Estonia is beautiful, small, exciting, modern, old and many other things! Estonia is bigger on the inside than on the outside where landscapes and lifestyles may change every few dozens of kilometres. There are few long distances to travel in Estonia and since there are no faraway places everywhere is within easy reach.

The Old Town of Tallinn, which is one of the best preserved medieval cities of Europe, is well worth a visit, but so are many small towns and villages in the country. There is the ancient but youthful university town of Tartu, the historic summer resort Pärnu, the centre of heritage culture Viljandi, the seaside town of Haapsalu with its wonderful wooden architecture, Kuressaare on the island of Saaremaa boasting its 14^th century bishop castle, and many more to discover.

Our beautiful and varied scenery is our pride with natural unspoiled woodlands and beaches, mysterious bog massifs and coastal meadows rich in wildlife. A wealth of walking trails, viewing towers and boardwalks equipped with maps and information displays are found in the countryside which make it possible to discover areas of natural beauty at leisure. Those interested in more active pursuits can find opportunities for sailing, kayaking or canoeing, horse trekking, snowshoeing in marshlands or birdwatching in coastal wetlands. The more adventurous might take a dip in a bog pool or go ape in high-wire adventure parks. Such activities may be followed by a visit to a smoke sauna and a sumptuous meal of delicious Estonian food.

Estonia’s tumultuous past has left us with rich history and cultural heritage, including many medieval strongholds, wonderful manor houses in the countryside, centuries-old churches, and romantic wooden village architecture. The country comprises several regions each with their distinctive culture: Kihnu island off the south-western coast, Mulgimaa, Setumaa and Võrumaa, all located in the south and south-east of the country, villages of Old Believers on the shores of Lake Peipsi. People of these regions have a strong identity and have preserved their old ways and traditions. Our countryside is dotted with small but fascinating museums and local cuisine can be sampled in pubs, cafes and restaurants.

The country portal www.visitestonia.com provides easy access to a multitude of information sources and helps you to discover most exciting places in Estonia.