Hate hills? You’ll be glad to hear that Estonia is incredibly flat, with its highest peak at 318m above sea level. You won’t have to climb anywhere to take in the views unless you’re short and have to peer over people — Estonian men and women are the third tallest people in the world.
This Baltic gem, full of medieval castles, gorgeous landscapes and digital innovation is a mix of old and new, but before you get exploring, let’s tell you a little about why you should visit!
Estonia’s Rising Popularity: What the Latest Tourism Numbers Reveal
Ever wondered, ‘Should I travel to Estonia?’ The answer is absolutely and by the statistics below, you’ll see just how many others also visit this beautiful country.
To begin with, how many tourists visit Estonia each year? Tourism in Estonia statistics by year look like this:
- 2023: 3,947,300
- 2022: 3,496,720
- 2021: 1,310,150
- 2020: 1,695,330
- 2019: 6,102,650
As you can see, tourist arrivals have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, still over 2 million below 2019 numbers.
Of these numbers, what are the leading countries visiting Estonia? Well, in 2022, tourism in Estonia statistics by country look like this:
- Finland: 862,000
- Latvia: 334,000
- Russia: 117,000
- Germany: 115,000
- Sweden: 59,000
Do all these visitors head to Estonia for travel? The majority visit for ‘Holiday,’ followed by ‘Business’ reasons and then for ‘Other Purposes.’
Where are all these travelers going and what is the most visited city in Estonia? The most visited region and city is Tallinn, followed by:
- Tallinn: 68%
- Parnu: 12.1%
- Tartu: 5%
- Ida-Viru county: 2.9%
- Saaremaa: 2.6%
There are 1,307 travel accommodation establishments in Estonia and overall, tourism contributes €40 billion to Estonia’s economy, about 8% of Estonia’s GDP. Tourists spent about €1.6 billion in Estonia in 2023, which is about €400 per visitor.
What is the crime rate in Estonia? Crime is considered low in Estonia, with a Crime Index of 23.59 and a Safety Index of 76.41.
Top Destinations in Estonia: Where Most Tourists Go
Estonia is a hidden gem in Northern Europe, blending medieval charm, breathtaking nature and fascinating history. Affordable and accessible, Estonia tourism places offer something for every traveler.
Here are just some of the must-visit tourist sites in Estonia:
- Tallinn: Explore the capital's Old Town with cobblestone streets, 15th-century buildings and stunning views from Toompea Hill. Perfect for history lovers and photographers.
- Saaremaa: Estonia’s largest island boasts medieval castles, scenic hiking trails and the spectacular Sõrve Peninsula. Don’t miss Kuressaare, the island’s charming capital.
- Lahemaa National Park: Just an hour from Tallinn, this park features the scenic Viru Bog, Sagadi Manor and peaceful hiking trails — ideal for a day trip.
- Tartu: Known as Estonia’s intellectual hub, Tartu features the University of Tartu and quirky attractions like the Soup Neighborhood. It is a must for history buffs and culture seekers.
- Pärnu: This coastal city is Estonia’s summer capital. Enjoy white sandy beaches, dunes and the Vee Park indoor water park for winter fun.
- Narva Castle: Located on the Russian border, this 13th-century castle offers workshops, a museum and stunning views from its tower.
- Rakvere Castle: Step back in time with daily medieval reenactments, workshops and history-themed dining experiences at this northern Estonia attraction.
- Viljandi: Famous for its July folk music festival, this southern city features the ruins of a 16th-century castle and picturesque streets.
Festivals and Events That Make Estonia Special
Estonia might be small, but its events calendar is packed with festivals and celebrations that showcase its rich culture and creativity.
From music and folklore to film and sports, there’s plenty to experience, but here are some events to book your trip around:
- Tallinn Music Week: This massive indoor music festival brings together nearly 200 artists from Estonia and beyond. Enjoy live performances, explore the city's hidden gems and indulge in food and art programs like TMW Tastes and TMW Art.
- Midsummer (Jaanipäev): Celebrate Estonia’s favorite holiday with bonfires, countryside gatherings, saunas and folklore traditions. Stay up until dawn and search for the mythical fern flower.
- Song and Dance Celebration: An iconic cultural event with tens of thousands of singers and dancers performing in unison. Experience the magic of Estonia’s musical heritage at this unforgettable festival.
- Viljandi Folk Music Festival: This festival preserves and celebrates traditional music in a lively atmosphere. Explore Viljandi’s scenic castle hills and lake while enjoying performances.
- PÖFF – Black Nights Film Festival: Northern Europe’s largest film festival offers hundreds of screenings, parties and discussions. Perfect for film lovers looking to immerse themselves in cinematic creativity.
Local Cuisine You Must Try While Visiting Estonia
Estonian cuisine blends ancient traditions and fresh local ingredients with influences from Finland, Sweden, Russia, Germany and Latvia. Seasonal eating is key: hearty, warming dishes dominate the winter, while summers bring light and fresh meals from local gardens.
Must-Try Estonian Foods:
- Eesti Kartulisalat (Potato Salad): A party favorite made with potatoes, peas, carrots, cucumbers, sausage and hard-boiled eggs.
- Mulgikapsad (Sour Cabbage and Barley): A stewed mix of sour cabbage, barley and pork. Popular across Estonia, this time-intensive dish is often store-bought but remains a traditional classic.
- Mulgipuder (Barley and Potato Porridge): A comforting dish made with barley, potatoes and often bacon. Creamy and versatile, it pairs well with rye bread and sour cream.
- Verivorst (Blood Sausage): A Christmas staple made from pig’s blood, barley and pork. Served with cranberry jam, marinated pumpkin and sour cabbage.
- Wild Boar: Estonia’s game meat specialty, offering strong, delicious flavors in various dishes.
- Kiluvõileib (Sprat Sandwich): A snack made with rye bread, egg butter, hard-boiled egg and sprat fillets. Perfect for parties or a quick taste of Estonian tradition.
- Pirukas: Filled with savory or sweet ingredients like ham, cheese, cabbage or apples, this pastry is a versatile snack loved across Estonia.
- Kringel: A braided bread served at celebrations. Sweet versions have raisins or chocolate, while savory ones feature ham and cheese.
- Kirju Koer (Spotted Dog): A no-bake dessert made from biscuits, marmalade cocoa, and condensed milk.
- Kohuke: A curd snack coated in chocolate, available in flavors like vanilla and blueberry. Find it in the refrigerated section of stores.
Seasonal Insights: Best Times of the Year for Travelers to Estonia
Estonia is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit largely depends on what you want to experience. For most travelers, June through August stands out as the ideal time, thanks to its warm weather, long daylight hours and festivals.
Here's a deeper dive into the seasons to help you decide:
Summer (June–August): The Most Popular Time to Visit
- Average Temperatures: In Tallinn, daytime highs are 19°C in June, peaking at 21°C in July, and cooling slightly to 20°C in August. Nights are cooler, with lows around 10–12°C.
- Sunshine Hours: June sees up to 10 hours of sunshine per day and with nearly 19 hours of daylight, you'll have plenty of time for outdoor activities.
- Rainfall: Summer is the wettest season, with August receiving about 80mm of rain on average. Showers are frequent but light, so a raincoat is handy.
Summer is ideal if you enjoy exploring Estonia’s lush forests, historic cities like Tallinn and vibrant events like the Song Festival and various midsummer celebrations. Coastal areas and islands such as Saaremaa are also especially charming during this time, with sunny skies and mild sea breezes.
Spring (March–May):
- Average Temperatures: Spring starts cold, with highs around 1°C in March, but warms to 15°C by May.
- Sunshine Hours: The sun returns in style by May, with about 9 hours of sunshine per day.
- Unique Features: Late spring sees blooming wildflowers and greenery, but early spring can also bring snowmelt floods, particularly near rivers and lakes.
Spring is great for those seeking tranquility and nature, especially by late May, when the weather is mild and outdoor activities are more comfortable.
Autumn (September–November):
- Average Temperatures: Highs drop from 14°C in September to just 3°C by November. Nighttime lows can reach freezing by November.
- Rainfall: Drizzle is common, and the skies are often overcast.
- Sunshine Hours: By November, the sun shines for barely 1 hour per day.
While the colorful autumn leaves are stunning in September, the cooler, wetter weather and shorter days make this season less ideal for travelers, especially by late autumn.
Winter (December–February):
- Average Temperatures: Highs in Tallinn hover around -1°C to -3°C, with lows reaching as cold as -9°C.
- Snowfall: Snow blankets most of the country from January to early spring, with coastal areas seeing less snow compared to inland regions.
- Sunshine Hours: Dark and cold, with only about 6 hours of daylight in December.
Winter is best for fans of snow sports, frozen landscapes, and festive Christmas markets in Tallinn. Just be sure to bundle up — it can be very cold!
What is the best month to visit Estonia?
For most visitors, July is the top choice. It’s the warmest month, with highs around 21°C, and sunny days are common despite occasional light showers. Long daylight hours make it perfect for exploring Estonia’s cities, national parks and islands.
Events like music festivals and open-air markets add extra vibrancy to the season. If you prefer cooler weather and fewer crowds, consider May. By then, the countryside is lush and green, temperatures are mild, and spring blooms are in full swing.
For winter enthusiasts, January offers a magical snowy landscape and the chance to skate on frozen lakes.
Transportation in Estonia: Best Way to Get Around
Estonia’s compact size and well-developed transport options make it easy to explore, where, depending on your style of travel, you can choose from trains, buses, ferries, bikes, cars and even planes.
- Train: Routes connect Tallinn to cities like Tartu, Viljandi, Narva and Rakvere, with tickets available online, at stations or onboard. Most trains offer Wi-Fi, charging ports, and facilities for wheelchairs, bikes and strollers.
- Bus: There is an extensive bus network, including island routes via ferries. Purchase tickets online at tpilet.ee or at stations. Lux Express offers comfortable, cross-country travel.
- Ferry: Ferries connect the mainland to major islands like Saaremaa, Hiiumaa and Kihnu, and you can book tickets via praamid.ee or other ferry operators. Passenger ferries also serve smaller islands like Prangli and Naissaar.
- Car: Drive times between major towns are under three hours. Keep in mind that Estonia has right-hand traffic with speed limits: 90 km/h (country roads) and 50 km/h (urban areas). Parking apps like parkimine.ee simplify finding spots.
- Taxi & Ride-Sharing: Popular apps are Bolt and Uber and in taxis, prices are displayed on yellow stickers in vehicles.
- Bike: Estonia is bike-friendly, with regional and Eurovelo cycling routes. Bikes are allowed on trains and buses (tickets may be needed). Bike rentals and tours are widely available. Biking is a great way to explore cities like Tallinn and Tartu.
- Plane: Flights from Tallinn to Saaremaa and Hiiumaa take under 45 minutes.
- City Transport: Tallinn’s Ühiskaart public transport card works nationwide but contactless bank cards (Visa, Mastercard) can be used in Tallinn.
Essential Tips for First-Time Travelers to Estonia
Traveling can be daunting, so knowing some tips can help you ease your way through the country without offending anyone and make the trip just that little bit more seamless.
Here are some dos and don’ts when traveling in Estonia:
Dos:
- Stay Alert: Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas like airports, Old Town Tallinn and public transport. Pickpockets often work in groups.
- Respect Personal Space: Estonians value space. Keep your distance in lines and on public transport. Sit away from strangers if seats are available and avoid blocking pathways when walking.
- Learn Basic Estonian: Simple words like Tere (hello), Tsau (bye) or Nägemiseni (see you) are warmly appreciated.
- Ask for Help: Locals are helpful but won’t often offer assistance unsolicited. Don’t hesitate to ask.
Don’ts:
- Avoid Soviet Topics: Steer clear of discussing the USSR or referring to Estonia as Eastern Europe; these topics can be sensitive.
- Keep Quiet: Speak softly, especially on public transport.
- Check Drink Prices: Always confirm prices before ordering at bars to avoid unexpected markups.
- Use Reflectors: When cycling at night, especially in winter, wear reflectors to avoid fines (up to $500).
Pro Tip: Show respect and embrace Estonia’s quiet and independent culture — it’ll make your visit more enjoyable!
Future Trends in Estonia’s Tourism: What to Expect Next Year
The tourism market in Estonia is projected to grow by 3.66% from 2024–2029, reaching a market volume of US$490.20 million in 2029.
Estonia's Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications has a roadmap to make Estonia a leader in sustainable tourism, with a focus on innovation, hospitality and celebrating the country's natural and cultural wealth. The country is hoping to increase tourist satisfaction from 73% to 75% by 2035 and increase international direct flight routes from 32 to 50.
Sustainability is part of Estonia’s travel future, with Tallinn named the European Green Capital in 2023. Estonia was ranked 4th in the world in the Sustainable Travel Index in 2023. Estonia is working to adopt low-carbon tourism practices, with projects such as the VINCI project that aims to empower stakeholders to reduce CO2 emissions.
Conclusion
Does Estonia require a visa? Many countries are visa-exempt, however, an ETIAS application must be completed before traveling. How long can Americans stay in Estonia? For many countries, under the visa-free scheme, you can enter Estonia for 90 days, so get planning!
We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about some statistics about Estonia and are now keen to explore this country for yourself. If that’s the case, check out some of our Estonian private guides to help you book your trip!
