The best places to visit in Estonia before you die are not easy to decide upon; located in the Baltic region of north-eastern Europe, Estonia is full of natural Baltic beauty and bustling city life, as well as a rich cultural history with tradition still being very important to the people. It is one of the least populous countries in the European Union, and has a warm, humid, continental climate. It ranks highly on the human development index, and has a high rate of economic freedom and a lot of civil liberties. It has a high income rate and a high standard of living, and tourism is very important to their economy – so you’re bound to be welcomed by the warm and traditional Estonian culture as a visitor to their country like you’re one of the locals!
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Travel to Estonia is frequently not interrupted, and you should not encounter any problems when traveling to this welcoming country. You should check local travel news, weather, and international news before leaving to ensure that your visit is as smooth as possible. The currency of Estonia is the Euro, commonly used and available across much of Europe, as well as being one of the most commonly traded currencies in the United States, so money should not be much of an issue in this prosperous country but make sure you have budgeted enough for your trip (emergency funds are always good to have!). Also check with your travel agent, in case there are any problems with your vacation package. We will soon be getting to the best places to visit in Estonia before you die, but if you’d be more interested in somewhere else, you can check out the list of the best places to visit in Russia before you die.
Estonia is a wonderful country with a rich Baltic history and modern cities, so without any delay, let’s get to the top 7 most beautiful and affordable places in Estonia!
7. Tallinn
Situated on the northern coast of the country, on the gulf of Finland, Tallinn was the European Capital of Culture in 2011 and it’s not hard to see why. The old town of this city is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the rest of it is full of museums, galleries, and modern architectural wonders. There is even a castle, Toompea Loss, within the bounds of this wonderful city.
6. Lahemaa National Park
This park is the largest in Estonia and one of the largest in Europe, and promotes conservation of and research into the Estonian wildlife, ecosystems, landscapes, and biodiversity. It borders the gulf of Finland to the north so encompasses wonderful coastline, as well as rolling hills and forests. It is one of the main tourist destinations in Estonia, so travel out of peak times for a more relaxing experience.
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5. Hiiumaa
Hiiumaa is the second-largest island belonging to Estonia. The human settlement dates as far back at 4th Century BC, but things have advanced a lot since then! This quaint island of a town features a well-known lighthouse (Kopu) and wonderful coastline. There are regular ferry crossings to the mainland taking 90 minutes, and the island is well-equipped for cycle hire.
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4. Matsalu National Park
Describing itself as a ‘true paradise for birdwatchers’, this famous park easily makes the list of the best places to visit in Estonia before you die. Comprising of the shallow Matsalu Bay and as many as 50 islands, this park has wonderful coastal meadows. It is an important site for waterfowl, so birdwatchers are definitely in luck!
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3. Naissaar
This 18 and a half kilometer square island lies northwest of Tallinn. The island is currently undergoing major restoration, with villages being restored and military bases being turned into something more beautiful (the island was an important military location during Russian rule of Estonia). There is even a railway running from one tip to another, which is also being restored.
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2. Vilsandi
Located in the Baltic Sea, this tiny island (just 9 kilometers square) is the western-most inhabited point that is still part of Estonia. This island now forms part of a national park; the whole park, comprised of many islands, are explorable by kayak during the summer months. It is an important stopover point for migrating seals, so wildlife lovers should visit at the migration times for the best trip.
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And, the best place to visit in Estonia before you die is: Keila Waterfall
Surrounded by a 3-kilometer nature trail, this waterfall is located on the River Keila and is 6 meters high (making it the third largest waterfall in Estonia). It is by far the most beautiful, set in a lush green forest and explorable by foot-path. The waterfall is accessible at all times of day, and in twilight it is beyond beautiful. A definite must for nature-lovers.
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The best places to visit in Estonia before you die have been partly covered in this list, but a country as diverse as Estonia deserves to be fully explored. Check local news, travel, and weather information before you travel, and you’ll have a wonderful time in this beautiful country.
