Estonia Travel Guide

Overview

Capital:

Tallinn.

Geography:

Estonia is the most northerly of the three Baltic Republics and is bordered to the north and west by the Baltic Sea, to the east by the Russian Federation and to the south by Latvia. The country is one of great scenic beauty with many forests, more than 1,400 lakes and 1,500 islands. Smaller than Lithuania and Latvia, it has nevertheless the longest coastline of all the Baltic States.

Getting There

Getting There By Air

Many European airlines connect Tallinn with major destinations across Europe such as Amsterdam, Berlin, Copenhagen, Helsinki, London, Oslo, Paris, Riga and Stockholm, among other destinations.

Four airlines fly direct from London to Tallinn - airBaltic (airbaltic.com), British Airways (britishairways.com), easyJet (easyjet.com), Ryanair (ryanair.com) and Wizz (wizzair.com) - such keen competition has helped to keep prices low, making Tallinn a popular weekend-break destination for British.

There are no direct flights from the USA.

The major airport is Tallinn Airport.

Departure Tax

None.

Flight Times

From London - 2 hours 45 minutes

From New York - 9 hours 35 minutes (including stopover)

From Sydney - 23 hours (including stopover)

Getting There By Water

The Port of Tallinn (www.portoftallinn.com) handles both cargo and passenger traffic. As an active ferry and cruise hub, more than 10 million passengers pass through the passenger terminals every year. Regular ferry routes include Helsinki, Stockholm and St Petersburg.

Getting Around

Getting Around By Air

Domestic flights within Estonia are not common. Avies (www.flyavies.ee) operates flights between Tallinn and Kärdla on the island of Hiiumaa. Flyest (www.flyest.eu) runs domestic private charter flights.

Bike

Cycling is a great way to see Estonia. The terrain is flat and there's a low volume of traffic to contend with, plus marked cycle paths and trails around the country make touring a perfectly viable option.

Breakdown Services

In the event of a breakdown, call Falck (tel: 1888, in Estonia only).

Car Hire

Car hire is simple and well catered for, with all the international operators and plenty of local companies offering rental.

Coach

Estonia has an extensive coach network with regional coaches between all main towns. Tallinn to Tartu and Tartu to Narva are popular routes and should be booked in advance, especially in summer. Check local route planner Peatus (www.peatus.ee) for up-to-date schedules.

Departure Tax

None.

Documentation

Drivers must have the original V5C (Vehicle Registration Document) as well as insurance documents covering them for Estonia if driving into the country.

Getting Around By Rail

Domestic trains run by ELRON (tel: +372 673 7400; www.elron.ee) link Tallinn with many destinations within Estonia, including Pärnu, Viljandi, Valga, Narva, Tapa and Tartu.

Regulations

The minimum driving age is 18, and EU licences are valid for foreign drivers. Speed limits are well marked, ranging from 30-50kmph (19-31mph) in towns to 90-110kmph (56-68mph) on main intercity roads. Wearing a seatbelt is compulsory. There is a zero-tolerance policy towards drink-driving so blood alcohol level must be 0%. Dipped headlights must be used 24 hours a day.

Use of mobiles while driving is forbidden, but use of a hands-free device is fine. From 1 December to 1 March drivers must use winter tyres, although this can vary slightly depending on the weather so check conditions in advance.

Getting Around By Road

Driving is an excellent way to see Estonia as the country is relatively small and has a good network of roads.

Road Classification

Roads fall into three categories: main road (intercity highways), basic roads and smaller secondary roads (usually covered with gravel or sand).

Road Quality

Roads are generally of good quality with routes usually adequately signposted.

Side Of Road

r

Taxi

Private taxis must display the name of the company and their number on the roof. Fares should be agreed upon beforehand and most taxis have prices for various journeys marked. Uber, Taxify, Taxigo, Taxofon and Yandex.taxi are popular apps to order a taxi or share a ride.

Urban Travel

Most of the major cities are compact enough to get around on foot, but they also have an established public transport system served by bus, trolleybus and tram. You can pay the driver directly for single journeys (they don't sell returns) but if you plan to do much travelling on public transport it is cheaper to buy a book of tickets in advance from stalls in the main shopping areas. Alternatively, you can book a taxi with a Smartphone app.

Getting Around By Water

Praamid (www.praamid.ee) provides ferry services connecting the mainland with the islands Saaremaa and Muhumaa.
Veeteed (www.veeteed.com) runs ferry services to several islands including Hiiumaa, Kihnu, Manilaid, Ruhnu and Vormsi.
Leisure boats also operate on Lake Peipsi and along the Emajõgi River.

Travel Advice

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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This information is for people travelling on a full 'British citizen' passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government's understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Estonia set and enforce entry rules. If you're not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Estonian Embassy in London.

Passport validity requirements

Estonia follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must:

• a 'date of issue' less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago
• have an 'expiry date' at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements 

You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Estonia, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel:

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends
• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
• for short-term studies or training

The requirements for working in Estonia are different.  

If you're travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day visa-free limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.

If you're a visitor, border guards will look at your entry and exit stamps to check you have not overstayed the 90-day visa-free limit for the Schengen area.

If your passport is missing a stamp, show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area (for example, boarding passes or tickets) and ask the border guards to add the date and location in your passport.

At Estonian border control, you may also need to:

• show a return or onward ticket
• prove that you have enough money for your stay – the amount varies depending on your accommodation

Staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period

To stay longer than 90 days, check the Estonian government's entry requirements.

If you're in Estonia with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

Read about passport stamping if you live in Estonia.

Travel from Ukraine, Russia and Belarus

If you are arriving in Estonia from Ukraine, Russia or Belarus, check the Estonian government crisis website.        

Travel from Russia

You can reserve crossings and check the real-time level of traffic at border crossing points from Russia on Estonia's 'Go Swift' website.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro's Estonia guide. 

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Estonia. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food and drink into Estonia

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons. 

Restrictions on Russian vehicles

There are restrictions on vehicles with Russian licence plates in Estonia. See the Estonian Ministry of the Interior's website for more information.

Terrorism 

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.     

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Estonia

Although there's no recent history of terrorism in Estonia, attacks cannot be ruled out.    

Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Crime

Pickpockets can be a problem in bars and nightclubs in Tallinn's Old Town.     

Drink spiking, alcohol and sexual assault

Attacks or assault, including sexual assaults, are rare but do occur. The risk is highest late at night around popular nightlife locations. To reduce your personal risk:

• save the location of your accommodation on your maps app, so it's easier to find at the end of the night
• set up a WhatsApp group to keep in touch with others in your group
• keep an eye on each other's drinks to make sure they do not get spiked
• do not let a friend walk back to their hotel alone
• do not give a drunk person more alcohol

Alcohol and drugs can reduce your vigilance, making you less in control. If you drink, know your limit. Drinks served in bars in Estonia are often stronger than those in the UK.

Report anything that does not feel right to local authorities or hotel or club management.

Taxi safety

Always use pre-arranged taxis or official taxis with 'TAKSO' signage. Do not accept lifts from unmarked vehicles or with strangers.

If you use an app, check that the car details match the car assigned to you. See 'transport risks' for more details.

Bank card skimming

Keep cards in sight when paying in shops and restaurants. Read more about how to avoid card skimming.

Laws and cultural differences

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Do not use, buy or carry drugs – possessing even a very small quantity can lead to a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Estonia, and same-sex marriages have been recognised since 1 January 2024.   

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Estonia, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC's Estonia guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.

You can drive in Estonia with a UK driving licence. You must have the original V5C vehicle registration document with you. Check for more details on the Estonian state portal.

Check if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK. 

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience or a higher minimum age.  

Do not drink and drive. If you are tested and found to have more than a quarter of England's legal limit of alcohol in your body, you may get a fine and possible imprisonment.

Taxis

Do not hail unmarked taxis – they're illegal. Make sure the taxi has:

• a price list on the back window
• the driver's licence in a visible place
• a working meter
• 'TAKSO' signage (for taxis at taxi ranks)

You can also use taxi apps like Bolt, Forus and Uber.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 112 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you're referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Estonia
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

 See what health risks you'll face in Estonia, including biting insects and ticks.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. If you need advice about what you can take into Estonia, contact the Estonian Medicine Agency.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Estonia

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Estonia where some staff will speak English.

Health insurance cards

To get medically necessary state healthcare in Estonia, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). 

The NHS's getting healthcare abroad webpage has details about:

• how to apply for a GHIC
• how to get temporary cover if you lose your card or it does not arrive in time
• who qualifies for a new EHIC instead of a GHIC
• what treatment counts as medically necessary

A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:

• changes to travel and accommodation bookings
• additional standard costs for treatment
• medical repatriation to the UK
• treatment that is ruled non-urgent
• private healthcare
• private clinics

There is also guidance on healthcare if you're living in Estonia.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Estonia

Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Estonia
• dealing with a death in Estonia
• being arrested in Estonia
• getting help if you're a victim of crime
• what to do if you're in hospital
• if you're affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Help abroad

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.

Help in the UK

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

Follow and contact FCDO: 

• travel advice on X
• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Estonia on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Vaccinations

Title	Special Precautions
Diphtheria	No
Hepatitis A	Sometimes
Malaria	No
Rabies	Sometimes
Tetanus	Yes
Typhoid	No
Yellow Fever	No

Overview:

Travel insurance is advised for all visitors. In some medical cases, if you are European, you might be able to receive free treatment if you can show proof of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) obtained in your country of origin.

The overall standards of healthcare in Estonia are excellent. Hospitals and surgeries are well equipped and staff are proficient. In pharmacies, over-the-counter advice is given and standard medicines are sold.

Food Drink:

Tap water is safe to drink but due to its high mineral content some may dislike the taste. Bottled water is widely available. There are no safety risks pertaining to Estonian food but it pays to use common sense and pay attention to the hygiene and cleanliness of any establishment where you may be considering dining.

Other Risks:

There is a risk of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in Estonia, particularly in the province of LääneEesti from early spring to late autumn. Visitors who plan to hike in the forests should wear protective clothing to protect from ticks and mosquitoes.

At night or when visibility is poor, pedestrians in Estonia are required to wear reflectors on clothing in a bid to prevent traffic accidents. These are available at most supermarkets; failure to adhere to the rule could result in €400 fine.

Currency Information:

Euro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €5 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. Estonia joined the eurozone on 1 January 2011, with the Euro replacing the Kroon, which is removed from circulation on 14 January 2011.

Credit Cards:

Credit cards are widely accepted. Most banks will give cash advances on credit cards with a passport. There are ATMs in nearly all towns.

ATMs:

There are ATMs in nearly all towns.

Travellers Cheques:

Traveller's cheques are no longer popular.

Banking Hours:

Mon-Fri 0900-1600; hours may vary. Although banks are usually closed on Saturdays, bureaux de change are open 0900-1500, and some open on Sundays.

Currency Restrictions:

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding €10,000 or equivalent must be declared if travelling from or to a country outside the European Union.

Currency Exchange:

All major currencies can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change.

Currencies

Code	Symbol
EUR	€

Exchange Rates

0.71

1.00

1.19

0.96

Language

Estonian is the official language but many Estonians speak very good English, while older people also speak some Russian.

Overview:

Public holidays are listed here.

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List Of Public Holidays

Title	Start Date	To Be Confirmed
New Year's Day	2024-01-01 00:00:00	0
Independence Day	2024-02-24 00:00:00	0
Good Friday	2024-03-29 00:00:00	0
Labour Day	2024-05-01 00:00:00	0
Whit Sunday (Pentecost)	2024-05-19 00:00:00	0
V̵idup	2024-06-23 00:00:00	0
Jaanip	2024-06-24 00:00:00	0
Restoration of Independence Day	2024-08-20 00:00:00	0
Christmas Day	2024-12-25 00:00:00	0
Boxing Day	2024-12-26 00:00:00	0

Overview:

Estonia is within the European Union. If you are travelling from outside of the EU, you are entitled to buy fragrance, skincare, cosmetics, Champagne, wine, selected spirits, fashion accessories, gifts and souvenirs - all at tax-free equivalent prices.

Estonia's duty-free allowance for travellers from EU countries:

If you are over 17 years old, you are free to buy and take goods with you when travelling between EU countries, provided that you have paid tax on these goods and they are for your own use (not for sale). However, if you bring in more than the following, customs officials are likely to question you:

• 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1kg of tobacco or 50ml of tobacco liquid or 360g of solid tobacco substitute or 50g of another alternative tobacco product.
• 90L of still wine of which a maximum of 60L can be sparkling wine.
• 110L of beer.
• 10L of alcoholic beverages stronger than 22% or 20L of fortified or sparkling wine or other liqueurs up to 22%.

Beware that each EU country has different rules for travellers under 17 years old. Please check before you travel.

Estonia's duty-free allowance for travellers from non-EU countries:

If you are arriving from a non-EU country, the following goods may be imported into Estonia by travellers with a minimum age of 17 years without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos (max. 3 grams each) or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco, of which up to 100 g of alternative tobacco products that are heated) or 120 g of solid tobacco substitutes and 20 ml of liquid tobacco or 20 grams of another alternative tobacco product and a pack of smokeless tobacco, provided that no more than 50 g of the product is contained  for those arriving by air. 

• 4L of wine and 16L of beer and 1L of spirits over 22% volume or 2L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volume. You may combine any of these products provided that you do not exceed the total limit.
• Travellers arriving by car must not exceed the petrol allowance of one full tank and an additional 10 litres in a portable container.
• Other goods up to the value of €430 for air and sea travellers and €300 for other travellers.

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Banned Imports:

It is not permitted to import meat or milk products into Estonia from outside the EU member states. Contact the Estonian Tax and Customs Board (www.emta.ee/eng) for further information.

Also prohibited are unlicensed firearms and ammunition, dangerous weapons, pirated goods, counterfeit goods, narcotics, pornographic materials featuring minors, and alien species which may pose an ecological threat. Restricted imports include pharmaceuticals.

There is a ban on the import of the following goods from the Russian Federation into the EU: diamonds, gold, jewelry, cigarettes, cosmetics, seafood (e.g. caviar), spirits (e.g. vodka), shoes, clothing and smartwatches.

Telephone:

All payphones in Estonia were taken out of service in 2010 and the country has no payphones today.

Mobile Telephone:

Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies and there is good coverage even on smaller islands.

Internet:

The internet is key to Estonia's economic success and you can get excellent coverage via your mobile even in the forests. Free wireless zones can be found all over the country too.

Post

Post to western Europe takes three to six days. In Tallinn the central post office is at 1 Narva maantee.

Post Office Hours:

Mon-Fri 1000-1700. Some larger post offices may stay open longer, and also open on weekends.

Media:

The post-independence years of the early 1990s saw a large increase in the production of newspapers, which has now fallen off as the market becomes more stable. Today, it is estimated that 91% of the population get their news from the internet.

The Eesti Rahvusringhääling (Estonian Public Broadcasting, ERR) operates two television stations Eesti Televisioon (ETV), ETV2 and five radio stations.

Tallinn

Wander the magical medieval cobble-stone streets of the capital, Tallinn (www.visittallinn.ee), an ancient Hanseatic city. Particularly interesting is the Old Town, which is dominated by the soaring steeple of St Olaf's Church, once the tallest building in the world. Climb up to Toompea Castle for spectacular views. See the Tallinn travel guide for more information.

Pärnu

Established in the 13th century, Pärnu (www.parnu.ee) is the largest resort in Estonia, boasting a long sandy beach and a string of hotels offering relaxing spa services. Visitors can also engage in horse riding, birdwatching, and activities like making traditional dolls (Travnitsa) filled with herbs.

Tartu

Estonia's second-largest city, Tartu (www.tartu.ee) revolves around its prestigious University of Tartu and young people enlivening the many cafes and bars dotted across the city. Visit the university, the Botanical Garden and the A. Le Coq Beer Museum. The city also has a few quirky diversions including the Tagurpidi Maja (upside-down house), the Leaning House of Tartu (which is also home to Tartu Museum of Art) and the Crazy Scientist's Office.

Narva

Narva (www.narva.ee), the easternmost town in Estonia, sits by the River Narva that separates Estonia and Russia. The Narva Castle is the main attraction. Nearby, the Narva-Jõesuu resort is home to a large sandy beach and many spas, drawing in a good crowd every summer.

Saaremaa

The largest island in Estonia, Saaremaa (www.saaremaa.ee) is criss-crossed with hiking trails and dotted with bird-watching towers. Its coastal resort town Kuressaare has one spa for every ten residents; such high concentration is undoubtedly good news for visitors looking for a pampering session. A must-see on the island is the Kaali crater, a group of nine meteorite craters thought to be 3,500 years old.

Hiiumaa

Estonia's second-largest island, Hiiumaa (www.hiiumaa.ee) is a true oasis of tranquillity. Most of the island is covered with forests and scrublands, giving wildlife such as moose, deer and wild boars a chance to roam freely. Käina Bay is also a prime destination for birdwatching. During the winter months, visitors can reach the island via an ice road across the frozen Baltic Sea. Said to be the longest ice road in Europe, it is about 25km (16 miles) and usually open from January to March.

Mustvee

This quiet corner on the shore of Lake Peipus is home to Old Believers, a religious group who did not accept the official reforms of the Russian Orthodox Church and sought refuge here in the 17th century. A key attraction is the small Old Believer's Museum in Mustvee.

Haapsalu

Haapsalu (www.haapsalu.ee) is a small town on the western coast which has been a well-known resort since the 19th century. It is the ideal place to get away from it all with its romantic wooden houses and tree-lined avenues. A worthy diversion is the Raiway Museum which pays respects in the 'train graveyard' behind the museum.

National parks

Explore the unspoilt forest and bogs, picturesque old fishing villages and historic manor houses in one of Estonia's national parks and reserves – Kõrvemaa, Lahemaa, Matsalu, Soomaa and Vilsandi.

Overview

Estonia has a long history of producing high-quality handicrafts including hand-knitted jumpers, carved wooden items and embroidered Muhu slippers, which are some of the best things to buy. This is not a place to purchase run-of-the-mill items and electronics as they tend to be more expensive than in western Europe.

In Tallinn, you can also find regional souvenirs and the prices are pretty standard throughout the country.

Opening Hours

Mon-Fri 1000-1800; some on Sat 1000-1700; department stores: daily 1000-2000.

Overview

Traditional Estonian food has meat and potatoes dominating the table, alongside rye bread, smoked fish and pickled vegetables. Jellied meat and fish are also popular. In Tallinn, Asian restaurants are sprouting up in recent years.

Regional Specialities

Tipping

10% is standard for restaurants, although sometimes it will be added automatically, so check your receipt before adding anything extra.

Drinking Age

18.

Hotels

There is a wide range of hotels available in Tallinn. Outside Tallinn, Estonia enjoys an adequate range of acceptable accommodation, left over from the pre-independence days or built by Estonian entrepreneurs, including large hotels and smaller pension-type establishments.

Grading: There is the Hotelstars Union grading system from 1 to 5 stars. 

Camping Caravaning

There are many campsites and caravan parks in Estonia.

Other

History

The Vikings passed through the Baltic in the ninth century and over the next few centuries, Denmark, Germany, Russia, Sweden and Poland all fought to control Estonia. In the 13th century, Estonia was ruled by the Livonia Order, an autonomous branch of the Teutonic Order but became a part of Sweden after the Livonian War of 1558-1583. It remained in the Swedish hand until 1710 when Sweden ceded Estonia to Russia following the Great Northern War of 1700-1721.

The Russian period from 1750 to 1840 was particularly noted for the Estophile Enlightenment Period where German elites and other non-Estonians became interested in Estonian language, literature and culture. Following the Russian revolutions of 1917 and World War I (1914-1918), Estonia attained its independence in 1918. The new Soviet government at first refused to recognise Estonian independence, but soon gave way. In 1940, under the Nazi-Soviet Pack of 1939, the Soviet Union occupied Estonia once again but barely 12 months later, Estonia was conquered by Nazi Germany.

In 1944 the Red Army retook the country, after which Estonia was constituted as one of the 15 Soviet Socialist Republics.

Four decades passed before the advent of Mikhail Gorbachev who, as Communist Party General Secretary, offered the prospect of change for the Baltic States. A key part of the economic reform programme was the devolution of power to the republics and Estonia led the way among the Baltic states. Measures to establish an Estonian currency and to restore Estonian as the official language quickly followed.

In 1990, the Estonian Communist Party voted in favour of full independence from the Soviet Union. Rapid international recognition of Estonia as a sovereign state, followed by admission to the United Nations, completed the transition to full nationhood in 1991. In 2004, Estonia joined NATO and the EU.

Did you know?

• The medieval old town of Tallinn is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

• The sport of Kiiking was invented in Estonia in 1996 by Ado Kosk. It involves a swing on which the rider attempts to go round 360 degrees.

• The epic folk poem Kalevipoeg, composed from oral legends by Friedrich Reinhold Kreutzwald around 1853, is the national story of Estonia. Kreutzwald is considered the father of Estonian literature.

Religion

Estonia is one of the least religious countries in the world, with only 14% of the population declaring religion to be an important part of their daily life.

Social Conventions

Estonians are generally quite reserved and polite. A hand shake is the customary greeting. Normal courtesies should be observed. The Estonians are proud of their culture and their national heritage, and visitors should take care to respect this.

Best Time To Visit:

Located in the northern part of the temperate climate zone and influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and Baltic Sea, Estonia has four distinct seasons with July being the warmest month and February the coldest. Rainfall is moderately low throughout the year, but falling frequently in summer and autumn.

Spring (March to May) sees water levels rise due to snow melts, flooding low-lying lands and giving keen canoers access to places that are otherwise accessible by foot. In Tallinn, the average temperatures rise gradually from -1°C (30°F) in March to 11°C (52°F) in May.

Summer (June to August) is the best time to visit Estonia as visitors can enjoy warm days and a string of festivals. However, do bring a raincoat as summer can be wet with frequent showers. In some coastal areas, visitors get to enjoy 19 hours of daylight in June.

Autumn (September to November) sees many gloomy days and frequent rainfall. September is still a good time to visit Estonia but by November, the weather turns cold and wet with temperatures averaging just 1°C (34°F).

Winter (December to February) is cold and snowy, particularly in the southwest where the warm sea current does not quite reach. Despite cold, Tallinn is most atmospheric with the Christmas Market sparkles in the charming Old Town.

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Required Clothing

Lighter clothes are worn during the summer months, although a jacket is advisable in the evening.

Wrap up warm if you're visiting during the winter months. Check the climate of the specific area you intend to travel to as winter temperatures vary greatly between the coast and inland.

Dialing Code:

+372

Area(sq km):

45,228

Population:

1.326.535

Population Density(per sq km):

30

Population Year:

2020

EU Member:

Yes

Main emergency number

112