{"id":4304,"date":"2023-10-15T22:45:41","date_gmt":"2023-10-15T20:45:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.traveller.ee\/blog\/?p=4304"},"modified":"2023-10-29T13:22:26","modified_gmt":"2023-10-29T11:22:26","slug":"7-best-towns-to-visit-in-estonia-beyond-tallinn","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/testblog.traveller.ee\/tallinn\/7-best-towns-to-visit-in-estonia-beyond-tallinn\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Best Towns to Visit in Estonia (Beyond Tallinn)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Estonia offers far more than just the captivating Old Town and trendy neighbourhoods of Tallinn. It is a land of enchanting forests, historical wonders, and coastal beauty that extends well beyond its capital. Venture into the heart of this Baltic gem, and you will discover several other cities waiting to be explored. Here are our top recommendations for delving deeper into Estonia.<\/p>\n

1. Tartu \u2013 Where History and Academia Collide<\/h2>\n
\"Tartu

Photo: Brand Estonia \/ Hans Markus Antson<\/p><\/div>\n

Tartu, Estonia’s second-largest city, brims with youthful energy and historical charm. Home to Estonia\u2019s oldest university, Tartu University, it exudes a vibrant ambiance thanks to its lively student population. Locals refer to Tartu as having its own unique vibe \u2013 the Spirit of Tartu. To truly experience this spirit, spend time wandering the Tartu Old Town’s pubs with students, engage in heated academic discussions that unexpectedly involve professors, and explore the city by bicycle during the day.<\/p>\n

Tartu offers a multitude of activities spanning several days. A visit to ERM \u2013 the Estonian National Museum, arguably the country’s best museum, is a must. Another hidden gem is TYPA – the Printing Museum, offering an interactive journey through the history of printing. For a deeper understanding of Estonian education, the Tartu University Museum is a fascinating stop. Ahhaa Science Centre caters to both active adults and children. Additionally, catching an opera or ballet show at Vanemuine theatre provides an opportunity to dress up and relish a world-class performance.<\/p>\n

When it comes to dining, P\u00fcssirohukelder \u2013 Gunpowder Cellar, formerly a gunpowder warehouse, now serves an assortment of beers and excellent local pub food. Werner Caf\u00e9, a legendary Tartu spot, has been the meeting place for writers, students, lecturers, professors, and visitors alike. Their pastries are simply divine, making it the perfect spot for people-watching. Aparaat, located in an old factory, offers a laid-back atmosphere to unwind with friends and relish delectable food after a day of exploring Tartu.<\/p>\n

2. P\u00e4rnu \u2013 The Seaside Splendor<\/h2>\n

\"P\u00e4rnu<\/p>\n

P\u00e4rnu, the Summer Capital of Estonia, boasts endless sandy beaches and a vibrant atmosphere. If you find yourself in Estonia during the summer, a visit to P\u00e4rnu is essential. Spend your day relaxing on the sandy beach, meander through charming neighborhoods adorned with wooden architecture and quaint villas, and explore the nearby nature through hikes \u2013 beginning, of course, with the beach.<\/p>\n

P\u00e4rnu buzzes with activity during the summer, hosting parties, events, and concerts, all crammed into the short summer months. During the rest of the year, P\u00e4rnu transforms into a charming and tranquil city catering to its locals. P\u00e4rnu offers a selection of excellent spas that are open year-round. Tervise Paradiis is perfect for families with kids, offering many water-related activities. Viiking Spa offers saunas and a unique spa experience, while Hedon Spa pampers guests with luxurious treatments. If you have access to a car, some of the best hiking spots in Estonia are located near P\u00e4rnu. Tolkuse hiking trail, with its breathtaking beauty, is easily accessible. Soomaa National Park, renowned for its fifth season in Estonia \u2013 a time in spring when melting snow and ice cause floods, transforming land into water \u2013 is a sight worth witnessing. Locals offer boat trips for a closer experience.<\/p>\n

P\u00e4rnu boasts a plethora of delightful eateries. Supelsaksad is a must-visit in summer, offering exquisite delights for everyone. Kastrul provides a delightful local culinary experience. R\u00f6\u00f6m Restaurant sets the perfect tone for a dinner or romantic date. MUM caf\u00e9 is a rooftop lounge bar and restaurant offering panoramic city views. For a night out, APTEK in P\u00e4rnu is a vibrant bar, while Sugar and Sunset (right on the beach) are ideal choices for nightclub enthusiasts.<\/p>\n

3. Viljandi \u2013 Where Time Stands Still<\/h2>\n

\"Viljandi\"<\/p>\n

Viljandi, a quaint city nestled amidst rolling hills and beside a serene lake, offers a romantic ambiance. The medieval castle ruins, perched atop three hills, create an ideal setting for a leisurely walk and picturesque photo opportunities. Viljandi comes to life every July during the Folk Music Festival, attracting music enthusiasts from around the world. As the Folk Music Capital of Estonia, Viljandi treats visitors to exceptional musical performances throughout the year. Concerts, such as the Guitar Festival in autumn, and events at P\u00e4rimusmuusika Ait, cater to diverse musical tastes. For the active traveler, Viljandi Lake offers a refreshing swim, while the annual 12-13km marathon on May 1st along its shores promises a memorable experience.<\/p>\n

Culinary delights in Viljandi are equally enchanting. The rooftop caf\u00e9 at P\u00e4rimusmuusika Ait offers simple yet flavorful local dishes. For a luxurious experience, Schloss Fellin presents a head chef\u2019s tasting menu, a culinary journey to remember. Rohelise Maja Pood ja Kohvik is a beloved local favorite, famed for its delectable baked goods. Caf\u00e9 Fellin, with its cozy atmosphere, encourages patrons to spend an entire day savoring its offerings.<\/p>\n

4. Rakvere \u2013 Of Legends and Punk Anthems<\/h2>\n
\"Rakvere

Photo: Brand Estonia \/ Simo Sepp<\/p><\/div>\n

Rakvere, steeped in history and easily accessible from Tallinn by bus or train, welcomes visitors with its iconic Aurochs statue and a 700-year-old fortress. Explore medieval weaponry, venture into torture chambers, and immerse yourself in local history at Rakvere Castle. This seemingly quiet town surprises visitors with unique events such as the Punk Song Festival.
\nRakvere’s surroundings offer stunning natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for hiking enthusiasts. Lahemaa National Park boasts scenic trails along the seaside and through enchanting forests. For some of the best views in Estonia, visit P\u00f5hja-K\u00f5rvemaa Nature Reserve, featuring well-maintained wooden walkways over bogs.<\/p>\n

Gastronomic experiences in Rakvere are equally delightful. Sarvik, a paradise for meat lovers, offers a variety of surf and turf options. Grillers, a local legend, serves mouthwatering burgers. Pihlaka Caf\u00e9, renowned for its cakes and baked goods, is a must-visit for those with a sweet tooth. For a romantic evening, Parqali resto & grill at Aqva Hotel and Spa offers an exquisite dining experience.<\/p>\n

5. Haapsalu \u2013 The Romantic Seaside Retreat<\/h2>\n
\"Haapsalu\"

Photo: Brand Estonia \/ Rivo Veber<\/p><\/div>\n

Haapsalu, a hidden gem on the Estonian seaside, is a mere hour and a half from Tallinn. Despite its proximity, Haapsalu retains a tranquil atmosphere, even during the peak summer season. This medieval city comes to life with festivals and concerts, including the August Blues Festival, Jazz festival TAFF:fest in July, and the American Beauty Car Show, which brings classic cars and a vibrant ambiance to Haapsalu’s streets.
\nHaapsalu offers a blend of historical sites, including castle ruins and museums, providing insight into local history. The city center is renowned for its century-old wooden houses and charming villas. Haapsalu’s seaside location boasts a long, scenic promenade, ideal for romantic strolls. Additionally, Haapsalu pioneered mud treatments in Estonia, with several spas, such as Fra Mare Thalasso Spa and Hestia Hotel Haapsalu Spa, offering rejuvenating experiences.
\nThe city’s culinary scene is filled with seasonal cafes and restaurants, each offering a unique taste of Estonian cuisine. M\u00fc\u00fcri\u00e4\u00e4re Caf\u00e9 is a paradise for cake and coffee enthusiasts, with exceptional cakes that are truly divine. Wiigi Caf\u00e9, with its stunning views and local delicacies, is a favorite among locals. Hapsal Dietrich, a charming restaurant, offers exquisite dishes, making it a must-visit culinary destination. Vegetarian Restaurant Beguta, with its delectable breakfast options, is a new local favorite.<\/p>\n

6. Narva \u2013 A Glimpse into the Soviet Past<\/h2>\n

\"Narva\"<\/p>\n

Narva, a city straddling the border with Russia, offers a unique blend of Estonian and Soviet influences. This city of contrasts provides a fascinating glimpse into Estonia’s history. Mostly Russian-speaking, Narva boasts a distinctive cultural heritage, offering a rich tapestry of experiences. In summer, escape to Narva-J\u00f5esuu, a coastal retreat with serene spas and sandy beaches.<\/p>\n

Begin your Narva visit with the castle, a history museum and a local hub for various activities and events. The castle walls provide a unique view over the Narva River, offering a glimpse of Russia and its counterpart castle on the opposite bank. Kreenholm Factory, a massive industrial site on the border, hosts tours and occasional events, including music and art festivals. Nearby, NART \u2013 Narva Art Residence, serves as a gallery, event space, and international art residence.
\nNarva’s culinary scene offers diverse options. Valge K\u00f5rvits, an atmospheric caf\u00e9, provides a delightful local dining experience. Caf\u00e9 Muna, located in Tartu University Narva College building, offers consistently excellent food. Restaurant Rodeel, situated on the medieval castle grounds, combines historic ambiance with superb cuisine. Dve Sestry is a must-visit for authentic Russian cuisine and a genuinely local vibe.<\/p>\n

7. Kuressaare \u2013 Estonia’s Island Paradise<\/h2>\n

\"Kuressaare\"<\/p>\n

Saaremaa, Estonia’s largest island, is a haven of serene beaches, medieval castles, and idyllic countryside. Kuressaare, the main city on the island, serves as an ideal starting point for exploring Saaremaa. The island’s tranquility, therapeutic mud spas, and enchanting charm make it a perfect destination for relaxation and rejuvenation. Plan several days on Saaremaa, using Kuressaare as your home base for island exploration.<\/p>\n

Kuressaare Castle, a medieval fortress straight from a storybook, stands proudly amidst the island’s natural beauty. A visit to the castle offers an immersive journey through Estonian history. Kuressaare boasts an array of spas, with options like Grand Rose Spa for families, Arensburg Boutique Hotel & Spa for a romantic retreat, and Georg Otsa Spa Hotel for a well-rounded spa experience.<\/p>\n

The culinary delights of Kuressaare and Saaremaa are equally inviting. Local restaurants offer fresh, seasonal, and delicious fare. Restaurant Hafen, renowned for its local and seasonal cuisine, is a must-visit. Vanalinna Caf\u00e9, a popular choice among locals, specializes in baked goods. Ku-Kuu Fish Restaurant is a seafood lover’s paradise. Saaremaakera offers a local twist on pizzas and street-food staples.<\/p>\n

* Cover\u00a0photo: Brand Estonia \/ Virgo Haan<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Estonia offers far more than just the captivating Old Town and trendy neighbourhoods of Tallinn. It is a land of enchanting forests, historical wonders, and coastal beauty that extends well beyond its capital. Venture into the heart of this Baltic gem, and you will discover several other cities waiting to be explored. Here are our …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":4386,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4304","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tallinn","entry","clearfix"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/testblog.traveller.ee\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4304","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/testblog.traveller.ee\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/testblog.traveller.ee\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/testblog.traveller.ee\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/21"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/testblog.traveller.ee\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4304"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/testblog.traveller.ee\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4304\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4307,"href":"https:\/\/testblog.traveller.ee\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4304\/revisions\/4307"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/testblog.traveller.ee\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4386"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/testblog.traveller.ee\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4304"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/testblog.traveller.ee\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4304"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/testblog.traveller.ee\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4304"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}