Did you know?

The picturesque old town of Tallinn is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.

The capital of Estonia, Tallinn is a pretty town and quite a rage among tourists. Its old world charm is clearly evident in the old towns of Lower Town and Toompea, which are some of the city's main attractions. The eastern districts of Pirita and Kadriorg are interesting, while the western parts of the city hold the Estonian Open Air Museum (Eesti Vabaõhumuuseum) near Rocca al Mare - an attempt to preserve Estonia's rural architecture and tradition. You can try joining a local walking tour to get a quick insight into the city's culture.

Estonia is becoming increasingly popular among tourists and the improving air and sea transport links between Tallinn and Western Europe have certainly helped here. This has also led to the development of hotels and restaurants - and the use of English in the tourist areas!

Price-wise

Estonia is growing economically, and the prices reflect that growth. Though it's not really expensive, things are not as cheap as in other former Eastern Bloc countries.

Tip:

You can buy the "Tallinn Card" from the local tourist office. It gives the holder free local transport and entry to most tourist attractions. Though the price may work out to be the same as buying individual entry tickets, it is certainly convenient to use.

White sandy beaches, warm shallow waters, parties on the sands, exciting night clubs, festivals and concerts - these are the varied elements that make Parnu the best known Estonian beach resort. In the summers, the sleepy pace of life gives way to the vibrant crowd of merrymakers who keep spilling into Parnu and transform the place! The spas and recuperation centres here are booked a year in advance.

Besides being a harbour town, Parnu is also a university town, and conferences and theatre performances take place regularly. Very close to Parnu are other beaches too - Valgerand, Kabli, Matsirand, and Uulu being some of them. 

A slice of history

The warm Parnu beaches were discovered by the Baltic Germans in the 19th century. By the 20th century, the population of the town had almost tripled - thanks to its popularity among people from all over the Soviet Union. Now, Parnu is slowly being discovered by Scandinavia and the rest of Europe!

Tartu is the academic and artistic capital of Estonia. Though it has a number of high-rise, glass and concrete buildings, it has still managed to retain its old structures, lending an interesting feel to the historical city centre.

This is the showcase city of Estonia and the Prime Minister often brings state guests here for a visit. A sample list for you - the presidents of Finland, the Republic of Ireland, Latvia, Hungary, and Lithuania, Charles, Prince of Wales,  as well as religious leaders like the head of the Orthodox Church of Constantinople, Patriarch Bartholomew I and  the Dalai Lama.

While the city centre is a mix of modern and traditional, the city suburbs resemble typical Soviet neighbourhoods, with blocks of high-rise flats that were built during Estonia's Soviet association.

Popular night spots

Tartu enjoys a thriving nightlife, thanks to its large student population. Popular night spots are Wilde Irish Pub, the Gunpowder Cellar, Club Tallinn and the café Maailm.

Narva is situated between the mountains and the seaside. Two kilometres from Narva is the Narva Waterfall, impressing anyone who visits with the immense force of its flowing water. On the other side, just 12 kilometres away, lies Narva-Jõesuu, a small spa town nestled along the coast of the Gulf of Finland.

Narva had become a favourite holiday resort of the Saint-Petersburg aristocracy right from early 19^th century. Now it has grown beyond recognition with health resorts, hotels, holiday homes, and camping sites and a capacity for thousands of visitors.

An idyllic climate, pine forests, golden beaches, and the crystal waters of the Baltic Sea make this resort on the coast of Gulf of Finland ideal for a relaxing holiday.

A resort town on the west coast of Estonia, Haapsalu is best known for the curative effect of its mud! A number of mud cure establishments have sprung up, and people from all over the world come here for medical treatment. Warm waters, peaceful atmosphere and quiet, narrow streets lined with early 20th century houses add to the restful environment. Haapsalu is known as the "Nordic Venice" due to the plenitude of water found here.

More about mud cures:

A military doctor, Carl Abraham Hunnius, founded the first mud cure resort in 1825. This news impressed the Russian aristocracy at St. Petersburg and established Haapsalu as a curative summer destination.

Other interesting facts:

- Haapsalu is also known for its shawls, delicately crafted by local women.
- Ilon Wikland is a world famous illustrator who is all set to open The Land of Ilon Wikland (Wiklandia), which is a children's recreation centre in Haapsalu.
- The August Blues Festival happens here every August.

Currently, the only 18-hole golf course in Estonia is located at Niitvälja, 33km south-west of Tallinn.

Course Specifications:

The course is 6,280m long and is a par 72. The shortest hole is a 153m par three and the longest is a 510m par 5.

The course remains opens between end of April and end of November.

This "Florida Style" golf course features a relatively gently sloping landscape, several water hazards and wide fairways, with narrower parts bordering dense forests. To guarantee a quality playing surface even in the hot, dry months of summer, a Danish designed sprinkler system has been installed.

Nature lovers should hike along Estonia's hills and hidden country paths. This country has 4 national parks and several nature reserves of quiet solitude and beauty. Signposts guide you along the way, and you can ramble and lose yourself in the tiniest of details of the forest's silence and magnificence. Rare plants, birds and animals abound, and this small area has a surprisingly wide variety of geological diversity.

The best way to go hiking is to take the help of a local guide who understands the countryside in its finest shades.

The Estonian countryside is an ever-changing tapestry of hills and quiet lakes nestling in valleys, followed by beautiful pine forests and twisting forest trails, and even coastal areas cooled by the swaying junipers and scented with dog roses. This beauty and range of scenery makes it an exciting place for cycling. There are a great number of marked cycle routes with a wealth of beauty and quaint villages and lifestyles to be discovered. In fact, cycling trips are encouraged for all kinds of cyclists, whether young or old, beginners or experts, solitary or with company, in some of these deserted military regions. You can either hire or get your own cycle.

Another way of enjoying Estonia's breathtaking beauty is on horseback. You don't need to be an experienced rider to go riding; there are riding camps and elementary training sessions conducted for beginners. Imagine racing towards a coastal sunset, or watching the calm sunrise from a mountain top, or visiting remote villages with their own unique history - inspiration indeed to make you go riding in Estonia!

Estonia has produced world champions who have polished their skiing skills on its vast snowy slopes. Now beginners and visitors can enjoy a day of skiing on these slopes, in the crisp fresh air of the mountains. Many interesting events are organized and equipment and basic training is provided by professionals. Till about April end when the snow starts melting, the slopes are full of energetic amateurs and professionals polishing their skills and enjoying the invigorating atmosphere.

The best ski slopes:

The hills in Otepää and Võrumaa are always snowy during winter time and offer great slopes for beginners and experienced skiers alike. You can enjoy many different kinds of activities - from cross-country paths and ski-boards to slalom hills, safari and snow taxis.

Whether you are an adventure-seeker looking for a rapid trip on fast-moving waters, or just looking to soak up the scenery while lazily floating on the gentle river, canoeing as an activity would not disappoint on either count. The best part is the flexibility you are provided in designing the trip the way you would like - whether you would like to go alone or in a group, you need a guide to help or can do without one, looking for a short ride or a long float - your preferences help in preparing a trip that's just right for you. 

Trip duration generally ranges between 1 and 3 days from ice-in to ice-out season. The trip price includes canoe rental, paddles, life vest, light meals as well as a basic canoe safety course.

It's a popular activity; be sure to make advance reservations!

It's not surprising that fishing is another popular activity in Estonia. The country's long coastline and numerous rivers and lakes almost invite you to play the waiting game. And anyone can fish recreationally once they get hold of a proper fishing permit, which can be easily purchased in any county Environmental Department. 

A closer look at fishing permits:

- You don't always need a fishing permit. If you use only a simple hand line consisting of a line and rod that is not more than one and a half times the rod length, only one hook, sinkers and float, you don't have to purchase any permit.
- However, you must purchase a temporary permit in case you use a spinning reel.
- Fishing permit form and price is the same anywhere in Estonia.
- Fishing permit prices are related to their validity.
- Fishing permits are personal and cannot be transferred.

Kuressaare is the capital of Saaremaa, the biggest island of Estonia. It is also said to have probably the most number of spas and health resorts in the world, earning it the title ‘City of health resorts'. It is filled with folklore and history and tales of eastern Vikings, making it a quiet and relaxing holiday destination. It also hosts the FC Kuressaare football club.