Estonia

A small country wedged in between Russia and the rest of Europe it has a turbulent history which is highlighted by the number of castles found here and battles that were fought on its territory. Tallinn, the capital, is by far the most famous and visited sight and an Unesco heritage site and we always planned to visit it. However in the end we expanded to visit to include also Tartu the second largest city in the country, which is also quite scenic, as well as a few national parks. We are also looking forward to stay a night at a cabin in the woods to maybe see some bears and other wildlife.

Overall driving in Estonia was easy with traffic being moderate to easy except in downtown Tallinn and Tartu. Attractions were usually well marked and we felt safe throughout the country even late at night. Food was exceptional and varied. Climate was cold and very rainy which is probably the big negative if visiting in fall.

Map of Travels

Trips

• 
  Interesting Helme castle and caveSeptember 6, 2022
  Last stop in Estonia is Helme to visit the castle and cave as well as the healing fountain while finding the first cache in Estonia
• 
  Tartu, the second largest city in EstoniaSeptember 6, 2022
  On the way to Latvia we stop for a few hours in Tartu a historic student city and the second largest in Estonia
• 
  Seeing bears in Estonia, what an adventure!September 5, 2022
  The big adventure in Estonia is an overnight stay at a primitive cabin to see successfully bears and boars
• 
  The impressive Sagadi ManorSeptember 5, 2022
  The major man made attraction in Lahemaa NP is the impressive Sagadi Manor with period furniture that can be visited and explored
• 
  Looking for wildlife in Lahemaa National ParkSeptember 5, 2022
  On a rainy day we explore a few short trails in Lahemaa National Park finding cranes and beaver signs before escaping the cold back into town
• 
  Our base for eastern Estonia, RakvereSeptember 4, 2022
  We stay two nights in historic Rakvere to explore the Eastern area of Estonia with a focus on bears and Lahemaa National Park
• 
  Huge and abandoned Kolga Mõis mansionSeptember 4, 2022
  Kolga Mõis a huge and largely abandoned mansion that we explore from outside only is the last stop for today
• 
  Jägala waterfall, the widest waterfall in EstoniaSeptember 4, 2022
  On the way to our AirBnB we stop to find with some difficulty the widest waterfall in Estonia which is not in full force due to low water volume
• 
  Stimulating Maarjamäe Castle museum complexSeptember 4, 2022
  Maarjamäe Castle is a special museum complex with at least three fun museums and an outdoor communist statue area to explore
• 
  Tunnels and exhibits in Kiek in de Kök museumSeptember 3, 2022
  One major stop for us in Tallinn is Kiek in de Kök museum protecting a warren of tunnels beneath the city besides the usual museum exhibits
• 
  Toompea Hill, the administrative centerSeptember 3, 2022
  Toompea Hill is traditionally the administrative center of Estonia with the Parliament and many other important buildings located here
• 
  Impressive Tallinn Town Hall SquareSeptember 3, 2022
  The focal point of Tallinn is the magnificent Town Hall Square that we pass through multiple times as we explore the Old Town
• 
  One full day in Tallinn after a long flightSeptember 3, 2022
  After a long and eventful flight we spend our first day exploring beautiful Tallinn, an Unesco World Heritage Site