After soaking in the historic charm and vibrant culture that are among the top things to do in Tallinn, day trips from Tallinn offer an enticing extension to your Estonian adventure. These excursions lead you to discover Estonia’s lush forests, medieval castles, and tranquil coastlines, providing a contrast to the city’s bustling Old Town.
Venturing beyond Tallinn, the array of things to do in Estonia expands, from exploring the pristine natural beauty of Lahemaa National Park to the quaint streets of Tartu. Each journey is an opportunity to delve deeper into Estonia’s rich history and its contemporary Nordic flair.
Deciding where to stay in Tallinn is crucial for travelers aiming to capture the essence of the city while enjoying convenient access to surrounding attractions. The perfect accommodation places you at the heart of Tallinn’s medieval charm, ensuring a comfortable and enriching experience both within and beyond the city limits.
Discover Best Day Trips from Tallinn, Estonia
1. Lahemaa National Park, Estonia
Lahemaa National Park, known for its diverse landscapes including forests, bogs, and coastlines, is a perfect escape into nature. It’s home to historic manor houses like Palmse and Sagadi, offering a glimpse into Estonia’s past.
Distance: Approximately 70 km
Travel Time: About 1 hour by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Diverse landscapes including forests, bogs, and coastlines; historic manor houses like Palmse and Sagadi
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn
Entrance Fees:
- Palmse Manor Entrance: €5
- Sagadi Manor Entrance: €4
Budget: Approximately €20-€40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Altja fishing village, Viru bog trail
Travel Tip: Bring comfortable walking shoes for exploring the park’s trails, and don’t miss the chance to visit the picturesque Altja fishing village within the park.
2. Tartu, Estonia
Tartu, Estonia’s second-largest city, is renowned for its university and vibrant cultural scene. Highlights include the historic Old Town, the University of Tartu, and the innovative AHHAA Science Centre.
Distance: Approximately 185 km
Travel Time: About 2.5 hours by car or bus
Transportation: Bus (Busbud), Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Historic Old Town, University of Tartu, AHHAA Science Centre
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- AHHAA Science Centre: €15
- University of Tartu Botanical Garden: €3
Budget: Approximately €30-€60 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Town Hall Square, Toome Hill Park
Travel Tip: Visit the University of Tartu’s Botanical Garden for a peaceful and scenic stroll.
3. Pärnu, Estonia
Pärnu, known as Estonia’s summer capital, is famous for its sandy beaches, spas, and a charming town center. It’s a great destination for relaxation and enjoying a slower pace of life.
Distance: Approximately 130 km
Travel Time: About 1.5 to 2 hours by car or bus
Transportation: Bus (Busbud), Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Sandy beaches, spas, charming town center
Best Time to Visit: Summer
Entrance Fees:
- Beach Access: Free
- Spa Services: Varies (€20-€50)
Budget: Approximately €30-€70 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Pärnu Beach, Vallikäär Park
Travel Tip: Visit during the summer months to take full advantage of Pärnu’s beach and numerous summer festivals.
4. Haapsalu, Estonia
Haapsalu is a seaside resort town known for its healing mud baths, picturesque wooden architecture, and the Haapsalu Castle. The town has a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful seafront promenades.
Distance: Approximately 100 km
Travel Time: About 1.5 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Healing mud baths, picturesque wooden architecture, Haapsalu Castle
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn
Entrance Fees:
- Haapsalu Castle: €7
- Haapsalu Shawl Museum: €3
Budget: Approximately €20-€40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Seafront promenades, Haapsalu Episcopal Castle
Travel Tip: Don’t miss the chance to visit the Haapsalu Shawl Museum, especially if you’re interested in unique local crafts.
5. Soomaa National Park, Estonia
Soomaa National Park, famous for its vast bogs, diverse wildlife, and the unique phenomenon of “fifth season” flooding, offers excellent opportunities for canoeing and bog walking.
Distance: Approximately 140 km
Travel Time: About 1.5 to 2 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Vast bogs, diverse wildlife, unique “fifth season” flooding
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn
Entrance Fees:
- Guided Bog-Shoeing Tour: €25
Budget: Approximately €30-€60 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Riisa bog, Soomaa rivers
Travel Tip: Try a guided bog-shoeing tour for a unique experience in the wetlands, especially during the “fifth season.”
6. Narva, Estonia
Narva, located on the border with Russia, is known for its impressive Hermann Fortress, which faces Russia’s Ivangorod Fortress across the river. The city’s diverse history and culture make it a fascinating place to visit.
Distance: Approximately 210 km
Travel Time: About 2.5 to 3 hours by car or bus
Transportation: Bus (Busbud), Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Hermann Fortress, Narva Art Gallery, diverse history and culture
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Hermann Fortress: €8
- Narva Art Gallery: €4
Budget: Approximately €30-€60 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Narva River, Narva Castle
Travel Tip: Visit the Narva Art Gallery housed in the Gloria Bastion of the fortress for a mix of local and international art.
7. Rakvere, Estonia
Rakvere, famous for its medieval castle ruins, offers a mix of historical and modern attractions. The castle provides a hands-on experience of medieval life, and the city’s contemporary art scene is also worth exploring.
Distance: Approximately 100 km
Travel Time: About 1.5 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Medieval castle ruins, contemporary art scene
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Rakvere Castle: €10
Budget: Approximately €20-€40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Rakvere Castle, Sculpture of Tarvas
Travel Tip: Inside the Rakvere Castle, don’t miss the opportunity to try archery or visit the historical exhibitions.
8. Käsmu, Estonia
Käsmu, a picturesque coastal village in Lahemaa National Park, is known as the “Village of Captains” due to its maritime history. It’s ideal for those interested in Estonian seafaring traditions and beautiful natural landscapes.
Distance: Approximately 80 km
Travel Time: About 1.5 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Coastal village known as the “Village of Captains,” maritime history
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn
Entrance Fees:
- Käsmu Maritime Museum: €5
Budget: Approximately €20-€40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Käsmu Beach, Maritime Museum
Travel Tip: Explore the Käsmu Maritime Museum to learn about the village’s rich history and enjoy a scenic walk along the beach.
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FAQ About Best Day Trips from Tallinn, Estonia
What are the best day trips from Tallinn?
Is Lahemaa National Park worth visiting?
Absolutely! Lahemaa National Park offers stunning natural landscapes, including forests, bogs, and coastlines. It’s perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and appreciating Estonia’s natural beauty.
Can I take a day trip to Helsinki from Tallinn?
Yes, Helsinki is easily accessible from Tallinn by ferry. The journey takes around 2-3 hours, making it a feasible and popular day trip to experience Finnish culture and architecture.
Are there guided tours to Tartu?
Yes, Tartu, known for its prestigious university and rich cultural scene, can be explored through various guided tours. These tours often highlight the city’s historical significance and its modern vibrancy.
What historic sites can I visit near Tallinn?
Near Tallinn, you can visit the medieval town of Haapsalu, known for its castle, and the manor houses in the Estonian countryside. These sites offer a glimpse into Estonia’s rich history and architectural heritage.
Is a visit to Pärnu recommended?
Definitely! Pärnu, often referred to as Estonia’s summer capital, is famous for its beaches, spas, and vibrant summer culture. It’s a perfect getaway for relaxation and enjoying seaside activities.
Can I explore Estonian islands on a day trip from Tallinn?
Yes, you can take a day trip to Estonian islands like Saaremaa or Hiiumaa. These islands offer unique landscapes, traditional villages, and a peaceful escape from the city life.
Are there any nature trails near Tallinn?
Tallinn is surrounded by beautiful nature trails, particularly in areas like the Nõmme district and the Pirita River valley. These trails are ideal for hiking, cycling, and enjoying Estonia’s natural beauty.
Sources:
https://www.getyourguide.com/tallinn-l394?activity_type=dayTrip
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