18 Unusual & Authentic Things to Do in Estonia (That Most Lists Miss)

When people ask me about the best things to do in Estonia, I always say it’s not just about Tallinn or tourist highlights. It’s about the coast, countryside, forests, but also about the turbulent past and some authentic experiences that show you the country’s face.

When I first came to Estonia, I never imagined how many interesting things there actually are to do here. Honestly, I thought it would be just walking around Tallinn Old Town (perhaps exploring some of the other neighborhoods too), maybe taking a quick day trip to one or two nearby towns (because I didn’t expect much from Estonian cities), and of course visiting a bog. That was the picture I had in my head.

But it turned out there’s so much more. The deeper I explore, the more I keep finding… and even though I’ve already spent quite a bit of time traveling around, I know there’s still a lot left to discover.

This list is my take on the things you really should do in Estonia. Not just the obvious tourist activities, but authentic, local experiences that make you feel the country in a different way.

And if you are visiting in winter, you should also look for ideas on where to go from Tallinn for a winter getaway in Estonia (sharing some of my favorite getaways for now).

Best Things to Do in Estonia

1. Experience Tallinn Beyond the Obvious

Almost every trip to Estonia begins in Tallinn, and while the Old Town is the headline act (with its medieval towers, cobblestone streets, and red rooftops), the real charm of the city is how quickly you can step outside those walls and find something completely different.

For example, Kalamaja’s wooden houses and cafes feel like a different city altogether. The Telliskivi area surprises with art and street food. Nomme – the greenest local neighborhood with some interesting things to do. Even the quiet residential districts are green and relaxed in a way most capitals can only dream of.

Tallinn is also one of those cities where food has become a real part of the experience. From bakeries with incredible cinnamon buns that are more like an art form to some of the best brunch spots in the country, you can easily spend a morning eating your way through the city before heading off to explore.

So yes, the Old Town is beautiful and deserves all the attention it gets, but don’t stop there. Tallinn as a whole is one of the most enjoyable capitals in Europe, small enough to feel personal but with more variety than you’d expect. With my guide to what to do in Tallinn besides Old Town and best areas where to stay, you’ll need to plan at least two full weeks to spend here!

Don’t miss this: Planning to go to Tallinn during the Christmas season? Then you have to read my 2 guides – about the Christmas markets and Tallinn in December!

2. Visit a Bog Trail at Sunrise

One of the most authentic and unique things to do in Estonia is to go to the bog at sunrise (not just in summer, but any time of the year on a clear day).

Overall, visiting a bog is a must-have experience here, but going at dawn delivers a completely different landscape. Mist rises from the water, pine trees reflect in the dark pools, and the first light of the day makes the whole place feel a bit enchanted.

The most popular option is Viru Bog, just outside Tallinn, but there are many others scattered across the country. I personally also like Pääsküla and Kakerdaja Bog, where we like to bring breakfast to enjoy on the viewing towers with my husband.

If you go, you will quickly understand why bogs are considered part of Estonia’s national identity. It is easy to plan a trip whenever on a weekend trip to Tallinn and especially so when staying in the city long-term.

3. Spend a Weekend in the Spa Capital of Estonia

This is another thing to do in Estonia in any season, which I learned about (and experienced myself) only recently, after one year of living in Tallinn. This is different than sauna experience and involves a deep spa tradition, built around therapeutic mud treatments, mineral baths, and wellness rituals that have been practiced in the country for generations.

The best place to experience it is in Pärnu (although you can also visit pretty decent spas in Tallinn, Tartu, and southeast of the country) as it is known as Estonia‘s spa capital. It is full of spa hotels, excellent for relieving stress and just relaxing.

People have been coming here for wellness since the 19th century, when the first mud baths opened. Since then, all bathhouses have been modernised and more of them have appeared, which is why you can find both old historic spas and modern wellness hotels, many of them right by the beach.

I recently visited the Estonia Resort Hotel & Spa, followed by Mud Baths at Hedon, which completely changed my perception of what spa travel can be. I’ve already been to many famous bathhouses in Europe (when on many getaways to Budapest, France, Andorra, and a few other places) and I can say that the Estonian way of doing spa is different.

Here is a quick video of my visit to this spa in Pärnu:

It is very relaxing and seriously restorative (after two days in the spa of the Estonia Resort, I was so mellow and relaxed for more than a week like someone did magic). So if you want to experience something unique to Estonia, then plan a spa getaway too!

My personal favorite spa getaways in Estonia:

• Kalev Spa Hotel & Water Park – large pool, saunas, and wellness treatments right in the Old Town of Tallinn
• Estonia Resort Hotel & Spa – classic full-service spa with excellent saunas and pools
• Vihula Manor Country Club & Spa – countryside estate with nature walks and elegant spa in Lahemaa National Park
• Aqva Hotel & Spa – lively water park–spa mix with good treatments and a medieval castle view in Rakvere
• Castle Spa Wagenküll – castle setting, romantic atmosphere, forest surroundings in southern Estonia

4. Climb an Estonian Lighthouse on the Baltic Coast

For a country of its size, Estonia has a surprisingly long coastline, dotted with lighthouses that have stood here for centuries, hiding some history behind them.

Some are working, some are open to visitors, but each of them tells a piece of Estonia’s story with the sea. Climbing to the top isn’t just about the view (although on a clear day, you can see endless stretches of forest and water), it’s about standing inside a building that guided sailors long before Estonia was even independent.

One of my favorites is Pakri Lighthouse, standing on the cliffs near Paldiski (you can reach it by car or by bus with a long walk).

I visited a few other lighthouses (also liked Suurupi lighthouse closer to Tallinn which is small but in a very pictureskue location), but this one turned out to be my favorite due to its size (it’s the tallest lighthouse in the country) and because it opens up a beautiful view of the steep limestone cliffs, Baltic Sea, and even the tiny Pakri Islands in the distance.

So visiting a lighthouse is one of those unique attractions in Estonia that allows you to experience history in a wild setting. If you are on a road trip, pin a lighthouse on the map, see what’s nearby, and make sure to stop by one at least.

5. Try Estonian Caviar

In Estonia, caviar usually means red caviar, which is salmon roe that you’ll see everywhere from local shops to restaurant menus. (Although black caviar is a thing too, since it is produced here and is exported around the world, but is less popular.)

It’s often served simply – with thin crepes or buttered white bread, and for many people here it’s part of festive meals rather than a rare luxury (unlike in many other places around the world where caviar is an expensive delicacy).

You don’t need to go to a fancy restaurant to try it, just walk into a supermarket and get it there. I personally like to buy it by weight (as you see in the photo above) in Stockmann or Selver, but you can find jars with caviar pretty much in any grocery store, alongside other fish products.

For me, it feels familiar, since I grew up eating it in Ukraine, but in Estonia it has the same role: an everyday treat that’s both affordable and deeply tied to local food culture.

6. Sleep in (Or Just Visit) a Manor House

Scattered across Estonia are hundreds of old manor houses, reminders of the Baltic German nobility who once lived here. Many have been restored and turned into boutique hotels, museums, or guesthouses.

Staying in one is one of the most fun things to do in the country, which isn’t just about comfort. But not everyone will want to stay, in that case just come for a visit. Creaky floors, antique furniture, and wide gardens make you feel so much history all around you.

I have visited only a couple of manors as of now (Kirna Manor in central Estonia which I am going to write about separately because it is such an unusual place, also Puurmani Manor and Palmse Manor near Lahemaa National Park), but have a few more on my list because they all have their own story, often tied to the land reforms and big changes in the 20th century. I would also love to spend a night in one, as it should feel like time travel with an Estonian welcome on top.

Many manors are within easy reach of Tallinn. Some are just for a visit, others for the whole experience like Vihula Manor, for example, which is a renovated estate with a spa, parkland, and even its own windmill (I came on a day trip from Tallinn, but you can stay here overnight).

Among others, I still have high on my list is Kau Manor, a 13th-century estate like a true luxury countryside retreat.

7. Explore Estonia’s Castles

Just like manors, castles are also unique and interesting places to visit in Estonia because they tell the story of how many powers have passed through this land. Some are half in ruins, others are beautifully restored, but each one has its own atmosphere.

Rakvere Castle is one of the most interactive, with medieval reenactments, costumed staff, and exhibitions that bring the 14th–16th centuries back to life. On the island of Saaremaa, Kuressaare Castle is one of the best-preserved in the Baltics, complete with a moat and a history museum inside.

In Narva, the mighty Hermann Castle sits on the border, facing Russia across the river. And in Tallinn, Toompea Castle is still the seat of government today.

Alatskivi Castle is open for a visit too and offers a few rooms for guests to stay in; it was inspired by Scotland’s Balmoral, by the way. But to be honest, you’ll find many more of them around the country.

So visiting castles is one of the most authentic things to do in Estonia because they tell the story of German crusaders, Swedish kings, Russian tsars, and Estonian independence. Even the ones that are half-ruined still have that atmosphere that pulls you into history in a real way.

8. Go hiking in Estonia’s Forests

Estonia is one of the most forested countries in Europe and walking its woodland trails feels different from anywhere else.

Plus, going to the forest is so easy as you can literally access it on foot in any city or small town (even in Tallinn, you can just hop on a bus and after just a few quick stops get off at the entrance to the forest, often so quiet that the only sound is your own footsteps or a bird echoing in the distance).

Many of the trails are simple wooden walkways or narrow tracks that disappear into deep green, giving the sense of being far from the modern world, even if you are just inside the city (literally in Tallinn).

What makes it unique is the solitude. You can walk for hours without meeting another person, surrounded only by trees, moss, and the light breaking through the canopy.

On some paths, you can also see how nature keeps changing. You start in pine woods, then find yourself on a wooden path across a bog, or end up at a quiet lake (or by the sea).

So whenever you are in Tallinn, especially in the fall (or any other part of Estonia), definitely devote some time to hiking in the forest. It is a special side of this city.

9. Take a Road Trip

One of the best things to do in Estonia (and the only way to really understand how much variety this small country has) is to take a road trip.

Estonia is compact, roads are good, and distances are short, so in just a few hours you can go from Tallinn’s medieval streets to wild bogs, coastal fishing villages, or even the islands.

Driving here gives you the freedom to stop wherever you want: a manor house tucked away in the countryside, a small-town museum that nobody talks about, or a random cafe in the middle of the forest. For me, that’s when Estonia feels most authentic… in her small, unexpected places you find along the way.

Some routes I recommend:

• Heading east along the coast toward Narva, where you see the one face of history right on the Russian border
• Driving south through Viljandi and into the hilly landscapes around Otepää (Estonia’s “winter capital”, which is interesting to visit in any season)
• Looping through Lahemaa National Park with its fishing villages, manors, and endless forests.
• Going to Tartu with stops in Paide and then to Lake Peipus

So just rent a car at the airport and go slowly along the coast or inland, pulling off the road whenever something catches your eye. Otherwise, check my other posts about Estonia to find more inspiration for your trip.

10. Visit at Least a Few Museums Around the Country

Because they are incredible. One thing that honestly surprised me about Estonia is how good the museums are. I didn’t expect much (small country, small towns), but every time I go somewhere new, I end up finding another museum that completely exceeds my expectations.

It’s not just about seeing artifacts behind glass. The museums here are often immersive, interactive, and surprisingly creative in how they present history. In Tallinn, you have places like the Seaplane Harbour, where you can walk inside a real submarine, or the Kumu Art Museum, which is as striking for its architecture as for its collections.

Outside the capital, many towns have their own small but fascinating museums (sometimes inside old houses, sometimes in restored industrial buildings), and they always feel personal, as if the people running them deeply care about every detail.

Whether it’s art, maritime history, medieval life, or local traditions, Estonia’s museums manage to make it vivid and real. They reflect how much Estonians value culture and education, and how much effort goes into keeping their heritage alive in a way that feels fresh instead of dusty.

So if you’re traveling around Estonia, don’t just stick to Tallinn (although museums there are amazing as well). Stop into the museums along the way, they’ll probably surprise you just as much as they did me.

Want more details? Here is my list of the best museums to visit in Estonia (personally visited).

11. Sleep in a glass cabin in the forest

Most likely, when you think about these, you’ll picture Norway or Finland. But Estonia has its own version of this experience, and honestly, it’s just as magical.

Imagine falling asleep in the middle of a forest, with nothing but tall trees or open sky outside your floor-to-ceiling windows. No city noise and no distractions.

There are quite a few cabins in Estonia of this type, but others that sit high on my list are ÖÖD Mirror Houses (one with the best reviews is Lohusalu LEIDA & ENNO by the Lohusalu Bay or a bit more south by the coast is this seaside getaway).

Although to be honest, many other sleek glass cubes are hidden across the country… from Laulasmaa near the coast to Käsmu, Matsi, and even right by bogs like Öördi. From outside they reflect the forest around them, but inside they are warm and modern. You get a bed facing the glass wall, a small kitchenette, and a private bathroom, so it’s not camping, it’s a real stay with that Nordic feeling of being completely surrounded by nature.

Other options are barrel-like cabins or just forest houses like Shanti Forest House or Heiniku Home.

This kind of experience is going to show Estonia’s modern side with minimalist design, comfort, and untouched nature coming together. It’s one of the most memorable ways to feel the country if you would like something more than just a regular hotel stay.

12. Visit Estonia’s Islands

If you are wondering about unusual things to do in Estonia beyond Tallinn, visiting the islands should be at the top of your list because they show you a completely different side of the country which is slower, more traditional, and connected to the sea in many ways.

Many guides will tell you to go to Saaremaa, and yes, it’s the largest and most famous island (with Kuressaare Castle, traditional spas, and old windmills). But it’s not the only one worth your time.

Hiiumaa is quieter, full of lighthouses and wild stretches of beach where you might not see another person for hours. And then there’s Kihnu, tiny but unforgettable, where many women still wear striped folk skirts every day and keep their culture alive (it’s even UNESCO-listed).

Exploring the islands shouldn’t be just a side trip as it is one of the most authentic activities in Estonia. Plan a weekend and stay overnight for at least one night (considering that also reaching many of the islands takes a few hours) to enjoy a slower pace of life and a deeper look at the country’s traditions.

13. Discover Soviet-Era Traces & Abandoned Places

Not everything unusual in Estonia is tied to ancient history, some of it comes from the 20th century. The country still has remnants of its Soviet past: abandoned military bases, concrete bunkers, and whole neighborhoods built for a time that’s now gone.

Paldiski (the same area where you’ll find the tallest lighthouse, the one I talked about above), once a closed-off Soviet naval town, is one of the best-known examples, but there are also ruined border guard stations and deserted collective farm buildings across the countryside.

Tallinn is also full of such reminders. For example, KGB Prison Cells where political prisoners were once held, TV Tower built for the 1980 Moscow Olympics, Linnahall, the massive concrete concert and sports hall on the seafront, and just some neighborhoods (like Mustamae or Lasnamae with its residential blocks and Soviet-style layout) that show how Soviet influence shaped the city’s architecture and daily life.

14. Have BBQ in the Forest or by the Sea

One of the most enjoyable (and very local) things to do in Estonia is grilling outdoors. RMK (the State Forest Management Centre) maintains hundreds of designated fire pits across the country — in forests, by lakes, and even along the seashore. They are free to use, many come with benches and a shelter, so all you really need to bring is food and your own disposable grill.

There are also public grills in many areas, but we prefer to buy a disposable one in regular supermarkets like Rimi, Selver, or Prisma (in RimiHyper, the choice is bigger). They are small, inexpensive, and light to carry.

You just set them up, light them, grill your sausages and veggies. Once you are done, cool them down and throw them away, easy-peasy. It makes the whole process effortless and perfect for a spontaneous BBQ on the beach or after a forest walk. And it is a very local (at the same time authentic) thing to do!

15. See Estonia’s Old Believers and Endless Onion Fields

This is one of the lesser-known things to do in Estonia, which shows (and tells) a story about a community that fled Russia centuries ago and still lives today in villages where their traditions, food, and way of life have barely changed for centuries. And that is something that is very interesting to see.

You’ll find these communities on Estonia’s eastern border by Lake Peipus, one of the largest lakes in Europe, and along its shores are villages unlike anywhere else in the country.

These are home to the Old Believers, a Russian religious community that fled here centuries ago. Their wooden houses line the road for kilometers, with bright shutters and onion fields stretching behind them. Life feels slower, tied to both the lake and old traditions.

In summer and fall, you’ll see strings of onions drying outside, with fairs, festivals, and local restaurants serving plenty of fish dishes. In winter, the whole area becomes quieter, but it is still unique to visit since the frozen lake becomes part of daily life.

16. Join the Night of Ancient Bonfires

This is not a regular activity you can do on any visit to Estonia, but once a year it becomes one of the most special evenings on the Baltic coast. So if you are visiting the country at the end of August, definitely find time to attend it.

On the last Saturday of August, Estonians gather along the Baltic coast to celebrate the Night of Ancient Bonfires (Muinas­tulede öö). It’s a tradition with deep roots: in the past, coastal fires helped sailors navigate and signaled that the shore was safe. Today, the meaning is more symbolic — saying farewell to summer and welcoming autumn together.

In Tallinn, the biggest celebration happens on Pirita Beach near the Russalka monument, where bonfires are lit and local bands perform late into the evening (those performances are free to attend). Smaller gatherings take place on Kakumäe Beach and in other coastal towns across Estonia, each with its own community feel.

What makes this experience once-in-a-lifetime is that it isn’t a tourist attraction. You join locals as they bring families, food, and music to the beach, watching the coastline light up with fires stretching into the distance. Standing by the sea with flames glowing on the horizon, you feel part of a tradition that connects the whole Baltic region.

17. Pick Berries or Mushrooms in Estonia’s Forests

Foraging is part of everyday life in Estonia. When berry or mushroom season comes (July through October, sometimes even in November), the forests fill with people carrying baskets, collecting blueberries, lingonberries, chanterelles, and porcini.

Thanks to the country’s “everyman’s right”, you are free to walk into almost any forest and pick what you find — no special permit needed (of course, if you know what you are doing). It’s a wonderful way to spend a few hours and connect with nature the way Estonians do.

But if you are not confident about which mushrooms are safe or where to go, it’s better to join a local guide. Many organize small trips during the season, showing you the best spots and sharing tips on how to identify edible species. Either way, whether on your own or with a guide, this is one of the most authentic experiences you can have in Estonia in the fall.

But even if wandering through the forest isn’t for you, I still recommend trying the gifts of the season that appear in shops and small market stalls around the country.

Fresh chanterelles and porcini show up everywhere (I like to buy them to make soups or sauces at home), but there are dry mushrooms available too, so you can get some to bring home. There are also jars of blueberry and lingonberry jam, homemade pastries filled with forest berries, and other little seasonal treats.

So even without stepping into the woods, you can taste what Estonians have been gathering for centuries.

18. Go Cross-Country Skiing on Lighted Trails in Winter

Cross-country skiing is part of everyday life in Estonia (just as in Finland), and one of the most authentic ways to experience it is on illuminated trails after dark. There’s something quietly magical about sliding through snowy forests under floodlights, the only sounds your skis and the crunch of frozen trees.

You’ll find lighted tracks in many parts of the country. In Otepää, often called Estonia’s “winter capital,” Tehvandi Sports Centre maintains professional ski tracks, including lit loops where you can ski long into the evening. Further south, in Tõrva, the local ski resort also has illuminated trails — a small-town version of winter fun that feels very local.

Closer to the north, Mõedaku Sports Centre (Lääne-Viru County) offers several kilometres of groomed tracks, with a section lit for evening skiing. And even on the islands, like Saaremaa, you’ll find community-maintained lighted trails where locals go after work to get their exercise in the snow.

Yes, Tallinn has its own illuminated tracks (the Pirita Health Trails and loops in Nõmme neighborhood are especially popular) but what makes Estonia special is that this is not just a capital-city thing. From south to north, small towns and sports centres all over the country keep their ski trails glowing through the dark winter and anyone can come and enjoy them.

Dreaming of going further north?

While living in Tallinn, I am exploring not just Estonia but also Finland and Norway. Here are some of my guides from these countries:

• One Week in Lapland in Winter – my inspirational 7 days itinerary with exact stops
• Visiting Lapland on a Budget – yes, it is possible and this is exactly how
• Cost of a Trip to Tromso – how much things cost and how to plan a trip without breaking the bank
• Exploring Tromso in Summer – how to make the most of the season in the Norwegian Arctic