- Q: Where is Estonia located?
- A: Estonia is a Northern European country located between the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Finland.
- Q: What is Estonia’s landscape like?
- A: Estonia has over 1,500 islands and a diverse landscape that includes rocky beaches, old-growth forests, rivers, and lakes.
- Q: What is Estonia's historical background?
- A: For a while, Estonia was part of the Soviet Union, and it has changed hands between neighboring countries, leaving a legacy of castles, hilltop fortresses, and churches of different denominations, some dating from the 13th century.
- Q: How do Estonia’s cities combine history and modern life?
- A: Estonia’s cities, large and small, cherish their historic monuments and combine them with lively 21st-century activities and a modern way of life.
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1. Haapsalu
Haapsalu is a small charming seaside resort town on the west coast of Estonia, about two hours from the Estonia’s capital Tallinn. Haapsalu has been a popular resort destination for the Russian aristocracy for centuries and continues to attract tourists with its pleasant atmosphere, lovely architecture, great beach, and excellent restaurants. Explore Haapsalu by strolling along its quaint narrow streets in the Old Town, a tiny but ornate town hall and ancient wooden houses. The seaside promenade is popular for long afternoon strolls. Have a look at Kuursaal, one of Estonia’s loveliest wooden buildings. Learn more about the town history at the magnificent 13th century Haapsalu Castle Museum and relax in the park featuring a famous sundial.
2. Hiiumaa
Hiiumaa is an Estonian island in the Baltic Sea famous for its unspoiled and diverse nature. It is a part of the West Estonian archipelago. There are some nice sandy beaches on the Tahkuna Peninsula, located in the most northern part of Hiiumaa. The 16th century Kõpu lighthouse is one of the oldest in the world. Take a lovely hike through the wilderness of the nearby island of Kassari, sail around Hiiumaa on the ancient sailing ship Lisette, take a kayaking trip around the numerous small islets around Hiiumaa, try some Hiiumaa beer at the Kasari brewery, and hike through the unspoiled nature of the Vanajõe Valley, where you will find it all in one place: rivers, lakes, hills, and valleys.
3. Kihnu
Kihnu is the largest island in the Gulf of Riga and Estonia’s seventh largest island. For the last six centuries, the island has been home to a unique indigenous culture that has thrived off the coast of Pärnu County. There are four villages on Kihnu Island. Lemsi Village, located in the most eastern part of the island, has a harbor that provides the main connection between the island and the mainland. The Kihnu Museum is located in an old schoolhouse and a great place to learn about the island’s colorful history and to see artwork by local naïve artists. Visit Kihnu lighthouse, located on Pitkänä Cape at the southernmost end of the island, surrounded by colorful boulders and offering spectacular views.
4. Korvemaa Nature Reserve
Korvemaa Nature Reserve is a popular holiday destination for people seeking a unique landscape and beautiful, unspoiled nature. It is located in northern Estonia about 50 km from Tallinn. Covered by lakes, forests, and marshes, this park is heaven for nature lovers with well-maintained wooden trails through mysterious bogs, steep hills, and sandy roads. Kõrvemaa is popular during the winter as well and has a network of excellent cross country ski trails. It is home to a number of protected and rare species of wild animals and birds. If you are lucky, you might spot bears, wolves, or wild lynx.
5. Kuressaare
Kuressaare , also known as Arensburg, is an incredibly picturesque small town on Estonia’s Saaremaa island and the country’s westernmost town. Located on the coast of the Gulf of Riga on the Baltic Sea, it is connected to the mainland via the Kuressaare Airport and two harbors – Roomassaare Harbor and Kuressaare Yacht Harbor. The medieval Kuressaare Castle built in the 14th century is today home of the Saaremaa Regional Museum and is surrounded by a wide, scenic moat. The town hall, which was built in 1654, was carefully restored to retain its baroque and classicist features. Town’s St Nicolaus Church was built in the late 18th century. In the 19th century Kuressaare was a popular seaside resort, and it is today known for its spas.
6. Lake Peipus
Lake Peipus is located on the border between Russia and Estonia and is one of the largest lakes in Western Europe. Its diverse nature, traditional culture, wealth of fish, and romantic country roads make Peipus area a popular holiday destination. The lands around the lake are fascinating to explore, with a mix of mansions, traditional markets, lighthouses, and picturesque traditional cottages. The area around the lake is home to Old Believers, a religious minority of hard-working fishermen, builders, and onion cultivators. The lake’s average depth is 7.1 meters and the deepest point is 15 meters. The lake has several islands and is clear and fairly clean, since about 30 streams and rivers bring fresh water constantly. Peipus is surrounded by huge marshes, sand dunes, and hills covered in dense pine forests.
7. Matsalu National Park
Matsalu National Park is a 48,610-hectare nature reserve and park created to protect a large number of migrating, nesting, and molting birds. The area, located in western Estonia, includes Matsalu Bay, the delta of the Kasari River, and the surrounding areas. The park is particularly important because it is located in the key part of the East Atlantic Flyway. Every spring, more than two million waterfowl pass through Matsalu. The park is a permanent home for a number of highly endangered species such the white-tailed eagle. Matsalu is famous among bird watchers, and every year people from all over Europe come to see and photograph birds and have a relaxing time in the unspoiled nature. There is a number of trails dissecting the park. Besides hiking and biking, the park can be explored by boat as well. Several birdwatching towers are scattered throughout the park to facilitate watching birds without disturbing them and their nests.
8. Narva
Located at Estonia’s easternmost point at the Russian border on the Narva River, Narva is one of Estonia’s largest cities. From Narva, you can get an unobstructed view of Russia, and the best observation points are located at Narva castle on one river bank and Ivangorod fortress on the other. The nature outside the town is magnificent, and there are hiking trails that range from climbing the Sinimäe hills to the 12-kilometer hike to the Narva-Jõesuu coastal resort, with very beautiful white sandy beach surrounded by pine forests. Because of its location, Narva has always been a melting pot of cultures, which is quite obvious by the diverse architecture in the city. The 13th century castle, a baroque Town Hall, the meticulously preserved system of defence bastions, and much more make Narva a very unique tourist destination. There is also always some kind of concert, festival, or open-air show going on.
9. Nova & Noarootsi
Located near the coastal town of Haapsalu in western Estonia, the tiny picturesque village Nova and the beautiful Noarootsi Peninsula are popular holiday destinations for people who like kayaking, sailing, and wind surfing. In the winter, there is touring on the ice roads for those who like an adrenaline rush. Nõva is famous for the small unique wooden St. Olaf's church built in 18th century. Noarootsi is known for its lovely beaches surrounded by pine forests. That whole coastal area was almost entirely populated by Swedish-speaking people until the mid-20th century. Besides the centuries-old Swedish heritage, there are also traces of much more recent Soviet military presence in the area. Nõva is surrounded by three nature reserves, protected areas for local flora and fauna. The whole area is fantastic for watching migrating birds.
10. Otepaa
Otepaa is a town in Valga County in southern Estonia, a well-known Estonian winter holiday destination for those who enjoy the snow sports. After indulging in a day of skating, skiing, snowtubing, or snowboarding, you can relax in one of Otepaa’s luxury spas, hotels, and gourmet restaurants. It is not unusual to come across some Olympic medalists sliding down the hill during their regular training session. During the summer, visitors can explore the scenic hiking trails through the Otepää nature park, through rolling hills, and by the lakes’ shores along winding picturesque village roads. The largest lake is the nearby Pühajärve, one of the largest in Estonia. Camping by the lake in the summer is a special treat for nature lovers and romantic souls.
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Table of Contents:
- 1. Haapsalu
- 2. Hiiumaa
- 3. Kihnu
- 4. Korvemaa Nature Reserve
- 5. Kuressaare
- 6. Lake Peipus
- 7. Matsalu National Park
- 8. Narva
- 9. Nova & Noarootsi
- 10. Otepaa