What to See in Estonia

last edited Dec 11, 2019

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Location Map of Estonia

Estonia Open the interactive map

UNESCO World Heritage

In addition to the Struve Geodetic Arc, Estonia has another site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list:

Centre historique de Tallinn, Tallinn, Estonie

Historic Centre of Tallinn (1997)
Ramparts, remnants of the medieval era, and numerous Baroque, Renaissance, and classical-style buildings have earned the Old Town its UNESCO World Heritage status.

The Coast

Haapsalu
It's one of the main seaside resorts on the coast and a charming small town with its castle, winding streets, and wooden houses.

Laulasmaa
An old seaside resort dating back to the early 20th century, west of the capital Tallinn.

Narva
Estonia’s third-largest city is located on the Russian border. Largely rebuilt after the war, it is characterised by Soviet-era architecture, with a few remnants of the past such as its medieval castle. A few kilometres away, the (long) beach of Narva-Jõesuu is one of the country’s most popular.

Paldiski
This Baltic seaside town is a former Soviet military base, with some remnants of that era still visible in its buildings.

Pärnu
A major seaside resort (and spa town) in southwestern Estonia, popular with visitors. The city also boasts a charming old town. Pärnu is often called Estonia’s "summer capital.".

Rakvere
This is a town in the northeast with the ruins of a castle, several churches, and various cultural events for which it is known.

Tallinn
With its museums and beautifully preserved UNESCO-listed historic centre, Tallinn is one of Europe’s most stunning capitals. Nearby beaches like Kaberneeme and Pirita are also worth a visit.

Toila
A popular seaside resort between Tallinn and the Russian border. The Valaste waterfalls are nearby.

The Islands

Hiiumaa
This is the country's second-largest island, north of Saaremaa. Visitors come to enjoy its nature and beautiful landscapes, as well as to discover its lighthouses and old churches.

Kihnu
A small island off Pärnu where local culture and traditions remain very much alive and are even recognised by UNESCO.

Muhu
This peaceful spot between Saaremaa and the mainland is home to a few windmills and traditional villages like Koguva.

Ruhnu
A small island in the Gulf of Riga, popular with hikers and swimmers.

Saaremaa
This is the largest island in Estonia. Visitors come for its landscapes, small villages, historical sites (Kuressaare Castle, Soviet memorials, etc.), old windmills, beaches, hiking, and birdwatching in Vilsandi Park.

Natural Heritage

Valaste Waterfalls
The tallest waterfalls in Estonia (30.50 m) have become a (small) tourist attraction.

Lahemaa National Park
This coastal park, about sixty kilometres from Tallinn, is made up of forests, marshes, and peat bogs. It features several villages with their beaches (Vosu, Kasmu...), four manors (including Sagadi Manor), hiking trails, and interesting wildlife such as lynx, wolves, bears, and birds.

Matsalu National Park
A coastal reserve with countless bird species to observe and small canals to navigate.

The Interior

Otepää
C'est la station de sport d'hiver de l'Estonie avec également des randonnées à faire en été.

Paide
A large locality in central Estonia with the remains of a 13th-century castle.

Tartu
It is the second-largest and oldest city in the country, both a university town and a tourist destination. It offers a historic centre, several churches and museums (including the local KGB museum), as well as urban parks and gardens.

Viljandi
One of the many Hanseatic cities in the Baltic States, Viljandi features the ruins of its medieval castle. It is also regarded as the country’s cultural capital, hosting numerous events and festivals.