Winter in Estonia usually lasts from December to March, and how much snow and ice there is changes from year to year. In late December Tallinn gets only about six hours of daylight, so combining two activities in one day makes the most of it. Popular winter activities near Tallinn include snowshoe hiking, cross-country skiing, husky sledding, ice skating and ice fishing on natural ice, the frozen Jägala Waterfall and the Estonian sauna. Most are within an hour’s drive of the city.

Visiting Estonia in winter is exciting because it offers many activities you won’t easily find in other countries. Yes, it can be cold – and by the time you’ve gathered the courage to head outdoors and pulled on your warm mittens, silly winter hat and heavy boots, you want to make sure the effort is worth it.

That’s exactly why we’ve created a collection of unique, custom-made winter combinations, designed only for private groups and not listed anywhere else. These experiences combine several winter activities in one day, allowing you to make the most of your stay in Tallinn – and the few precious hours of daylight we get during the Nordic winter. What is possible on a given day depends on the snow, ice and weather conditions.

1. Snowshoe hiking followed by a picnic by the frozen Jägala Waterfall

Snowshoe hiking is a calm way to step into winter’s untouched nature – no crowds, no noise, just you, the forest and the crisp sound of snow beneath your feet. No special skills are required, so it suits beginners, families with teenagers and anyone wanting to explore the outdoors safely and comfortably.

After the forest and bog walk on snowshoes, we head to Jägala Waterfall, about 8 metres high and more than 50 metres wide. In a cold winter it freezes into icicles and icy blue colours; in a milder winter the water keeps flowing between the ice. Enjoy hot tea, a light snack and a little Estonian schnapps to warm up while admiring the waterfall up close.

This nature tour combines two of our tours: the snowshoe tour and the picnic by the Frozen Jägala Waterfall.

2. Cross-country skiing lesson and a relaxing sauna

Before you picture skiing in Estonia, here’s something you should know: our highest peak, Suur Munamägi at 318 metres, is lower than the highest point of the mainland Netherlands – yes, the famously flat country. So downhill skiing isn’t really our thing. Instead, we’re passionate about cross-country skiing, also known as Nordic skiing, which is considered Estonia’s national winter sport.

If you’ve never tried it before, imagine light jogging through a quiet winter landscape on skis. Every slight uphill is followed by a gentle downhill slide, where the cold wind touches your face and you get a moment to simply enjoy the ride.

And after a good workout, there’s one natural way to end the day – a hot Estonian sauna. Let your cold fingers warm up, your muscles loosen and your whole body relax. Skiing and sauna belong together here, and a deep, peaceful night’s sleep usually follows.

The skiing lesson is part of our Learn to Ski in Tallinn tour. It is also possible in Kõrvemaa, where it can be combined with the overnight experience that includes an Estonian sauna evening.

3. Overnight experience in Kõrvemaa with optional dog sledding

Kõrvemaa is one of Estonia’s most beloved winter destinations – a peaceful region of lakes, pine forests and snowy trails, about an hour from Tallinn and far from the city lights. Spending the night here lets you experience the true Nordic quiet, where the only sounds are crackling snow and wind in the trees.

Your overnight winter getaway begins with a scenic drive to Kõrvemaa, followed by a traditional winter activity (see the options here). The possibilities depend on the snow and weather conditions.

As evening approaches, settle into your cosy accommodation and enjoy the winter quiet. Warm up in the sauna, share stories over a hot drink, or step outside to look at the clear night sky.

For more excitement, you can add dog sledding for an extra fee – a fast ride pulled by eager huskies who love running through snowy trails.

In the morning, wake up to forest views, enjoy a slow start to the day and return to Tallinn refreshed and energised.

This combines our Overnight Winter Experience in Estonia and Tour to Husky Park and Dog-Sled Ride.

4. Prangli Island hike and sauna with an overnight stay

For travellers looking for a slow, authentic winter experience, Prangli Island is a quiet escape. After a one-hour ferry ride from the mainland, you’ll arrive on one of Estonia’s most charming islands – a peaceful place where pine forests, traditional fishing culture and untouched nature create an entirely different atmosphere from Tallinn. In winter, the ferry schedule can depend on ice and wind.

Your day begins with a 2.5-hour hike through Prangli’s forest trails and quiet coastal paths. The winter landscapes here feel wonderfully remote: snow-dusted pine trees, frozen beaches and the soft crunch of winter beneath your boots. Along the way you’ll hear island stories, legends and how everyday life works far from the city.

After the hike, settle into our Villa of Nature Energy and enjoy a local lunch prepared for you.

Later, enjoy the traditional sauna with a sea view, one of the islanders’ most treasured rituals. If you’re brave, you can even try a quick dip in the sea or roll in the snow.

Spend the night in the cosy villa, surrounded by island tranquillity. Enjoy the quiet evening, the stars above you and the feeling of being far from everything.

This tour combines our Hiking and Sauna Tour on Prangli Island with an overnight stay.

For even more! You can add the Lahemaa day trip the next day, making it a whole 2-day adventure.

5. Snowmobile tour with igloo sauna and ice hole dip

For those who want to experience Estonia’s winter in a more adventurous way, this tour combines speed, silence and deep relaxation in the heart of Kõrvemaa. An hour’s drive from the city lights and crowds, the region’s vast forests and frozen landscapes create the setting for a true Nordic winter escape.

The experience begins with a snowmobile ride through snowy forest trails and open winter terrain. The ride needs a proper snow cover, so it depends on the winter. Riding across frozen paths, you’ll feel the contrast between adrenaline and the surrounding calm – wide landscapes, fresh air and untouched nature stretching in every direction.

After the ride, it’s time to slow down. Warm up in a heated igloo sauna, surrounded by snow-covered scenery. The heat of the sauna and the quiet of the forest create a deeply relaxing atmosphere. For those who wish to complete the full Nordic ritual, an ice hole dip is available – a refreshing plunge into icy water that many locals swear by for both body and mind.

This winter experience in Kõrvemaa suits travellers looking for something different from traditional sightseeing – a combination of adventure, nature and Estonian winter traditions in one day. Ask us about dates at booking@tallinndaytrip.com.

6. Ice skating on natural ice with snowshoes, huskies or an overnight stay

Ice skating is another thing Estonians are fond of. When the cold arrives, we head out to frozen lakes and bog pools surrounded by forest – a very different feeling from a city rink. Most of our skating takes place on the lakes of Kõrvemaa, where there are several to choose from depending on the ice. In colder winters the sea can freeze too, and groups have skated on bays along the north coast, such as Kaberneeme and Salmistu. Skates, Nordic skate blades and ice picks can be rented, so you don’t need to bring your own.

Skating pairs well with other activities in Kõrvemaa: a snowshoe hike in the bog, a visit to the husky park, or skating under the stars as part of the overnight experience.

This combines our Ice-Skating Experience on Natural Ice with the snowshoe tour, the Tour to Husky Park and Dog-Sled Ride or the Overnight Winter Experience.

7. Ice fishing on Lake Kahala combined with the frozen Jägala Waterfall

Begin your winter day on a frozen lake with a traditional ice fishing experience. Lake Kahala lies east of Tallinn, under an hour’s drive from the city. Accompanied by a local instructor, you’ll learn the basics of ice fishing, safety rules and Estonian winter fishing traditions. No previous experience is needed – ice fishing is about slowing down, observing nature and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere rather than catching fish. A hot soup on the ice helps to keep warm, and for larger groups a bigger winter tent gives shelter from the wind.

On the way back to Tallinn, we stop at Jägala Waterfall, which lies between the lake and the city. Depending on the weather, it may be frozen into a wall of ice with large icicles or flowing between snowy riverbanks. If you’d like a longer day, a visit to the husky park can be added too.

This combines our Ice Fishing Experience with a stop at Jägala Waterfall, and can be extended with the Tour to Husky Park and Dog-Sled Ride.

Other winter things to do in Tallinn

Visit the Christmas Market in Tallinn Old Town. The Christmas Market in Town Hall Square is an annual event with small huts, traditional Estonian food, Santa Claus and weekend performances. Dates change every year, so check them before your trip.

Eat traditional Estonian Christmas food. Potato is the magic word when it comes to traditional Estonian food. Mashed, fried, oven-baked or boiled potatoes topped with sour cream, a piece of meat and a salad on the side – that’s how we roll. During the Christmas season we have boiled potatoes with sauerkraut and blood sausage or roast pork. It might sound a bit bloody, but it’s delicious and nutritious. Also try karask, a barley bread our ancestors baked for special occasions.

Heat up in a sauna and dip into an ice hole. When your toes are nearly freezing, it’s time for a sauna. Saunas have been part of Estonians’ lives for centuries and we deeply respect them. To get extra healthy, many of us hop into icy-cold water after a session on the sauna bench. There are also plenty of spas in Tallinn, Haapsalu and Pärnu – enough to keep our Finnish neighbours coming back again and again.

Enjoy the Old Town from a cosy café. When you feel a bit exhausted after exploring wintry Tallinn, sit down in a café, order a hot cup of cocoa and just enjoy the moment.

Make snow angels or build a snowman. Making a snowman is the most important thing to do when the first snow comes. Building an igloo is the next level for true winter lovers.

Video by Visit Estonia

You’ll find all our winter tours with seasons and durations in Winter Tours from Tallinn. If you’d like to know more or ask about pricing, email us at booking@tallinndaytrip.com and tell us what kind of winter adventure you have in mind. We’re flexible and always happy to turn your winter travel ideas into a tailor-made experience.