Traveling to Estonia has many advantages: it is a quick flight, and the absence of a language barrier, and a high level of tourist service. This cozy Baltic country is famous for its excursion program, because there really is something to look at. The story of all the main attractions of Estonia is below.
What can be seen in the capital?
Tallinn is a real European city: quiet, comfortable, but with a lot of attractions.
The upper city is the first thing that tourists to visit in Tallinn. Located on the hill of Toompea, it rises above the whole city. Here is the castle, which is considered the oldest in the country. Now this place is popular with guests of the city, and parliament is also sitting in the castle.
The lower city is located at the foot of the hill. The defensive wall with a tower, which defended Estonia in ancient times, is still preserved. Photos of the sights of Tallinn you see in the article. The heart of the city is the Town Hall Square. From here almost all excursions begin.
Museums in Tallinn
Not all tourists are interested in architectural attractions, many of them prefer a raid on museums. Which one is worth a visit?
- City Museum - located in the center of the historical part of the capital. The review offers a large collection of ceramics, furniture, weapons, telling about the past of the city.
- Museum of chivalry - in the center of the old city, a tourist can see a priceless collection. The awards and insignia are interesting from a historical and aesthetic point of view, because they are made of precious metals.
- Rocca al Mare is an open-air museum demonstrating life several centuries ago. Farm buildings, village houses, taverns - all this can be seen not only from the outside, but also inside.
- Kik-in-de-Kek is an exposition dedicated to the wars to which Estonia was related. The attraction of Tallinn is located on six floors of the old tower, which is the starting point for excursions through the tunnels of the bastions.
Intellectual capital of Estonia - Tartu
Tartu - the second largest city in the country - is considered the oldest in Europe. The first mention of it dates back to 1030. The city is called the intellectual capital because of the famous Tartu University located here.
The most popular place for tourists is the Town Hall Square. It must be visited for sure. It is interesting in an unconventional rectangular shape. Toomemägi Hill is the second most popular attraction in Tartu (Estonia).
Among the architectural monuments, one cannot but recall the church of St. John, built in the XIV century. Tourists are amazed by the rich decorations made of terracotta.
Tartu (Estonia), whose attractions will please lovers of antiquity, opens the doors of 20 museums to tourists. Among them are the Museum of a Citizen of the 19th Century, the Toy Museum, the Museum of Art and many others.
Sights of Estonia - the city of Narva
Narva is the most eastern and Russian-speaking city in the country. You can get here from the capital by bus in 3.5 hours. And the way is worth it.
The most preserved ancient construction of the defensive plan is the Narva Fortress. The Danes built it back in the VIII century. Here is a museum and various craft workshops.
A tourist should definitely see the main square of Narva, the Alexander Cathedral, the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, the bastions of the city - these sights of Estonia (some of the photos you see in this article) help to imbue the spirit of the old European city.
By appointment, you can visit the Krengol manufactory on the island. In the XIX century, it was the largest in the Russian Empire. The building of the old hospital, dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the Romanov dynasty, is worth a visit.
Do not forget to visit the Narva Art Gallery.
Kuressaare (Saaremaa Island)
The capital of the Estonian island will find something to surprise a tourist with. There are more than enough Estonian attractions here. The most important of them is the famous Bishop's Castle. There is no well-preserved medieval building in the whole Baltic. Now here is the museum of the island of Saaremaa, which operates only in the summer (starting in May).
Kuressaare’s importance was built at a time when the Swedes owned the country. Similar buildings in Estonia are no longer preserved.
A half hour drive from the island capital is a hill with windmills. They were built at the beginning of the 20th century, but are still perfectly preserved in their original form. This landmark of Estonia can be viewed from the inside and even see the work of the miller.
From the capital to the island it is better to fly by plane or sail by ferry. There is a bus transportation option, but it takes a lot of time.
What can be seen in Võru?
Voru is a city in the south of the country. Tourists from all over the world are interested in local traditions and dialect. In addition to the ruins of the ancient city of Kirumpäe and the local history museum, the natural attractions of Võru (Estonia) are widely known.
Haanja Nature Park - is a picturesque hills and valleys, clear lakes, villages that preserve ancient traditions. Tourists who love outdoor activities also come here.
Lake Tamula is the natural gem of Voru. A lot of tourist fishermen are attracted to this place. Others can lie down on the beach, play volleyball or enjoy Estonian dishes in the cafe. A suspension bridge across the lake leads to the island of Roossisaar. Here was an ancient settlement.
Mount Suur-Munamyagi is the highest point in the Baltic. The observation deck located here has a long history. Construction was difficult and costly, the discovery took place in the 30s of the XX century, and during the Second World War the site was badly damaged. Now the tower is restored and reconstructed.
Laulasmaa - the singing land
Laulasmaa (translated as “singing land”) is considered the most romantic place in Estonia. It is located only 35 km from Tallinn. The main local attraction is considered nature. It is difficult to look away from magnificent landscapes both in winter and in summer.
Treppoy Cascade is the most beautiful in the country. It stretches for 150 meters. Discussion of photos and descriptions of the sights of Estonia can not do without mentioning this object. For example, Keila Falls is the third highest in the country, it reaches a height of 6 meters. Estonian newlyweds come here to hang the castle on a suspension bridge and throw a key into the flowing waters.
Keila Joa Park has a hiking trail. Its length is 3 km. The trail stretches along the Keila River and allows you to see many natural beauties. Also in the park you can see Turisalu - a 30-meter cliff from which a gorgeous view of the sea opens.
A relaxing holiday in Laulasmaa is mainly chosen by senior citizens. They are delighted with the quiet rural life. In summer, young people come here, mainly for kite riding and surfing.
Lahemaa National Park
Lahemaa Park with an area of 725 square meters. Km is the largest park in the country. Unique forests, marshes, a waterfall and animals will delight a tourist who loves nature. However, there are not only such attractions. The village of Käsmu, the settlement of Aythia fishermen, is an ancient village that allows you to plunge deep into the centuries.
Of particular interest are the estates of the landowners. The most interesting is the Palmse Manor, built in 1763. Now in the baroque house is a museum. The adjacent park has 7 hiking trails.
The park is 70 km from Tallinn, it is more convenient to get here by bus.
Haapsalu City
Haapsalu is the main resort of Estonia. Description and photos of this attraction makes you want to see everything with your own eyes. No wonder that the resort is surrounded by the sea on three sides and attracts so many tourists. What can you see in this city?
The 13th-century episcopal settlement lies on an area of more than three hectares. At a later time, a chapel was built there. They say that in the August full moon you can see the silhouette of the White Lady here. According to legend, she was walled up in the wall for penetrating the fortress of her lover, who was a cleric.
The church of St. John in Haapsalu is interesting with an altar of the 17th century, a department of the 18th century and a beautiful ancient bell.
There are also several museums in the city. Zheleznodorozhny is interesting for a locomotive of the 40s of the XX century and wagons of the beginning of the XX century. The Kirillus Kraek Museum introduces visitors to the life of an Estonian composer. The Shawl Museum will tell the story of traditional shawls and shawls. By the way, the most popular local souvenir is a shawl.
The natural beauty of Haapsalu is concentrated nearby, in Matsalu Park. Ornithologists especially love this place, because many migratory birds stay here. Seven observation towers will help make observations more convenient.
Kypu Lighthouse
This Estonian landmark is located on Hiiumaa Island. The lighthouse began its work in 1649 and has not interrupted it since! It is the oldest continuously functioning lighthouse in the world. That is why more than 30 thousand tourists a year come to see it. The height of the building is 36 meters relative to the ground and 102 meters above sea level. The light of Kypu lighthouse is visible 35 nautical miles.
In addition to the structure of the lighthouse on the island, you can see the house of its owner, a machine room and a bathhouse. All this is included in the list of architectural heritage.
You can get to the lighthouse by plane or ferry. If you want exotic, then in winter you can come here by sea - on an ice road.
What to do in Estonia in winter?
Beautiful cobblestone streets, snow-covered steeples, holiday markets, ice rinks and concerts - this is what winter Estonia presents to tourists. In Tallinn, many street performances take place in winter: jazz concerts, film screenings, performances. Old Tallinn in winter becomes just magical.
Among Estonian sights in winter you can explore Kadriorg Castle. One of the symbols of the country was rebuilt by Peter I, who was here during the Northern War. Today, the Museum of Foreign Art is located here. The house of Peter is also interesting, in which you can see the preserved things of the emperor.
Baltic clay (limestone formation) was formed more than 45 million years ago. The glacier, which blew the upper part of the clay, revealed a lot of interesting things. Now here you can observe the ancient breeds and the remains of extinct fossilized animals.
In addition to sightseeing, winter Estonia offers a huge amount of entertainment: skiing and snowboarding, sleigh rides, hiking in the bathhouse.
All of Estonia is one big resort, which is impossible to see in a couple of days. I want to come back here again. Visiting a country is not so difficult. It is enough to apply for a Schengen visa and board the plane.