Estonia Things to Do Tips by Lodestar Top 5 Page for this destination

A good idea for a nice day-trip

In case you are here only for a short period of time, going to the islands or even southern estonia may be impossible due to simple time limitations. So it may be a good idea to plan a day trip to a nice nearby place. A great idea would be to go to see one of our many magnificent manor houses. Most of these are located in places surrounded by beautiful and rich nature, and offer great cultural and intellectual stimulation to people interested in more than the cheap markest and old-town pubs.
One of the best restored and best-known of the manor houses is situated in Palmse. in addition to a magnificently decorated interior, the park surrounding the manor house is also a great place for a picnic or justa nice stroll.

Directions: In Laane-Virumaa county, Palmse. Follow the signs along the Tallinn-Narva highway...

The winter capital - Otepää

Otepää is called the winter capital of Estonia, since the town and the surrounding hills are illed with people during the winter - skiing, snowboarding, sledging, skating, building snowmen and so on.
In case you are interested in skiing, one of the best places to do that is near Otepää in the southern estonia. This is the only part of the country that is at least somewhat hilly, so there are several bed and breakfasts, places renting out skiing and snowboarding equipment, maintained skiing tracks and mountain sides and everything you need for a nice active holiday on the snowy slopes of the Estonian hills. The most popular hills among mountain skiiers and snowboarders are Väike Munamägi and Kuutsemäe.

Tallinn Old Town

Well, this is the location you'll probably not miss, even without me promoting it :)
Well, the old town of Tallinn is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe. The narrow and winding cobble-stone streets, small street cafes, the medieval atmosphare, red roofs and old churces are something you will see nowhere else in the world. Well, at least ones that are so well preserved and where there are so many of them! The old town is truly a miraclulos and myserious place. Just peep into some of the old courtyards, walk through the dark and narrow passages, feel the solemn quiet in the 13th century churches, take a carriage ride through the streets - you will be amazed how beuatiful it all is. Nothing too elaborate, not all shining and colorful, but truly magical and gorgeous.

Don't miss the increadible islands

Estonia has a considerable number of islands, habited ones as well as smaller inhabited ones. If you have more time in Estonia, don't miss out on them.
The largest islands are Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, Muhu and Vormsi, all situated off the western coast of Estonia.The nature on the islands is increadible - clean, untouched, wild and peaceful. On these islands you can get a really nice look at the rustic life in Estonia - visit the small country churches, sit at a local (and cheap) inn, stay at one of the numerous farmhouses operating as bed and breakfast places, swing on the huge village swings, camp out under the stars and sit by the fire, take walks in forests and beaches, see unique flora and fauna, ride a horse, catch fish, visit the centuries old wind-mills and water mills, and just totally relax and forget all your worries. Or you can go to the larger towns on the islands and enjoy civilazation with all forms of entertainment and comfort.
The islands in Estonia are one of the most peaceful and quiet places on earth, and definately worth a visit!

Southern Estonia

One place definately worth visiting in Estonia is the Southern part. The only place in Estonia where you can find "mountains" - the highest being the Big Egg Hill (Suur Munamägi), which is 315 meters high. Try climbing up to the tower on top of the hill to get an amazing view on the surrounding lakes and forests and countryside.
There are numerous nice lakes in the area - the largest being Võrtsjärv. Nice places for a little bit of relaxing and swimming and sun bathing. Go for hikes in the forests and enjoy the quiet and untouched nature.
Once in south Estonia also visit some cities - especially Tartu and Võru are nice.
The main thing - don't limit your travelling just to the towns and cities, there is so much more to see outside the "civilization" as well!

Tartu

Once in Estonia, you should also check out the cultural and education centre of our country - the city of Tartu! Tartu is almost a typical university city - the population is about 100 000, but grows once school starts in September. Most of the life in Tartu revolves around the Tartu University, the oldest in Estonia (established in 1364).
The city has a special atmosphare - cultural, intelligent, sophisticated, yet young - most of the people you'll see in the city are students, the rest... professors :) Well, actually it is true - in the centre of the town you'll see students sitting around fountains, laying on the grass, cramming for the exams, drinking beer...
It is a really really nice city and definately worth a visit, especially since it is on the way to Southern Estonia, where the nature is amazing...

You absolutely must see the...

You absolutely must see the nature as much as possible. We are a little country, and therefore everything (except for the third-largest lake in Europe - Peipsi) we have here is also rather little (like the water-fall on the picture), but all of the nature and wildlife is amazingly cute and clean.

Nature

You just can't come to Estonia without seeing the Islands Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, which are the largest here. But in case you have the time you should definetly visit also the smaller islands: Vormsi, Ruhnu etc. The nature there is amazingly beautiful - junipers, beaches, large meadows, windmills, animals, nice, friendly and helpful people. And the ferry takes you to Saaremaa (the first island you'll reach is actually Muhumaa, which is connected with the largest island - Saaremaa by a bridge), Hiiumaa and Vormsi quite cheaply and easily. A great chance to get to see the real nature of western estonia.

Directions: The ferries to Saaremaa go from the harbour of Virtsu and the harbour in Muhumaa from where you can drive on to Saaremaa is Kuivastu. The ferries to Vormsi and Hiiumaa go from the harbour Rohuküla and

Other Contact: web-site of Hiiumaa - http://www