Estonia Travel Guide
Estonia is a wonderful destination in Northern Europe, celebrated for its well-preserved medieval towns, breathtaking natural scenery, and vibrant cultural legacy. Whether you’re keen to explore historic sites, unwind along the Baltic coast, or immerse yourself in nature, Estonia has something for every traveler. Below is a detailed travel guide to assist you in planning your journey. Estonia driving guide, international driver’s license Estonia, international driver’s permit Estonia, international driver’s licence Estonia, international licence permit Estonia.
1. Arriving in Estonia
– By Air: The primary international entry point is Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport (TLL), conveniently located just 4 km from the capital, Tallinn. The airport offers direct flights from major European cities.
– By Ferry: Estonia has excellent ferry connections to neighboring countries such as Finland, Sweden, and Latvia. The Tallinn-Helsinki route is especially popular and takes approximately 2 hours.
– By Bus/Train: You can access Estonia by bus from several Baltic and European cities. While train travel is limited, there is a service between Tallinn and Moscow.
2. Best Time to Visit
– Summer (June to August): The peak tourist season, offering warm weather, long daylight hours, and diverse festivals. Perfect for exploring cities and coastal regions.
– Autumn (September to November): A quieter period with cooler weather and stunning fall foliage. Ideal for hiking and cultural experiences.
– Winter (December to February): Estonia turns into a winter wonderland, ideal for enjoying winter sports, Christmas markets, and cozy cafes.
– Spring (March to May): A delightful time to visit, with blooming flowers and mild weather, although some attractions may still be closed from the winter season.
3. Top Destinations
– Tallinn: The capital city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its medieval Old Town. Take a stroll along cobblestone streets, visit historic landmarks like Toompea Castle and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and relish the vibrant cafe culture.
– Tartu: Estonia’s second-largest city is hailed as the intellectual hub of the country and is home to the University of Tartu. It’s a vibrant city with museums, theaters, and a charming old town.
– Parnu: A popular summer getaway known as Estonia’s “summer capital” due to its sandy beaches, spas, and laid-back atmosphere.
– Saaremaa: The largest island in Estonia, Saaremaa provides a peaceful retreat with unique attractions like the Kuressaare Castle and Kaali Meteorite Crater.
– Lahemaa National Park: Situated on the northern coast, this is Estonia’s largest national park, offering stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and historic manor houses. Estonia driving guide, international driver’s license Estonia, international driver’s permit Estonia, international driver’s licence Estonia, international licence permit Estonia
For cultural enthusiasts, Estonia offers a variety of experiences:
4. Embrace the Culture
– Step back in time at Medieval Festivals held in cities like Tallinn to celebrate Estonia’s rich medieval heritage. These festivals feature traditional costumes, markets, and reenactments.
– Immerse yourself in the Estonian Song and Dance Festival, a UNESCO-listed event held every five years in Tallinn, showcasing Estonian choral music and folk dance.
– Indulge in the sauna culture, an important aspect of Estonian life. Visit a traditional smoke sauna, especially in the Võru County region.
5. Outdoor Adventure
– Explore the numerous hiking opportunities in Estonia, from the bogs and forests of Soomaa National Park to the coastal cliffs of the Baltic Sea. Estonia driving guide, international driver’s license Estonia, international driver’s permit Estonia, international driver’s licence Estonia, international licence permit Estonia
– Take advantage of the flat terrain for cycling. The Baltic Sea Route offers scenic views and easy access to beaches and small villages.
– In winter, enjoy cross-country skiing, ice skating, and ice fishing on Estonia’s many lakes.
6. Culinary Delights
– Delight in hearty Estonian cuisine influenced by Scandinavian and Russian traditions. Taste dishes like verivorst (blood sausage), mulgi kapsad (pork and sauerkraut), and karask (barley bread). Estonia driving guide, international driver’s license Estonia, international driver’s permit Estonia, international driver’s licence Estonia, international licence permit Estonia
– Savor fresh seafood owing to Estonia’s coastal location, including herring, sprats, and Baltic salmon.
– Explore Estonia’s growing craft beer scene by visiting local breweries or trying popular brands like Saku and A. Le Coq.
– Indulge in traditional Estonian dessert, Kama, made from ground grains mixed with kefir or yogurt.
7. Practical Info
– Euro (€) is the official currency, and credit/debit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are easily accessible.
– While the official language is Estonian, English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas. Russian and Finnish are also commonly understood.
– Estonia has an efficient public transportation system, especially in Tallinn, with common options such as buses, trams, and trolleys. Renting a car is advisable for exploring the countryside or islands.
– Enjoy excellent digital infrastructure with widely available free Wi-Fi, even in rural areas.
– Estonia is renowned for being one of the safest countries in Europe, with low crime rates and a high-quality healthcare system.
8. Etiquette and Customs
– Punctuality: Estonians value punctuality. It’s polite to arrive on time for appointments and social events.
– Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated, especially in restaurants and cafes. A tip of 5-10% is standard.
– Respect for Nature: Estonians have a deep respect for nature. When hiking or visiting natural sites, be mindful of leaving no trace and following local guidelines.
9. Travel Tips
– Local SIM Card: Consider getting a local SIM card for easy access to data and local calls. SIM cards are available at the airport and in major cities.
– Cultural Sites: Estonia has many museums, galleries, and historical sites. Purchase a Tallinn Card or other city passes for discounts on entry fees and public transport.
– National Holidays: Be aware of national holidays, such as Independence Day (February 24th) and Midsummer Day (June 24th), as many businesses may be closed.
Estonia offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re exploring the medieval streets of Tallinn, enjoying the serenity of the islands, or hiking through its national parks, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience in this Baltic gem.
When traveling abroad, it’s essential to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) from IMTA (International Motor Traffic Association) to complement your regular driver’s license. The IDP translates your license into 15 different languages, making it easier for officials in foreign countries to understand. It’s important to note that the IDP is recognized in countries that have signed onto the 1949 or 1968 UN Conventions. Additionally, various bilateral treaties and agreements regulate the requirements for IDPs in different countries, so having the IMTA International drivers license is crucial when traveling internationally. Apply For International Driving Permit For £35 Only. Get Your Online Int’l Driving License for the United Kingdom. Get Your Online Int’l Driving Licence for the United Kingdom
Applying for an IMTA international driving permit is convenient as it can be done from anywhere in the world.
Apply here and Get your IDP Fast
https://www.e-idp.co.uk/international-driving-license-application/
What you need to rent a car, and how to rent one
As a tourist, you’ll most likely be renting a car (more on that in a bit) for your road trip. Even so, there are certain requirements that you’ll have to check off before you get into it.
- You have to get an International Driver’s Permit. Apply for it online or head to the office — we prefer doing it in person because the queue is pretty short during off-peak hours, and you can get it done on the same day. It’ll cost S$20 and is valid for one year from the date of issue.
- A valid local driver’s license. international driving licence online
- You have to be at least 21 years of age and have held your local licence for a year. A surcharge may be imposed for drivers under the age of 25.
- A passport for identification .
- A credit card in the driver’s name.
How to obtain an international driving permit
The process of obtaining an international driving license directly from an office can be quite challenging and time-consuming. The payment methods involved can also be complex. Therefore, it is recommended to consider applying for an international driving license from IMTA. The application process only takes around 10 to 15 minutes, making it a more efficient option for getting your international driving permit Estonia driving guide
The necessary details required for the application of an International driving permit include:
– Full Name
– Email & Phone Number
– Current Address
– Place of Birth
– National Driver’s License Number
– National Driver’s License Issued Date & Expiry Date
– Picture of Driver’s License & Your Head Shot Photo for Your IDP
