Best Tourist Places to Visit in Estonia
Seaplane Harbour
The Seaplane Harbour is a maritime museum in Tallinn Estonia opened in spring 2012. The museum is part of the Estonian Maritime Museum. The museum is located in the Tallinn aeroplane harbour in a building originally constructed as a hangar for seaplanes in the area of Peter the Greats Naval Fortress. The hall has an area of 8000 m. The hall was put out of service d
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral Tallinn
The spectacular onion-domed shaped structure is one of the grandest Orthodox Church in Tallinn. It’s designed in a different historical style perched atop on Toompea hill in 1900. Within the tower of the church is the most powerful collection of church bells. There are about 11 bells in there, including its largest bell which weighs about 15 tonnes. Before each service starts, you can hear the whole ensemble playing so in tune. As for its interiors, it’s so beautifully adorned and decorated with icons and mosaic; it’s such an attraction that’s worth to visit.
Toompea Hill
This is an ancient 10-century fortress that stands on a high limestone plateau. And, this old section of Tallinn is what keeps most visitors busy during their stay. Its cobbled winding street will take you to the past hidden country yards, lanes, spire churches and old merchant houses. The old town is now divided into two parts which are the Toompea Hill and the lower town. The place is very well managed and preserved. Besides, the lanes, streets etc, there’s more to get visitors to enjoy the place! Climb on to the higher to Pikk jalg, and you will find yourself in the castle square and have a bird’s eye view of the city.
Tallinn Town Hall
The Tallinn Town Hall is a building in the Tallinn Old Town Estonia next to the Town Hall Square. It is the oldest town hall in the whole of the Baltic region and Scandinavia.
Tallinn TV Tower
The Tallinn TV tower is a free-standing structure with an observation deck built to provide better telecommunication services for the 1980 Moscow Summer Olympics regatta event. It is located near the suburb Pirita six km northeast of the Tallinn city center. With its 313 m the TV tower is the tallest building in Tallinn. The tower was officially opened on 11 July 1980.
Tallinn Zoo
Tallinn Zoo is a zoo in Tallinn Estonia that was founded in 1939. It is the only zoo in Estonia and as of 2012 it housed 13336 animals representing 548 species. Since 2009 it is the most visited zoo in the Baltic states.
Tallinn
Tallinn and its UNESCO-protected Old Town have put its charm on Europe. And, now it is one of Europe’s most enchanting cities. Estonia’s quiet countryside and green forest provide spiritual sustenance for nature-lovers. Tallinn Tourist Places offers Sightseeing, Tours, Activities, Shopping, Events and Nightlife. The city is full of life and there are many restaurants, Cafés Pubs & Bars Vinotheques to find food and drinks. When you feel like you need to relax and recharging after an exhausting day, you can always visit these serene places such as Green City, Pirita Promenade, and TV Tower or take up Spa etc.
Tartu
Tartu is one of the smartest locations in Estonia. It also claims to be the Spiritual city of Estonia as locals talk about Tartu vaim, a special spirit created by the timely traditional wooden houses and buildings. It’s a small provincial town that has the river, Emajogi flowing through it. There are a lot of students in this town as its Estonia’s university town; it makes the city more vibrant as there are more of the youth population. The city is less populated in the summer as the students leave the city for the beach. Summer is always pleasant in Tartu and it’s nice to visit and see one of the Estonia Tourist Spots!
Parnu
This is Estonia’s premier seaside and summer holiday destination for local families, youths and holidaymakers. It’s one of Estonia Tourist Places that are popular among the tourists. While jaywalking along the beach, the park...they can also relax in many cocktail bars, restaurants and spas around the area. It’s Estonia’s biggest towns, almost as big as Milan, Berlin and other places. In spite of being a large city, yet Parnus had a population of only about 60 people per sq km. There’s always a romantic flair due to its medieval monuments and landscapes. It’s also home to many water parks, spas and historical bathhouses.
Narva Castle
Located in the northern point of Estonia and it’s the country third largest city. It’s separated by Narva River, and the area is mostly populated by the Russians. The city was found in the middle ages by Denmark. It quite a border town located at the end of the main street right up to the edge of the town square. Most of its architecture was destroyed in WWII, and only a few of its magnificent castle and baroque old town hall. The city has a downtrodden air to it which makes it unique from other cities in Estonia.
Otepaa
This place is the centre of a pictorial area of lakes, forests and rivers. This small district lies in the southern Estonian valleys and hills. Well known and beloved by tourist as a winter holiday destination. There are several winter activities to do here such as ice skating, skiing and snowboarding in all its forms. These winter activities are available at many winter resorts, spa hotels and restaurants. The place has its own beauty in the summertime as you can see the natural beauty of the place with its landscapes, flowers, and trees. Summer is the best time to hike along the park and see the lakes, village roads and the whole beauty of this place.
Hiiumaa Island
A popular place out of all Estonia attraction and the second largest island in Estonia. It’s well-known for its untouched nature, historical lighthouses and makes this place a gateway year round. During the coldest time, it’s fun to drive along the island across the longest ice road of Europe. The place is equally loved by nature holiday-makers, sailors, surfers and hikers. For those looking out for peace and reticent, this is an ideal destination. There are a lot of local sites to explore, and the much-admired Kopu lighthouse is one of the oldest in the world.
Lahemaa National Park
The Park serves as natural and cultural landscapes in Estonia. Lahemaa is one of Europe’s most important forest conservation areas. It’s Estonia’s natural charms that are perfect for a retreat from the nearby capital. The park takes a stretch of the coast as well as several bays and peninsulas, plus the pine-land encompasses lakes, forests, rivers, and bogs with many areas of historical and cultural interests. The last Ice age has left with stony sandy seashores, rivers, erratic rocks, and pine and cliff forests. There’s a very popular town within the park called Loksa, which is visited by many visitors for its sandy beach.
Rakvere Castle
This site is one of Estonia’s earliest fortifications dating back to the fifth and sixth centuries. Though built in the 14th century by the Danes, yet the castle had many other masters like the German, Russians, Polish and the Swedish. The castle holds the remains of its architecture, and inside the castle, there’s a theme park exhibiting the 16th-century life. The castle is visited by both young and old people who like to spend time gearing up as entertainers, knights and warriors or even learn about the middle ages or the early modern period.
Viljandi
Viljandi is one of Estonia’s most charming towns hidden deep within Estonian’s southern forests. In the 13th century, the Knights of the Sword found the castle. Later on, there were many towns that grew around it and joined the Hanseatic League but subsequently were at the mercy of other rulers. The place is now different altogether; it’s a relaxing place perfect for time-travelling who wants to see the castle ruins, historic buildings and abundant greenery. The crowd of visitors flock here during summer as its one of Estonia’s most visited festive destination. It’s a perfect place for both nature and culture lovers.
Saaremaa Island
Saaremaa is an Estonian island famous for its beaches, spas and traditional villages. It’s also home to medieval Kuressaare Castle. For about eight thousand years, the territory of Saaremaa has been inhabited. There have been many battles in Saaremaa and like most cities in Estonia; this did not survive the ruling of Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Russia. For some reason due to its location and isolation, Saaremaa has retained its uniqueness. One can still see stone fences and houses with thatched roofs in the villages.
Witches Well
The Witch’s well is a peculiar attraction in the Estonian village of Tuhala. But after a heavy downpour, the entire area begins to spout water and floods. The locals have a belief that it’s the doings of the witch. According to legend, the witches live under the ground of the well, beating each other vigorously with birch branches. Thus the whole story of the noises heard by the people makes sense. The truth is, it overflows during times of high-water at very high speed and thus his creates the natural effect phenomenon. The pressure is created by an underground river.
Kuressaare
Estonia is a small town and the capital of the largest. The town is big in its shipping industry. Though it’s a small and secluded town, there are daily flights from Tallinn to Kuressaare making it very easy for travellers to travel to this place. The place was mentioned the first time on Arab maps in 1154. This town has been living without any disturbance, and there have not been many ruins as the islands have not been affected like the mainland. There's more touch and fell of human life on the island than the mainland. It a good place for families as it got pristine nature and sea around it.
Haapsalu
This place was very popular among the Russian aristocracy, but now it hosts a lot of festivals and its home to many restaurants. For many centuries, this place has been known for its peaceful atmosphere, seawater and curative mud. It is 20th century wooden along the narrow streets which make it look somewhat similar to Venice. Therefore it is also commonly known as “Venice of the Baltic”. The place is so romantic with its seaside promenade and deeply rooted spa culture. There are many things to do and see here like the cathedral, festivals, music hall, island, nature and much more.
Nova & Noarootsi
Nõva and Noarootsi are located on the coasts of Estonia. Over the years, travellers have been enchanted with their Scandinavian feel and untouched nature. Due to the footsteps left behind by the Swedes, there's a great amount of wealth of history and traditions. One can find the oldest and smallest wooden church of Estonia in here. Due to the Noarootsi peninsula, visitors are drawn to its pine tree forest, it’s beautiful sandy beach and are popular places for bird watching in Estonia. There are many things to do here such as windsurfing, sailing, kayaking and touring. Once can still enjoy and see the traces left by Soviet military history in Noarootsi.
Lake Peipus
The fifth largest lake in Europe is only about 15 m in depth. On its sandy, there are some un-crowded beaches to be found in and around the place. The lake has remnants of a water body which existed during an era of the Ice age. The Lake has three islands which consist of Lake Peipsi, Lake Pskov and Lake Lammijarv. During the Soviet time, this was a popular resort area, but many of them were crumbling and new development took over them. There’s a beautiful isolated fishing village with few residents and an Orthodox monastery.
Ruhnu
An Estonian island with a picturesque atmosphere offers unique beach experiences. Located in the Gulf of Riga, it has few inhabitants and can be accessed by plane or ferry service. Most of the artefacts found on these islands date back to 5000B.C. But the first record of a document that found to be evident is a letter sent by the Bishop of Courland in 1341 in regards to the islander. The island has an impressive tower lighthouse which stands on the highest point of the hill Haubejerre, and the fascinating fact was that the tower was designed by Gustave Eiffel himself.
Kihnu
The seventh largest island in Estonia is located southeast from Saaremaa. The men and women of this island have been the guardian of its heritage, culture, handicrafts, music and other activities. It’s an ancient island of fishermen and seafarers. The whole place along with its culture, music, language clothing and handicrafts are part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. To experience the old traditions of the island, visit the place during St. Catherine’s day, Mid-summer Day or exciting event organised by the island on the month of May, June, July, August and October.
Setomaa
Setomaa is located on the south of Lake Peipus and inhabited by the Seto people. This ethnic and linguistic group are much admired and loved for their authentic traditional villages, vocal heritage and food. The best place to explore some European indigenous culture due to their geographical location, culture, religion and roots. And, to see Seto traditional villages, head to the south-eastern border of Estonia. They are also well known for the old singing tradition; it is well kept alive till today by both the older and younger generations alike. The food should be something on any visitor’s list to try out like their home cooked pie, fish and dairy products.
Sillamae
The mesmerising town is located near the Gulf of Finland at the mouth of Sotke River. The area has its first mentioned by the locality named Sillamaggi under the control of Livonian Order. In 1964, the first industrial city was created and decided to establish a metallurgy plant in order to get the uranium oxides from the oil shale ore. Today, the town stands proud to show its buildings from the post-war period of Stalin, museums and classical avenues. There is excursion available if one wants to see the Silamae Museum and the exhibition of the museum. It’s also a favourite of Estonia attractions.
Valga
It’s a town in southern Estonia contended between Latvia and Estonia. It is the capital City of Valga County. Until 1920, the town of Valka and Valga was one town. A British mediator was called to settle the dispute and suggested to split the town into two. As a result, when you walk around the centre of town, you will find yourself in and out of Valga and Valka. There’s a very slow process of gratification that Valga is enjoying, but some parks and old wooden houses are still skimmed by some industrial areas. There are a lot of interesting things to see both on the Valka side and Estonian side of the border.
Voru
Võru is a municipality and town in south-eastern Estonia. It is the capital of Võru County and the centre of Võru Parish. Võru County officially is a county in Southern Estonia. It is bordered by Põlva County and Valga County. It is the only Estonian county bordering two countries - Latvia and Russian Federation in the east. There were few places that visitors can visit such as Dr. Fr. R. Kreutzwald Memorial Museum, St Catherine’s Lutheran Church, St Catherine’s Orthodox Church, Võru County Museum and many others.
Korvemaa Nature Reserve
What makes Kõrvemaa a popular nature getaway destination in northern Estonia is its beautiful nature, unique landscape, versatile selection of plants and wild animals. Tourist comes here for its lakes, forests, and marshes. Take an adventure trip by climbing the hills, stroll across the wooden trails or even go hiking into the forests. Kõrvemaa is also a popular holiday destination for skiing as its tourist best places to visit in Estonia. During the autumn season, wild animals attract photographers and nature enthusiasts as it’s a natural habitat for many rare and protected species of birds.
Pirita Beach
Pirita beach is the most popular one in Tallinn and most visited of Tallinn Attractions. There are beach-goers and lovers from all over the city. The beach has lockers, changing rooms, playgrounds for children and areas for ball games. Volleyball is quite popular here, and one of the popular activities is done in and around the beach. In the summertime, there's a ten-pin bowling club bar and kiosks. That's not it; they're also a small market to stroll around!
Tallinn Old Town
This is the best-preserved city in Northern Europe, and thus visitors from all over the world drop around to see the beauty of this place. The town boasts well of its enchanting architecture, winding cobblestones and Gothic spires. Once it was home to rich merchants from Denmark, Germany and beyond the old town. Now many visitors visit museums, restaurants, bars, galleries and historical centres. Tallinn, unlike many cities in Europe, has managed to keep and preserve its structure of medieval origin. In 1997, the Old Town was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Tallinn Town Hall Square
Since the middle ages, Town hall square was well known for being a market place. For almost eight centuries, it’s been the heart of the city life. During the 13th and 14 century, it’s the centre of the Lower town and thus plays an important role even today. Its summer is alive with medieval festivals, plays, outdoor cafes, concerts, fairs and many more interesting activities. In the winter, the town is magical with the Christmas feel and festive throughout the market. And, Christmas means more to the town than any place as it was believed to have erected the first Christmas tree by the brotherhood of the blackheads.
Toompea Castle
The castle tower over the rest of the city as it’s laid right on the limestone cliff. It’s always been the seating power of Estonia. The castle was built on the foundations of the collapsing fortress built on this side in the 13th and 14 centuries. It’s made in a Baroque style between 1767 and 1773. The history of try of the castle lies in the story of the rulers and conquerors of Estonia. And, today, it Estonia's parliament, they even have the flag at the top of the Hermann tower to represent Estonia's independence.
Kadriorg Palace
The palace is home to a number of captivating 19th and 20th-century art museums and villas. It’s considered to be one of the grandest examples in Estonian architectural history. Since the 18th century, the palace has been well preserved as it was an imperial summer residence. The king’s crown, however, is in the palace. Peter the great established a family retreat here that was responsible for building Kadriorg. The palace was designed in such a way of trying to resemble the Italian palaces of the time. Today, it houses the best foreign art collection of the Estonian art museum.
Oleviste Church
There was a time when this Gothic architectural church was one of the tallest buildings in the world, soaring up to 159 meters in height. The church was completed in the 16th century and has always known to be a grand structure. It’s also has a 124-meter tower, known to be one of Estonia’s symbols. The church is supposedly known to have taken its name from sainted Norwegian king Olav II Haraldsson. The reformation in Tallinn started in 1523 by the preaching of Zacharias Hasse, who was then the chaplain of the church.
Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour
The Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour is part of the Estonian maritime museum devoted to exhibiting all things related to seafaring. See the Viking ships, shipwreck and seaplane cramped in this maritime museum. There are original watercraft set in the hangar which was built in 1916 and 1917. At the time of its construction, it was considered to be an architectural marvel because of its vast building and engineering advances. Seaplanes hangars are one of the most unique architecture in the whole world. The museum consists of very modern exhibitions at different sections of which many are connected to the cold war period.
KGB Museum
It’s a great Soviet monolith that’s become of Estonia’s main attractions. The museum was once a hotel by the name of Viru. It was a luxurious hotel in the 1970s that was appropriate for foreign visitors. The museums tell a story of two different worlds altogether where the Soviet citizens living here wanted nothing more than friendship. It was full of all-powerful men where there was never any trouble or accidents or catastrophe. Not many people can visit the hotel’s top floor as it was supposed to be a technical room. After the Soviets fled, it was discovered that the technical rooms had these high vintage James bond equipment.
Kadriorg Park
It’s an outstanding park with urban and palatial features covering around 70 hectares. The construction of this park began in 1718 on the orders of Peter I, the Russian. The elements of the 18th -20th centuries design can be seen here. The best places to see around the park are the flower beds that circle the Swan Pond and the promenade that leads to the palace of the President. There are a number of museums to visit in the park such as KUMU, Mikkeli Museum, Kardriog Art Museum, monuments and sculptural works.
Linnahall
It’s situated beyond the walls of the old town and now stands as a concrete ghost town. It was commissioned by the Soviet Union to show the skills of concrete pouring. At the time, while the world could not really show the potential of building seats, they certainly show to the world that it was possible. They built the massive 5,000 concrete amphitheatre seats. But over the years, this place started to degrade under the stress of time, and the rocks finally crumble. Though the arena is used for the certain occasion from time to time, the seats are generally empty.
Kumu Art Museum
One of Estonia’s largest museums is in Tallinn. It was opened in the year 2006 as headquarter of Art Museum Estonia. The museum has a huge collection of Estonia’s art museum and preserves it well. It houses many permanent and viable exhibitions of Kumu art museum, accommodates the conservation department, an auditorium, gallery of modern exhibitions and an educational centre. The museum is one of the main branches of Estonia’s art museum that houses Estonia’s art right from the 18th century up to the year 1991. There’s a lot of artwork collected in the museum over the centuries.
St Mary’s Cathedral
The Dome church stands right at the centre of the town of Toompea. It’s one of the most popular historical attractions of Estonia. It was firstly mentioned in the year 1233, and there are many gravestones that can be found here dating from centuries as well as epitaphs. There were many famous people that were buried here such as King Johann III's daughter Sophia Gyllenhelm, Pontus De la Gardie, the Swedish military officer along with his wife, Swedish Admiral Samuel Greigh; and Admiral Adam Johan von Krusenstern.
The Russalka Memorial
The memorial was built in memory to those who lost their lives in the Gulf of Finland on Russalka, the Russian naval vessel. It was built in the year 1902 by Amandus Adamson. It’s a 16-meter sculpture of an angel facing the sea where the Palace comes down to meet the Bay of Tallinn. There were at least about 177 men who were tragically sunk in the Russian military ship while they were on their way to Helsinki in 1893. This monument now become has a Tallinn main attractions and a traditional spot for Russian couples to lay flowers on their wedding day.
St. Nicholas’ Orthodox Church
Built-in 827 and considered to be the first neoclassical structure church in Tallinn. It was a focal point of trading for the Russian traders as it’s known for its iconostasis. It was designed by Luigi Rusca, who was St. Petersburgh court architecture. The church features its dome copper and twin bell tower with intriguing interior design. As for its history, it dates back much further and as far as the 12th century. When the town was being rebuilt in the year 1442, the church that was in the middle of the market was being replaced with a new one
Estonian Open Air Museum
The Museum is just 15 min drive away from the centre of Tallinn. It is a big and well known museum that showcases the country’s rural architectural life and the life around it. There are about 14 farms that shows the status of different family life who were living in the 18-20th centuries. Just like in any village, there’s also church, inn, school, mills, shop, fires station, and fishing harbour by the sea. While strolling around the museum, you can also have a look at the shops that sells handicrafts as souvenirs or ride horses or even try local dish at the inn.
Estonian History Museum
The Great medieval great hall has always been part and parcel in the life of the city. There’s a permanent exhibition at Museum know as Spirit of survival helps to understand 11,000 years of Estonian’s history along with the traditional and cultural life of the people. It also shows the historical events that have affected the people the most. The story of Estonian past is disclosed through rooms with different topics, such as the Gun Room that tell the history of the war that happens in Estonia. There’s also a special exhibition called the Power of elite that talk about the Great Guild and trade in the medieval time.
Balti Jaama Turg
To explore the main market in Estonia, this is the place to shop for all you need. People here sell and buys food, products and many more. It can be manufactured goods, antiques and many others. There are at least about 300 different sellers and shops you will find in the market. There are three different levels that the trading takes place, and in the kioska and standing outside the buildings. Underground of the market, there’s a big supermarket and a gym.
Kiek in de Kök
To learn and understand the history of Tallinn’s defences, the museum is an excellent introduction to all the new visitors to this place. It was built in the 14th century with six store cannon tower which played a very important role in the War. On its walls, it still has Ivan’s IV’s nine cannonballs. There’s a joke that the tower got its name from its tops as the kitchen view of the houses below could be seen right through. The tower has been remodelled a lot of time, the upper floor has new ceiling and outer whereas the two lowest floors were hidden by earthworks.
