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If you have seen the landmarks in Europe
, you’d know there are quite a few of them are here in Estonia.Estonia, the land of forests, lakes, and seashores, is adorned by an astonishing array of landmarks and monuments.
From the historic castles that whisper stories of medieval battles to the towering lighthouses that stand guard over the Baltic Sea, Estonia’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty are immortalized in its splendid landmarks.
These landmarks are not just testaments to Estonia’s past, but also serve as symbols of its present and future, beckoning visitors from across the world to explore and discover the intriguing history and picturesque landscapes of this charming country.
1. Tallinn Old Town
What to see or do: Walk along the cobblestone streets, explore the historic architecture, visit medieval churches, browse local shops and markets.
Don’t miss: Toompea Castle, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St.
Insider travel tips: Take a walking tour with a local guide to learn about the city’s history. Visit the viewpoints at Toompea Hill for stunning views of the Old Town.
Try traditional Estonian cuisine at local restaurants.
2. Kadriorg Palace
Kadriorg Palace is a Baroque style palace, built in 1718 by Peter the Great of Russia in Tallinn, Estonia.
What to see or do: Explore the palace and its extensive gardens, soak in the opulent decor and impressive art collection, and learn about the history of the Baltic region in the palace museum.
Don’t miss: The Swan Pond, located in the heart of the palace garden. Feed the swans, stroll around the pond, and enjoy the scenic views.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the summer months to catch the vibrant flower displays in the gardens.
3. Toompea Castle
A medieval castle located on a limestone hill in Tallinn, Estonia.
What to see or do: Take a tour of the castle’s interior and admire its grand architecture. Visit the impressive Alexander Nevsky Cathedral nearby, which offers stunning views of the Old Town.
Don’t miss: The castle’s viewing platform, Kohtuotsa, where you can see panoramic views of Tallinn and its surroundings.
Insider travel tips: Check out the castle’s schedule ahead of time to catch any special events or concerts that may be taking place during your visit.
Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the picturesque views from the castle’s walls.
4. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a beautiful Eastern Orthodox cathedral located in Tallinn, Estonia.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the stunning architecture of the cathedral and observe the intricate interior design. It also houses a museum of religious art and artifacts.
Don’t miss: The cathedral’s stunning and intricate mosaics, as well as the beautiful stained-glass windows.
Insider travel tips: – Plan your visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon in order to avoid crowds.
5. Tallinn Town Hall
Tallinn’s Town Hall is a historic building located in the heart of the city’s Old Town.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the impressive Gothic architecture of the building and the ornate details of its facade. Inside, you’ll find a museum with displays showcasing the history of Tallinn and the Town Hall itself.
You can also climb the tower for panoramic views of the city.
Don’t miss: The fascinating astronomical clock located in the Town Hall’s tower, which dates back to the 17th century. It features intricate moving figures that show the phases of the moon and the movements of the sun.
Insider travel tips: – Plan to visit the Town Hall in the early morning or in the evening to avoid the crowds that can gather during the busiest times of day.
6. Kumu Art Museum
Kumu Art Museum is the largest and most impressive art museum in Estonia, located in the capital city of Tallinn.
What to see or do: The museum has an extensive collection of Estonian art from the 18th century to the present day, as well as temporary exhibitions from international artists.
Visitors can see works of art in a variety of mediums, from painting and sculpture to video and installation art.
Don’t miss: The museum’s permanent collection includes some of the most significant works of Estonian art, such as the romantic landscapes of Johann Köler and the abstract compositions of Jaan Toomik.
Additionally, the building itself is an architectural gem, designed by Finnish architect Pekka Vapaavuori.
Insider travel tips: – The museum can get crowded during peak tourist season, so visit in the morning or later in the day to avoid crowds.
7. St
St.
What to see or do: Visit the Hermitage Museum, take a boat tour on the Neva River, explore the Peter and Paul Fortress, see the Church of the Savior on Blood, wander through the summer palace of Peter the Great at Peterhof.
Don’t miss: Watching the raising of the bridges at night during the White Nights in summer.
Insider travel tips: Get the St.
Petersburg City Pass for discounts on attractions and skip-the-line access, try traditional Russian cuisine at a local restaurant, visit the Faberge Museum for a glimpse of exquisite imperial jewelry.
8. Pärnu Beach
Pärnu Beach is the most popular and picturesque beach located in Pärnu, Estonia. It is known for its white sandy shore, crystal-clear waters, and lively atmosphere.
What to see or do: You can relax on the beach, swim in the sea, or rent a bike to explore the surrounding area. There are also plenty of water sports activities available, including windsurfing and jet skiing.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss a stroll on the beautiful promenade, which is lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops. Also, make sure to catch a stunning sunset over the sea.
Insider travel tips: Avoid visiting the beach during peak seasons as it gets overcrowded. If you want to avoid the crowds, plan to visit early in the morning or during the late afternoon.
Additionally, bring plenty of sunscreen, as the sun can be quite intense during the summer months.
9. Lahemaa National Park
Lahemaa National Park is a picturesque wilderness area located on the northern coast of Estonia.
What to see or do: – Hike through the wilderness and admire the diverse landscape that includes forests, bogs, rivers, and lakes.
Don’t miss: – The stunning Jägala waterfall, which cascades 8 meters down a rocky drop.
Insider travel tips: – To truly experience the park’s natural beauty, consider taking a guided tour with a knowledgeable local guide.
10. Tartu University
Tartu University is the oldest and largest university in Estonia, located in the city of Tartu.
What to see or do: – Take a guided tour of the university campus and see the historical buildings, such as the main building dating back to the 1800s.
Don’t miss: – The Raekoja Plats, or Town Hall Square, which is located in the center of Tartu and features historic architecture and frequent events.
Insider travel tips: – Check the university’s event calendar to see if there are any concerts, performances, or exhibitions happening during your visit.
11. Estonian Open Air Museum
A living museum showcasing Estonia’s rural architecture, lifestyle, and culture.
What to see or do: Explore various traditional farmhouses, windmills, a village school, and a wooden chapel. Watch skilled craftsmen in action and try your hand at some traditional activities like weaving or baking bread.
Don’t miss: The Setu house, which portrays the unique culture of Setu people, and the Kolu Inn, which offers traditional Estonian food and drinks.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes as the museum is quite large. It’s best to visit during summer when various cultural events take place.
Don’t forget to try the traditional black bread, which is baked according to a centuries-old recipe.
12. Tallinn TV Tower
A TV tower situated in Tallinn, Estonia.
What to see or do: Visitors can take an elevator to the observation deck located 170 meters high and enjoy the panoramic views of Tallinn and its surroundings.
There are also interactive exhibits, a restaurant, and a souvenir shop available for tourists.
Don’t miss: The glass floors on the observation deck which provide a unique and exhilarating experience as one can look down at the ground beneath their feet.
Insider travel tips: It is recommended to visit the tower on clear days so that visitors can fully appreciate the breathtaking views. Additionally, purchasing tickets in advance can save time and avoid long queues.
13. Käsmu Maritime Museum
Käsmu Maritime Museum is a fascinating museum located in the charming village of Käsmu, Estonia.
What to see or do: The museum showcases the rich maritime history of Estonia, with various artifacts on display including old fishing equipment, navigational instruments, and ship models.
Visitors can also explore the grounds to see an impressive collection of boats and ships, including the famous Estonian icebreaker Suur Tõll.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to climb aboard the Suur Tõll and stroll its decks. The ship is an impressive sight, measuring over 71 meters in length and over 100 years old.
Insider travel tips: If you’re interested in maritime history, plan to spend a few hours exploring the museum and the surrounding area. Käsmu is also a lovely village to walk around, with beautiful wooden houses and sea views.
Consider visiting in the summer months to take advantage of hiking trails and beaches in the area.
14. Rakvere Castle
Rakvere Castle is a medieval castle located in the town of Rakvere, Estonia, which dates back to the 13th century.
What to see or do: Explore the castle ruins and the reconstructed tower, which offer great views of the surrounding area. Learn about the history of the castle through the museum’s exhibits and interactive displays.
Take part in one of the many events and activities that take place throughout the year, such as medieval festivals and historical reenactments.
Don’t miss: The castle’s underground tunnel system, which visitors can explore as part of a guided tour. The castle also has a unique feature, a bear pit, which was once used for bear-baiting.
Insider travel tips: Visit the castle during the summer months to take advantage of the many events and activities that are offered. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved.
If you’re interested in the history of the castle, consider hiring a tour guide to get a more in-depth experience.
15. Viljandi Castle Ruins
Viljandi Castle Ruins is a medieval castle located in Viljandi, Estonia. It was built in the 13th century by the Livonian Order.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the castle ruins and climb to the top of the tower for a spectacular view of the town and surrounding countryside.
There is also a museum on site that showcases the history of the castle and the surrounding area.
Don’t miss: The annual Viljandi Folk Music Festival takes place at the castle ruins, featuring traditional music, dance, and crafts.
Insider travel tips: The castle is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the summer months when the weather is warm and the festival is taking place.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking and stair climbing involved.
16. Narva Castle
Narva Castle is a medieval fortress located on the banks of the Narva River in Estonia.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the castle’s various exhibitions, including the Museum of Northern Fortresses and the Narva Art Gallery.
Don’t miss the impressive views of the river and the city from the top of the Tall Hermann tower, which is the tallest tower in the castle.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as the castle has several steep staircases and uneven surfaces.
17. Tartu Town Hall
What to see or do: Admire the impressive Gothic architecture of the building and learn about its rich history.
The Town Hall also houses a museum that showcases the town’s past, including fascinating exhibits on Tartu’s cultural and economic development.
Don’t miss: The stunning panoramic views of the city from the top of the Town Hall tower, which offer breathtaking vistas of Tartu’s medieval Old Town.
Insider travel tips: Take a guided tour to get a deeper understanding of the Town Hall’s history and architecture. Check the opening hours in advance as they can vary depending on the season.
And if you’re a fan of Estonian cuisine, be sure to stop by the nearby market square to sample local delicacies like black bread and smoked fish.
18. Pühtitsa Convent
A historic Orthodox convent in Estonia.
What to see or do: Visit the beautiful church, admire the colorful frescoes, explore the museum, and wander the peaceful grounds.
Don’t miss: The stunning views from the hilltop location and the chance to purchase handmade souvenirs from the on-site gift shop.
Insider travel tips: Dress modestly, as this is an active convent, and check the opening hours before visiting, as they can vary by season.
19. Otepää Ski Centre
Ski resort located in Otepää, Estonia.
What to see or do: Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities on various slopes suited for all levels of skill. The resort also offers equipment rental, ski school, and a children’s play area.
Don’t miss: The cross-country skiing trails, which are some of the best in Europe and offer beautiful scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
Insider travel tips: Check out the resort’s events calendar for competitions, live music, and other entertainment. Also, make sure to try some traditional Estonian food at the resort’s restaurant.
20. Keila Waterfall
Keila Waterfall is a picturesque waterfall located in the small town of Keila-Joa in northwestern Estonia.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy a leisurely hike through the forest to reach the waterfall, which stands at 6 meters tall. The surrounding natural scenery is breathtaking and perfect for nature photography.
During the winter months, the waterfall freezes over and creates a unique, icy landscape.
Don’t miss: Don’t forget to stop by the nearby Keila Manor, a beautiful historic castle and the surrounding park. The park is perfect for picnics and leisurely strolls.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit the waterfall is in the summer when the weather is mild and the surrounding foliage is in full bloom.
21. Hiiumaa Island
A large island located in the Baltic Sea near the coast of Estonia.
What to see or do: – Visit the Hiiumaa Museum to learn about the island’s history and culture.
Don’t miss: – Trying the local seafood dishes, especially the famous Hiiumaa smoked fish.
Insider travel tips: – Renting a car or scooter is the best way to explore the island at your own pace.
22. Lake Peipus
Lake Peipus is a transboundary lake between Estonia and Russia, located on the eastern border of Estonia.
What to see or do: – Take a boat tour to explore the lake and nearby islands.
Don’t miss: – The Kallaste annual Fish Festival held in August, which features local food, music, and crafts.
Insider travel tips: – If you’re interested in Russian Orthodox history, visit the Pskovo-Pechersky Monastery on the Russian side of the lake.
23. Haapsalu Castle
What to see or do: Explore the castle grounds, visit the museum inside the castle, climb the castle tower for panoramic views of Haapsalu and the surrounding area.
Don’t miss: The ghost of the White Lady, a legendary ghost said to haunt the castle.
Insider travel tips: Visit the castle during the summer months to catch one of the many cultural events, including concerts and exhibitions. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as the castle grounds can be uneven and hilly.
24. Paldiski Coastal Defence Battery
Paldiski Coastal Defence Battery is a former top-secret Soviet military site located in Estonia.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the abandoned bunkers, underground tunnels and artillery positions. The site offers a glimpse into the past and the opportunity to learn more about the Cold War period.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the site is a massive 12-inch gun that is still in place and can be viewed up-close. Additionally, the underground tunnels have unique acoustics that visitors shouldn’t miss.
Insider travel tips: It’s important to wear comfortable shoes since the site includes uneven terrain and stairs. Visitors should also bring a flashlight to explore the dark underground tunnels.
Lastly, it’s recommended to visit the site with a guide who can provide historical context and share interesting stories.
25. Valga Museum
Valga Museum is a museum located in the Estonian town of Valga. The museum showcases local history and culture, with a focus on the region’s geography, economy, and language.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the museum’s permanent exhibition, which features interactive displays and exhibits focused on the town’s history. There are also temporary exhibits that highlight different aspects of Valga’s culture, such as art and music.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the museum’s collection of traditional Estonian clothing, which includes beautiful garments and accessories that were worn by locals in the past.
Insider travel tips: If you’re interested in learning more about Estonian culture and history, Valga Museum is definitely worth a visit. The museum regularly hosts events and workshops, so be sure to check the schedule before you go.
Additionally, admission is free, so there’s no reason not to stop by and check it out.
26. Vilsandi National Park
Vilsandi National Park is a nature reserve located on the Vilsandi Island in Estonia.
What to see or do: Take a hike on the beautiful trails and enjoy the scenic views of the Baltic Sea and the coastal forests. Visit the bird-watching towers and observe rare bird species in their natural habitat.
Explore the rocky shorelines, display of wildflowers, and the diverse marine life.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the Seal Watching tour, where you can spot the cute seals lounging on the rocks and swimming in the sea.
Also, don’t forget to visit the Vilsandi Lighthouse, which is a historical site and the oldest lighthouse in the Baltic countries.
Insider travel tips: – Plan your visit during spring or autumn, as the weather is crisp and the park is less crowded.
27. Pühalepa Church
A historical church located in the village of Käina, on the island of Hiiumaa in Estonia.
What to see or do: Admire the unique architecture of the church which dates back to the 13th century. Marvel at the 17th-century Baroque-style pulpit and the wooden altarpiece.
Take a stroll around the well-maintained churchyard.
Don’t miss: The chance to ring the church bell which weighs over 1.5 tons and is one of the largest in Estonia.
Also, look for the carved wooden angels located on the choir arch.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to check the church’s schedule for events and concerts which are often held there.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to visit in the summer months when the weather is warmer and the days are longer.
Finally, don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the beautiful surroundings.
28. Sangaste Castle
A 19th-century neo-gothic castle located in Võru County, Estonia.
What to see or do: Take a guided tour of the castle grounds and explore the majestic architecture and beautiful gardens. Visit the castle museum to learn about the history of the castle and its former owners.
Attend one of the many cultural events held on the estate throughout the year.
Don’t miss: The castle’s impressive tower and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The castle’s wine cellar, where you can taste local wines and learn about winemaking in Estonia.
Insider travel tips: Book your tour in advance to ensure availability. Consider staying overnight in one of the castle’s guest rooms for a unique and memorable experience.
Pack comfortable shoes for exploring the castle’s extensive gardens and grounds.
29. Alatskivi Castle
Alatskivi Castle is a Neo-Gothic castle located in Alatskivi, Estonia.
What to see or do: Visitors can tour the castle’s grand halls and rooms which have been restored to showcase the aristocratic lifestyle of the early 20th century.
The castle also houses a museum where visitors can learn about the castle’s history and the people who lived there.
Don’t miss: The castle’s beautiful park features a lake, a Finnish sauna, and several walking trails. Don’t miss the stunning views of the castle from the lake and the nearby observation tower.
Insider travel tips: Make sure to check the castle’s website for information on guided tours and events.
Also, consider visiting during the winter when the castle and park are covered in snow for a magical winter wonderland experience.