Estonia is a land where ancient forests meet medieval streets and the sea stretches to the horizon. Tallinn, the capital, mixes medieval charm with modern energy, from its spired churches and hidden courtyards to lively squares and cozy cafes. Tartu buzzes with student life, art galleries and historic architecture. Smaller towns reveal wooden houses, quiet squares and centuries of local stories.
Beyond the cities, Estonia is rich in nature. Lahemaa National Park stretches across forests, bogs, and rivers dotted with historic manor houses. Saaremaa and Hiiumaa islands offer peaceful coastlines, lighthouses, and charming fishing villages. Over 1,500 islands and thousands of lakes create a sense of space and calm that feels rare in Europe.
Estonian culture is a blend of folklore, music and modern innovation. You can explore medieval castles, hike forest trails, cycle along coastal roads or attend festivals filled with singing and traditional foods. With its mix of history, untouched nature, and quiet charm, Estonia offers travelers endless discoveries.
With centuries of history waiting to be explored, what part of Estonia will you discover first?
Estonia in a nutshell
- Population 1.3 million people (2025)
- Capital Tallinn
- Native people are called Estonian
- Native language is Estonian
- Local currency Euro
- Size 45.335 km²
The Big Four
Fun Facts
- Singing nation Estonia is also known as the "Singing Nation" because of its massive Singing Revolution from 1986 to 1991, where about 300,000 people gathered in peaceful song festivals to demand independence, which was achieved in 1991. Music is at the centre of Estonian identity.
- Digital pioneers Estonia is one of the world’s most digitally advanced countries. It was the first nation to offer e-residency and online voting. Making government services accessible from anywhere in the world.
- Forests everywhere Over half of Estonia is covered in forest, offering endless trails, wildlife and the quiet beauty of nature for hiking and camping.
- Unusual sports Called Kiiking, invented there, where competitors swing on a giant swing with steel arms to perform a full 360-degree rotation. The person with the longest arms who succeeds wins. Estonia also excels in traditional wife-carrying competitions.
Explore the regions
Estonia's history
Estonia’s history is shaped by its location at the edge of the Baltic Sea. Where forests, islands and rivers meet trade routes and empires. The land was first settled by Finno-Ugric tribes thousands of years ago. By the 13th century, German crusaders arrived and established control.
For centuries, Estonia became part of powerful foreign empires. The Danes, Swedes and Russians all ruled at different times. They all left their share of architecture, language and culture. Towns prospered under Hanseatic trade and monasteries preserved local traditions even under foreign rule.
The 19th century saw the rise of the National Awakening, as Estonians worked to preserve their language, folklore and identity. After a brief period of independence in 1918, the country endured occupations by both the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany.
Finally, in 1991, Estonia regained its independence and embraced the modern world, blending its medieval streets and island villages with cutting-edge technology and innovative culture.
Today, Estonia’s history is visible in cobbled old towns, medieval castles and the silent forests that surround them. It is a country where past and present coexist, ready for you to explore its secrets.