Estonia is a ‘must’ in the Baltic region!

Tallinn Estonia’s capital is a delightful place. It is a unique travel and event destination thanks to its rich cultural heritage and medieval architecture. You can see, feel and touch history everywhere in this overwhelmingly romantic city. Whether it’s dining out under candlelight in the old town merchant house or walking in its tree-lined parks that were once promenaded by the aristocracy. If its retail therapy that’s required then Tallinn will provides you with a wealth of brand named shopping outlets to suit all tastes and budgets and for the adventurous amongst you the outstanding night life is definitely worth discovering. This is without doubt one of the new undiscovered gems of Europe.

North - Estonia

Northern Estonia stands out in the diversity of its landscape and history. Dramatic cliffs uniquely line parts of this Baltic Sea coast region, which hugs the Gulf of Finland nearly equidistant between Helsinki and St. Petersburg. The area also features one of Estonia's most popular nature reserves, Lahemaa National Park; with its jagged coasts, vast forests, wetlands and many hiking trails, it is a nature enthusiast’s dream. Medieval-era castles, elegantly restored manor estates and beautiful waterfalls dot this 200-kilometer-long swath of territory running from Tallinn to Narva, the country's most easterly city. This ancient outpost, which skirts the river border between Estonia and Russia, is a place where two cultures meet and mingle--creating a fascinating mix of East and West. The gorgeous Narva Castle, which straddles the winding river, is a hallmark of the region. It is an impressive monument to northern Estonia's rich and sometimes tragic history.

West - Estonia

Drive your fingers into the finely grained sand of a beach on Estonia's west coast, look up to see other people laughing or playing volleyball around you, and you'll understand why this is where many Estonians themselves go to unwind and have fun. With its lovely coastline and hundreds of islands offshore, it's no wonder why it's so widely beloved. The regional hub is Parnu, the largest town in western Estonia. It's long been celebrated all around the Baltic Sea as the most delightful of resorts, featuring attractions from the sublime to the quirky, like mud-bath spas. Parnu's also celebrated for its network of meticulously well-kept parks and for its inviting architectural landscape.

A smaller but equally inviting town along the west coast is Haapsalu, distinguished by its 19th-century town feel. It, like Parnu, also has a fine beach and several health spas, which were once frequented by the Russian royal family. Another star attraction here is the town-centre’s 13th century castle—once the seat of a medieval bishopric.

The islands off the coast are virtual dreamlands, unlike anything in Europe. The two largest islands are Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, which are both retreats from faced-paced city life. The islands, which also include the smaller Muhu, Kihnu and Ruhnu, have a laid-back, friendly air about them. And the landscape is considered quintessentially Estonian, with many windmills, thatched cottages and sleepy fishing villages.

Storks tending to their young atop log cabins and dark, deep pine-tree forests are images associated with fairy tales by Hans Christian Andersen or the Brothers Grimm. But they're the real life scenery of the countryside in southern Estonia. With its seemingly endless forests and rolling hills, the area invites visitors to cast off the worries of everyday life and delight in the unspoiled nature. Fish on a quiet river, go horseback riding through birch-tree woods or take an invigorating sauna on a lakefront farm.

South - Estonia

Southern Estonia is also home to Estonia's second city, Tartu. Tartuans, who host the country's main liberal arts university, have the reputation of being more contemplative, more prone to sitting back over a cup of tea or a glass of beer and philosophizing with a visitor. Tartu has impressive old quarter, featuring the red-bricked St. John's Church, the oldest church in Estonia, fortification walls built by invading Russians and Swedes, and many other sights.

Tartu is a good launching point for exploring the whole of southern Estonia. Any tour should also include the areas in and around Polva and Voru, home of the Estonian Setus. These ancient peoples have retained their unique language and culture throughout the ages. They're famed for their colourful folk dress and also for their haunting, chanting runic-style of singing. The close-knit Setu villages, with their wooden huts and small, neatly kept farmyards, can feel like a wondrous step back in time.