Europe
Estonia
Europe
Estonia
Updated Jan 04, 2025
Overview
Estonia, a Baltic nation in Northern Europe, captivates visitors with its blend of medieval history and cutting-edge technology. Tallinn's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts cobblestone streets and Gothic architecture. Beyond the capital, discover pristine forests, coastal villages, and over 2,000 islands. Estonia's digital-first approach extends to free Wi-Fi nationwide and e-residency programs. Immerse yourself in local culture through traditional smoke saunas, bog walking, and foraging. Don't miss the song festivals, a cherished tradition uniting thousands in choral performances.
Best time to visit. Visit Estonia from June to August for warm weather and long daylight hours, perfect for exploring outdoor attractions and attending summer festivals. For a magical winter experience with Christmas markets and possible Northern Lights sightings, consider December to February.
Cities
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Country stats
Population
1,331,824
151st
Land area
17,505 sq. mi.
129th
Highest elevation
1,043 ft
Currency
Euro
Generally accepted payment methods
Mobile, Card, Cash
Total GDP
$43.486 billion
102nd
GDP per capita
$31,854
36th
Year founded
1918 CE
Official langauge
Estonian
English speaking
Widely spoken
European Union
Yes
Schengen Area
Yes
Human development index
0.899
31st
Timezone
Eastern European (UTC+2)
Driving side
right
Capital
Tallinn
Website
Google Maps link
| Month | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32°F - 23°F | 28°F - 18°F | Cloudy | 8:55 am | 3:45 pm | 15 days 2.2 in | 12 days 6.0 in | 9 mph |
| February | 34°F - 24°F | 30°F - 19°F | Partly Cloudy | 8:00 am | 4:55 pm | 12 days 1.5 in | 9 days 4.6 in | 9 mph |
| March | 41°F - 30°F | 38°F - 26°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:45 am | 6:15 pm | 11 days 1.5 in | 5 days 2.2 in | 9 mph |
| April | 52°F - 37°F | 50°F - 34°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:20 am | 7:45 pm | 10 days 1.4 in | 1 days 0.3 in | 7 mph |
| May | 64°F - 46°F | 63°F - 44°F | Partly Cloudy | 4:10 am | 9:05 pm | 9 days 1.5 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| June | 70°F - 53°F | 70°F - 52°F | Partly Cloudy | 3:35 am | 10:00 pm | 11 days 2.4 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| July | 73°F - 57°F | 73°F - 56°F | Partly Cloudy | 4:00 am | 9:45 pm | 12 days 2.9 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| August | 71°F - 56°F | 71°F - 55°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:10 am | 8:35 pm | 13 days 3.1 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| September | 63°F - 49°F | 62°F - 47°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:30 am | 7:05 pm | 14 days 2.7 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| October | 52°F - 41°F | 50°F - 38°F | Cloudy | 7:50 am | 5:30 pm | 15 days 2.8 in | 0 days 0.1 in | 9 mph |
| November | 41°F - 33°F | 38°F - 29°F | Cloudy | 8:15 am | 4:05 pm | 16 days 2.7 in | 3 days 1.0 in | 9 mph |
| December | 35°F - 26°F | 31°F - 21°F | Cloudy | 9:05 am | 3:25 pm | 16 days 2.3 in | 9 days 4.1 in | 9 mph |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Marks the beginning of the new year. Celebrated with fireworks and gatherings. | Avoid travel. Most places closed. | ||
| Independence Day | February 24 | Commemorates Estonia's declaration of independence in 1918. Parades and ceremonies. | Interesting time to visit. Some closures. | ||
| Good Friday | Varies (March/April) | Christian holiday commemorating crucifixion of Jesus. Part of Easter celebrations. | Some closures. Religious observances. | ||
| Easter Sunday | Varies (March/April) | Christian holiday celebrating resurrection of Jesus. Egg-related traditions common. | Festive atmosphere. Some closures. | ||
| Spring Day | May 1 | Celebrates arrival of spring. Also recognized as International Workers' Day. | Pleasant time to visit. Some closures. | ||
| Pentecost | Varies (May/June) | Christian holiday commemorating descent of Holy Spirit. Marks end of Easter season. | Minimal impact on travel. Some closures. | ||
| Victory Day | June 23 | Commemorates 1919 victory in Estonian War of Independence. Military parades. | Interesting time to visit. Some closures. | ||
| Midsummer Day | June 24 | Celebrates summer solstice. Bonfires, outdoor gatherings, and folk traditions. | Festive but busy. Many businesses closed. | ||
| Day of Restoration of Independence | August 20 | Marks Estonia's independence from Soviet Union in 1991. Ceremonies and events. | Interesting time to visit. Some closures. | ||
| Christmas Eve | December 24 | Evening before Christmas. Families gather for traditional meals and gift-giving. | Festive but limited services. Many closures. | ||
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Christian holiday celebrating birth of Jesus. Family gatherings and festive meals. | Avoid travel. Most places closed. | ||
| Boxing Day | December 26 | Second day of Christmas. Continuation of holiday celebrations and relaxation. | Limited services. Many businesses closed. |
1 | Estonians value personal space. Avoid standing too close when talking and don't touch others unless invited. Handshakes are common for greetings, but hugging is reserved for close friends. |
2 | Learn a few Estonian phrases like 'Tere' (hello) and 'Aitäh' (thank you). While many Estonians speak English, they appreciate tourists who make an effort to use their language. |
3 | Punctuality is important in Estonian culture. Arrive on time for appointments and tours. If you're running late, call ahead to inform the person you're meeting. |
4 | Tipping is not mandatory in Estonia, but it's becoming more common in tourist areas. In restaurants, 10% is appropriate for good service if a service charge isn't included. |
5 | Estonians are generally reserved and may seem distant at first. Don't mistake this for rudeness; it's just their cultural norm. They warm up once they get to know you. |
6 | Public displays of affection are uncommon in Estonia. Keep intimate gestures private to avoid making locals uncomfortable or drawing unwanted attention to yourself. |
7 | Estonia is a tech-savvy country. Many services, including public transport and parking, can be paid for using mobile apps. Download relevant apps before your trip. |
8 | Respect nature and follow the 'leave no trace' principle when visiting Estonia's forests and national parks. The country takes pride in its pristine natural environment. |
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