Here in Estonia, we simply love our saunas... Sitting in the hot steam naked with your friends and time to time hitting each other with branches of birch trees - what's not to like? It sounds simple and understandable to locals, but confusing to visitors. So, here is a simple overview of everything you need to know about the sauna culture in Estonia. 1. Local honor the sauna If you have seen how red people get in their faces when sitting in a hot sauna, then it is easy to imagine what Estonians would look like if you were to say something inappropriate about Estonian sauna culture. Locals do not appreciate it if someone suggests that a sauna is only a Finnish thing. In reality, saunas are as popular, if not more popular, in Estonia than they are in Finland. People have saunas in central Tallinn apartments, in all public swimming pools, and in their cottages. Many go to the sauna at least once a week, some go every day, and excuses for going vary from business meetings to family reunions. 2. How to use an Estonian sauna the proper way? The sauna procedure itself is simple. You stay in the hot 100°C sauna until you get "comfortably warm". To cool yourself down, you either take a shower or sit in a cozy room in front of the sauna, where you can have a cold drink or some snacks. People normally do at least 2-3 of these sauna rounds, but some can spend the entire evening in the sauna, going in and out several times. The perfect sauna experience would be in a small countryside house with a lake or a river nearby. Locals love to dip themselves into the water or jump into the snow or an ice hole
Here in Estonia, we simply love our saunas… Sitting in the hot steam naked with your friends and time to time hitting each other with branches of birch trees – what’s not to like? It sounds simple and understandable to locals, but confusing to visitors. So, here is a simple overview of everything you need
Lahemaa National Park is a sensation among visitors coming to Tallinn. In a country of only 1.3 million people, untouched nature is just a few steps away from the busy capital. Since the first companies began taking people to Lahemaa National Park and tourists started sharing their experiences on TripAdvisor, there were suddenly lines of people in front of Tallinn Tourist Information Centre, demanding day trips to Lahemaa, which during the peak season is most often sold out. Lahemaa National Park is gorgeous and a perfect opportunity to see nature, beautiful coasts, and lush bogs, and obtain a glimpse of Estonian history by visiting the romantic manors in the area. If you are looking for a day packed with an abundance of sights, then read no further and book a day trip. But if you were already at the national park or looking for something else, here are the best alternative tours from Tallinn. Warning! National parks in Estonia are not safari parks Watch out for what you expect from a “national park” — it is not a fenced area where bears and wolves are kept so tourists can take selfies with them. A national park in Estonia means an area protected for its ecological value and spectacular nature. Wolves, bears, beavers, foxes, and many other wild animals live in this wilderness. Still, they are excellent at minding their own business and typically stay far away from people, especially on popular tourist trails. So, where to go if you want to explore nature but also avoid tourists who already leave a large footprint on Lahemaa's ecology? Here are some ideas for you... 1. Escape to Prangli Island - Quiet, authentic and close to Tallinn Only 30 km from Tallinn, tiny Prangli Island feels like a world of its own. Home to
Lahemaa National Park is a sensation among visitors coming to Tallinn. In a country of only 1.3 million people, untouched nature is just a few steps away from the busy capital. Since the first companies began taking people to Lahemaa National Park and tourists started sharing their experiences on TripAdvisor, there were suddenly lines of
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
