Visiting Estonia in winter is exciting as it offers so many winter activities and things to do which are hard to find in most other countries. It can be cold in the winter, so when you finally get yourself together to head outside, put on your warm mittens, silly winter hat, and heavy boots, then you want to make sure that your effort of enduring the cold is worth it. Here are some of our post popular winter tours that allow you to enrich your stay in Tallinn and the few hours of light we are given each day. 1. (Frozen) Jägala Waterfall and Cozy Picnic Estonia’s largest natural waterfall is changing every day during the winter. It might be frozen or partly frozen. If the winter has not been too cold, the waterfall does not freeze, but it has a lot of water and is an amazing site to visit. Our Jägala Waterfall and Picnic Tour brings you up close to this frozen spectacle before treating you to a delicious outdoor picnic with homemade Estonian snacks, warm drinks, and traditional schnapps. A feast for the senses in a picture-perfect winter setting. 2. Cross-Country Skiing – Learn a New Skill in Tallinn Want to try a winter sport loved by locals? Our Learn to Ski in Tallinn tour is a fantastic way to pick up cross-country skiing, Estonia’s national winter pastime. Our expert instructors will guide you through the basics in some of the best skiing tracks in Tallinn, ensuring that even complete beginners have a great time gliding through the snow. One thing you need to know before you start thinking about skiing in Estonia: the highest peak in the country is lower than the highest peak in the Netherlands, which is normally considered to be a very
Visiting Estonia in winter is exciting as it offers so many winter activities and things to do which are hard to find in most other countries. It can be cold in the winter, so when you finally get yourself together to head outside, put on your warm mittens, silly winter hat, and heavy boots, then
Tallinn Day Trip Contest Rules Welcome to the Tallinn Day Trip contest! We invite you to share your unique experiences from our tours in Estonia for a chance to win back your tour cost. Participating is easy - post your video on Instagram, tag us, and join the draw! Here’s everything you need to know:
Estonia takes great pride from how much the country has progressed since the end of the Soviet occupation in 1991. The years under the Soviet regime are seen as one of the darkest times in our history. As the locals are moving on and replacing concrete buildings and old factories with new Estonian architecture, we also realise how unique some of the places left here by the Soviets are. It is easy to find modern houses in most of the capitals in the world, but how about old offices of the Soviet secret service, prisons where people were sent to gulags or monuments that kept the vision of the power of communism? Here is a guide to nine sights in an area near Tallinn that tells the story of Soviet Estonia. We have also included tours that take you to these places so that your tour guide can tell you more. The history of the Soviet Union is a long topic and cannot be covered in a single blog post. We therefore recommend joining the Secrets of Soviet Tour in Tallinn and visit the most significant places together with a local tour guide. To visit many of the sights mentioned in this blog, as well as all the most important places in Tallinn including the Old Town, book the 8-hour Tallinn Top Attractions Tour. If you want to get out of the city then combine historical sites with nature on the Rummu Submerged Quarry and Coastal Cliffs tour or learn about the Soviet fish industry during the Day Trip to Prangli Island. 1. Rummu quarry It is not only the casual visitors in Tallinn who have been attracted by the surreal look of Rummu quarry. This place has also been used as a film set by foreign artists, which
Estonia takes great pride from how much the country has progressed since the end of the Soviet occupation in 1991. The years under the Soviet regime are seen as one of the darkest times in our history. As the locals are moving on and replacing concrete buildings and old factories with new Estonian architecture, we
If you're looking to balance adventure and relaxation during your visit to Tallinn, consider venturing to these lesser-known beaches. Soak up the sun, take a refreshing (and likely cool) dip, and enjoy the serene, natural surroundings that locals love for their peacefulness. These spots offer unique benefits compared to the busy city beaches—whether it’s warmer waters, deeper swimming areas, or the charm of being off the beaten path. Check out our top picks, pack your sunscreen and flip-flops, and rely on Google Maps to guide you to these hidden gems. Rummu quarry During the Soviet time, the Rummu quarry was used for mining limestone. However, since the mining activity ended, the deepening has infilled with groundwater, creating a lake with clear water and sandy shores. The history of the quarry is long and not the brightest. During the Soviet era, prisoners from two of the nearby prisons were forced to work in the quarry. From that time, some of the buildings, previously used as mining facilities, are still standing in the middle of the lake, giving the area a deserted and apocalyptic feel. Despite that, the sandy shores and clear water bring many locals here on sunny days to take the most out of the summer. Furthermore, there are many activities organized, such as diving experiences and trips to explore the quarry on canoes, SUP boards, or rafts. Visit this beach on our 6-hour Tour to Coastal Cliffs and Rummu Quarry. If you pack your swimsuit you can have a quick dip into the light blue water! Lake Valdeku Lake Valdeku, just a 20-minute drive from central Tallinn, is a former quarry that has become a favorite swimming spot for locals. The water warms up more quickly than Tallinn’s seaside beaches and gets deep relatively close to shore, making it perfect
If you’re looking to balance adventure and relaxation during your visit to Tallinn, consider venturing to these lesser-known beaches. Soak up the sun, take a refreshing (and likely cool) dip, and enjoy the serene, natural surroundings that locals love for their peacefulness. These spots offer unique benefits compared to the busy city beaches—whether it’s warmer
Prangli Travel, as the name says, is an expert on tours to Prangli Island. As well we are the only company to provide seal-watching trips in North Estonia from Tallinn in English. We are also organizing trips to our neighbouring uninhabited islands Keri and Aksi. What is so fascinating about the islands and archipelago near Tallinn, the capital of Estonia? Estonia's approximately 2222 islands have played a defining role in the nation's history and culture. Official Travel Guide to Estonia VisitEstonia recommends Prangli Island as one of the 10 islands to visit in Estonia in summer. There is definitely a lot of diverse and untouched nature, space and peace. Unlike other Estonian islands in the Gulf of Finland, life on Prangli island has been continuous for 600 years. Prangli island was the only island in North-Estonia where in Soviet times the inhabitants were allowed to continue to live. So it is definitely an authentic place to visit not only in summer but also all year around. Prangli Island has a ferry connection from the Viimsi peninsula all year round. Neighbouring islands Keri and Aksi are small inhabited islands that have their own charm attracting visitors who are looking for authentic places and adventures at the sea. Keri and Aksi are accessible from Prangli Island, Neeme Port or Leppneeme Port, with small motorboats accommodating up to 14 people. Prangli Travel offers regular tours to the island in summer, you are welcome to join the groups! For small groups it's also possible to combine the trips in summer making your days more memorable. For groups 6-14 people Prangli Travel may offer the combined trips for one or 2 days combining trips to visit Prangli, Keri or Aksi Island and also go for a seal watching. We also offer accommodation on the island in an authentic Villa of
Prangli Travel, as the name says, is an expert on tours to Prangli Island. As well we are the only company to provide seal-watching trips in North Estonia from Tallinn in English. We are also organizing trips to our neighbouring uninhabited islands Keri and Aksi. What is so fascinating about the islands and archipelago near Tallinn, the
After being in Tallinn for a couple of days and seeing all the top attractions you probably would like to experience more of Estonia. A whole new world begins outside of the borders of Tallinn with lots to discover. Enjoy a day out of Tallinn on an Estonian island, or the most famous national park,
Spending a night on the island in Estonia? Prangli is a small island and a natural oasis between Estonia and Finland that has been inhabited for many hundreds of years and has its own traditions and culture. The island has around 70 people living there all-year round and many more visitors in the summer season
The Estonian Year of the Sauna 2023 is a time to celebrate the sauna and all it has to offer. Now more than ever, during this year-long celebration it’s time to get naked and whisk away the evil spirits in a steaming hot sauna. What’s the Estonian Year of the Sauna 2023 and how can you enjoy the unique Estonian sauna culture? Let’s look closer. Unique Estonian sauna culture One of the best things to do in Estonia definitely enjoying a baking hot sauna. The sauna is a crucial part of Estonian culture and has been for centuries. As proof of that, on a walking tour in Tallinn Old Town, you can find “Sauna” street and even a medieval Sauna tower. The first written records of saunas in Estonia are found from the 13th century but in reality, the Estonian sauna traditions date back even more. Did you know that in the very beginning, all the saunas were actually smoke saunas? The chimneys were added much later and are now commonly known as the “Finnish saunas”. But let’s rewind a bit and figure out what’s a smoke sauna. Since this type of sauna has no chimney, the smoke is let out through a window. They say the lack of chimneys maintains a higher temperature for a longer period of time. Smoke sauna is now mostly found in the south of Estonia, in Võru, and is listed by UNESCO. Off to a great year of saunas The Estonian Year of the Sauna 2023 couldn’t have started better. Estonian Anna Hints won the hearts of everyone at the Sundance Film Festival and got the best-directing award for her “Smoke Sauna Sisterhood” documentary. The women in the film open up about the issues and experiences of womanhood in a safe place
The Estonian Year of the Sauna 2023 is a time to celebrate the sauna and all it has to offer. Now more than ever, during this year-long celebration it’s time to get naked and whisk away the evil spirits in a steaming hot sauna. What’s the Estonian Year of the Sauna 2023 and how can
As we can only take you to tours after the COVID-19 outbreak is over, we decided to share our knowledge about plants from Estonian nature that cure illnesses or can boost your immune system. Please stay at home, but perhaps use this time to reschedule your vacation for later in the year. For example, come
From global car brands and famous DJs to Christopher Nolan himself - some famous places in Estonia have inspired people around the world. Thanks to the mixture of Soviet industrial buildings not far from modern skyscrapers and endless untouched nature - Estonia is perfect for movie makers and visitors alike. Although seen by millions, the actual location of filming is never revealed to the viewer. Therefore, we decided to bring the secrets out to the daylight. We are not going to tell you about Tallinn Old Town or beautiful palace gardens that most tourists visit. This blog is about 5 unique and strange places that have reached a wide global audience. These are the must-see sights in Tallinn for the thrill-seekees that are away from the typical tourist path. Following a good tradition of blog writing, the cherry on the cake is left to the end. No skipping! Cover photo by: Siiri Kumari 1. Linnahall in Tallinn One of the most famous places in Tallinn that has reached millions is Linnahall. It is a concert hall in central city which was built for the 1980 Soviet Olympic Games. As the building is easy to access and offers plenty of bizarre Soviet architecture, it has inspired several producers. Linnahall has its three-minutes of fame thanks to Norwegian DJ, Alan Walker's music video for his song Faded. With smashing 2.6 billion views on YouTube, this music video has introduced places that are famous in Estonia but most of the world has no idea about. If you want to step into the Faded music video yourself, visit Linnahall during the Secrets of Soviet Tour in Tallinn. You can also explore the submerged houses shown in the last part of the video on the half-day tour to Rummu Submerged Quarry and Coastal Cliffs which we
From global car brands and famous DJs to Christopher Nolan himself – some famous places in Estonia have inspired people around the world. Thanks to the mixture of Soviet industrial buildings not far from modern skyscrapers and endless untouched nature – Estonia is perfect for movie makers and visitors alike. Although seen by millions, the
We all know that whether it is for our social media profiles or for keeping good memories – taking good photos is important when travelling. To make sure that you won’t miss any good photo opportunities, here is a list of places to inspire you for a great photo album, Instagram story, travel blog or
As Prangli Travel has almost 10 years of experience in organising tours, we asked our tour guides about the most frequently asked questions that they get about Estonia. Here are the answers to the most common questions asked during the tours for the most curious travellers (meaning you), who cannot even wait until they get
Even before you can see it, something tells you that you are getting close. You feel fresh but slightly damp and cold air touching your face. As you walk closer, you notice the mist and hear the gushing of water in the distance. Once you see it at last, the unstoppable flow and the heights take you aback for a moment. No wonder visiting waterfalls is one of the most popular destinations we look for when we travel. Although Estonia is a flat country, we have a massive limestone cliff that stretches from Russia through the entire Northern Estonian coast and even reaches some islands in Sweden. This massive structure is called the Baltic Klint. All the rivers that flow into the Baltic Sea from Northern Estonia make up to 8-meter drop over the cliff, creating beautiful waterfalls that charm the viewer. Here are seven waterfalls near Tallinn that are worth visiting - some well-known and others that require more patience and time to find. The waterfalls in Estonia are beautiful all year round! Especially in winter time, when they freeze and create gorgeous icicles. They are definitely worth passing by when you are on your way to do other winter activities. 1. Jägala Waterfall Jägala waterfall has become a 'must-do in Tallinn' sight. Only half an hour drive from Tallinn, the highest waterfall in Estonia, Jägala waterfall, is easily accessible and many pass by on their way to Lahemaa National Park. The waterfall is very near the parking lot and you can see it when standing on top of the limestone cliff, but it is also possible to get right in front of the waterfall. Jägala waterfall, as the other waterfalls near Tallinn, becomes especially beautiful in the winter when it either partially or completely freezes. There
Even before you can see it, something tells you that you are getting close. You feel fresh but slightly damp and cold air touching your face. As you walk closer, you notice the mist and hear the gushing of water in the distance. Once you see it at last, the unstoppable flow and the
Oh the weather outside is frightful, but Tallinn is so delightful... Visiting Estonia in winter is exciting as it offers so many winter activities and things to do which are hard to find in most other countries. It can be cold in the winter, so when you finally get yourself together to head outside, put on your warm mittens, silly winter hat, and heavy boots, then you want to make sure that your effort of enduring the cold is worth it. Here are some of our unique custom tours which are not listed on any other website and are only offered as tailor made private winter tours for you! Combining several winter activities in one day allows you to take the most out of your stay in Tallinn and the few hours of light we are given each day. Cover photo by Carl-Martin Nisu 1. Ice skating on forest lakes followed by a picnic by the frozen waterfall We all know the ice rinks that open up in the Christmas markets around the world. These are lovely, but for a truly unique experience, you need to get out of the city with a local guide and find the frozen lakes that are tucked away in thick forest from most visitors eyes. As you put on your skates, find the balance and pick up your speed while the ice field in front of you feels endless; you will see that it is a natural playground. Only trees covered with thick snow hats surround you and the dim warm light of a low winter sun reflecting from the ice. The only thing you hear is the grinding of ice under your skates and your friends and family laughing. That's when it really does feel like a winter wonderland. After having fun with skating
Oh the weather outside is frightful, but Tallinn is so delightful… Visiting Estonia in winter is exciting as it offers so many winter activities and things to do which are hard to find in most other countries. It can be cold in the winter, so when you finally get yourself together to head outside, put
Tallinn has become one of the cities, where it is easy for vegans to find a restaurant. There are many hidden and not so hidden gems when it comes to eating plant-based meals in Tallinn. Whether you're a vegan or just enjoy tasty and nutritious food, there is a wide choice of cafes and restaurants where you can find local vegans enjoying yet another cup of oat milk cappuccino with a slice of tasty chocolate cake. Not to mention places where you can have plant-based pastas, soups, curries, burgers and the list goes on. What are the best vegan places in Tallinn? We have put together a guide to eating vegan in Tallinn and made a list of the 5 places we like the most. All the listed places are 100% vegan. 1. Vegan restaurant V The vegan restaurant V is the first in our list as it might be the most popular vegan restaurant in Estonia. It is perfect for birthdays or other celebrations and also just for enjoying a meal with the restaurant quality. Vegan V can easily convince even those who are not too familiar with plant-based meals. Since our Prangli Travel office is nearby, it is one of our favorite places for having lunch. Who could resist their daily offers that always have new and interesting dishes such as beetroot ravioli, orange flavoured tempeh with rice, tofu and spinach filled pasta shells and so on... Are you convinced yet? Prices of the main courses start from 8.20€ and be sure to book a table in advance. Like we said, it is a small but very popular place! 2. Karu Talu Šokolaad Karu Talu Šokolaad is the cutest little vegan sweet shop in Tallinn Old Town! This is THE place when you are craving for
Tallinn has become one of the cities, where it is easy for vegans to find a restaurant. There are many hidden and not so hidden gems when it comes to eating plant-based meals in Tallinn. Whether you’re a vegan or just enjoy tasty and nutritious food, there is a wide choice of cafes and restaurants