adventures in estonia

Storyteller and adventurer Mike Perdue shares this written and visual guide to some of his favourite trips to take around Estonia

So, you’ve found yourself contemplating a spot on Earth simply called, ESTONIA.

Beyond Tallinn

The reality of Estonia the country is to know the rather sharp dichotomy between Tallinn and the very rural aspect of the rest of the territory.

Idyllic old villages with their unique wooden houses still dot certain remote areas.

The Highlands of South Estonia

Tartu: 2024 European Capital of Culture

Leaving out the university town Tartu (Estonia’s 2nd city) would be tantamount to a crime!

Designated as a “2024 European Capital of Culture” this small city punches above it’s weight in many aspects.

Student life, music, arts, excellent museums, craft breweries(!) and so much more.

Compelling Narva

Nature’s Solitude

Moving broadly across the interior, parks abound and nature areas dot the bucolic countryside.

Bogs and swamps attract with their regional and national park designations.

Soomaa National Park is not far from the city of Pärnu. It offers up an incredible system of bogs, rivers and swamp forests for the outdoor enthusiast.

Pärnu: Seaside Summer Charm

Nearby Pärnu is known as Estonia’s “Summer Capital”.

Beaches, spas, and numerous festivals contribute to the vacation vibes, be prepared to rub some shoulders come mid-summer!

Tranquility, Island-Style

On and on, Haapsalu, its ancient ruins serving as backdrop in a relaxed resort setting, the harbor for Hiiumaa and Vormsi just outside town.

With this synopsis, I confess there are still many “blank spots” on the map to explore.

Treat this as a teaser. My positive engagement with Estonian nature and the infrastructure that encourages a human element is truly an endorsement.

Winter at 59 degrees North is, well, dark.

But the flipside is Summer and the incredible “Lightness of Being…in Estonia”!