Cheap flights to Estonia from EUR22*

Estonians make the most of the Baltic nation’s coastline, islands, forests and marshes, its medieval Old Town capital, Tallinn, and castle and church ruins dotting one of the greenest countries in the world. And you can too. Explore the evidence of Estonia having “hosted” many world powers, from the Danes and Swedes to Germans, and tsarist and Soviet Russia. Then get to know the real Estonia with hearty local foods, folk costumes and crafts – and especially singing. Estonian traditions include innovation, and today the country has more startups per capita than any other in Europe.

Travel to Estonia to:

• Stroll narrow medieval streets or soak up the high-tech vibe in the capital, Tallinn, where you can climb a church spire or TV Tower to take in the view across the city to the sea.
• Take long walks along the coast – choose sandy beaches or the edge of 30-metre-high limestone cliffs north of Tallinn. Inland, walk through pine forests to find waterfalls.
• The architecture may be classicist, but students guarantee a youthful ambience, café culture and great nightlife in Tartu, the oldest town in the Baltics and home to northern Europe’s oldest university.
• Explore the Baltics’ Soviet and Russian imperial past at the abandoned secret nuclear-submarine training centre on Paldiski peninsula.
• Island-hop to visit a meteorite crater, relax at a spa or farm, tour a medieval stone church, lighthouse or windmill. There are no fewer than 2,222 islands to choose from.

A medieval and natural wonderland

Walk through narrow stone passageways and grand town squares, along sandy beaches or in quaint villages, across bogs or along waterfalls. Island-hop to visit fishing villages and see the Baltic sea from all angles, sampling seafood dishes as you go. Head inland for hiking or biking in vast forested national parks that hide a medieval ruin or two. Experience Estonia’s homemade breads, fresh berries and wild game dishes at farms, or relax at a country with spas and saunas galore. You may hear birdsong or the citizens of what’s known as the “singing nation” engaging in the national hobby. In fact, spontaneous mass singing demonstrations in Tallinn in 1988 sparked the drive for independence from the Soviet Union. If you’re looking for historical charms, welcoming people or natural wonders, Estonia has it all.

Wonders medieval and modern

Estonia’s capital, Tallinn, is the best-preserved medieval city in northern Europe. Climb atop the city wall, or look down over medieval spires as well as glass-and-metal high-tech offices from Toompea Hill, the ancient seat of government. Stroll narrow alleyways and watch artisans at work in the Old Town. Explore the Soviet legacy at a museum of Communism or the abandoned military base south of the city. Visit the park where the Estonian Song Celebration has drawn thousands of singers since 1869 or witness art over the ages in the Baroque Katriorg Palace. In Tartu, hang with young students at northern Europe’s oldest university, dating back to 1632. Students make up nearly a seventh of the population of this lovely place, which is regarded as Estonia’s spiritual capital. The laid-back city has a charming historic centre and doubles as the oldest town in the Baltics.

Enjoy the greenery

Larger than the Netherlands but home to just 1.3 million people, Estonia has lots of nature to explore – in fact, it’s 50% forest! Estonia is one of the greenest countries in the world, not just because of its forests but in terms of environmental policy and performance. Hiking is a national pastime, with well-marked or wood-built trails to ensure you’re safe and sure to get the best view of marshland wildlife, coastal landscapes, cascading waterfalls and the occasional medieval church or castle ruin. Stop for a rest in photogenic fishing villages near Pärnu, charming spa towns such as Haapsalu, or camp out in cabins. Estonia in winter is snowy and cosy. Visit Tallinn’s Christmas market on the Old Town Square, or head to the nation’s self-proclaimed winter capital, Otepää, for cross-country and downhill skiing as well as snowboarding and snowtubing.

Islands on the Baltic Sea and icy inland lakes

Estonia’s coastline boasts 2,222 islands. The most popular islands are Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, Kihnu, Ruhnu and Vormsi, each a short ferry ride from the mainland, taking you away into nature and the rural island lifestyle. Walk dusty roads or sandy beaches, stumble upon ruins left by pagan Estonian warriors, German knights or the Soviet military. Camp or swim, kayak or sail, bike or ride a horse. If you’d just rather walk along the mainland seashore, the 620-kilometre Baltic Coastal Hiking Route will serve you well. It’s divided into 60 different one-day walks. Freshwater adventures also await you at the awe-inspiring Jägala and Keila waterfalls as well as at Europe’s fourth-largest lake, Peipsi, on Estonia’s border with Russia. Estonians are wont to swim in winter as well. Thankfully, these icy dips start and finish in a hot sauna.