Estonia

The land of sealed time

Guide to Estonia

Basic Information

The romantic allure of the Middle Ages, as reimagined by the inspired pen of Walter Scott, can lead you to Estonia. Here, amidst prehistoric landscapes and the soothing sound of waves, one can dream vividly about a glorious era that has bequeathed a necklace of formidable castles and majestic churches. Behind the fortress walls, time seems to slow, preserving charming traditions, ancient crafts, and runes that evoke the lives of heroes. Welcome to a sanctuary of fairy tales and legends in Estonia!

Photos of Estonia

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Tallinn, Estonia

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Capital

Tallinn

Language

Estonian

Currency

Euro

Time zone

GMT+3

Population

1 325 000

Territory

45,339 km²

Dishes worth trying:

Kartulipors — pork baked in mashed potatoes. For fun, in some cafes the portions are decorated in the form of funny piglets with butter eyes and a carrot patch.

Pirukad — small pies made of yeast dough filled with rice, stewed vegetables or minced meat.

Mulgicapsid — sauerkraut stewed in a cast iron with pork and barley groats, served with a side dish of boiled or baked potatoes.

See Tallinn from a bird's eye view by taking to the skies in a hot air balloon.
Visit Estonian Santa Claus in Jõgeva.
Try on Crusader armor at the Bull Mountain Castle Museum in Rakvere.
Accelerate to championship speed on the off-season cross-country skiing track in Otepää.
Meet the sunset on the romantic beach of Cabli.

Tips

Estonian beaches have adopted a traffic light warning system: a green flag means that it is safe to swim, a yellow flag means that children and elderly people should refrain from swimming, and a red flag means that the temperature is below 16°С.

Pedestrians and bicyclists must wear reflective shields on clothing or equipment when it is dark.

When cycling around Estonia, it's advisable not to leave your bicycle unattended. For added security, consider using a chain and padlock to lock your bike when parking it, and if possible, lock it indoors overnight to ensure its safety. This precaution can help protect your bicycle during your travels.

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Sights

Estonia is indeed brimming with a rich tapestry of sights and attractions, making it impossible to list them all on one website. Instead, we'll focus on the most popular tourist sites that are deeply ingrained in the country's cultural heritage. As you explore Estonia further, you'll have the opportunity to discover lesser-known ancient monuments and hidden gems, forging your own unique path of discovery.

Old Tallinn Town Hall

The only original example of a Gothic town hall in Northern Europe. The enclosure was erected in the 13th century; the graceful octagonal tower was added at the beginning of the 15th century.

Narva Fortress

The oldest defensive structure in Estonia, built by order of the Viceroy of the Danish king in the 13th century. The height of the main tower of Long Herman reaches 51 meters.

Niguliste Church

The tallest church in Estonia, which served as a lighthouse for medieval seafarers. In the 17th century, due to frequent lightning strikes, the spire was shortened, reducing the height of the building to 123 meters.

Tours to Estonia

Estonia, with its mild climate, welcomes tourists year-round, offering a variety of thematic tours. You can find trips to the country's numerous sanatoriums and spa hotels throughout the year.

From early summer to autumn, local agencies arrange fishing trips along the Baltic coast, with weekend tours even available for fishing enthusiasts. One-day shopping tours with specific themes are also frequently offered.

Historical sights are a major attraction, and Estonia has preserved many of them.

The best part is that these trips are relatively affordable. For instance, a 12-day trip to Tallinn in early fall can cost as low as 380 EUR. What's more, such trips depart not only from the capital's airports but also from other cities, making them accessible for travelers. Keep an eye out for hot travel deals, which can be found at budget-friendly prices. To simplify your search, you can subscribe to the mailing list of the tripmydream resource to receive hot offers directly to your email address, saving you the hassle of constant monitoring.

Where to go to Estonia?

Tallinn is often the starting point for exploring Estonia's treasures, but it's important to note that other cities in the country also have their own unique attractions and deserve attention. Estonia's national parks, which cover one-fifth of the country, offer a natural haven for tourists. Along the coast, you'll find a lengthy chain of spa resorts and beautiful beaches, while the winter season promises exceptional skiing and winter sports at well-equipped centers. Estonia's roads are open to travelers, and your choice of where to go in this diverse country depends solely on your preferences. To help you select the perfect destination, you can rely on the tripmydream website for guidance and recommendations.

Tallinn

When to go to Estonia

Estonia offers an array of exciting activities year-round. Tourists can indulge in museum visits, cultural attractions, sampling delicious national dishes, shopping, and rejuvenating spa treatments at any time of the year. The season becomes a more significant factor for outdoor sports and beach vacations, with seaside trips favored from June to August and skiing adventures taking place from December to March. To make informed decisions about when to visit Estonia for your desired experiences, you can consult the professional weather forecast for different regions of the country available on the tripmydream website.

Estonia in the spring

Spring in Estonia starts with floods and raging rivers, but by the end of April the riotous elements are replaced by a succession of pleasant days. It is better to plan active vacations and excursions in Estonia in spring in May: there are few tourists yet, and the prices are lower than in summer.

Estonia in summer

Estonia is safely protected from the exhausting heat by the cool breath of the sea. The thermometers do not rise above 25°C; the sun and sand do not burn the skin. However, Estonian summers are short: the beach season lasts from mid-June to the end of August.

Estonia in the fall

Comfortable weather in Estonia lasts until mid-October, until the lingering rains force you to abandon all leisure activities except sightseeing, but seasonal discounts on accommodation and excursions in Estonia in the fall sweeten the pill.

Estonia in winter

Christmas festivities in Old Tallinn, skiing at well-equipped bases in scenic surroundings, and the joy of winter sports are truly worth embracing the chill in Estonia. It's worth noting that winters in Estonia aren't excessively cold, with average temperatures typically staying above -10°C. So, while you may need to bundle up, the winter experiences in Estonia are sure to warm your heart.

Climate and weather in to Estonia by months

Usefulness

If this is your first time in Estonia, listen to the experience of experienced tourists: our tips will tell you how to avoid tricky situations and unreasonable expenses.

Visa to Estonia

No visa needed for European citizens

Customs & Tax Free

Quotas have been introduced in Estonia for the import of alcohol, tobacco, fuel and foodstuffs. VAT can be refunded on purchases of goods worth 38 EUR or more.

Customs regulations

Travel by car

It is convenient to rent a car to visit historical estates in remote municipalities. For a compact-class car Estonian rentals ask 15-20 EUR per day.

Lease terms and traffic rules

Phrasebook for tourists

Estonians speak fluent English, but they are always happy to hear their native speech. A few simple phrases in Estonian and you are a welcome guest in every home!

Learn phrases

Public transport and prices

The main mode of transportation in Estonia is the bus; in the suburbs, electric trains are in demand. The islands are connected to the mainland by ferries.

Transportation