Where to go in Estonia

For our parents' generation, the choices in Estonia were simpler. To unsophisticated Soviet citizens, a vacation in Pärnu or on the idyllic island of Saaremaa, with obligatory excursions to Tallinn and Tartu, represented the ultimate revelation.

Nowadays, there's a much wider range of entertainment options compared to the past, which has led the younger generation of tourists to seek thrills and extreme experiences in addition to rich sightseeing programs. For enthusiasts of active recreation in Estonia, the question of where to go becomes more than just idle curiosity; it involves studying maps and searching for farms with the right specialization and convenient locations.

In some cases, the answer to "where to go" also depends on the timing of the trip. For instance, rafting is ideal during the "fifth season" from April to May, while slightly less advertised ice-skating excursions are best planned for December to January.

Tripmydream, available at tripmydream.com, offers up-to-date information on popular types of vacations, favored destinations, vacation rates, and attractions in Estonia, making it a valuable resource for inexperienced tourists. Explore the world with us!

A Whirlwind of Centuries: Sightseeing Cities in Estonia

The paths of three civilizations crossed on the territory of the modern Republic of Estonia: Scandinavian, German, and Russian. The eclectic cultural heritage of the country is of great scientific interest in terms of clarifying unknown pages of history.

The cheerful manor houses of the Baltic nobility, surrounded by parks, evoke nostalgia for the Gallant Age. Additionally, the sheer delight of admiring the cyclopean creations of the dusky Livonian genius is beyond description. Many of Estonia's excursion towns suffered heavy bombing during World War II, but the spirit of romance still thrives amidst the ruins.

Municipal authorities have recently taken an active role in restoring monuments, so there are some surprising discoveries in store for us in the near future. The best place to start tasting the multi-layered pie of times and mores carved in stone is with Estonia's five iconic tourist towns:

• Tallinn
• Tartu
• Narva
• Pärnu
• Kuressaare

You can learn more about the various types of excursions in Estonia here.

Sea Symphony: Estonian Beach Resorts

Star resorts of Estonia are concentrated on the shores of the Gulf of Riga and the Gulf of Finland, as well as on the island of Saaremaa. The sea season starts in mid-June, but at first, only a few people dare to swim: the water temperature is only +16-18°C. Fortunately, most beaches are in shallow water, so in July and August, the sea warms up to +19-23°C.

The most popular seaside resorts in Estonia are as follows:

• Pärnu
• Valgeranna
• Kuressaare
• Haapsalu
• Toila
• Roosta
• Mändjala
• Laulasmaa
• Käsmu
• Võzu
• Narva-Jõesuu
• Limo
• Cablis
• Caberneeme

Estonia's developed river and lake system offers excellent conditions for fishing and water sports. After you've enjoyed your time in the water, consider renting a boat from one of the sports centers to explore the picturesque backwaters.

Particular attention should be given to the beach areas of Kauska and Räpina on Lake Peipsi and Lake Teplá, which boast well-developed infrastructure for rowing, surfing, and windsurfing. Other suitable swimming spots include Suurjärv, Ermitsu, Pyuhajärv, Võrtsjärv, Viljandi, Vanamõisa, Riiska, Kubija, Verevi, as well as the artificial lakes of Tyuri, Kamari, and Anne.

Many Estonian beach resorts are renowned for their therapeutic mud, known to have a positive impact on the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system. You can combine leisure with well-being by enjoying your vacation against the backdrop of historical landscapes. If you ever tire of sunbathing and swimming, consider embarking on an exciting kayaking or sailing journey along the rugged coastline of the southwestern coast or the Gulf of Tallinn.

For more information about Estonia's seaside resorts, explore the following section.

Estonia's Ski Resorts

While the gentle slopes of the low hills in southern Estonia may not be of great interest to experienced skiers, they provide a delightful experience for beginners, featuring comfortable and scenic slopes with modest elevation differences ranging from 214 to 514 meters. Estonia's renowned sports centers and ski resorts are often connected to adventure parks:

• Otepää
• Kütiorg
• Kiviõli
• Valgehobusemäe
• Voorémägi
• Kohtla-Nõmme

Cross-country skiing is particularly popular in flat Estonia, where the locals are passionate about this winter sport. During winter, the walking paths in national parks and nature reserves are transformed into ski tracks, and every town boasts its own ski area. Favorite places for skiing include the Jõulumäe, Alutaguse, and Palivere adventure parks, as well as the Viljandi County Recreation and Sports Center in Holstre-Polli.

For more information on skiing and ski vacations in Estonia, check out this section.

Non-Boring Treatment: Spa Vacations in Estonia

Estonia boasts an extensive network of sanatoriums and health centers inherited from the Soviet Union, along with rich deposits of therapeutic mud on the shores of the Baltic bays and lakes. This has placed Estonia at the forefront of offering high-quality and affordable spa vacations in Europe. The most prestigious spa hotels and mud baths are concentrated in the country's seaside and lakeside resorts.

• Pärnu
• Kuressaare
• Haapsalu
• Narva-Jõesuu
• Otepää

After a series of spa procedures in Estonian balneotherapy centers, chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system and peripheral nervous system tend to recede, while the skin becomes smooth and elastic. Therapeutic activities like kinesiotherapy, aqua aerobics, yoga, and massage are widely practiced to aid in the healing process.

Estonia's iconic thermal spas, such as the ancient Roman-style Toila Thermae and the charming town of Värska in the ethnographic region of Setomaa on the shores of Lake Peipsi, are strategically located where mineral springs are abundant.

The fresh air along the Baltic coast, infused with the scent of pine forests, has a positive impact on the respiratory system. To enhance the health-improving effects, many sanatoriums offer salt chambers, which have shown effectiveness in treating conditions like bronchial asthma and chronic inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract.

Spa guests in Estonia have access to water parks, swimming pools, and gyms to keep them entertained. For those who appreciate the art of bathing, Estonian spa resorts offer a delightful experience: it's a point of pride to showcase baths from all around the world. You can indulge in a a Finnish sauna, a Japanese furo, a Turkish hammam, or try ultramodern IR saunas and cryosaunas - all awaiting new visitors!

If you're still undecided about where to go in Estonia, you can browse colorful photos of sightseeing cities, trendy resorts, and tourist attractions on tripmydream to help make your decision. Estonia is a compact country, making it easy to change hotels or move to another farm if needed.