D'Duerf Rummu an Estland. / © Joanna Niininen/Pixabay
The northeasternmost state on the Baltic Sea offers a mix of history, tranquillity, peaceful forests, and technology.
Tallinn – a medieval, yet modern city
The Estonian capital of Tallinn is known for its well-preserved city centre, dating back to the Middle Ages. The colourful buildings, the city walls and the four corners of the historical centre – compact and easy to navigate on foot – were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997. In contrast, the modern districts of the city are dotted with start-ups and creative workshops.
Tallinn is one of Europe's most digitised cities. The Estonian government was one of the first to embrace online administrative tasks, with practically all processes available online for citizens and businesses alike. The only things that cannot be dealt with entirely online are marriages and divorces.
Green as far as the eye can see
Estonia may have the smallest population of the three Baltic states, but it makes up for it with masses of nature. Over 50% of the country is covered with forests, the Lahemaa and Soomaa national parks being particularly well-known. Visitors to these regions can enjoy moorland landscapes, pretty wooden cottages, lakes, and even signs of wolves and lynxes.
In the summer, the country is ideal for hikes, cycling tours or kayaking. Estonia has over 2,000 islands, including the largest, Saaremaa, with numerous lighthouses which are open to the public.
Monasteries, history and culture
In the north of the country lie the historical ruins of the Padise monastery and the castle in Rakvere. Its walls, which date back to the 13th century, tell the story of the nation amid German, Swedish, and Russian influence. But the castle offers an interactive side, too: visitors can dress up in medieval costumes, try out archery, or produce their own gunpowder. Rakvere has been set up like a theme park with numerous activities to entertain all ages. The traditional torture chamber is not to be missed.
The capital Tallinn and the university city of Tartu also boast an array of modern and classical museums: The National Museum of Estonia tells the story of the country's history, as well as detailing traditions, folklore and more, from occupied periods to the country's independence in 1991.
© Makalu/Pixabay
Culinary discoveries
Estonian cuisine is largely simple and regional; popular ingredients include potatoes, beef, pork, fish, and pickled vegetables. A beloved national dish is "Verivorst", a type of blood sausage which is traditionally served in winter. Mushrooms and different berry varieties also form part of Estonian gastronomy, and can be found in particular at local summer markets.
The cities offer plenty of modern bistros and cafés, often serving vegan or organic dishes. These show the relationship between tradition and sustainable living, which is growing in popularity in Estonia.
In general, Estonia is a very agreeable country for travellers. The fact that everything can be found online makes it easy to plan activities or make bookings in advance, without needing to take folders of printouts. Most places accept card payments as well.
Summer is an ideal time to visit, with pleasant weather conditions, low humidity, and long summer days with up to 19 hours of sunlight.
