Estonia

Estonia is one of the Baltic States in Europe which stands apart with a distinct identity of its own. It was formerly a part of the Soviet Union due to which you can find Russian influences along with the native culture. Hidden among a highly urbanized population and a progressive society, you can find pristine jungles, an endless coastline of stunning beaches, and historic castles and monuments.

Estonia’s capital Tallinn is a modern city undergoing a development boom. It is renowned for its UNESCO world heritage listed walled Old Town (also known as Vanalinn) – where you can wander through cobblestoned roads and discover medieval markets, Gothic spires and the famed 15th-century Town Hall Square. Apart from the old town, Tallinn has the Estonian Open Air Museum – a reconstructed 18th-century traditional Estonian village, Tallinn TV Tower – a 313m tall tower with an observation deck, Kadriorg Park – a verdant urban park and Kumu – one of the largest art museums in Northern Europe. Tallinn also serves as a base to explore the country’s largest park – Lahemaa National Park, which in summer is a playground for hiking or cycling and a snowy wonderland in winter.

In the east is Estonia’s second-largest city Tartu, a renowned university town. Often referred to as Estonia’s spiritual capital, Tartu’s claim to fame includes the 17th-century buildings of the University of Tartu. Nicknamed “Estonia’s summer capital”, Parnu is a resort city on the coast of the Gulf of Riga and dotted with picture-perfect beaches and wooden villas that tell the story of its rich history. The Baltic Sea island of Saaremaa – the biggest of the hundreds of islands in the country is a great place to unwind and laze around on the beach, sipping your favorite drink. Don’t miss the well-preserved 14th-century Kuressaare Castle while you are here.

Estonia prides itself with an impressive aesthetic charm, plenty of picturesque sights and offers a unique European experience. Though it is often overshadowed by more popular European nations like France and Germany, the wonders of this laid-back nation are slowly gaining popularity.