What to see, what to do Estonia?
The 10 good reasons to go Estonia
For its craftsmanship
Ceramics, potters, jewellers... a wealth of craftsmanship in stone, amber and wood.
For its gastronomy
Little is known about Baltic gastronomy, yet it is rich and surprising.
For its nature
Between coasts, forests and lakes, nature is omnipresent and hiking opportunities are numerous.
For pirts
Don't miss a traditional sauna session!
For the story
Between the Soviet past and the Nazi occupation, the three countries are rich in places of memory.
For its spas
Enjoy the thermal waters, mud baths and massages offered by the Baltic cities.
For the Baltic Sea
What would you say to ice skating on the frozen sea in the middle of winter?
For its festivities
Throughout the year, local festivities such as Midsummer's Day are in store for you.
For its sports activities
Canoeing, fishing, skiing, hiking, cycling... the possibilities are endless.
For its landscapes
Discover castles, hills, long beaches, marshes..
What to visit Estonia?
Interview: My Baltic States
with Marie-Charlotte Amblard, author of the guide
Born in Valence in the Drôme, Marie-Charlotte has been travelling around the world since her teenage years. What she likes in the Baltic States is to take advantage of the frozen sea in winter to go ice skating, to walk in the medieval city of Tallinn, to go kayaking, to walk on the huge Latvian beaches... She presents us her good plans.
See the video of the interviewGood to know to visit Estonia
Timetable
Lithuania. Museums are not necessarily the main attraction in Vilnius, but they are relatively numerous and offer a wealth of information and discoveries. What's more, they're not very expensive, mostly between €5 and €10. What's more, as visitor numbers are low, you're almost on your own to enjoy your visit.
Estonia and Latvia. Most museums are closed on public holidays. In Estonia, they may also be closed during school vacations.
Note that in all three countries, some museums close later, often on Thursdays. Museums are often closed on Mondays.
To be booked
In the big cities, there's generally no need to book in advance. In the countryside, on the other hand, for more unusual activities such as a bunker tour, we advise you to book a few days in advance.
Budget & Tips
In Tallinn - the Tallinn Card. This card is sold at tourist offices, airports, passenger ports, selected hotels and travel agencies. It entitles the holder to free admission to around 50 museums and attractions, the loan of an audio guide or iPod with French commentary (or the free download of an audio guide onto your device), free use of public transport and a number of discounts in the city's restaurants (including the famous Olde Hansa) and stores. These cards are valid for 24h (€43 adults, €25 children), 48h (€63, €32) and 72h (€66, €39). Information: www.visittallinn.ee/eng/visitor/tallinncard
In Vilnius - the Vilnius Pass. From €37 for adults for 24 hours, it gives free access to many museums, free cafés, discounts on activities... For more information: www.govilnius.lt/visit-vilnius/get-vilnius-pass
In Rīga - the Rīga Pass. From €15 with no time limit. Gives access to many museums free of charge or at reduced prices. Hop-on, hop-off bus tour included in the "Light" package (€25). For information: rigapass.lv
Main events
Here is the list of public holidays:
Lithuania
january1: New Year's Day.
february 16: Nepriklausomybės Diena, Independence Day (1918 Declaration of Independence).
march 11: re-establishment of Lithuanian sovereignty (1990 declaration of independence).
April: Easter Sunday and Monday (April 4 and 5, 2021).
may1: Labour Day.
2nd Sunday in May: Mother's Day.
june 24: St. John's Day.
july 6: commemoration of the coronation of King Mindaugas (13th century).
august 15: Žolinė (Assumption) Day.
august 23: Black Ribbon Day (Molotov-Ribbentrop pact).
november1: Vėlinės, All Saints' Day.
december 25 and 26: Kalėdos, Christmas.
Latvia
january1: New Year's Day.
march/April: Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Sunday (April 2, 3 and 4, 2021).
may1: Constituent Assembly of the Republic of Latvia, Labor Day.
may 4: Day of the declaration of independence of the Republic of Latvia.
2nd Sunday in May: Mother's Day.
june 23 and 24: Līgo Days (Līgo Svētki).
november 18: day of the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia (1918).
december 25 and 26: Christmas and Boxing Day.
december 31: New Year's Eve.
Estonia
january1: New Year's Day.
february 24: Independence Day (commemorating the independence of 1918).
March/April: Good Friday and Easter Monday.
may1: Spring Day.
May: Whit Sunday.
june 23: Victory Day (commemorating the Battle of Võnnu in 1919).
june 24: St. John's Day.
August 20: Restoration of Independence Day.
december 24 and 25: Christmas.
Guided tours
Numerous agencies offer tours of major cities, from the classic to the more unusual.
In Tallinn, City Bike (www.citybike.ee) takes you on a 3-hour tour of the city's secrets. Among other things, you'll visit Kadriorg Park and the harbor.
Smokers
Smoking is strictly prohibited in public areas. Museums, castles and other monuments generally have an outdoor smoking area.
What's very local
Prison tourism! We visit former Soviet prisons, ex-Soviet bases, former bunkers now open to the public..