Small in size but big in character, the proud nation of Estonia manages to pack historical cities, swathes of charming countryside, a picturesque coastline, and rugged islands into a relatively small amount of space. Thanks to its compactness, visitors can easily travel between the many tourist attractions the country has to offer. Although just a stone's throw away from Finland, Latvia, and Russia, Estonia boasts its own distinct culture, evident in the country's cuisine, music, and traditions.
Things to know before visit Estonia
Estonia has quite a moderate climate but it differs between the coastal region and the inland. Summers are between May and August with July being the hottest month. The temperatures can rise up to 30° Celcius. In the winters temperatures can go down to almost -5°C with heavy snowfall and snowstorms. Winters start in October and end by March.
A popular tourist destination, Tallin, is the hub of architecture. It is a picturesque town with a historic air to it. It has cobblestone streets and beautiful 15th century buildings. The heart of the town is called Toompea, which is basically a hill where all the historically acclaimed monuments lie. From atop this hill one can see the entire Old city. Some must visit places here are the the 14th century Town Hall, the grand 19th century Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Viru Street with shops and cafes.
This park is one of the most visited park’s in Estonia and the best part is that it is only an hour’s drive from the capital- making for an ideal day trip. Viru Raba, or Viru Bog is a great place to start your adventure. In the midst of the park lies Sagadi Village- a place to go around the Sagadi Manor and explore the place’s history and culture.
A wonderful landscape, Saaremaa Island is a great place to check out in Estonia. It has breezy meadows, gorgeous coastal region, sprawling forests, and towering windmills- all making for beautiful scenery. Nature lovers will get lost in the orchid-peppered reaches of Loode, walking between Kaali meteorite craters, hot springs of Puhatu and the gorgeous Bear lake. You must also explore the culture of the local Saaremaa folk- an interesting tribe with unique traditions.
This ancient town boasts of habitation dating back to more than three millennia. It offers a peak into the life before Tallinn’s great medieval bulwarks came into being. It has a unique collection of cult stones, cup-marked carvings, ancient religious statues and sacred sites steeped in pre-Christian traditions. A must see here is the legendary Witch’s Well and the unique phenomena which takes place when the subterranean channels of the area’s system overflow from the well into the nearby farmlands- A mystical sight!
Travel Advisory: For the latest information and advice on safety and entry requirements please consult your travel agent well in advance of your departure and visit the following government website:
Department of Foreign affairs and trade www.dfat.gov.au
Smart Traveler website www.smartraveler.gov.au
Electricity: While traveling to this country it is advisable to carry an international power plug adapter with multiple plug configurations. The standard voltage is at 230V.