Estonia is the northernmost country of the Baltic States that lies on the Gulf of Finland. This destination, although little known compared to other European countries, has everything a diverse country has to offer: history, culture, architecture, and nature. Discover the best places to visit in Estonia.
The most visited area in Estonia is Tallinn, which is the capital city, but there are many other wonders to discover in this corner of Europe. Holidays in Estonia promise heavenly nature experiences, the islands in the west of the country are spectacular, Kõrvemaa is hillier and the moorland dominates.
There are many reasons to visit Estonia and there are many things to see. If you are tempted by this country, take note of the places that are the top tourist destinations in Estonia.
Tallinn, the capital of Estonia
The vast majority of travelers arrive in Estonia via Tallinn, whether by plane, train, bus or car. The charming capital Tallinn, overlooking the Baltic Sea, is certainly the unmissable destination of a trip to Estonia.
Tallinn is a small capital with incredible charm. This city is definitely an ideal holiday destination if you want to combine historic places, the comforts of the modern world, the multiple nightlife entertainment and the richness of the cultural scene while making the most of your trip.
The old town of Tallinn is, in fact, divided into two areas: the upper part called Toompea (the Cathedral Hill) and the lower part called Vanalinn (Old Town).
Tallinn Old Town surrounded by ramparts with a rich medieval heritage is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this area, the beautiful Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is worth a visit, whose tower houses the largest bell in the country. Another stop is the ancient Gothic-style Town Hall in the square of the same name in the heart of the Old Town. You can climb the 115 steps to reach the bell tower where you can admire a beautiful view of the historic center of the capital. There is also Toompea Castle on Toompea hill, the edge of the Old Town. This area is also the best place to see the panoramic view of the city. You can find the list of the best viewpoints of Tallinn.
The other major sights in the Old Town of Tallinn:
- Dome Church
- Yard of Danish King
- Nikolas Church
- Olaf Church
- Church of the Holy Spirit
- House of the Great Guild
- House of Brotherhood of Blackheads
- Shot Leg Street and Long Leg Street
- Town Hall Pharmacy
- Cat's Well
- Fat Margaret Stout
- Viru Gates
Places to visit in Tallinn are quite rich compared to the size of the city, so we’ve made an extended list of the best places to visit in Tallinn to help you plan your trip.
There is Tallinn Half-Day City Tour which brings you to observe major Tallinn highlights in the Old Town as well as its surrounding areas, including the Kadriorg Palace, Kumu Art Museum and a French style garden. You will also have a chance to discover a romantic area and a private cottage district in the seaside of Pirita.
If you are wondering where to stay in Tallinn, our guide to Tallinn best areas to stay will help you fully enjoy your holiday.
Tartu
The city of Tartu comes second after the Estonian capital city of Tallinn. Tartu, 190 km southeast of the capital Tallinn, stands on the banks of the Emajogi River which cuts it in two parts. Tartu is the second largest city in Estonia and it covers an area of 40 square kilometers with a population of around 100,000.
The locals tend to describe Tartu as the inhabitants of the real capital. Tartu, the former Hanseatic city of Dorpat, was first mentioned in 1030. Tartu is home to one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe, founded in 1632. This place has produced many internationally renowned specialists, such as the German-Baltic biologist Karl Ernst von Baer and the famous Russian semiotician Youri Lotman. The large student population makes the city always lively. Tartu has always been the intellectual capital of Estonia. It is the birthplace of the Song Festival, which took place in 1869 and Estonian theater.
Tartu is also home to more than 20 museums and galleries including the Estonian National Museum, Tartu Art Museum and University of Tartu Museum. The city also houses some important institutions such as the Ministry of Education and Research and the Supreme Court of Estonia.
Tartu is a pretty town with a beautiful compact center that is worth a stopover. You will find most of Tartu's historic buildings between its river and the Cathedral Hill area. There is Town Hall, where you can admire Suudlevad Tudengiddi Bronze sculpture, known as the "two kissing students’ fountain". This is a meeting spot and symbol of the city. Restaurants and cafes are lined up along the market square. There are many entertainment venues and prices are low, you can expect to pay half the price compared to Tallinn. All thanks to the students who come to study in this university town.
If you will be planning to overnight in the city, these are some of the best rated accommodations in Tartu:
Lahemaa National Park
One of Estonia's major attractions are undoubtedly its natural parks. Among these, the Lahemaa National Park stands out. Lahemaa National Park is located on the north coast of Estonia, just 60 kilometers from Tallinn. Lahemaa means something like "land of the bays". This protected area is covering over 72,000 hectares. The wonderful coastline features countless small bays, beaches, giant boulders and dreamy fishing villages.
The four large peninsulas of Lahemaa are called Juminda, Vergi, Pärispea and Käsmu. The coastline of the Lahemaa National Park was a military restricted area in Soviet times. You will find some of old military buildings and an abandoned submarine station on the northernmost tip of the Käsmu peninsula.
Day Trip to Lahemaa National Park from Tallinn is very popular. You will experience the stunning natural beauty of Lahemaa National Park's peninsulas, bays, forests, beaches, waterfalls and bogs on this tour from Tallinn. You will also learn about Estonian rural life and native flora and fauna and discover more about the forests and their importance in Estonian culture and traditions. The trip to Lahemaa National Park will be a great overview of Estonian culture and nature.
Pärnu
Pärnu is another important tourist center in the country. The strategic position of the city of Pärnu on the south coast of the country makes the fourth largest city in Estonia popular. Pärnu is famous for its beach and has been recognized as the summer capital of Estonia. There are white sandy beaches, shallow waters, rich cultural scenes and numerous cafes, restaurants and nightclubs. If you like adventures, try water skiing, jet skiing, sailing, canoeing or kayaking down at the Pärnu River.
In the summer months there are music festivals and lively events. Many tourists who seek relaxation come here from Estonia, Finland, Sweden and Germany.
Soomaa National Park
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, one of the best things to do in Estonia is undoubtedly visiting Soomaa National Park. Soomaa National Park stretches in the south western part of Estonia. Its name means "land of bogs" in Estonian. It is an area formed by a glacier melted more than 10,000 years ago.
Soomaa is famous for its big flood, known as "fifth season". It happens when the transition from winter to spring often brings floods with it. During this time, the roads, forests, meadows and even yards are flooded and people can only get around by boat.
To explore the national park, it is necessary to rent a canoe or join an excursion with a guide. Here you can also do camping or fishing, or take part in a course to build the poplar a haabja, Estonian Dugout Canoe.
Viljandi
Viljandi is a city in southern Estonia on the banks of the Valouja River. Viljandi stands out for having a history of almost 2,600 years and today it still preserves many buildings that show its historical architecture. One of the most recommended places to visit are the ruins of the Viljandi Castle founded by the Sword-holder Knights. This city is also an excellent base for exploring the natural beauty of Soomaa National Park.
Every year in July, the Annual Festival of Folk Music takes place where around 20,000 visitors gather to enjoy this cultural show. It is considered to be the largest music festival in Estonia.
Some of the best accommodation in Viljandi:
Narva
If you want to know more of Estonia and its different souls, maybe you should consider to visit the easternmost city Narva, where the Hermann Fortress is standing still. The city of Narva is located 200 kilometers east of Tallinn and covers an area of 60 square kilometers with a population of 62,000.
Narva was once called the "Baroque pearl of the Baltic Sea," but it was almost completely destroyed in 1944 by bombing of Soviet plane raids and by fires caused by retreating German troops. Due to the heavy damage caused by the Second World War, Narva had to be almost completely rebuilt.
Narva is mainly famous for its medieval castle. The Hermann castle or Narva castle rises on the river that gives the city its name, and which marks the border between Estonia and Russia. Despite the fact that the city was bombed, the castle managed to stay standing. The castle was built during the 13th century and currently houses the Narva Museum, in addition to which there are also a number of craft workshops. The bridge over the Narva River where the border goes is a popular excursion destination.
Apart from its historical value, Narva is located on the border with Russia. The city is dominated by Soviet architecture. You will find many traditional Soviet architecture villas and hotels in the city of Narva. You will also find that most of the inhabitants in Narva are Russian-speaking, immigrants from the former Soviet Union or their descendants.
Some of the best accommodation in Narva:
Saaremaa
Estonia has more than 1,500 islands. Among them, Saaremaa is the largest island in Estonia and the third largest island in the Baltic Sea. Saaremaa looks like another world, like from another time - especially if you come directly from the lively Tallinn. In Saarema, in addition to taking pleasant walks in the middle of nature, you can admire one of its main attractions which is the Kaali crater. This is a group of nine large meteorite craters. The largest of the craters is the size of 110 meters.
From Tallinn you can reach Saarema by bus with a journey of just under 4 hours. The quickest way is to rent a car, to reach Virtsu and then embark on the ferry to the island.