Top Cultural Experiences in Estonia

Estonia is not a country that’s on the travel radar for most people - and we believe that’s all the more reason to visit it! This interesting Baltic state has a lot to offer, and is culturally very distinct, even from its neighbours. It’s becoming more popular as a destination, so get there quick before every man and his dog has been!

If you’re looking for a unique destination for a memorable campervan holiday, we can highly recommend Estonia. It has emerged from fifty years of Soviet rule raring to welcome visitors. To convince you, we have made a list of the top cultural experiences to make your journey amazing. Read on to discover what you could encounter in your Estonia motorhome rental.

1. Tallinn Old Town

Tallinn Old Town is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site and a great place to begin. You’ll likely pick up your rental in Tallinn, so head here before departing.

The Old Town is considered the most well-preserved medieval city in Northern Europe. The charming cobbled streets, centuries-old buildings, iron street lamps and gothic spires are breathtaking and create a fairytale vibe. Wander, eat and shop in both the Upper and Lower Old Town for a bit of cultural wonderment that will stick with you.

2. Farmer’s Markets

Tasting your way through a new country is one of the best cultural experiences. In Estonia, you can pick up local specialties like rye bread, smoked fish, pickled vegetables and delicious pastries at Farmer’s Markets, along with fresh produce and ingredients to cook with in your motorhome.

In a country this size, it’s never far from the farms to the markets, so you’ll enjoy some very fresh vegetables, meat and other products if you frequent the “turgs”, as they are called in the local language.

3. Take a hike

Exploring on foot is a great way to become acquainted with any place. If you are looking for a trail, we suggest the Mannikjarv track which offers views of both the lake and bog by the same name. Estonia has many bogs, and the scenery can be quite magical, despite what most people might think of bogs.

4. Parnu Beach

Image: Kristian Pikner (own work), (CC BY 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons

Parnu Beach is one of the best stretches of sand in the Baltic, and its corresponding seaside resort offers a taste of how Estonians holiday. There are some historicsites here, but the focus is the beach, its promenade, the spas and restaurants providing fun and feasts. It’s the place to be during Estonia’s summer.

5. Kumu Art Museum

Kumu Art Museum is the headquarters of the Art Museum of Estonia, and a perfect place to become acquainted with the creative traditions and talents of the nation. Located in Tallinn, it’s also a large and noteworthy exhibition venue and always has something interesting to see. In 2008, it was named European Museum of the Year - a lofty award in a continent full of museums!

6. Bridgettine Convent

If you are particularly interested in Estonia’s history, you might like to visit this ruined convent which is one of the country’s most spectacular historical sites. On the banks of the Pirita River, this picturesque place is beautifully desolate, with the stone walls, facade and foundation of the convent rising up amongst a lovely park which often hosts events, concerts and mass services.

7. Canoeing in the Sooma National Park

Image: Jürgen Regel (own work), (CC BY 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons

This vast park was established in 1993 and covers an array of interesting landscapes including bogs, forests and meadows. The best way to experience it is in a canoe during the “high water season” in spring when otherwise dry land floods - you could paddle through a forest or over fields. The traditional Estonian canoe is carved out of a single aspen trunk.

8. Black Nights Film Festival

If you can time your trip to coincide with this incredible event, we suggest you do - film buffs in particular. It began in 1997 and has quickly grown to become one of the largest festivals of its kind in Northern Europe, playing hundreds of local and international feature films and short films in mid-November to early December.

9. Mud Therapy at Haapsalu

This seaside resort town is known for its mud. The sticky brown stuff is not often considered a tourist attraction, but it is here - and in fact, it is used in beauty and restorative therapies. As well as wandering the ocean promenade and enjoying the beach, visit a mud spa for a soak. The locals swear by it!

10. Berry picking

Another one for the foodies, this experience will see you out appreciating the countryside and foraging for your own tasty treats. Many forests (more than half of the country is wooded) harbour delicious blueberries, raspberries, wild strawberries, and other more local varieties - along with various types of mushrooms. If going it alone is a little daunting, you can sign up for a guided excursion with different providers around Estonia.

These are just some of the amazing things you could do during a road trip in beautiful, unique Estonia. In reality, the list is just about endless. Book a motorhome and start exploring.