Estonia Holidays – Tours & Adventure Travel Guide

PureTravel Says
“Estonia is a land of varied landscapes and topography, especially if you consider the 1,400 lakes and numerous river and bogs. If you like fishing or any other sort of adventurous trips, such as trekking or hiking, then consider Estonia. Prices in Estonia are cheaper than Western Europe and you’ll be taken back to a simpler time. Visit the Old Town in the capital city of Tallinn and visit to one of the bird sanctuaries.”

Estonia Holiday Highlights

Horse Riding - It is possible to take single or multiple day rides in Estonia, with some rides going on some of the outer islands (there’s over 1,500 to choose from). Some of the islands are smaller than a hectare in size, however. Additionally, it’s feasible to take a ride just outside of Tallinn if you’ve only got a day to spare, taking in the cultural city and old town at night. You can book horse-riding tours in Estonia near Parnu, though you’ll need extra time to get here and back if you fly in and out of Tallinn.

Walking & Trekking - Estonia has fantastic trekking and walking and is suitable for all abilities with the highest elevation around 320 meters. The plateau-like landscape, with an average height of around 50 meters, has nearly 1,500 lakes, some offering great hikes. Some of the best trekking takes place in the numerous national parks, including Lahemaa National Park. Many walking tours take place in Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia. The Soomaa National Park in southwest Estonia has five bogs, all of which are watered by the Parnu River.

Mountain Biking - The biggest hill in Estonia is Suur Munamagi (or “Big Egg Hill”), just shy of 320meters tall in Voru County. You can go biking in this area, however do stay on marked roads, as there are bogs, ponds and lakes to content with.

A great way to explore Tallinn is by bike on an organized guided tour, which run regularly. The trips take small numbers and you’ll see everything from the Kadriorg Park, the Maarjamae Memorial and the Old Town.

Fishing - Estonia is the land of lakes and fishing is possible from the largest Lake Peipus (Peipsi) to the Vohandu, Poltsamaa and Parnu Rivers. Some native and introduced fish to Estonia include the Burbot, Largemouth Bass, Weatherfish, European Smelt, Perch, Minnow, Coho Salmon, and Bitterling among many others. Before fishing, however, you’ll have to pick up a permit in Tallinn at the Tallinna Kalaspordi Klubi. Some rivers are closed when the salmon are spawning. You can rent boats in Lahemaa National Park.

Animals & Birds - Estonia has an abundance of wildlife and birdlife in its large expanses of forest and woodland. Animals that roam the forest include boars, bears, moose, lynx, and some wolves, said to be around the two hundred mark. The Kaina Bay Bird Reserve, the Matsalu Nature Reserve and the Lahemaa and Soommaa National Parks has amazing birds such as the stork and eagle, goose, a variety of woodpeckers, owls, cuckoos, doves, cranes, terns, gulls, kestrels and even falcons.

When To Go

Summer temperatures in Estonia reach around 18C. The winters can be cold, with February having the coldest temperature of –4C on average. The springtime has less precipitation than autumn.

Top Tips

• If you’re going out on your own, be mindful of the bogs. Like quicksand, once you start to go under, it’s very hard to escape.
• Never go into wild alone and always have a guide booked through your tour operator.
• The climate can often be cool and wet so ensure you bring raingear and warm clothing to layer up. Try a breathable layer and then layers of fleece and a windproof jacket.

Classic Itineraries

• Tour of Old Town in Tallinn
• Walks through Tallinn
• Trekking
• Bird watching