Have you ever been to a country where the forests feel like therapy and the Wi-Fi is faster than your home connection? Estonia is the kind of place that quietly surprises you. It is roughly the size of The Netherlands, yet home to just 1.3 million people. More breathing room, more ancient woodland and more good food than you might expect. I took a road trip across the country and came back with a full memory card and a deep appreciation for herbal tea. My firm conclusion: Estonia is one of the most underrated destinations in Europe. Here are my Estonia highlights for your trip!

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Introduction to Estonia

Estonia is just as big as The Netherlands, but has only 1.3 million inhabitants. We squeeze 17.3 million people onto that same surface, which explains a lot about Dutch personal space. Because of the turbulent Soviet era, locals are deeply connected to nature. They still head to the forest to collect mushrooms and berries. The food in restaurants is beautifully fresh, built around seasonal vegetables and herbs. The local herbal tea alone is worth the trip. Estonia is furthermore one of the most digitally advanced countries in the world, leading Europe in e-governance and tech innovation. It is a country full of layers, and a road trip is the best way to peel them back.

Planning to explore by car? Discover Cars offers great rates for rental cars across Estonia. It is perfect for a scenic road trip along the coast and through the national parks. I also recommend downloading a Saily eSIM before you land. That way you can navigate every forest path and charming manor road without hunting for local SIM cards.

Best boutique hotels in Estonia

– Click on the names for rooms and rates –

Estonia has a seriously impressive hotel scene. Think design-forward city stays in Tallinn and manor hotels surrounded by ancient forest. Lydia Hotel in Tallinn is a beautifully restored literary-themed boutique hotel. It sits in the heart of the old town, named after Estonian writer Lydia Koidula. The interiors are warm, detailed and absolutely charming.

The Three Sisters Hotel is one of Tallinn’s most celebrated stays. Three medieval merchant houses were joined into one of the most atmospheric hotels in the Baltics. History buffs and design lovers will be equally smitten. For something truly unique, IgluPark offers glass-roofed cabin stays in the forest. Perfect for stargazing from your bed without leaving the warmth of your duvet.

ROOMS AND RATES FROST BOUTIQUE HOTEL

Wasa Resort in Pärnu is a wonderfully relaxing spa hotel with an excellent wellness centre. It is ideally positioned near the beach. Old Hapsal Hotel in Haapsalu is a romantic pick right in the charming old town. The rooms are lovely and the restaurant takes Estonian cuisine seriously.

Frost Boutique Hotel in Tallinn combines a sleek Scandi aesthetic with genuine warmth. The Burman Hotel is a boutique favourite for those who want something intimate and design-conscious. Oru Hub Hotel Tallinn is a smart, contemporary option with great city access and a lively neighbourhood vibe.

ROOMS AND RATES THE BURMAN HOTEL

Best things to do in Estonia

Estonia punches well above its weight when it comes to experiences. From medieval old town walks in Tallinn to bog hiking in rubber boots, there is something here for every kind of traveller. Below are the tours I recommend most.

Tallinn tours and day trips

The Guided Old Town Historical Walking Tour of Tallinn is the best way to understand why this medieval centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your guide walks you through centuries of history, from Danish rule to Soviet occupation. It never feels like a lecture. For a day out of the city, the Day Trip to Lahemaa National Park is unmissable. It combines forest walks, coastal scenery and manor visits in one spectacular outing.

Arriving from Helsinki? The Return Day Trip Ferry Ticket from Helsinki to Tallinn is a brilliant option. Two hours across the Gulf of Finland and you arrive directly in the old town. The Jägala Waterfall and Harju County Tour takes you to Estonia’s most powerful waterfall. It makes a great half-day escape from the capital.

Activities for food lovers and solo travellers

For solo travellers, the Estonian Cuisine Cooking Class in Tallinn Old Town is one of the most sociable ways to spend an evening. You will cook traditional dishes, eat together with fellow food lovers and leave with recipes worth repeating at home. The Stories and Views 2-Hour Walking Tour of Tallinn Old Town gives you sweeping views from the upper town. It also comes with some of the city’s best local storytelling.

Do not leave Estonia without trying the Guided Bog-Shoe Hiking Tour. Strapping on wooden bog shoes and walking across a raised peat bog sounds eccentric. It absolutely is. But it is also one of the most surprisingly peaceful experiences the country has to offer.

BOOK YOUR TALLINN WALKING TOUR

Estonia highlights: Tallinn

This stunning capital of Estonia is full of surprises. It bursts with great restaurants, interesting museums, hip neighbourhoods and a romantic old town. It somehow manages to feel lived-in rather than preserved under glass. I loved this city so much that I put together a full Tallinn City Guide with all my favourite spots. This includes the creative neighbourhood Telliskivi, which is well worth an afternoon.

For solo travellers especially, Tallinn is a dream. The old town is compact and walkable, the locals are welcoming and the café and restaurant scene is excellent. You will find everything from atmospheric medieval cellars to Scandinavian-influenced brunch spots within a short stroll. I kept finding myself wandering down a new alley and stumbling onto something worth photographing. Wonderful, and completely ruinous for your schedule.

You can follow me on Instagram @lieke.pijnappels to see more of my Estonia adventures and daily travel content.

Estonia highlights: Lahemaa National Park

Nature lovers can eat their heart out at this beautiful national park. Visit the impressive Viru Bog, full of legends, and walk the wooden boardwalk path. Halfway along, you will find a wooden tower with a colourful view over the bog. The Viru Bog is the absolute standout of the park. The Käsmu Peninsula is also worth a visit. It is a popular summer destination for Estonians with a wonderfully quiet character out of season.

Close to Käsmu you will also find the Field of Boulders. These massive rocks were deposited as the Finnish and Swedish continental ice shelf retreated around 10,000 years ago. It is the kind of place that makes you feel very small in the best possible way.

BOOK YOUR LAHEMAA NATIONAL PARK DAY TOUR

Estonia highlights: The old manors

Estonia has many old manors, some dating back to the 13th century. You can visit them and even spend the night in some of them. Until around 200 years ago, the farmers here were effectively enslaved by the landlords. Times have changed considerably since then. We stayed at the lovely Vihula Manor in Lahemaa National Park. The hotel has an excellent restaurant, a minigolf trail, a spa and a pool. Berries and herbs from the garden go straight into the kitchen. This is where you will find your zen.

We also visited Sagadi Manor in Lahemaa National Park, where we learned to weave baskets and explore a nature school with insect microscopes. Pöhjaka Manor in the heart of Estonia was the best restaurant of the entire road trip. The dishes were beautifully prepared, the interior wonderfully rustic.

Lunch at Pöhjaka Manor | Estonia Highlights

Estonia highlights: Haapsalu

Haapsalu is a charming seaside resort and spa destination with a history that attracted Russian Tsars. Tsar Alexander II loved this little town, and walking through it, the appeal is easy to understand. Stroll along the promenade, have lunch or dinner at the stunning Kuursaal and visit the famous Tchaikovsky bench. He loved Haapsalu and used it as inspiration for many of his compositions, which feels about right for a town this atmospheric.

Dinner at Old Hapsal Hotel is delicious, with some of the best cakes in Estonia. The castle is moreover a must visit, with an interesting museum inside. At night the moonlight illuminates the walls and, according to local legend, The White Lady sometimes appears.

BOOK A STAY AT THE UNIQUE IGLUPARK

Haapsalu | Estonia Highlights

Estonia highlights: Pärnu

Pärnu is located in the south-west of Estonia and is the country’s fourth city. Just like Haapsalu, it is a seaside resort with many spa hotels and a long sandy beach. The city hosts many festivals in summer. That is why Pärnu is called the “summer capital” of Estonia. Walk along the promenade, dine at Villa Wesset, try a surf lesson at Aloha Surf and treat yourself to a high tea at Supelsaksad. Have a drink at Little Cuba on the beach and try the warm donuts at Soorikubaar. Mahedik and Raimond are also excellent dinner options.

We stayed at the Wasa Resort, where I spent a lovely morning soaking in the spa. It is a comfortable base for exploring the region. Especially practical if you are road-tripping between Tallinn and the western coast.

ROOMS AND RATES WASA RESORT

On the first photo: the spa at Wasa Resort (photo by Wanda Bregman). Second photo: cosy Supelsaksad | Estonia Highlights

Estonia highlights: Frequently asked questions

What are the best things to do in Estonia?

The best things to do in Estonia include exploring Tallinn’s medieval old town and hiking in Lahemaa National Park. Visiting the Viru Bog, discovering Haapsalu and road-tripping to historic manors are also must-dos. Tallinn alone deserves at least two to three days.

How many days do you need for Estonia?

A week is ideal for experiencing Estonia’s main highlights, including Tallinn, Lahemaa National Park, Haapsalu and Pärnu. If you only have a weekend, focus on Tallinn: it is compact, walkable and packed with things to see and do.

Is Estonia good for solo travellers?

Estonia is an excellent destination for solo travellers. Tallinn is compact and safe, the locals are friendly and the city has a great café and restaurant scene. Joining guided tours is also a brilliant way to meet fellow travellers while discovering the country’s best spots.

What is the best time to visit Estonia?

The best time to visit Estonia is from May to September, when the weather is mild and the days are long. June and July offer the famous white nights, when it barely gets dark at all. Winter is also beautiful if you love snow-covered old towns and cosy spa hotels.

If you are planning a longer trip around the Baltics, my Tallinn City Guide has everything you need, and my Copenhagen City Guide is a great next stop if you are heading further west.

Do you need a car to explore Estonia?

A rental car makes exploring Estonia significantly easier, especially for Lahemaa National Park, Haapsalu and Pärnu. Tallinn itself is very walkable, but the rest of the country is best discovered on your own schedule with your own wheels.

THE BEST RENTAL CARS IN ESTONIA

• Find the best hotels in Estonia at Booking.com
• Book the best tours and activities at GetYourGuide.com
• Compare rental cars at Discover Cars
• Arrange your airport transfer with WelcomePickups
• Stay connected with an eSIM from Saily

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