Estonia is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by the Gulf of Finland, to the west by the Baltic Sea, to the south by Latvia, and to the east by Lake Peipus and Russia. Across the Baltic Sea lies Sweden in the west and Finland in the north.
Fast facts:
Cool facts:
• Estonia connects the dots between Scandinavia, Central Europe and what lies to the east. You can fly, sail, ride or drive to Estonia from anywhere in Europe. Located in northeastern Europe, this small coastal country is a short ferry trip away from Finland and Sweden, a coach ride away from such European capitals as Warsaw and Berlin, and an overnight train from Saint Petersburg will land you at the heart of Tallinn.
• Estonia’s capital Tallinn is the best preserved medieval city in Northern Europe. Estonia’s UNESCO world heritage capital city Tallinn was granted city rights in the 13th century by the King of Denmark. Since then, the streets of Tallinn have seen many world powers, from the Danes and Swedes to Germans, and tsarist and Soviet Russia. Tallinn Old Town is filled with medieval houses and alleyways and is still protected by the remnants of the city wall. The wealth of architecture in Tallinn means that there are many legends and stories to explore.
• Estonia speaks Estonian… as well as English, Russian, Finnish and German. Estonians tend to be at least bilingual, and according to recent studies, are among the best English speakers in Europe. Many visitors tend to think that Estonians speak elvish. This magical sounding language is in fact Estonian, belonging to the Finno Ugric branch of European languages.
• Estonia is about 50% forest. Estonians love their forests, bogs and all the creatures that live there such as lynxes, brown bears, wolves, foxes, rabbits and deers. It’s right to say that Estonians come with a tree hugging trait.
• Estonia has a population of just 1.3 million but is larger than Denmark and Holland. Being among the least densely populated countries in Europe, Estonia makes for a great nature and city break destination for those looking to stretch out their limbs and enjoy some peace and solitude.
• Estonia has over 2000 islands. Estonia is the only Baltic country with far-stretching and deep rooted island culture. Although mostly uninhabited, Estonian islands tend to be rural, with some holding traces of local Viking and medieval culture.
• Estonian Song Celebration dates back to 1869, attracting thousands of singers in every 5 years. Estonian Song and Dance Celebration is the local signature event and a reason why Estonians are often referred to as the “singing nation”. The uniqueness of this mesmerising event has even earned the song and dance celebration a place at UNESCO’s prestigious list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
• Estonia is one of the least religious countries in the world. While Estonia has a great range of historical churches, only over a quarter of the population are affiliated with a particular religion, with Lutheranism being most prevalent among Estonians in particular.
• Estonia is a digital society. From voting to signing documents online, Estonia implements hassle free and modern approach to running one’s errands. This means less bureaucracy, while adding more transparency and efficiency in some vital sectors such as healthcare and education.
How to get to Estonia?
Visitors can come to Estonia either by plane, ship, ferry, boat, bus or a car. There are international plane connections to Tallinn and Tartu airports, which are very easy to get to from the city centers. Tallinn and Saaremaa are popular cruise destinations and it is very convenient to come to Tallinn on a ferry from Helsinki or Stockholm. Visitors can also come to Estonia with their own boat and discover Estonia's smaller ports, for example. It is possible to take a bus to Estonia from central Europe or the Baltics or drive here with a car.
DISCLAIMER. These offers are examples to showcase the variety of options for a holiday in our rural areas. They have purely informative and promotional purpose without any contractual or commercial value. You should contact directly with the provider for a valid individual specification and quote. In case of any conflict from such a direct contact or reservation, neither Ruraltour nor its member organization are liable.
Mulgimaa – a community with entrepreneurial spirit! Mulgimaa is a historic region in southern Estonia. Mulgi farmers were ... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
Mulgimaa – a community with entrepreneurial spirit! Mulgimaa is a historic region in southern Estonia. Mulgi farmers were ... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
Mulgimaa – a community with entrepreneurial spirit! Mulgimaa is a historic region in southern Estonia. Mulgi farmers were ... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
kirglikavastaja@gmail.com
Mulgimaa – a community with entrepreneurial spirit! Mulgimaa is a historic region in southern Estonia. Mulgi farmers were ... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
The islands have a rich culinary culture and dedication to local food traditions. The islands that make up Saare County are ... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
Saaremaa Food Festival’s motto: Proper food makes merry mood! Our Food Festival, which began in 2014, holds fresh island i... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
Welcome to the Estonian Culinary Route! Even though the eateries tied to Estonian cuisine and Estonian culinary culture can ... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
The Baltic Coastal Hiking Trail is a long distance hiking route, part of E9. The E9 route starts at Cape St. Vincent in Port... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
The Forest Trail is a long distance hiking route, part of E11, in the Baltic States that leads through the most forested lan... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
Visitors of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia have access to military heritage locations such as museums, fortifications, milita... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
On our wildlife watching and soft adventure tour for families we observe different mammals and birds. To discover them we ta... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
triin@activest.ee
Join our guided evening tour on the Jägala River to discover the fascinating life of beavers. As natural enemies of beavers... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
Join us on our daily adventure on Soomaa rivers, bogs, fields or forests. Let's hear the silence and nature. Find out what k... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
Nature-watching walks from spring to autumn on the west coast of Estonia. There is a possibility to see migrating birds as t... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
epp@surfhunt.ee
Embark on a self-guided adventure exploring the Baltic States' natural beauty and historic cities. Hike through Lahemaa and ... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
What could be more authentic than waking up at dawn and starting the day with a pleasant hike during sunrise? The nature of ... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
matkapesa@visitkorvemaa.ee
Come and enjoy a unique experience dashing through a magical snowy forest route pulled by a team of trained Alaskan malamute... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
Experience Small Lapland with our friendly Alaskan malamutes in a pristine Natura 2000 forest. Begin with a kicksled or walk... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
A delightful day in a bog with captivating landscapes, distinctive vegetation and wildlife. A bog resembles a colossal spong... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
This soft adventure combines canoeing and hiking along a forest river inhabited by beavers and singing birds. The trip concl... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
Let’s go on a cool hike to a bog! First canoeing along the picturesque Halliste river, then hiking through meadows and for... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
In the region of North-Kõrvemaa our trips trace the secrets of the swamps as we travel through Kõnnu Suursoo and Koitjärv... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
Life moves at a different pace on Estonian islands. Explore Hiiumaa, Saaremaa and the western reaches of Estonia with this 1... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
Explore West Estonia at your own pace with our GPS-triggered storyteller. Follow a curated route to discover exciting places... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
This tour is designed for being suitable also for families and riders with disabilities (shorter distances, possible to rent... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
These two Baltic countries are similar in many ways – they share a long common history, traditions, nature, yet they are s... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
A guided trip in Soomaa National Park that combines bog-walking and canoeing on the river. Lunch in the wild is included. So... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
Experience the picturesque and primeval nature of the river Ahja on a guided canoe trip during a summer evening in South Est... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
Hiiumaa is the 2nd largest island in Estonia. The tour offers kayaking in shallow water surrounding closely clustered island... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
Welcome to the thrill of stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) amid the enchanting waterways of Soomaa National Park. The river ways... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
Kayaking is so much fun! Kayaking is done in the Baltic Sea, we can make a few hour or even day trips to Estonian smaller is... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
You can experience two in one and also try diving on some of our sea kayaking trips. The best diving place is nearby the isl... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
Soomaa is best known for its extra season. In Soomaa National Park, the early spring floods render up to 17,500 hectares of ... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
A full day of adventure, tradition and great food in South Estonia. Cross kayaking through 12 picturesque lakes connected by... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
A chill 7 km sunset kayak trip from the mouth of Pirita river to the golden beach of Haabneeme – the beautiful silhuette o... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
During the spring meltdown, there is a short window of white water kayaking options even in the capital of Estonia, Tallinn.... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
In the region of North-Kõrvemaa our trips trace the secrets of the swamps as we travel through Kõnnu Suursoo and Koitjärv... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
The traditional sledge has been improved to make kick-sledging possible on ice, dense or soft snow. A kick sledge, also know... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
In winter, when the rivers and water meadows of Soomaa have frozen over and the weather conditions are favourable, you are w... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
During winter season, it is exciting to go with snowshoes or kicksleds to hike into the forest, swamps, ponds or across lake... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
matkapesa@visitkorvemaa.ee
Experience Estonia's Natural Beauty! Join our all-inclusive 4-day retreat in Põhja-Kõrvemaa, Estonia, accompanied by frien... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
A former winter tavern in the forests of the Kõrvemaa region, Estonia, offers a glimpse into life in Estonia a century ago,... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
The Smoke sauna traditions of Old Võromaa have found their honoured spot on the list of UNESCO intangible cultural heritage... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
Enjoy the peace and quietness of Soomaa National Park. Start your day with a refreshing walk in the bog or forest trails. In... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
Experience Estonia’s Bog Magic and Traditional Sauna! Join us for an unforgettable trek through Estonia’s pristine bogs,... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
Join an expert guide on a foraging adventure for wild mushrooms and berries in Taevaskoja primeval valley, the most beautifu... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
Welcome to our recreation center on the border of Soomaa National Park, where we offer a unique wild food foraging and cooki... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
info@ponkaland.com
This is the tour to take if you want to actively spend time in the wilderness, enjoy different natural habitats and watch bi... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
Adrenaator Grupp, who organises adrenaline filled activities in Ida-Viru County, now offers enduro safaris in Aidu oil shale... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
info@adrenaator.ee
An early spring canoe trip on the Võhandu River in Võhandu River Nature Park requires previous canoeing experience – the... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
info@ahjamatkad.ee
River Ahja is well-known for it picturesque and primeval nature. Sandstone outcrops border the river, you can see beavers, o... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
info@ahjamatkad.ee
Soomaa National park and high water trips await you! The most memorable way of enjoying the Fifth Season – the period of s... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
info@ahjamatkad.ee
The upper reaches of the Võhandu River, otherwise known as the Pühajõgi River, are ideal for canoeing if the water is a l... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
info@ahjamatkad.ee
A 1.5-hour underground tour with exciting stories If you want a real taste of a miner's life, you have no other choice but t... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
info@kaevandusmuuseum.ee
https://kaevandusmuuseum.ee/en/experiences/underground-experiences/
You are invited to cook together with friends or family! Kauksi holiday home offers a unique way to prepare meals.Pork or la... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
kauksi.puhkemaja@mail.ee
We offer archery on a practice range in the park next to the hotel, where we have two targets. Bows and all other equipment ... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
saka@saka.ee
The Onion Road has many layers of flavours. During the tour, we will discover the local culture through all of them. Partici... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
Come and visit our honey farm, because we have the largest selection of wild Estonian honey flavors and you will also hear t... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
info@meemeistrid.ee
Come and visit our honey farm, because we have the largest selection of wild Estonian honey flavors and you will also hear t... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
info@meemeistrid.ee
The package includes a short farm tour in the wine cellar and the production unit with the family and 3 wine tastings with c... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
info@uuesaaluseveinitalu.ee
The package includes a farm tour with the family in the vineyard (May–October), the wine cellar and the production unit an... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
info@uuesaaluseveinitalu.ee
The package includes a tour in the wine cellar and the production unit with the wine master and 5 blind tastings with an abu... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
info@uuesaaluseveinitalu.ee
Package for teams. The package includes the use of the seminar room (25 €/hour) with fast internet, 55 inch TV screen, a p... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
info@uuesaaluseveinitalu.ee
Package includes a private tour in the wine cellar and the production unit, a walk in the vineyard (May–October) with the ... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
info@uuesaaluseveinitalu.ee
In this programme, you will get to know the main flavors and the good practice of pairing wine with food. We will taste 3 wi... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
info@uuesaaluseveinitalu.ee
Do you believe that wine glasses create flavors? Sommelier Maris Kivistik will guide you through the wine glass class. We wi... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
info@uuesaaluseveinitalu.ee
This seven-hour trip to Onion Route provides guests an overview of:*the culture of Baltic Germans at Alatskivi Castle*the cu... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
info@sibulatee.ee
Lahemaa Hiking Centre, located in Loobu village, was established to promote a nature-friendly lifestyle and spending time in... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
In Ohepalu bog, you can go on a snowshoe hike and pick a different route each time. Once you go a bit further, the bogs of K... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
kulalistemaja@gmail.com
If you like to lead a healthy life and enjoy nature and refreshing water, we can offer you the best recreation options. We o... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
kulalistemaja@gmail.com
If you want to go on the hike on your own, you can ask for maps from Ohepalu. If you wish to prepare for your trip more thor... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
kulalistemaja@gmail.com
If you enjoy a healthy lifestyle, beautiful nature, and refreshing water, you will surely find that we have the best recreat... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
kulalistemaja@gmail.com
The blacksmith at Palmse Manor introduces the art of blacksmithing to visitors! The blacksmith's shop has many sidearms from... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
info@palmse.ee
Medieval dinner with fun games at Rakvere Castle is for companies for celebrating their Christmas party at Rakvere Castle. T... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
linnus@svm.ee
During the time of manors, each lady of the manor took pride in their task of mixing drinks according to their secret recipe... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
sagadi@rmk.ee
At night, the forest is mysterious, unknown, and mystical. All senses are heightened in the forest at night. Only the braves... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
sagadi@rmk.ee
Nature in Lahemaa is wonderful, particularly if you are assisted by an experienced guide when discovering its secrets!Nature... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
sagadi@rmk.ee
We offer tours from April to October in the charming Anija Manor Park, where French and English-style parklands are intertwi... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
info@anijamois.com
On the Other Side of Tallinn takes place every day at 3 pm. The distance is 14 km and the tour is suitable for all ages. We ... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
Have you tried wine made from nettle or aronia before? The small winery operating in the historic distillery building produc... read more
SPECIAL PRICE
vein@habaja.ee
