Estonia is a Baltic state in Northern Europe having land borders with both Latvia and Russia. Estonia’s coastline lies on the Baltic sea and the Gulf of Finland.
Overview
The northernmost and smallest of the Baltic states, Estonia has charming old towns and heritage back to the Hanseatic League. Tallinn’s old town was built in the Middle Ages, but is in magnificent condition, with the city walls and towers almost completely intact, and it rates as one of Europe’s best medieval old towns. Visitors can also experience an ex-Soviet republic that is now part of the European Union. Traces of the Soviet era are still there to be seen, e.g. Paldiski, a deserted Soviet army base that was once off-limits to Estonians themselves, can easily be visited on a day trip from the capital, Tallinn. Estonia is renowned for its bucolic islands and extensive bogs that are now national parks with easy access for tourists. Glorious beaches pepper the extensive coastline, although the swimming season is short—after all, the Baltics are not renowned for warm weather.
Trip Highlights
- Tallinn
- Saaremaa
- Lahemaa National Park
- Tartu
- Narva Castle
- Parnu
- Rakvere Castle
- Hiiumaa
- Soomaa National Park
- Viljandi
- Lake Peipus
- Matsalu National Park