Your full Wanderlust guide to
Estonia
Just a three-hour drive takes you from Tallinn, Estonia’s capital in the north to Võru, the country’s most southerly city. But despite this short distance, with so many places of cultural and natural significance to stop off at in between, the country deserves to be enjoyed over long escapes and indeed across multiple visits.
Capital city Tallinn conjures images of its UNESCO-listed Old Town, with its red-tiled roofs and sagging medieval houses. As compelling as its history is, its contemporary culture also deserves exploration. Telliskivi Creative City is just one example of the innovation seen across the country. In 2007, this area was an industrial wasteland. Today, murals brighten old brick walls that house trendy restaurants, boutiques and coffee shops, as well as the world-class Fotografiska photography museum.
A similar story can be found in Tartu, the oldest town in the Baltic States with perhaps the youngest spirit. The lively university town is alive with bicycle-riding students, lakeside restaurants and an array of museums and galleries that has earned its status as the 2024 European Capital of Culture.
But culture here is not just about museums and architecture. To truly understand Estonia, you need to meet its people and experience its local customs. There’s the fishermen in the Western Islands who can take you out on their boats. There’s the women of Kihnu Island who still live a traditional lifestyle using looms and local wool to weave and knit colourful clothes. And then there is the Võromaa smoke sauna tradition, a pastime so important that it is protected by UNESCO.
Food and sustainability are also an essential part of Estonia’s identity and the two go hand in hand. Surrounded by unspoilt nature (the country’s forests and marshes cover three quarters of the country), farm-to-fork dining is the norm in Estonia and you will find fresh, tasty and surprisingly affordable meals all over the country, as well as a handful of Michelin-starred restaurants.
Talking of unspoilt nature, there is plenty of opportunity to get outdoors here, whether you walk the Viru Bog on the doorstep of Tallinn or go further afield to track down brown bears in the woods of eastern Estonia.
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When to go
Every season is different in Estonia. Spring brings longer days and chances to enjoy nature in full bloom. Visit in summer to experience the White Nights, when the sun rises around 4am and sets just before 11pm. Winters are long and dark in Estonia but brightened up by the Christmas markets and snowy landscapes.
International airports
Tallinn Aiprort, also called Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport is 4km from the city centre. Buses 2 and 15 take you to the city centre. You can also get taxis from the stand in front of the arrivals hall.
Getting around
Hiring a car is the easiest way to get around Estonia if you want to see all of the country. Those visiting Tallinn can largely explore on foot or make use of the electric scooters that can be found across the city.
The trains are very good and you can easily access the main cities in Estonia. The bus connections across the country are also excellent.
Health & safety
No vaccinations are needed for travel to Estonia other than standard vaccinations, but do always check with a GP or travel health clinic. If visiting rural areas, take plenty of insect repellent and cover skin to protect against ticks.
