Estonia Car Hire

Guide of Estonia

Geography

Estonia is a Northern European country that borders the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Finland. Its diverse terrain includes rocky beaches, old-growth forests, and numerous lakes, with over 1,500 islands. It was once a part of the Soviet Union and is filled with castles, churches, and hilltop fortresses. Tallinn (the capital) and Tartu are the two largest cities. Interestingly, Helsinki is closer to Tallinn than Tartu. Narva, Kohtla-Järve, and Pärnu are also important cities.

Climate in Estonia

The Estonian climate is temperate and mild, with warm summers and fairly harsh winters. Because of the Baltic Sea's proximity, the weather is frequently breezy and humid. The seasons in Estonia vary greatly. Summer months have the warmest weather and the longest daylight hours, though the tourism industry can be very busy in July with visiting Scandinavian holidaymakers. June and August are ideal months for a visit. During the winter, there are only six hours of daylight and temperatures can drop below freezing. The weather is still pleasant in the spring and autumn months, and hotel prices are generally lower.

Culture

Estonian, the Finnic national language of the country, reflects both the country's indigenous roots as well as its Nordic and German cultural influences. Germanic influences can be found in many aspects of Estonian culture.

Things To Do in Estonia

Stroll around Tallinn's Historic Center

For history buffs and culture vultures alike, Old Town in Tallinn is a veritable treasure trove. Despite being the best preserved Hanseatic town in the world, the area feels more like a bustling village, with its winding cobblestone streets and lively cafes. You can get your bearings for the rest of your city tour at Town Hall Square. From its peak, you can take in the spires of five of Tallinn's Medieval Churches. Another famous entrance to the Old City of Tallinn is the Viru Gate. This building dates back to the 14th century and served as part of the city's defences. Its circular turrets are topped with princess-worthy coned roofs, making it look like something out of a fairy tale. The Old Town was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 because of the remarkable preservation of its 13th-century city plan.

Visit Soomaa National Park to see the wildlife

In Estonia, Soomaa National Park is among the most enchanted places you can visit. The park protects elk, deer, boar, lynx, wolves, beavers, and bears across its 359 square kilometres (138 square miles). The park is a popular destination for hikers due to its location 140 kilometres south of Tallinn. Paddling spots on the Raudna River and Parnu Basin are also close by. During the spring, you can explore the park's forests by canoe or kayak because much of the park floods. Entrance to the park is totally free. It will cost you 25 euros to rent a canoe or kayak. A guided tour will set you back an additional 25 euros.

Admire the famous Alexander Nevsky Castle

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox cathedral, is one of the most magnificent in Estonia and deserves to be seen by anybody interested in the intricate and elegant Russian Revival architecture. The cathedral's interior is decorated with iconographies, spectacular mosaics, and paintings to commemorate Alexander Yaroslavich Nevsky, the Prince of Novgorod who battled against German crusaders in 1242 and led Russia's conquest of Estonia. Though its installation atop Toompea Hill, in place of a religious figure, caused some uproar at the time, the sculpture is now widely admired for its stunning architecture by both tourists and residents.

Explore the hipster town of Tartu

Tartu is the second-largest city in Estonia, and one of the oldest settlements in the Baltic region. There are 16 universities and colleges in Tartu, so it's no surprise that the city has a reputation as a hub for academics and students. Most eateries, coffee shops, and cultural attractions are within easy walking distance. Tartu is a great spot to come to during one of the numerous annual festivals. Hanseatic Days and the Tartu Love Film Festival are two of the city's most popular annual celebrations. The street art movement is also quite active and the best graffiti and paintings may be seen on guided tours around the city.

Stop by the KGB Museum

The old KGB spy apartments (the KGB was the Soviet Union's secret police) are located on the penthouse level of Tallinn's opulent Hotel Viru. When the KGB evacuated Estonia in the early 1990s, the chambers were uncovered. The owners of the hotel opted not to make any changes to the guest rooms. The inside is kitted up with listening and surveillance devices that would not be out of place in an old-school spy flick. It is only possible to see the museum on a guided tour, which may be arranged via the hotel's front desk.

Eating Out in Estonia

Traditional Estonian cuisine has been centred on meat and potatoes, and on fish in coastal and lakeside locations, but currently bears influence from many different cuisines, including Scandinavian, German, Russian, Latvian, and Lithuanian. Rye bread, ham, potatoes, and dairy are popular in Estonia, along with beer, vodka, rye bread, and pork. Here are some of our top restaurant recommendations in Estonia. Altja Tavern, which is located in Lahemaa National Park near Tallinn, is fashioned like a medieval tavern and serves genuine Estonian food. Tallinn's Restaurant Ribe is elegant and welcoming and is known for its Estonian and Nordic dishes. The restaurant prioritizes culinary quality by employing garden and seasonal ingredients. The 4-course set menu varies often. Mushroom ravioli, steak tartare, and green tea ice cream are must-orders. Vilde Ja Vine is Tartu's top wine bar. You’ll sure to find delicious meals, an aristocratic atmosphere, enormous wine cellars, and a bustling summer patio. Weekends bring live music. Cafe Truffe has a trendy décor, good cuisine, a competent staff, and a wonderful environment. Cafe Truffe has received several gastronomic honours and is among the best, so don't miss it, particularly in the summer when they open a patio.

Transport

Airport

Lennart Meri Airport or Tallinn Airport (TLL) is Estonia's biggest and sole international airport, serving as a hub for the national airline Nordica as well as a secondary hub for AirBaltic and LOT Polish Airlines.

Getting Around Estonia

As a relatively low-lying nation, biking is a great way to see Estonia. For public transportation, buses are preferable to trains since they are less expensive and more time efficient. They leave Tallinn often throughout the day for major cities. There aren't a tonne of domestic flights. However, there are aircraft that go to Saaremaa and Hiiumaa every day. Ferries travel regularly between the mainland and the bigger islands and the smaller ones. If you're coming from the north, the Helsinky to Tallinn boat service is an option. The majority of Tallinn's landmarks are within walking distance of one another since they are located in the Old Town. The hop-on-hop-off bus service gives travellers plenty of flexibility. Cars can be hired for longer journeys, but for short rides around town, leasing a scooter from The CityBee Electric Scooter Co would be more exciting.