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15 Best Places to Visit in Estonia

The last truly European nation before the great swathe of Russia takes over in the east, Estonia offers travelers a fascinating mixture of Slavic, Russian, Scandinavian and altogether unique local cultures. It ranges from the beautiful, windswept coastlines of the Baltic Sea and the Finnish Gulf to the rolling forests around Tartu in the south, and offers up some amazing and wondrous destinations along the way.

Lets explore the best places to visit in Estonia :

The mighty rises of Toompea Hill are what define Estonia’s magnificent capital ; soaring in a curious medley of Orthodox onion domes and medieval bulwarks right in the heart of the town. Below this sprawls one chocolate box of a walled city, where stony streets and shadowy alleyways open up onto an enthralling market square and curiously-named keeps like ‘Fat Margaret’ soar above the crenulated fortifications.

Given the UNESCO tag, the glorious array of historical monuments and the buzzing collection of shops, beer halls and Estonian eateries, it’s hardly surprising that this one’s on the up as one of Europe’s most coveted capitals. And that’s not even mentioning the bohemian streets of Kalamaja, or the palaces and parks of the Kadriorg district!

Nestled neatly on the edge of its very own little coastal inlet on the Gulf of Riga, Parnu comes complete with one of the Baltic’s best stretches of pearly-white sand. It’s backed by the all-new and indelibly lively Beach Promenade, where babbling fountains abut al fresco restaurants and the courses of a truly excellent bike track.

And in the centre of the town itself, the remnants of an Art Deco boom in the 20s add a real dash of class to the resort, spas rise unexpectedly on the street corners, Ruutli Street beats to a night time tune, and charming timber villas dot the outskirts. In short: this one’s every inch Estonia’s summertime capital!

In the warmer months of the year, Otepaa draws in modest crowds of hikers and mountain bikers to the winding trails of Valga County, for strolling through the thick fir forests and walking around the banks of Puhajarve Lake. However, it’s when the snows come that this self-proclaimed winter capital of Estonia really hits its stride.

Nordic ski tracks delve deep into the woods, the ski jumps roar with local cheers and the various downhill alpine runs offer a smattering of beginner and intermediate pistes. Aside from the outdoors action, Otepaa also boasts one gorgeous church spire and the crumbling remains of an aged citadel for the history buffs.

4. Soomaa National Park

The flooded forests and mystical bayous of the Soomaa National Park represent unquestionably one of the most beautiful and enchanting destinations in all of Estonia. All-in-all the site encompasses a whopping 359 square kilometers of undulating dunes and low-lying peat bogs, which oscillate between ochre-brown, verdant green and ice-caked white with the changing of the seasons.

Unsurprisingly, ecotourism has boomed here in recent years, and today outdoorsy travelers and intrepid types flock here to hit the water capillaries of the Raudna River and Parnu Basin on canoes and kayaks, or to hike the alluvial meadows in the company of cranes and crooked wooden farmhouses.

5. Saaremaa Island

Much-vaunted Saaremaa Island is right up there with Tallinn; an impossibly wonderful landscape of washed-out timber windmills and breezy meadows, sprawling spruce forests and gorgeous coastal stretches scented with juniper and Baltic salt.

Walkers and outdoorsy types will love getting lost in the orchid-peppered reaches of Loode, wandering between the mysterious Kaali meteorite craters, beautiful Bear Lake and the hot springs of Puhatu, or bracing the sea winds at the sacred Panga clifftops. The local Saaremaa folk add a dash of nuance to the land too, boasting their own folklore and curious traditions, deeply ironic sense of humour and high-quality vodka to boot!

Straddling the border with Russia in the deep eastern recesses of Estonia, Narva has an altogether different character than the other major urban areas in this Baltic land. For one, the locals overwhelmingly speak Russian, and the character tends to lean eastwards to Moscow rather than westwards to Tallinn and the EU. Hermann Castle is the jewel in the Narva crown, standing tall and proud in whitewashed keeps and stony bulwarks above the city, while the brutalist reconstructed centre offers an interesting taste of the indelible Soviet influence.

And then there’s the nearby resort strips of Narva-Joesuu, which come complete with the longest beach in the country and some acclaimed spas to boot.

7. Matsalu National Park

A truly beautiful patchwork of riparian wetlands, reed grass plains and blooming flood meadows on the courses of the Kasari River Delta, the Matsalu National Park is a veritable wonderland for nature lovers and wildlife seekers making their way through Estonia.

The 400-square-kilometer park’s birds are particularly famous, coming complete with endangered species like the white-tailed eagle, colossal flocks of barnacle geese, tufted ducks and the single largest migrating amount of cranes on the continent (which can be seen stopping by here in Autumn). Wild horses can also be spotted grazing amidst the wetlands, roaming between the timber fishing huts and the tracks of the Suitsu hiking trail.

8. Hiiumaa Island

A lesson in all things rural Estonia, Hiiumaa is the second largest island in the country, found rising in a medley of windswept coves and coastal fir forests from the Baltic Sea and connected by Europe’s longest ice road to the mainland by winter. Travelers heading here often make a beeline straight for the coast, which comes virtually completed secluded and peppered with historic lighthouses like the stone-clad Kopu Lighthouse – one of the oldest on the planet.

Meanwhile, in the island’s inland reaches, crooked timber farmhouses and creaking mills meet dense beech forests at the Suuremoisa Park and smoked plaice fillets issue their enticing aromas from the earthy tavernas.

Tartu may officially be Estonia’s second city, but the locals prefer to see themselves more as joint first. Fiercely independent from the much larger capital in the north, this southern stronghold of students and Russian speakers is known for its intellectual accomplishments above all else. It has the most prestigious university in Estonia, which rises in a series of neoclassical columns right in the midst of the town.

Nearby stands the leafy reaches of Toomemagi; the historic citadel of the city where now the ruined nave of Tartu Cathedral exudes a haunting historicity. Tartu also pulses with youthful energy thanks to its many lecture halls, and al fresco beer bars and underground clubs claim the summertime nights.

Traces of human habitation dating back more than three millennia have helped to make Tuhala one of Estonia’s major historic sites; a place offering a glimpse at the centuries before Tallinn’s great medieval bulwarks were even raised. Yes sir, this earthy region is home to mysterious collections of cult stones and ancient religious statues, curious cup-marked carvings and sacred sites oozing pre-Christian traditions.

There are also aged timber roads dating from the fourth century, and – of course – the legendary Witch’s Well – a unique phenomenon that occurs when the subterranean channels of the region’s karst system bubble up and overflow from a rustic well into the surrounding farmlands.

11. Kuressaare

The pretty, castle-topped town of Kuressaare makes its home on the Estonian (as opposed to the Finnish) edge of Saaremaa Island, where it hails in as the westernmost city in the country. Given the unique geography, it’s hardly surprising that this one oozes Germanic and Swedish influences, going from the Teutonic bulwarks of the mighty citadel to the elegant Baroque traces decorating the municipal buildings on Keskvaljak Square.

Kuressaare is also famed for its coastal spas, which extoll the healing virtues of the seaside mud and silt deposits and helped to make the city a favourite with naturalist and ecotourists over the years.

12. Viljandi

A boomtown of the Hanseatic League, Viljandi once boasted one of the largest merchant town fortifications in the entire Baltic region. Its raison d’être? To secure the popular trading routes between the heartlands of Prussia in the west and Russia in the east.

Today, and the citadel that once made Viljandi so strong stands ruined atop the town, surrounded by the blooming green spaces that line Lake Viljandi; groves of birch and oak, parks dotted with pine and the pretty timber houses that hide amidst the tree-lined streets. This is the perfect backdrop for Viljandi’s many summertime festivals, which range from nostalgic medieval fayres to open-air theatre productions and ad hoc public art displays.

13. Lahemaa National Park

A whopping 725 square kilometers make up the wild, pine-studded hinterlands of the Lahemaa National Park, making this one of the largest protected natural areas in all of Europe. Sandwiched between the salty rollers of the Baltic and the highways that run eastwards out of Tallinn, the area is eminently accessible for travelers based in the capital, and offers a fine antithesis to city life.

There are rolling peat bogs to explore, winding boardwalks, dense thickets of spruce and beech trees, the primeval Oandu Forest (the stomping ground of lynxes and wolf packs) and the majestic Hauaneeme Bay, which can be found glowing pink and mirror-like against the Estonian sunset in the evening.

14. Haapsalu

Hailed by some as the Venice of the Baltics and trodden by the mighty Romanovs during Russia’s imperial age, Haapsalu was raised to prominence under the patronage of the tsars, who came to exploit the curative and medicinal powers of its coastal mud spas.

Today and this tradition of bathing is still very much alive, while other visitors will come to stroll down the seaside promenades as the sun sets over the Finnish Gulf, weave between the elegant timber architecture, gawp at the haunted turrets and bulwarks of Haapsalu Castle, enjoy one of Estonia’s most acclaimed blues and jazz festivals in summer, or purchase some of the famous handwoven Haapsalu shawls.

15. Lake Peipus

Straddling the border with Russia in the depths of Southern Estonia, Lake Peipus remains one of the country’s least-trodden and explored areas. It’s famed for the traditional way of life that continues to tick over around its western shores.

Here, strings of pretty, timber-clad villages like Varnja and Kallaste abut empty lakeside coves at Nina and Lahe. These come interspersed with the occasional sprawling estate, and enfolded in great swathes of onion fields, while ad hoc farmer’s markets abound and the mysterious churches and religious traditions of Estonia’s so-called Old Believers still stand firm.

15 Best Places to Visit in Estonia:

• Soomaa National Park
• Saaremaa Island
• Matsalu National Park
• Hiiumaa Island
• Lahemaa National Park
• Lake Peipus

15 of the best things to do in Estonia

Jul 18, 2024 • 13 min read

From enjoying summer vibes in Pärnu to touring the Old Town of Tallinn, here are the best things to do in Estonia. Valdis Skudre / Shutterstock

Imagining Estonia as a human being, it would be a hippie-turned-tech entrepreneur: savvy, innovative, forward-looking, and punching above its (tiny) weight, yet deeply rooted in its cultural heritage and ever embracing its wild side.

Torn between east and north, Estonia offers visitors – both first-time and returning – a diverse palette of experiences. You’ll find a pinch of history, three teaspoons of culture, art and creativity, served on a bed of pristine nature and spiced up by the resilient spirit of the locals. Outside the medieval walls of its capital Tallinn , dark forests, mysterious bogs, windswept coastlines and tranquil islands lure outdoor enthusiasts.

Whether you’re drawn to Tallinn’s bustling streets or the solitude of the national parks, here are some experiences you shouldn’t miss in Estonia.

1. Explore Estonia’s capital, Tallinn

Tallinn's medieval charm will woo you first. Behind every corner of the Old Town, a cobbled alley, a stalwart defence tower, or an elegant church spire waits to be pictured. From the Raekoja plats, the historic Town Hall Square, climb up Toompea Hill to admire views over red-tiled roofs. But wander outside of the city walls and you’ll discover that Tallinn is more than just a fairy tale. From the stately parks and art museums of Kadriorg to hipster eldorado Telliskivi , from chic Rottermann to bohemian Kalamaja, Tallinn’s neighborhoods beg to be explored.

Local tip: In summer, cruise ship tourists flood the tiny Old Town. Check the schedule for incoming ships and adapt your itinerary accordingly. When a cruise hits town, explore museums or neighborhoods outside of the Old Town in the daytime and return when most cruisers have left, by late afternoon.

2. Experience the Singing Festival

Lock three Estonians in a room, the joke goes, and they’ll either found a start-up or a choir. That joke signifies both the digital advancement of the country and its love of singing. Choir singing gave the country a sense of identity during the Estonian national awakening of the 19th century and helped it break free from the yoke of the Soviet Union during the Singing Revolution.

Twice every five years, choirs from Estonia’s furthest corners flock to Tallinn to sing their hearts out during the Singing Festival (Laulupidu). At the beginning of July, boys in sheep wool vests and flat caps, girls with wildflowers in their braided hair, men with top hats and women in traditional dresses go through a repertoire of folk classics and newly composed songs. You don’t need to understand Estonian to sense the emotions. Even if you don’t attend the main event, it’s a merry time to be in Tallinn, with parades all over town and spontaneous bursts of singing in trams. The next one will happen in July 2025 .

3. Spot a bear (or a bird)

With around 30 people per sq km (0.4 sq miles), Estonia’s population density ranks amongst the lowest in Europe. That leaves ample room for wild animals to roam – brown bears and moose are sometimes even spotted in Tallinn suburbs . For a more reliable chance to see wildlife, join a tour looking for lynxes and the elusive flying squirrel . Or book a bear hide in Alutaguse, in the wild east of Estonia.

Sounds like too much adrenalin? Estonia is an underrated birding destination. Its variety of landscapes and its location on migration routes from east to west and north to south attract plenty of feathered friends, including 10 owl species, a handful of different woodpeckers, white and black storks, cranes and capercaillies. Winter draws elegant Bewick’s swans, pretty caramel-colored steller's eiders and other waterfowl. Coastal national parks like Matsalu and Vilsandi are exquisite spots to see birds.

4. Kayak in Soomaa, the Amazon of Estonia

Soomaa ("land of swamps") is Estonia’s most primaeval nature, a wilderness of peat moors and riparian forests in which brown bears, wolves, lynxes, and moose hide. Five rivers meander through this "Estonian Amazon" and locals traditionally used a haabjas to get around, a handmade dugout canoe. The best way to see Soomaa is still from the water. Outdoor company Soomaa.com organizes multiday kayak trips (as well as mushrooming, kick-sledding, bog and snowshoeing). Affable Aivar, who runs the show, makes haabjas by hand.

Planning tip: During the so-called fifth season (usually best experienced in March and April), when snow and ice melt and the rivers cannot drain the excess water in time, the water rises and floods the land. It presents a spectacular opportunity to navigate your kayak through the forests and over the meadows of a water world.

5. Celebrate the summer solstice

When you spend so much time in the darkness, you have to honor the sunlight. Estonians do so on Midsummer’s Eve and Midsummer’s Day (Jaanipäev, or St John’s Day). Both days, June 23 and 24, are official bank holidays. As important as Christmas, Midsummer used to mark the start of haymaking. Nowadays, it’s an excuse for Estonians to escape to their countryside house, grill meat on bonfires and drink copious amounts of alcohol.

Local tip: An invitation from Estonian friends will get you the most authentic experience, teaching you about the many traditions and beliefs around Midsummer – if you’re feeling flirty, ask them where the fern blooms! This is a code for lovers to disappear into the woods together. In lack thereof, head to the Estonian Open-Air Museum in Tallinn or one of the public events around the country.

6. Cross-country ski the President’s Trail

Estonia might not have proper mountains, but it does get plenty of snow, so it’s no surprise that cross-country skiing is a matter of national importance. Even in summer, you might see guys and gals in lycra on roller skis, practising for the next winter. You can join the locals on the tracks in Tallinn, but the best skiing awaits in the countryside. In the south of Estonia, Elva , Haanja and the country’s winter capital Otepää all boast excellent facilities.

Alternatively, take the short train ride from Tallinn to Aegviidu. Rent skis next to the station and follow the 10-km-long (6-mile) President’s Trail (presidendirada) through powder-sugar-topped pine forests. Don’t be deterred by the Estonians’ speed and agility – they’re born with skis on their feet. In fact, you’ll find many locals charmed by your attempts at their national sport, even if you’re not moving at record speeds, and you’ll likely hear plenty of encouraging shouts of Jõudu (strength)! Afterwards, join them in the sauna .

7. Use the freedom to roam

Like other Nordic countries, Estonia upholds the everyman’s right (locally called igaüheõigus or igameheõigus ), granting everyone permission to hike, camp or forage almost everywhere, including on private land. Nothing says freedom quite like rambling through the country with a tent on your back! Long-distance hiking trails crisscross the country , follow the coast or seek out the forests . With rights, however, comes responsibility – do check the rules, exceptions and code of conduct outlined by the government.

Parallel with the freedom to roam, Estonia’s state forest service RMK provides campsites in national parks and elsewhere. These have basic amenities, such as fire pits, picnic tables and dry toilets, and are free to use. Deservedly popular camping spots include Cape Purekkari (Estonia’s northernmost point, in Lahemaa National Park ), Nõva Recreation Area (dunes, pine forests and beaches of "singing sand" in the northwest of the country), and the beaches of Lemme and Krapi (south of Pärnu).

Planning tip: RMK’s website overflows with information about hikes, free campsites and rental cabins.

8. Hike over duckboards in a bog

For centuries, bogs had a serious reputation problem in Estonia. They were scary places where criminals hid and evil spirits caused travelers to get lost. That attitude has changed completely. Bogs are now the country’s most-revered landscapes, where Estonians go for Sunday family walks.

The bogs of Viru and Riisa (in national parks Lahemaa and Soomaa) pull the biggest crowds. Beat the masses by going early, when wisps of fog veil the landscape, or aim for one of the lesser-known bogs, like Mukri , Tuhu or Marimetsa . On a city break in Tallinn and no time to go rural? Urban Pääsküla bog allows you to experience such a landscape without leaving Tallinn. Hiking trails over duckboards loop through all these bogs, limiting the age-old risk of sinking in or losing your bearings.

Local tip: In summer, don’t forget your swimsuit – no wild swimmer resists a plunge in a bog pond!

9. Soak up island vibes

With an archipelago of more than 2000 islands and islets, Estonia offers an unlikely island-hopping opportunity. The biggest and most-visited island, Saaremaa, sends you straight back in time. Expect ancient windmills and farmhouses, even older churches, a spectacular meteorite crater, a fairy-tale castle and enough juniper bushes to provide a mid-sized capital with gin from now until eternity. The entrepreneurial islanders, fiercely proud of their home, welcome you to one of the many spas – no wonder Saaremaa is nicknamed Spa-remaa.

Detour: Don’t skip the smaller islands. They give you a proper sense of being surrounded by water and are often tiny enough to explore on a bike or even on foot. So embark on a ferry to Ruhnu , Aegna , Naissaar , Vormsi or Kihnu. The latter, off the coast of Pärnu, is known as a matriarchal society – whilst the men were at sea fishing, the women ran the island.

10. Head to Tartu for a lesson in Estonian history

In Tartu , Estonia’s prime student town, knowledge takes center stage. University students flood the streets, their feet tapping or scuffing on the cobblestones, the frantic chatter of gossip. Every time the Town Hall bells chime, their pace quickens. Lessons start 15 minutes after the hour. Since time immemorial, the spirit of Tartu (Tartu vaim) has attracted youngsters thirsty for knowledge (and beer), artists, writers and bohemians. They still congregate in bars across town, philosophizing about life and love.

In a suburb lies one of the best museums in the country. In the National Museum of Estonia , you can learn about the fortunes and misfortunes of the country – from the Stone Age to e-Estonia. The superb permanent exhibition Echo of the Urals hones in the Komis and the Udmurts, the Maris, the Sami and all those other distant Finno-Ugric cousins of the Estonians. When your brain is tired from the information overload, use your ticket to save the explanation panels digitally to read at home.

11. Get to know Estonia’s Soviet past

However much the Estonians would like to forget this painful chapter in their history, the remnants of the Soviet occupation still linger. Many Tallinners would prefer to see brutalist structures like Maarjamäe and Linnahall demolished, but for now, they continue to serve as reminders of the communist era, much like the residential districts of Lasnamäe and Mustamäe. The Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom , the KGB prison cells , and the Viru Hotel , where secret agents eavesdropped on guests from the hidden 23rd floor, are the best places to learn about this period.

Detour: Once a resort town where St Petersburg’s cultural and academic elite holidayed, Sillamäe became a closed city and a code on the map, R-6685, after the discovery of uranium. Suspicious of the potentially dissident Estonians, Moscow shipped in loads of Russian workers to staff the factories. To this day, Sillamäe is the most Russian city in Estonia. Its pompous stairs leading to the Baltic Sea, once lined with palm trees, can almost make you believe you’re in Odessa (until an icy wind reminds you of your real geographical location).

12. Sweat in a smoke sauna

Like their Finnish neighbours, Estonians are addicted to saunas. A visit to the sauna is essential to survive the brutal winter, chasing the cold out of your bones, but also to relax and socialize. The most traditional form, the smoke sauna , has no chimney and must be heated for hours. Many of the best smoke saunas can be found in the countryside, often in the south of Estonia. Toidupada and Mooska Talu , among others, welcome guests. The leil in a smoke sauna – the steam that vaporizes from the stones – does not suffocate, but feels rather like a warm embrace. Rotate for a few hours between sauna, hot tub and ice-cold lake and your stress will evaporate together with your sweat.

13. Go foraging and taste the land on your plate

Raspberries, wild strawberries, cloudberries, blueberries, bog billberries, lingonberries, chanterelles, boletuses, wild garlic: Estonia’s culinary gold comes from nature. The locals love nothing more than to hunt for it. In summer, keep your eyes peeled whilst hiking through pine forests and you’ll undoubtedly stumble upon blueberries. Wild strawberries often grow on the edges of woodlands, raspberries on the sides of roads and trails. Finding other delicacies might need a tad more expertise.

Even if you’re not up for a walk on the wild side, you can still enjoy nature’s bounty. In restaurants and cafes all over Estonia, look out for berries in drinks, cocktails and desserts, mushrooms and wild garlic (called karulauk in Estonian, bear garlic) in main dishes, snacks and soups. Or head out to forest restaurant Nõmbra for foraging expeditions, cooking classes or to simply savor the menu.

Planning tip: No Estonian in their right mind will reveal their favorite spots to collect berries or mushrooms, but luckily state forest service RMK compiled a list of foraging spots near campsites (in Estonian). Not sure that you can distinguish a horse mushroom from a destroying angel? Afraid to get lost in the boundless forests? Several tour operators, such as Nature Tours Estonia , Soomaa.com and Prangli Travel , will happily take you on mushrooming or berry-picking trips.

14. Join the summer revelers in Pärnu

During nine months a year, Pärnu is asleep. But come the first sunny day and half the country – as well as a good chunk of Finland – gathers in the city that tongue-in-cheek Estonians call the "Ibiza of the north". On balmy days, few things are more glorious than zipping past wooden villas on a bike, sipping cocktails or longero (gin-based long drink) in beach bars, ordering pizza at legendary Steffani or basking in the glow of a never-ending sunset. Just don’t expect the seawater to be warm.

Local tip: Hopscotch to the end of the long stone pier for the best sunset, and bring along your partner for the promise of eternal love.

15. Meet the Russian Old Believers on the Onion Route

In the 17th century, the Russian Orthodox Church forbade its believers from making the sign of the cross with two fingers. From then on, it could only be done with three fingers. Not everyone appreciated this change. Fleeing persecution – dissenters were routinely burned alive or had their tongues cut out – some Old Believers settled on the shores of Lake Peipsi, a massive body of water on the border with Russia.

Many still live in a string of old row villages known as the Sibulatee (Onion Route), named for the beloved bulb crop that thrives in the sandy soil. Lacking major attractions, the area nevertheless exudes a unique charm. Jump on a bicycle to explore sleepy villages where trout, salmon, and onions are drying by wooden houses, samovars are always brewing and Orthodox icons adorn the walls. A newly renovated museum in Kolkja explains the lifestyle of the Old Believers, worship houses in Kasepää , Kallaste and Rajaküla and the Samovar House in Varnja offer a further glimpse.

Detour: Straddling the frontier between the southeast of Estonia and Russia, the historic region Setomaa nurtures a distinct culture that mixes traditions from both sides of the border. The Setos have their own language, religion and cuisine. Once a year, on the first Saturday of August , they choose a king, an earthly representative of Peko, the pagan harvest god.

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14 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Estonia

Written by Joni Sweet Updated Jul 26, 2022

If you're looking for a change of pace from the typical European vacation, you should put Estonia on your short list of places to visit. One of the least crowded countries in Europe, this former Soviet state brims with preserved medieval cities, enchanting forests, misty bogs, and ancient traditions. It's like a fairy-tale setting in real life.

Your adventures will likely start in Estonia's capital, Tallinn , where you'll find plenty of things to do. Here, you'll walk on old city walls , eat countless slices of Estonian black bread, wander around the Russian orthodox cathedral, and get a bird's-eye view of the entire city from the Tallinn TV Tower.

Then , branch out and explore the rest of what this small-but-mighty country has to offer. Get pampered in the luxurious spas in Estonia's summer capital, Pärnu . Break out your binoculars at one of the world's best bird-watching destinations, Matsalu National Park. Bike along the beautiful Narva River Promenade. And once you've had your fill of the mainland, head out to one of Estonia's 2,000-plus islands.

There's no possibility of getting bored in this fantastic destination. Plan your sightseeing with our list of the top things to do in Estonia.

Tallinn's Old Town

Kuressaare episcopal castle, lennusadam seaplane harbour, estonian national museum, matsalu national park, narva river promenade, ahhaa science centre, toompea hill, haapsalu old town, rummu prison, map of attractions & things to do in estonia.

Whether your visit to Estonia is a full-fledged vacation or just a one-day stop on a Baltic cruise , you should spend as much time as your schedule allows touring Tallinn's Old Town. It's one of the world's most pristinely preserved Hanseatic town centers and was home to wealthy merchants from Denmark and Germany in the 13th century.

The Old Town, with its cobblestone streets and medieval churches , became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

Start your journey at Raeapteek, one of Europe's oldest continually-running pharmacies . It has fascinating museum-like exhibits on antique medical tools and techniques. Head outside to the center of the Town Hall Square and look for the distinctive circular stone. From that point, you can try to spot the steeples of Tallinn's five historic churches .

See the art and Gothic arches in the Tallinn Town Hall , then make your way around the rest of the Old Town, checking out the churches , Russian orthodox cathedral, and the postcard-worthy view from the Patkuli platform. Sightseeing here feels like traveling back in time.

One of the best-preserved fortifications in the Baltic region, the moat-ringed Kuressaare Episcopal Castle has been standing tall since the 1380s.

You can spend the entire day soaking up the castle's Gothic atmosphere and wandering around its many unique spaces, including the convent building; steep staircases; central courtyard; cloister; refectory; and the bishop's living quarters, where 11 Baroque wood carvings are on display. Take in glorious views over a tasty lunch at the Tower Cafe.

The on-site history museum sheds light on what life was like during the time when this castle was in use many centuries ago through displays of one-of-a-kind artifacts (like more than 2,000 antique coins from as far back as the 1620s). Tourists can also watch and participate in traditional activities, like archery, pottery making, musical performance s, and firing Estonia's oldest working cannon , mostly during the busy summer months.

If you're traveling with a group, book the castle's Bishops Dinner . The two-hour culinary event includes dishes made from historic recipes and drinks served in goblets, along with a demonstration on proper table manners from centuries ago.

Address: Lossihoov 1, Kuressaare linn, Saaremaa vald, Saare maakond

Official site: http://www.saaremaamuuseum.ee/

Appealing to both maritime enthusiasts and everyday tourists, the Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour is one of the best places to visit in Estonia. This award-winning museum in Tallinn houses around 200 authentic maritime artifacts and vessels in a historic seaplane hangar, which features the world's first high-volume, columnless, thin-shell concrete dome.

This attraction includes a 1930s-era submarine, 100-year-old steam-powered icebreaker, and the remains of the oldest ship in Estonia in the museum's permanent collection. You can also try on a navy uniform for a souvenir photo and learn the art of throwing paper airplanes.

A variety of interactive simulators offer guests an even more immersive experience, showing you what it's like to actually fly a plane.

Address: Vesilennuki tänav 6, Põhja-Tallinna linnaosa, Tallinn

Official site: http://meremuuseum.ee/lennusadam/en/

Just a two-hour drive from Tallinn, Pärnu beckons tourists with its gorgeous beach and small-town feel. This is the place to go in Estonia when you're ready to kick back, relax, and enjoy the sunshine.

Any of the town's distinctive spas will pamper you from head to toe, but for an extra-special experience, check out the Hedon SPA & Hotel . Approaching 200 years old, the spa is the oldest of its kind in Estonia and offers healing mud wraps that cleanse pores and leave skin silky smooth. After your treatment, relax in the saunas, salt pool, and summer terrace.

Don't miss the opportunity to tour the beautifully preserved historic town, which dates back to 1265. The tourist information center can connect you with a knowledgeable guide who will take you sightseeing around Pärnu.

You'll see a centuries-old house that once belonged to the town blacksmith; a statue of Estonian architect Olev Siinmaa; historic maps; secret passageways; and monuments dedicated to Johann Voldemar Jannsen, the "father of Estonian journalism" and founder of one of the oldest newspapers in the country, still published today.

Pärnu is also a great base for tourists who want to visit Kihnu island. Inhabited by a close-knit group of 700 people, the majority of whom are women, the island is known for its rich singing and musical traditions that date back 1,000 years. Look out for the older women wearing traditional clothes while zipping around the island on vintage motorcycles–it's a charming sight.

The Estonian National Museum is equally renowned for its fascinating permanent exhibits on Estonian history and culture, as well as its arresting architecture.

The building, a conceptual art piece opened on a former Soviet military base in 2016, was designed to resemble an airfield taking off into space. At night, the lighting makes it an especially impressive sight.

Give yourself at least half a day to explore the treasures inside the museum. The main permanent exhibition, "Encounters," allows tourists to peek into the lives of ordinary Estonians and their culture from the Ice Age to the modern day. "Echo of the Urals," the other permanent exhibit at this museum, focuses on the Finno-Ugric peoples. It includes a stunning display of cultural clothing and daily tools, like cooking utensils. High-tech installations throughout the museum make the experience even more interactive.

Address: Muuseumi tee 2, Tartu linn, Tartu

Official site: https://www.erm.ee/en

Tourists planning a trip to Estonia should be sure to pack their binoculars. The country's Matsalu National Park is reputed to be one of Europe's best bird-watching destinations .

Its 48,610 hectares are designated as a protected natural area for nesting, molting, and migrating birds, including the magnificent white-tailed eagle. The park is home to more than 22 protected plant species and 10 mammals undergoing conservation efforts.

Tourists can get a panoramic view of this beautiful landscape from several bird-watching towers in Haeska, Keemu, Kloostri , and other areas in the park. You can also enjoy a few hiking trails that will take you through the wetlands, coastal pastures, and meadows . Staying at one of the park's guesthouses will give you the chance to see the area at one of its most spectacular times of day: sunrise.

Official site: https://loodusegakoos.ee/where-to-go/national-parks/matsalu-national-park

Think the art of print and typography is lost in the digital age? Think again. Estonia keeps this cherished tradition alive at Typa, a private museum-studio in Tartu.

Formerly known as the Estonian Print & Paper Museum, Typa displays a range of historical printing machinery and paper-making equipment that will make you fall in love with the printed word once again. Tourists will see a mesmerizing array of letterpress alphabets in every style imaginable, sure to blow design lovers away.

Typa also offers a range of workshops that will allow you to try your hand at creating a notebook using a 150-year-old hand press, making paper from pulp, printing a manhole cover design on a T-shirt, or creating a linocut print. Or, commission a custom diary, print, or album from the pros on staff.

Address: Kastani tänav 48f, Tartu linn, Tartu

Official site: https://typa.ee/en/

Who would guess that hanging out with Peruvian animals is one of the top-rated things to do in Estonia? Alpakafarm in Pärnu has won over tourists with its petting zoo of alpacas . The farm invites guests to learn about these popular animals and touch their pillowy soft coats.

Alpacas aren't the only creatures on the scenic farm, though. You can also interact with adorable Cameroon goats (a type of pigmy goat) , well-trained llamas, and guanacos (a relative of llamas know for their calm demeanor and thick eyelashes) . After meeting the animals, take home some authentic alpaca souvenirs, fluffy toys, sweaters, and toasty slippers from the farm shop.

Address: Laane, Niidu küla, Tori vald, Pärnu maakond

Official site: https://alpakafarm.ee/en/

Few other areas in Estonia rival the incredible sightseeing opportunities at the Narva River Promenade. The nearly one-kilometer-long waterfront walkway runs along the western banks of the Narva River , the natural border between the European Union and Russia.

No matter where you are on the serene promenade, you'll find something interesting and beautiful to see. Toward the west, you can check out the bastion walls and the Hermann Castle , a 14th-century stone structure. The Narva harbor stands prominently north of the promenade. And in the south, tourists can visit the Joaorg recreation area , which has a beach house. From here, you can rent bikes, sun beds, volleyballs, and badminton sets.

Spend an afternoon walking or biking the promenade, observing the fly fisherman, and watching the sunset.

Address: Jõe tänav, Narva

The AHHAA Science Centre in Tartu isn't your typical science museum. Rather than putting displays behind glass, the 3,000-square-meter space offers hands-on exhibits visitors can interact with, making science fun and magical.

Tourists can make their way through a labyrinth of mirrors, ride a bike across an elevated rope, and snap selfies while popping a balloon in the Hall of Technology.

The Hall of Nature focuses on the many creatures of the world. That permanent exhibit contains a colony of 20,000 wood ants and schools of tropical fish in a 6,000-liter tank, among other fun displays. The museum also invites tourists to watch fluffy chicks hatch from eggs.

Time your visit around one of the amazing Planetarium Shows, which take visitors on an intergalactic journey.

Address: Sadama tänav 1, Tartu linn, Tartu

Official site: https://www.ahhaa.ee/

Tucked in the picturesque Pühajõgi River valley , Oru Park makes for a relaxing getaway in the northeastern Estonian town of Toila. The park has the regal design sensibilities of the rich Russian man who built it in the 19th century. Think Topiary gardens in hypnotic shapes, pretty fountains, viewing platforms on balconies, and flowers galore.

Pack a swimsuit if you're visiting Oru Park during the summer. There's a path that takes you to a pristine pebble beach –perfect for sunbathing or wading in the water.

After your visit, continue unwinding at the famous Toila Baths. The day spa features a variety of saunas , including infrared, aromatherapy, and salty air, along with Jacuzzi tubs. The entire space feels like it was plucked from ancient Rome.

Address: Oru tänav-21, Toila alevik, Toila vald, Ida-Viru maakond

While exploring Tallinn's Old Town, you'll want to make a point to climb Toompea Hill. According to Estonian folklore, the hill covers the grave of a mythical king named Kalev, whose 12 sons are responsible for unexplained phenomena in nature. A 157-step staircase connects the town to the top of the hill, where you can catch incredible views of the entire city from a few viewing platforms around the area.

While here, you can also see the Toompea Castle , a striking pink building that serves as the headquarters for the Estonian parliament. You can watch sessions of parliament from the public gallery or take an excursion through the castle on weekdays (advanced booking required). Be sure to take a look at the flag waving atop the castle's Tall Hermann tower –it's considered an important symbol of Estonian independence.

Tallinn's not the only place in Estonia with a popular Old Town . Drive 90 minutes southwest of the capital, and you'll reach Haapsalu, a picturesque seaside town whose historic center still stands on a peninsula. It features well-preserved medieval streets and the stunning Haapsalu Castle .

Built in the 13th century, the castle is now a museum with exhibits on its construction, the history of Haapsalu, and the lives of local rulers. There's also an interesting Lace Center Museum and Gallery . It's dedicated to preserving and showcasing the renowned shawls created in the town. They're knitted so finely that they can be slid through a ring.

In addition to its antique attractions, Haapsalu's Old Town is also known for its history as an early 20th-century resort district. You can celebrate this heritage by taking a therapeutic mud bath at a local spa–just the thing to restore your body after a long day of sightseeing.

Just outside the small town of Rummu is one of the world's most unique diving sites : Rummu Prison. It was once a Soviet prison, where inmates would toil in a limestone quarry, but the site was abandoned when Estonia regained its independence. Since then, natural groundwater has rapidly submerged the former prison, preserving its mining machines, buildings, barbed wire, and lampposts. There's also a flooded forest covered with algae.

Keep in mind that this dive site is an overhead environment. Only experienced divers with ample training should attempt to visit this site.