Estonia Travel Guide

Last Updated on 5 February 2026 by Johan

Estonia lies in Northern Europe. It borders Latvia to the south and Russia to the east. The Baltic Sea lies to the west, while the Gulf of Finland separates Estonia from Finland to the north. The country has more than 2,000 islands, with Saaremaa and Hiiumaa being the largest. Its capital Tallinn is located on the northern coast along the Gulf of Finland.

Explanation of the name: Estonia

The name Estonia comes from the ancient people known as the Ests, mentioned by Roman historian Tacitus in the 1st century AD. In Estonian the country is called Eesti. During medieval times the land was known as Estland, a name still used in German and Scandinavian languages. After independence in 1918 the modern state adopted the name Estonia. Today both Estonia and Eesti are used internationally, reflecting the country’s identity and heritage.

History: Estonia

Estonia has been inhabited since the end of the Ice Age. Archaeological finds show farming communities from the Neolithic period. In the Middle Ages Danish and German crusaders established rule, building castles and towns. Tallinn was first recorded in 1154 by geographer al‑Idrisi. The city grew as part of the Hanseatic League, a trading network across the Baltic and North Seas. Later Estonia came under Swedish and then Russian rule. In 1918 Estonia declared independence, but was occupied by the Soviet Union during World War II. Independence was restored in 1991 after the Singing Revolution. Estonia is now a parliamentary democracy and a member of the European Union and NATO.

The country is divided into 15 counties (maakonnad), which are further divided into 79 municipalities. Each municipality has local councils responsible for services and development. The 15 counties (maakonnad) of Estonia, are: Harju, Hiiu, Ida‑Viru, Jõgeva, Järva, Lääne, Lääne‑Viru, Põlva, Pärnu, Rapla, Saare, Tartu, Valga, Viljandi, Võru

Tourist information: Estonia

Estonia is known for its medieval towns, forests, and coastline. Tallinn’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with cobbled streets, towers, and Gothic buildings. Toompea Hill offers views over the city. The Town Hall, built in the 14th century, is one of the oldest in Northern Europe. The Town Hall Square also houses the world’s oldest functioning pharmacy. Oleviste Church, once the tallest building in the world, dominates the skyline. Toompea Castle, built in the 13th century, is now the seat of parliament.

Tallinn also has Kadriorg Palace, built by Peter the Great, and the Estonian Open Air Museum, which shows rural life. The Song Festival Grounds host the national song festival every five years, with the next in July 2026. Kalamaja and Lilleküla districts are known for wooden houses and creative culture.

Attractions sorted by distance from Tallinn

  • Tallinn Old Town, Vanalinn, 10146 Tallinn. A UNESCO site with medieval streets, towers, and churches. It is the heart of Estonia’s history and culture, and visitors enjoy its lively squares and cafés.
  • Kadriorg Palace and Park, A. Weizenbergi 37, 10127 Tallinn. Built by Peter the Great, the palace houses the Kadriorg Art Museum. The surrounding park is a favourite for walks and cultural events.
  • Estonian Open Air Museum, Vabaõhumuuseumi tee 12, 13521 Tallinn. Displays traditional farmhouses and rural life. Visitors can see windmills, barns, and folk performances in a natural setting.
  • Tallinn Song Festival Grounds, Narva maantee 95, 10127 Tallinn. Hosts the national song festival, a key cultural event. The grounds can hold more than 100,000 people and symbolise Estonia’s independence.
  • Jägala Waterfall, Jägala-Joa küla, 74205 Harju County, 30 km east of Tallinn. The largest natural waterfall in Estonia, impressive during spring floods and winter freezes.
  • Lahemaa National Park, Palmse küla, 45435 Lääne-Viru County, 70 km east of Tallinn. Estonia’s largest national park, with forests, bogs, and historic manors. Visitors enjoy Altja fishing village and Sagadi Manor.
  • Parnu Beach, Ranna pst, 80010 Pärnu, 130 km south of Tallinn. Known as Estonia’s summer capital, with sandy beaches and spas. Families enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and seasonal festivals.
  • University of Tartu Museum, Lossi 25, 51003 Tartu, 185 km southeast of Tallinn. Located in the historic cathedral ruins, it showcases science and education. Exhibits include instruments and academic history.
  • Saaremaa – Kuressaare Castle, Lossihoov 1, 93815 Kuressaare, 210 km southwest of Tallinn. A medieval castle with exhibitions on island history. Visitors explore towers and learn about Saaremaa traditions.

Museums

  • Estonian National Museum – Muuseumi tee 2, 60532 Tartu. This museum presents the story of Estonian culture and everyday life through interactive exhibitions. It is a modern building with displays that connect history to contemporary society.
  • Kumu Art Museum – Weizenbergi 34, 10127 Tallinn. Kumu is Estonia’s largest art museum and part of the Art Museum of Estonia. Visitors explore collections from classical painting to contemporary works in a striking modern building.
  • Estonian Maritime Museum – Pikk 70, 10133 Tallinn. Located in the historic Fat Margaret tower, the museum tells the story of seafaring in Estonia. Exhibits include ship models, navigation tools, and maritime artefacts that highlight Estonia’s coastal heritage.
  • Estonian Open Air Museum – Vabaõhumuuseumi tee 12, 13521 Tallinn. This museum recreates rural life with traditional farmhouses, windmills, and village structures. Families enjoy folk performances and seasonal events that bring history to life.
  • University of Tartu Museum – Lossi 25, 51003 Tartu. Situated in the ruins of Tartu Cathedral, the museum focuses on science and education. Visitors discover instruments, manuscripts, and exhibitions that highlight Estonia’s academic traditions.

Fun things for children

Families can enjoy Tallinn Zoo, which has over 500 species. The Estonian Open Air Museum offers interactive activities. The Energy Discovery Centre in Tallinn explains science with experiments. Vembu‑Tembumaa amusement park near Tallinn has rides and pools. In Tartu, the AHHAA Science Centre is popular with children.

Local events in 2026

  • Tallinn Song Festival – Narva maantee 95, 10127 Tallinn. Held in July 2026, this legendary choral event brings together tens of thousands of singers. It is a powerful celebration of Estonian identity and music.
  • Viljandi Folk Music Festival – Tasuja puiestee 6, 71020 Viljandi. Running from 23 to 26 July 2026, the festival showcases folk traditions from Estonia and abroad. Visitors enjoy concerts in medieval castle ruins and a vibrant atmosphere.
  • Parnu Film Festival – Ranna pst, 80010 Pärnu. Scheduled for August 2026, this festival highlights documentaries and cultural films. It is a meeting place for filmmakers and audiences in Estonia’s summer capital.
  • Tartu Hanseatic Days – Raekoja plats, 51004 Tartu. Taking place in June 2026, the event revives medieval market traditions. Streets fill with crafts, performances, and food stalls that celebrate Tartu’s Hanseatic heritage.
  • Saaremaa Opera Days – Lossihoov 1, 93815 Kuressaare. Held in July 2026 inside Kuressaare Castle, the festival presents world‑class opera in a unique setting. The historic venue adds grandeur to the performances.
  • Baltica International Folklore Festival – Freedom Square, 10146 Tallinn. Running from 3 to 7 June 2026, it gathers folk groups from across the Baltic region. Visitors experience traditional costumes, dances, and music in the heart of Tallinn.

Culinary destinations

Estonian cuisine reflects northern traditions. Rye bread is a staple. Dishes include verivorst (blood sausage), mulgipuder (potato and barley porridge), and herring. Sauerkraut and pork are common. Seasonal treats include kringel (sweet bread) and kohuke (curd snack). Local drinks include Vana Tallinn liqueur and Estonian craft beers. Coastal areas serve fresh fish, while Saaremaa is known for smoked meat.

Cycling and walking routes

Estonia has many cycling and walking trails. The Baltic Coastal Hiking Route follows the shoreline. The EuroVelo 10 route passes through Estonia. Lahemaa National Park has marked trails. Kõrvemaa offers hiking and skiing. Saaremaa and Hiiumaa islands are popular for cycling. Seasonal activities include skiing in winter and beach holidays in summer.

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Fun things to do in Estonia

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