Spring in Estonia is a special time of year. As the snow melts and nature slowly awakens, birds return, flowers begin to bloom, and fresh green grass covers the fields. If you are planning a trip to Estonia in April or May, this is the perfect moment to explore the outdoors and experience the peaceful rhythm of the season.
So what are the best things to do in Estonia in spring? Whether you are visiting for a short city break or a longer holiday, here are eight memorable activities to enjoy – many of them easy day trips from Tallinn.
1. Discover the beauty of Lahemaa National Park
Spring is an excellent time to explore Estonia’s natural landscapes, and Lahemaa National Park is one of the best places to do so. Located about an hour from Tallinn, it offers forests, traditional fishing villages, historic manor houses, and scenic coastal views. You will also see enormous glacial boulders scattered along the shoreline and peaceful wooden walking trails through the forest.
Don’t miss Jägala Waterfall, the largest waterfall in Estonia. In spring, the melting snow increases the water flow, making the waterfall particularly impressive.
Join our Lahemaa Day Trip from Tallinn and experience the calm beauty of Estonian nature with a knowledgeable local guide.
If you are a hiker and would love to discover nature on a deeper level, book the Hiking Lovers Tour in Lahemaa National Park: Three Waterfalls.
2. Wander through Tallinn Old Town
No visit to Estonia would be complete without exploring Tallinn Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Cobblestone streets, medieval towers, and colourful merchant houses create a fairytale atmosphere that feels especially charming in spring.
You can visit glass-blowing studios, ceramic workshops, cosy cafés, bookstores, and small art galleries hidden in historic courtyards.
Our Tallinn Old Town Walking Tour takes you to the most beautiful viewpoints, historic streets, and hidden corners that many visitors would otherwise miss.
If you are looking for something a little more special, we also offer themed walking tours in Tallinn. Join the Tallinn Old Town Ghost Tour to hear mysterious legends and dark stories from the medieval city, or discover scandals, secrets, and unexpected history on The Scandalous Medieval Tallinn Old Town Tour.
If you are looking for an alternative perspective beyond the Old Town, join the Bohemian Tallinn tour by tram, which takes you through the creative and historic neighbourhoods of Rotermanni, Kalamaja, Kopli, and Telliskivi.
3. Visit a bog and experience Estonia’s unique wetlands
Estonia is famous for its mysterious bog landscapes, which cover a large part of the country. In spring, the frozen ground begins to thaw, and migratory birds return, making it an excellent time to visit these unique wetlands.
One of the best ways to experience a bog is by joining a bog-shoe hike, located in Põhja-Kõrvemaa Nature Reserve, not far from Tallinn.
Bog shoes let you walk across the soft, mossy surface beyond the wooden boardwalks. With a local guide, you will discover peaceful bog pools, learn about the wildlife, and hear fascinating stories about the area’s history and folklore.
It is one of the most unique nature experiences you can have in Estonia.
4. Explore Rummu submerged quarry and Soviet-era sites
Just outside Tallinn lies Rummu, one of Estonia’s most unusual landscapes. The flooded limestone quarry, once worked by prisoners, has turned into a clear turquoise lake with partially submerged buildings and visible traces of the Soviet past.
You can still see remains of old prison structures, barbed wire fences, and industrial ruins beneath the water.
On our Rummu Quarry and Coastal Cliffs Tour, you will also visit Keila Waterfall, abandoned military areas, and the dramatic limestone cliffs along the northern coast.
5. Hike and Sauna on Prangli Island
Prangli Island lies just off the coast of Tallinn and can be reached in about one hour by ferry. The island is known for its peaceful sandy beaches, pine forests, and authentic fishing villages.
It is a place where life moves more slowly and where visitors can experience local island traditions.
One of the most unusual sights on the island is an old natural gas drilling hole, where it is possible to organise a small barbecue.
Of course, no visit to Estonia would be complete without experiencing a traditional Estonian sauna. Locals often say that the sauna is the most comfortable place for conversation and relaxation.
If you want to learn more about Prangli’s local life, join our Hiking and Sauna Tour to Prangli Island.
6. Build a stone tower by the sea
Along the shores of Prangli Island, you will notice small stone towers built by visitors on the beach. Creating one yourself is a peaceful and almost meditative activity.
Stacking stones has become a simple spring tradition for many travellers who visit the island. It is a quiet moment to enjoy the sea views, fresh air, and calm atmosphere of the Baltic coast.
Join our Prangli Island Day Trip and experience island life just a short distance from Tallinn.
Why not stay overnight at Prangli to enjoy the magic longer? Our Villa of Nature Energy is waiting for you!
7. Go seal watching on the Baltic Sea
Yes, you can actually see wild seals near Tallinn. On our Seal Watching Tour from Tallinn, you will travel by boat to areas where Baltic grey seals like to rest on coastal rocks. These curious animals often lift their heads above the water to observe the visitors.
In Estonian folklore, seals have several nicknames, such as merihobune (“sea horse”) or pikavurrudega kala (“long-whiskered fish”).
Sometimes we even play a little classical music for them – you will have to join the tour to see how they react.
If you would like to experience seals in their natural habitat very close to them, you can also join our Wildlife & Seal Watching Tour by Sea-Safari Boat. The experience is designed specifically for wildlife watching. You travel in a quiet, low-profile observation boat that allows you to approach the animals without disturbing them and offers excellent viewing and photography opportunities. Along the way, an expert guide introduces you to the life of grey seals, seabirds and the coastal ecosystems of Northern Estonia.
8. Visit the Husky Park and hike with sled dogs
Sled dogs are not only active in the winter. In spring, you can visit a Husky Park near Tallinn, meet these friendly dogs, and learn more about the breed.
Visitors can even go for a cani-cross hike together with a husky, who will happily help pull you along the trail. It is a fun and surprisingly relaxing experience.
Many travellers say spending time with the dogs is one of the most heartwarming activities of their trip.
If you are looking for a more adventurous experience, you can also try sled dog rides in Kõrvemaa. Instead of a traditional sled, the dogs pull a specially designed four-wheeled cart, allowing the ride to take place even without snow. It offers a similar feeling to winter dog sledding and is a unique way to experience Estonia’s forests in spring.
Ready to experience spring in Estonia?
Spring is a wonderful time to discover the nature, culture and traditions of Estonia. From peaceful forests and waterfalls to island adventures and wildlife encounters, there are many memorable day trips from Tallinn waiting to be explored.
If you are visiting Tallinn in spring, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the landscapes beyond the city.
Need help planning your spring adventure? Contact us, and we will gladly help you organise the perfect day trip from Tallinn.
