The capital of Estonia Tallinn is the oldest capital in Nothern Europe. It’s a dynamic city on the move, so medieval Old Town isn’t a museum, but a vibrant, living organism between the harbour and the new business district. The city centre with its cosy cafes, boutiques and art galleries beckons to take a stroll and explore the streets, to have drink and a bite to eat, to party, and to shop.
Those keen on holidays in nature will find various hiking routes, nature trails, guided manor tours and horseback riding trips in Lahemaa. There are also marked bicycle routes leading to sights of natural beauty and historical buildings.
A hike in a bog will definitely be an unforgettable experience: by walking along a safe boardwalk you can enjoy untouched primeval nature. In Rapla and Jarva counties you can go canoeing on rivers of Jagala, Poltsamaa and Parnu. In Western Virumaa the rivers suitable for canoeing are Loobu, Kunda, Pedja and Valgejogi.
Although the weather in Estonia can be quite changeable, the beach season usually kicks off in early June. Bathing in the sea is limited to July and August, but lakes and shallow bays have warmer temperatures.
Estonian beaches such as Kloogarand, Kaberneeme, Salmistu, Vosu, Vainupea, Narva-Joesuu and the northern coast of Lake Peipse offer neverless lots of atmosphere and fresh salty sea breeze.
The spa resorts in Viimsi, Laulasmaa and Toila offer the possibilities to relax in pools, saunas and salt chambers as well as to enjoy massage and other treatments. Visitors who prefer rural holidays should visit the Valjaotsa farmhouse-spa with sauna and massage services. You can relax in modern infrared and steam saunas at Saka Cliff Hotel & SPA, jump straight into icy water from an archaic smoke sauna in Turi-Alliku, visit a transparent plastic sheet sauna at Vana-Veski Holiday Centre in Ussisso, enjoy a barrel sauna of Anne Holiday House or test the heat of very special sauna built inside a fire truck at Jarva-Jaani.
People interested in horseback riding can choose between the Niitvalja or Ruila stables in Harju county, Maaksikmae Riding Farm in Rapla county, Janeda Stables in Jarvamaa, Kuudrksnnu Riding Farm ot Oru Riding Farm in Western Virumaa.
Kohala Manor offers riding for children on Icelandic ponies. Golfers can enjoy their favourite pasttime on Niitvalja and Suuresta golf courses or practice at Sagadi Manor. There are 4×4 safaris and ATV tours, kayak tours to small islands off the northern coast, wind surfing and rating possibilities, wall-climbing and go-kart racing on the tracks of Turi-Alliku and Aravete. There are numorous possibilities for hunting bear, elk, wild boar and other big game; archery and bloodless hunting can be practiced at Saka Cliff Hotel & SPA.
For those who love animals there is Tallinn Zoo and Sillaotsa Farm Museum. In summer, the children’s amusemenet part Vembu-tembumaa in Kurtna attracts visitors with trampolines, an obstacle track and an outdoor grill. In the Keila aquapark one can indulge in all sorts of water activities all year around.