TOP 15 REASONS TO VISIT ESTONIA
Estonia is a hidden gem in Northern Europe, boasting a perfect blend of medieval charm and modern innovation. Tallinn, its capital, is a fairy-tale town with cobblestone streets and well-preserved historic sites. The country’s commitment to digital advancement is evident in its e-governance systems, providing a unique and futuristic experience. Nature lovers will be captivated by Estonia’s diverse landscapes, from pristine forests to picturesque coastlines along the Baltic Sea.
- Immerse into the Medieval Tallinn
- Explore Bustling and Modern Tallinn
- Unlock Estonia with Ease
- Travel with no Language Barriers
- Roam Free, Breathe Easy in Estonia
- Recharge in Serenity of Estonian Saunas
- Venture into the Estonian Thrills
- Hop Islands in Estonia: Adventure, Tastes and Tranquility
- Jingle Bells in Christmas market in Tallinn
- Savor the Exquisite Estonian Tastes
- Roam Together with Estonian Unicorns
- Go Digital with Estonia
- Feel Safe and Sound Traveling Around
- Discover Estonia Through Museums and Galleries
- Be Touched by Uncharted Estonia
1. Immerse into the Medieval Tallinn 
Visit Estonia’s capital Tallinn, UNESCO World Heritage site – home to one of the best-preserved medieval old towns in Northern Europe. Its cobblestone streets, winding medieval city wall, Gothic architecture, and charming squares will take you back in time.
- Admire the views from Toompea Hill with Toompea Castle.
- Explore Kiek in de Kök museum, this six-story artillery tower was built in the late 15th century.
- Visit Town Hall Square, St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Danish King’s Garden, Cathedral of Saint Mary the Virgin, etc.
2. Explore Bustling and Modern Tallinn
Over the decades Tallinn’s neighborhoods transformed into clusters of art and industrial innovation. Visit Tallinn newly revamped districts and discover the modern soul of Tallinn and its people.
- Kalamaja district – once served as the main fishing port it transformed into an industrial complex of production (e.g. pianos), art galleries, and offices. Many former industrial buildings are used for restaurants, cafes, bars, galleries, and offices. The district is located between the scenic Tallinn coast and Old Town.
- Noblessner district – once a submarine factory, has evolved into a lively community with apartments, restaurants, shops, and cultural venues. Its rapid development now includes a yacht harbor, offices, restaurants, and Estonia’s favorite brewery, Põhjala’s factory and taproom.
- Pirita district – with its fifteenth-century convent ruins, offers a sandy beach, the Pirita River, the Tallinn Botanic Garden, and scenic sites like the TV Tower. Explore history and dine with sea views at Pirita’s restaurants. The Convent ruins host the Birgitta Festival that features operas, ballets, staged oratorios, contemporary dance performances, music and other genres of musical theater.
3. Unlock Estonia with Ease
Tallinn boasts convenient airport and ferry terminals situated in close proximity to the city center. If you are ready to embark on a quick city escape or a more extended adventure in the Baltic region, Tallinn’s Airport and ferry connections to Finland and Sweden make it an excellent choice.
- With a flight time of just 2-3 hours or less, you can reach Estonia from most major European and Scandinavian cities.
- Ferry ride from Estonia to Finland is just 2 hours long – ideal travelers wanting a deeper acquaintance with the Baltic and Scandinavian countries.
- Ferry journeys are perfect for incentive trips, team buildings, etc.
- No highways and a lot of straight, uncomplicated roads are ideal for self drive travels also.
4. Travel with no Language Barriers 
There is an ongoing joke that Estonians speak Elvish! The Estonian language is notably distinct from the majority of European languages. It belongs to the Finno-Ugric language group and shares its roots with Finnish and Hungarian. However, there’s no need for concern, as Estonians are generally proficient in multiple languages, and you can easily engage in conversations here in English, Finnish, or Russian.
5. Roam Free, Breathe Easy in Estonia
With approximately 50% of Estonia’s land adorned with lush forests, it ranks fourth globally for its pristine air quality.
- Wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers will find Estonia to be a haven for their passions. When you venture into the forests, you might encounter magnificent creatures like wolves, moose, deer, and brown bears.
- Winter transforms Estonia into a wonderland for winter sports. The picturesque mountain town of Otepää beckons with its ski slopes and snowboarding adventures or cross-country skiing.
- One remarkable feature of Estonia’s landscape is its flat terrain, which not only makes it ideal for hiking, cycling or cross-country skiing.
- The country’s well-maintained boardwalks make it effortless to explore the enchanting bog landscapes.
- The Lahemaa National Park, Soomaa National Park, and the captivating islands of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa are must-visit destinations for those seeking untouched natural beauty.
6. Recharge in Serenity of Estonian Saunas
Indulge in an authentic Estonian sauna experience, an 800-year-old tradition. While the UNESCO-listed smoke sauna is the most renowned, Estonians also appreciate the allure of a well-heated Finnish sauna. Whether it’s the renowned smoke sauna or a Finnish sauna, both offer unique delights. Discover the pleasures of Estonian Sauna at revamped Noblesser District in Tallinn, in Iglu Park or whisking – a healthy scrub with birch twigs, is integral to the tradition.
7. Venture into the Estonian Thrills
Estonia invites travelers with any kind of passion:
- Hiking in numerous Estonian national parks or bog walking on wood boards in well preserved Estonian wetlands in the summertime, cross-country skiing in winter.
- Windsurfing, sailing, kite surfing, fishing on the Estonian Baltic Sea coast or on the islands. Due to strong winds Parnu is beloved by wind enthusiasts for kite surfing or kiteboarding in winter.
- Skydiving, indoor rock climbing, ziplining or even motor-paintball – anything is possible in Estonia!
8. Island Hopping in Estonia: Adventure, Tastes and Tranquility 
Estonia has more than 2,000 islands and islets, each with its own unique character just a short ferry ride away. The West Estonian islands, nestled in a UNESCO Man and Biosphere reserve, offer an authentic, sustainable way of life and serene surroundings.
- Enjoy everything from bird and seal watching to lighthouse adventures.
- Savor tasty island cuisine and partake in vibrant festivals, like summer music festivals or the cozy Glogg cafes day in winter.
- Explore by hiking, cycling, or embarking on a leisurely road trip, allowing you to discover their lush forests, quiet roads, and ancient medieval castles.
- Pamper your body and soul in modern island spa resorts.
9. Jingle Bells in Christmas market in Tallinn
The winter holiday season in Estonia and in Tallinn, in particular, is a fairy tale come to life. The Tallinn Christmas Market, located in the heart of the Old Town and takes place from late November to early January. Since Tallinn is just a 2 hour ferry ride from Helsinki you can easily turn your trip into a Christmas miracle by going to Helsinki and then going by train to Lapland and pay a visit for Santa Claus!
10. Savor the Exquisite Estonian Tastes 
Estonians are proud of having exquisite modern cuisine with touches of Scandinavian culture. Meat, vegetables, and potatoes are at the core of popular dishes, with roasted elk, wild boar, and rhubarb pudding stealing the show. Tallinn is home to two Michelin star restaurants and invites people of all tastes on a fine dining.
11. Roam Together with Estonian Unicorns
Estonia, a nation of just 1.3 million people, is a shining example of innovation and forward thinking on the global stage. A testament to Estonia’s potential lies in the fact that it has given birth to an impressive roster of 10 unicorns, a rare feat for a country of its size. Among these unicorns, Skype that revolutionized communication worldwide, Playtech, Bolt (formerly Taxify), Wise (formerly TransferWise), Pipedrive, and others each making significant contributions to their respective industries. Estonia’s potential for innovation is deeply rooted in its culture and mindset, fostering a unique ecosystem that encourages entrepreneurship and risk-taking.
12. Go Digital with Estonia
Estonia, a digital pioneer, provides efficient, transparent services to residents and visitors. From voting to healthcare, education, and even robotic deliveries, Estonia excels in digital solutions. It leads the world in e-government and offers e-residency to global figures, like Barack Obama and Angela Merkel. Additionally, Estonia is home to NATO’s cybersecurity center and the European Union’s IT agency. In essence, Estonia champions e-solutions and cybersecurity.
13. Feel Safe and Sound Traveling Around 
Estonia boasts an exceptional level of safety, with very low crime rates that extend a sense of security even to solo female travelers. This peaceful environment is reinforced by Estonia’s NATO and EU membership (both since 2004). As a NATO member, the country enjoys collective defense, enhancing safety.
14. Discover Estonia Through Museums and Galleries
There are around 250 museums around Estonia, a few must see recommendations:
- KUMU Art Museum, valuable for amazing building design and worth paying a visit to an exhibition of 18th century to modern days Estonian art;
- Seaplane Harbour (Estonian Maritime Musuem) – around 200 items are on display at the historical seaplane hangar, such as a submarine, an icebreaker, seaplane, etc. Since the museum is located in the harbor, one may enjoy the views of docked ships.
- AHHA Science Centre in Tartu – the biggest interactive science museum in the Baltics with a goal to let children explore science freely and learn playfully.
- Travelers interested in art galleries are encouraged to visit Fotografiska Tallinn (for world class photography and fine-dining delicious food), Estonian Applied Art and Design Museum, Kai Art Centre, Kadriorg Art Museum, Contemporary Art Museum of Estonia, etc.
15. Get Deeply Touched by Uncharted Estonia
Visit Estonia to discover unusual sites that are often passed by by touristic groups. Get inspired or let your soul be shaken by the experiences of dark tourism. In Estonia museums like KGB Headquarters & Prison Cells, Vabamu Museum of Occupation and Freedom, KGB Hotel Viru Musuem discover the heartbreaking history of Soviet Occupation. Dive underwater into the apocalyptic site of limestone Rummu Quarry, where former prison and mining sites are buried.
Useful Links
- Information about flights and other ways to travel to Estonia – How to get to Estonia
- Organisation responsible for Estonia’s tourism promotion – Visit Estonia
- Visas and travel regulations – Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia
- Useful information of air connectivity – Tallinn Airport
