East Estonia Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and what to eat in East Estonia with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to East Estonia

East Estonia is a hidden gem in Baltic States, featuring a unique blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and authentic local experiences. This region is characterized by its rugged coastline, pristine forests, quaint towns, and friendly locals who welcome visitors with open arms. In this travel guide, we’ll take you through the top attractions, activities, and accommodations in East Estonia, as well as give you insider tips for making the most of your trip.

List of Places to Visit in East Estonia

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Setomaa Museum - Learn about the Seto people, their history and traditions.
  • Tartu City Museum - Discover the history and culture of Tartu, the academic hub of Estonia.
  • Purtse Castle - Explore the ruins of a medieval castle, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Alatskivi Castle - Home to beautiful gardens and a stunning lake view, Alatskivi Castle is a must-visit for history and nature lovers.
  • Kolkja Old Believers’ Village - Experience the traditional way of life of the Old Believers, a Russian Orthodox minority in Estonia.

Natural Attractions of East Estonia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Soomaa National Park - This pristine wilderness area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as canoeing, hiking, and wildlife watching.
  • Lahemaa National Park - Explore the forests, lakes, and boglands of this nature reserve, and visit traditional coastal villages along the way.
  • Peipsi Lake - The fifth largest lake in Europe, Peipsi is renowned for its stunning sunrises and sunsets, as well as its abundant fish populations.
  • Piusa Caves - Descend into the underground world of limestone formations, caves, and ancient fossils.
  • Taevaskoja Nature Trail - This hiking trail takes you through picturesque sandstone cliffs, forests, and rivers.

Hiking/Biking Routes of East Estonia

  • Oandu-Ikla hiking trail - This 370 km hiking trail showcases the best of Estonia’s nature.
  • Alutaguse Rattamaraton - An annual MTB marathon through the forested hills and lakes of Eastern Estonia.
  • Matkatee - A hiking trail that leads from the Latvian border to the coast, passing through national parks, traditional villages, and scenic outlooks.

Best Things to Do in East Estonia: Activities and Tours

  • Seto Kingdom Tour - Explore the traditional Seto way of life, cuisine, and culture, and visit their local museums and historical sites.
  • Lahemaa National Park Day Trip - A full-day tour of the picturesque forests, coastline, and traditional farms in the region.
  • Soomaa Canoeing - Paddle through the pristine forests and rivers of Soomaa National Parks, and explore the wilderness on your own.
  • Hiiumaa Island Day Trip - Visit the second largest island in Estonia, and explore its rugged coastline, lighthouses, and ancient ruins.
  • Peipsi Lake Fishing Tour - Join a local fisherman and learn the traditional way of fishing in Peipsi Lake.

Week-Long Itinerary for East Estonia

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore Tartu City, and visit its museums, parks, and restaurants.
Day 2 Visit Piusa Caves, and explore the underground world of limestone cliffs and fossils.
Day 3 Explore Setomaa Museum and Kolkja Old Believers’ Village, and learn about the traditions and history of the Seto people.
Day 4 Take a Lahemaa National Park Day Trip, and visit its forests, farms, and coastline.
Day 5 Enjoy a day of canoeing in Soomaa National Park, and go wildlife spotting.
Day 6 Visit Alatskivi Castle and Peipsi Lake, and take a fishing tour or relax on a sandy beach.
Day 7 Explore the Taevaskoja Nature Trail, and enjoy its scenic sandstone cliffs and forested trails.

Food and Drink Scene of East Estonia

Must-Try Dishes

  • Mulgipuder - a traditional potato and pork dish served with sour cream and cowberries.
  • Hernetatrapada - a traditional bean soup from Setomaa.
  • Kilu and Sprotid - Local smoked fish.
  • Leib - traditional Estonian bread, often made with rye flour.

Local Beverages

  • Vana Tallinn - An herbal liquor made in Tallinn.
  • Kalja - A non-alcoholic malt drink.
  • Kali - A lightly fermented beverage made with rye bread, much like kvass in Russia.

Where to Stay in East Estonia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hotel Lydia - A stylish 5-star hotel in Tartu city center.
  • Lahemaa Kohvikann Hostel - A cozy hostel in the heart of Lahemaa National Park.
  • Põlma Camping - A family-friendly camping site in Setomaa on the bank of Lake Lämmijärv.
  • Toomarahva Farmstay - An authentic countryside farmstay in Alatskivi.
  • Kivi Tamm Cottages - A collection of cozy and modern cottages in Soomaa National Park.

What to Buy in East Estonia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Seto leib - traditional Seto bread made with rye flour.
  • Hand-woven Seto belts - colorful and intricate designs woven by local artisans.
  • Juniper wood products - hand-carved wooden plates, bowls, and spoons made from juniper wood.
  • Local honey - pure, organic honey from the forests and meadows of East Estonia.

Local Culture and Customs of East Estonia

Eastern Estonia is culturally distinct from other regions of Estonia due to its close proximity and long history with Russia. The Seto people, a traditional Orthodox Christian minority, live in Setomaa region and their customs and way of life are unique to the area.

Best Time to Visit East Estonia

The best time to visit East Estonia is from late spring to early autumn (May to September), when the weather is warm and sunny, and the natural scenery is at its most picturesque.

Do’s and Don’ts of East Estonia

Do:

  • Do try local dishes and drinks, and explore the traditions and culture of the region.
  • Do dress appropriately for the weather, and bring comfortable walking shoes for outdoor activities.
  • Do respect the local customs and traditions, and be courteous to the locals.

Don’t:

  • Don’t hike or bike off marked routes or enter restricted areas.
  • Don’t litter or damage the natural environment.
  • Don’t disrespect the local customs or traditions, including dress codes in religious sites.

Safety and Health

Safety in East Estonia

East Estonia is generally a safe region to visit, with low crime rates and a friendly local population. As with any travel, visitors should remain aware of their surroundings and take precautions against petty theft.

Health in East Estonia

There are no specific health risks associated with travel to East Estonia, and the medical facilities in the region are generally of good quality. Visitors are advised to pack any necessary prescription medication, and to obtain health insurance before traveling.

Getting to East Estonia: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near East Estonia

  • Tartu Airport - the closest airport to East Estonia, with national and international connections.
  • Tallinn Airport - The largest airport in Estonia, with national and international connections.

Bus Stations Near East Estonia

  • Tartu Bus Station - The largest bus station in East Estonia, with connections to Tallinn, Riga, and other major cities in Estonia and Latvia.
  • Narva Bus Station - The bus station located near the Russian border, with connections to Tallinn, St. Petersburg and other major Baltic cities.

Other Options

  • Car rental - Visitors can rent a car at Tartu or Tallinn airports or in major cities to explore the region.
  • Train - Estonia has a limited rail network, but train travel is available from Tallinn to Tartu and Narva.

How to Get Around in East Estonia

The best way to get around East Estonia is by car, as public transportation can be limited especially in rural areas. Visitors can also rent a bike or take guided tours with local operators.

Where to Go Next from East Estonia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Helsinki, Finland - A ferry ride away from the port of Tallinn.
  • Riga, Latvia - A bus ride away from Tartu or Narva Bus Stations.
  • St. Petersburg, Russia - a major city in Russia, accessible by bus or train from Narva.

Conclusion

East Estonia is a beautiful region that offers a unique and authentic travel experience. From its natural wonders to its rich culture, there is something for everyone in East Estonia. We hope this comprehensive travel guide has given you inspiration and ideas for planning your next adventure in this hidden gem in Baltic States!

Hermann Castle in Narva Hermann Castle in Narva Mere Puiestee street in Sillamäe Mere Puiestee street in Sillamäe Narva's checkpoint at Estonia–Russia border Narva's checkpoint at Estonia–Russia border Valaste waterfall in Winter Valaste waterfall in Winter Beautiful Purtse Castle Beautiful Purtse Castle


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