Russian astronomer Friedrich Georg Wilhelm von Struve established the initial point of the UNESCO-listed Struve Geodetic Arc.

Finally, grab a beer at the Gunpowder Cellar (Püssirohukelder), excavated in 1778 in Toomemägi to store the Russian Empire’s gunpowder, which has since transformed into a lively pub.

7. Discover Estonia’s history at Tartu’s Estonian National Museum

The striking glass-encased structure in Raadi Park is home to the Estonian National Museum, featuring over 140,000 items that chronicle Estonian customs and traditions. You can easily spend a full day wandering through the lofty halls of this contemporary museum, which opened in 2016 and displays artifacts reflecting the daily lives of Estonians through the ages. The permanent exhibition “Echo of the Urals” is particularly fascinating, as it delves into the connections and origins of Finno-Ugric speaking communities worldwide.

8. Visit Narva’s Kreenholm Factory

When you reach Narva, right on the Russian border, make sure to book a tour of the impressive Kreenholm Factory, which was once the largest cotton mill in the Russian Empire. This expansive brick complex was founded in 1857 by German industrialist Baron Johann Ludwig von Knoop and ultimately employed over 10,000 workers, contributing to more than 10% of the entire Russian Empire’s cotton output. It turned Narva into a significant textile hub. Guided tours are offered by the Narva Museum every Sunday.

My favorite activity in Estonia

One of the most unforgettable experiences during my travels through Estonia for Dinogo Planet’s new guide to the Baltic Countries was meeting the Seto people living in the southeastern region.

The Setomaa region, which stretches along the Russian border, occupies only about 1% of Estonia's land but boasts a vibrant cultural heritage. This area is home to the Seto minority, a group of Orthodox Christians whose Finno-Ugric language shines in the leelo polyphonic singing tradition, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2009.

During my stay at the Soviet-era Värska Sanatorium, I had the opportunity to meet members of this border community in Värska and Obinitsa. I witnessed one of the rare leelo singing performances at Värska’s Farm Museum, where a group of women, led by a ‘song mother,’ improvised enchanting verses in the Seto language.

What is the estimated budget for visiting Estonia?

Estonia has become more expensive in recent years, experiencing one of the highest inflation rates in Europe following the pandemic. While travel in Estonia remains relatively affordable compared to Nordic countries, those coming from Eastern Europe should be ready to adjust their budgets. Here’s a breakdown of typical costs:

• Hostel dorm: starting from €25

• Basic room for two: €70

• Train ticket from Tallinn to Tartu: €11

• Dinner for two: €50

• Coffee: €3

• Bus ride from Tallinn to Riga: €13

• Ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki: €22

• Museum entrance: €8–15

• A pint of beer at the bar: €5

Looking for more budget tips? Check out our spending guide for a three-day stay in Tartu

What’s the experience of driving in Estonia?

Driving in Estonia is quite straightforward, as roads outside major cities usually have minimal traffic. However, many rural roads are unpaved and can become muddy after heavy rain. Winter driving poses additional challenges, with heavy snowfall potentially blocking roads. From December to March, winter tires are mandatory on public roads.

What essentials should I pack?

Regardless of the season, bring plenty of layers. Estonian weather can be quite unpredictable, even during summer. While you’ll enjoy extended daylight hours from June to August, be prepared for rain and wind throughout the year.