Want a fairytale escape filled with medieval towns, Baltic beaches, and digital innovation? Head to Estonia! This Northern European gem offers cobblestone charm, wild nature, and a thriving tech scene. Whether you're wandering Tallinn’s Old Town or hiking in Lahemaa National Park, Estonia is full of surprises.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Estonia is from May through September. Summers are warm and lively, with festivals, long daylight hours, and open-air cafés. For snowy adventures and cozy vibes, winter (December–February) is also magical.
How to Get There
- By Plane: Tallinn Airport (TLL) is the main international gateway, with direct flights from major European cities.
- By Ferry: Frequent ferries connect Tallinn with Helsinki (2 hours), Stockholm (overnight), and other Baltic ports.
- By Bus: International buses run from Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Germany. Lux Express is a popular operator.
- By Car: Driving from neighboring Baltic countries is easy with well-maintained roads and scenic routes.
Where to Stay
- Hotel Telegraaf (Tallinn) – Luxury hotel in a restored 19th-century building in Tallinn’s Old Town.
- Pädaste Manor (Muhu Island) – Elegant countryside retreat with spa, fine dining, and sea views.
- Vihula Manor Country Club & Spa – Stay in a historic estate within Lahemaa National Park.
Top Attractions
1. Have Hands-On Fun at AHHAA Science Center
Rating: ★★★★★
If you are starting your trip in Tartu, head to AHHAA Science Center. 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.
You get 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 you 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 you 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. Marvel at the Majesty of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
If you are starting your trip in Tallinn, check out the 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.
You 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. Uncover Centuries of Stories at the Estonian History Museum
Another great idea in Tallinn is the Estonian History Museum where you can learn all about the country's history.
The 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 you will find many exhibits that explain Estonia’s history visually.
Some of the exhibits you can see 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 guerrilla warfare during the Soviet invasion.
Estonian History Museum, 10133, Pikk 17, 10133 Tallinn, Estonia, Phone: +37-26-96-86-90
4. Explore Estonia's Past at the Estonian National Museum
Another option in Tartu that I like is the Estonian National Museum. Founded in 1909, it is the only one of its kind in the country.
The Estonian National Museum is dedicated to Estonian ethnography, folklore heritage, and folk art.
You 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.
You 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. Step Back in Time at the Estonian Open Air Museum
In Tallinn, Estonia, 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 you 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.
You 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 you 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
If you are a photographer:
6. Wander Through Medieval Ruins at Haapsalu Castle
1 hour 30 minutes from Tallin lies Haapsalu Castle, which I found to be one of Estonia’s architectural treasures.
The castle was the residence of local authorities until the 17th century. Now, you 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 you can see 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
If you are traveling with kids:
7. Visit Jagala Waterfall - Estonia's Largest
Just 30 minutes from Tallinn by car lies Jägala Waterfall which holds the record for being Estonia’s highest and widest natural waterfall with a height of eight meters and a width of fifty meters.
I found out that the Jägala Waterfall forms from the Jagala River and eventually flows into the Gulf of Finland.
You 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 if you 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 an absolutely stunning things for you to see and photograph.
74224 Harju County, Estonia
8. Stroll Through the Royal Gardens at Kadriorg Palace
Back in Tallinn, you have to visit Kadriorg Palace! Built in Petrine Baroque style, the 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 that you can go see.
A. Weizenbergi 37, 10127 Tallinn, Estonia
Romantic Ideas:
9. Hike in Karula National Park
If you are a nature enthusiasts, from Tartu you need to visit Karula National Park , or Kalia Rout as it is locally known. This is the smallest national park in Estonia but it is filled with a great amount of biodiversity so I'm sure you will love it.
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 you can view include the daisyleaf grape fern, Baltic orchid, pond bat, the lesser spotted eagle, and the black stork. Map
10. Experience Contemporary Culture at Kumu Art Museum
Before you board your airplane in Tallinn for your return trip home, check out one of the largest art museums in Northern Europe! Kumu, short for Kunstimuuseum, was established in 2006, is one of the five branches of the Art Museum of Estonia and houses its main office.
You can see permanent exhibitions of Estonian art from the 18th century onwards as well as temporary exhibitions with Estonian and foreign contemporary art.
You 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.
Kumu, A. Weizenbergi 34, 10127 Tallinn, Estonia, Phone: +37-26-02-60-00
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