Traveling to Estonia has many advantages: a fast flight, no language barrier, and a high level of tourist service. This cozy B altic country is also famous for its excursion program, because there really is something to see here. A story about all the main sights of Estonia is below.
What can you see in the country's capital?
Tallinn is a real European city: quiet, cozy, but with a lot of sights.
The Upper Town is the first thing tourists should visit in Tallinn. Located on the Toompea hill, it towers over the entire city. Here is the castle, which is considered the oldest in the country. Now this place is popular with guests of the city, and the parliament also sits in the castle.
The lower city is located at the foot of the hill. A defensive wall with a tower that protected Estonia in ancient times has survived to this day. You can see photos of the sights of Tallinn in the article. The heart of the city is the town hall square. Almost all excursions start from here.
Museums of Tallinn
Not all tourists are interested in architectural sights, many of them prefer to raid museums. What kindmust 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 Orders of Knighthood - in the center of the old city, a tourist can see a priceless collection. Awards and distinctions 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 showing life centuries ago. Farm buildings, village houses, taverns - all this can be seen not only from the outside, but also from the inside.
- Kik-in-de-Kek is an exposition dedicated to the wars that Estonia was involved in. The attraction of Tallinn is located on six floors of an ancient tower, which is the starting point for excursions through the tunnels of the bastions.
Estonian intellectual capital - 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 University of Tartu located here.
The most popular place among tourists is the town hall square. It is a must to visit. It is interesting in its unconventional rectangular shape. Toomemägi Hill is the second most popular attraction in Tartu, Estonia.
Among the monuments of architecture, one cannot help but recall the Church of St. John, built in the 14th century. Tourists are amazed by the richdecorations made of terracotta.
Tartu (Estonia), whose sights will delight lovers of antiquity, opens the doors of 20 museums to tourists. Among them are the Museum of the 19th century Citizen, the Toy Museum, the Museum of Art and many others.
Sights of Estonia - city of Narva
Narva is the most eastern and Russian-speaking city in the country. From the capital, you can get here by bus in 3.5 hours. And the path is worth it.
The most preserved ancient defensive structure is the Narva fortress. The Danes built it back in the 8th century. There is a museum and various craft workshops here.
A tourist should definitely see the main square of Narva, Alexander Cathedral, the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, the bastions of the city - these sights of Estonia (you can see photos of some of them in this article) help to feel the spirit of an old European city.
By appointment, you can visit the Krengol manufactory on the island. In the 19th 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 a must see.
Don't forget to visit the Art Gallery of Narva.
Kuressaare (Saaremaa island)
The capital of the Estonian island will find something to surprise the tourist. There are more than enough Estonian sights here. The most important of them is the famous Bishop's Castle. There is no such well-preserved medieval building in the entire B altic region. Now the museum of the island is located here. Saaremaa, open only during summer (starting from May).
Kuressaare important was built at a time when the country was owned by the Swedes. There are no more similar buildings in Estonia.
A half-hour drive from the island's 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 a 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 long time.
What can you see in Võru?
Võru 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 Natural Park - numerous picturesque hills and valleys, clear lakes, villages that keep ancient traditions. Tourists who love outdoor activities also come here.
Lake Tamula is a natural gem of Võru. A lot of tourists-fishermen are attracted to this place. Others can lie on the beach, play volleyball or enjoy Estonian cuisine in a cafe. A suspension bridge across the lake leads to the island of Roosisaar. There was an ancient settlement here.
Mountain Suur-Munamägi is the highest point in the B altics. The observation deck located here has a long history. The construction was difficult and costly, the discovery took place in the 30s of the XX century, and during the SecondWorld War II, the site was badly damaged. Now the tower has been restored and reconstructed.
Laulasmaa - singing land
Laulasmaa (translated as "singing land") is considered the most romantic place in Estonia. The place is located just 35 km from Tallinn. Nature is considered the main local attraction. It's hard to look away from the magnificent landscapes both in winter and in summer.
Treppoya Cascade is the most beautiful in the country. It stretches for 150 meters. Discussion of photos and descriptions of the sights of Estonia is not complete without mentioning this object. For example, the Keila waterfall is the third highest in the country, it reaches a height of 6 meters. Estonian newlyweds come here to hang a padlock on a suspension bridge and throw the key into the falling waters.
There is a hiking trail in Keila Joa Park. 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 Tyurisala - a 30-meter cliff, which offers a gorgeous view of the sea.
Retired holidays in Laulasmaa are mainly chosen by pensioners. They are delighted with the quiet rural life. In the summer, young people also come here, mainly for kiteboarding and surfing.
Lahemaa National Park
Lahemaa park with an area of 725 sq. km is the largest park in the country. Unique forests, swamps, a waterfall and animals will delight a tourist who loves nature. However, there are not only such sights here. Käsmu village, Aitya fishermen's settlement are ancient villages that allowplunge deep into the centuries.
The estates of the landlords are of particular interest. The most interesting is Palmse Manor, built in 1763. The baroque building now houses a museum. There are 7 hiking trails in the adjacent park.
The park is located 70 km from Tallinn, it is more convenient to get here by bus.
City of Haapsalu
Haapsalu is the main resort in Estonia. The description and photo of this attraction makes you want to see everything with your own eyes. It is not for nothing that the resort, surrounded by the sea on three sides, attracts so many tourists. What can you see in this city?
The episcopal settlement of the 13th century lies on an area of more than three hectares. At a later time, a chapel was built there. It is said that on the August full moon you can see the silhouette of the White Lady here. According to legend, she was immured in the wall because she penetrated the fortress to her lover, who was a clergyman.
St. John's Church in Haapsalu is interesting with a 17th century altar, an 18th century pulpit and a beautiful ancient bell.
Also, there are several museums in the city. Zheleznodorozhny is interesting for the locomotive of the 40s of the XX century and the cars of the beginning of the XX century. The Kirillus Kreek Museum introduces visitors to the life of the Estonian composer. The Museum of Scarves will tell about the history of traditional scarves and shawls. By the way, the most popular local souvenir is a shawl.
The natural beauties of Haapsalu are concentrated nearby, in the Matsalu park. Ornithologists especially love this place, because many people stop here.migratory birds. Seven observation towers will help make your observation more convenient.
Kõpu Lighthouse
This Estonian attraction is located on the island of Hiiumaa. 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 come to see it every year. The height of the building is 36 meters relative to the ground and 102 meters above sea level. The light of the Kõpu lighthouse is visible for 35 nautical miles.
In addition to the building of the lighthouse on the island, you can see the house of its owner, the engine room and the bathhouse. All this is included in the list of architectural heritage.
You can get to the lighthouse by plane or ferry. If you want something exotic, then in winter you can come here by sea - along the ice road.
What to do in Estonia in winter?
Beautiful cobbled streets, snow-covered spiers, holiday bazaars, skating rinks and concerts - this is exactly what winter Estonia looks like to tourists. Tallinn hosts many street performances in winter: jazz concerts, film screenings, performances. Old Tallinn becomes simply magical in winter.
Among the sights of Estonia in winter, you can see Kadriorg Castle. One of the symbols of the country was rebuilt by Peter I, who visited here during the Great 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.
The B altic Clint (limestone formation) was formed over 45 million years ago. The glacier that blew the toppart of the glint, exposed a lot of interesting things. Now here you can observe ancient rocks and the remains of extinct fossilized animals.
In addition to sightseeing, winter Estonia offers a huge amount of entertainment: skiing and snowboarding, sleigh rides, sauna trips.
The whole of Estonia is one big resort, which is impossible to see in a couple of days. I want to come back here again. It's not that hard to visit the country. It is enough to apply for a Schengen visa and board a plane.
