Estonia is a true sanctuary of romance, protected from the mundane by high fortress walls, hardened by thousands of battles. The sound of the surf on the deserted coastline awakens the senses from slumber, and under the questioning gaze of eternity pouring from the battlements of abandoned castles, dreams of chivalric feats in honor of the lady of the heart no longer seem naive and old-fashioned. Traveling in Estonia as a couple, break free from the trap of routine and feel the fluttering wings of love behind you again.
We recommend planning a romantic tour of Estonia in May-June, when the weather is kind to walking, the landscapes are full of rich colors, and the protected landscapes are not disturbed by crowds. In spring and fall, nature parks are alive with the cries of migratory birds, which you can watch from the observation tower and fill your family album with exclusive photos of rare species of birds in their natural habitat.
At the endless stream of ideas for an unforgettable vacation for two in Estonia, three main motifs stand out: enjoying the blossoms, tours of historic estates of the Baltic aristocracy, and cruises on yachts and reconstructed sailing ships.
Elf Vacations in Estonia: Nature Monuments for Lovers
In spring and early summer, Estonia welcomes visitors with a fireworks display of jubilant colors. The marvelous scent of fragrant herbs wafts over the suburbs; wildflowers bloom on meadows and silent hillsides. The famous daffodil field in Soocaldups will greet you with an ocean of tenderness, while the Kihlep Coast celebrates the Dandelion Festival on May 14-15.
In May, the renowned Valaste Waterfall on Ontika Cliff shows its best side: the spring floods turn thin streams into raging torrents, scattering a myriad of rainbow splashes. Estonia's second largest cascade, Jagala-Joa, is a 25-kilometer drive from Tallinn.
In June, orchids bloom en masse on Saaremaa and Vormsi, and yellow irises bloom on the secluded island of Abruka. If you wish, you can book an excursion to Vilsandi National Park for two people and capture rare and endangered species of wild orchids for posterity. At Loona Manor, celebrations of the beauty and grace of orchids, creative workshops, and craft fairs continue all month long.
For spectacular cinematic scenery, keep west of Tallinn and you'll one day see the Turisalu cliff, immortalized in the Soviet adaptation of Hamlet. The murmur of the waves of the Gulf of Finland, picturesquely spread out below, inspires inspiration and a taste for rhyming lines.
Nearby is the small town of Keila-Joa, basking in the glory of Estonia's third largest waterfall. There is a bridge across the Keila River tract, revered by the locals as a place of strength and patron of matters of the heart. If you want to tie your fate to your beloved forever, you should leave a small lock on the railing of the bridge and throw the key into the water.
For wish fulfillment, go to Pärsti parish in Viljandi county. Look for a spring in the Siniallika Nature Park, which flows near an ancient settlement, and throw a couple of small coins into the bottom. It has been observed that wishes without malicious intent soon come true, and what could be brighter than a dream of happiness in love?
Colors of Antiquity: Estonian Castles and Manors
Honeymooners are eager to honeymoon in Estonia, marveling at the rugged beauty of the Order's castles and the architectural delights of the restored estates of the Baltic nobility. In every region, there are a couple or three ancient monuments that will be a haven for lovers.
Traditionally, a wedding tour begins in Tallinn, the most poetic city in Eastern Europe. Echoes of ancient legends of love and fidelity roam the cobbled streets, and many of the city's landmarks were born from the Amur River.
The famous Kadriorg Palace and Park Ensemble was a gift from Peter the Great to Catherine the Great. The graceful miniature pavilions around Swan Pond are a place for confessions and hugs. Also widely known is the "Kissing Hill" square, located on the site of the destroyed bastion of the Viru Gate. Two sculptures by Tauno Kangro - "The Moment Before Kissing" and "The Moment After Kissing" - stand out against the background of decorative plantings. Urban legend promises a couple who kiss while standing between the two statues a long and happy life.
There are also secluded corners for lovers in the Danish King's Garden in the shadow of the Maiden Tower. There are few people here, and in the evening, you'll have stunning views of Niguliste Church and the spectacularly illuminated tiled roofs of the Lower Town.
Tallin's young people like to make dates on Laboratoriumi Street, surrounded by a labyrinth of narrow, winding alleys. Restorers haven't yet had time to fully restore the historic buildings, which were destroyed by the war, so tourists are shy about coming here, but young romantics feel at ease among the picturesque ruins.
Save a hot air balloon ride over the Old Town for dessert: Tallinn, shrouded in blue clouds, looks even more beautiful from a bird's eye view than from the ground! It costs 25 EUR; the landing point is the passenger port.
The neighborhoods around Tallinn are just as interesting as the capital itself. Riisipere Manor, built in the early 19th century, is perfect for photo shoots. The elegant neoclassical facade is decorated with a portico with Doric columns, a stepped pediment, and a wide marble staircase, and around the building, there is a park with a dam pond. The estate can only be viewed from the outside. Other notable examples of neo-Gothic architecture in the metropolitan area include the Laitse Castle and the Vasalemma Manor, built from locally sourced dolomite blocks.
A weekend at Vihula Manor or Sagadi in Lahemaa National Park will open a window to the world of wildlife without having to pay for the starry skies, vast meadows, and the hum of the forest.
The main gem of the neighboring county of Läänemaa is the 13th-century Haapsalu Castle, which was the main seat of the Saare-Läänemaa bishopric. Urban legends say that in August, during the full moon, the ghostly silhouette of a girl in a white dress, who was buried alive for a sinful relationship with one of the canons, appears on the castle wall. An encounter with the ghost is believed to portend happiness for the lovers.
A tour of Rakvere Castle, which has been turned into an interactive museum, is a time-traveling experience, with elaborate settings that transport visitors into the atmosphere of Walter Scott's adventurous novels. Guests are invited to dress up as crusaders, craftsmen, and ladies of the court, join in knights' and peasants' games, taste ancient dishes, and learn a craft.
The Vastseliina Castle in Võru County is following the same path: themed exhibitions and concerts are held in the castle ruins. The castle complex has a restaurant where you can order a medieval themed dinner.
The eastern county of Jõgevamaa is famous for its impressive collection of historic estates with interesting architectural and landscape designs. A guided tour of Puurmani Manor reveals the secret of the secret passage in the watchtower, which offers a delightful panorama of the garden, clearly marking the secluded, shady places for kissing and cuddling.
The village of Luua preserves a 16th-century manor complex rebuilt in the Baroque style. The best-preserved is the richly decorated wooden lord's house, nicknamed "Piparkogimaya" ("Gingerbread House"). In the 18th century, the estate was given a lush English garden, where it's easy to get lost among the centuries-old trees and forget the passage of time.
In central Estonia, the popular tourist route "Golden Ring of Räplamaa Estates," which includes the manors of Atla, Raikküla, Tohisoo, Hagudi, Rüütli, and Kehtna, is worth a visit. The Lelle estate has a sacred lime tree dedicated to the goddess Kastne. According to an old ritual, young couples tie colorful ribbons around the branches of the tree to lure happiness into the house.
In the park of Põltsamaa Castle Park has a magnificent collection of roses worthy of a queen's bouquet. Sightseeing tours of the palace and park complex are rounded off with a tasting of exclusive, locally produced wines. You should never refuse: it is said that in the ancient cellars of the castle, the castle's ancient cellars contain a love drink invented by medieval alchemists.
The palace ensembles of Iysu and Karksi in Viljandi County harmoniously fit into the lyrical landscape of the lake region, reminding of the times of the reign of the "cheerful Tsarina" Elizabeth Petrovna, who generously rewarded her subjects for their loyal service. The decoration of the facades and landscape design of the parks fully reflect the gallant manners of the era: after a walk you feel light and joyful.
In the southern regions of Estonia, many renovated estates function as VIP-level spa hotels, offering honeymooners the chamber atmosphere of an old-world manor surrounded by glittering park landscapes. The Pädaste and Pilguse spa estates are well known to Saaremaa regulars for their exclusive programs for couples.
An architectural highlight of Southern Estonia is the 13th-century Kuressaare Bishop's Castle, which has survived virtually unchanged to this day. The castle's grim reputation as a dungeon has spawned a number of legends, each worthy of an Ann Radcliffe-inspired Gothic novel.
In the southeastern part of the country, the attention of tourists is drawn to the famous manor Mooste, located 45 kilometers from Tartu. The facades of the main building are historicist, with windows overlooking a stylish English park and a brooding lake.
The Luunja estate in Tartu County has a cascade of man-made ponds that surpasses all the praises of the poets of the Lake School, and the Tõmme estate welcomes guests with a very photogenic stone mill with a movable tent.
In Põlva County, the famous arboretum at the Sillapääe castle complex with its rich collection of about 600 species of plants is a favorite place for hand-in-hand strolls, while in neighboring Võru County, Sangaste Castle - the "Estonian Vinsdor," which produces a special kind of rye vodka - is worth a visit.
The architectural design of Taagepera Castle, which represents the southwestern part of Estonia in tourist brochures, can serve as an example of Jugend style aesthetics. Elements of traditional rustic architecture are carefully woven into the fabric of high art, giving the facades liveliness and a touch of mischief. If your relationship is lacking fire, a weekend at the Taageper Homestead Hotel will bring out the lush colors of spring!
Dream Sails: Baltic Sea Cruises
A breathtaking cruise around Estonia's small islands on a historic sailing ship promises to be one of the highlights of your romantic voyage. In the port of Haapsalu awaits the three-sail yacht "Runbjarn," built by enthusiasts of the Vikan Wooden Boat Society using traditional technology of the coastal Swedes.
The light, graceful sailboat will take you quickly to the islands of Hiiumaa, Osmussar, Vormsi, and Ruhnu to the cries of seagulls that have lost their fear of humans. Watch the mesmerizing play of sunset rays in the azure waters: here lies the solution to many of love's burning mysteries.
In Tartu, tourists are entertained by the reconstructed sailing barge "Jõmmu," which follows the routes of Hanseatic merchants - down the Emajõgi River with access to the lakes Võrtsjärv, Peipsi, and Warm. During the voyage, you can organize a gourmet dinner for two with live music or take a master class to learn the tricks of the sea.
And if you both read Alexander Green's books in your youth, there's a charming surprise in Tallin: a two-masted gaff-rigged schooner with scarlet sails sails sways on the wharf of the bohemian Kalamaja neighborhood, inviting you to cruise the North Sea. Once you've had the extreme experience of maneuvering along the rugged coastline of the northern Gulf of Finland, your family boat will never crash again!
