Estonia, a hidden jewel in Northern Europe, deserves more recognition. Estonia has a fascinating history, beautiful coastlines, and mediaeval cities that are all within budget traveler’s reach.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Estonia
Estonia is more approachable than many people think, with borders on Russia, Latvia, the Gulf of Finland, and the Baltic Sea. Estonia is home to a number of historical sites, natural wonders, and cultural centres that are well worth a visit. Although incredible, Tallinn is not the only wonderful place in Estonia.
1. Viljandi
Viljandi is a small city in southern Estonia. The city’s history dates back approximately 2,600 years, and many of its original buildings are still standing today. Viljandi Order Castle, which was built in the 16th century but has since fallen into disrepair, is one such landmark.
Nonetheless, the yearly folk music festival in Viljandi is the main attraction. As many as 20,000 people flock to the city every July for the folk music. The event is the largest music festival in the entire country, featuring dozens of shows at a wide variety of venues.
2. Soomaa National Park
It’s well worth your time to visit Soomaa National Park. Mostly a peat bog created by glacial melt more than a decade ago, Soomaa National Park is pierced by a number of stunning rivers. Soomaa is best discovered by canoe.
You may hire canoes or sign up for a self-guided trip, and while you’re out on the water, you might see elk, deer, boars, beavers, golden eagles, and other wildlife. The springtime, or the “fifth season” as the locals name it, is prime time for canoeing. The water rises dramatically at this time of year, making navigation by boat necessary in some areas.
3. Rakvere Castle
Rakvere, in northern Estonia, is a city where people have been living for approximately 1,500 years. Rakvere Castle, built in the 16th century, is one of the city’s most visited landmarks. Visitors and employees alike dress in period garb and roam the grounds of the castle, which has been transformed into a mediaeval theme park.
Tour the alchemist’s lab, the underground wine cellar, and watch as knights shine their armour. You may even enjoy traditional mediaeval fare at the castle’s Shenkenberg Tavern. Seeing the castle firsthand is a remarkable opportunity to experience history firsthand.
4. Hiiumaa
Islands aren’t typically what comes to mind when one thinks about Estonia. Yet, Hiiumaa is only one of many islands in the Baltic Sea and off the shore. Hiiumaa is accessible by plane from Tallinn or by ferry from several mainland ports.
Hiiumaa is a terrific area to visit if you’re in search of peace and quiet, and it’s a popular destination for surfers, sailors, and hikers. There are a number of unique lighthouses on the island as well. The tallest structure in the country is the 19th-century cast-iron Tahkuna Lighthouse. Yet the Kpu Lighthouse is far older. Kpu is one of the world’s oldest lighthouses, having been built in the 15th century.
5. Narva Castle
The city of Narva sits at the farthest eastern point of not only Estonia, but all of Europe. Narva Castle, despite being gorgeous and old, survived the city’s heavy bombing during World War Two.
The Danes constructed the stronghold, which they named Hermann Castle, for the vice-Regent of the Danish king in the 13th century.
The castle is home to the Narva Museum and a number of workshops where visitors can observe and participate in the production of medieval-era handicrafts. The tower of the castle provides a view of the Russian fortress of Ivangorod across the river.
6. Parnu
The coastal resort city of Parnu can be found at the confluence of the Parnu River and the Gulf of Riga. Because so many Estonians spend their summers there, Parnu has earned the nickname “summer capital.” The beach at Parnu is the main attraction, with its fine, white sand and beautiful dunes.
The beach promenade is a lengthy stretch of pavement that lines the water’s edge and gives the city a classic seaside resort atmosphere. Lighting throughout the promenade keeps people walking and appreciating the seashore long after the sun has set. Vee Park is a popular indoor water park in Parnu, so if a wet afternoon pops up, you can hang out there with the locals.
7. Saaremaa
Saaremaa, a Baltic Sea island, is the largest of Estonia’s islands. The island has been governed by the Danes, the Swedes, the Germans, and the Russians over the course of its 8,000-year history. Most tourists now visit Kuressaare, the island’s capital.
You can visit a mediaeval castle that has been preserved to its original state in Kuressaare. The castle and its gardens are open to the public as the Saaremaa Regional Museum. Saaremaa’s Srve Peninsula is a stunning location for any outdoor enthusiast, whether you’re into hiking, sightseeing, birdwatching, or photography.
8. Lahemaa National Park
Lahemaa is a beautiful Estonian national park. The perfect day excursion, as it is only an hour away from the nation’s capital. The park’s Viru Raba, also known as the Viru Bog, is an absolute must-see. The trees rise up out of the murky earth, giving the area an ethereal feel.
A dry 3-mile (4.8-kilometer) boardwalk allows visitors to safely wander around Viru Bog while yet getting up close to the sights. Located smack dab in the midst of the park is the interesting Sagadi Village, home to the historic Sagadi Mansion.
9. Tartu
Tartu, home to the prestigious University of Tartu, is widely recognised as Estonia’s cultural and intellectual centre. Tartu is the oldest city in Estonia, and its university helps make it a desirable tourist destination. Classical buildings from the 18th century flank its attractive downtown, many of which have been given new life.
Tartu’s soup district is one of the city’s most interesting sights. Soup elements like potatoes, beans, and peas serve as street names across the entire soup community. The streets here are lined with old wooden homes and are located close to the Emajgi River.
10. Tallinn
Tallinn, the capital, is the most visited city in Estonia due to its abundance of historic buildings. Toompea, the city’s central hill, has preserved its mediaeval character with its cobblestone lanes and houses from the 15th century.
The region has been remarkably preserved, and it’s easy to get around on foot. The Old City may be seen in its entirety from the peak of Toompea. The Old City is home to several historic landmarks, such as the ornate Alexander Nevsky Church from the 19th century and the Town Hall, which dates back to the 14th century.
