Estonia is a small country in the European Union and one of the three Baltic states, located next to Russia. However, due to its linguistic ties, it has always felt closer to its neighbour Finland. One of the first things you notice when landing in its capital city, Tallinn, is the lush greenery (unless you visit in the wintertime).
In fact, more than half of Estonia is covered by forests, making it one of Europe’s greenest countries. It’s incredibly easy to go for walks and hikes in these forests, and it’s something I miss most about Estonia. Spending time in nature is a common pastime for locals, especially when the weather allows it.
There’s a berry for every taste —blueberries, wild strawberries, raspberries, lingonberries, cranberries, and cloudberries. I especially love the blueberries.
You can simply enjoy a walk in a forest, breathing in the fresh air and taking in the beautiful scenery, or you can go berry picking. There’s a berry for every taste —blueberries, wild strawberries, raspberries, lingonberries, cranberries, and cloudberries. I especially love the blueberries.
Mushroom picking is another popular activity among Estonians. The most sought-after type is the chanterelle, which is also my personal favourite. Other varieties include porcini, milk caps, russula, honey fungus, and hedgehog mushrooms, to name a few.
However, it’s essential to be cautious of toxic berries and mushrooms, such as the red mushrooms with white dots. Estonians learn from an early age which ones to avoid, but if you’re a tourist, it’s best to go berry and mushroom picking with someone knowledgeable to ensure safety.
Luckily, there are many organized or guided nature walks, forest excursions, and mushroom and berry picking tours in Estonia. You can check out organizations like RMK (State Forest Management Centre) and Nature Tour Estonia for options, but there are plenty of others to choose from as well.
Timing is essential for mushroom and berry picking. The best months for mushrooms are August to October, with September being the peak. For berries, the season runs from June to October, with August being the prime month.
If you’re staying in accommodation with a kitchen, try doing what Estonians do with their freshly picked berries and mushrooms: use the mushrooms to make a delicious sauce for potatoes and bake a fresh berry cake for dessert.
Start from Tallinn’s Old Town and make your way to Pirita Beach… I would say this walk is a highlight of Tallinn — the views are simply breathtaking.
Aside from the forests, Estonia’s many bodies of water are also a delight to explore. The country feels almost like an island, bordered by the Gulf of Finland to the north, the Baltic Sea to the west, and the Gulf of Riga to the south. Additionally, Estonia boasts around 1,500 lakes and 1,000 rivers.
In Tallinn, you can easily take a long seaside walk. Start from Tallinn’s Old Town and make your way to Pirita Beach. You can rent an electric scooter or bike along the way if you prefer. I would say this walk is a highlight of Tallinn — the views are simply breathtaking.
If you have young children, you’ll be glad to know that there are playgrounds along this route. One that stands out is on Reidi Tee; it’s colourful with interactive play equipment. While the kids enjoy themselves, adults can soak in the sea view and enjoy the fresh breeze.
After some playtime, continue toward Pirita Beach, the most popular beach in Tallinn. It’s a relaxing spot for adults and offers sandy play areas for kids. If you’re brave enough to handle the cold water, you can even go for a swim. There are also restaurants and snack bars if you want to grab something to eat or drink.
After or before exploring the coastline, take a stroll in Tallinn’s medieval Old Town, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval centres and a UNESCO World Heritage site. With its cobblestone streets, vibrant-coloured architecture, and hidden pathways, it feels like stepping into a fairy tale.
While Tallinn is a natural starting point, you should also visit Estonia’s “summer capital,” Pärnu. The water there is generally warmer for swimming, the sand softer, and there are plenty of activities for both adults and children.
The two largest Estonian islands, Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, are also popular in summer. They offer a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere and a less crowded experience. Each island has distinct cultural traditions, local crafts, folklore, and festivals that showcase island life.
Another intriguing spot is the Rummu Quarry, an “underwater prison” with a quarry lake and a sand hill that resembles a crater. Located 45 minutes from Tallinn, it’s a unique spot for swimming, snorkelling, or diving, and the photos you’ll capture here are stunning.
I could go on about all there is to see and do in Estonia, but this article covers the highlights. To summarize, Estonia is an adorable, peaceful destination where outdoor activities take centre stage. Yet it's also filled with fantastic restaurants and other indoor attractions. If you can understand Portuguese and would like more content on Estonia, then check out my YouTube channel called Europeia no Brasil.
