BEST THINGS TO DO IN ESTONIA

Estonia is my favourite country in the Baltics and I’m sure you’ll fall for it too. When you visit Estonia you’ll quickly realise the list of best things to do in Estonia could be endless. This land of 1.3 million inhabitants, surrounded by Russia and Latvia and across the sea from Finland, is packed with interesting places to visit. This post summarises the Estonia best places to visit so you don’t miss any Estonia must see during your trip. 

For those wondering what Estonia sightseeing must look like, this post has you covered. Having been ruled by Scandinavians and Russians for a long time, Estonia claimed its independence in 1991. Thus, expect plenty of medieval castles and fortified cities, vibrant towns, orthodox churches, and stunning nature. Along with some remnants of recent wars, especially across its capital, Tallinn.

Looking for some more facts about Estonia? It’s one of the least populated countries in the EU, yet almost everyone in the country speaks a foreign language. Public transportation in Tallinn is 100% free, half of the country is covered by forests, and there’s 2222 islands in Estonia. Thus, rumor has it Estonia has one of the cleanest air in the world. Pack your bags and get ready for some Tourism in Estonia. The following are the ultimate best things to do in Estonia for a memorable trip.

Best things to do in Estonian cities

1. Tallinn

Tallinn is the number one among Estonia tourist attractions as it’s the country’s capital and one of the most interesting cities in Estonia. Home to 425,000 inhabitants, the city is still divided between the old town and the modern neighbourhoods, and both have plenty of Tallinn attractions. 

The old town is indeed one of the world’s best preserved medieval cities. Entering it through Viru Gates and exploring the town hall square and its surroundings top the list of best things to do in Tallinn Estonia. When there, make sure to also visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral which is one of the nicest churches in Estonia, and some of the Bastions. 

For those willing to explore the modern arenas Kalamaja district known as the bohemian/hipster neighbourhood is a must. If you’d love to learn more about Tallinn, consider booking a guided walking tour, sampling local cuisine with a food tour, or relaxing by the waters in a sightseeing cruise tour.

2. Pärnu

Parnu is the coastal town with the best beaches in Estonia. Consequently, it’s the country’s top summer destination and one of the best places to visit in Estonia to enjoy the sunshine. You’ll find it at the Riga Gulf, about 140km and 1.5 hours south of Tallinn. 

This town hosts gorgeous beaches of white sand and plenty of watersports. And a great seaside promenade home to many restaurants, cafes, bars, and hotels. There’s also lots of spas and mud bathhouses along with an indoor waterpark which also make Parnu a great holiday destination during the winter. Thus, expect to see many Finish, Swedish, and Russians enjoying Parnu on their time off. 

Besides the beach, there’s many things to see in Estonia located in Parnu. These include the Russian Orthodox St. Catherine Church from the 18th century, the Parnu Museum, and plento of baroque buildings. Yet, the architectural highlights are a castle from 1265 and Kunsti Museum, at the former headquarters of the Communist Party. 

3. Narva 

Narva is a very special place among the cities what to see in Estonia as this is the border town between Estonia and Russia. Which means Narva town, and particularly Narva river, is the border between the EU and Russia. From it one gets to see border crossings and Russian lands across the so-called Friendship Bridge. 

This town of 56,000 inhabitants is Estonia’s third largest. It also makes the easternmost destination in the country and the entire EU. Even nowadays over 80% of Narva’s residents are originally Russian. Thus, it’s a very interesting destination as the West and the East somehow collide here. And so reflect the EU flags waving on the western side of Narva river, facing the Russian flags waving on the eastern shore. Along with two fortresses facing each other: Estonian Hermann Castle and Russian Ivangorod Castle. 

Narva was severely bombed during WWII and most of the town was reconstructed in brutalist style with a strong Soviet influence. Yet, the baroque town hall survived the war and is one of the nicest places to visit in Narva. And so do the 13th century Hermann Castle, the Alexander’s Cathedral, and the Cathedral of Christ’s Resurrection. Make sure to also check out the kilometer-long river promenade and the many workshops and stores by the same.

4. Tartu

Tartu is Estonia’s intellectual hub as it’s home to the country’s top University. This town of 100,000 inhabitants is also the second largest in Estonia, and the country’s oldest. You’ll find it 2 hours southeast of Tallinn. 

Tartu is worth a visit due to its many 18th century wooden houses and intellectual heritage. For instance, Tartu is home to the country’s first newspaper and national theater. It also hosts a great Estonian National Museum, the Grey House KGB cells, and the AHHAA Science Centre. Plus there’s a cool quarter named soup neighborhood where every street is named after a soup ingredient.

Best things to do in Estonian natural and historical wonders

5. Matsalu National Park

Matsalu National Park stands in western Estonia, about 120 km from Tallinn. It includes  Matsalu Bay, the Gulf Coast, the Kasari River Delta and about 50 tiny nearby islands. What places it among the places to see in Estonia is that it’s one of Europe’s top bird-watching destinations. There’s over 2 million birds nesting here. Thus, if you are a bird lover, vist the bird-watching towers located in Haeska, Keemu, and Kloostri. 

Besides birds, the park is home to several protected plant species and over 10 types of mammals. Spotting them while enjoying the park’s hiking trails is one of the best things to do in Estonia. Many wetlands, pastures and meadows await among the attractions in Estonia.

6. Lahemaa National Park

Lahemaa National Park is one of the most famous day trips from Tallinn. And for a good reason, as this is the country’s nicest and largest national park and stands only 70 km east of Tallinn. Right by Estonia’s northern coast and surrounded by many beautiful old fishermen villages. Flat bike trails connect most of these villages allowing visitors to enjoy the stunning manor houses in them while cycling.

Among the many forests, lakes, caves and wetlands live plenty of brown bears, wild boars, mooses and lynx. So the park also makes a great spot to enjoy the local fauna. When hiking or horseback riding in the area do not miss Jagala Waterfall, as its the biggest in Estonia. 

7. Saaremaa

Saarema is a must see Estonian island due to its interesting history, which goes back 8000 years ago. The island was once ruled by Swedes, Danes, Russians, and Germans. All of whom contributed to the island’s highlight: Kuressare Castle, one of the nicest castles in Estonia. Nevertheless, tourists also make it to the island to see a 4000-year-old crater made by a giant meteorite. And to enjoy super birdwatching, hiking, and hotsprings. Saarema is 4.5 hours from Tallin, including the ferry ride. There’s daily buses from Tallinn, Tartu and Parnu to the ferry port. 

Kuressaare is a gothic fortress from the 1380s that remains almost intact. Thus, it’s one of the best preserved castles in Europe and exploring its grounds is one of the best things to do in Estonia. Once an episcopal residence protected by several bastions, it now serves as the Regional Museum of Saaremaa. Get in to enjoy its wood carvings, steep staircases, and towers. And also to participate in traditional activities such as archery or pottery. It’s open daily from 10am to 6pm and the entrance fee is $8. 

Make sure to also enjoy the hot springs, wander around the beaches, and take the Panga cliff walk. Last but not least, explore the Kaali Meteorite Crater Field which is 22 metres deep and 110 metres wide. meaning it’s the biggest meteorite crater in Europe and something one doesn’t usually get to see. No wonder Saarema is a special place to spend your Estonia vacation.

8. Hiiumaa

Hiiumaa es Estonia’s second largest island. As it hosts one of the few airports in Estonia, the island is accessible by plane from Tallin and also via ferry from several coastal cities of Estonia. Additionally, during the winter, Hiiumaa is connected to the mainland via Europe’s longest ice road. 

Visiting Hiiumaa is one of the top Estonia things to do as it makes a great place to relax, unwind in an off the beaten path destination. The island features some of the best beaches in Estonia, loved by surfers and sailors alike. It’s also a great hiking destination, with beautiful forests spotted with farmhouses and mills. In this fantastic scenery also stands one of the world’s oldest functioning lighthouse. This has been in operation since 1531 and makes one of the oldest Estonia attractions.

9. Lake Peipus

Lake Peipus is the 5th largest lake in Europe and the natural border between Estonia and Russia. Thus, it’s in Eastern Estonia, over 200km from Tallinn. 

The lake is a popular holiday destination. Its shores are home to many fancy cottages and traditional houses. There’s also plenty of fish so it makes the perfect place for some fishing, swimming, and a picnic by the bonfire.

10. Rummu Prison

Rummu Prison is an abandoned Soviet prison and labor camp by Rummu town. This stands only 50 km west of Tallinn so it’s a great day trip from the capital. Perfect for those willing to learn from the country’s history and enjoy a day out in nature. 

Back in the days prisoners were forced to mine nearby limestone rocks. Since 1991, when Estonia regained its independence, the prison is abandoned. You’ll see this is now naturally half submerged under the nearby lake. And so are many of the old mining machines, buildings, and lampposts. 

Recap on the best things to do in Estonia

Estonia is a beautiful small country in the Baltics, probably one of the best kept secrets in the EU. The list of what to do in Estonia could be endless so I definitely encourage you to venture outside of Tallinn and visit this wonderful land.

Travellers who do it will come across Estonia what to see highlights such as the cities of Parnu, Narva and Tartu. Along with national parks such as Matsalu and Lahemaa. And beautiful remote islands like Saaremaa and Hiiumaa. Plenty of orthodox churches, old fortresses, and wonderful landscapes await in Estonia. Don’t miss out on them.

If you have any additional questions on Tallin and/or Estonia leave a comment below or reach out to me via my Instagram and/or Tiktok pages. Have a wonderful trip.