Although the smallest of the Baltic countries, *Estonia*’s attractions are large, from lovely seaside towns, quaint country villages, verdant forests and lush marshlands to magnificent castles, pristine islands and its cosmopolitan capital, Tallinn. Tallinn boasts cobbled streets and rejuvenated 14th-century dwellings, along with dozens of cafés and restaurants, historic churches and scenic ruins, and compelling galleries and boutiques. Outside the capital, the bucolic landscape hides numerous attractions. Lahemaa National Park in Northeastern Estonia has lush forests and beautiful coastal trails. South of Estonia’s cosmopolitan spiritual centre, Tartu, is the hilltop town of Otepää with its laidback atmosphere and lovely ski trails. Handsome beach towns, spa resorts and medieval ruins lie scattered about the western shores of the country. Further west lies Estonia’s biggest island, Saaremaa, and on it the towns of Angla, Karja, Triigi and Tuhkana, where iconic windmills, 19th-century lighthouses, unspoiled beaches and yet more medieval ruins transport visitors to another time. Covering vast swaths of Estonia, forests, wooded meadows and under-appreciated bog form the backdrop to numerous activities: hiking over wooded trails, horseback riding along coastline, canoeing over flooded forests, bird-watching, cross-country skiing in winter and swimming in crystal-clear lakes and rivers in summer. This all makes a nice prelude to one of the country’s most beloved national pastimes: a relaxing, restoring sauna.
Destinations we visit in Europe
