Visiting Estonia: what to see from Tallinn to the islands

Estonia surprises with its contrasts: the ramparts and Gothic spires of Tallinn, the manor houses of Lahemaa, boardwalks across ancient bogs and the western islands, where time seems to slow down between windmills and coastal trails.

Why visit Estonia?

Estonia has one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Northern Europe, UNESCO-listed Tallinn, while around half of its territory is covered by forest. A eurozone country with highly developed digital services, it combines easily with the other Baltic and Nordic capitals of Europe.

What to discover in Estonia?

Tallinn, from Toompea to Kalamaja

The capital deserves two to three days. The merchant lower town and Toompea hill form a listed medieval ensemble, best explored early in the morning before cruise passengers arrive in summer. Kalamaja and its wooden houses, the creative Telliskivi quarter and the maritime museum set in seaplane hangars show another side. About two hours away by ferry, Helsinki, in Finland, makes an easy day trip, and an overnight boat links Tallinn to Stockholm, in Sweden.

Lahemaa and the north coast

Created in 1971, Lahemaa National Park begins about an hour's drive east of Tallinn. It brings together restored Baltic German manor houses such as Palmse and Sagadi, captains' villages on the coast, pine forests and the Viru bog, crossed by a wooden boardwalk of roughly 3.5 km. One day covers the essentials by car, while two allow for unhurried walking.

Saaremaa, Muhu and the western islands

A ferry of about thirty minutes links Virtsu, on the mainland, to Muhu, which is joined to Saaremaa by a causeway. Allow around three and a half hours from Tallinn to Kuressaare, the main town, dominated by its episcopal castle. The Panga cliffs, the Angla windmills and the Kaali meteorite crater fill two or three days. Outside June to August, several guesthouses and cafes close, so check opening dates before you go.

Tartu and the south-east

About two hours from Tallinn by train, Tartu has been the country's university town since 1632 and is home to the Estonian National Museum. Further south, the Võru region is known for its smoke saunas, a practice on UNESCO's intangible heritage list, and Setomaa for its polyphonic singing and Orthodox culture. The border town of Valga, joined to its twin Valka, lets you continue into Latvia within minutes.

Pärnu and the Soomaa bogs

A seaside resort nicknamed the summer capital, Pärnu draws visitors from June to August for its long sandy beach and wooden villas, about two hours from Tallinn. An hour to the east, Soomaa National Park sees a flood every spring, usually in March and April, known as the fifth season, best explored by canoe. The rest of the year, visitors walk on bog shoes, with a guide, across spongy ground.

Cities to visit in Estonia

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Not to miss in Estonia

Seven places that sum up the country, between Hanseatic heritage and boreal nature.

Town Hall Square

The heart of Tallinn's lower town, lined by an early 15th-century Gothic town hall and colourful merchant facades.

Kadriorg Palace

A baroque palace commissioned by Peter the Great in the early 18th century, set in a park a few tram stops from central Tallinn.

Palmse Manor

A restored estate at the heart of Lahemaa, with a manor house, orangery and outbuildings that tell the story of Baltic manor life.

Viru Bog Boardwalk

A plank trail across a raised bog, with an observation tower, among the most accessible walks in Lahemaa.

Kuressaare Castle

Saaremaa's medieval episcopal fortress, often described as the best preserved in the Baltic states, surrounded by moats and a park.

Kaali Crater

A water-filled meteorite crater in the centre of Saaremaa, formed several thousand years ago, surrounded by smaller secondary craters.

Estonian National Museum

A large contemporary building in Tartu, opened in 2016 on a former military runway, devoted to the country's history and cultures.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit Tallinn on a day trip from Helsinki?
Yes, fast ferries cross the Gulf of Finland in about two hours, leaving six to eight hours for the old town. A night in Tallinn is still preferable: the town becomes far more pleasant in the evening, once the cruise groups have left.
How do you get to Saaremaa from Tallinn?
By car or bus to the port of Virtsu, then a ferry to Muhu in about thirty minutes, and the causeway road on to Saaremaa. Allow around three and a half hours to Kuressaare. In July, book your car space on the ferry, especially at weekends.
What is Soomaa's fifth season?
It is the name given to the spring flood in Soomaa National Park, when snowmelt submerges forests, meadows and roads, usually between March and April. Local guides then run canoe trips among the trees, over areas that are normally dry.
How many days do you need for Tallinn?
Two full days cover the old town, Toompea, Kadriorg and Kalamaja. Add a third day for the maritime museum, the Telliskivi quarter or a trip to Lahemaa. For the whole of Estonia, including Tartu and the islands, a week strikes a good balance.
Where can you try a smoke sauna in Estonia?
The tradition is especially alive in the Võru region, in the south-east, where several farms offer guided sessions by reservation. A smoke sauna, built without a chimney, takes several hours to heat, so it is not something you can simply drop in on.
Can you visit Narva and cross into Russia?
You can visit Narva, an Estonian town with a mostly Russian-speaking population, and its castle facing Ivangorod fortress. Crossing into Russia, however, is heavily restricted and advised against: check official travel advice before any plans in the border area.

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