North Estonia Travel Guide

Discover the beautiful North Estonia with this comprehensive travel guide, covering everything from the best places to visit, natural attractions, hiking routes, things to do, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety and health, transportation options and logistics, nearby destinations, and more.


A Comprehensive Travel Guide to North Estonia

North Estonia offers a plethora of stunning natural beauty, vibrant cities, cultural attractions, and fascinating history. If you are planning a trip to North Estonia, this comprehensive guide will help you make the most of your stay.

Introduction to North Estonia

North Estonia is a region located in Estonia and is one of the three historic Estonian provinces. It is located in the heart of Baltic states, bordered by the Gulf of Finland to the north, the Lake Peipus to the east, and the Lääne County to the west. The region has several cities and towns, including Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia, and Narva, which is home to the famous Hermann Castle.

List of Places to Visit in North Estonia

North Estonia is home to numerous attractions that are well worth visiting. Here are the must-visit places that will help you discover the best of North Estonia:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

North Estonia is a treasure trove of museums, cultural sites, and historical places. The region’s long and storied history, from its medieval castles to Soviet-era landmarks to its modern-day museums, provides countless opportunities for exploration and learning. Here are some of North Estonia’s top cultural attractions:

  • Tallinn Old Town
  • Toompea Castle
  • Narva Castle
  • Patarei Prison
  • Estonian Open Air Museum
  • Kumu Art Museum

Natural Attractions of North Estonia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

North Estonia is a paradise for nature lovers, with its unspoiled forests, picturesque countryside, and stunning coastline. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, swimming, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, North Estonia has something for everyone. Here are some of the top natural attractions of North Estonia:

  • Lahemaa National Park
  • Peipsi Lake
  • Jägala Waterfall
  • Kõrvemaa Nature Reserve
  • Paldiski Cliffs

Hiking/Biking Routes of North Estonia

North Estonia boasts some of the most scenic hiking and biking trails in Europe. From the ruggedly beautiful coastlines to the extensive forests, there is ample opportunity for outdoor adventurers to explore unspoiled nature. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in North Estonia:

  • Viru Bog Trail
  • Jägala Waterfall Hiking Trail
  • Oandu-Ikla Hiking Route
  • Harju County Cycling Route

Best Things to Do in North Estonia: Activities and Tours

Besides exploring natural attractions and historical sites, North Estonia offers plenty of activities and tours to keep you busy. Here are some of the best things to do in North Estonia:

  • Take a hot-air balloon ride over the countryside
  • Visit Estonian Wine Cellar for tasting local wines
  • Visit the Seaplane Harbor and Maritime Museum
  • Take a tour of the Old Town in a beautifully restored vintage car
  • Try your hand at archery or axe-throwing at Viikingite Küla

Week-Long Itinerary for North Estonia

If you have a week to spend in North Estonia, here is a suggested itinerary to help you explore the best the region has to offer:

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore Tallinn Old Town
Day 2 Lahemaa National Park
Day 3 Narva Castle and Hermann Castle
Day 4 Visit the Patarei Prison museum and Kalamaja district
Day 5 Jägala Waterfall Hiking Trail
Day 6 Peipsi Lake and Kolkja village
Day 7 Viikingite Küla and Seaplane Harbor

Food and Drink Scene of North Estonia

North Estonia’s food scene is influenced by the region’s cultural heritage and traditions. The cuisine draws inspiration from its surroundings, with local ingredients like wild mushrooms, fish, and game meat featuring prominently in Estonian dishes. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages in North Estonia:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Black bread
  • Elk soup
  • Smoked fish
  • Blood sausage

Local Beverages

  • Vana Tallinn - Estonian rum-like liqueur
  • Saku Õlletehas - Estonian beer

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

North Estonia offers various accommodation options to fit your budget, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Here are some of the best places to stay in North Estonia:

  • Hilton Tallinn Park
  • My City Hotel Tallinn
  • Kreutzwald Hotel Tallinn
  • Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport Hotel
  • Hostel Xdream

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

North Estonia is known for its exceptional handicrafts, from Baltic amber jewelry to handmade wooden toys. Here are some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring home from North Estonia:

  • Handmade linen towels and tablecloths from Viljandi Linna Käsitöö
  • Sprott (smoked sprats in oil)
  • Estonian liqueurs like Vana Tallinn

Local Culture and Customs of North Estonia

Estonia has a rich and fascinating history that is reflected in its customs and traditions. Estonians are proud of their cultural heritage and place a strong emphasis on their values and traditions. Here are some interesting facts about Estonian culture and customs:

  • Estonians celebrate Midsummer or Jaanipäev in late June with bonfires, dancing, and traditional foods.
  • Estonians are known for their love of forests, berries, and mushrooms.
  • Estonians consider silence to be golden, so don’t be alarmed if a conversation suddenly falls silent.

Best Time to Visit North Estonia

The best time to visit North Estonia is during the summer months from June to August when the weather is warm and sunny, and there are typically fewer crowds. However, keep in mind that prices may be higher during this time, and some attractions may be closed during the off-season.

Do’s and Don’ts of North Estonia

Here are some essential things to keep in mind when traveling to North Estonia:

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Try local cuisine and beverages.
  • Explore the natural attractions and historical sites.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter in public places.
  • Don’t cut down trees or pick mushrooms, berries, or flowers without permission.
  • Don’t walk in the countryside outside the designated trails or property

Safety and Health

North Estonia is generally a safe place to visit, with low crime rates and good healthcare facilities. However, here are some essential tips to ensure your safety and health during your visit:

Safety in North Estonia

  • Avoid walking alone at night in deserted areas.
  • Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places.
  • Respect the oncoming traffic while crossing the road and use zebra crossing if there’s one nearby.

Health in North Estonia

  • Ensure that your vaccinations are up to date.
  • Protect yourself against mosquito bites, especially if you are visiting in the summer months.
  • Drink bottled water or boiled tap water to avoid any stomach issues.

Getting to North Estonia: Transportation Options and Logistics

North Estonia is easily accessible by air, rail, and road.

Airports Near North Estonia

  • Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport (TLL)

Bus Stations Near North Estonia

  • Tallinn Coach Terminal
  • Narva Bus Station

Other Options

  • Train: The train is a convenient option if you’re coming from other parts of Estonia.
  • Ferry: Ferries operate from Helsinki and Stockholm to Tallinn.

How to Get Around in North Estonia

Getting around North Estonia is easy, with various transportation options, including:

  • Buses
  • Trains
  • Taxis

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

There are several nearby destinations and excursions worth visiting after exploring North Estonia, including:

  • South Estonia’s Tartu city and Otepää region.
  • Latvian cities Riga and Cēsis.
  • Finnish capital Helsinki via a direct ferry from Tallinn or a short flight.

Conclusion

North Estonia is a beautiful region full of natural wonders, cultural heritage, and fascinating history. With this comprehensive travel guide, you will be able to discover the best of North Estonia, from the must-visit attractions to exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations. Happy travels!

Old windmill in Rakvere Old windmill in Rakvere Viru raba in Lahemaa National Park Viru raba in Lahemaa National Park Jägala falls in winter Jägala falls in winter Airforce cemetery at Ämari Airforce cemetery at Ämari Windmill in the Aasper Manor Windmill in the Aasper Manor Neeruti Manor Neeruti Manor


    Kaberneeme
    Lahemaa National Park
    Laulasmaa
    Paldiski
    Tallinn
    Võsu