NordenBladet – Estonia, a small country located in the Baltic region of Northern Europe, is rapidly developing into a top winter destination for those looking for a blend of technology, nature, and culture. With its Nordic climate and abundance of forested landscapes, Estonia offers a dreamy winter wonderland for visitors looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
One of Estonia’s most famous proverbs is “Kus aeg läheb, seal puud ei kasva” which roughly translates to “Where time goes, trees do not grow”. This saying is a reminder of the importance of preserving Estonia’s natural resources, which is something that the country takes very seriously. In fact, Estonia has one of the highest forest coverage rates in Europe, with over 50% of its land area covered in trees.
Estonia’s relationship with technology is also noteworthy. Dubbed as the “most advanced digital society in the world” by the World Economic Forum (weforum.org), Estonia has a strong IT sector and a government that prioritizes the use of technology to make life easier for its citizens. From e-Residency to online voting, Estonia is truly a smart nation.
But Estonia is not just about technology and nature. The country also boasts a rich history and culture, particularly in its old towns. The Old Town of Tallinn, for example, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (unesco.org)known for its well-preserved medieval architecture. Visitors can take a stroll through the cobblestone streets, admire the Gothic buildings, and immerse themselves in the local culture.
If you’re planning a winter trip to Estonia, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit:
Visit the Lahemaa National Park. This park is one of the biggest (747 km²) and most popular tourist destinations in Estonia, and for good reason. It’s the perfect place to go for a hike or a snowshoeing adventure in the winter. With its vast stretches of forest, frozen lakes, and picturesque landscapes, Lahemaa is a nature lover’s paradise.
Photo: Lahemaa National Parl (Pexels)
Hiking in Estonia. Estonia is a hiker’s paradise, offering a wild and rugged landscape of Nordic forests that are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The country’s pure and unspoiled wilderness offers a perfect setting for adventurous hikes.
Palivere Hiking Trail is a must-visit destination for hikers. It is a beautiful forest trail that covers around 10 km, and offers great views of the surrounding landscape. It’s a good trail for beginners, but it’s also challenging enough for more experienced hikers.
Here are some of the best hiking trails to check out in Estonia:
- Palivere Hiking Trail
- Lahemaa National Park
- Soomaa National Park
- Karula National Park
- Vilsandi National Park
- Matsalu National Park
- Alutaguse Hiking Trail
- Valaste Waterfall Trail
- Rannametsa Hiking Trail
- Kõrvemaa Hiking Trail
Photo: With its numerous hiking trails, Estonia is a great destination for those who love to explore nature on foot. (Pexels)
Photo: VisitEstonia/Arne Ader (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
Photos: Experience tour and fine dining with fairies in Viru bog. 3 x VisitEstonia/Mariann Liimal (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
Take a dip in an Estonian sauna. Saunas are a big part of Estonian culture, and there’s nothing like taking a dip in a hot sauna to warm up on a cold winter day. Many saunas in Estonia have outdoor sections, where you can jump into a hole in the ice to cool off.
In Estonia, saunas are traditionally heated with wood, and the heat is increased by pouring water on the hot stones. It is also common to use birch branches to gently whip oneself, which is said to improve circulation and help with relaxation. Many families have their own saunas in their homes, and it’s also common to find saunas in apartment buildings. Sauna culture is also an important part of Estonian tourism and many guesthouses, holiday resorts and spas offer sauna facilities.
Explore Tallinn’s Old Town. As mentioned earlier, Tallinn’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see for anyone visiting Estonia. Take a walk through the streets, admire the architecture, and stop by one of the local cafes for a traditional Estonian meal.
Visit the Estonia National Museum. Located in Tartu, the Estonia National Museum is a great place to learn about the country’s history and culture. The museum offers interactive exhibits, and it’s a great way to spend a winter afternoon.
Many well-known Estonian artists have presented their works in the museum.For example: Kaido Ole, Marko Mäetamm, Jaan Toomik, Ene-Liis Semper, Kristi Kongi, Toomas Kuusing, Marko Mäetamm, Reet Varblane, Andra Orn, Tõnis Saadoja and many others. This is a small selection of Estonian artists who have had exhibitions at the Estonia National Museum (ERM) over the years. The list is much longer, as the ERM has been hosting exhibitions of Estonian and international art for over a century. The museum has a large collection of Estonian art and regularly rotates its exhibitions to showcase different artists and periods.
Photos: The entire-family art exhibition “Our home witch kitchen” in Estonian National Museum (erm.ee) created and curated by Helena-Reet Ennet and Ivanka Shoshana. (NordenBladet)
Try ice fishing. During the winter, many of Estonia’s lakes and rivers freeze over, making them perfect for ice fishing. It’s a unique and exciting way to experience the country’s natural beauty, and it’s a great way to catch your own dinner.
Go skiing or snowboarding at Otepää Ski Resort. This ski resort is located in the southern part of Estonia and offers a wide range of slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. There are also cross-country skiing trails for those who prefer a more relaxed pace.
Estonia is known for its beautiful forests and Nordic climate, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Among the outdoor activities, skiing is a popular sport in Estonia. Estonians have made remarkable achievements in skiing, with names like Kristina Šmigun-Vähi, Andrus Veerpalu and Kelly Sildaru, all of whom have brought multiple victories to Estonia in skiing competitions. Kelly Sildaru is a young Estonian freeskier who has already won multiple world championships and X-Games gold medals at the young age of 20.
Take a winter sunset walk in Pärnu. Pärnu is a charming coastal town located on the west coast of Estonia. Take a walk along the beach and enjoy the beautiful sunsets, and make sure to visit the local market for some traditional Estonian food.
Visit the ice sculptures at the Tallinn Christmas Market. During the winter, Tallinn’s Old Town Square transforms into a Christmas market. The Tallinn Christmas Market is an annual event that starts in late November and runs until early January. It offers a variety of traditional crafts and gifts, as well as a large display of ice sculptures. Visitors can also enjoy live performances, festive food and drink, and a lively atmosphere. Some of the highlights of Tallinn Christmas Market include traditional Estonian Christmas treats, handmade crafts, and the beautiful ice sculptures.
The tradition of the Tallinn Christmas Market dates back to the medieval era, it has been a popular event in Tallinn’s Old Town for centuries. However, the current format of the market, with its focus on traditional crafts and gifts, as well as ice sculptures, has been organized since at least the 1990s. The Tallinn Christmas Market has become a popular destination for both locals and visitors, and it continues to attract thousands of people every year.
Photos: 2 x Christmas market in Tallinn old town. VisitEstonia/Birgit Varblane (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
Photo: Tallinn’s Old Town Square (NordenBladet)
Photo: Old town of Tartu (NordenBladet)
Photo: The market is full of handicrafts. In the picture, Estonian handmade cosmetics from the brand Elisheva & Shoshana are presented (ElishevaShoshana.com)
Experience the traditional Estonian Christmas Eve. If you visit Estonia during the Christmas season, make sure to experience the traditional Estonian Christmas Eve, known as “jõululaupäev”. This is a time when families gather to sing traditional Christmas songs, eat festive meals, and exchange gifts.
Photos: NordenBladet
Photo: VisitEstonia/Birgit Varblane (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
Visit the Kadriorg Palace. Located in Tallinn, the Kadriorg Palace was built in the early 18th century. The palace and its surrounding park are open to visitors all year round and offer a great opportunity to experience some of Estonia’s cultural heritage.
Take a trip to the nearby islands of Hiiumaa or Saaremaa. Both islands are known for their unique landscapes, charming small towns, and rich cultural heritage. They can be reached by ferry from the mainland and are great for day trips or weekend getaways.
Photos: Saaremaa (NordenBladet)
Visit the Tartu Toy Museum. This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of toys in Estonia and offers an interesting look into the country’s past. It’s a great place to visit with children and offers a fun and educational experience.
Visit the Open Air Museum of Estonia. The Open Air Museum is located in the capital Tallinn and offers visitors a chance to experience traditional Estonian rural life and culture. It has many reconstructed buildings from different historical periods and is a great way to learn about the country’s history.
Visit the Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design. The museum is located in Tallinn and offers a great opportunity to see and learn about the country’s applied art and design. It has a large collection of traditional and contemporary Estonian crafts, including textiles, ceramics, and jewelry.
Estonia is a rapidly developing country that offers a unique blend of technology, nature, and culture, making it the perfect winter destination for tech-savvy nature lovers. With its Nordic climate, abundance of forests, and rich history and culture, Estonia offers a dreamy winter wonderland that is both safe and smart.
As a tech-savvy nation, Estonia offers a variety of activities and events for visitors interested in technology. One popular event is the Tallinn Digital Summit (digitalsummit.ee), an annual conference that brings together leaders in the tech industry to discuss the latest innovations and trends.
Visitors can also explore the e-Estonia Showroom (e-estonia.com), a digital innovation hub that showcases Estonia’s e-services and digital solutions. It is a great place to learn about how Estonia is using technology to improve the lives of its citizens, and also offers a glimpse into the future of technology.
Another way to experience Estonia’s tech-savvy culture is by signing up for an e-Residency program. e-Residency (e-resident.gov.ee) is a government-issued digital identity that allows individuals and businesses to access Estonia’s e-services and conduct business online. It’s a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs and digital nomads to experience the benefits of Estonia’s advanced digital society.
In conclusion, Estonia is a winter destination that offers a unique blend of technology, nature, and culture. With its Nordic climate, abundance of forests, and rich history and culture, Estonia is a dreamy winter wonderland that is both safe and smart. Whether you’re a nature lover, a tech enthusiast, or just looking for a new travel experience, Estonia has something to offer everyone. So pack your bags and head to Estonia for a winter vacation that you’ll never forget.
Featured image: Pexels
Source: NordenBladet.ee
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