The Best Information About Estonia

One of the Baltic States, Estonia is a small country in northern Europe just 40 miles south of Helsinki across the Gulf of Finland. The country has long been a gateway region for centuries of European conquerors and kings (13th century castles still dot the region), and later Estonia was settled by an influx of German merchants, Danes, Swedes and Russians. Estonia broke from the Soviet Union in 1991.

Today, Estonia offers a mixture of old Europe and modern charm. Tallinn, the capital city, is the oldest capital in northern Europe and its Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval town centers, garnering a spot on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Tallinn also offers myriad cafes, boutiques, art galleries and museums. Just outside of Tallinn, explore Estonia’s largest national park, Lahemaa, the impressive Turisalu limestone cliffs and the beautiful Pakri Islands.

In southern Estonia, visit the country’s second-largest city and academic center, Tartu, home to the University of Tartu. Nearby attractions include the Emajogi River, which bisects Tartu; Estonia’s wine capital, Poltsamaa; the Endla Nature Reserve; and to the east, Lake Peipsi, home to quaint, one-street Russian villages.