A medieval old town, bog boardwalks and saunas by the Baltic.
Estonia combines a fairy-tale capital with wide open forests and coast. Tallinn's walled Old Town is one of Europe's best preserved, full of towers and merchant houses. Lahemaa National Park has bogs, boulders and manor houses, Soomaa is known for its spring floods, the university town of Tartu has a lively student feel, and Saaremaa island is all junipers, windmills and quiet shoreline.
Travel is easy and digital, with good buses, card payments everywhere and plenty of English spoken. Sauna culture runs deep, and food leans on rye bread, smoked fish and forest berries. June to August brings white nights and the best weather; May and September are fresh and quiet, while winters are dark and cold, brightened by Tallinn's Christmas market.
Best time to visit Estonia
June, July, August.
Places to visit in Estonia
Tallinn: Estonia's capital, with one of Europe's best-preserved medieval old towns, a Baltic waterfront and a creative, tech-minded scene.
Tartu: Estonia's second city, a relaxed university town of classical buildings, riverside cafés and one of the country's finest museums.
Saaremaa: Estonia's largest island, a peaceful place of juniper meadows, windmills, a meteorite crater and a medieval castle at Kuressaare.
Essentials
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Language: Estonian; English widely spoken, Russian common
Plugs: Type C / F, 230 V
Driving: Right side
Time zone: UTC+2
Tipping: Not expected; around 10% for good service
Getting around: Comfortable buses and trains link towns; Tallinn's centre is walkable
Entry: Check the official rules for your passport before booking