Attractions in Estonia

1. AHHAA

Established in 1997 as a project by the University of Tartu, the AHHAA Science Center has grown to become one of the largest of its kind the Baltic States. Visitors of all ages are invited to discover the joys of science through various exhibits and events. There are also workshops, hands-on interactive exhibitions, programs, and science theater shows that visitors can be a part of. There are three exhibition halls: the Hall of Technology where visitors can journey to the center of the Earth, the Hall of Nature, which allows visitors to explore fungi and mold in a safe environment, and the Hall of Temporary Exhibitions, which is constantly changing and has activities such as dissection, making chocolate, or building engines. Other aspects of the center include mini-labs, a planetarium, and a 4D adventure cinema.

AHHAA, Sadama 1, 51004, Tartu, Estonia, Phone: +37-27-45-67-89

2. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Built around the late 1800s by architect Mikhail Preobrazhensky, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Tallinn Old Town is the town’s grandest and largest orthodox cupola cathedral. It is built in a distinctive Russian Revival style, mostly because it was constructed while Estonia was a part of the Russian Empire. Visitors will find a lot of exciting details in the interior and the exterior of the cathedral; there are also eleven richly decorated bells in the cathedral, with the largest one weighing nearly 16 tons. Other aspects of the cathedral that shouldn’t be missed include its religious mosaics, stained glass windows, and the three gilded and carved wooden iconostases.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Lossi plats 10, 10130 Tallinn, Estonia, Phone: +37-26-44-34-84

3. Estonian History Museum

Though the Estonian History Museum wasn’t officially named so until 1989, its origin goes back to 1802 when Johann Burchard, the town hall pharmacist, started a collection of marbled Easter eggs called Mon Faible, or “My Weakness.” Over the years, the museum grew exponentially, and visitors will find many exhibits that explain Estonia’s history visually.

Some of the exhibits include recreations of domestic interiors, historically dressed mannequins, and a collection of army uniforms and weapons from the 1940s and 50s. One of the more popular exhibitions is an original hut that was used by the Forest Brothers, partisans who waged guerilla war during the Soviet invasion.

Estonian History Museum, 10133, Pikk 17, 10133 Tallinn, Estonia, Phone: +37-26-96-86-90

4. Estonian National Museum

Founded in 1909, the Estonian National Museum is the only one of its kind in the country. The Estonian National Museum is dedicated to Estonian ethnography, folklore heritage, and folk art. Visitors will be able to learn so much about the life and traditions of Estonian people and their history through the many detailed exhibits at the museum. There is a comprehensive display of traditional Estonian national costumes from all regions, including the Finno-Ugric peoples and other minorities. Visitors will also come across an interesting collection of hand-woven carpets, linen tablecloths, and other handcrafts. One of the more unique exhibits is the collection of wood-carved beer tankards that were used during traditional holidays and feasts.

Muuseumi tee 2, 60532 Tartu, Estonia, Phone: +37-27-35-04-00

5. Estonian Open Air Museum

The Estonian Open Air Museum was planned and discussed for many years by Estonian literati before finally opening in 1957. The Estonian Open Air Museum takes visitors back in time to an 18th century rural village with life-sized reconstructions of the entire village. Some aspects include farmhouses, farmyards, sheds, several mills, a schoolhouse, church, an inn, a fire station, and other public buildings. Visitors are encouraged to explore the 72-hectare land and all of the buildings in it, which are arranged to represent Estonian vernacular architecture. There are many events and activities held at the museum for visitors to participate in, including those focused on traditional weaving, dance performances, and a Midsummer Day’s bonfire.

Vabaohumuuseumi tee 12, 13521 Tallinn, Estonia, Phone: +37-26-54-91-01

6. Haapsalu Castle

Founded in the thirteenth century, Haapsalu Castle is one of Estonia’s architectural treasures. The castle was the residence of local authorities until the 17th century. Now, visitors will find that the castle’s main building houses a museum dedicated to the castle’s history, medieval weaponry, and much more. One of the more popular aspects of the castle is the cathedral of the former Oesel-Wiek Bishopric; it is the biggest single-nave church in the Baltic States. Other aspects include the main fortress, which offers stunning views of the surroundings, the watchtower now used as a belfry, and the castle grounds, which have been converted to a park for visitors to enjoy.

Haapsalu Castle, Lossiplats 3, Haapsalu, 90502 Lääne maakond, Estonia, Phone: +37-24-72-43-46

7. Jagala Waterfall

The Jägala Waterfall holds the record for being Estonia’s highest and widest natural waterfall with a height of eight meters and a width of fifty meters. The Jägala Waterfall forms from the Jagala River and eventually flows into the Gulf of Finland. Visitors will have an amazing view no matter which time of the year they decide to visit Jagala Waterfall; during the summer the waterfall flows into the lush greenery that surrounds it. But visitors who go during the winter season will find the large waterfall frozen solid and filled with large, glistening icicles. One of the more interesting aspects of the waterfall during winter is that the water frozen into icicles from the waterfall and the frozen water on the wall of the waterfall creates a unique tunnel of ice that is absolutely stunning.

74224 Harju County, Estonia

8. Kadriorg Palace

Built in Petrine Baroque style, Kadriorg Palace was constructed from 1718 to 1725 by the ruler of the Russian Empire Peter the Great for his second wife Catherine I of Russia. The palace, the name of which literally translates to “Catherine’s Valley,” is currently home to the Art Museum of Estonia. You will be able to see various foreign arts from the 16th to the 20th century ranging from paintings and graphics to sculptures and applied arts. The Kadriorg Palace also houses various events throughout the year such as excursions, art studios, and concerts.

A. Weizenbergi 37, 10127 Tallinn, Estonia

9. Karula National Park

Karula National Park , or Kalia Rout as it is locally known, is the smallest national park in Estonia but it is filled with a great amount of biodiversity. The land was established as a protected area in 1979 and then a national park in 1993. You can explore the park’s beautiful hills, lakes, and cultural landscapes while getting up close and personal with the rich flora and fauna that are present there. Some of the more unique species that are red-listed or threatened include the daisyleaf grape fern, Baltic orchid, pond bat, the lesser spotted eagle, and the black stork. Map

10. Kumu

Kumu, short for Kunstimuuseum, was established in 2006 and since then has grown to be one of the largest art museums in Northern Europe. It is one of the five branches of the Art Museum of Estonia and houses its main office. The museum displays permanent exhibitions of Estonian art from the 18th century onwards as well as temporary exhibitions with Estonian and foreign contemporary art. Visitors will find that the more unique works of art are those from Estonia’s occupations period, which show Socialist Realism and what was then Nonconformist Art. There are many lectures, performances, and events scheduled at the museum throughout the year.

Kumu, A. Weizenbergi 34, 10127 Tallinn, Estonia, Phone: +37-26-02-60-00