Estonia is a calm country in Northern Europe that has its and a little bit of everything else. The country’s picturesque coasts, ancient cities, and enormously fascinating history are major draws. The location of the country, with borders on Russia, the Baltic Sea, the Gulf of Finland, and Latvia, is often puzzling to visitors.
The nicest part about visiting Estonia is that it won’t put a dent on your wallet or your credit score. Tallinn is the largest and most popular destination among Estonia’s many tourist destinations. In addition, there are a plethora of other attractions worth visiting in Estonia.
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Top 10 Places To Visit In Estonia
The most interesting landmarks in the country can be found in cities all around the country. It has a rich history and beautiful landscapes, making it an ideal location for photographers. While seeing the famous landmarks is a necessary, so is immersing yourself in the rich 15th and 16th century history that the country carries. As a result, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 attractions in Estonia:
1. Tallinn
If we hadn’t put Tallinn at the top of our list, we’d be acting immorally. Tallinn, the capital city, is the most well-known attraction in Estonia. Toompea is the city’s main draw, and its historic core, with its cobblestone streets and buildings dating back to the 15th century, has managed to preserve much of their original charm.
Hikers will be happy to know that this area has been beautifully protected and is easily accessible on foot. The Old City and all its hustle and bustle may be seen from the highest point of Toompea.
2. Lahemaa National Park
The Lahemaa National Park is the most well-known attraction in all of Estonia. About an hour’s drive from the nation’s capital, this park is conveniently located for a day excursion. The Viru Bog and Viru Raba are not to be missed while visiting the park.
The trees that stand above the swampy terrain are a fascinating sight, adding an ethereal character to the overall splendor of the area. To get a good look at the Viru Bog without getting wet, why not take the three-mile long broad footpath that runs along the bog’s dry rim? In addition, the park’s focal point, the Sagadi Village, is home to the equally remarkable Sagadi Mansion.
3. Saaremaa
Saaremaa is the crown jewel of Estonian tourism. There is 8,000 years of history on the island. During history, it was under the control of the Swedes, Danes, Russians, and Germans. Kuressaare, the island’s capital, is a popular destination because of the many preserved medieval castles that can be found there. Saaremaa’s Sorve Peninsula is a stunning natural attraction, perfect for those interested in hiking, birdwatching, sightseeing, or photography.
4. Tartu
Tartu’s University of Tartu is widely regarded as the country’s leading research institution. It’s the country’s oldest city, so naturally tourists are drawn to it. The city’s core is traditionally designed with buildings from the 18th century, with many serving as incubators for new ideas. Streets in the soup neighborhood, for example, take their names from common soup ingredients like beans. It’s been called “Estonia’s Number One Tourist Attraction.”
5. Viljandi
Viljandi is a small city in southern Estonia. Almost 2,600 years of history have passed in the city, and much of its original architecture has survived to this day. Viljandi Order Castle, which was built in the 16th century but has since fallen into disrepair, is one such landmark.
Yet the yearly folk music festival is the main reason people travel to Viljandi every year. As many as 20,000 people flock to the city every July for the folk music. The event is the largest music festival in the entire country, featuring dozens of shows at a wide variety of venues.
6. Soomaa National Park
It’s well worth your time to visit Soomaa National Park. Soomaa National Park is primarily a peat bog created by glacial melt more than 10,000 years ago, and it is divided by a number of stunning rivers. Soomaa is best experienced from the water in a canoe.
You may rent canoes or sign up for a self-guided tour, both of which will allow you to see a wide variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, bears, beavers, otters, and bald eagles. The springtime, or the “fifth season” as the locals name it, is prime time for canoeing. High tides are common during this season, and boats may be necessary for transportation.
7. Rakvere Castle
Rakvere, a city in northern Estonia, has been inhabited for approximately 1,500 years. Rakvere Castle, built in the 16th century, is one of the city’s most visited landmarks. The grounds of the castle are now a sort of medieval theme park, complete with tourists and employees dressed in period garb.
Knights’ armor polishing, an alchemist’s lab, and a cellar full of vintage wines are all on display. You may even enjoy traditional medieval fare at the castle’s Shenkenberg Tavern. Seeing the castle firsthand is a remarkable opportunity to experience history firsthand.
8. Hiiumaa
Islands aren’t typically what comes to mind when one thinks about Estonia. It’s true that Hiiumaa is a beautiful island in the Baltic Sea, but it’s simply one among many. Hiiumaa is accessible by plane from Tallinn or by ferry from several mainland ports.
Hiiumaa is a popular destination for surfers, sailors, and hikers in search of tranquility. The island also features several unique lighthouses.
The Tahkuna Lighthouse, built in the 19th century out of cast iron, stands as the nation’s highest. Yet the Kpu Lighthouse is far older. Kpu is one of the world’s oldest lighthouses, having been built in the 15th century.
9. Narva Castle
The city of Narva sits at the farthest eastern point of not only Estonia, but all of Europe. Narva Castle, a majestic and ancient structure, somehow survived the city’s heavy bombing during World War Two.
The Danes constructed the castle, also called Hermann Castle, in the 13th century to house the vice-Regent of the Danish king.
The Narva Museum and a variety of workshops demonstrating and teaching medieval trades can be found inside the castle. On the Russian side of the river, the Ivangorod castle may be seen from the top of the castle tower.
10. Parnu
Parnu is a coastal vacation city located where the Parnu River empties into the Gulf of Riga. Because so many Estonians spend their summers there, Parnu has earned the nickname “summer capital.” Parnu’s beach, with its powdery white sand and picturesque dunes, is the main attraction.
The beach promenade is a lengthy stretch of pavement that lines the water’s edge and gives the city a feel typical of a seaside resort. Lighting throughout the promenade keeps people walking and appreciating the seashore long after the sun has set. If you find yourself in Parnu on a rainy afternoon, you may cool down at the indoor water park Vee Park.
Conclusion
Estonia, a country in Northern Europe, is a hidden treasure that is often overlooked. Estonia is an economical destination with a rich history, fascinating culture, and beautiful landscapes and coastlines.
Estonia is more accessible than many people think, with borders on Russia, Latvia, the Gulf of Finland, and the Baltic Sea. Castles, national parks, and cultural centers are some of the most popular tourist destinations in Estonia. Although incredible, Tallinn is not the only wonderful place in Estonia.