Estonia holidays: a guide to the country
A medieval capital, bogs you cross on boardwalks, islands of juniper and windmills and smoke saunas in the forest. Estonia is close to the Nordics, with a twist of its own.
Estonia
Photo: Hongbin / Unsplash
Estonia: a small country with lots of nature
Estonia is the northernmost Baltic state, with the Gulf of Finland to the north and the Baltic Sea to the west. It has more than 2,000 islands, large forests and bogs, and a language related to Finnish. Around half the country is forest, and a right to roam makes it easy to get outdoors.
The currency is the euro, and Estonia is known as one of the most digital countries in the world. Most of the country is flat, so distances pass quickly by car, and a road trip from Tallinn fits comfortably into a week.
Places to visit in Estonia
Tallinn
The capital has one of northern Europe's best-preserved medieval towns and creative districts such as Telliskivi. Read our Tallinn guide.
Lahemaa National Park
An hour east of Tallinn are forests, coast, fishing villages and restored manor houses such as Palmse and Sagadi. The Viru bog trail runs on boardwalks across the bog.
Saaremaa
The largest island has juniper landscapes, windmills, a well-preserved castle in Kuressaare and a meteorite crater at Kaali. You get there by car ferry.
Tartu
The university city in the south is Estonia's cultural heart, with students, museums and cafés. The Estonian National Museum is here.
Pärnu and Soomaa
Pärnu is the summer resort with a long sandy beach and spas. Nearby Soomaa National Park is famous for its fifth season, when rivers flood in spring and you can canoe through the forest.
The forest
Photo: Siim Lukka / Unsplash
A one-week road trip in Estonia
Days 1 to 2: Tallinn.
Day 3: Lahemaa National Park and the Viru bog trail.
Day 4: Tartu.
Day 5: Soomaa, then on to Pärnu.
Days 6 to 7: Saaremaa, before taking the ferry and driving back to Tallinn.
Try an Estonian smoke sauna if you get the chance. The tradition from Võromaa in the south east is on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage.
When is the best time to visit Estonia?
June to August is best for the islands, beaches and national parks, with light nights. Spring is the time for the Soomaa floods, and autumn brings colour to the forests. December has a Christmas market in Tallinn, and winter can bring snow and ice. Check the current entry requirements before you travel.
Estonia holidays: frequently asked questions
What is Estonia known for?
Tallinn's medieval old town, forests and bogs, islands such as Saaremaa, saunas and one of the most digital societies in the world.
Does Estonia use the euro?
Yes, the currency is the euro.
What is there to do in Estonia outside Tallinn?
Walk the bog trails in Lahemaa, explore Saaremaa, visit the university city of Tartu, swim at Pärnu and canoe in Soomaa.
How long is the flight to Estonia from the UK?
Direct flights from London to Tallinn take around two and a half to three hours.
When is the best time to visit Estonia?
June to August for summer and nature, and December for the Christmas market in Tallinn.