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The cold and dark season can be beautiful with its peaceful atmosphere and twinkling lights, but the lack of daylight, grey weather and long stretches of darkness can leave many of us longing for sunshine, warmth and endless summer evenings.

If escaping to a sunny destination in the south is not an option, there is no need to worry. There are plenty of ways to recharge and lift your spirits right here in Estonia.

Enjoy the Warmth of a Fireplace

One thing that can really help during the cold season is light. Hang up festive lights, light some candles and make the most of every bit of daylight you can get. Or spend an evening in a cosy restaurant with a real fireplace.

The wonderfully atmospheric Stenhus Restaurant is located in Tallinn’s Old Town. Here you can enjoy the best of European cuisine and dishes prepared with local ingredients in a historic building dating back to the 13th century. The atmosphere is romantic, cosy and relaxing.

It is a lovely place to visit after exploring the towers and museums of Tallinn Old Town, or why not stop by after a relaxing spa experience at Park Inn by Radisson Meriton Conference & Spa Hotel Tallinn.

Go Hiking

The days are short and the weather may not always be inviting, but hiding indoors is not necessarily the best way to deal with the winter blues. Quite the opposite – getting outside and making the most of the daylight can do wonders.

If you do not want to travel far from the city, Pääsküla Bog in Tallinn is a convenient place to recharge in nature.

If you feel like taking a slightly longer trip, visit Viru Bog, located just about an hour’s drive from Tallinn. The bog has a 5.5-kilometre circular hiking trail.

Another beautiful option is Mukri Bog in Rapla County. A long boardwalk winds through lakes and wetlands, and an 18-metre observation tower offers beautiful views over the surrounding landscape.

Take a warm drink and a sandwich with you, dress warmly and you may soon discover that there is really no such thing as bad weather. With the right clothes, a day in nature can give you enough energy to carry you through the whole working week.

Visit a Botanical Garden

Plants can have a positive effect on both our physical and mental wellbeing. If possible, bring a houseplant into your home – or even better, pay a visit to the Tallinn Botanic Garden.

Even in late autumn, you can enjoy plenty of greenery and lush plant life here.

Nature flourishes in the Palm House, where, for example, papaya blossoms in November. You can also visit the subtropical greenhouse and the greenhouse dedicated to plants from arid regions. The northern greenhouses are home to many exotic species too, including black pepper plants in bloom.

Massage and Relaxation

Massage can also be a great way to ease the tiredness and tension that often comes with the cold and dark season. In fact, it is something worth treating yourself to regularly throughout the year.

During autumn and winter, aroma massage can be especially enjoyable. Essential oils can help create a sense of wellbeing and relaxation.

Foot and head massages are also excellent choices. Foot massage is suitable for people who work either sitting or standing, as well as for anyone whose job involves a lot of walking.

Johan Spa Hotel in Kuressaare offers a wide range of massages using essential oils. Among other options, you can enjoy a slimming massage with citrus essential oils or a calming massage with lavender essential oil.

The hotel also offers head and neck massage, which can help relieve tension around the eyes, support better sleep and improve concentration.

Go to a Stand-Up Comedy Show

Laughter is one of the quickest ways to lift your mood and take your mind off everyday worries. If nothing seems particularly funny at the moment, a stand-up comedy show might be exactly what you need.

Spend an evening with friends or your partner listening to jokes and stories. Comedy Estonia regularly brings comedy nights to venues such as Möku in Tartu, Winkel in Tallinn and Ükskõik.

Try a Sauna Ritual

A sauna is a place where you can step into a different world and leave stress and worries at the door. It is especially comforting during the darkest time of the year, so why not take the experience a step further and try a sauna ritual?

A sauna ritual is a guided sauna experience led by a sauna master. These rituals introduce you to sauna traditions while offering a memorable and relaxing experience. They may include whisking with sauna whisks, throwing steam and the use of essential oils.

You can experience sauna rituals, for example, at Ring Spa Hostel. Here you can take part in steam, salt and aroma rituals. Sauna yoga is also available on Tuesdays.

Spring is just around the corner, and one of the best ways to refresh yourself after a long winter is to plan a relaxing spring getaway or spa weekend. If you have already visited all the spas in Estonia over the winter, take the next step and start discovering spa hotels in Latvia.

Why Latvia? Because it is so close to home and feels familiar, yet at the same time offers something completely different. Let’s take a look at the holiday experiences Latvia has to offer.

A Getaway in the Resort Town of Jūrmala

Jūrmala, Latvia’s best-known resort town, welcomes visitors all year round. Unlike Pärnu, Jūrmala remains lively outside the summer season too, so you never get the feeling that everything has closed for the winter. Quite the opposite – the town is full of life.

Jūrmala is an ideal destination for anyone who loves nature and the sea. Between spa treatments, you can take a long walk along the beach or look for the first signs of spring in the nearby forests.

The bright and spacious Jūrmala SPA Hotel offers everything you need for a relaxing holiday: spacious rooms with beautiful views, enjoyable sauna experiences, breakfast in a light-filled setting, a children’s pool with a slide and a gym, so you can keep up your healthy habits even while on holiday.

If you would rather wake up to a sea view, we recommend the 5-star Baltic Beach Hotel & SPA. Here you can enjoy your morning coffee on a balcony overlooking the sea before heading to breakfast with a glass of prosecco. Naturally, the bright restaurant also offers beautiful sea views.

Baltic Beach Hotel & SPA offers guests a truly luxurious getaway. Your biggest dilemma will be deciding whether to relax in a bright room with a large comfortable bed, unwind in the beautifully designed spa or take a walk along the Baltic Sea coast and soak up the first rays of spring sunshine.

Another beautiful spa hotel with plenty of additional facilities is located close to the sea: Lielupe Hotel by Semarah. Every corner of the hotel has been designed with relaxation in mind. Take the 25-metre swimming pool, for example, where you can enjoy the view through large windows as you swim and forget about everyday worries.

In summer, guests can also enjoy the outdoor pool. If the weather allows, head up to the hotel’s rooftop terrace and catch some sunshine. Children, meanwhile, can enjoy cosy bunk beds and a dedicated play area.

The Best Hotels for a City Break in Riga

Riga and its charming Old Town, filled with restaurants, bars and cafés, is a wonderful place to escape to for a couple of days. Riga is home to beautiful churches, museums and distinctive Art Nouveau architecture, as well as lovely parks and a scenic riverside.

Right in the centre of Riga, the 4-star Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel awaits you. Your holiday can begin with a toast, as a bottle of sparkling wine will be waiting in your room upon arrival. Afterwards, head to the thermal spa, where you can enjoy a Turkish sauna, herbal sauna and cedar sauna.

You can also indulge in relaxing spa treatments and massages featuring ingredients associated with the Baltics, including bread, honey and cranberries. The hotel is an excellent choice for anyone who appreciates luxurious experiences, whether it is the thermal spa, spacious rooms or fantastic river views.

The same hotel group also includes Wellton Hotel Riga & SPA and Wellton Hotel Centrum & SPA, both of which are well worth a visit.

The latter is located directly in Riga Old Town and is particularly well suited to guests who value atmosphere, location and comfort. Both hotels have spa facilities, but Wellton Hotel Centrum & SPA is especially noteworthy for having the only indoor swimming pool in Riga Old Town.

Something a Little Different

Think you have already seen everything Latvia has to offer? Think again, because there are still places you may never even have heard of.

For example, have you heard of the historic windsurfing paradise of Pāvilosta? Probably not, but this charming little town is a wonderful place to escape from everyday life and discover something new. Walk along the town’s two piers and promenade, or visit beautiful Ziemupe Beach and its sand dunes.

This small coastal town is also home to the stylish and modern OTTO Hotel & Sun. It is a paradise for anyone who wants to stay close to the beach while also appreciating beautiful hotel interiors.

The rooms are decorated in a Nordic style, with tasteful interiors dominated by dark tones and natural wooden elements. Even the hotel’s sauna follows the same striking aesthetic – it is completely black.

OTTO Restaurant takes care of the culinary side of your stay, serving, among other things, fresh fish and seasonal produce straight from the garden.

To refresh both body and mind, the hotel also offers spa treatments using marine mineral cosmetics. Or try red light therapy, which is designed to support wellbeing and skin care.

Enjoy the Beauty of Nature in Sigulda

Sigulda is a gateway to adventure and an ideal destination for nature lovers and active travellers.

Located in the heart of Gauja National Park, the town is a paradise for hikers, but there is plenty to see and do beyond the hiking trails too. Visit the medieval castle and bobsleigh track, climb through the treetops at an adventure park, see deer or take a cable car ride.

In the town centre, Hotel Sigulda and SPA Hotel Ezeri offer a relaxing place to unwind after an active day.

Enjoy the spa, stay in a business-class room and, of course, treat your taste buds to European cuisine and contemporary Latvian flavours. In summer, guests can enjoy a romantic restaurant terrace, while in winter the historic 19th-century building creates a uniquely cosy atmosphere.

The school holidays are just around the corner, so why not take some time to do something fun together with the children? You don’t always have to travel far or spend a lot of money. There is plenty to discover right here in Estonia.

One great way to get children away from their screens and enjoy something educational as a family is to visit a museum. Many museums today are interactive and child-friendly, and some even offer special programmes for children. Give your kids the opportunity to discover the world and learn something new. But where should you go during the school holidays?

AHHAA

 

AHHAA Science Centre in Tartu is a fantastic place to discover the fascinating world of science while having plenty of fun at the same time. Here you can gaze at the stars, take a wild virtual journey through the Solar System, find your way through a mirror maze, see yourself in a distorting mirror or come face-to-face with giant insects.

In the Technology Hall, you can ride a bicycle high above the exhibition floor and discover what household appliances look like on the inside.

Watch fish swimming in a 6,000-litre aquarium and visit the chick incubator. If you’re lucky, you may even get to see a chick hatch.

When you get hungry, head to Newton Café, which also offers a children’s menu and a play area.

Visitors with babies and young children are very welcome too. There is a quiet room designed for breastfeeding and baby care.

Seaplane Harbour

If there is a little captain growing up in your family, a visit to the wonderful Seaplane Harbour in Tallinn is definitely worth the trip. Future sailors can explore the Lembit submarine, the Suur Tõll icebreaker, a seaplane, the wreck of Estonia’s oldest ship and much more.

You can also take a closer look at marine life in the aquarium, take photos dressed in naval uniforms and test your skills on various simulators.

During the school holidays, the Seaplane Harbour also hosts theatre performances. The family musical “The Young Sailor’s First Big Adventure” will be performed here, featuring Saara Nüganen and Oskar Seeman, with singing led by boatswain Marko Matvere. The ticket also includes admission to the museum.

PROTO Invention Factory

Another exciting museum can be found in North Tallinn – PROTO Invention Factory. Here, you can explore the world of science through virtual reality. This unique family attraction, unlike anything else in Europe, also gives visitors the chance to discover inventions inspired by the era of Jules Verne.

So what can you do at PROTO? Take a hot-air balloon ride and glide over the sea and between mountain peaks in virtual reality, or try riding an aerial bicycle. There is certainly no shortage of adventure. You can also experience a journey on a steam train and explore the depths of the sea in a submarine.

In total, the centre features 30 virtual reality exhibits that let you discover inventions that changed the world. By the time you leave, you may no longer be quite sure what was real and what wasn’t.

Estonian Police Museum

At the Estonian Police Museum in Rakvere, you can discover what the everyday work of police officers is really like. Try on police equipment, take fingerprints, step into the role of a special forces officer or become a forensic investigator in the laboratory.

You can also test your reaction speed behind the wheel and measure the speed of passing vehicles just like real police officers do.

This family-friendly theme museum offers plenty of excitement for visitors of all ages. Discover how espionage and counterfeiting work and learn about ten of Estonia’s most notorious crimes. Children aged 5–10 can also enjoy detective games in the children’s room.

Wittenstein Time Centre

If the words “history museum” make you think of dusty exhibits, it’s time to visit the Wittenstein Activity Museum in Paide, where the traditional history museum experience takes on a whole new meaning.

Visitors step straight into a 19th-century small town and discover what life was like through engaging activities, fascinating objects and unique digital solutions.

You can visit a 19th-century pharmacy, beer and food workshops, and see Estonia’s first photograph. The bravest visitors can even try dissecting a body in the medical room. Why not take a short trip to Paide and travel back in time?

Estonian Sports and Olympic Museum

A favourite among sports fans is undoubtedly the Estonian Sports and Olympic Museum. To visit the largest and most modern sports experience centre in the Baltics, head to Tartu. Here you can discover Estonia’s greatest sporting moments, biggest achievements and even its doping scandals.

You and your family can enjoy 15 interactive attractions. Test your skills in the interactive basketball area, step into the commentator’s booth or explore a historic gym.

Estonia’s capital, Tallinn, has many different sides. Here, you can enjoy pure luxury – spas, some of the best restaurants in the capital and cocktails high above the city in rooftop bars. You can explore the history of the medieval city, stroll along cobblestone streets, enjoy nature and fresh air, experience Tallinn’s creative vibe in the trendy Telliskivi Creative City, and immerse yourself in endless art and culture. What does your dream city break look like?

A Luxurious City Break

If your dream city break is all about indulging yourself, a visit to a spa is a perfect place to start. A truly special experience awaits at Elamus Spa in Mustamäe, the largest sauna and spa experience centre in Scandinavia. Here you’ll find no fewer than 22 saunas and can even enjoy a special sauna show in a sauna that accommodates up to 100 guests at a time.

After a relaxing spa day, why not visit one of Tallinn’s best restaurants? Treat yourself to something special and book a table at NOA Restaurant, located near Viimsi. For an especially memorable experience, time your visit for sunset and enjoy breathtaking views over Tallinn Bay and the city skyline.

Finish the evening at Issei, a bar located on the 24th floor of the Radisson hotel. Here you can admire the city lights while sipping your favourite cocktail.

If you are looking for a hotel in the heart of the city, Hampton by Hilton Tallinn is a great choice.

Discover Urban Nature

Want to enjoy a city break but are a true nature lover at heart? No problem – Tallinn offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature without leaving the city.

If you want to experience a real bog landscape, visit Pääsküla Bog, which is also easily accessible by city bus.

If you prefer something more active, why not go skiing? Nõmme Snow Park offers fun for both cross-country skiers and those who enjoy downhill skiing or snowboarding.

Tallinn is also home to many beautiful parks. Just outside the city centre, in lovely Kadriorg, you’ll find Kadriorg Park, together with Kadriorg Palace and the Miiamilla Children’s Museum.

If you would rather spend time indoors, visit the Estonian Museum of Natural History and learn more about the animals and birds you may encounter in Estonian nature.

If you are looking for a comfortable, homelike yet stylish and luxurious place to stay, consider Hessnery Hotel, located near the Nõmme district.

Explore Telliskivi Creative City

If you want to immerse yourself in the city’s creative atmosphere and see how locals spend their free time, head straight to Telliskivi Creative City. Telliskivi has a unique atmosphere and is full of restaurants, bars, cultural experiences and interesting shops.

Why not start the morning with coffee and a pastry at Fika? Afterwards, browse products by Estonian designers. In Telliskivi, you’ll find everything from ceramics and leather goods to clothing and accessories. Fans of vintage fashion will find their paradise at Kopli Couture.

Book lovers can visit Literaat, which is both a bookshop and a café-restaurant. For a meal, try the Asian-inspired restaurant Lendav Taldrik, and finish the evening with cocktails at Metsis.

For an overnight stay, choose the newly opened Hyatt Place Tallinn, which has everything you need for a comfortable city break.

A City Break for Art Lovers

If no holiday is complete without an art experience, your first stop will probably be the Kumu Art Museum, where you can explore both the permanent collection and exciting temporary exhibitions.

More inspiring art experiences await at Fotografiska in Telliskivi Creative City. In addition to the exhibitions, it is worth visiting the museum shop and dining at the stylish restaurant on the sixth floor, which offers beautiful views over Tallinn’s Old Town.

Telliskivi is also home to Estonia’s first private gallery, Vaal Gallery. Art lovers should also visit Tallinn Art Hall, where, for example, an exhibition consisting of Alexei Gordin’s social media posts is on display until January 11.

When visiting Tallinn, art lovers could stay at Ibis Styles Tallinn, whose interior design draws inspiration from photography.

Explore the Old Town

One of the main reasons to visit Tallinn is its beautiful medieval Old Town. Walk along the city wall, take photos from the viewing platforms, visit Town Hall Square and stop by Raeapteek, the oldest continuously operating pharmacy in Europe that has remained in the same premises. Afterwards, enjoy something sweet at the historic Maiasmokk Café.

Culture lovers can visit Tallinn City Theatre and the Estonian Theatre for Young Audiences.

For dinner, head to Rataskaevu 16. A perfect ending to a medieval-themed day is a visit to the medieval tavern III Draakon.

For history lovers, an ideal place to stay is Nunne Boutique Hotel, located in beautifully restored medieval buildings.

Are you looking for great places to eat during a weekend trip to the capital? Perhaps you are planning a romantic date for your significant other, searching for the perfect place to celebrate your mother’s birthday, or want to discover new flavours with a friend?

Whatever the occasion, it is always worth keeping an eye on Tallinn’s restaurant scene—you never know when the mood for a delicious restaurant meal might strike. Here is our selection of restaurants worth visiting in Tallinn.

When You Are Craving Butter Chicken: Goa Restaurant

If you are strolling around Linnahall or Kalarand, or have just visited the Estonian Museum of Contemporary Art or the Energy Discovery Centre, make sure to seek out Goa Restaurant, which serves delicious Indian and Thai cuisine.

At Goa, you can expect flavourful dishes, generous portions, a cosy atmosphere and attentive, courteous service.

Come and try their melt-in-your-mouth royal butter chicken—and be sure to bring your vegetarian friends along, as the menu also offers plenty of choices for them.

Mediterranean Flavours: Cafe Tempo

If you are exploring Kalamaja’s wooden-house district or visiting the galleries and exhibitions in Telliskivi, Cafe Tempo is an excellent place to stop for a meal.

Located near Balti Jaam, the restaurant first catches the eye with its striking interior. Operating as a bakery and café during the day, it is housed in a former warehouse, allowing guests to enjoy the flavours of the Eastern Mediterranean in an intriguing industrial setting.

The restaurant occupies a former car workshop—think galvanised ventilation pipes, a black-and-white chequered floor and an open kitchen. Many of the dishes are prepared on an authentic charcoal grill.

The menu is designed for sharing and offers a selection of distinctive Mediterranean dips and sauces. The perfect finishing touch is the soft-serve ice cream, which guests cannot praise highly enough.

The Best Brunch Spot: Grenka

Grenka is a delightful brunch restaurant on Pärnu Road. Visitors to Tallinn will need to take a short walk to reach it, as the restaurant is located approximately 20 minutes from the Old Town—but it is well worth the journey.

The menu features all the mouth-watering breakfast classics you could wish for, including pancakes, syrniki, various omelettes, avocado toast with scrambled eggs and much more.

Naturally, you will also find grenkas—open-faced sandwiches—on the menu. Before ordering several, however, keep in mind that these are not small snacks but substantial main courses. The bread is often completely hidden beneath generous portions of meat, fish or vegetables. Enjoy!

A Little Piece of Italy in Viimsi: Cannella Pizza

If you have come to splash around at Atlantis H2O Aquapark, visit the Estonian War Museum or simply enjoy a walk by the sea in Viimsi, make sure to stop for a meal at Cannella Pizza.

Located near the sea, Cannella Pizza serves classic Neapolitan-style pizzas that some guests claim are even better than those in Italy. In addition to the excellent pizzas, the restaurant offers a cosy atmosphere, enhanced by Italian music playing in the background.

Two-Metre-Long Noodles: Xinhai 1911 Restaurant & Bar

Located at Balti Jaam, this restaurant is sure to delight every lover of Asian cuisine. Xinhai 1911 is the perfect choice if you are looking for authentic Chinese food rather than its Europeanised counterpart.

The restaurant is worth visiting for its signature dish alone: Biang Biang noodles. These handmade noodles are five centimetres wide and two metres long, and are seasoned with a variety of herbs and oils.

Sour, salty and spicy flavours come together beautifully in every bite. Add friendly service, strong cocktails and generous portions, and there is a good chance this will become your new favourite restaurant in Tallinn.

For Oyster Lovers: Nautilus

If you are strolling through Rotermann Quarter or have visited the Estonian Museum of Architecture, head towards the harbour, where Nautilus Oyster Bar awaits.

As its name suggests, this restaurant is an excellent choice for seafood lovers. Alongside its extensive selection of oysters, Nautilus serves lavish seafood platters. Local fish is rarely found on the menu, but the restaurant makes up for it with an exceptionally varied wine selection.

The gloomy autumn weather makes the warmth of saunas and the fun of water attractions especially inviting. Now is the perfect time to take care of yourself. Whether you are a schoolchild, a career professional, a parent or an entrepreneur—we all need a break. The wisest among us take time off before work and school leave us completely exhausted.

Treat yourself and your family to a relaxing spa holiday this year.

Discover Ida-Viru County

Affectionately known as Ida-Võlumaa—the Land of Magic—Ida-Viru County is a destination where adventures are never in short supply. Every year brings another exciting activity or attraction to discover. One of the best reasons to visit the region, however, is its wonderful selection of spas.

Take Noorus SPA Hotel in Narva-Jõesuu, for example. This charming resort town welcomes you with pine forests, the sea and the relaxed atmosphere of a small town. Noorus SPA Hotel is particularly well suited to families, as it also features an excellent water park. Once the children enter, you can be certain they will not want to leave anytime soon!

When they have had enough splashing around, children can have fun in the playroom or enjoy a game of basketball or air hockey.

There is also plenty for adults to enjoy at Noorus SPA. The spa and sauna centre features various saunas, baths and pools. Best of all, two children aged up to 12 can stay free of charge.

Enjoy Peace and Tranquillity in Southern Estonia

Southern Estonia has an atmosphere all its own. Surrounded by nature, Kubija Hotel and Nature Spa feels like a cosy home in the forest—a wonderful setting for a relaxing family getaway.

The spa offers plenty of opportunities to unwind, while the day begins on a cheerful note at the breakfast table, where delicious pancakes await the children.

Naturally, the hotel also has a playroom. If you would like to spend time outdoors and enjoy the surrounding nature, you can explore the nearby orienteering trails.

Come and enjoy a memorable family adventure in Southern Estonia. With the family package at Kubija Hotel and Nature Spa, one child aged 3–12 stays free of charge, and the whole family can enjoy accommodation in a spacious Clay Suite.

Discover Tartu with the Whole Family

If you prefer a city break, why not choose Tartu as your destination? The city is large enough to ensure there is always something to do. Visit the Tartu Toy Museum, go to the cinema or Lõunakeskus shopping centre, explore the Upside Down House, play in the autumn leaves on Toomemägi Hill or spend a day at the AHHAA Science Centre.

At the same time, Tartu is compact enough to explore comfortably with children. Almost everywhere can be reached on foot, the city centre has plenty of cafés and restaurants, and instead of big-city traffic, you can enjoy walking and breathing cleaner air.

Hotel Tartu offers two packages for families. One includes a visit to Aura Water Centre, where you can relax in tropical-style leisure areas and experience the unique rain room. The centre also features thrilling water slides, shallow pools and a smaller slide designed especially for toddlers.

The second Hotel Tartu package includes admission to the AHHAA Science Centre. As the largest and most exciting science centre in the Baltic States, AHHAA offers enough activities to fill an entire day. It is a fun and educational way for the whole family to spend quality time together. After an action-packed day, you can relax in Hotel Tartu’s sauna centre.

A Water Park Beyond Your Wildest Dreams

If your children love water and want nothing more from their holiday than racing down different slides, there is no better destination than Atlantis H2O Aquapark.

At Viimsi SPA, the day begins with an energising breakfast—after all, everyone needs plenty of fuel to make the most of the water park. Then it is time to head to the water centre, where you can splash and play until 10 p.m. if you wish.

The water park features a children’s pool, a circular current pool and eight different water slides. Two of the slides can be enjoyed with inflatable tubes. Younger children have their own area with a shallow pool, a climbing zone and two smaller slides.

After visiting the water park, you can relax in a sauna or hot tub. If the children still have energy to spare, they can continue playing in the ball pit in the playroom. Meanwhile, parents can enjoy some time at the Black Rose Pub. A special Wi-Fi camera system allows parents to keep an eye on the children without leaving the pub.

In the evening, a comfortable hotel room with soft beds awaits the entire family—along with the inevitable debate over who gets to sleep on the top bunk.

Explore Lahemaa with Children

If you think children and manor houses do not belong together, Vihula Manor may change your mind. The manor offers a wonderful family package that allows two children aged up to 12 to stay free of charge.

In the beautiful historic surroundings, the whole family can enjoy the swimming pool and sauna centre. Children are treated to a complimentary ice cream shake and can later spend time playing in the playroom.

Outside, the magnificent manor park is perfect for a leisurely walk. Visit the museums located on the manor grounds or head out on a hike in the surrounding nature.

Discover our other magical family getaway offers HERE.

Saaremaa is especially delightful in summer. The farther you travel from the bustle of the city, the cleaner the air becomes and the wilder the surrounding nature feels. On Saaremaa, there is time to simply be present and enjoy the moment with friends, family or your partner while listening to the sound of the waves and birdsong.

Saaremaa is worth visiting every summer. If you are worried that you have already seen everything the island has to offer, think again. We have put together a selection of fascinating places worth visiting that you may not have discovered yet.

300 Stone Sheep at Lambakogu

In the tiny village of Karala in western Saaremaa, an exciting and original surprise awaits visitors: Lambakogu. Here, you will feel as though you have stepped into an animated film as you walk among 300 stone sheep.

These sheep are not simply standing around—each one has its own role and task. Some sit in parliament, while others dance at a traditional song and dance festival.

Adults will find plenty of political humour to enjoy, while children can have fun discovering the amusing sheep. Lambakogu also has a playground. Gardening enthusiasts can visit Lilian’s flower garden, admire the different blooms and take beautiful photographs. During the summer, the Lambakaubamaja shop also welcomes visitors.

Lambakogu offers something truly different, and you will not forget your visit anytime soon.

Discover Your Inner Viking at Asva Viking Village

Saaremaa is well known for its Viking-era discoveries. Would you like to become a Viking for a day? If so, a trip to Asva Viking Village Adventure Park is well worth taking.

The Viking village offers something for visitors of every age and provides an excellent opportunity to put away the screens and travel back in time.

The adventure park welcomes you with an authentic Viking atmosphere: wooden buildings, crackling fires, tempting aromas of food and the ringing sounds of the blacksmith’s workshop. The whole family can practise archery, climb on the adventure trail, pet animals and take part in role-playing games.

The Enchanting Windmills of Angla

If you would like to experience something ancient and historic, visit Angla. Here, an impressive collection of windmills awaits you.

There are five windmills in total, all built at the beginning of the previous century. Four are traditional Saaremaa post mills, while one is a Dutch-style windmill.

Visitors can step inside two of the windmills. You can also explore historic agricultural machinery and meet farm animals and birds. Windmill Hill also features a museum introducing local folk culture, along with a café and souvenir shop. It is also a lovely place to enjoy a picnic with your companions.

Pihtla Brewery – Estonia’s Oldest Microbrewery

If you are a beer enthusiast, be sure to visit Pihtla Brewery during your trip to Saaremaa. Established in 1990, it is Estonia’s oldest microbrewery.

In the beer room, you can book a guided tour with a tasting. Along with learning about the brewery’s history, you will gain insight into the brewing process, while the guide introduces you to Estonia’s craft beer scene.

During the tasting, you can sample different beers, including Viikingi Karje, as well as Saaremaa’s famous traditional farmhouse beer.

Exotic Animals at Saaremaa Zoo

If you are visiting Saaremaa with children or simply love animals, we have good news: you do not need to travel far to meet them. Saaremaa Zoo is located just outside Orissaare, and its residents are eagerly waiting to welcome you.

What makes the zoo especially enjoyable is that, unlike at traditional zoos, visitors can feed, pet and interact with the animals. It is a wonderful way to introduce children to familiar farm animals while also discovering the zoo’s more exotic inhabitants.

A café is located in the zoo’s bird area, where you can enjoy a meal beside the pond in the company of birds and capybaras. The zoo welcomes visitors throughout the year.

The Medieval Ruins of Maasi Order Castle

If you would like to explore the ruins of a genuine Livonian Order castle, visit Maasi Order Castle, located near the zoo.

Although it is not as perfectly preserved as Kuressaare Castle, the atmosphere of the Livonian era can still be felt here. Underground chambers with vaulted cellars await you, while the upper level offers a beautiful view of the sea.

When you enter the cellar, the lights switch on and swallows fly through the passageways. The ruins are also an excellent place for a picnic.

If you are looking for accommodation on Saaremaa, be sure to explore our special offers as well.

The new school year is just around the corner, so there is still time for one last summer adventure with the whole family. Why not head into nature and introduce your children to the beauty of Estonia? If you have never been hiking with children before, here are a few useful tips to keep in mind when choosing a trail.

Choose a Short Trail

Children do not need the challenge of completing a 30-kilometre hiking trail. A route of 1–3 kilometres is perfectly suitable for a young nature enthusiast.

Allow Plenty of Time

An average adult walks approximately three kilometres per hour, but you will probably not move quite as quickly with children. They may need encouragement and more frequent breaks, and their walking pace will be slower because there is so much to stop and explore along the way.

Bring Snacks and Plan Games

If walking starts to feel tiring, a biscuit or piece of fruit can help motivate children to keep going. It is also worth thinking in advance about ways to make the hike more playful, as a long walk may eventually become boring for them.

The games do not need to be complicated. You could look for different colours and leaves in nature or try to identify animal tracks together.

Look for Varied Scenery

Children tend to enjoy trails with varied surroundings, opportunities to climb and flowing water to watch. Trails following rocky beaches, passing lakes or rivers, or winding through forests where children can play are often especially exciting for them.

Which Hiking Trail Should You Choose?

Estonia is full of short, family-friendly hiking trails. Here are a few of our recommendations.

Keila-Joa Park Nature Trail

Keila-Joa Park is approximately a one-hour bus journey from Tallinn. This varied two-kilometre trail is an excellent choice for children.

The trail passes through a manor park and features several suspension bridges and stairways. There are plenty of benches along the route, while the magnificent waterfall is naturally the biggest attraction.

Kabli Nature Study Trail

The Kabli Nature Study Trail is located by the sea and follows a boardwalk, making it accessible with a pushchair. Along the route, you will find two birdwatching towers that are fun to climb and the Priivitsa campfire site, which is perfect for a picnic.

Kabli Nature Study Trail is approximately a one-hour bus journey from Pärnu.

Taevaskoda Hiking Trail

The Taevaskoda Hiking Trail is a three-kilometre circular route through the exceptionally beautiful landscape of Southern Estonia. Along the way, you will encounter the sandstone outcrops of Small and Great Taevaskoda, spring caves and picturesque views.

Climb the stairways, cross scenic bridges and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The route also passes an interesting hydroelectric power station. This is undoubtedly one of Estonia’s most beautiful hiking trails.

Children should be supervised carefully, however, as some of the higher sections of the trail reach up to 20 metres.

Orjaku Nature Trail

If you are holidaying on Hiiumaa, take the children to the Orjaku Nature Trail. This two-kilometre trail follows the shore of Käina Bay and is a fascinating destination for birdwatchers. As many as 192 different bird species have been spotted here.

Watching waterbirds from the observation tower is an exciting experience for hikers of all ages. You can also cross a mud bridge and follow a boardwalk through the reed beds.

Fairy Trail

Another lovely place for exploring nature with children is the Fairy Trail, located approximately a ten-minute drive from Elva. Stepping onto the trail feels like entering an enchanted forest.

Be sure to bring baskets or containers that you can fill with mushrooms and berries. This provides a wonderful opportunity to teach children about edible mushrooms and introduce them to wild berries.

The 1.4-kilometre trail is full of exciting surprises. You may discover Witch Island with its Little Witch’s House, charming wooden sculptures and even a low-ropes adventure course in the middle of the forest, where children can climb to their hearts’ content.

Autumn has arrived. Summer lovers may be a little sad to see the warm weather go, while autumn fans have been eagerly waiting for cooler days. One thing is certain, though: the season when every weekend is fully booked is finally over, making it the perfect time for a spontaneous getaway.

Whether you’re travelling with children or enjoying a romantic break for two, animals have a way of putting a smile on everyone’s face. So, where can you meet some furry and feathered friends this autumn? Here are a few zoos and farms worth visiting.

Kallaste Tourism Farm Experience Farm – a countryside escape full of activities

Kallaste Tourism Farm Experience Farm is a great place to get up close with Cameroon goats, rabbits, chickens, roosters, geese, cats and a friendly little dog named Cha-Cha. Visitors can feed the farm animals with fresh grass, dandelions, ground elder or fresh plant-based treats brought from home.

There’s plenty more to do besides meeting the animals. Children can enjoy the playground, play disc golf and ball games, or even head out on a canoe trip. Come and spend a refreshing day in the countryside at Kallaste. The farm is about an hour’s drive from Tallinn, and it is also easily accessible by bus.

Meet and pet alpacas at Alpakafarm

Near Pärnu, in Tori Municipality, adorable alpacas are ready to welcome visitors. From September until the end of May, Alpakafarm is open on weekends from 12:00 to 15:00. You can take photos with the alpacas, give them a gentle pat or feed them carrot slices purchased from the farm shop.

And alpacas are not the only residents here. You’ll also meet pygmy goats, miniature sheep, rabbits, guinea pigs, llamas and plenty of other fascinating animals and birds.

Before leaving, you can pick up alpaca wool yarn or knitted items as a lovely souvenir.

Ranna Rantšo – home to around 500 animals and birds

Located about an hour’s drive from both Pärnu and Haapsalu, Ranna Rantšo is a dream destination for animal lovers. Around 500 animals and birds live here, many of them friendly, curious and eager for attention and treats. Children can even take some of the smaller animals for a walk.

Ranna Rantšo also offers horseback rides by the sea, making it a wonderful place to experience authentic countryside life.

Pony rides at Poni Zimba Animal Park

Near Tartu, in Luunja Municipality, you’ll find Poni Zimba Animal Park, a must-visit for anyone who loves horses and ponies. Children can enjoy pony rides and carriage rides.

The park is also home to donkeys, Scottish Highland cattle, alpacas, goats, rabbits and various farm birds.

There is plenty to keep the whole family entertained, and the park is also conveniently accessible by bus from Tartu.

Discover the residents of Tallinn Zoo

When did you last visit Tallinn Zoo? If you can’t remember, it might be time to go again. There is always something new to discover, and the zoo is a wonderful place to see a wide variety of animals while spending a fun day with family or someone special.

Watch polar bears swimming underwater, explore the tropical rainforest or visit Tiger Valley. Younger visitors will also enjoy the Children’s Zoo, where they can meet and pet domestic animals.

Polli Zoo and nearby attractions

Polli Zoo is located around 40 km from Tallinn and is well worth the trip, especially as there are plenty of other attractions nearby. Just across the road you’ll find the famous Tuhala Witch’s Well, while the surrounding hiking trails offer a chance to discover the area’s distinctive karst landscape.

Nearby, Viskla Swing Park features around one hundred different swings, while Paunküla Wellness Centre offers disc golf, hiking trails and the chance to rent pedal boats and rowing boats. There is plenty to turn your visit into a full day out.

At Polli Zoo itself, visitors can meet a variety of friendly animals and birds, including horses, goats, rabbits and peacocks. You can feed the animals, and with a little luck, even enjoy a horse or pony ride. Children can also have fun on the playground and trampoline.