Welcome to Estonia

With its eye-popping architecture, wealth of cultural traditions and storybook castles, Estonia is a real-life fairytale. While the country is close geographically and historically to Latvia and Lithuania, the similarities stop there.

It’s a completely unique destination, influenced by various European powers over the centuries, from Danes to Germans, Swedes to Soviet Russians. Start your adventures in the UNESCO World Heritage capital city of Tallinn, where you can wander the Old City’s cobblestone streets and into its medieval churches.

Check out, too, the popular Lennusadam Seaplane Harbor, an award-winning museum with more than 200 authentic maritime artifacts. Venture out of the city to Matsalu National Park, considered one of Europe’s best bird-watching destinations.

Soak in the sunshine in Parnu’s gorgeous beaches or take a timeout in one of the small town’s distinctive spas. From the tales of yesteryear to the marvels of today, Estonia invites you to explore its legends.

Unique Facts

• Estonia is quickly accessible from anywhere in Europe. Fly, sail, ride or drive easily to this northeastern Europe coastal country from Finland, Sweden, Poland, Germany or Russia.
• Estonia’s speak … elvish? This ongoing joke stems from the residents’ magical-sounding language that, while officially Estonian, belongs to the Finno Ugric branch of European languages. Older Estonians are typically fluent in Finnish and Russian, as well as English and Estonian.
• Estonia has more than 2,000 islands, the only Baltic country with an extensive island culture. Most of these isles are uninhabited but some hold traces of local Viking and medieval culture.
• Known as the Singing Nation, the Estonian Song and Dance Celebration is a much-revered event. It has earned a place on UNESCO’s prestigious list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
• Estonia prides itself on its digital revolution. They operate the first e-government in the world and offer e-residency to people from all over the world, including Barack Obama.

Language

Estonia’s official language is Estonian.

When To Go

The best time to go to Estonia is from May to September. July and August are the best months overall, keeping in mind that Tallinn and Parnu will have more crowds during those months. Many festivals are scheduled for summer, with the biggest on midsummer’s eve. Christmas is also a wonderful time to visit, when centuries-old traditions and Christmas markets are in full swing.

Airports

Tallinn Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for three months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Estonia: Hepatitis A. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B and Rabies.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types C and F. Standard voltage: 230V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Euro

Getting Around

Public transportation is generally considered safe. Travelers are encouraged to select well-marked taxis. Bolt and Uber are popular shared driving service apps. Cross-country bus service and inter-city train service are available. Flights are available to two of Estonia’s largest islands, Saaremaa and Hiiumaa. Ferry service is a convenient way to tour the local islands. There are regular ferries operating to most larger islands, including Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, Vormsi, Kihnu, Ruhnu and Aegna. Passenger ferries operate between Tallinn and the smaller Prangli and Naissaare islands.

Especially during the summer season, cycling is a popular way to travel throughout the country. The Eurovelo route starts at the Latvian border, runs along the coast and the islands past Tallinn and to the Russian border. A city bike system is run in Tartu and Tallinn offers rental spots in the city center.

Driver’s License

Valid US driver’s license required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Tallinn
Kentmanni 20
15099 Tallinn
Estonia
Telephone: +(372) 668-8128
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(372) 668-8100
Fax: +(372) 668-8267
ACSTallinn@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

There are 17 tourist information centers marked with a green “i” throughout Estonia. Four of them are located in Tartu, Narva, Pärnu and Valga. All centers provide detailed tourist information about the entire county.

Parnu Visitor Center
Uus tanav 4, Parnu
Tel: +372-533-04134
info@visitparnu.com

Tallinn Tourist Information Center
Harju maakond, Kesklinna linnaosa
Tel: 372-645-7777
visit@tallinn.ee

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 112

Safety and Security

The crime rate is low in Estonia. Pickpocketing and petty theft do occur in crowded spaces and popular tourist areas.