WHY THE ESTONIAN COUNTRYSIDE?

Authenticity safeguarded by 1500 islands. From the pristine Lahemaa National Nature Preserve to the ambitious and heartfelt intellectualism of Tartu University.

The islands of Estonia are scattered throughout the Baltic Sea, some to the north in the Gulf of Finland, some to the west in the West Estonian Archipelago, and some to the south in the Gulf of Riga, like a crescent of soldiers guarding their fortress—the natural and cultural wonders of Estonia such as the Lahemaa National Nature Preserve and Tartu University. Lahemaa is the land of beautiful bays and peninsulas criss-crossed with nature trails that reveal Estonia’s natural and cultural history to you. Many native and even endangered species live and thrive in the forest and wetlands, along the waterfalls and sandy beaches.

The mainland of Estonia has surprising diversity in its landscape: islands & beaches, rivers & lakes, springs & wetlands. The Northern Estonian coastal plain is a smooth expanse of land broken by primeval limestone cliffs erupting through the surface, Central and Southern Estonia are low and boggy, with strange drumlins and depressions resulting from glacial movement. The silt-collecting striations across central region have proven fertile ground for cultivation. Some of Estonia’s natural treasures are the striking Panga Cliffs that extend high into the air and deep below sea level creating a magical bay protected from the rough ocean and the Kaali crater on Saaremaa Island, formed by a meteor with the force of a small atomic bomb.

The best-preserved Gothic castle in the land is Kuresaare Castle. It has all the elements that a castle should have: mechanical portcullis, murky moat, unassailable defense tower and more. The North of Estonia has many beautiful medieval manors that were built by the Baltic German nobility. Tartu University was founded during the early modern period of Estonian history under Swedish Rule and is the cradle of Estonian achievement. Tartu students are still renowned for their creative antics and highly respected for their academic ability. The town of Otepaa is considered Estonia’s Winter Capital, but it is also the place where the blue-black-white students’ flag was first dedicated as the flag of all Estonia.

For an authentic Estonian countryside holiday and a taste of what is unique in Estonian nature, culture investigate the primeval pools and limestone caves of Taeveskoja Nature Park, walk the coastal beaches discovering lighthouses along the Amber Road, including the third oldest continuously working lighthouse in the world, sail among the islands, hike for a week without seeing a soul and then relax in the hot tub with a glass of champagne in the unabashed luxury of Padaste Manor.