Nestled high in the Baltics, Estonia’s burgeoning popularity has long moved beyond simply the stag party crowd. Step outside the culture-filled cities, all steeped in medieval history, and you’ll find half of this compact country is pure nature, covered in dense coniferous forest and preserved peat bogs, while just off the west coast are 2,000 virtually uninhabited islands dotted with wooden windmills, blinking lighthouses and the occasional isolated community. With its famously clean air and rich cultural heritage of handicrafts and folk music, Estonia is peaceful, natural, and entirely unexpected.
Travel restrictions and entry requirements
There are no Covid-19 restrictions for travellers entering Estonia. No tests or proof of vaccination certificates are needed, and masks are not mandatory.
You can travel to countries in the Schengen area, such as Estonia, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.
Your passport must be:
- Issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
- valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
Best time to go
Estonia’s summer is noticeably tourist-heavy, promising lively festivals, busy hiking trails, and bustling crowds enjoying the warm sunshine (20-22C is the norm). Each season has its benefits: the crisp air of spring and early autumn are beautiful times to visit, when nature comes to the fore but tourist numbers reduce.
Read more on Europe travel:
Winter is beautiful but chilly, with average lows of -5C, regular snowfall and just six hours of daylight in December; the popularity of Christmas markets, cosy bars, warming saunas and a handful of ski resorts makes it a magical time to visit.
Top regions and cities
Tallinn
History overlaps and comes to life in Estonia’s medieval capital. Kadriorg Art Museum is housed in a Baroque palace, Toompea Castle plays host to parliament, and street parades regularly dance between the perfectly preserved Viru Gates. The best way to explore? Get lost on foot in Tallinn’s walled Old Town, following needle-sharp Gothic church spires and steep alleyways that open into large courtyards lined with pastel painted Hanseatic merchant houses.
Find modern life wrapped in history in Estonia’s capital
(Getty Images)
For panoramic rooftop views, walk along the city’s…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at The Independent Travel…