Flights to Estonia

Getting around

Buses and trains link Tallinn with Tartu, Pärnu and other towns, and journeys are short, as the country is small. Ferries cross to the islands of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa from the west coast, and to Helsinki from Tallinn's harbour in around two hours. Hiring a car makes it easy to reach national parks and manor houses in the countryside.

History

Danish and German knights conquered the region in the 13th century, and Tallinn, then known as Reval, became a wealthy Hanseatic trading town. Swedish and later Russian rule followed. Estonia declared independence in 1918 but was occupied by the Soviet Union in 1940. The Singing Revolution, with mass gatherings to sing banned national songs, led to restored independence in 1991, and Estonia joined the EU and NATO in 2004.

Nature, coast and towns

Lahemaa National Park, east of Tallinn, has bog boardwalks, manor houses and fishing villages, and Soomaa is known for spring floods that locals call the fifth season. Pärnu is the summer beach resort, while Tartu is a lively university town. Saaremaa has windmills, a medieval castle at Kuressaare and a meteorite crater at Kaali.

Entry, money and time

British visitors don't need a visa for short stays, but passports must meet EU entry rules, and the Entry/Exit System applies. The euro is the currency, and cards are accepted almost everywhere. Traffic drives on the right. Estonia is two hours ahead of the UK all year. Check current UK government travel advice and your insurance before you go.

When to go

June to August brings long white nights, beaches and island trips. Winter is cold and snowy, with Christmas markets in Tallinn, and autumn colours make September a pleasant time for walking.

Planning to add Helsinki or Riga? Call 020 7871 4545 and we'll help with open-jaw flights.