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 (read more about winter clothing from the blog post here). Then, you want to make sure that your effort of enduring the cold is worth it. Here are some of our most popular winter tours that allow you to enrich your stay in Tallinn and make the most of the few hours of daylight we have each day.
1. (Frozen) Jägala Waterfall and 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 a fantastic 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 and warm drinks—a treat 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 learn cross-country skiing, Estonia’s national winter sport. 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 to note before considering skiing in Estonia: the country’s highest peak is lower than the highest peak in the Netherlands, which is often considered a very flat country. Therefore, we don’t do downhill skiing here or anything related to the mountains. Instead, we enjoy cross-country skiing, also known as Nordic skiing, which is considered the national sport of Estonia. When you don’t know what it is, imagine light jogging across a winter landscape with skis. The only difference is that every slight uphill is rewarded with a fun downhill slide, when you can enjoy the gentle wind in your face as you speed up, allowing you to relax for a moment.
3. Walk on Water – Snowshoeing in Estonia’s Bogs
In summer, Estonia’s bogs are wet and mysterious, but in winter, they turn into magical frozen landscapes. Join our Bog-Shoe Hiking Tour, strap on a pair of bog shoes, and experience the stillness of Estonia’s untouched wilderness. This adventure is perfect for nature lovers who want to feel the crunch of snow beneath their feet while spotting wildlife tracks in the pristine white landscape.
4. Race Through Snowy Trails on a Husky Sled
Picture yourself gliding across the crisp snow, led by a team of enthusiastic huskies. Our Husky Park and Dog-Sledding Adventure takes you deep into the Kõrvemaa region, where you’ll meet friendly sled dogs, learn about their training, and embark on an exhilarating ride through snow-covered trails. A dream come true for animal lovers and thrill-seekers alike! The huskies love pulling the sleds, and you can see the excitement from how they howl before each run.
PS! We offer another activity in the dog park, which is a Cani-Cross Hike with Sled-dogs. This means that each participant gets a personal dog for the hike that is attached to their waist by a harness. As the dogs naturally pull, they will make the hike much more straightforward and fun for you. The cani-cross hike is also much easier for dogs than dog sledding! Enjoy the time spent with them and explore the surrounding Kõrvemaa forests.
5. Warm Up with a Sauna after a Bog Hike
Step into the heart of Estonian traditions with our Sauna and Bog Hike Tour, a perfect combination of adventure and relaxation. Begin your journey with an invigorating hike through Estonia’s mystical bog landscapes, where wooden boardwalks guide you through a serene, snow-covered wilderness. After embracing the crisp winter air and breathtaking scenery, it’s time to warm up in a traditional Estonian sauna. Sweat away the cold in a cozy wooden sauna, and for the truly brave, take a refreshing dip into the snow.
6. Ice Fishing – Test Your Luck on a Frozen Lake
Bundle up and get ready for a uniquely Estonian experience — Ice Fishing! Drill a hole into the thick ice of a lake, drop your line, and wait for the fish to bite. Whether you catch something or not, the peaceful surroundings and crisp winter air make this an unforgettable way to connect with nature and local traditions.
As fish bite better in the morning, we would suggest you start the day by trying out your fishing luck and maybe hear some fun fishing tales from your instructor.
7. Overnight Winter Experience – A Snowy Escape
Can’t get enough of the Estonian winter? Our Overnight Nature Experience is the ultimate escape into the snowy countryside. Enjoy an evening lantern hike, snowshoeing, sled dog hikes, and ice skating under the stars. Then, retreat to a cozy cabin and wake up to a fresh winter morning, ready for more adventures.
