Summary
The last genuinely European nation before the vast expanse of Russia dominates the east, Estonia presents an intriguing amalgamation of Slavic, Russian, Scandinavian, and distinctly local cultures. Spanning from the picturesque, windswept coastlines of the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Finland to the expansive forests surrounding Tartu in the south, Estonia reveals remarkable and captivating destinations throughout.
Let us examine the top destinations in Estonia:
1. Tallinn
The imposing heights of Toompea Hill characterize Estonia’s illustrious capital; rising in a unique blend of Orthodox onion domes and medieval fortifications at the heart of the city. Beneath this lies a charming walled city, where cobblestone streets and shadowy alleyways lead to a vibrant market square, and prominently-named towers such as ‘Fat Margaret’ loom above the ramparts.
With the UNESCO designation, the impressive collection of historical landmarks and the dynamic array of shops, beer halls, and Estonian dining establishments, it is hardly surprising that Tallinn is emerging as one of Europe’s most sought-after capitals. Additionally, the artistic streets of Kalamaja, along with the palaces and parks of the Kadriorg district, further enhance its appeal!
2. Parnu
Situated on the banks of its own coastal inlet on the Gulf of Riga, Parnu features one of the Baltic’s finest stretches of pristine sand. The vibrant Beach Promenade complements this, showcasing lively fountains alongside al fresco dining venues and the route of an exceptional cycling path.
Within the town center, the remnants of an Art Deco flourish from the 1920s add a touch of sophistication to the resort, with modern spas popping up at street corners, Ruutli Street alive with nightlife, and charming wooden villas gracing the outskirts. In essence, this is every bit Estonia’s summer capital!
3. Otepaa
During the warmer months, Otepaa attracts a modest number of hikers and mountain bikers drawn to the winding trails of Valga County, perfect for exploring the dense fir forests and walking around Puhajarve Lake. However, it is during the winter snowfall that this self-declared winter capital of Estonia truly excels.
Nordic ski trails weave through the forests, ski jumps echo with local applause, while various downhill slopes serve both beginners and intermediate skiers. Beyond outdoor activities, Otepaa also features a striking church spire and the historical remnants of an ancient citadel for history enthusiasts.
4. Soomaa National Park
The submerged forests and enchanting wetlands of Soomaa National Park undoubtedly rank among the most stunning and captivating locations in Estonia. This expansive site spans approximately 359 square kilometers, featuring undulating dunes and low-lying peat bogs that transition between warm ochre, vibrant green, and frosty white with the changing seasons.
Unsurprisingly, ecotourism has flourished here in recent years, with adventurous travelers now flocking to paddle the waterways of the Raudna River and Parnu Basin by canoe or kayak, or hike the alluvial meadows alongside cranes and rustic wooden farmhouses.
5. Saaremaa Island
Highly regarded, Saaremaa Island rivals Tallinn, characterized by enchanting landscapes of weathered timber windmills, breezy meadows, extensive spruce forests, and stunning coastal areas infused with the scent of juniper and Baltic sea salt.
Adventure-seekers will relish exploring the orchid-strewn terrains of Loode, uncovering the enigmatic Kaali meteorite craters, the scenic Bear Lake, and the therapeutic hot springs of Puhatu, or braving the coastal winds at the sacred Panga cliffs. The local inhabitants add depth to the landscape, with their unique folklore, intriguing traditions, ironic sense of humor, and exceptional vodka!
6. Narva
Positioned on the border with Russia, Narva possesses a distinctly different character compared to other significant urban areas within this Baltic region. The local population primarily communicates in Russian, reflecting a character that leans toward Moscow rather than Tallinn and the European Union. The highlight of Narva is Hermann Castle, which stands majestically in whitewashed keeps and sturdy ramparts above the city, while the reconstructed brutalist center offers a glimpse into the profound Soviet influence.
Furthermore, the nearby resort areas of Narva-Joesuu feature the longest beach in Estonia, accompanied by several renowned spas.
7. Matsalu National Park
Matsalu National Park is a marvel of riparian wetlands, reed plains, and flourishing flood meadows following the routes of the Kasari River Delta, making it a paradise for nature aficionados and wildlife enthusiasts visiting Estonia.
The park, covering 400 square kilometers, is especially renowned for its avian population, featuring endangered species such as the white-tailed eagle, enormous congregations of barnacle geese, tufted ducks, and the largest migrating populations of cranes on the continent, which can be observed here in autumn. Additionally, wild horses may be sighted roaming among the wetlands, traversing between timber fishing huts and along the Suitsu hiking trails.
8. Hiiumaa Island
Representing a quintessential example of rural Estonia, Hiiumaa is the country’s second-largest island, featuring windswept coves and coastal fir forests rising from the Baltic Sea, all connected by Europe’s longest ice road to the mainland during winter. Visitors often head directly to the coast, with its secluded beaches adorned with historic lighthouses like the stone-clad Kopu Lighthouse, one of the oldest in existence.
Inland, rustic timber farmhouses and weather-beaten mills merge with dense beech forests at Suuremoisa Park, where the enticing aromas of smoked fish waft from charming taverns.
9. Tartu
Often regarded as Estonia’s second city, Tartu locals assert their independence from the larger northern capital. This southern hub of scholars and Russian speakers is celebrated for its intellectual achievements. It houses the most prestigious university in Estonia, distinguished by its neoclassical columns positioned centrally within the city.
Adjacent to this is the verdant expanse of Toomemagi, the historical citadel housing the haunting ruins of Tartu Cathedral. Tartu is infused with youthful vigor, as evidenced by its numerous lecture halls, outdoor beer gardens, and underground nightlife venues that illuminate summer evenings.
10. Tuhala
Inhabited for over 3,000 years, Tuhala stands as one of Estonia’s key historical sites, offering insights into the periods preceding Tallinn’s magnificent medieval fortifications. This intriguing area is home to an array of cult stones, ancient religious statues, enigmatic cup-marked engravings, and sacred locations retaining pre-Christian significance.
Additionally, remnants of timber roads dating back to the fourth century exist, alongside the legendary Witch’s Well—an intriguing phenomenon where subterranean water channels bubble up and overflow from a rustic well into surrounding farmlands.
11. Kuressaare
The picturesque, castle-draped town of Kuressaare resides on the Estonian side of Saaremaa Island, recognized as the westernmost city of the country. Given its unique geography, it is unsurprising that it exhibits influences from Germanic and Swedish cultures, manifesting in the Teutonic fortifications of its grand citadel and elegant Baroque designs decorating municipal buildings on Keskvaljak Square.
Kuressaare is also renowned for its coastal spas, which highlight the therapeutic benefits of the seaside’s mud and silt, rendering the city popular amongst naturalists and ecotourists alike.
12. Viljandi
A prominent member of the Hanseatic League, Viljandi once featured one of the largest merchant town fortifications in the Baltic region, aimed at safeguarding popular trade routes between Prussia in the west and Russia in the east.
Currently, remnants of the once-mighty citadel stand in ruins atop the town, surrounded by flourishing green spaces that fringe Lake Viljandi, with groves of birch and oak trees, parks dotted with pines, and charming wooden houses nestled among the tree-lined streets. This picturesque setting serves as the backdrop for Viljandi’s various summertime festivals, spanning from nostalgic medieval fairs to open-air theater productions and spontaneous public art displays.
13. Lahemaa National Park
Covering an impressive 725 square kilometers, the Lahemaa National Park showcases wild, pine-laden hinterlands, establishing itself as one of the largest protected natural areas in Europe. Located between the Baltic Sea’s salty waves and the thoroughfares leading out of Tallinn, this region is highly accessible for travelers from the capital, providing a refreshing contrast to urban life.
Visitors will discover rolling peat bogs, winding boardwalks, dense thickets of spruce and beech, the ancient Oandu Forest—home to lynxes and wolves—and the stunning Hauaneeme Bay, which can be seen glowing pink and mirror-like against the Estonian sunset.
14. Haapsalu
Lauded by some as the Venice of the Baltics and frequented by the Romanovs during Russia’s imperial era, Haapsalu rose to prominence under the tsars, who sought to harness the curative and therapeutic properties of its coastal mud spas.
In contemporary times, this tradition of bathing remains vigorous, while other visitors meander along seaside promenades as the sun sinks over the Gulf of Finland, exploring the elegant timber architecture, admiring the haunted towers and ramparts of Haapsalu Castle, or attending one of Estonia’s most renowned blues and jazz festivals held in summer, as well as purchasing the famed handwoven Haapsalu shawls.
15. Lake Peipus
Straddling the border with Russia in the depths of Southern Estonia, Lake Peipus remains one of the country’s least explored regions. Its reputation stems from the enduring traditional way of life that thrives along its western shores.
Alongside picturesque, timber-clad villages such as Varnja and Kallaste, secluded lakeside coves can be found at Nina and Lahe. These areas are interspersed with expansive estates, enveloped in vast fields of onions, while farmer’s markets flourish and the enigmatic churches and rituals of Estonia’s Old Believers persist.
