Estonia is the northernmost of the three Baltic countries. The country has, along with Latvia and Lithuania, attracted many tourists wanting to experience the former Eastern bloc's special culture since the fall of communism. For better or worse the country is still marked by the many years of Soviet domination, but it is definitely a fascinating destination both historically and culturally. Legend has it that it was in Estonia that the Dannebrog fell from the sky in 1219 - which for Danish tourists in particular gives this small country a particularly curious flavour.
Find your travel arrangement to Estonia here
Region and City Guides
Region:
City:
Facts
Local name
Eesti
Capital
Tallinn (443,000)
Size
45,125 sq km
Principal Languages
Estonian
Principal Religion
Protestant
Inhabitants
1,500,000
Geography
Estonia is a very flat country and is traversed by several rivers such as Narva, the largest river, and includes furthermore a number of small islands.
Travel preparation
Best time to visit
Estonia benefits from its warm summers and its cold winter. The snow sets in for real in October and snow showers can occur until May, but in contrast to this the summer months are often quite warm. As a tourist you can visit Estonia any time of the year, but the actual high season stretches from May till October.
Literature
Estonia
Local conditions
Weight and Measures
Estonia uses the metric system.
Photography
Avoid taking photos of public buildings and display common courtesy by always asking for permission before taking pictures in general.
Drinking water
Estonian tap water should be used for neither drinking nor brushing one's teeth.
Electricity
Current used in Estonia:
220 AC, 50Hz.
220 AC, 50Hz.
Behaviour
Showing common courtesy and respect for the local inhabitants will get you far in Estonia.
Business Hours
Banks are open between 9.00 and 12.30 (Monday to Friday). A few banks are also open in the afternoon.
Shops are open between 10.00 and 18.00 (Monday to Friday) and some are closed during lunch.
Offices are open between 9.00 and 13.00 and between 14.00 and 18.00 (Monday to Friday).
Public offices are open between 10.00 and 15.00 (Monday to Friday).
Shops are open between 10.00 and 18.00 (Monday to Friday) and some are closed during lunch.
Offices are open between 9.00 and 13.00 and between 14.00 and 18.00 (Monday to Friday).
Public offices are open between 10.00 and 15.00 (Monday to Friday).
Food and drink
The menus in Estonian restaurants are dominated by Russian and East European cuisine, particularly all kinds of flesh dishes. Estonian vodka and the nation's excellent beer are among the drinks worth mentioning.
Holidays
New Year's day, 1 January
Day of Independence, 24 February.
Labour Day, 1 May.
Day of Victory, 23 June.
Midsummer, 24 June
National Resurrection, 16 November.
Christmas, 25 and 26 December.
Day of Independence, 24 February.
Labour Day, 1 May.
Day of Victory, 23 June.
Midsummer, 24 June
National Resurrection, 16 November.
Christmas, 25 and 26 December.
Accommodation / Hotel
Estonia, as well as the other Baltic States, has really made progress since the fall of soviet 'communism', and the standard in hotels and at camping sites are like those in Western Europe in many places, but both hotels and camping sites of a very low standard can also still be easily found.
Book your Hotel in Estonia here
Book your Hotel in Estonia here
Camping
Estonia has about 80 camping sites of varying standard.
Since the fall of Communism, Estonia has worked hard to raise the standard of hotels to that of Western Europe and has been successful in several places. Even so, the Hotel standard varies much in price and quality.
Hostels
Several hostels are scattered throughout Estonia, and information on these can be obtained at the Estonian tourist office.
Local transport
Public transport works satisfactorily in Estonia. Buses are the most widely used form of transport, and the country has a large number of bus lines. The railway system doesn't function optimally in all parts of the country, but otherwise one can get around by air as well.
Planes
The Tallinn airport has several domestic Flights, but you should be aware that some routes shut down during the winter season.
Bus
Buses constitute the backbone of Estonian transport; the bus system is excellent, and it's an inexpensive way to travel around the country.
Trains
The larger cities of Estonia are connected by railway, but the railway system isn't exactly well developed.
Taxi
Various private firms operate Estonian taxis, and in order to avoid misunderstandings the fare should be agreed upon in advance. It's generally cheap, but an extra fee in the evening and at night is not uncommon.
car rental
car rental is possible in the larger cities or at the airport. The Estonian road network is generally okay, but a lot of smaller roads are only covered by gravel and large holes in the roads are also a common problem.
