Estonia is a truly unique country. First of all, it’s small and compact. All its treasures lie close to one another, making it a pleasure—not a hassle—to explore, even in just a weekend.
Secondly, Estonia is all about nature—perhaps even more so than many other European countries. Its landscapes are extraordinarily varied and, above all, largely untouched. Vast forests, large lakes, immense bogs, rocky hills that delight hikers and climbers, and a remarkably rich flora and fauna: it’s no coincidence that Estonia is one of the most famous birdwatching destinations in the world.
Thirdly, this little nation has a distinct and deeply fascinating culture. Some communities choose to live without electricity, embracing nature over modernity. It’s a land of ancient musical traditions like the Leelo choirs and clear cultural influences—such as Swedish—that have shaped Estonian art and literature.
History is another key element: from medieval castles to routes through Tallinn’s Old Town, Estonia’s vibrant folklore is still alive today across all generations. Estonia is Europe’s fresh, green breath—just waiting to be discovered.
Language: The official language is Estonian, which is similar to Finnish. Many members of the Russian minority, who settled in Estonia after WWII, still speak Russian. About half of the population also speaks English.
Religion: Before the arrival of Christianity, animism was the dominant belief system. Today, most of the population is either Orthodox or Protestant.
Time Zone: Estonia is one hour ahead of Italy.
Documents: EU citizens can enter Estonia with a valid passport or national ID card. Children also need their own identification. For complete information on travel requirements, visit the official Estonian government website.
Sports: Thanks to its vast natural landscapes, Estonia is home to many sports clubs. Popular activities include horseback riding, hiking, fencing, rowing, cycling, and various team sports.
Currency: Estonia uses the Euro (€).
Curiosity
Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, holds a unique distinction—it is the only European city with a fully preserved and functioning Gothic Town Hall. Located in Tallinn’s central square, it was built in just two years, from 1402 to 1404.
At the top of the building flies a small flag depicting Old Thomas (Estonian: Vana Toomas), the hero of a local legend. He was the city’s guardian and a master archer, able to shoot down wooden parrots from building spires with his crossbow.
The current flag is a replica—the original is preserved inside the Town Hall. The spire was destroyed in a WWII bombing in 1944 and was rebuilt six years later.
This architectural gem showcases the beauty of Baltic Gothic style. The sculptor Daniel Pöppel created the dragon-shaped statues that decorate the building’s façade. These were carved in 1627, shortly after the Baroque-style spire was added.
Our advices
TO READ: Lovers of philology and history will enjoy Estonia’s national epic, consisting of around 20,000 verses and twenty cantos, partly written by Robert Fählmann. Also notable is A. H. Tammsaare’s novel cycle “Truth and Justice”, which reflects Estonian society in the late 1800s.
TO LISTEN TO: Estonia has a rich musical and choral tradition, much of which is preserved in the Estonian Folklore Archive. The Estonian Boys Choir is internationally renowned, performing Latin and traditional choral music worldwide.
In Tartu, a peaceful and charming Estonian city, the Traditional Song Festival is held every five years.
TO SEE: Tallinn is Estonia’s cultural gem, with highlights including the Nevsky Cathedral, Tallinn’s medieval walls, and the Lower Town—the city’s oldest area.
Other notable destinations include Saaremaa, known for its castles and natural beauty, Valga, and Pärnu, a popular seaside resort.
TO EAT: Traditional Estonian dishes include salted herring, roasted pork, hearty soups, and rye bread. The local cuisine features a wide variety of fish (smoked eel, salmon) and flavorful meat dishes. The national liqueur, Vana Tallinn, is especially popular with visitors.
