Seeking the best festivals, nature parks, or adventure activities? We asked local residents and experts to share their favorite spots and events. Here’s what they recommend.
Although Estonia is the smallest of the Baltic states, its rapid transformation from a Soviet state to a high-tech hub has thrust the nation into the global spotlight. But digital innovation isn’t the only reason to visit this compact country. To help you make the most of your trip, we sought advice from local experts, including film directors, tour guides, and musicians, who shared their top recommendations.
Cleanse your body and soul in a traditional smoke sauna.
«Estonians are ‘sauna people’; it’s in our genes. The smoke sauna is our sacred space, a ritual for healing and transformation,» says Anna Hints, director of the award-winning documentary Smoke Sauna Sisterhood.
You can find this UNESCO-recognized experience at Mooska farm, located near Suur Munamägi, the highest hill in the Baltics. There, visitors can learn about the construction, heating, and family customs of the smoke sauna. Unlike a typical sauna, a smoke sauna lacks a chimney; instead, a fire is lit, allowing the room to fill with smoke. The process is both ancient and transformative.
Canoe at sunset during the “fifth season” in Soomaa National Park.
«Estonians are modern Vikings, but also remain the last pagans of Europe,» says Aivar Ruukel, a nature guide in the park. This unique period, typically occurring between March and April, turns Soomaa into a vast floodplain that could engulf Lower Manhattan.
The «fifth season» is the best time to enjoy a sunrise canoe trip through the ephemeral water channels. When the water freezes, the «sixth season» begins, offering ideal conditions for wild ice skating across the frozen landscape. Both seasons offer breathtaking opportunities to connect with Estonia’s natural beauty.
Hear the distinctive sounds from a Native community
Immerse yourself in the unique sounds and culture of the Seto people, an Indigenous ethnic minority of just a few thousand whose land spans the Estonian-Russian border. «Seto cuisine and culture are distinctive and have remained untouched due to Setomaa village’s isolated location in the southeastern corner of Estonia, at the crossroads of the Eastern and Western worlds,» says Anzelika Gomozova, head of the Seto community.
One of the best times to visit this enclave is in August during Seto Kingdom Day, an annual cultural celebration in Setomaa. Experience traditional culinary delights such as sõir, a quark cheese made from pressed fresh curd, crafted by local masters like Inara Luigas at her café Inara Vanavalgõ Kohvitarõ in Põlva County. Additionally, enjoy a mesmerizing leelo performance, a polyphonic style of folk singing that was added to the UNESCO List of Intangible Culture in 2009. Witnessing these cultural treasures offers a deep connection to Seto traditions.
Embark on an adventure exploring some of Estonia’s 2,000 islands by ferry. In western Estonia, ferries transport passengers to Hiiumaa Island, where you can ascend the renowned Kõpu Lighthouse. In operation for nearly 500 years, Kõpu is one of the world’s oldest continuously working lighthouses.
Nearby, on Ristna Cape, surfers can ride some of the Baltic Sea’s largest waves before heading to the larger Saaremaa Island. There, you can visit the iconic Angla windmills and delve into their history, as well as local folk culture, at the onsite museum. Saaremaa is also home to the Kaali meteorite crater field, a remarkable natural wonder dating back 7,500-7,600 years. Exploring these islands offers a mix of history, natural beauty, and unique experiences.
Photograph bird life with professionals
Estonia’s diverse landscapes, despite its compact size, are home to a rich variety of wildlife. «But you have to be patient for its treasures to appear,» says Sven Zacek, an Estonian nature photographer. Book a photography tour with seasoned professionals like Remo Savisaar to capture stunning images of large wild animals, including wild boar, lynxes, and wolves, as well as 156 bird species in Karula Nature Park, the country’s smallest national park. Let the experts guide you to the best locations and moments for photographing Estonia’s exceptional wildlife.
Discover why Estonia is a dream for digital nomads
Estonia is a haven for digital nomads, boasting more start-ups per capita than California’s Silicon Valley and a thriving tech scene. While you shouldn’t spend your vacation working, digital nomads can seamlessly blend business with adventure and relaxation in places such as the Entrepreneurs Forest or the Haani Creative Hut. These locations emphasize efficient productivity and intentional rest amidst serene natural surroundings.
«Following the COVID-19 pandemic, people have discovered innovative ways to integrate travel, work, and leisure,» says Lisanna Elm, project manager of the remote working network Kupland. «Many are now embracing the workation trend, combining work with vacation.» Estonia’s forward-thinking approach to remote work, along with its natural beauty, makes it an ideal destination for digital nomads seeking a balanced and productive lifestyle.
Sing along with the Baltic’s largest choir
Immerse yourself in Estonian culture through the Estonian Song Festival, one of the world’s largest choral events. Held every five years, the festival brings together tens of thousands of choir singers at the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds to perform both popular songs and timeless classics like «Laul Põhjamaast» and «Mu isamaa on minu arm.» «People need memorable moments,» says singer and songwriter Anu Taul. «A personal musical journey in pure nature or on song festival grounds stays with you forever.»
The Estonian Song Festival first took place in 1869 and now runs concurrently with the Estonian Dance Festival, forming a central part of the country’s identity. The next festival will take place in July 2025, offering an unforgettable experience of music, dance, and unity for both locals and visitors alike.
Visit a European Capital of Culture
«Tartu is the gateway to southern Estonia, where you can explore a rich cultural region filled with the vibrant life of local communities, indigenous languages, and traditions,» says Kuldar Leis, head of the European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024.
Visitors can experience the traditional wonders of the nation by attending one of the many Community Program events in South Estonia. Choose from cozy festivals such as «Aigu Om!» in Viitina village, organized by world music artist Mari Kalkun, or partake in Midsummer and Night of Ancient Lights festivities around bonfires with the locals. Tartu’s role as a European Capital of Culture in 2024 provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Estonia’s diverse heritage and lively contemporary culture.