Top 22 attractions in Estonia

Estonia is a maritime country in northern Europe. Its territory is almost half occupied by forests, and the total number of islands is more than two thousand. Tourism is well developed in Estonia. This is facilitated not only by the delightful nature, but also by the unique cultural heritage.

There are many national parks where visitors have the opportunity to observe the wildlife on their own. Most nature reserves are ready to provide their guests with various types of recreation, depending on preferences. Comfortable hotels are better suited for family holidays, and tent campings will appeal to adventurous people.

Lovers of history and architecture will love the beautiful winding streets, castles and palaces of the Old Town. In particular, such as the Glen Castle, Maarjamägi and Toompea castles, as well as the Tallinn Town Hall. As souvenirs, linen and knitted handicrafts, colored glass products, as well as Kalev chocolate and the famous Old Tallinn liqueur are traditionally brought from Estonia.

What to see in Estonia?

The most interesting and beautiful places, photos and a brief description.

Historic center of Tallinn

The Old Town of Tallinn is the real heart of the capital. Thanks to the well-preserved medieval buildings, the historical center is included in the UNESCO list. Of particular note is the Town Hall Square and the Kiek in de Kök tower, which has now been turned into a museum.

Look → Popular sights of Tallinn

Lahemaa National Park

Lahemaa Park is located on the northern coast of Estonia, an hour's drive from Tallinn. The park with a total area of ​​72.5 thousand hectares offers its visitors exciting walks or bike rides. And lovers of recreation with tents will find several equipped campsites in Lahemaa Park.

Jagala waterfall

Jagala waterfall is located near the Gulf of Finland. The waterfall is about 8 meters high and about 50 meters wide. The waterfall is especially beautiful during severe winter frosts, when the water freezes, forming a huge ice wall.

Narva Castle

Narva Castle was built at the end of the 8th century and played the role of the residence of the viceroy of the king of Denmark. Today, the Narva Fortress is one of the best examples of Estonian defensive structures of that time. There is a museum and various craft workshops.

Vilsandi National Park

The first nature reserve created in Estonia is Vilsandi Park. It consists of islands and reefs and is popular primarily for its numerous bird colonies. The tourist center of the park is located in an old barn, and the former landowner's house has been turned into a hotel, which adds historical flavor to this place.

Piusa caves

Since 1999, underground galleries, which were formed as a result of the development of sand deposits of the Piusa River, have become a reserve. This attraction can only be seen with a guide. The Piusa caves are the largest wintering ground for bats in Eastern Europe.

Pärnu city beach

A very beautiful and equipped sandy beach is located just a 15-minute walk from the center of Pärnu, the summer capital of Estonia. The beach is surrounded by parks that perfectly protect vacationers from cold winds. There is also free parking, shops, hotels and various attractions for children.

Kõpu lighthouse

One of the oldest operating lighthouses in Estonia is located on the island of Hiiumaa. This majestic building is not located on the shore itself, but on a hill in the nearby forest. The Kõpu lighthouse has an observation deck that offers beautiful views of the sea and the coastal landscape.

Matsalu National Park

Located in the west of Estonia, the Matsalu National Park is one of the best bird watching destinations in Europe. A sightseeing tour of the reserve can be made by bike, boat or on foot. There is also a hotel for visitors.

Palace and Park Kadriorg

One of the most popular man-made parks in Estonia is Kadriorg. It was founded by Nicolo Michetti in 1719. The Swan Pond is one of the park's most popular attractions, and the former palace buildings now occupy the restoration rooms of the Estonian Art Museum.

Kaali crater

The island of Saaremaa is famous for its meteorite field. The largest meteorite impact crater is 110 meters in diameter and is the eighth largest meteorite crater on the planet. The best time to visit these places is July or August.

Kihnu Island

Kihnu Island is one of the most memorable places in Estonia. This small island of 16.4 km² is inhabited by the descendants of seal hunters, whose unique culture is protected by UNESCO. The best time to visit Kihnu is Midsummer, Christmas or St. Catherine.

Soomaa National Park

This park, located in the southwestern part of Estonia, was created in 1993 to protect rivers, forest swamps and water meadows. Due to the unique microclimate, there is the so-called "fifth season" - the period of spring floods. The hiking trails Riisa, Kuuraniidu, Ingatsi and the Beaver Trail are especially popular.

Estonian Open Air Museum

Not far from Kopli Bay, a 15-minute drive from Tallinn, is the Estonian Open Air Museum Rocca al Mare. 14 museum farms will tell and show visitors how Estonian families of different incomes lived in the 18th-20th centuries. Some items made by local craftsmen are available for purchase.

Narva-Jõesuu

The spa town of Narva-Jõesuu, the easternmost settlement in Estonia, is famous for its Herman Fortress, a well-preserved castle with a beautiful view from its walls. Two kilometers from Narva-Jõesuu is the only official beach for nudists.

Pukhtitsky Dormition Monastery

The only functioning Orthodox convent in Estonia is located in the village of Kuremäe. It was founded in 1891 and has not ceased its activities since then. This beautiful place is famous for its healing water. You can also stay here for a few days in monastic cells and participate in the daily life of the monastery.

Taagepera Castle

A very beautiful building built over 100 years ago - Taagepera Castle - is one of the most popular places for wedding ceremonies. There is a hotel and a restaurant, and the quiet location is conducive to leisurely relaxation.

Suur-Taevaskoda and Väike-Taevaskoda

The coast cliff of Väike-Taevaskoda and the cliff of Suur-Taevaskoda are located in the Ahja river valley in southern Estonia and are a very visited place in this country. Hiking trails and equipped picnic stops will make a walk along the river simply unforgettable.

Waterfall Valaste

The Valaste waterfall is considered a natural heritage and national symbol of Estonia. This is the highest Estonian waterfall, which the locals called the Red Tail for the special color that the water acquires in spring. There is a convenient observation deck here.

Suur-Munamägi observation tower

A wonderful view awaits visitors to Suur Munamägi, the highest peak in the Baltics. The observation tower offers a truly beautiful view of the hills and forests of Estonia. After reconstruction in 2005, the Suur-Munamägi observation tower was equipped with an elevator for greater comfort of visitors.

Vyshhorod in Tallinn

In Vyshgorod, Toompea Castle is located, which is the seat of the Estonian Parliament. In the north of Toompea is the Kohtuos observation deck, which offers a beautiful view of Tallinn. Also worth a visit is the 13th-century Dome Cathedral, surrounded by a park.

Episcopal castle in Kuressaare

The town of Kuressaare is famous for its well-preserved medieval castle. Since the 14th century, the castle has been the residence of the Bishop of Saare-Läänema, which is how it got its name. This imposing building houses an art gallery, a museum and several workshops, while the castle's water moat is surrounded by green space.