Estonia travel tips

Travelling in Estonia introduces you to a world of stunning architecture, local liquor, folk culture, castles, cathedrals, and unique natural surroundings. Travelling is relatively hassle-free, providing you take the right precautions and go at the time that suits your planned activities.

• Avoid obvious displays of wealth and take good care of your valuables as theft and pickpocketing are common in the capital. Make photocopies of your passport, as passports are particular targeted for illegal purposes.

• Take along an eye mask if you like to sleep late in the summer: sunrise during the short Estonian summer is at about 03:00; sunset is about midnight.

• Best time to visit is from April to early September. If you plan on skiing, skating, or ice-fishing, visit during December to March; although keep in mind that the winters are severe and daylight is limited.

• Due to the country’s relative flatness, cycling is a great way to see the countryside, at least in the summer months. The bus and train network is efficient, although domestic air travel is expensive.

• Travellers on a moderate budget should expect to spend around US$75 a day, while you can travel comfortably in Estonia for around US$100-150 a day. It's difficult to find places to cash travellers' cheques once outside the big cities and larger towns. ATMs are widespread in cities and larger towns, and credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops.

• Don't skip lunch and expect a large, late dinner. In Estonia, lunch is the main meal and dinner a light meal served well before 21:00.

• Summers are packed with events. Estonians celebrate their folk culture in mid-June during Memme-taadi Days, held in Tallinn. The night of June 23 is the eve of Jaanipäev, the climax of midsummer events. It's considered a night of magical powers and the traditional way of celebrating it is to head out into the countryside to dance, sing and make merry around bonfires.

Useful travel tips resources

Footprint Guides - Estonia
Essential resource on travelling in Estonia from this well-known travel guide publisher.
http://www.footprintguides.com/

Estonian Tourist Board
Packed with loads of useful information and local tips and advice.
http://www.visitestonia.com

Tallinn
Covers all there is to know about visiting the Estonian capital and the country in general.
http://www.tourism.tallinn.ee

More topics on this site…
Estonia travel information
Estonia health and safety
Estonia maps and geography

Essentials

Visas: Not required for most nationals
Season: Late Spring and Summer (April – September)
Money: Estonian kroon (EEK) – ATMs widely available in major towns and cities
Language: Estonian – Russian, Finnish, English and German also widely spoken.
Emergency #: In case of accident or illness, call 112

Estonia