Estonia: 5 great budget destinations (other than Tallinn!)
Estonia, with a population of just 1.3 million, is a remarkably innovative and exciting place. Want some examples? Skype’s software was built by Estonian programmers; in 2005, Estonia became the first country in the world to launch an electronic voting system; and in 2014, Estonia became the first country in the world to offer electronic residency.
Estonia is best known among international visitors for its capital, Tallinn, with its medieval old town, cathedrals, and museums. But the diminutive country is full of delightful corners well beyond the capital, all of them quite welcoming to budget travelers. Here are five that we love:
1. Tartu
Estonia’s second city, Tartu, is a university town. This means lots of students, really good graffiti, and some great cafes. Tourist highlights include the city’s Old Town, a partially pedestrianized zone with plenty of mostly neoclassical buildings, and Toome Hill, which rises above it. The Tartu City Museum is another draw. Museum lovers note that the city’s expansive Estonian National Museum will reopen in a new space in September 2016.
Stay: Barclay Hotel, (Ülikooli 8) a stately, modern hotel with a storied history, is worth a splurge. Doubles begin at €89. (All hotels in Tartu)
Getting there: Tartu can be reached in two hours by train from Tallinn (€10.10).
2. Lahemaa National Park
Lahemaa National Park is Estonia’s oldest and largest national park, full of bogs, pine forests, boulder fields, and klint (limestone) valleys. There are eight maintained hiking trails, ranging from one to 17 kilometers in length, as well as campsites. Worth a stop is Sagadi Manor, a hotel and museum complex located within the national park.
Stay: Rooms at Viiking Guest House (Karja tänav 9, Võsa) begin at €30.
3. Pärnu
Since 1838, the western Estonian town of Pärnu has been a spa destination. Visitors still come all year round for the spas, while beautifully maintained beaches cast a summertime spell. During high season, the city’s beach promenade is a social hub and nature lovers find solitude in Pärnu’s sand dunes.
Stay: Standard double rooms at Pärnu Hotel (Rüütli 44) start at €53. (Search all hotels in Pärnu)
Getting there: Pärnu is two and three-quarters hours from Tallinn by train (€7.60).
4. Saaremaa
Saaremaa is the largest island in the West Estonian archipelago. The island is known for its windmills, thatched roofs, churches, oak forest, and – wait for it – a group of meteorite craters. Most visitors reach Saaremaa by ferry from the mainland. Those in a hurry can fly from Tallinn to Kuressaare, its biggest city. (Everything is relative here – Kuressaare only has around 13,000 inhabitants!)
Stay: Kaali Guest Centre (in the village of Kaali) is located right near the meteorite craters and shares space with the Kaali Meteoritics and Limestone Museum. Double rooms begin at €47.
Getting there: You can fly there on Avies airline.
5. Narva
Few tourists come to the border city of Narva. Located across from the Russian town of Ivangorod along the Narva River, Estonia’s third-largest city is an atypical place. Over 80 percent of the population is Russian. Narva has an atmosphere unlike any other city in the country.
Its crown jewel is the 15th-century Hermann Castle (also called Narva Castle), today home to a museum. The popular beach town of Narva-Jõesuu is nearby.
Stay: Inger Hotel (Puškini 28). Admittedly a bit institutional in feel, Inger is nonetheless a safe bet, with rates beginning at €65. (Search all hotels in Narva.)
Getting there: Narva can be reached in two and three-quarters hours from Tallinn (€10.90).
More information
Getting around Estonia: The Estonian train system is very affordable. All of the transportation times listed in this article are via train. Here is the website to find information.
More hotel options: Ready to search more hotels in Estonia? Try our search box above, or click to see all hotels in Estonia.
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